I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 926: Shire Empire

Malta is a small country of 316 square kilometers.

Although small in area, its geographical location is extremely important.

It is known as the "heart of the Mediterranean," capable of blockading the Gibraltar Strait and Tunis Strait to the west, and controlling the Suez Canal to the east, a strategic pivot between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

(The picture above shows Malta’s location. The Tunis Strait is between Sicily and Tunisia, also known as the Sicilian Strait, with its narrowest point only 145 kilometers. During World War II, England built airports in Malta to interrupt the connection between Italy and North Africa, directly leading to the defeat of Rommel’s African Legion in North Africa, which even swayed the outcome of World War II, because if Rommel succeeded in occupying Egypt, he could have blocked the Suez Canal, dividing England’s homeland from its colonies.)

If Malta Island were under British control, it would be a thorn in Shire’s throat.

Currently, fortunately, countries around the world, including England, have not fully recognized the importance of Malta Island, mainly because aviation had not yet developed at this time.

One day, when aviation develops to the point where it can target warships like sitting ducks, even battleships being no exception, building an airport in Malta would be deadly.

Planes taking off from there can easily choke the Tunis Strait, and the French Navy would be bombed upon attempting to pass through this channel.

Even if the warships braved the bombardment and passed through, follow-up supplies would be cut off.

Therefore, French control of the Mediterranean would become empty talk.

...

Shire did not downplay the importance of Malta.

During this period, Malta’s geographic location was already very important, with England developing it into a naval base. Warships and transport ships could replenish there, while also intimidating surrounding nations.

Malta played a significant role during the Dardanelles campaign.

Therefore, Shire bluntly said: "It might be worth 500 million US Dollars; I hope you will weigh the pros and cons and give me an answer."

General Winter smiled slightly, his voice sarcastic:

"Vice Admiral, I want to know what you would do with Malta if we agreed to your terms?"

"Colonize Malta? Or make it a ’protectorate’?"

"That seems inconsistent with the French spirit you advocate."

Shire responded bluntly:

"No, Major General, I just hope Malta can become a completely free nation."

"No foreign troops, with independent sovereignty."

"This is precisely the French spirit I advocate!"

General Winter’s face changed.

He believed Shire’s words were true; otherwise, Shire would lose credibility with the "International League," which would also lose its purpose. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

But he also believed what Shire said was false; France must control Malta to become the Mediterranean hegemon and truly control Europe, even the African Colony.

Yet, General Winter did not know how Shire planned to reconcile these apparent contradictions—upholding the "French spirit" while exerting control over Malta.

"Very well." General Winter nodded: "We need time to discuss this issue; it might be a few days before I can give you a response."

"Of course." Shire jokingly reminds him: "But I’d suggest you act quickly, as it might not be the same price in a few days!"

After General Winter and Baker left, Tijani returned to his seat from the adjacent room, openly eavesdropping: "I’m also curious, Vice Admiral, how do you plan to control Malta? Establish a military base?"

Shire didn’t answer but instead asked: "Do you recall the transport aircraft I showed you yesterday?"

The three-engine transport aircraft had been successfully developed and was now being produced at a rate of 50 per month.

"Are you referring to that three-engine all-metal monster?" Tijani was puzzled: "What does it have to do with Malta? Do you plan to form an airborne division to capture the island?"

"Of course not," Shire responded. "It can be used for both military and civilian purposes."

Tijani still didn’t understand; civilian use seemed even further from controlling Malta.

"Currently, there are no civilian transport aircraft," continued Shire, speaking somewhat cryptically: "Even those available have low passenger capacity and high ticket prices. They are neither practical nor competitive with this three-engine transport plane."

Civil aviation at this time was still in the "Benovia" phase, with aircraft carrying only two people, ticket prices at 5 US Dollars, and being open-air with no safety or comfort.

"Do you intend to use civilian aircraft to occupy Malta?" Tijani asked.

He initially meant it as a joke, but to his surprise, Shire confirmed it.

"You could say that." Shire gave Tijani a thumbs up:

"The Bernard Group will open its first civil aviation route, and Malta will be an important node where we will build a vast transit airport."

"To ensure normal aircraft operations, we’ll store a large amount of fuel, parts, and supplies there."

"And of course, equipment for command will also be in place."

Tijani suddenly understood: "So, if you wish, it can be converted into a military airport at any moment, right?"

Shire smiled without saying a word.

This was just one of the tactics; as long as England allowed Malta to become independent, Shire had a hundred ways to control it.

Tijani couldn’t help but shiver.

He thought of a possibility: Shire’s method could not only affect Malta but also Greece, Romania, Holland... as well as countries in Africa.

Wherever civil aviation routes could reach, it would be the realm of French warplanes.

Under the guise of "French spirit," these civilian airports would, once war broke out, see Shire’s transport planes bringing in elite soldiers, as well as fighters, bombers, and more.

My God, Shire was stitching these countries together with civil aviation routes, crafting a vast Shire Empire!

...

London, War Office Building.

The Minister of Military Supplies had similar concerns, clutching the telegram from General Winter and falling into deep thought.

General Winter leaned towards cooperating with Shire:

"We have no choice, Your Excellency. Only Shire has the capability to deliver the results we desire."

"Even if Malta Island declares independence, it wouldn’t be easy for Shire to control it."

"You know that we have an innate advantage in Malta Island; we own assets there and have thoroughly infiltrated Malta’s politics, military, and economy."

...

The Minister shook his head slightly, muttering to himself:

"Fool, he forgot who Shire is."

"He will find a way to control Malta, and it will be a crushing blow."

"If we back down giving him any loophole to exploit, we will lose Malta, everything!"

Yet, one thing General Winter said was true: England has no choice.

If this drags on, England’s mainland would collapse; what then of controlling Malta?

Therefore, the options facing England are not about Malta.

But between life and death!