Chapter 434: Bomber? That's Another Price
"Hmm? Self-funded admission? Technical support?"
The seemingly friendly and generous proposal of the major general in the north made the army reorganization experts and others frown. They looked to the northeast involuntarily, as if they all thought of some troublesome old accounts.
As the saying goes, to get rich, you must first build roads.
In ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad, developed and convenient transportation conditions have always been a necessary condition for the economic take-off of a region.
Compared with roads, railways have the characteristics of large transportation volume, fast speed, and strong stability. These advantages have countless benefits for the development of any country or large force.
In a sense, wherever the railway is built, it can be foreseen that there will be a prosperous and wealthy future.
It is precisely because of the above reasons that once the invaders forcibly occupied a piece of land in the past, the first arrangement was to lay a railway network.
After all, mastering the railway is equivalent to taking over the invisible sovereignty of that area.
Not to mention a series of benefits such as mining, dumping various industrial products of the country, and quickly transporting materials and troops.
"We appreciate your kindness."
After a brief thought, the army reorganization expert rejected the other party's proposal.
"The construction team in Suiyuan area is indeed short of heavy equipment, but we are not without ways to speed up the construction of the railway."
Although he noticed that the other party's representative looked a little ugly, General Nie's tone was still very firm.
"Please wait for good news. The Jier Railway will be completed on time according to the time stipulated in the mutual assistance agreement. As long as we have it, our relationship will definitely be taken to a higher level."
The negative answer did not exceed the old Russian's expectations.
As a senior commander stationed in the Far East for many years, Major General Beibian naturally knew Comrade SDL's attitude towards important railway networks. If it were not for the order from his superiors, he would not even be embarrassed to speak.
Ask yourself, if the roles were reversed, maybe you would refuse more directly.
Not to mention that while building the railway, the terrain of some strategic locations will be clearly understood.
Just with the classic case of the Middle East Railway in front, who would dare to let other forces participate in the construction of their own railways? That's just waiting for more trouble.
"Okay, then I'll wait for your good news."
After talking about the withdrawal and the railway, the major general in the north took a deep breath, and then took out a Russian newspaper from his briefcase.
The front page of the newspaper was a text and picture about the successful completion of the strategic bombing by the Eighth Route Army Air Force.
Thinking of the draft he had prepared early, he said to the army reorganization expert with a smile:
"Although it's a little late now, I still want to congratulate you for finally taking the first step in the counterattack. Recovering the territory is just around the corner!"
Obviously, this slightly flattering remark made everyone present very happy. The Eighth Route Army was very happy, and the scene was very harmonious.
Seeing the previous tense atmosphere disappear without a trace, the major general said again tentatively:
"Comrade Nie, I believe you should know something about the war on the Eastern Front in Europe. At present, we have more than enough defense on the front line, but we are temporarily unable to launch a counterattack."
"At this point in the war, it is all about materials and industrial strength."
As soon as this was said, the army reorganization expert nodded in agreement.
When two countries or forces with similar total strength confront each other, the war can easily develop into a tug-of-war of attrition.
Once you fall into such a situation, it all depends on who has more foundation. As long as you can hold your breath and exhaust the other party to death, you can naturally win the final victory.
"You know, both Daiying and Ah Chou are countries dominated by the navy and air force. Their technical capabilities in building tanks are obviously not as good as those of the Germans."
"The Lend-Lease Act provided us with some tanks, which solved the urgent problem. But they always seem to be a little powerless when facing the enemy's armored clusters."
"So, we can't make a substantial breakthrough on the front battlefield at present."
"In response to the above situation, Comrade SDL hopes that the Air Force can try to bomb the German supply lines. But the troops have been unable to implement this action due to the lack of high-performance bombers."
At this point, everyone who was not drunk understood what the North meant.
To put it bluntly, it is one sentence: I, Dalinzi, send money!
During World War II, Daiying and Ah Chou did provide the Lend-Lease Act to the North.
However, Luo and Pang did not respond to every request. There are still some items on the material list that are not for sale. The four-engine heavy bomber is one example.
Even in the case of fighting the enemy together, the potential confrontation between the East and the West has not disappeared.
