I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 932: Issuing a Warning to Germany

Shire continued, "Someone told me that this time France could stay out of it, because the Germans’ target is not France."

The conference hall instantly fell silent, and everyone looked tensely at Shire, especially the Romanian and Italian representatives.

Shire genuinely felt the power.

At this moment, his words, a thought or an idea, could determine the life or death of a nation.

"From France’s perspective, that is indeed the case," Shire said. "A ceasefire is more in France’s interest, or we could send tanks and artillery to Italy, and send fighter jets and bombers to Romania."

Shire’s gaze found the Italian and Romanian representatives in the crowd. "I imagine you would be very willing to pay for this, wouldn’t you?"

The Italians and Romanians nodded eagerly.

Shire spread his hands, "And then I can make a fortune, no one would mind having more money!"

The representatives laughed.

"But I cannot do that." Shire’s tone turned sincere:

"Because this is not the spirit of France, this is not the ’International League’, nor is it ’world peace’.

"France has an obligation to ensure the safety of every member state of the ’International League’, regardless of whether the country is big or small, strong or weak."

"France is like this, as are all the countries present, which is why we are gathered here today."

"And I am well aware that peace is not a gift from nature, but a mission that must be jointly defended. To achieve lasting peace, war must be eradicated in its infancy!"

The conference hall remained silent for a long time, Shire’s voice seemed to echo in the hall, swirling among the crowd, even General Winter was moved.

A few minutes later, applause finally sounded in the conference hall.

It started sparsely but soon filled the hall.

...

With this call as a prelude, the ’International League’s’ ensuing work became much easier.

Represented by Shire, France decided to stand up and protect the sovereignty of Italy and Romania.

This made the representatives of the two countries grateful, the Queen of Romania sent a letter of thanks to Shire immediately, full of ambiguous and teasing words.

However, there were still those who poured cold water on it.

General Winter asked, "I would like to know how you can do it, Vice Admiral?"

When everyone shifted their gaze to General Winter, he elaborated on his question:

"I mean, how can you reinforce Romania?"

"Is it just as you just said, to reinforce with fighter jets and bombers?"

The sea and land routes to Romania are blocked, only planes can be reinforced.

But as everyone knows, planes can hardly make a difference in the Carpathian Mountains and Alps Mountain battlefields in Romania.

Shire calmly replied, "No, Major General, we do not need to reinforce Romania, nor do we need to reinforce Italy."

General Winter let out an "aha", scanning the surroundings with a triumphant look, "So our Vice Admiral plans to do nothing, offering you only verbal and spiritual encouragement! Wonderful!"

General Winter was trying to undermine the member countries’ trust in Shire, which was one of England’s purposes in joining the ’International League’.

A united ’International League’ was unfavorable for England, as it would limit England’s ’power’ on the international stage.

However, the representatives were unmoved.

The Belgian representative spoke word by word to General Winter:

"Everything you are doing is in vain, General. Shire has never broken his promises, we trust him."

"Just like the victory Shire achieved in Belgium, he is bound to succeed in other countries as well."

"This is unlike you, completely unlike you!"

The last sentence was a sarcasm.

The Belgians held a grudge, remembering well the cold reception Albert I received during his exile in England.

This stood in stark contrast to Shire’s assistance to Belgium.

Other representatives expressed:

"Yes, Shire has proven it with his actions."

"There is nothing Shire cannot achieve."

"What we need is his promise!"

...

"Alright!" General Winter waved his hand, once again focusing attention on Shire: "Your Excellency Vice Admiral, can you tell us how you can make Germany abandon its attack and ensure the safety of the two countries without reinforcing Romania and Italy?"

"It’s very simple." Shire smiled gently, "Defeat the Germans, break through the Hindenburg Line!"

General Winter was taken aback, while the other representatives nodded in agreement.

If France could launch an attack, the Germans would not be able to spare attention to other directions.

General Winter laughed:

"Break through the Hindenburg Line?"

"I think I must remind you, it has been over two months since the Anglo-American Allies attacked the Hindenburg Line."

"During these two months, the Germans not only strengthened the Hindenburg Line but also widened the minefields in front of the line."

A staff officer next to General Winter added, "Not only that, but the Germans are redeploying their troops to the Western Front."

"Yes." General Winter nodded:

"It is estimated that 200,000 troops have been redeployed, and the number is still increasing."

"It is obvious the Germans are not only preparing to attack Romania and Italy but also guarding against your attack, Vice Admiral."

Shire gave a slight "hmm", "They must have scared you!"

The conference room erupted into laughter, and General Winter’s face was flushed with embarrassment.

"You will regret your arrogance," General Winter insisted on his viewpoint, "That is a defense line specifically targeting armored units, not just one, there is also the Saarbrücken Line, it is a trap."

"No need to worry, Major General." Shire was full of confidence:

"They may be difficult for you, perhaps an insurmountable chasm."

"But for the French forces..."

Shire spread his hands, seemingly not taking the Hindenburg Line seriously at all: "We are a peace-loving force, reluctant to wage war unless absolutely necessary, and certainly won’t wage war for loans."

The laughter grew louder, with a hint of sarcastic tone.

General Winter’s face turned red and white, he stared at Shire for a moment, "Very well, Vice Admiral, I hope you can do what you say. This is also what we hope to see!"

He almost forgot that Shire initiating a war would be in favor of England’s interests.

I was blinded by anger, General Winter thought.

What happened?

Not long ago, England, using aircraft carrier experimental data and Malta, requested Shire to attack, hoping he would win, and now they wish for him to lose this war, the more miserably the better!

Shire ignored General Winter and turned his gaze towards the representatives:

"Now, gentlemen. We must issue a warning to Germany in the name of the ’International League’."

"If they dare to infringe upon the sovereignty of ’International League’ member countries, we will launch an attack on them."

"As a member of the ’International League’, France will advance and retreat with everyone, and will no longer consider negotiating a ceasefire with Germany!"