I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 928: February Revolution

Unknowingly, the world’s attention was focused on Shire and France.

Britain issued a statement in London:

"France’s approach embodies the essence of human civilization, placing the international community on a structured path, which is a very good start."

"We have reason to believe that the ’International Alliance’ led by France will keep international disputes under control."

"Therefore, we respect France’s decision and recognize the sovereignty and independence of Malta."

"Meanwhile, Britain has decided to apply to join the ’International Alliance’, and we will work with France to maintain international order!"

...

The White House in the United States issued a statement in the New York Times:

"As we all know, France has assumed responsibilities in the war beyond those of any other major nation."

"Their casualties might not exceed those of other countries, but their victories have far exceeded others."

"Therefore, we believe it is reasonable for France to seek peace after reclaiming its territory. We cannot always let France charge ahead and then share the fruits of victory with us."

"Hence, the United States will provide France with 500 million US dollars unconditionally; it will be used as a war fund for the French Army to re-engage in combat!"

...

Both Britain and America are doing their utmost to woo Shire, hoping that Shire will rejoin the battle.

This is what Shire wanted.

Only by ceasing hostilities can they bargain with Britain and America and gain benefits from them. Otherwise, they would naturally take advantage of France as a tool.

Germany was not far behind, with William II personally accepting an interview from the Berlin Daily:

"Germany has never been a belligerent nation; we are all clear on the origins of this war, which was purely accidental."

"No one anticipated the current state of the war, nor does anyone wish to see this disaster continue."

"So yes, Shire is right; this war should not continue, and ceasefire negotiations are the best choice, and we support Shire’s initiative."

"Of course, this does not mean Germany is surrendering."

"To those countries harboring robber-like thoughts, hoping to prolong the war to obtain hefty reparations, I would say, bring it on!"

...

Between the lines, there was a lot of praise for Shire, while also trying to drive a wedge between Shire and Britain and America.

Undoubtedly, the final winner was Shire.

The highest realm of politics is "neutrality"; only then can one benefit from both sides as both adversary and ally would strive to win you over.

If completely siding with and getting involved in one interest group, one could potentially become a pawn in others’ hands and pay a hefty price.

Originally, France was powerless in this whirlpool, drifting along until Shire gained control and successfully brought it out to become the grand chess player.

Then everyone, including the small countries that just joined the "International Alliance", realized that France’s importance and influence were rising layer by layer, and France’s stance could even decide the direction of the entire war and the fate of the participating countries.

Tijani couldn’t comprehend anymore.

In the Metz command center, Tijani placed a pile of documents heavily in front of Shire, then laid them out in stacks on the desk:

"Perhaps you should look at these, Vice Admiral; they are proposals from various national leaders and domestic legislators."

"These are asking you to join the battle to completely defeat the Germans."

"These suggest maintaining the status quo, and the remainder propose that we should negotiate with the Germans."

Shire paused his writing and looked up at Tijani: "And then, what do you want to say?"

"It’s not what I want to say." Tijani patted the mountain of documents before him: "Shouldn’t you be saying something?"

Shire remained silent, only staring at Tijani.

"Please, Vice Admiral." Tijani protested: "You accepted the 500 million dollars from America and split it into two parts for the ’super defense line’ and ’aircraft carrier modification’ plans."

"Yes." Shire didn’t deny it.

"You also accepted Britain’s ’gift’." Tijani added: "Malta is cheering for independence, the British Army is withdrawing to Egypt, while Malta is inviting the French Army hoping they can build a military base there."

"Yes." Shire nodded.

Malta lacks a sense of security, fearing the British Army might return.

The only country they can trust is Shire, embodying the spirit of France.

The prevailing view among Maltese citizens now is: "Malta is just a small country; France is unlikely to lose face to the international community by colonizing Malta, which would cause the ’International Alliance’ to collapse immediately!"

Very good, Shire thought, the "International Alliance" has already become France’s credibility guarantee.

However, this was also a means of Malta’s new Prime Minister Joseph:

Introducing French forces to counterbalance the deeply infiltrated British capital in Malta.

Smart people would and should do this, standing between Britain and France without offending either, allowing Britain and France to openly and secretly struggle in this region.

In the current stage, France will definitely benefit, and Joseph will fully support France, enabling it to quickly grow into a force that can compete with British capital.

What Joseph didn’t know is that once French forces enter, they can quickly swallow British capital.

So, there will be no situation where "the sandpiper and clam war together and the fisherman benefits."

"You still haven’t figured out what the problem is?" Tijani looked at Shire, full of helplessness:

"You put forth conditions, and Britain and America accepted your conditions; this means you have to stand on Britain and America’s side in the war."

"But you told everyone ’ceasefire’; people hope you will negotiate with Germany, thinking the war is about to end."

"Isn’t this contradictory? How do you explain to the ’International Alliance’, persuade the citizens and the army? How to send the army onto the battlefield?"

Shire chuckled lightly: "Just for this matter?"

"You think this is a small matter?" Tijani looked at Shire incredulously.

Does he know how important credibility is now?

It is the foundation of the ’International League’, and the ’International League’ has just been established and cannot withstand any blows!

Shire lowered his head and continued signing his documents, answering casually: "Indeed it is not a small matter, but neither is it a difficult one."

"Not a difficult one?" Tijani couldn’t believe what he heard.

To persuade the public, one must refuse Britain and America; accepting the conditions of Britain and America will inevitably lose public trust.

This is unsolvable, but Shire thinks it’s not difficult!

"What if the Germans are unwilling to negotiate?" Shire signed quickly and asked back: "If they counterattack, would these still be issues?"

"Impossible!" Tijani replied: "They are eager to negotiate with you, the sooner the better!"

At this time, a staff officer guarding the radio rushed up to report: "General, internal strife has broken out in Russia, and their army is collapsing!"

(Note: The Russian February Revolution began on March 8; it is called the ’February Revolution’ because it was the second month in the Russian calendar.)