I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 922: Why Do We Fight?

With the instigation of the English and Americans, and the capitalists, doubts against Shire mounted, and the major newspapers launched an all-out assault on Shire:

"Shire should provide a reasonable explanation. Did he really conduct secret dealings with the English and Americans?"

"If such dealings did exist, what benefit does it provide for France?"

"We have the right to know the truth. Although Shire is a hero who saved France, that doesn't mean he can act with impunity!"

...

Some even linked this to "Shire's dictatorship":

"Ultimately, it's because Shire has too much power. If everything he did required parliamentary authorization, such issues wouldn't arise."

"Yes, Parliament is completely in the dark about this, as well as the International League that Shire formed, which made decisions bypassing the Parliament."

"This is the consequence of dictatorship, where overly centralized power leads a person to corruption, and this is just the beginning."

...

Their intention was clear; they hoped to use this incident to diminish Shire's power, even though Shire had already controlled the Parliament.

While the opposition was causing a stir hoping to "revitalize the regime," Gallieni had someone bring in a phonograph.

Gallieni said nothing, nodded to Major Fernan, who understood and walked over to the phonograph, carefully lifting the stylus onto the spinning record.

What played wasn't music, but a confession, the voice trembled but the articulation was clear:

"I am British MP Ahmed."

"I admit I accepted a bribe. We are the ones truly unwilling to end the war."

"The reason is simple: England owes the United States a huge loan. Only by continuing the war and completely defeating Germany can we possibly receive massive reparations."

...

The originally chaotic conference room gradually quieted down, and everyone turned their gaze towards the phonograph on the podium.

"I'm not the only one who accepted bribes; many MPs have been bought."

"The United States also doesn't want the war to end because they fear that England won't be able to repay the loan, which is the fundamental reason."

"We need to draw Shire into the war because only he can defeat the Germans!"

...

After the "zzz-tat-tat" electromagnetic noise, another voice sounded again:

"I am French MP Charles, my estate received funding from the Americans."

"What they wanted me to do was simple: oppose Shire and limit his power."

"I suppose that's because a powerful France is not what the Americans wish to see!"

...

The conference room was in an uproar, with every opposition MP changing color, as this meant they too might have been bought by the Americans, becoming traitors. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

To be precise, many of them had already been bought.

Gallieni gracefully stepped forward and lifted the stylus to stop the playback.

"Gentlemen, there are 13 statements here in total. There are MPs, businessmen, even spies, from England, France, and the United States."

"They are all under our protection, with ample evidence as support."

"Do you want to continue listening?"

Saying this, he swept his sharp gaze across the room.

The opposition MPs were like a cold wind had blown over them, each shrunk his neck and bowed his head, their previous arrogance vanished, each one dismal like a dog that lost its master.

After Gallieni spoke, War Minister Leo Tai walked onto the podium, shaking hands with Gallieni, as if it was a friendly handover.

Leo Tai raised the account ledger in his hand:

"Gentlemen, I had the pleasure of overseeing the construction of the 'Super Line'."

"You mentioned that the United States waived $200 million of Shire's loan; I can certify that this is true."

"And these are the proofs."

The opposition MPs were rekindled with hope, eagerly looking up at Leo Tai.

If Shire had also accepted a bribe, everything would be solved.

Unexpectedly, Leo Tai continued to say:

"Yes, Shire used this funding for the construction of the 'Super Line'."

"Not a penny less than 200 million US dollars, which had been accounted for two months ago."

"If you have any doubts, feel free to audit. Any more questions?"

The venue was silent, and after a while, applause broke out.

Arman, Wells, and Steed nodded secretly.

Shire had won another beautiful battle, not only dissolving the vast and well-evidenced public opinion offensive into thin air but also turning it into a demonstration of what "selflessness" means to the public.

Well done, truly worthy of Shire!

News quickly spread throughout society, and people exclaimed:

"It turns out the true unwillingness to stop the war lies with England and the United States, for their loans."

"They also found an excuse, saying that unless the Germans were completely defeated, it would give them another chance to start a war."

"So Shire was always right. This is a meaningless war."

...

The military was in an uproar, including the English and US troops, from officers to the grassroots, all felt they had been deceived:

"What are we doing? They kept telling us we were fighting for honor."

"Honor, to hell with honor! We are fighting for the rich's loans, for the capitalists' money!"

"So only Shire truly considers the soldiers; he is unwilling to continue this war for money!"

"Of course, he is a true Frenchman. I used to think his talk of 'fraternity' was just a slogan, but now I believe it!"

...

Paris Crillon Hotel.

The newly formed International Alliance rented two office suites and a conference room here as their office.

The first batch of 15 member countries gathered here to discuss how to jointly manage coal and steel resources.

For two months, the conference room had been packed with people and translators, busy exchanging opinions and formulating charters, progressing very smoothly.

But in recent days, it had come to a halt, as representatives from various countries heard about Shire's alleged backstage dealing with the English and Americans.

Clemenceau spent a long time trying to persuade the representatives from various countries to hold them back, exhausted both mentally and physically.

Despite this, Clemenceau still believed this newly established "International League" was doomed.

Countries had doubts about Shire, even though the King of Belgium and the King of Greece firmly stood by Shire's side, more countries began to hesitate, unwilling to hand over control of coal and steel management.

Just as Clemenceau was about to give up, a secretary ran up to him delivering a document.

Clemenceau listlessly took it, believing it was too late to turn back now, that there was no hope.

However, a quick glance at the document suddenly invigorated him, and he glanced at his secretary: "Is this true?"

The document in his hand trembled with excitement, his back straightened.

"Yes, Prime Minister," the secretary replied: "Absolutely true, Shire has responded to all the doubts!"

"Wonderful!" Clemenceau's face instantly broke into a smile; he stepped onto the podium with confidence and shouted: "Gentlemen, I have a few announcements to make!"