America 1919-Chapter 955 - 326, The Great Battle Begins

After Donnie finalized his plan, he first summoned Chris in Atlantic City.

"Boss, is there something you need?"

Chris asked respectfully after meeting Donnie.

Donnie got straight to the point: "If I want to recruit 3,000 to 5,000 retired soldiers, how much time would it take?"

Chris paused for a moment. United States Logistics currently had about 15,000 employees, of which 13,000 were retired soldiers. Moreover, there were no plans for further expansion. He was unsure why Donnie had such an idea so suddenly.

But Chris answered Donnie’s question seriously: "If you’re in a hurry and don’t have many requirements, it could be done within a week!"

Donnie continued: "First, these people must retain certain combat capabilities. Additionally, if they need to be stationed in Europe long-term, how much time would that require?"

Chris pondered for a moment before responding: "If that’s the case, it would take longer—at least two months!"

Donnie nodded and said: "Also, if I need to transport a batch of weapons to Portugal in Europe, would there be any issues?"

"Boss, you’re not planning to overthrow the Portuguese Republic, are you?" Chris asked in shock.

In October 1910, a revolution broke out in Portugal that toppled the monarchy and established the Portuguese First Republic!

Donnie laughed: "Do you really think a few thousand people can overthrow a nation’s government?"

Although Portugal was unstable domestically, with significant friction between the government and the army, overthrowing its government with just a few thousand men was impossible.

Chris was still somewhat unsettled but answered Donnie’s question: "There wouldn’t be too much of a problem. Our fleet has good relationships with various European countries. They wouldn’t inspect our ships. As long as we can obtain the weapons, transporting them to Portugal shouldn’t pose an issue!"

Satisfied, Donnie nodded after hearing this.

Donnie then left New York with Chris and headed to Washington, entering the White House to discuss his plan with Coolidge.

Coolidge, upon hearing Donnie’s complete plan, also displayed a surprised look. Although naturally prudent, he advised Donnie that the plan was too implausible and should be approached cautiously.

He warned that if Donnie’s plan failed, it could potentially strain relations between the United States and Portugal, perhaps even affecting U.S.-Europe relations!

"The best way to control a nation is by controlling its financial system. We’re not aiming to act directly—just give it a little push. Besides, this matter doesn’t require U.S. involvement. If everything unfolds as I predict and intend, once the situation in Portugal concludes, America will have the most stable partner in Europe.

All I need is the U.S. Government’s verbal support for my actions in Europe during this period!"

Donnie persuaded Coolidge.

Coolidge, hearing that Donnie’s plan didn’t necessitate any official stance from the U.S., only that the government provide verbal support for its businessmen’s overseas investments in the name of the country, found no issues with it.

After a brief consideration, Coolidge agreed to Donnie’s proposal.

However, Coolidge still summoned the Secretary of State, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and others to convene a special meeting with Donnie.

At the meeting, everyone understood that Donnie needed no substantive support from them. Rather, if unexpected events occurred, they were only to voice support for him and assist him privately in meeting with certain individuals in Portugal.

Once this was clarified, no one had objections to Donnie’s plan.

In truth, Donnie’s plan didn’t require the U.S. Government during its initial stages or even throughout the entire process. However, the scope of Donnie’s plan was too extensive—it could, in some sense, shape Portugal’s upcoming historical trajectory.

Thus, Donnie decided to inform the U.S. Government about it to eliminate some external and internal complications.

Donnie didn’t stay in Washington for long. After finishing negotiations with the U.S. Government, he met privately with General John Hines, who had succeeded General Pan Xing as Chief of Staff of the Army. Donnie wanted to inform him about recruiting several thousand more retired soldiers.

Firstly, this could avoid unnecessary troubles.

Secondly, it would allow John Hines to gain political credit from the matter.

Although Donnie had been recruiting more retired soldiers to join his company, the number he recruited was still a drop in the ocean compared to the million-plus base of retired soldiers.

The post-service placement of retired soldiers had always been a headache for both the U.S. Government and the military.

John Hines was highly grateful for Donnie’s actions. Thus, when Donnie proposed granting Ares Arsenal partial patents and production rights from Springfield Armory, John Hines readily agreed to the request.

Springfield Armory belonged to the Military Department and was considered a state-owned enterprise!

The rifles currently equipped by the U.S. Army were Springfield Rifles produced by Springfield Armory.