I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 909: Sea-Based Takeoff and Landing Platform

The Minister of Military Supplies seemed unwilling to face France's strength and position, so he began to talk feelings with Shire:

"England has sacrificed a lot for France, Vice Admiral, we have millions of soldiers fighting here; they have shed blood and given their lives to protect the territory and freedom of France..."

Shire interrupted the Minister: "Minister, we are not talking pleasantries appropriate for diplomatic occasions."

The Minister of Military Supplies reluctantly fell silent. Baker lightly shook his head at the Minister, indicating that this wouldn't work on Shire.

Between nations, it's only about interests. When someone tries to use personal feelings to influence national relations, that's a form of extortion!

Shire coldly replied:

"Conversely, I can also say that this war facing the Allies is happening in France."

"France has provided the battlefield for the Allies, countless citizens suffer because of the war, along with soldier casualties and economic and industrial devastation from enemy destruction."

"France has sacrificed so much for the Allies, is it not justified to demand more in return? Isn't England, whose homeland isn't ravaged by war, indebted to France?"

Without waiting for the Minister to respond, Shire continued:

"More importantly is France's contribution. Again and again, we defeated the Germans, saving the British Army from peril."

"If not for the French Army, the British Army would have long been encircled or driven into the sea by the German Army. Yet, Minister, do you still feel England has sacrificed more than France?"

"Yes, perhaps England has suffered great losses, but what outcomes have your losses achieved?"

"Tell me, aside from a heap of bodies needing burial and a large number of the wounded needing care, what have you given France?"

Shire's train of thought was clear: England's sacrifices were meaningless to France; the British Army was always a drag, even exploiting the situation to split France and attempting to control the French regime with supplies. Stop talking about 'sacrifice.'

The Minister had nothing to say; the British Army's poor performance was obvious to everyone.

They seemed more interested in competing for the victory fruits rather than helping Shire quickly rise.

However, the Minister's mindset wasn't affected; smoothly he shifted the topic: "The key is what you need, Vice Admiral? In terms of 'interests,' what will it take for you to continue fighting?"

Shire spread his hands:

"That's not my problem to consider, Minister."

"At least for now, the French Parliament sees no benefit in continuing the war."

"I'm also helpless; it's not me you need to convince but the Parliament, and also Clemenceau."

Shire passed the ball to England and the US.

If you want me to join the war, if you want French soldiers to sacrifice their lives, then provide a sufficiently large temptation.

As for how 'sufficiently large,' it depends on your sincerity.

The Minister and the Secretary of War exchanged looks, realizing Shire is not easy to deal with; politically and diplomatically, it's the same.

After considering a while, Baker hesitated to say: "We can reduce Bernard Group's loan; the specific amount requires research to determine."

Shire pointed a finger in the air at Baker: "An excellent idea, I'm a bit interested."

The US provided Bernard Group with a $2 billion low-interest loan, funding Shire's acquisition of assets and development of the 'Super Line.'

If a few hundred million could be waived, entering a war might be worthwhile.

Shire then turned his gaze to the Minister; what does England have in mind? 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The Minister furrowed his brow, contemplating.

It's not that he doesn't want to give; if spending funds can bring Shire back into the war, it's evidently worthwhile.

Currently, England is stuck in a vicious cycle:

Unable to defeat the Germans means no war reparations are available.

Without reparations, England faces a debt crisis.

In the future, repaying loan interest will be difficult, which might cause the regime to collapse.

It will then be more impossible to defeat Germany!

Only Shire can break this cycle and drag them out of the mire.

Damn Shire, why did he choose to ceasefire at this moment? Just one more step, the Germans can't hold out much longer!

The Minister's dilemma is that he can't give Shire what he wants.

Funds; England itself is deeply in debt, Shire is likely wealthier than England.

Supplies; Shire, making a killing from munitions, doesn't care; he can import directly from the US.

Equipment; Shire's developed items are sold globally...

At this point, the Minister seemed to have thought of something, raising his eyebrow, hesitatingly saying: "There is one thing you might be interested in, Vice Admiral."

Shire responded with a sound, ready to hear him out.

The Minister glanced at the Secretary of War, speaking with mystery:

"Recently, we have been developing a new piece of equipment, Vice Admiral."

"This is a platform for aircraft takeoff and landing, but it's on the sea."

"I mean, it's a ship."

Shire's mouth half opened; is this guy about to offer up the aircraft carrier?

But it seems not surprising.

At this time, England and the US were merely verifying the feasibility and exploring the aircraft carrier's potential; they had no idea how important this thing was or how much impact it would have on future battlefields.

So, in desperation, they offer this immature thing as an exchange.

Of course, Shire couldn't show he really wanted it.

Instead, he let out a dismissive laugh:

"A ship? As a platform for aircraft takeoff and landing?"

"I don't think it has much value, Minister, if our bombers could be converted into seaplanes."

"Like the Germans did, they can take off and land on the sea."

This was quite misleading; even up to WWII, Neon hadn't distinguished between seaplanes and aircraft carriers, leading to the development of seaplane fighters.

(Note: During WWII, Neon used the 'Type 2 Seaplane Fighter' extensively, producing a total of 327 units, which was an attempt to replace aircraft carriers with seaplanes.)

The Minister of Military Supplies was momentarily thrown off because what Shire said could indeed happen, and within the Royal Navy, there was debate over this:

"Why don't we directly enhance the combat capability of seaplanes, yet spend huge amounts to produce this clumsy takeoff platform?"

"This platform is itself a target; it will become the enemy's focus."

"Seaplanes are far more maneuverable and also cheaper; this is a completely implausible plan."

The Minister hurriedly explained: "No, no, this is a very valuable direction; it may change future aerial combat, and we are willing to provide its data and collaborate with France."

Shire secretly pleased; the Minister surely didn't know how much of a threat this thing would pose to the Royal Navy in the future.