I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France

Chapter 926 What are we fighting for?

With the help of the British, Americans and capitalists, doubts about Charles spread everywhere, and all major newspapers launched a massive crusade against Charles:
"Charles should give a reasonable explanation for this. Did he really make a behind-the-scenes deal with Britain and the United States?"

"If there is such a deal, what is the benefit to France?"

"We have the right to know the truth. Even though Charles is a hero and he saved France, it doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants!"

……

Some even link this to the "Charter Dictatorship":
"Ultimately this is because the Shire has too much power. If everything he did required parliamentary authorization, this wouldn't have happened."

"Yes, the Parliament knew nothing about this, and the League of Nations formed by the Shire was a decision made without the Parliament."

"This is the consequence of dictatorship. Too much concentrated power will corrupt a person, and this is just the beginning."

……

Their purpose was clear; they hoped to use this incident to reduce Charles' power, even though Charles already controlled the parliament.

Just as the opposition was jumping up and down hoping to "revitalize the government", Gallieni had a phonograph brought.

Gallieni nodded to Colonel Fernando without saying a word. Colonel Fernando understood, walked to the phonograph, carefully lifted the needle and placed it on the spinning record.

What was playing was not music, but a confession, with a trembling but clear voice:

"I am British MP Amadeus."

"I admit that I accepted bribes. We are the ones who really don't want to end the war."

"The reason is simple. Britain owes the United States a huge loan. Only if the war continues and Germany is completely defeated can we get a huge reparations."

……

The originally noisy meeting room gradually quieted down, and everyone turned their eyes to the phonograph on the podium.

"I am not the only one who accepted bribes. Many MPs were bought off."

"The United States also did not want the war to stop because they were worried that Britain would not be able to repay the loan, which was the fundamental reason."

"We need to pull Ciel into the war, because only he can defeat the Germans!"

……

After the "hissing" electromagnetic noise, another voice sounded again:
"I am Charles, a French councillor, and my estate has received funding from the Americans."

"What they want me to do is simple, oppose Ciel and limit his power."

"I think this is because a strong France is not what Americans want to see!"

……

The lawmakers in the conference room were in an uproar, and all the opposition lawmakers were terrified because it meant that they were also suspected of being bribed by the United States and becoming traitors.

To be exact, many of them have been bought off.

Gallieni stepped forward gracefully, picked up the needle and stopped the recording.

"Gentlemen, here are 13 confessions in total. They include members of parliament, businessmen, and spies from Britain, France, and the United States."

"They are all under our protection, and there is a lot of evidence to support their claims."

"Do you want to hear more?"

As he spoke, his sharp eyes swept across the entire audience.

The opposition lawmakers were like a gust of cold wind, they all huddled their heads and lowered their heads. The arrogance they had just had was long gone, and they all looked as dejected as dogs that had lost their homes.

After Gallieni finished speaking, War Minister Lyautey took the podium and shook hands with Gallieni, as if it was a friendly handover.

Leotai raised the account book in his hand:
"Gentlemen, I have the honor of overseeing the construction of the 'Super Line'."

"I can attest to your claim that the United States forgave Shire's $2 million loan." "And these are the evidence."

Opposition lawmakers regained hope and looked up at Lyautey.

If Ciel also accepted the bribe, then everything would be solved.

Unexpectedly, Lyothe continued:
"Yes, Charles used the funds to build the 'super defense line'."

"Not a penny less than the 2 million U.S. dollars was received two months ago."

"If you have any questions, you are welcome to check the accounts. Any other questions?"

The meeting room was in complete silence, and only after a long while did applause break out.

Armand, Wells, Steed and others nodded secretly.

Charles fought another brilliant battle. This massive and well-documented public opinion offensive was not only neutralized by Charles, but was also used to show the public what "selflessness" means.

Well done, worthy of Charles!
The news quickly spread to the public, and people exclaimed:

"It turns out that the ones who really don't want the war to stop are Britain and the United States, because of their loans."

"They also found an excuse, saying that if they didn't completely defeat the Germans, it would give them the opportunity to start a war again."

"So Ciel was right all along, this is a pointless war."

……

The military was in an uproar, including the British and American armies, and everyone from officers to the grassroots felt that they had been deceived:
"What are we doing? They keep telling us we're fighting for honor."

"Honor, damn honor! We are fighting for the loans of the rich, for the money of the capitalists!"

"So, Charles is the only general who truly cares about the soldiers. He is unwilling to continue this war just for money!"

"Of course, he is a true Frenchman. I thought his 'fraternity' was just a slogan before, but now I believe it!"

……

Hotel Crillon, Paris.

The newly formed International Alliance rented two offices and a conference room here as its office.

The first 15 countries to join included delegations from countries who gathered here to discuss how to jointly manage coal and steel resources.

For two months, the conference room was always packed with people and translators, who were busy exchanging opinions and formulating charters, and the progress was very smooth.

But things have come to a standstill in the past few days because representatives from various countries have heard that Charles has a behind-the-scenes deal with Britain and the United States.

Clemenceau lobbied the representatives of various countries for a long time before he was able to hold them back, and he was exhausted both physically and mentally.

Despite this, Clemenceau still thought that the newly established "League of Nations" was going to go bankrupt.

Various countries began to doubt Charles. Although the King of Belgium and the King of Greece stood firmly on Charles' side, more countries began to back off and were unwilling to give up their coal and steel management rights.

Just when Clemenceau was about to give up, his secretary came running up to him and handed him a document.

Clemenceau took it listlessly. At this point, there was no way to change the situation. There was no hope.

However, he suddenly perked up when he glanced at the document. He glanced at the secretary and said, "Is this true?"

The documents in his hands were shaking with excitement, and his back was straightened.

"Yes, Prime Minister." The secretary replied: "Absolutely true, Charles has responded to all the doubts!"

“Great!” Clemenceau’s face was instantly filled with smiles. He walked up to the podium and shouted confidently, “Gentlemen, I have a few things to announce!”

(End of this chapter)