I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 927: We Are Willing to Negotiate with Shire
England hesitated for a few days on this matter.
Withdrawing from its colonial hold over Malta is no small matter, the Minister of Military Supplies cannot decide on it alone; it requires parliamentary approval.
This was originally a "humiliation" for England, being the world’s foremost power, it was unlikely from a standpoint of interests or prestige to approve the withdrawal, and the Minister of Military Supplies didn’t even have the courage to bring it up in parliament.
Yet the result was beyond the Minister’s expectations; the parliamentarians expressed their views under a suppressed atmosphere:
"If it were anyone else or any other country, we might oppose it. But this is Shire, it’s France. Look at the map, once we engage in conflict with France, they are fully capable of blockading the Gibraltar Strait; our fleet won’t be able to reach Malta."
"Yes, that is France; we cannot handle both the Germans and France simultaneously."
"Think about it, if France truly ceases fighting and shakes hands with the Germans, it means the Germans can focus solely on the Atlantic Ocean, dealing with us."
...
It’s recognizing reality and considering issues from the standpoint of strength and position.
England faced a strong and rising France, whose army led in the sea, land, and air, and dominated the Western Front; what reason do they have not to concede?
What cannot be won on the battlefield, don’t expect to gain at the negotiation table; British parliamentarians understand this after navigating the political arena for so long.
More importantly, they need to bring France back into the embrace of the Allies!
Thus, two days later, General Winter received authorization from the British parliament while waiting in Metz.
...
The United States did not face much pressure.
Wilson’s first reaction upon seeing the 500 million US dollars was shock at the sheer figure.
"Shire must be mad, right?" His laughter was filled with sarcasm: "Demanding the U.S. pays 500 million dollars to join a fight; he must really be short on money!"
But Kriel did not laugh.
"We have no choice, Mr. President." Kriel’s voice was serious: "Unless the American Army can defeat the Germans, we must accept this."
Wilson was taken aback and then realized the severity of the issue.
Non-payment of these 500 million dollars would result in the US Army suffering enormous casualties, consuming much time and resources without making any progress; the final impact is likely far greater than this 500 million dollars, much greater.
Thus, spending money is the simplest, most direct, and fastest solution.
Wilson was somewhat dejected; he realized that grasping the lifeblood of war is the scarcest resource, which can always be converted into wealth and political and economic discourse and control.
Kriel added: "Moreover, it doesn’t cost us anything; now we pay 500 million, after defeating the Germans, we only need to add 500 million to the Germans’ reparations."
Wilson agreed, it can indeed be shifted to the Germans.
Additionally, Wilson wanted to know how Shire would explain to the people of France:
Shire told everyone "ceasefire is in France’s interest," yet now he is about to join the fight and with French Army alone is about to defeat Germany.
How does he explain this to the public?
Meanwhile, Shire shouldn’t have exposed his military plans so early.
A hint of a proud smile appeared on Wilson’s face; he would love to see Shire defeated or the French Army suffering heavy casualties, preferably with both the French and German armies being utterly damaged.
By then, Shire’s image would collapse spectacularly.
...
In the Berlin Sanssouci Palace conference room, a fire blazed, warming the large space like spring.
Hindenburg rarely sat peacefully on the sofa before William II, discussing the situation.
What kept them from the previous confrontations and veiled threats was Shire’s "ceasefire" proposal.
"You know?" William II shook his glass of red wine, speaking ironically:
"Shire’s popularity is even higher than mine as a king, I mean, in Germany."
"A few days ago I went to Wilhelm Port for inspection, and the soldiers weren’t asking about how to fight the next battle, but when we will negotiate with Shire."
"I was furious about this; this isn’t the mentality that imperial soldiers should have, but I ultimately refrained from losing my temper because I think this is not a bad thing for us."
Hindenburg nodded in approval:
"You are right, Your Majesty."
"It’s not a bad thing; it’s a good thing, a very good thing."
"Think about it, if France exits the war, leaving only England, the U.S., Russia, and other negligible countries."
William II "Hmm"-ed in agreement and responded: "Then we won’t have anything to worry about!"
However, he furrowed his brow again: "But I heard that England and the U.S. have been persuading Shire to return to the battlefield, is that true?"
"Yes," Hindenburg replied: "England and the U.S., driven by their self-interests, want to completely defeat Germany; only then can they hope to obtain huge reparations from us, hence not choosing to ceasefire negotiations like Shire."
"Those bastards, disgraceful speculators." William II gritted his teeth in anger.
If it weren’t for England and the U.S., Germany’s wartime pressures might have been resolved long ago, and peace discussions would have been underway.
Hindenburg rose and picked up the bottle, refilled William II’s drink:
"German citizens are aware of this, Your Majesty."
"I mean, England and the U.S. refuse to ceasefire for money, while Shire does not."
"German citizens thus admire Shire, not only because he’s a formidable opponent on the battlefield but also because he genuinely considers humanity and life."
Hindenburg did not truly believe this; he knew Shire deliberately molded himself and France into that image.
But that wasn’t important.
The important thing was that the Germans believed it.
This war brought too much death, hunger, and suffering to people, and Shire was the only one who could end it all, he was their hope.
Even if Shire was fundamentally their enemy.
Some soldiers even said: "If we have to surrender, let’s surrender to the French Army; we can fight for Shire, follow him to end this war; this is the most correct goal!"
William II hesitated for a while, then asked: "What are your thoughts, Mr. Chief of Staff, what do you think we should do?"
Hindenburg gazed into William II’s eyes: 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦
"I believe negotiating with Shire is advisable, Your Majesty."
"Politicians, armies, and all German citizens, they can accept this."
"Not just accept; I think if you make this decision, it will garner the people’s support, including mine and Ludendorff’s."
William II slowly nodded: "Yes, it’s not something shameful, because our intentions are the same as Shire’s, for world peace, to end a meaningless war; it’s a dignified approach!"
Hindenburg cautioned: "Moreover, we should act before England and the U.S. persuade Shire; otherwise, it will all be too late."
"Of course." William II became tense upon Hindenburg’s reminder: "Tomorrow...I mean, I’ll immediately have the Berlin Daily issue a special edition, declaring to the world our willingness to negotiate with Shire!"
