I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 931: Leading This World

"One of the weaknesses of the International League is that it is still very young."

"In principle, it is an economic organization: countries surrender part of their coal and steel management rights and, using this as a constraint, form a consensus within the circle."

"It has almost no influence on countries outside the circle, such as Germany, which is in a state of war."

"Implement an embargo on coal, steel, or even supplies?"

"Germany is already in a state of embargo."

"Punish Germany?"

"Germany has not joined the International League and has not surrendered coal and steel management rights, so there can be no talk of punishment."

"Thus, Germany can completely disregard the International League."

"But for Shire, it’s different."

"The International League was organized under the leadership of France. If two important member countries are immediately attacked by Germany and nothing can be done, allowing Germany to destroy these two member states will deal a fatal blow to the International League."

"Therefore, Shire must use France’s military strength to back the International League."

"He must stand up for world peace, for the welfare of humanity, for the building of a world without war."

"This is not just France’s business, nor is it only Romania or Italy’s business, but a new international order, a new order crafted and defined by Shire."

"As long as Shire successfully ensures the safety of member states and consolidates this new order, over time, France will assume the right to speak and become the ’world police’ tacitly approved by other countries."

...

"In the Paris Crillon Hotel, the International League’s meeting room was packed."

"The British representative was among them; it was General Winter. He occasionally glanced at Shire sitting in the front row, then around, pondering what empowered a 19-year-old boy to organize this world organization."

"Although this organization is currently not very large and seems to have little practical effect, it nominally stands above Britain."

"In other words, when the International League was established, Britain, the world’s most powerful nation, faces at least a challenge to its legitimacy."

"People’s standards will naturally shift from ’whether it aligns with British interests’ to ’whether it aligns with the International League’s charter’."

"Conversations quieted down."

"Clemenceau, successfully elected as chairman of the International League, strode onto the podium in a black formal suit, stood tall, and began his emotional speech:"

"Ladies and gentlemen."

"The International League Charter we have just signed is a solid structure upon which we can build a beautiful world."

"A world where sovereignty is equal, the use of force is prohibited, and people work together to maintain peace."

"We pledge to replace force with dialogue and to stop aggression with justice."

"We declare that nations, regardless of size, have equal sovereignty; humanity, regardless of race, has priceless dignity."

"We bear the responsibility to promote world development, defend human rights, and protect the world."

"The death and suffering of war tell us: isolation and compromise cannot bring peace, only unity and determination can conquer darkness!"

...

"The meeting room erupted in applause, some half-hearted, others full of hope."

"Before the applause died down, Clemenceau announced the topic of today’s agenda: ’It’s regrettable that due to the unrest in Russia, what was once a peace-inclined Germany has once again shown a strong inclination towards aggression.’"

"Saying this, Clemenceau turned his gaze toward the Italian and Romanian representatives in the audience."

"Yes." The Romanian representative was the first to stand up: "Germany has added at least 100,000 troops to the combat zone, along with a large number of artillery. We believe they will soon launch an attack on Romania."

"The Italian direction is the same." The Italian representative stood up: "The German and Austrian armies have increased by about 200,000 at the Piave River. We estimate they are equipped with ’belt pontoons,’ and once ready, they will launch an attack!"

"The Greek representative raised his fist and shouted: ’We must stop this barbaric behavior; Germany’s actions have violated their sovereignty; we cannot let them continue.’

"The Greek representative’s words were directed at the British representative, as Britain showed no intention of withdrawing its troops stationed in Greece."

"Other countries rallied in agreement; as small nations, they needed to unite against Britain. Otherwise, the next violation of sovereignty could be theirs."

"General Winter smiled wordlessly. What can the International League do to Britain? It has fewer member countries than Britain’s colonies."

"Let alone Britain, Shire couldn’t even solve the current crisis."

"Italy was okay; it bordered France, and France could send reinforcements."

"However, Romania was almost surrounded by Germany and Austria; Shire couldn’t even send reinforcements if he wanted to."

"Suddenly, the applause grew intense, accompanied by cheers from the representatives, as if a spoonful of oil had been added to burning flames, creating an extraordinarily high atmosphere."

"General Winter looked intently, only to see Shire rise calmly, waving to the representatives as he made his way to the podium."

"This guy, General Winter thought to himself. He still remembered the first time he met Shire in Antwerp two years ago; he seemed like a completely different person."

"Shire, once naïve, kind, and innocent, now appeared mature, decisive, with a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes."

"Mr. Chairman." Shire first acknowledged Clemenceau sitting beside him, at least putting on a show on the surface."

"Then he turned his gaze to the venue: "Hello, representatives of the assembly!"

"The representatives responded with enthusiastic applause, even though Shire hadn’t said anything yet."

"Shire took off his military hat, holding it in his hand to show respect for the attendees:"

"Originally, I thought the war might end, but now it seems my judgment was wrong."

"I suspect the Russians are doing it on purpose; it’s actually them who don’t want the war to end."

"That’s why they initiated a revolution at this critical moment!"

"The representatives laughed, and many glanced at General Winter."

"General Winter also found it funny, but he quickly realized something was wrong. Shire was openly teasing Russia while actually talking about the unwillingness of Britain and America to cease fire."

"Realizing this, his smile gradually froze on his face."

"Shire continued:"

"But I also believe my judgment is correct; the war is indeed going to end."

"Because whether this world is peaceful or not depends on you, on all the representatives here."

"If you uphold your beliefs, if you work together, if you unite to put the charter into practice, I firmly believe we will achieve the great dream of centuries: the eradication of war!"

"Finally, Shire used a sentence to conclude his speech: "Gentlemen, you must build a world based on justice and fairness, not military force and selfish interests!"

"The representatives applauded one after another, with many unconsciously standing up, tears of excitement welling up in their eyes."

"This is a great moment, they thought, finally, someone is stepping up to lead this chaotic world!"