I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 949: Taking the Blame for Opposing "Freedom
The negotiations between the British and Americans with the Germans were originally relayed through Holland, but since Holland recently joined Shire’s "International Alliance," the British and Americans had to turn to Denmark as the intermediary.
Denmark was more than willing to be this intermediary, being always cautious and trying not to offend anyone, fearing trouble might come her way.
Yet, under pressure, she had to bow her head. With a long coastline and a heavy reliance on foreign trade, she feared England the most, and thus acted as the messenger for the British and Americans.
(The image above shows the location of Denmark. During World War I, Britain blocked the ports of both Germany and Denmark in an attempt to halt German foreign trade, causing severe shortages of supplies in Denmark despite her staying out of the war, forcing her to implement a rationing system.)
...
Berlin Sanssouci Palace, the moonlight was like water and the gentle breeze as if brushing through willows.
William II sat alone under the lamp in his study, reading the telegram sent by the General Staff.
Ironically, he, the Emperor, often received intelligence late, sometimes only hearing about matters after they appeared in the newspapers.
Nonetheless, when he read that Hindenburg had lost Saarbrücken, there was an inexplicable sense of delight in his heart.
Hindenburg must have thought Shire was easy to deal with, right?
This is only the beginning; in the future, he will realize how terrifying Shire is, and why on the Eastern Front he advances unimpeded but fails repeatedly on the Western Front.
William II somewhat missed the days when Fajin Han served as Chief of Staff—he really should not have held him accountable for the Western Front’s failures back then.
It was clearly not a failure of command, as Fajin Han’s leadership was excellent; the problem was that the French Army under Shire was too strong.
Now, William II only hoped that Hindenburg would realize there was no point in continuing the fight, and then choose to cease hostilities and negotiate with Shire.
At this moment, the Chief Adjutant lightly knocked on the door, and upon entering, handed a telegram to William II: "Your Majesty, the British Minister of Military Supplies has sent a telegram through the Danish embassy."
William II responded with an "Hmm" and accepted the telegram with a puzzled expression.
Why would the Minister of Military Supplies contact him? Especially at this time!
Upon seeing the content of the message, William II was taken aback:
"Honorable Emperor, we know you are inclined to reach an armistice consensus with Shire."
"But have you considered that Shire is your innate adversary? The French spirit he advocates makes it impossible for him to allow Germany to continue under imperial rule."
"We have even received intelligence that Shire publicly proclaimed: The enemies of France are not the German military and civilian populations, but the German regime, the German autocratic regime."
Then there was no further text, but the implication of the telegram was clear: To collaborate with Britain and America against Shire.
William II hesitated for a moment.
His first reaction was: Who do the British and Americans think they are? You all are the defeated by the German army. The true threat to Germany remains Shire, always Shire.
However, in the next moment, he recalled something the Chief Adjutant mentioned: "There are some rumors in the army that Shire intends to oppose the German Emperor, holding the German Emperor accountable for this war."
Previously, William II saw this as a French strategy: to target himself, aiming to divide Germany and make the military and civilians believe that defeating the German Emperor could secure peace.
But now, being reminded by the Minister of Military Supplies’ telegram, combined with Shire’s advocacy of the French spirit and his recent actions:
William II believed it—Shire doesn’t seek to militarily defeat Germany, but to change Germany’s system and overthrow him, the Emperor.
William II sighed softly. He seemed to have no other choice; despite his strong reluctance, he had to become Shire’s enemy.
...
"It seems Britain has eased its blockade on Germany." Gallieni said over the phone:
"Of course, I can’t be certain, as no one knows whether Britain intentionally let those merchant ships pass or genuinely didn’t discover them."
"But if Britain did it intentionally, you know what will happen."
"Yes, I know." Shire replied.
Originally, William II only had control over the navy; now, if he gains support and more resources from Britain, Hindenburg, who is already facing a shortage of supplies, would have to reckon with William II’s opinions.
In other words, William II would regain power, at least partially.
"What solutions do you have?" Gallieni asked.
If things continue this way, the British and Americans might bypass France and reach some form of reconciliation with Germany.
Gallieni might not care about other matters, but such things that are detrimental to French interests, he absolutely could not tolerate.
Thus, Gallieni would give his full support to Shire, even if it meant driving the British and American troops out of France.
Gallieni immediately brought up the matter: "We no longer need those so-called allies, the British and Americans. I believe they should leave France."
Gallieni was genuinely angry.
The Treaty of London clearly stated that no Allied nation should negotiate separately with Germany. Now, they openly violate the treaty they set themselves.
Given this, what purpose does the Allies have remaining?
Anyway, France alone is enough to handle Germany. The British and Americans on French soil either drag their feet or learn experience and tactics, so let them leave!
"General." Shire quickly intervened to stop Gallieni’s excessive actions: "We should wait and see."
"What do you mean?" Gallieni asked.
"We have no evidence." Shire explained: "Taking such actions now would easily give the British and Americans something to use against us, accusing us of trying to break the Treaty of London."
Gallieni was taken aback, not having considered this point.
He then realized he had acted impulsively.
Previously, when Shire proposed an armistice, the British and Americans already showed some inclination in this regard, and if at this point the British and American expeditionary forces were driven away, they would certainly "accuse others first to cover their own guilt."
"You’re right." Gallieni concurred: "We should obtain conclusive evidence, though that won’t be easy."
"Rest assured, General." Shire replied: "I’ll handle it."
After hanging up, Shire let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Shire dissuaded Gallieni not due to a lack of evidence.
In international affairs, evidence isn’t always necessary. Already having control over the "International Alliance," Shire only needed to set a stage. For example, by first stirring up some rumors among the populace and then raising the issue in the "International League," he could easily expose the British and Americans’ vulnerabilities.
The reason Shire was unwilling to clarify things at this time was that he was playing a larger strategic game.
The British and Americans supporting William II or even reaching a tacit understanding would be advantageous to Shire.
Because Shire’s goal was not just Germany, but also the British and Americans.
At this point, Germany was roughly divided into three factions: one led by Emperor William II and the nobility, holding naval power; another by Hindenburg, controlling the army; and a third being the regular military and civilians.
Shire aligned himself with the regular military and civilians, knowing what was to happen in Germany.
As for the British and Americans siding with the Emperor, they could wait to be labeled as opponents of "freedom"!
