I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 954: Providing Protection for Greece
General Winter guessed correctly; Shire giving credit to the "International League" indeed has the purpose of "using a small advantage to attract a larger benefit."
The occupation of Saarbrücken and the rescue of Romania was clearly done by Shire leading the French Army, yet he "transferred" the credit to the "International League."
The purpose of doing so is first to establish the reputation of the "International League," letting everyone know it is not an organization without execution ability.
On the other hand, whatever Shire intends to do in the future, he can do so under the banner of the "International League," transforming into a "multinational force" and becoming a symbol of justice and right.
Clemenceau continued, "The third thing..."
He deliberately extended his voice and paused for a moment, creating suspense, also waiting for the delegates to quiet down.
The delegates were puzzled.
Recently, only two things have been done: Italy and Romania. What is the third thing?
Why has it never been heard of?
Even if there is a third thing, it shouldn’t be significant!
After the delegates had accumulated enough curiosity, Clemenceau mysteriously revealed the answer:
"Gentlemen, we have successfully brought Russia back to the Allies."
"Yes, you heard it correctly, indeed the Russia that just experienced the ’February Revolution.’
"Even though they are still in chaos, they have expressed willingness to stand on our side and continue the fight due to the persuasion of the ’International League!’"
This is no small matter, but a significant achievement.
It surprised everyone; no one expected the "International League" to have such capability to bring Russia back into the Allies and re-enter the war.
So much so that the delegates did not dare to believe it.
Even General Winter and the British representatives were stunned, as they were also unaware of this matter.
The next second, General Winter understood: this is the handiwork of Shire; only he has the capability to persuade Russia to re-enter the war, leveraging his relationship with Brusilov.
Some among the delegates also realized this, exchanging looks but keeping it unspoken.
Then, the conference room once again resounded with enthusiastic applause.
The "International League" is stable, at least externally, as other countries believe it can make Russia "comply."
Before the applause completely died down, the Greek representative couldn’t wait to stand up and speak:
"Esteemed Chair, esteemed delegates."
"As is well known, Greece has always hoped to maintain a neutral position and avoid getting involved in this war."
"The outcome caught us off guard."
"Greece has become a battlefield, with the Allied forces and the German Army confronting each other on the front line of Salonica."
"We have no objection to the current situation, as it is caused by various reasons and cannot be simply attributed to a particular country’s fault."
"Therefore, we will not request the French Army to withdraw from Greece, nor will we request the withdrawal of the British Army."
The entire room was in an uproar; even General Winter and the British representatives were surprised.
What’s going on with Greece?
Not long ago, its demand was that all armies, including the German Army, should not enter Greece.
Of course, the key issue is with the British Army.
The French Army has already agreed to withdraw.
Greece is pro-German, so there is no need for the German Army to enter Greece and cause tension in their relationship.
The real trouble is the unwillingness of the British Army to withdraw.
Only Clemenceau understood the situation; he had already communicated with Shire and knew what was happening.
Requesting the British Army to withdraw from Greece is impossible, as it would mean all efforts in Greece would have been in vain, and there is a possibility of allowing the German Army to gain a foothold in this key Mediterranean location.
Since it cannot be done, it would be wise to advance by retreating, keeping Greece in a state of "protection," both in terms of public opinion and military aspects, a "dual protection."
In the surprised eyes of everyone, the Greek representative continued:
"Gentlemen, ladies."
"The harsh reality is that the Allies and the Central Powers fighting on Greek soil inevitably caused a humanitarian disaster."
"I mean, the harm caused to civilians by the war and the safety, order, and law enforcement issues brought by a large number of soldiers entering Greece."
"Based on this, I request the ’International League’ to dispatch the ’League of Nations Army’ to provide protection for Greece."
Upon hearing this, the delegates understood Greece’s intention: using the "League of Nations Army" to ensure its regime isn’t overthrown by the British.
General Winter’s face gradually darkened; this was clearly targeted at the British.
"I believe the ’League of Nations Army’ should not interfere in Greece." General Winter rose to his feet indignantly.
He felt he had to do something; otherwise, the dignity of Britain would be trampled by this group of small countries, and its prestige would be completely lost.
"Is that so?" Clemenceau raised his hand toward General Winter: "What is your opinion?"
General Winter hesitated; he hadn’t thought of a reason to oppose, and the atmosphere became awkward.
At a critical moment, Thomas, the embassy military attaché sitting next to General Winter, stood up to answer:
"Because the Allied forces are already stationed in Greece."
"As everyone knows, the French Army and the British Army, we are all members of the ’International League.’
"We are fighting the Germans in Greece to ensure Greece is not invaded by Germany."
Several laughs sounded in the conference room; everyone knew this wasn’t the truth.
The Greek representative’s eyes were filled with anger, "Ensure Greece is not invaded by Germany"? They were supporting the opposition to overthrow the Greek government!
General Winter continued to speak:
"Precisely."
"There is no humanitarian crisis in Greece; France and Britain can ensure this."
"Moreover, Greece has its own police and army, capable of ensuring their own safety and order."
"Consider this, if we dispatch the ’League of Nations Army’ to provide protection for Greece, then there would be many nations’ armies in Greece, which would inevitably cause unnecessary confusion."
The venue echoed with laughter again.
Someone asked General Winter, "So, General, do you want Greece to have its own police and army?"
General Winter was stunned, wasn’t it?
Thomas quietly reminded from the side, "General, the British Government requires the Greek army to disarm and submit to British command."
General Winter immediately realized his mistake but maintained his composure:
"Of course, Greece can have its own police and army."
"But to avoid unnecessary conflicts, we require their army to temporarily disarm, which is reasonable."
"This does not affect their maintenance of domestic order..."
Clemenceau couldn’t listen any longer, interrupting General Winter:
"But the French Army is withdrawing from Greece, General, as we promised."
"In the future, possibly only the British Army will remain in Greece."
"Do you think the British Army can ensure Greece’s safety?"
General Winter gritted his teeth: "Without a doubt."
Even he didn’t believe his own words, and the conference room was filled with boos.
The expression of Greek representatives was both indignant and helpless; they didn’t dare to overly provoke the British representatives, fearing they would become angry and act even more excessively in Greece.
Clemenceau raised his hand: "Well, let us vote on this matter, whether to deploy the ’League of Nations Army’ to provide protection for Greece."
The delegates cheered in succession.
General Winter and the British representatives exchanged looks.
Under this sentiment, Britain is bound to lose!
