"The Portuguese government's act of blatantly seizing my country's normal trade ships some time ago has seriously affected the empire's trade and was regarded as a serious provocation by the German Empire. The empire gave them time, and they chose to confront each other with the support of some external forces. At this point, in order to safeguard the dignity and economic interests of the empire, the German Empire declared a state of war with the Portuguese Kingdom!"

On June 22, 1899, the German Empire's Foreign Ministry officially issued a declaration of war, saving even the steps of an ultimatum. When the German ambassador to Portugal delivered the relevant documents to Frank, the latter was so scared that he almost sat on the ground!

At this time, the squadron commanded by Hippel was sailing towards Luanda, the largest harbor city of Angola! Behind the flagship Bismarck Marquis armored cruiser were two transport ships carrying 1,000 German army officers and soldiers and their equipment, and an additional baggage ship. Finally, the armored cruiser Hamburg was pressed and four minesweepers were opened. The entire fleet sailed at a speed of more than 15 knots.

"If nothing unexpected happens, the imperial government has sent the declaration of war to the Portuguese. In three hours, we will arrive outside Luanda and launch an attack." The staff officer sent a document to Hippel on the bridge.

"Information sent through the radio relay ship shows that the fleet A, commanded by Earl Spee, will arrive in Luanda in three days. After we occupy Luanda, will we wait for the Count's main fleet?" The staff officer continued after considering it.

"Is there any situation in the French fleet now?" Hippel asked.

"The specific situation is not clear, but according to the information forwarded in China, the French seem to have attempted to interfere. Charlemagne, who was cruising off the sea, returned to the port of Dakar and carried out maintenance and coal-fill operations. The five warships of the French fleet are now in Dakar." The staff officer replied.

"Are we enough supplies?" Hippel said after pondering for a moment.

"Well, according to the pre-appointed plan, an American express supply ship will arrive in Luanda in half a day. The coal, heavy oil and food on it will be enough to support the two armored cruisers for two months of combat navigation."

"Okay, let's wait for the American supply ship, and then quickly lead the Marines toward Cabinda." Hippel decided in just two minutes. There were two reasons why he made such a decision. First, if he waited for the Spee fleet, the French would likely seize the northern part of Angola, which was not good for the overall situation. Second, he did not believe that France would fire on the German fleet first, and the Germans also avoided fighting with the French first. In this case, whoever could occupy the important port first would have the advantage.

As for what if both sides get fire and fight? Hippel's idea is very bargain, then of course he can fight if he can't fight, and he can run if he can't fight! The speed of his two warships is above 21 knots. If he wants to run, the French can catch up?

"There are mines in front!" Just after Hiperer issued the order, the signal sent by the minesweeper in front made Hiper feel a little nervous. The Portuguese Navy was not afraid. The tied boats were not enough for Hiperer to attack in one wave, but those deadly anchor mines were difficult to deal with. Fortunately, the Portuguese did not store many mines in Angola.

After the minesweeping ship used the minesweeping lock to cut off the anchor mine's fixed lock, it was then destroyed one by one by the small cannons on the ship. The water column generated by the mines was detonated appeared on the sea from time to time, and the huge explosion could be heard even in Luanda. The Portuguese had already known the arrival of the enemy, but it was useless, because at this time, Luanda's military power did not even have 200 people......

"Our fleet has no combat except for a minesweeping operation and landing exercises," Hippel wrote in a telegram to the German Admiralty. As a naval officer, he expects a real battle!

Just as Hippel was expecting a real naval battle, the French fleet had already left the Port of Dakar. Under the leadership of the flagship Charlemagne, a fleet of one battleship and two protective cruisers began to sail towards the Cabinda area. The two protective cruisers were the nearly 4,000-ton protective cruisers launched in 1894 and the 8,000-ton class battleship Dendelecastiox protective cruiser (hereinafter referred to as the Dendele) that had just been in service in 1899. Another battleship and a cruiser remained in the port because the coal loading operation had not been completed.

Just as the fleets of the two countries approached quickly, the Spee fleet on the Atlantic Ocean was sailing towards Angola at a speed of 20 knots. It was originally said that the United States and Germany would act together, but Earl Spee believed that the US fleet was too slow and took the lead. At this time, Earl Spee, who was on the bridge, finally received a telegram forwarded from the country.

"All landing operations must be carried out. Faced with French ships entering the warring seas, the German African fleet can seize or expel them. When they encounter French fleets, they can fire guns to warn them. When the French fleet takes any hostile actions, the German African fleet can take any measures to counterattack!" At 9 a.m. on June 23, 1899, Count Spee finally obtained the authorization from the country. One hour later, through the radio relay ship provided by the Americans, Hippel also received this telegram!

For Earl Spee and Hippel, this is just an authorization. They are soldiers and only need to execute orders, but for Prince Ruprecht who is far away in Berlin, he took considerable risks to issue this order!

Just after the Germans issued a declaration of war, the Portuguese government announced at the first time that it would like France to enter Angola to maintain regional stability. Although the French government did not respond positively, it still demanded that Germany remain restrained and announced that it would order the fleet stationed in Dakar to head towards Angola! This action undoubtedly escalated the confrontation between Germany and Portugal to the confrontation between Germany and France! The relationship between the two sides immediately became tense!

If it were just a confrontation between Germany and France, the prince would not be worried too much. Anyway, Germany and France are feuds, so it is very common to have nothing to do. Moreover, Germany is far stronger than France now. Russia is focusing on the Far East and has no time to pay attention to European affairs. As long as the German army does not fight to Paris, Russia probably won’t take substantial actions. The prince’s attitude is that when facing a France simply, if you say you want to fight, we will fight! Who is afraid of who!
Chapter completed!