I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 933: This Battle Cannot Be Avoided

Shire issued a stern warning to Germany in the name of the "International League," delivered by the Dutch ambassador:

"Honorable Majesty, we know that the German Army is preparing to attack Romania and Italy." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"They are member states protected by the ’International League.’"

"The ’International League’ demands that the German Army immediately cease all armed actions and withdraw beyond the borders of the two nations."

"If this guarantee is not obtained, the ’International League’ will take all measures to safeguard the interests of Romania and Italy, including attacking Germany itself!"

...

William II was strolling through a vineyard in the early morning sunlight.

The grape leaves had just sprouted a little, and the brown vines were like the muscles and bones of old men, twisting around the iron frames, their bark cracked yet teeming with life, branches silently pointing to the sky, seemingly protesting and struggling in weakness.

As William II was moved by the scene, his Chief of Staff strode up to him: "Majesty, we received a telegram from the ’International League.’"

(Note: The Chief of Staff is William II’s closest military advisor, akin to a private secretary, providing William II with military advice.)

William II took the telegram and read it twice, looking bewildered.

He knew nothing of the "International League." When did this organization come about?

Then William II realized that this was the result of Hindenburg’s takeover of power: intelligence was sent to Hindenburg’s General Staff, while diplomatic matters were still handled by himself.

That’s why this mismatch occurred.

William II smiled helplessly and raised the telegram to the Chief of Staff: "What is the ’International League’?"

The Chief of Staff replied bowing: "I’m not quite sure, Majesty. I heard it’s a new organization established by France in Paris."

"A French organization?" William II frowned.

Why didn’t France just send a telegram directly, but went to the trouble of issuing a warning in the name of the ’International League’?

At this moment, Hindenburg rushed up the steps, looking somewhat flustered: "Majesty, did you receive a telegram?"

William II found it strange that a telegram from the "International League" had disturbed Hindenburg so much.

He handed up the telegram: "Are you talking about this?"

Hindenburg glanced at the telegram, nodding cautiously: "Yes, Majesty."

William II did not ask further. If Hindenburg wanted him to know, he would say it naturally.

Sure enough, the next moment Hindenburg explained: "This ’International League’ is an international organization established by Shire, with a total of 17 member countries so far, including France, England, Romania, Italy, Belgium, Holland, and others."

France and England are two major nations.

Romania, Italy, and Belgium are at war with Germany, with two of them being the core focus of this warning.

Holland is currently the most important neutral country to Germany.

William II responded with an "Oh," roughly guessing what was going on.

"Is it tricky?" William II asked.

Somehow, he felt a slight sense of pleasure.

"Yes, Majesty," Hindenburg replied with a troubled look.

Even Holland, which had maintained neutrality, might deploy troops in the name of the "International League."

...

Hindenburg privately arranged for Ludendorff to reach out to Queen Wilhelmina, hoping to convey a message to the Queen: "Germany does not wish for Holland to join the ’International League,’ or else Germany has reason to doubt Holland’s neutrality."

But Queen Wilhelmina’s response was: "Holland is an independent country, Chief of Staff. The ’International League’ is an international organization established for world peace. We have the right to decide on our participation."

Ludendorff wanted to further threaten, such as increasing troops at the border to exert more pressure.

But Hindenburg stopped him.

"It won’t be effective," Hindenburg said:

"Their judgment is that joining the ’International League’ ensures protection from Shire, or else there is a risk of invasion."

"It’s not just Germany; England could also ’enter’ these nations."

"So..."

Ludendorff suddenly understood.

Shire used "Germany" and "England" as catalysts to push many neutral nations into his embrace under France’s protection.

Indeed, this was the case.

Standing from Queen Wilhelmina’s position, Holland should not provoke Germany by joining the "International League," which could involve Holland in unnecessary conflict at the final stage.

However, Holland faces a triple crisis:

At the last moment, might Germany, in desperation due to resource shortages, invade Holland?

Could Britain, using war as a pretext, "enter" Holland like it did in Greece?

If Holland does not join the "International League," will it be isolated by the international community? At a critical moment, will the "International League" have an excuse not to speak out for or protect Holland?

After weighing the pros and cons repeatedly, Queen Wilhelmina finally decided to join the "International League" under Germany’s pressure.

After all, the French Army had become the strongest hegemon on the European continent; this was undeniable.

Offend anyone but France!

...

"Chief of Staff," William II gestured to the telegram in Hindenburg’s hand: "How do you wish me to respond to the ’International League’?"

Hindenburg respectfully replied:

"Majesty, I suggest you explain to the ’International League’."

"We were already at war with Romania and Italy before the establishment of the ’International League.’"

"Moreover, without exception, Italy and Romania initiated attacks against Germany first, and Germany only retaliated under compulsion."

William II smiled lightly.

Indeed, the facts are as Hindenburg stated, but they are useless.

Having long walked the political corridors, he understood that Shire was merely establishing authority for the ’International League.’

He wanted to announce to the world that any country joining the ’International League’ would be under French protection.

Thus, whether Germany was right or wrong, it ultimately made no difference.

"Perhaps Shire would respond like this," William II said:

"Disputes before the establishment of the ’International League’ are irrelevant."

"Now, we only see the German Army igniting war on Romanian and Italian soil."

"For world peace, for international harmony, Germany should withdraw its troops to the border; this is the basis for further negotiations, otherwise, we will take necessary measures!"

William II fixed his gaze on Hindenburg and asked with a smile: "What will you do then?"

Hindenburg was stunned; he had not considered this, as political matters were typically handled by Ludendorff.

"Prepare for war," William II took a deep breath:

"Shire won’t give you the chance to finish with Romania and Italy before dealing with him!"

"You’re a smart man, Chief of Staff; you know this battle cannot be avoided."

"You must defeat Shire to have any leverage to reason with him!"