I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 901: Allies Conference
Ultimately, Gai Pratt became the Minister of the Navy of France without contention.
At that time, Gai Pratt was still in Antwerp commanding the North Sea operations. He was momentarily stunned upon hearing the news.
Minister of the Navy? This seemed distant and almost impossible for him.
The reason being that the Minister of the Navy could appoint and remove naval officers, essentially engaging in nepotism, and the position was tightly controlled by powerful elites, making it difficult for the Brest Faction to have any chance of promotion.
If things continued like this, the demise of the Brest Faction would be inevitable; they would gradually be replaced by the Toulon Faction, even if the emergence of Shire injected a boost of morale.
However, he suddenly received a telegram: "Vice Admiral Gai Pratt, by vote of the parliament, it is decided that you will assume the position of Minister of the Navy. Please proceed to Paris immediately to assume your post. Glory to France!"
Vice Admiral Gai Pratt was completely unprepared, his mind momentarily unable to process the news.
After a while, a smile of comfort appeared on his face: "That guy won; he was victorious once again!"
Upon further reflection, Vice Admiral Gai Pratt realized there was nothing peculiar about it. Who in France at present could oppose Shire?
The position of Minister of the Navy was merely the last gasp of struggle for the powerful capitalists.
Subsequently, Gai Pratt received another telegram from Shire.
The message was brief: "You know what to do, don’t you?"
Gai Pratt replied: "Of course. Rest assured, Vice Admiral!"
Gai Pratt indeed knew what to do.
The Toulon Shipyard and Fleet were rife with capitalist nepotism, which in turn gave rise to a series of problems:
Nepotism created factional rivalries, as officers came from different families, prioritizing family interests over national interests.
The result was constant infighting and diminished combat effectiveness, with virtually no coordination between ships.
Factional struggles often meant that a particular ship was controlled by one family, making it impossible for a ship controlled by another family to coordinate, much less sacrifice itself in battle to cover others.
Gai Pratt decided to adopt Shire’s approach from the Eastern Army Group, using war to reform the Toulon Fleet.
In short, the plan was to deploy the Toulon Fleet for operations in the Atlantic Ocean, promoting those with capability and achievements, and using this opportunity to remove the incompetents from command.
After a period of cleansing, nepotism and factionalism would dissipate.
...
Shire did not get involved in these issues.
If he were to personally handle everything, Shire would undoubtedly be overwhelmed. He had to learn to delegate matters to others.
This applies not only to politics but to economics and scientific research as well.
Cleansing the factions of the powerful is crucial for enhancing the trust of citizens in Shire, which can provide them with a pathway for upward mobility.
Previously, upper society was predominantly monopolized by capitalists and nobles, rendering it impossible for ordinary citizens to ascend, and the upper ranks of the military were no exception.
But Shire’s emergence changed all that.
Thus, this was not just a struggle between Shire and the capitalist elites.
It was a movement he led, involving all the middle and lower classes of France, challenging the old society and the old system.
This is the main reason Shire was able to achieve his current accomplishments and status, ultimately leading to victory.
...
Just steps away from the famous Champs-Élysées and the Louvre, the ancient and luxurious Clyron Hotel is an ideal place for those wanting to experience the romantic ambiance and leisurely lifestyle of Paris.
Despite being covered in a thick layer of snow, despite being amidst war, with even aircraft roaring past overhead,
(The above images depict the exterior and interior of the French Clyron Hotel, built in 1758, originally a government institution, partially converted into a luxury hotel in 1909, mainly used for hosting foreign guests, high-ranking officials of the Allies, and diplomatic mission meetings)
On this day, there was suddenly an increase in cars driving into the hotel from the airport and train station directions, one after another.
The welcoming team always graciously received them, leading them to their respective rooms to rest.
This was a meeting organized by Clemenceau on Christmas Eve, with England and the United States also invited.
England was represented by the Minister of Military Supplies and General Winter, while the United States sent War Secretary Baker and Pershing.
The Minister of Military Supplies naturally walked into the meeting room alongside Baker. After all, they were natural partners, sharing common interests in this war.
Amidst the gentle sound of violin, each took a glass of red wine for a casual chat:
"Rest assured, Minister," the Minister of Military Supplies assured Baker, "We don’t believe it’s a suitable time for ceasefire now; the Germans won’t surrender so easily. They obey William II, not the parliament."
The Minister of Military Supplies was "making his stance clear" to Baker.
Otherwise, the United States might cut off supplies and loans to England.
The Minister of Military Supplies further added: "I believe France will do the same; they’ll soon realize their mistake."
If not, then a joint effort could cut off supplies to France.
"I hope so," Baker nodded, with a hint of worry emerging on his forehead.
He hoped Shire would join in the attack on Germany, for from the failure of the last assault on Saarbrücken, Baker realized one thing: without Shire’s help, England and America might never break through the Hindenburg Line.
This was Pershing’s conclusion, and after that battle, Pershing handed a document to Baker:
"Look at these, General, I’ve compiled the records since the beginning of the war, summarizing each battle as succinctly as possible."
"See what the British have done, what the French have done. Then you’ll know that before Shire arrived, virtually none of them knew how to fight!"
"He is unique. If we want to achieve victory, we must have Shire join us."
Baker, after reviewing the report, finally understood Pershing’s approach.
He reached the same conclusion: to avoid another disastrous defeat like at Saarbrücken, they must persuade Shire.
But how could they persuade him?
As the British suggested, implementing a material blockade on France to force Shire to join?
No, Baker dismissed this plan.
France’s economy, under Shire’s leadership, was recovering at an astonishing pace.
Agriculture was flourishing due to Shire’s proposal of "1% rent and no land tax."
Industry, driven by the "super defense line," had entered a positive cycle.
The colonies, having been granted independence by Shire, had shifted from frequent rebellions to active cooperation.
...
Imposing a material blockade on France in this context was not wise; it likely wouldn’t work and could further alienate them.
If Shire were enraged, he even had the authority to expel the British and American troops from France.
At this point, the Minister of Military Supplies glanced around and said in confusion: "I thought this was an Allied meeting." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚
Following the Minister’s gaze, Baker unexpectedly saw Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, facing King Constantine I of Greece, who had not yet submitted to the Allies.
