I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 981: Everything Is Moving in a Positive Direction
The next day, Shire’s demand for only 2 billion US dollars in reparations from the Germans quickly spread to every corner of the world.
French citizens were not very satisfied.
They believed now was the perfect time for revenge, how could Shire go against the grain and show undeserved mercy to the enemy at this moment?
Especially since many remembered Germany’s occupation of Paris and coronation at the Palace of Versailles, and the subsequent occupation of Lorraine and Alsace where German-style education and various harsh measures were enforced, they had quite a few criticisms:
"The Germans were not so kind to us back then, after defeating us, despite suffering little loss, they still demanded 5 billion francs in reparations!"
"They not only plundered a large amount of property but also brutally humiliated us, causing us to lose all dignity."
"Our demands are not excessive, we only ask for the return of what they imposed on us back then!"
...
Opposition parliamentarians and capitalists jumped out at this time to spread rumors:
"Do you know why Shire demanded so little compensation?"
"That’s because the Germans bribed Shire, providing substantial funding and technical cooperation to the Bernard Group." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶
"This is the frightening aspect of dictatorship, Shire can convert national interest into his own interest legally and reasonably, with no one able to interfere!"
...
But these voices stirred no waves.
The reason is that rumors about Shire released by the capitalists were too many and were repeatedly disproved, time and again proving Shire’s innocence, even affirming Shire’s greatness.
This made French citizens immune to rumors, upon hearing them they retorted:
"Really? If Shire wanted money, does he need to do this? Many people want to give him money, yet he disregards it."
"Did I hear wrong? Shire needs German technology? What technology does Germany have to offer Shire? Is it airplanes, tanks, or cannons?"
"If Shire wants German funds and technology, he doesn’t need them to offer it; he just needs to order, to order the Germans."
...
People even spontaneously controlled the rumor spreaders, resorting to private justice for interrogation, tracing back to the capitalists, and finally using protests and marches to overthrow the capitalists.
Thus, the capitalists realized they could no longer be Shire’s opponents.
...
Clemenceau timely launched a speech to citizens at the city hall square, serving as a good supplement to Shire in internal affairs.
"Ladies and gentlemen." Clemenceau stood with youthful vigor on the balcony of the Prime Minister’s office, shouting to the crowd below: "I know what you are thinking, if we demanded 10 billion dollars from the Germans, then each of us could get over 200 dollars, which is no small amount!"
(Note: After France regained the Alsace and Lorraine regions, the total population was nearly forty million, but the population structure was severely unbalanced due to the war’s losses)
The citizens chuckled, many of them indeed thought this way.
Clemenceau waited for a while, then continued:
"But we should ponder a question, have you already received that 200 dollars?"
"Think about it."
"Shire donated money and materials to the troops, built factories for disabled veterans, and implemented wartime rationing to ensure you could eat even in the hardest times."
"He also rented you land cheaply, creating countless job opportunities, and built an army strong enough to command worldwide respect, protecting your safety."
...
The citizens nodded in agreement that what Shire gave them far exceeded 200 dollars.
Clemenceau continued:
"I am not speaking of compensation, ladies and gentlemen, Shire does not anticipate any compensation, he has only one thought, which is what he can contribute to France for you."
"If anyone doubts Shire’s integrity, thinking he might engage in behind-the-scenes deals with the Germans as some say."
Clemenceau shrugged: "You can come to me to check the accounts at any time, or ask the Germans if they paid extra taxes."
The citizens laughed again.
Clemenceau was right, if the Germans didn’t pay extra taxes, what would they use to bribe Shire with?
German capitalists using their own money for bribery?
Then he would be a capitalist like Shire, and Germany wouldn’t have been driven to its current state!
Clemenceau pointed his finger in the air, his voice gradually gaining strength:
"Shire does this for the spirit of France."
"As he said, he does it for the peace of humanity, humanity including ordinary German civilians, hence why he doesn’t want them to suffer from this war."
"At the same time, it is also for France’s interests, long-term interests."
"Because by treating the Germans kindly today it will resolve the hatred between France and Germany, reducing the possibility of war between France and Germany, and ensuring there won’t be another war."
"What we need to give up is merely the 200 dollars that might reach your hand!"
"Tell me, what do you want? 200 dollars, or Shire’s spirit of France?"
The citizens believed Clemenceau was right.
Just like back when the Germans broke through Paris and stole French land, France’s pain and shame were remembered throughout France, which led Shire to lead his soldiers to defeat Germany on the battlefield.
At least in their view, this was the case.
Now, if France defeated Germany, attacked Berlin, and then seized German land demanding huge reparations.
Firstly, those reparations might not be attainable; the Germans simply couldn’t afford to pay.
Surely, the Germans would bear a grudge against France, likely to reignite war years later, seeking revenge like the French did.
Such a cycle would result in endless war.
So, Shire’s approach is correct, he is the only one who is awake.
Understanding this, citizens raised their hands shouting:
"We support Shire!"
"We are willing to pay 200 dollars, this is what we should do."
"Long live France, long live the spirit of France!"
...
The newspapers published Clemenceau’s speech.
Kobudo added comments fuelled with exaggeration:
"On this day, after experiencing the agony, selfishness, and various ugliness of war, we finally welcome a ray of light."
"It is a spirit, a belief, a civilization."
"For decades, I have never been as convinced as today, that war shall end under France’s leadership, and humanity will usher in an unprecedented peace!"
"And all of this stems from one person, a hero who appears like a legend in France."
...
Gallieni watched the newspaper in the minister’s office and nodded with satisfaction.
He did not bet incorrectly, Shire’s rise fitted the interests of France, everything is progressing in a good direction!
