I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 904: An Organization

According to the script discussed between Shire and Clemenceau, they would not overly discuss the issue of Greece.

It’s almost enough; France should not excessively provoke the Sun Never Sets Empire at this time, as France needs to continue "deepening cooperation" with England at sea.

However, an unexpected incident occurred at the conference by this point.

Constantine I believed it was an opportunity; to him, France’s military withdrawal was still insufficient, far from enough.

The main force of the "invasion" was the British Army, which was enough on its own to overthrow Greece. If he didn’t take the opportunity to launch a crusade against Britain now, he might never have the chance to receive fair and just treatment.

So he gathered his courage and stood up, trying to remain restrained; he knew neither England nor France was someone he could afford to provoke:

"Gentlemen, I support France’s decision to withdraw troops; France has done the right thing."

"Allow me to pay tribute to the Prime Minister and Admiral Shire; you are true Frenchmen, respectable Frenchmen!"

Amid the applause of the guests, Constantine I turned his gaze to the Minister of Military Supplies: "Additionally, I would like to ask the minister if you agree with France’s decision?"

Constantine I’s words were skillful; he did not request the Minister of Military Supplies to withdraw troops in his capacity as the King of Greece, which would directly place himself in opposition to Britain.

He included France, ostensibly asking whether the Minister agreed, but in fact pressured the Minister with France.

Shire smiled slightly; he just helped Constantine I, and in a turn, was utilized by him.

But this is normal. Between countries, there are only interests; hoping for "reciprocity" seems naive.

The Minister of Military Supplies found himself in a dilemma; agreeing or disagreeing were both difficult positions.

If he agreed, it would mean withdrawing troops from Greece like France.

If he disagreed, it would be opposing not only France but all countries supporting France.

But the old one is still the clever one; after a brief thought, the Minister of Military Supplies answered, "I admire France’s approach but do not agree."

He glanced at Shire and continued:

"Gentlemen, the situation arose because there are differences in our enemy strategy with France."

"France chose ceasefire negotiations, so it deemed stationing troops in Greece as meaningless."

"But we choose to continue fighting the enemy to the end, so protecting Greece’s security and preventing it from being annexed by Germany is our duty!"

Several indistinct laughs were heard in the hall.

"Protect Greece’s security?"

Just like forcefully listing Egypt as Britain’s "protectorate"?

The other meaning of this is incorporating it into a colony.

Yet the guests dared not express anger; no one dared to offend the current world’s strongest power, or else its navy might arrive at one’s doorstep the next moment.

Shire secretly praised the cunning old Minister of Military Supplies, who turned "illegally invading Greece" into "Anglo-French enemy strategy divergence" in a few words.

This not only diverted attention, giving a seemingly reasonable explanation, but also psychologically intimidated others, saying: "I did it this way, what can you do to me? Try it if you’re dissatisfied."

Clemenceau hesitated; he was uncertain whether to be assertive or mediator at this point and could only seek help from Shire.

Shire gracefully stood up; he did not directly respond to the question.

"Gentlemen." Shire’s opening quieted the entire hall.

Amid everyone’s gaze, Shire naturally walked towards the stage, speaking as he went:

"I often ponder a question: why does war happen?"

"What has gone wrong in the world that people resort to mutual slaughter for meaningless matters?"

"Just like what we are doing—what have we all gained?"

He climbed the steps and turned to face the guests, with Clemenceau tactfully stepping aside.

"In this war, we have gained nothing."

"All we’ve gained are death, poverty, and hunger."

"This should not happen—I believe there’s something that can prevent it!"

The guests were thoughtful; they had been accustomed to such a state, so they did not think much until Shire spoke, realizing indeed something can be done.

Pershing’s eyes glowed; this was Shire, whose thoughts stand higher than others; while people are thinking about defeating enemies, he was already considering how to ensure world peace.

General Winter fell into contemplation over Shire’s question, wondering what solution there could be? Is Shire overthinking!

Tijani twitched his mouth; this guy started acting again—truly couldn’t tolerate it.

But it’s not bad; it can be called "Art of War" since it is "subduing the enemy without fighting."

The Minister of Military Supplies looked puzzled; what on earth is Shire up to? Whose side is he on?

Shire continued:

"Think about it, gentlemen."

"When a dispute occurs in a village, the mayor resolves it."

"A dispute in a city has the mayor preside over justice, further up there’s the national government, which can use law, police, and army constraints."

"This is why a populous country can maintain good order for a long time; they rarely have large-scale wars."

Guests nodded one after another; there can be no square without rules, as they, being kings or ministers, all understood this.

Shire raised his voice:

"However, above countries, there is no constraint; there is no order to follow."

"Between countries, it’s like a disorderly society, where they can trigger disputes at will."

"Or, considering their interests, do something that others do not approve, yet no one can intervene and restrain; I think this is why wars often break out."

Pershing couldn’t resist applauding; it was beautifully said, only Shire could think of this issue.

The guests followed in applause.

Yes, if countries are visualized as towns, they are a group of unmanaged units relying entirely on the "law of the jungle" of survival of the fittest.

The Minister of Military Supplies’s face turned livid; although still unaware of what Shire seeks to accomplish, it was certain he was not sided with England.

Albert I excitedly stood up: "Then, Admiral, what do you think we can do to solve this issue?"

"An organization," Shire lifted his index finger into the air:

"We need an organization, formed by representatives sent by participating nations."

"It’s like a parliament, where we can also establish a law, which is what we call international order."

"At the very least, we can legally determine which disputes are reasonable and which are not, creating possibilities to resolve these issues and making voices heard for bullied countries, rather than letting wars occur."

Applause sounded once again in the conference room.

Constantine I enthusiastically responded, "Yes, we need such an organization! Greece will be the first country to join!"