Although the plan was already clear in his mind, due to General Puchelle's indecision, Logan had to drag him to a trip to Mainz. After more than a week of recuperation, General Stüdent's condition had improved significantly. However, according to his attending physician, the situation for the second surgery was still not too optimistic. The general not only suffered from facial paralysis and aphasia but also had mild paralysis in his limbs. Nonetheless, from the examination, it was evident that the general's mental faculties remained very clear.
"General, you agree with my opinion, right?" After explaining his viewpoint once again, Logan queried, then, seizing the moment while the General was still pondering, he employed a tactic of close persuasion: "You also believe that the British, who have absolute naval superiority, won't easily compromise with us!"
Before General Stüdent could respond, Logan questioned for the third time: "General, do you agree that we should propose a new military operation to the High Command to prove that paratroopers are a unique and versatile force, right?"
The term "versatile force" seemed to elicit a strong reaction from the General.
Quickly standing up, Logan turned to Puchelle, saying, "See, I told you the General would fully support us! Right!"
Puchelle looked at Stüdent lying on the hospital bed, seemingly making his final decision.
Seizing the opportunity, Logan continued, "General, rest assured, we will create another Dunkirk miracle!"
This time, Stüdent nodded earnestly.
As Puchelle said, "General, rest well, I'll handle the specifics," Logan knew that his adventure had taken an important first step. Next, it depended on whether Puchelle could persuade the High Command to approve this adventurous military operation.
However, Puchelle's first visit to the Air Force Command ended in failure. He told Logan that the Air Force Commander-in-Chief scoffed at their ideas and confidently stated that even if the British refused to compromise, the German Air Force's bombers would force them to capitulate. Large-scale bombing operations were actively being prepared, and in such actions, there would be no place for paratroopers.
It was clear that Puchelle was somewhat disheartened. Recalling his own first reception at the Air Force Headquarters, Logan could imagine what kind of scene it was. For a German officer like Puchelle, who had a strong sense of pride, insults to his honor were the most unacceptable.
Logan sighed lightly and said, "The German Air Force appears formidable, but it also has its weaknesses that short-sighted individuals cannot see!"
"Oh?" Puchelle looked up at this young subordinate, who had already surpassed him in fame at least. This so-called short-sighted individual should be referring to that fatuous Air Force Commander-in-Chief!
"Our aircraft have very short operational ranges, don't they?" Logan deliberately asked.
"Long and short are relative!" Puchelle calmly picked up the coffee cup from the tea table. In fact, Logan had noticed long ago that he was using a set of quite exquisite blue and white porcelain tea set.
Two hours earlier, Logan had learned a lot about the current combat performance of German military aircraft from his "Military Encyclopedia," and now it came in handy:
"That's right! As far as I know, the operational radius of the Messerschmitt Bf 109E is only 350 kilometers. In other words, when our fighters fly from airfields in France or Belgium to England, the pilots have very little time to engage in combat! Without the protection of fighters, whether it's our Junkers Ju 87, Junkers Ju 88, or Heinkel He 111, they will all be slaughtered by British fighters!"
"Don't we still have the Messerschmitt Bf 110?" Puchelle asked.
As someone from a later era, Logan could tell this Air Force officer clearly: "In the face of the best British fighters, they're not much different from ordinary bombers! If you think it necessary, you can ask the commander of the fighter squadron about the situation. I think during the Battle of France, this sign should have been noticed, but our victory came too easily, and most people ignored it! Moreover, the British also have radar, which is a new type of equipment that we are not very familiar with but can play a huge role. As long as our aircraft deployed in France and Belgium take off together, the British officers in the command room will know, according to the calculated flight paths, where to precisely position each interceptor unit!"
Puchelle took small sips of black coffee without milk or sugar. Perhaps, he preferred this pure and intense bitter taste.
Logan didn't rush to speak either, slowly sipping the tea prepared for him by Puchelle—although it was far inferior in fragrance and taste to traditional Eastern tea.
After a while, Puchelle asked slowly, "Is radar really such a remarkable thing? But... can it really play such a significant role?"
"You also know about radar?" Since his friend Steffenberg didn't even know about this technological equipment, Logan was prepared to explain it to this commander.
"A large device that can detect enemy positions through radio waves, right? I've heard of it," Puchelle replied calmly.
At this point, Logan realized what was going on. This was military confidential information.
"A competent commander should be aware of these things, but... we mustn't underestimate the British's determination to resist. If the retreat from Dunkirk was because there was still a way out, then now Britain itself has nowhere to retreat to!"
This time, Puchelle didn't argue further but asked, "What's your idea?"
Logan thought for a moment. "Considering that it's difficult to improve the performance of aircraft in the short term, let's start with radar!"
"Are you familiar with radar technology?" Puchelle asked.
Logan shook his head. "But we can start with British radar!"
"Tell me more!" Puchelle's demeanor at this moment reminded Logan of that night with Stüdent.
"Well... " Logan recounted the plot of a foreign movie he had seen. In the movie, British paratroopers raided a German radar station in northern France, thereby gaining access to the most critical secrets of the German radar. They then found effective methods to disrupt and suppress the German radar, making a significant contribution to the Allied bombing of German territory.
"This plan is risky but exciting! However, how can we persuade the stubborn Air Force Commander?"
Logan racked his brains for a long time. "Indirect persuasion!"
"Indirect persuasion?" Puchelle seemed very unfamiliar with this term.