I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 892: A Wise Man Submits to Circumstances
Paris City Hall, Prime Minister’s office.
Clemenceau’s phone rang non-stop:
"Congratulations, Prime Minister, I heard your country achieved another victory?"
"Oh, no." Clemenceau was taken aback: "No victory, in fact, the Allies lost a battle at Saarbrücken."
"Yes, but it wasn’t France that was defeated, which is a victory in itself, wouldn’t you say?"
Clemenceau: ...
Can we not state it so plainly? Do you understand diplomatic speak?
"Uh!" Clemenceau cleared his throat: "I’m sorry, the French spirit doesn’t allow me to think that way. We regret this and sincerely hope that England and the United States can join forces with us. I believe we can find common ground on this!"
"I completely agree. Besides, ’fraternity’ is love for all humanity, which surely includes our country, doesn’t it?"
"Of course." Clemenceau answered straightforwardly.
"I’m glad to hear that, our Prime Minister intends to make a friendly visit to France next week."
...
Gallieni’s phone was also ringing off the hook:
"Minister, I hear you drafted a ’Bernard Group military export restriction bill’?"
"Yes, it concerns France’s national security. We have to be cautious."
"Of course, I fully agree and respect your decision. I just want to know if our country falls within the restricted range?"
"Hold on, let me check." Gallieni took out a list from the drawer, searching for a while: "Oh, I’m pleased to inform you that most of your country’s equipment is not restricted."
This list is publicly claimed as a result of parliamentary discussions meant to limit Bernard Company’s foreign military exports, but actually provided by Shire.
And Shire specifically targeted England and the United States.
By passing the blame to opposition parliament members, England and America wouldn’t know Shire was behind it.
Even if they knew, there’s nothing they could do; smart people don’t choose to tear things apart.
"Most?"
"Yes, except for the latest fighter jets, bombers, tanks, ’echo detectors’, others can be freely sold."
"Does ’latest model’ imply we can purchase the lesser models?"
"Of course." Gallieni nodded assuredly: "For instance, the ’Shire A1’ tank, ’Camel’ fighter jet, and original ’Caproni’ bomber."
"Perfect, but I worry whether you have such production capacity. I plan to re-equip our army fully with Bernard Group’s equipment."
Gallieni calmly responded: "Production capacity may be a bit tight, you know, it’s wartime now. But I must remind you there are many purchasing countries. If you don’t place an order now..."
"I’ll place an order immediately!"
...
Gallieni had barely hung up one call when the next one came, mostly "important calls" at the national level.
Overwhelmed, Gallieni could only downgrade these "important calls":
Initially, any national-level call had to be personally handled; the Ministry of the Army rarely had diplomatic matters.
But now, unless from an important neutral country, others were handled by staff, otherwise, Gallieni estimated he’d work himself to death.
Finally getting a moment to sit down and drink a glass of milk, a staff member furtively slid a telegram to him.
Gallieni glanced at the telegram and nearly spit out the milk in his mouth: Egypt wished to purchase equipment produced by Bernard Company.
Egypt?
A British colony?
...
Metz headquarters.
Shire felt increasingly like a designer; as a general, he wasn’t focused on military matters but was discussing the "super defense line" with War Minister Leo Tai.
The "super defense line" was constructed under the supervision of France’s War Minister.
This is procedure: A national project must of course be led and controlled by government officials.
Of course, this is just nominal.
Everyone knows the real situation; Shire has absolute control over the "super defense line", from top to bottom.
Today was Leo Tai and Shire’s first meeting.
What stuck in Shire’s throat was Leo Tai’s other identity: Governor of Morocco, a representative figure in the colonial faction.
(Above is a picture of French General Leo Tai during WWI. After Gallieni passed away, he once served as Minister of the Army but chose to resign after three months due to opposing the French Army’s aggressive offensives, promoted to Marshal post-war.)
Upon hearing this, Shire cursed internally: "These guys, are they trying to use him to pressure me? Does it work?"
Of course it wouldn’t work.
Shire has the support of the public and controls the parliament, the latter is like Shire’s toy, capable of achieving any desired outcome.
If Shire is displeased, a phone call could replace War Minister Leo Tai.
But Shire wasn’t inclined to do that; he planned to meet Leo Tai to see what intentions he held.
To be precise, to see what intentions the colonial faction harbored.
Leo Tai arrived in the morning.
Shire, who slept late, only had breakfast at nine thirty, eating a Lorraine quiche while reading the newspaper, "paying homage" to various media’s irony toward the Anglo-American Allies.
It was then that Leo Tai, in a crisp military uniform, entered with a staff member.
Perhaps due to being fellow Vice Admirals, he casually saluted: "Admiral Shire, nice to meet you."
Shire rose to return the salute, still chewing his food: "Nice to meet you, Vice Admiral, what’s the matter?"
Leo Tai took the briefcase from the staff member, drawing out several blueprints and laying them before Shire: "I am here to discuss the construction matters of the ’super defense line’, are you available now?"
Shire raised his food and newspaper: "Yes, very much available."
Shire assumed discussing the "super defense line" was merely an excuse, expecting Leo Tai to broach other matters next.
But to Shire’s surprise, Leo Tai was serious, discussing the "super defense line" from morning to night.
Internal space inadequate, ammunition storage needs to be increased, cement thickness on the defense line should be broadened...
Finally, Shire couldn’t resist: "Vice Admiral Leo Tai, is there nothing else you wish to discuss?"
Vice Admiral Leo Tai smiled gently, countering: "What do you think I’d say? Protest your colonial policies?"
"Shouldn’t you?" Shire curiously looked at Leo Tai.
He’d already considered how to respond, waiting for Leo Tai to raise that issue, but Leo Tai intentionally didn’t.
Leo Tai straightened himself:
"Let me put it this way, Admiral Shire."
"If yesterday’s Anglo-American forces weren’t defeated but victorious, today I’d have a different attitude. Do you understand?"
Shire uttered an "Oh."
Is this "a wise man submits to circumstances"?
Realizing he couldn’t oppose Shire, choosing to surrender and show goodwill?
