"Your Excellency, are you truly intent on apprehending all of them at once? If so, India will undoubtedly descend into chaos. We could very well witness an uprising sweeping across the entire subcontinent, much like the one in the mid-nineteenth century," Lord William Nicholson said, his voice tinged with alarm.
Baron Charles Harding shot Lord Nicholson an exasperated glance, thinking to himself how it was no surprise that the man had only managed to make a career in the military. With such limited intellect, he would likely have been devoured by the political arena long ago.
"My dear Lord, how could I possibly take action against them now?" Baron Harding replied, his tone cool. "Though I have long wished to eliminate them, I am fully aware that this is not the right time."
Hearing this, Lord Nicholson sighed with relief. If they were truly faced with both internal and external turmoil, his troops would be stretched thin, and the British-Indian colonial rule might even be overthrown.
"They have always yearned for freedom, for self-rule, and perhaps even independence. If that is their desire, then let us grant it to them this time," Baron Harding remarked.
"But, Your Excellency, if we consent to their independence, surely the Cabinet will not take kindly to it?" Lord Nicholson expressed his concerns.
"Rest assured, I would never take such a step. However, we must allow the Indians to believe in the possibility of it. This will ensure that they work diligently for us," Baron Harding said, his lips curling into a cold smile.
Lord Nicholson now understood Baron Harding's strategy.
"This time, I will inform the leaders of India's major political factions that once our war with the Germans is over, we will grant them autonomy. In ten years' time, they will even gain independence. But for now, they must first repel the German invasion. Only by defending against the Germans can their aspirations be realized. Otherwise, our promises will ring hollow. I am confident that, in their quest for independence, the Indians will cooperate fully. At that point, we will easily muster the necessary troops. You, my lord, will soon find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer size of your army. Commanding such a vast force will become your greatest dilemma," Baron Harding predicted.
"Your Excellency, this plan is brilliant. The Indians have long desired independence, and once we offer them hope, they will surely comply," Lord Nicholson said, understanding their mindset. The promise of independence would drive them to do anything.
"Lord Nicholson, with the weapons and equipment we currently possess, how large can we expand the British Indian Army?" Baron Harding inquired, confident that the manpower issue would be easily resolved.
"Your Excellency, the government has already delivered a substantial amount of weaponry, and with the weapons produced by India's factories, we can expand the British Indian Army from 1.2 million to 3 million, provided we don't consider the lack of heavy weaponry. If we receive more supplies, we can further increase our numbers," Lord Nicholson explained.
"Three million?" Baron Harding frowned. "Even with the British forces stationed in India, that only brings us to 3.2 million. Such a force is still insufficient."
"Don't worry, I will telegraph the Cabinet and urge them to send as many additional weapons and supplies as possible before the Germans launch their assault. Meanwhile, our factories will work triple shifts. As for those lazy Indians, they will feel the sting of the whip. That way, we can produce even more weapons. We will do everything in our power to arm 5 million soldiers. If the situation worsens, we will increase the size to 10 million. If we lack enough weapons, that's simple. Let two Indians share one rifle, and the third will carry a grenade. When one soldier falls, his comrade can pick up the rifle and continue the fight," Baron Harding said, his face darkened with resolve.
It was clear that Baron Harding would stop at nothing to arm as many soldiers as possible. His disregard for the lives of Indians was evident. With a population of over 300 million, a few million or even tens of millions of casualties would be of no consequence. If such sacrifices could help defeat the Germans, it would be a very worthwhile trade.
Lord Nicholson was stunned. He had not anticipated such recklessness from Baron Harding. However, with such an army, they might actually stand a chance against the Germans.
"Your Excellency, if we can arm 10 million soldiers, we might just be able to hold off the German invasion. After all, the Germans cannot send too many troops to India—perhaps only a few hundred thousand at most. With a force several times larger, even twenty times greater, we could defeat them. In that case, we will preserve India's safety," Lord Nicholson said, his voice filled with excitement.
Baron Harding smiled, pleased with his strategy. Using the lives of the despised Indians to further the rise of the British Empire was, in his eyes, an incredibly cost-effective move. The lives of the British were precious, and too many casualties would be hard to explain back home. But if Indians died, there were no such concerns. Besides, if all those troublesome individuals were to perish in this war, it would only strengthen Britain's colonial grip on India.
"Lord Nicholson, I must carefully consider how to manage this army of millions, perhaps even tens of millions. We need to arrange them properly to ensure their combat effectiveness. Otherwise, even if they reach the battlefield, such a rabble will be of little use," Lord Nicholson noted.
Baron Harding nodded. After all, he was no military expert and left the responsibility of such matters to Lord Nicholson.