I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 824: Request for Reinforcement Telegram

The news quickly reached Paris.

France was stunned by the British Army's "results"; no one expected the land army of the world's leading power to be so easily defeated.

Even if they couldn't compare with Shire's troops before, they could at least use trench warfare to stalemate the enemy.

But now, the British Expeditionary Force, including the Colonial Army, totaling over 600,000 troops, with over a thousand large-caliber artillery pieces and two months of continuous ammunition transport reserves, was defeated in mere days!

Perhaps to save face, Kitchener issued a statement through Le Figaro: "The reason is the inadequate combat power of the Colonial Army; we will soon be able to stop the enemy's advance and maintain the integrity of our lines."

He shifted the blame to the Colonial Army, avoiding saying they had "mutinied," as this might cause greater panic.

Many believed Kitchener's words, given that the German Army only advanced 3 kilometers on the first day, which was somewhat acceptable.

(Note: The main task of the German Army's first day was for the Storm Assault Team to infiltrate the British Army's lines, while the main forces followed behind, seemingly making little progress)

Capitalists remained observant, with asset prices experiencing only mild fluctuations despite some downturn.

However, the cover burst open by the second day.

Shocking news poured into Paris one after another:

"The British Expeditionary Force is in full retreat; the air force and artillery units have been basically destroyed, with nothing left to stop the German Armored Army's advance."

"British Army casualties number over a hundred thousand, with an unknown number captured estimated around ten thousand; nearly half of the British Expeditionary Force east of the Meuse River has been lost."

"The Germans have advanced 45 kilometers in just one day, which is almost their marching distance, meaning they encountered no resistance."

...

Except for the Merit Newspaper, other media outlets swarmed with reports, criticisms, and speculations:

"It's unimaginable that the British Expeditionary Force offered no obstruction to the enemy. Furthermore, they even delivered large quantities of arms and supplies to the enemy, aiding their attack!"

"It's said the Colonial Army's 'mutiny' caused this; they generally demand to fight under Shire's command."

"I originally did not support such a measure, but now it seems feasible."

"I think it has nothing to do with the Colonial Army; the homeland British Army also crumbled, with air force and artillery as homeland elites. Could their defeat also be influenced by the Colonial Army?"

...

Assets began entering a downward trajectory, though the decline was still not evident.

Capitalists learned their lesson, wary that Shire might use the war to depress capital prices, sneaking in to acquire during the downturn.

French citizens were also full of confidence in victory, with common societal beliefs stating:

"Don't worry, we have Shire. Once Shire's tanks move, the Germans will be driven back."

"Plus, the Americans, though small in numbers, are well-equipped. More importantly, they are commanded by Shire, unlike the British!"

"Indeed, Fuxu and Petain's troops are also stationed along the Meuse River."

...

Shire merely smiled upon hearing the situation, wondering how long they could hold out.

Then, he sent Gallieni a telegram: "Our main force might be encircled at the Meuse River, the situation is extremely critical, please prepare reinforcements without fail!"

Gallieni dared not delay; while preparing reinforcements, he read Shire's telegram word-for-word in parliament.

This immediately stirred considerable unrest among parliament members, with many expressing skepticism:

"That's impossible; considering other countries' forces aside, the troops we have along the Meuse River may be twice as large as the Germans."

"They are under Shire's command, more than capable of stopping the Germans."

"Our army is not as foolish as the British; they are Shire's elite."

...

Gallieni handed Major Fernan the defense maps to distribute among the parliament members, stating solemnly:

"Gentlemen, I must first clarify that war is not simply a matter of comparing forces; often it concerns the number of troops that can be deployed at the same time, functioning in the battlefield."

"If it were a direct confrontation, Shire's troops could certainly stop the Germans." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"But look at the map and tell me what you see."

The parliament members understood upon seeing the map.

Shire, Fuxu, and Petain's troops were positioned along the north-south axis of the Meuse River, with defenses facing the river.

After the German Army broke through and defeated the British Expeditionary Force, they directly flanked the French forces along the Meuse River defenses.

"What is a flank?" Gallieni continued to analyze:

"It's akin to the 'T' formation in naval battles; only this time the advantageous position is held by the Germans."

"Our troops deployed simultaneously may only form a regiment, but the enemy is equivalent to a division or even a corps."

"In this situation, even Shire cannot achieve victory."

The parliament members understood.

The British were to blame; their army of 600,000 crumbled too swiftly, leaving the French forces unable to reposition defenses, forced into a passive, vulnerable state, even with superior numbers compared to the Germans.

Then a parliament member shouted: "We can reposition defensive directions now; General, Shire's Armored Army has powerful mobility."

Gallieni shook his head helplessly:

"It's easy to say, gentlemen."

"Do you think the Germans only have one army group currently attacking?"

"They actually have three army groups: the 18th Army Group as the primary attacker, the 2nd Army Group deployed along the Meuse River facing our army, and the 17th Army Group as reserves."

The parliament members did not understand: "And what does this imply?"

Gallieni explained:

"Don't you get it?"

"Once Shire's Armored Army leaves the Meuse River line, the Germans will initiate an attack from the river direction."

"We've even discovered that the Germans are equipped with Shire's developed pontoon bridges, allowing them to swiftly construct floating bridges over the Meuse River for assault."

The parliament members saw the light.

The initiative lies with the Germans.

If Shire holds the Meuse River line, the 18th German Army Group will launch a flank attack.

If Shire and his troops head south to block the 18th German Army Group, the other two German Army Groups will cross the river.

If the entire line, like Petain, had well-constructed defensive fortifications, it would be fine; regrettably, Fuxu's defense from Bicangxi to Mezieres had glaring gaps.

Finally, Gallieni emphasized:

"Once the Germans seize Reims, the vital traffic hub behind our defenses, the entire supply line along the Meuse River will be severed."

"At that point, the Meuse River defense will be without gasoline, ammunition, or even food."

"Now, do you still think we can win easily?"