I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 857: The Common Interests of Humanity
The photo Shire gave to Gallieni was fake.
When U.S. President Wilson formally proposed "national self-determination" internationally, it was the end of 1918, two years from now. The "Lady in White" couldn’t have captured any words about it from American legislators.
It was forged by Shire, typed with an English typewriter, snapped by camera, and carried as evidence for Gallieni.
However, Shire was not worried about being exposed.
The evidence was fake, but the matter was true. The United States was already planning it at this time and inevitably would leak some hints.
More importantly, the United States had no need for war always, and its intelligence system and confidentiality awareness during this period could almost be ignored. Gallieni could easily find something.
Then, once the two were compared, Gallieni was convinced beyond doubt.
...
The document Gallieni handed to Clemenceau was intelligence found by "Section Two."
"Most of it is content revealed by U.S. legislators at parties, along with information that Section Two found in discarded papers," Gallieni told Clemenceau, speaking anxiously:
"They are trying to create an atmosphere, simply put, it’s France’s ’fraternity,’ viewing issues from a high human standpoint."
"They emphasize that support for national autonomy and granting oppressed nations the right to determine their destiny should be provided."
"We always thought they were saying impractical platitudes, some idealistic fools speaking nonsense, lying claims, but unexpectedly, it was a conspiracy."
Clemenceau understood: "So, even if we don’t do this, the Americans will still do it?"
"Yes, it is inevitable." Gallieni nodded slightly:
"This is reality, a trend, Prime Minister. The only difference lies in us accepting actively or passively."
"If accepted passively, our relationship with the colonies will quickly deteriorate and be inextricably drawn into war."
"Not to mention establishing prestige internationally and occupying the high ground of public opinion."
Clemenceau, who was preparing to leave, slowly sat back down in his chair.
This is a topic worth in-depth discussion, a very large and important one, even surpassing war.
After considering for a while, Clemenceau joined Gallieni’s words:
"But if we take the initiative in accepting, we can ease the relationship with the colonies, which instead can yield the greatest benefits."
"At the same time, we can lead the world in liberating colonies again."
"Just like when the French Revolution led the global institutional change!"
Gallieni sat opposite Clemenceau, staring intently at him, speaking solemnly: "Which one will you choose, Prime Minister?"
Clemenceau smiled faintly, with helplessness at the corner of his mouth: "Do we have the power to choose?"
Shire was right.
Rather than handing over this prime position along with its accompanying benefits to the United States, it’s better for France to seize it first.
Instead of the United States breaking up Europe using colonial resistance to drag down European countries, it’s better for France to develop and grow to become the leader.
After pondering for a while, Clemenceau suddenly became enthusiastic.
God, this will be a major boon for me as the Prime Minister of France, for I will become a "saint" like Shire!
"Mr. Minister," Clemenceau said: "If that’s the case, we should first consider how to gradually lift restrictions on colonies, while also gaining as much benefit as possible..."
...
Paris City Hall, Prime Minister’s Office.
Maurice originally thought Clemenceau would soon return since it was just about confirming Shire’s intentions.
Moreover, Maurice was confident Clemenceau would give an answer satisfying England.
Because Shire’s approach wasn’t beneficial to England while also potentially retaliating against France itself.
This is why England only sent Maurice, an official of this level, to negotiate with Clemenceau; they didn’t consider it a major issue, believing it was just Shire’s personal "idealistic" Mother Mary sentiment.
Just like how Shire is called a "conscientious capitalist" in France, which was merely Shire acting impulsively.
But Maurice waited in vain for Clemenceau to return, wondering in private.
Was something delaying him?
Or did he have a big argument with Gallieni?
Or is Shire too powerful, even Clemenceau can’t suppress him?
The last point is very likely; everyone knows Clemenceau is Shire’s man.
However, Maurice still believed Shire would surely compromise.
Because this wasn’t just Clemenceau’s affair but related to the interests of all capitalists and even all French citizens.
Unless Shire dares to go against everyone, drawing the world’s condemnation.
Neither Maurice nor England realized that the international environment had changed, adhering to colonial policy was actually courting condemnation.
Just when Maurice was losing patience, Clemenceau pushed the door open and entered.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting." Clemenceau smiled, holding documents, his expression calm.
"Did you get in touch with Shire?" Maurice asked, with his arm slanted on the sofa backrest, adopting a condescending posture.
He thought the issue was resolved, that Shire would henceforth refrain from speaking similar words before the Colonial Army, nor would he use personal assets to ensure so-called "fairness," "justice!"
"No, Maurice." Clemenceau replied: "I discussed with General Gallieni, and we unanimously felt that contacting Shire wasn’t necessary."
Maurice uttered a sound, "Mm," "Having General Gallieni’s assurance is also acceptable."
Gallieni might be the only one capable of calming Shire.
Unexpectedly, Clemenceau straightened his chest, puzzlingly questioning back: "Assurance? What assurance?"
Maurice stared incredulously at Clemenceau: "I don’t understand your intention, Prime Minister."
"Nor do I," Clemenceau replied, never breaking his smile.
Maurice sensed something was off, nodding towards the file in Clemenceau’s hand: "How do you plan to solve these problems? We need an answer."
Clemenceau picked up the document, leafing through:
"Solve? Is there anything to solve?"
"We unanimously believe Admiral Shire did well, generously investing personal assets to boost the colonial army’s morale."
"As for those words he spoke, ’freedom,’ ’equality,’ ’fraternity,’ these are principles France has consistently adhered to, Mr. Maurice, and we wholeheartedly agree with them!"
Maurice was stunned, is he giving me platitudes?
"Your benefits, where are your benefits?" Maurice angrily rose to question: "What good does this do you? Don’t forget, you have colonies too..."
"Mr. Maurice!" Clemenceau interrupted Maurice, standing tall and speaking righteously:
"Shire is not like others." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞
"I’m not like other prime ministers, the French Government I’m leading isn’t like other governments."
"We will consider issues from the common interests of humanity, rather than merely focusing on France’s interests!"
