I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 854: "The World’s Lighthouse

What Haig didn't know was that Shire's inclusion of the British Expeditionary Force in the counterattack team was just as much about weakening their colonies as it was about military significance.

To be precise, it was about seizing the high ground of public opinion for France, and simultaneously for himself.

(If France belongs to Shire, then there's essentially no difference between working for France and working for Shire)

Shire understood very well that if France were to become the world's leading power, besides possessing a strong economy, military, and industry, it was important to be the "world's beacon."

This may seem intangible, but it could bring many real benefits to a country.

It could make countries worldwide believe this nation strives for the development of humanity and the progress of the world, and that it will resolve disputes fairly and justly, thus naturally becoming a standard-bearer of civilization and even the "world's police."

And this, in turn, could bring infinite benefits to the country.

Influence, internationalization of currency, setting global trade rules, reaping worldwide benefits, seizing the high ground in public opinion battles, and so on.

...

One week later, at the Paris City Hall.

Clemenceau sat comfortably in the Prime Minister's office, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper, as was his habit.

Working with Shire was quite stress-free.

At his senior age, there weren't too many things to consider, and in his later years, he hoped to enjoy some peace.

Clemenceau occasionally wondered, if his whole life was plagued by the pursuit of power and wealth, and worry over holding onto them, then what was the point of living?

Collaborating with Shire didn't require such concerns.

As long as he didn't go against Shire's wishes, power and wealth were his, and personal safety wasn't a concern—Shire would never allow anyone to threaten his security.

There were a few times when political opponents plotted to assassinate Clemenceau, but as soon as inklings of such plots emerged, they were quashed by "The White Lady" and the "Second Bureau" acting in concert.

Clemenceau put down the newspaper and let out a long sigh of relief; it had been a long time since he felt this relaxed.

Footsteps were heard outside, and Maurice entered through the door, holding a document, his face showing anxiety and anger in his eyes.

Upon seeing Clemenceau, he marched forward a few steps and placed the document on the desk, questioning, "Prime Minister, I want to know what your country intends to do? Overturn Britain's colonies?"

(The image above is Maurice Hankey, a British official who served as the Military Coordinating Secretary of the Allies during World War I, responsible for War Cabinet records and Allied strategic coordination and is close to Clemenceau)

"What?" Clemenceau did not understand Maurice's words.

Maurice slapped the document: "Take a look, see what Shire did and said in the Expeditionary Force!"

Clemenceau picked up the document, flipped through it, and his eyes widened. He quickly skimmed a few more, becoming increasingly alarmed as he read.

"Sorry, I didn't know about this, Maurice," Clemenceau said.

"You didn't know?" Maurice's gaze at Clemenceau bore a hint of sarcasm, tinged with provocation: "I thought the French Prime Minister was Shire. Consider, Prime Minister, what impact could this have on Britain, and even on France?"

Anger flickered in Clemenceau's eyes; Shire had indeed gone too far.

But this thought passed quickly; Clemenceau knew his position and that Shire was not someone he could afford to offend.

After a moment of consideration, Clemenceau raised the documents: "I'll go inquire; there must be some mistake, please wait!"

Clemenceau politely invited Maurice to sit and had the secretary bring coffee before he left the room, documents in hand.

...

Clemenceau went to Gallieni's office downstairs.

If anyone could manage or know what Shire was doing, it was certainly Gallieni.

Gallieni was paying close attention to the situation in the colonies, notably Algeria.

Algeria was France's largest and most important colony, and since being conquered by France in 1830, it had been considered an extension of French territory, officially becoming three overseas departments of France in 1848.

(Note: During World War I, Algeria was divided into the departments of Alger, Oran, and Constantine)

Having previously served as Colonial Governor, Gallieni understood its significance, so he remained hesitant.

Must it be done this way?

What would the outcome be?

Are there other, better options?

Just as Gallieni was engrossed in files and intelligence, there were several urgent knocks at the door.

"Come in!" Gallieni, without lifting his head, assumed it was a new secretary.

As Shire said, foreign affairs would only increase in the future, much more than now, compelling Gallieni to recruit more aides familiar with diplomacy.

However, upon hearing the voice, Gallieni suddenly realized it was Prime Minister Clemenceau.

"Minister," Clemenceau handed the documents to Gallieni and cautiously asked, "Do you know about these?"

Even though Clemenceau was the Prime Minister, he dared not offend Gallieni.

Everyone knew Gallieni's relationship with Shire; if Shire was the Emperor, then Gallieni was the Imperial Regent.

Gallieni took the documents, skimmed them, and nodded gently: "Mm, I'm aware of some, but not in such detail."

...

The first document recorded Shire discussing battlefield conditions with Major General Richard, commander of the 5th Australian Infantry Division.

"The Australian Army is composed of veterans, with training and equipment far superior to other units," Shire told Major General Richard. "So, placing your army at the front line shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"Of course," Major General Richard readily agreed, "It's our honor, Vice Admiral."

According to the British Army custom, the less effective African Legion would be deployed on the front lines as cannon fodder, with the second line consisting of the ANZAC or Canadian Corps, and finally the British Home Army.

(Note: ANZAC and Canada had a degree of autonomy and were not strictly classified as "colonies," but they lacked military and diplomatic autonomy until they gained full independence after the war)

Shire defied this custom by placing the ANZAC on the front lines, with the African Legion positioned in the second line as cover.

"I apologize," Shire said, "in principle, I should perhaps place the British Army on the front line, but..."

Major General Richard nodded in understanding: "I comprehend, Vice Admiral; they won't agree to be on the front line themselves."

"Understanding, isn't it?" Shire remarked sarcastically, "The reasonable approach would be placing less competent troops in the rear to observe and learn, so over time, they know how to face the enemy, but not the British."

Major General Richard proudly stated:

"You might be mistaken, Vice Admiral."

"The Australian Army's quality rivals that of the British Home Army."

"We fought at the Dardanelles Strait, remember? Whereas a large portion of the British were inexperienced recruits!"

Shire uttered an "Oh" in acknowledgment: "Interesting, then why, if that's the case, are you still a dependency of Britain?"

Major General Richard was stunned.

Yes, the British Army wasn't that formidable; they always lost battles, and their officers' command was utterly chaotic.

So, why does Australia still remain under British control?