I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 923: They Are a Bunch of Liars

The representatives in the meeting room paid no mind to Clemenceau's shouting.

No matter what flowery rhetoric was used, Shire's issue remained unresolved, and they were tired of listening. What was most important now was for Shire to speak a few words to clarify matters.

As a result, representatives, including those from Belgium and Greece, were engaging in their own conversations, creating a noisy and chaotic atmosphere in the meeting room.

However, after speaking just a few words, Clemenceau successfully quieted the room and drew everyone's attention.

"Gentlemen," Clemenceau said,

"Just now, Shire released a series of very compelling evidence."

"This evidence proves that it has always been England and America who do not wish to cease hostilities."

"Their true intent, hoping for Germany's unconditional surrender and hefty reparations to bridge their loans, has been exposed."

...

The representatives were stunned, and then thunderous applause erupted in the meeting room.

The remarks by Clemenceau seemed, on the surface, unrelated to "Shire engaging in behind-the-scenes dealings with England and America," but reality was entirely different.

The concerns of Holland, Greece, Belgium, and other small countries, including those in African colonies, were not about "Shire and the behind-the-scenes dealings with England and America."

They joined Shire's leadership in the "International Alliance" hoping to rally around France, the "future great power," and oppose Anglo-American hegemony.

England's unwarranted interference with neutral Greece, its unjust blockade against Sweden, and its "forced protectorate" policy in Egypt.

They hoped that under Shire's leadership, they could uphold justice, ensuring England respects other nations' sovereignty and doesn't act as it pleases internationally.

But if Shire has been engaging in underhand dealings with England and America, the "International Alliance" loses its foundation, and it is unlikely that Shire would align with international justice.

In that case, handing over coal and iron management rights to the "International Alliance" would be as good as handing a knife to the "powers," leaving them at their mercy.

Thus, other than Albert I, who has absolute trust in Shire, and Constantine I, who has no other choice but to rely on Shire, countries like Romania considered backing out.

Now.

Shire seized on the critical points of England and America and exposed them, instantly reversing the situation.

This proved that Shire was still standing with them.

The so-called "behind-the-scenes dealings with England and America," even if true, were merely a ploy by Shire to deceive England and America.

This suggests that Shire is on the opposite side of the Anglo-Americans, unafraid of power and uninfluenced by interest, proving his ability to "arm-wrestle" with England and America.

As a result, the "International Alliance" not only remained firm but grew stronger.

The Belgian representatives applauded and cheered loudly, with pride on their faces, as Belgium had never doubted Shire, and Shire did not disappoint them. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

The Greek representatives were tearfully overjoyed; their emotions over the past few days had been a rollercoaster, plunging from hope to despair, and now suddenly seeing light and a turnaround.

"Everything will be all right," they thought.

The Romanian representatives exchanged glances, realizing that the Queen was indeed wiser than the King in this affair, as the Queen's choice had been right, although the King strongly disagreed.

Seeing this, it seemed that national affairs might rightly rely more heavily on the Queen in the future.

...

"Gentlemen," Clemenceau said with ease, "can we continue our negotiations now?"

The representatives reacted one after another:

"Of course, Prime Minister."

"I will immediately report to the King for authorization."

"I believe there won't be any obstacles now."

(Note: Unified management of coal and steel in Europe was formed in 1951, the full name of the organization is the "European Coal and Steel Community," abbreviated as the "European Community," the predecessor of the EU.)

...

The news reached the White House in America on the very day he was officially reelected and transitioning power to himself.

(Note: The original power transition date for the U.S. President was March 4 each year; it was moved to January 20 by the 20th Amendment in 1933 due to the long gap (4 months) between election and inauguration.)

As it was a reelection, it was merely a formality, but President Wilson still celebrated with his aide by opening a bottle of champagne in the office.

In the midst of laughter, Public Intelligence Committee member Kriel walked in and handed a telegram to the somewhat inebriated Wilson, his voice low: "I think you should have a look at this, Mr. President."

Wilson glanced at the telegram, and the smile on his face instantly disappeared, replaced by awkwardness and shame, soon morphing into anger.

"This is not the truth," Wilson cursed, "They are a bunch of liars, weaving an intricate lie. America fights for honor, for national interests, not for any loans!"

The previously relaxed and jovial office fell silent suddenly, and the secretaries and aides looked at Wilson with uncertainty, unsure of what had transpired.

Kriel waved his hand: "It's time to work, gentlemen."

They scattered, relieved, each returning to their posts. Within seconds, only Wilson and Kriel remained, even the servant tidying up the glasses had been ushered out.

Wilson sat back in his chair, releasing the heavy façade. The righteousness and anger on his face vanished, leaving only perplexity and helplessness.

Wilson had thought he could catch Shire by surprise this time, but the tables turned with Shire turning the situation to his advantage.

$200 million.

Not only did they gain no advantage but found themselves deep in a scandal of "America unwilling to stop the war because of loans."

What was going on with Shire?

Could this fellow truly have no flaws?

"Mr. President," Kriel analyzed:

"As far as I know, the evidence Gali holds only involves British and French members of parliament."

"Our bribers are all businessmen and capitalists."

"As long as we firmly claim these actions were solely capitalists' initiatives, we won't be affected."

Wilson murmured affirmatively.

This wasn't luck; it was premeditated. Those sent to bribe had capitalist backgrounds, and now the blame could be entirely shifted onto them.

The United States Government, of course, is innocent.

The sole reason America was unwilling to cease hostilities was never because of any loans; it had always been the concern that Germany, if given time to recuperate, might stage a comeback, which had never changed!

So the focus is not on that.

"Shire didn't keep his promise," Wilson squinted his eyes, "The liar, he took our $200 million in loan waivers without joining the offensive as he claimed."

Kriel quickly grasped President Wilson's intention.

This point could be used to hold Shire accountable, or at least, recover that $200 million!