From a long-term perspective, the two did not want the North to take advantage of this aid opportunity to gain the ability of air strategic strikes, which would threaten their own security in the future.
So!
In the list of the Lend-Lease Act, there will definitely be no four-engine heavy bombers such as B17 and Lancaster. Even ordinary twin-engine bombers are far less in type and quantity than fighters.
Logically speaking, no country or force is willing to be restricted by others. Adhering to the idea of not steaming buns to fight for face, it is the best policy to develop a suitable strategic bomber by yourself.
It's a pity that the North's investment in aviation before the war was far less than that of the army.
This has led to the delay in finding a perfect solution for the Pe-8's engine reliability. The five-ton gas tank is, after all, just a legend in Magic Thunder.
After the war broke out, the focus of production and research and development in the north was heavily tilted towards equipment suitable for the front line. After all, only more tanks, more artillery, and more IL-2s can stop the enemy's zoo.
Strategic bombers have directly become a luxury product that only Dai Ying and A Chou have the financial resources and energy to develop.
Just like this, the old guys looked down and tried to find solutions from their former little brothers.
After talking about this, Huang He, who was a little tipsy, became energetic.
The north is really a magical country.
Researching any aircraft can send two generations of chief designers to jail one after another. Not only the Air Force, but also many tank designers and rocket designers went to Siberia to dig potatoes.
So, if you run early, your own home will always be the most comfortable.
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When it comes to emergencies, Huanghe takes decisive action. He first apologized to both parties present, and then dragged the army restructuring expert outside.
Confirming that the walls have no ears, Mr. Huang did not sue for any lawsuit and said straight to the point:
"Mr. Nie, I can assure you with all my heart that it is absolutely impossible for the North to develop or imitate any strategic bomber within two years."
"If the other party really needs it, then you should first offer an ambiguous price to hold them back, and wait until the border area and headquarters send special personnel to negotiate!"
"Anyway, looking at the whole world, we are the only large force that has the ability to help them. It's a seller's market now, so we can get more benefits."
Huang He had no psychological burden at all about selling Lancaster's prototype and drawings to the north.
Anyway, even if they don’t sell it, the old guys will be lucky enough to pick up a B-29 in the future and imitate the famous Figure 4 bomber.
In this case, it is a wise choice to use the time difference and information difference to obtain more benefits for oneself.
As for allowing the North to acquire strategic bomber technology, will it give it the ability to threaten its own rear after the war?
Don't make trouble, I will always be one generation ahead of you, why do you fight me. What's more, in this timeline, Dongfanghong is definitely the first melody to sound in the universe.
After disseminating some professional knowledge, Huang He took the army reorganization expert back to the conference room. A second before entering the door, he suddenly thought of another thing, and simply whispered in Mr. Nie's ear:
"By the way, the North took advantage of the Doolittle air raid some time ago to pick up a B-25 bomber. If nothing else, the thing should have been dismantled to pieces."
"When we discuss business later, the other party will most likely use this matter to lower the price. Don't be fooled, old man, and you must implement what I just said."
Hearing this, the army reorganization expert cast a you-know-what look at Huang He.
If this scene was seen by the bosses at the headquarters, they would have to complain about someone for leading an old comrade into evil.
After entering the door, Mr. Nie sat down on the main seat without hesitation. Facing the expectant eyes of the major general from the north, he said unhurriedly:
"Although you and I are both from the Army, you must also know the cost and craftsmanship difficulty of strategic bombers."
"Our Eighth Route Army has indeed lived a prosperous life, but our foundation is still not as good as that of old industrial powers like you. Therefore, there is really no way to add four-engine fighters to the Lend-Lease Act for a while."
"Maybe it will be possible in the future, but no one can guarantee the future."
Seeing his allies looking like they had to pay more, the Northern Major General felt helpless.
However, a transaction of this level was not something he, a young major general, could make the decision for. Testing out the other party's wishes can be regarded as completing the task.
With the idea that benevolence and righteousness cannot be achieved without buying and selling, he quickly adjusted his mood and responded:
"Everyone is fighting against the invaders. I fully understand Comrade Nie's mood. Then I wish your industrial strength will reach a higher level. We are waiting for your good news!" (End of this chapter)