I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 884: Manipulating the Battlefield

British Expeditionary Force Headquarters, Saarburg.

Kitchener's situation left Haig flustered, and the collapse of the "anti-Shire alliance" gave Pershing's theories the upper hand.

To be precise, even Beck did not believe that without the coordination of other nations, the British and Americans could independently break through the front lines and achieve victory.

"So, what do we need?" Beck asked Pershing for his opinion for the first time.

"A lot." Pershing responded with a worried expression:

"We need to gain air superiority, and this can only be achieved with the 'Curlew' fighter aircraft."

"Moreover, we also need 'Shire B1' tanks, as well as matching armored bridge-layers."

"We also need truck-mounted artillery, 105MM truck artillery, only they can suppress the Germans' artillery."

This is a complete operational system, indispensable, otherwise a front line that could have easily been breached would actually require a sacrifice of lives.

Haig remained silent.

If the US Army can acquire these items, let them, as they are beneficial for the attack.

Beck considered for a moment, then nodded and said, "No problem, I'll contact Bernard Group!"

Although the US and Shire are potential rivals, the US has provided loans to Shire, which he cannot refuse.

...

Shire had preemptively spread the news through the "White Lady" in society:

"Have you heard? The US Army might purchase more advanced equipment from Shire."

"Isn't that to be expected? The US is our ally, and Shire has the most advanced equipment."

"Yes, this could be another great business opportunity!"

...

These words soon reached the ears of opposing parliament members.

Anything beneficial to Shire would lead opposition members and capitalists to lean towards opposition.

Thus, before Beck could clearly propose the purchase intention, parliament had already begun a discussion on the matter:

"We believe the power to export military arms of Bernard Group should be restricted."

"This is not just a corporate issue; it involves national security as well. Although they are Shire's technologies and equipment, they represent the highest technology of France."

"If Bernard Group is allowed to freely sell these technologies and equipment, even to allies, they could potentially end up with the enemy and be turned into weapons against us."

...

Shire's representative loudly opposed:

"No, the most important thing is the current war. We need to support our allies to defeat the Germans." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Our equipment is being exported to the US, a trustworthy ally."

"They have no reason to leak the equipment and technology to the enemy; this is a shameless slander!"

...

Clearly, there were more supporters, as part of the opposition was controlled by American capital, standing with Beck hoping the US Army could acquire advanced equipment.

However, when everyone thought this proposal would be rejected, the voting results were surprisingly shocking.

The opposition unexpectedly won, and the proposal to restrict Bernard Group's exports to the US was passed with more votes than expected.

What's going on?!

...

At the time, Pershing holding a list found Shire.

"If you cannot join us in the attack, I hope you can provide equipment support, Vice Admiral."

Pershing believed Shire would not refuse; this was a decent business opportunity involving aircraft, tanks, and artillery in significant quantities.

Pershing even hoped to form an aviation regiment and two motorized divisions.

Shire took the list and gladly agreed, "Of course, Brigadier General, no one would refuse a chance to make money."

In fact, this did not align with Shire's interests.

At Shire's level, the concern was no longer just money, but regional balance.

On the North American continent, the production capacity of the US is much stronger than Canada's, with a larger population as well.

This "destroys regional balance, not conducive to peace and stability in North America," so Shire needs to suppress the US while supporting Canada.

With control over equipment, Shire can ensure Canada's equipment remains ahead of that of the US.

Therefore, Canada can have "Camel" fighters and "Shire B2," along with production licenses for various equipment, but the US cannot.

Of course, Shire would not say this to Pershing.

Shire even began to consider production capacity:

"Producing a regiment's worth of 'Curlew' fighters might not be a problem, but 100 'Shire B2' tanks might pose a challenge."

"If it doesn't work out, we'll have to withdraw equipment from the First Armored Army."

"Since they are second-hand, I can sell them at half price."

"Thank you very much, Vice Admiral." Pershing did not suspect anything.

However, a staff member handed Shire a telegram: "General, message from Davaz Town, they have received notification of 'Restricting Bernard Group's military exports.'"

"What?" Shire's expression changed, taking the telegram for a glance, then passed it to Pershing.

"Very sorry, General." Shire said: "It seems we're a step too late. They are concerned that equipment exports might threaten national security."

Pershing took the telegram; as it was in French, Pershing handed it to a translator for explanation.

After listening, he said nervously, "Vice Admiral, without these pieces of equipment, I don't even know how to fight this battle."

This was the truth.

The US Army had no combat experience before; current experience was gained under conditions where Shire had air superiority and even artillery had absolute advantage.

Suddenly, with air superiority uncertain, no air support, without the 105 truck artillery, tanks staying at "Shire A1"...

Such combat was almost suicidal.

Shire expressed helplessness: "As I said, attacking the Hindenburg Line under current conditions is not a wise choice."

Pershing looked pained.

He wasn't unaware of this; it's about military succumbing to politics. What could he do?

"Okay." Shire suggested: "In other directions, I may be helpless, but regarding air superiority…"

Shire hesitated a little:

"Our fighters will patrol the skies pressuring the Germans when the time comes."

"Although I don't agree with this operation, Germany remains an enemy."

"They will ensure the safety of your airspace and provide you with information as needed. What do you think?"

Pershing quickly agreed, "Certainly, Vice Admiral, thank you very much!"

Shire was a friend worth cultivating, Pershing thought, recognizing that even when England and America united against France, Shire still helped the US Army within his ability.

What Pershing didn't know was that Shire's actions came with deeper considerations:

The French Air Force only agreed to help the US Army without supporting the British Army; would there be a problem in the coordination between the British and American forces?

Even though the US Army detached from French command systems, they still cooperated; would there be deepened conflicts between US and British command layers?

Due to information disparity between the two armies, would the US Army face more "Non-compliance with British command," thus intensifying conflicts?

Therefore, while the French Air Force ensuring US air superiority seemed to safeguard US interests, it was essentially Shire controlling the battle situation.