I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 951: Russia’s Stance

"Now, Vice Admiral." Queen Mary gently lifted Shire’s chin and slightly tilted her head to examine Shire closely: "Should we proceed with the plan further?"

"Are you suggesting an attack on Austria-Hungary?" Shire slightly shook his head: "I’m afraid not."

Queen Mary’s smile faded, with a hint of doubt in her eyes.

Is it that the offer isn’t generous enough? Or is it not communicated clearly?

"It’s not that I don’t want to, Queen." Shire leaned in a bit, lowering his voice to explain: "I suppose you have heard that recently England and America are attempting to bypass France and negotiate with Germany. If we attack Austria-Hungary according to your plan..."

Queen Mary instantly understood.

As someone who maneuvers diplomatically among various countries, she certainly knows about the interests between France and England and America.

If the French Army attacks from Saarbrücken, the British and US Army might likely dawdle in the rear.

The result would be Shire’s forces soloing deep into German territory, and even with Shire’s vast capabilities, it’s inevitable to end in mutual destruction with the German Army.

And that is precisely what England and America wish to see.

Queen Mary was somewhat panicked, does this mean Shire can’t save Romania?

"Perhaps I could convince England and America." Queen Mary offered a suggestion: "To unite England, America, and France to fight against the Germans."

Shire gave a slight smile: "Do you think it would work?"

Queen Mary gently shook her head, looking dejected.

Indeed, it won’t be effective. The current major interest for England and America is to suppress the rise of France.

What role does Romania play in their eyes?

Exchange oil fields with them?

Once England and America bring down France, are they afraid they won’t get the oil fields?

Lost in thought, she suddenly noticed Shire flipping through the contract with ease, his brows relaxing.

"Vice Admiral." Queen Mary spoke with a lingering melancholy: "Surely you have a solution, right?"

Shire stared at the 30% equity on the contract: "There is a solution, but..."

Unappreciative of charm, Queen Mary cursed silently, does he only have eyes for oil?

"Rest assured, Vice Admiral." Queen Mary felt somewhat tedious: "I am willing to change the equity to 50%."

"If you’re interested, we can also discuss the shares of coal, iron, and copper mines."

"Or Bernard Group’s preferential policies for setting up factories in Romania."

Shire’s eyes lit up.

He was preparing to enter Romania to develop military industry; possessing coal, iron, and copper mines along with favorable policies would form a complete industrial chain and greatly reduce production costs.

"It’s settled." Shire said.

"It’s settled!" Queen Mary nodded with a smile.

As Albert I said, this is completing the tie of interests with Shire, which means the security of Romania, even Transylvania.

Who says "what is unattainable on the battlefield can’t be achieved at the negotiating table"?

As long as you hold on tight to Shire’s leg, everything is possible!

"Actually, it doesn’t need to be so complicated." Shire replied: "You should remember the French Army’s airborne troops occupied Saarbrücken, don’t you?"

A flicker of excitement flashed in Queen Mary’s eyes: "You mean, dispatch paratroopers to aid Romania?"

"You could say that." Shire set aside the document and took a map, pointing at the location of Romania:

"France may not be able to reinforce Romania by land or sea, but air is different."

"We actually don’t need to send out many reinforcements, just transport a batch of troops to Romania using transport planes."

"Then the Germans will understand that Romania will have French forces participating, and these French forces might parachute into their rear at any time."

(The blue line indicates the southward position of German-Austrian troops, known as the Salonica Line due to its location in the northern Greek city of Salonica. The position marked by the red arrow is Salonica. The area marked by the red circle is the Allies’ territory, occupied by the German Army successively in 1915, with airspace open, unable to be blockaded by German-Austrian forces.)

Queen Mary exclaimed in excitement: "Wonderful, Vice Admiral, you are simply a genius."

Excitedly, she leaned forward, embracing Shire and kissing his cheek, whispering in his ear: "You’re my hero, Vice Admiral!"

Shire found nothing inappropriate, as this is a common European etiquette; he merely felt Queen Mary’s embrace lingered a bit too long.

Once the Queen released him, Shire continued to speak: "However, this is all superficial; it can unsettle the German Army, make them hesitate, but what we’re obtaining is only some time. What can truly prompt the German Army to retreat should be Russia’s stance."

"Russia’s stance?" Queen Mary gazed at Shire in astonishment: "I thought it was already overwhelmed."

Russia’s performance has always been unsatisfactory; although it is a major power with astonishing military strength, it has continued to face defeat.

Unlike my Shire, who repeatedly defeated the formidable German Army with only a First Armored Army of tens of thousands!

"It must be Russia." Shire brought the absent-minded Queen Mary back:

"You need to know one thing, Queen."

"Transport planes can only carry infantry; they can’t transport tanks, cannons, vehicles, not even a few machine guns."

"If the Germans realize this, they will still attack Romania."

Queen Mary suddenly awoke: "But considering Russia’s current situation, how can we obtain its reinforcements?"

Then she added:

"The internal issues of Russia are yet unresolved, they won’t have the mind to deal with external wars."

"Moreover, Germany is not attacking Russia now; Russia is happy to maintain the current state."

"If Russia reinforces Romania at this time, it might provoke Germany. Russia won’t do such a foolish thing."

This is Russia’s interest; no matter how much you persuade or offer, it won’t work.

Shire sighed lightly: "Think about it, Queen, now ruling Russia is the bourgeoisie, namely Russian capitalists."

After the February Revolution, the Soviets voluntarily relinquished power, which is now held by the bourgeoisie.

Queen Mary was silent for a while, still not understanding the connection: "So what? Capitalists would continue fighting the Germans because of this?"

"Otherwise?" Shire asked: "Would they cease fire? Would the Germans allow Russia to cease fire? What the Germans want is for Russia to surrender, for Russia to indemnify, and to acquire massive resources from Russia to hope to defeat the Allies on the Western Front!"

Awakening like a sleeping person, Queen Mary nodded repeatedly:

"Yes, Vice Admiral."

"Russian capitalists couldn’t possibly pay that sum; they would hope for the war to continue."

"Especially with the Allied victory in sight, they hope to endure until the moment of the Allies’ victory, then they’ll be the victorious nation!"

Shire nodded: "Hence, find Brusilov, for his stance is crucial!"