I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 906: When Seeking Help, Show the Proper Attitude
As the meeting just concluded, a group of kings and ministers surrounded Shire to express their desire to join the organization.
Everyone knew this coal and iron organization seemed inconspicuous, but in reality, it was a strong backing, a very powerful backing.
Its military power was immensely strong, capable of effortlessly defending against Germany and driving it out of the country. The combat power of the British Army was insignificant before it, and even the US Army was its student.
Even the so-called world’s best Royal Navy became a target in front of its "torpedo planes."
What reason is there not to join?
All that needs to be paid is a part of the trade rights and control over coal and iron, and what can be gained is national security.
Greece and Belgium were the first to rush ahead.
Constantine I followed closely behind Shire, excitedly babbling, "I, no, Greece is willing to join this organization, Vice Admiral, can we submit the application now?"
"Of course." Shire nodded:
"The application form can be submitted to Prime Minister Clemenceau."
"We may still need to discuss some issues."
"For example, the mission of this organization, the obligations and duties of each country, the powers that each country needs to grant, as well as the laws and the location of the offices."
In this regard, Clemenceau is an expert, and Shire believes he can handle it.
Constantine I immediately responded, "The location should be Paris, I believe Paris is the most suitable."
Then he turned his head to ask those around him, "What do you all think?"
Everyone echoed:
"Yes, of course."
"I agree."
"It should be in Paris, where this organization originated, marking a great beginning."
...
Albert I stepped forward and asked, "Can Belgium join, Vice Admiral?"
Shire laughed, "Of course, Your Majesty, I remember I own many shares of coal mines and iron mines in Belgium, even if Belgium doesn’t want to join, I might have to bring him in!"
The crowd burst into laughter.
Albert I’s face unconsciously flushed with pride, becoming more convinced that his prior decision was correct: binding Shire with quality assets, while Shire ensures Belgium’s safety, he also returns significant political and economic rewards.
It seemed like a worthwhile deal no matter how you look at it.
Others had a somewhat envious look on their faces, with a hint of jealousy in their glances at Albert I.
They thought, "What a lucky guy, Albert I placed his bet correctly, having Shire is enough for him to enjoy a lifetime, even the next generation."
Next came Holland, Romania, and Italy.
They were either in need of Shire’s support in the war, or they were under enormous war pressure, desperate to "pick the right side" to avoid being affected.
"Italy hopes to join this organization, Vice Admiral." Cadorna was somewhat worried, "Do we meet the criteria to join?"
As Cadorna said this, Queen Mary and Ferdinand I on the other side also looked at Shire with some tension.
Romania and Italy had the same concerns, although they were members of the Allies, they participated in the war for their own interests, essentially as "speculators" in the war.
Romania was for "Transylvania."
Italy aimed for territories such as Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, and moreover, they demanded German colonies and the Adriatic Sea, all while actively engaging in war.
This obviously didn’t fit the peace principles advocated by Shire in forming this organization.
"Of course, Chief of General Staff." Shire paused, saying to Cadorna, "But I must emphasize that this organization will not recognize treaties you’ve signed with other countries, or even with France."
Again, this was a check on Britain, with Shire telling everyone not to pass the treaties that you signed with Britain to France or hope the organization would support these treaties.
"Certainly." Cadorna secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
At that moment, his only hope was to secure Italy, no longer daring to dream of those territories promised by the British.
Queen Mary and Ferdinand I exchanged glances, the tense expressions on their faces relaxed significantly.
If Italy could join, Romania would not have a problem.
Queen Wilhelmina pushed forward a bit in the crowd, "Vice Admiral, how soon do you think this organization can take shape?"
She hoped for as soon as possible, under the pressure of England, France, and Germany, Holland was on the verge of collapse.
More importantly, the closer the war ended, the greater the danger for Holland. She worried Germany might attack Holland out of desperation.
"I’m not sure, Your Majesty." Shire answered, "It depends on the efficiency of the French Government and..."
Shire glanced at both sides, "the degree of cooperation from all of us."
Everyone responded one after another:
"We will cooperate fully, Vice Admiral."
"This is a great plan, it’s very meaningful."
"We will form a delegation, and in two days it can be in Paris to assist your country in dealing with related matters!"
...
At this time, an aide came forward to report to Shire, "Vice Admiral, the British Minister of Military Supplies and the US Secretary of War wish to speak with you, they are waiting in the reception room."
Shire chuckled gently, the arrogant Minister of Military Supplies, even at this point, was still posing as the world’s foremost power.
Shire decided to give the Minister of Military Supplies a warning, spreading his hands, "We are all here, why doesn’t he join us?"
A round of knowing chuckles erupted around.
Shire’s move wasn’t impulsive, he was using his actions to show everyone that he wouldn’t engage in secret dealings with Britain or the United States. The organization would ensure fairness and justice under the guidance of France, reassuring everyone to join.
On the other hand, Shire knew very clearly that conflicts between France and Anglo-America were inevitable; their interests differed, and no amount of reconciliation would help.
Moreover, it was Britain that was about to be isolated, and it was the Minister of Military Supplies who needed to meet Shire. Shire believed that when one asks a favor, they should exhibit the demeanor of someone seeking help, for it is a matter of courtesy.
Albert I jested, "Looks like someone doesn’t quite want this peace organization to be established!"
"Of course." Constantine I added, "because they are precisely the unstable element."
Constantine I was actively highlighting the "unreasonable" actions of Britain in Greece so that when the peace organization was established, it would immediately assist Greece in resolving the troubling issues. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
The Queen of the Netherlands, Wilhelmina, who had been in power for many years, posed a sharp question, "Vice Admiral, if Britain proposed to join this organization, would you agree?"
Instantly, the focus concentrated on Shire once again.
Britain was the main source of disorder; would letting it join destroy the fairness of the organization?
Shire didn’t shy away, "Gentlemen, precisely because of this, we should let Britain join. What do you all think?"
Everyone suddenly understood.
Yes, only by Britain joining this peace organization would it be able to hear the demands of various countries and understand what the consequences of going its own way would be.
