I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 861: Everything Is a Trap

Shire led the representatives to the desk, pointed at the map, and continued the analysis:

"Additionally, I have some different thoughts on the independence of the colonies."

"First, let me state that I sincerely hope for you to break away from other countries and gain complete freedom."

"However, do you know what would happen if we suddenly withdrew our troops?"

Shire paused briefly and glanced at the representatives.

They looked bewildered, not knowing what Shire was implying.

This was expected by Shire, as they, despite having significant influence among the people, had no political experience.

"War, gentlemen." Shire reminded:

"The governance of your country will fall into the hands of the military, because they have guns and soldiers."

"Military men are prone to war; they will use their weapons to subdue anyone who dares to offend them."

"And the unarmed people will have no choice but to submit to their force; your country will most likely be controlled by warmongers."

Haji thought for a moment, then nodded:

"Yes, that is very possible."

"We have a military without governance, and the army has war experience."

"If the French Army withdraws, they can easily seize control and do whatever they want, with no one to stop them."

The representatives nodded in agreement; this phenomenon was not uncommon in their tribes.

The Kenyan representative, Haku, added, "An internal conflict might even occur, as the military could split into factions, fighting each other for power."

Haji agreed, "Even if eventually unified, the people would still live under the brutal suppression of the military regime, which would initiate external wars for more territory and benefits. At that time..."

A flash of terror passed through Haji's eyes as he looked at Shire, "Africa would be in turmoil, and trapped in endless warfare."

Shire was somewhat surprised by Haji; he considered much more and deeper than other colonial army representatives.

However, this didn't seem surprising. Algeria was regarded by France as an overseas province, though still exploited, its resources like education were significantly better than other African colonies.

"That's what I wanted to say." Shire gave Haji a thumbs up:

"The 'fraternity' France talks about refers to love for all humanity, gentlemen."

"We hope for all humanity to coexist peacefully, without war, exploitation, or suffering, where everyone lives freely and equally in a thriving nation."

"But if suddenly letting go of the colonies eventually leads to chaos and conflict, that's not what we want; we'd even become sinners because of it."

The colonial representatives looked admiringly at Shire, who made perfect sense—it was all for their good.

"So, my thought is to gradually loosen control." Shire pointed to Algeria's position on the map:

"For example, we should maintain a military base in Algeria, stationed there to ensure its security."

"They can prevent internal conflicts and foreign invasions in Algeria but wouldn't interfere with its domestic affairs."

"At the same time, we'll help with Algeria's nation-building, like developing agriculture, industry, and military."

"One day, if Algeria becomes well-developed and no longer needs us, we'll withdraw our troops."

Shire turned his gaze to the representatives: "What do you think of this plan?"

The representatives thought for a while and nodded successively:

"A very good plan, Vice Admiral."

"It makes sense, just a pity the English won't see it this way."

"Yes, the English wouldn't offer us such a plan; they would just exploit us!"

...

Then the representatives looked enviously at Haji:

"You are lucky to be in a French colony."

"You have Shire, he's the only one willing to do this."

"Yes, Shire truly embodies the 'French spirit'!"

...

Haji was so excited that he didn't know what to say; it was like two fires were burning in his eyes, as he fervently asked Shire, "General, you, you really intend to do this? Implement this plan in Algeria?"

"Of course." Shire nodded emphatically: "In fact, not just in Algeria, but in all the colonies I can control, I will do this!"

He then added, "That's how it should be, don't you think? Everyone should have equal rights."

The representatives responded one after another:

"Yes, General, you're right."

"Respect to you, General; you're the greatest person in the world!"

"You've given us hope, General!"

...

Yet, everything was a trap.

...

A week earlier, Gallieni had asked a related question: "After giving freedom to the colonies, what should France do? We're at war, Shire, shouldn't forget that we need resources from the colonies!"

"I never said to give them freedom, General." Shire calmly replied.

Gallieni looked at Shire, puzzled, with some surprise on his face.

What nonsense was this guy spouting?

One moment he's talking about "freedom," "equality," "fraternity," the next, he's saying "no freedom."

"We can colonize them in another way." Shire leaned back casually against the chair, fingers interlocked in front of him: "In this way, what we gain is not war, not the resentment and resistance of the colonies, but more resources and wealth."

Gallieni laughed, "That's impossible, there's no free lunch. If there is, it's definitely a scam."

"It is indeed a scam." Shire smiled faintly: "Just a very subtle one."

Gallieni didn't believe it at first but seeing that Shire wasn't joking, he asked, half-doubtful: "Tell me, how do you plan to do it?"

This guy always seemed to come up with ways others couldn't think of, maybe he really could do it.

"First, we need to make them believe they've gained freedom." Shire answered: "It's quite simple; return their governance, we just maintain a military presence, seemingly not meddling in their affairs…"

"Wait." Gallieni interrupted Shire:

"That's impossible."

"If we return their governance, they'll certainly drive out our troops."

"Even if needed short-term, once stabilized, they'll definitely drive our military out."

"No." Shire maintained his smile, his voice confident:

"We can ask them to implement a republican system like ours, let different parties contend against each other, never able to unite."

"Strictly speaking, it's different."

"Our own republican system works under the constraints of law, with the law as the only standard."

"But the republican system we offer them puts 'freedom' above the law."

"The military, police, and law become tools of dictators; we emphasize that people should break these chains to strive for their own 'freedom.'"

"By then, laws will be just empty words, and vague 'freedom' will be their only standard, enabling anyone to act under the banner of 'freedom' without being punished by law."

"Do you think, under such circumstances, they'll ever be able to drive our garrison out?"