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

Chapter 932 The February Revolution
Before we knew it, the world’s attention had been focused on Charles and France.

A statement was issued in London, UK:

"France's approach is a manifestation of human civilization. It has put the international community on an orderly track, which is a very good start."

"We have reason to believe that the French-led 'League of Nations' will keep international disputes under control."

"Therefore, we respect France's decision and recognize the sovereignty and independence of Malta."

"At the same time, Britain has decided to apply to join the League of Nations, and we will work with France to uphold the international order!"

……

The White House issued a statement in The New York Times:
"It is well known that France assumed a greater responsibility in the war than any other major power."

"Their casualties may not be as high as those of other countries, but their victories far exceed those of other countries."

"Therefore, we believe it is reasonable for France to want a ceasefire after recovering its territory. We cannot always let France be on the front lines and then share the spoils with us after they have won."

"Therefore, the United States will provide France with $5 million free of charge, which will serve as a fighting fund for the French army to recommit to the offensive!"

……

Britain and the United States did everything they could to win over the Charles, hoping he would rejoin the fight.

This is what Ciel wanted.

Only a ceasefire could allow France to negotiate with Britain and the United States and gain benefits from them. Otherwise, they would take it for granted that France would be used as a pawn.

Germany was not to be outdone; Wilhelm II personally gave an interview to the Berliner Zeitung.

"Germany has never been a belligerent country. We all know the origin of this war; it was an accident."

"No one expected the war to escalate to this point, nor did anyone want to see this disaster."

"So yes, Charles is right. This war should not continue. Ceasefire negotiations are the best option, and we support Charles's initiative."

"Of course, this does not mean that Germany surrendered."

"To those countries that harbor robber-like intentions, hoping to prolong the war in order to obtain huge reparations, I say, bring it on!"

……

The text is full of praise for Charles, while also subtly sowing discord between Charles and Britain and America.

The ultimate winner was undoubtedly Charles.

The highest level of politics is "neutrality," only in this way can one gain benefits from both sides and be won over by both enemies and allies.

If you completely align yourself with one of the interest groups, you could easily become a pawn in their game and pay a heavy price.

France was initially caught in this vortex, helplessly drifting along, until Charles gained control of France and successfully pulled it out of the vortex, becoming the mastermind behind the entire situation.

As a result, everyone, including the small countries that had just joined the League of Nations, discovered that France's importance and influence were gradually increasing, and that France's attitude could even determine the course of the war and the fate of the participating countries.

Tijani couldn't understand it.

At the Mays command post, Tijani carried a stack of documents and slammed them down in front of Charles, then began to carefully arrange them on his desk:

“You should probably take a look at these, Lieutenant General. They are recommendations from heads of state and members of parliament.”

"These are in the hope that you will join the battle and completely defeat the Germans."

“These are the ones who believe in maintaining the status quo, while the rest believe we should negotiate with the Germans.” Charles put down his pen and looked up at Tijani: “And then, what do you want to say?”

“It’s not what I want to say,” Tijani patted the mountain of documents in front of him. “Shouldn’t you say something?”

Charles didn't speak, he just stared at Tijani.

“Please, Lieutenant General,” Tijani protested. “You took $5 million from the United States and split it into two parts, investing in the ‘Superdefense’ and ‘Carrier Retrofit’ programs respectively.”

“Yes.” Charles did not deny it.

“You also accepted a ‘gift’ from Britain,” Tijani added. “Malta is celebrating independence, British troops are withdrawing to Egypt, and Malta has extended an invitation to the French army, hoping that the French will build a military base there.”

“Yes.” Charles nodded.

Malta felt insecure, fearing that the British army would return.

The only country they could trust was Charles, which upheld the French spirit.

A widely held view among Maltese citizens is that: "Malta is just a small country, and France cannot afford to break its promise to the international community by colonizing Malta, as this would cause the League of Nations to collapse immediately!"

"Very good," Charles thought, "the League of Nations has become a guarantee of France's credibility."

However, this is also a tactic employed by Malta's new Prime Minister, Joseph:
The introduction of French influence to balance the deeply entrenched British capital in Malta.

Smart people would do this, and should do this: stand between Britain and France, offending neither side, and let Britain and France fight each other openly and covertly in this region.

At this stage, France is definitely in a better position. Joseph will do his best to support France so that it can quickly grow into a force that can rival British capital.

What Joseph didn't know was that once French forces entered the country, they could quickly swallow up British capital.

Therefore, there will be no situation where "when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits".

"Don't you understand where the problem lies?" Tijani stared at Sharl, a look of helplessness on his face.
"You set your terms, and Britain and the United States accepted them. This means you have to stand on Britain and the United States' side and go to war."

"But you told everyone 'ceasefire,' and people wanted you to negotiate with Germany; they thought the war was about to end."

"Isn't this a contradiction? How do you explain this to the League of Nations? How do you convince the citizens and the military? How do you get the army to the battlefield?"

Charles chuckled softly: "Just for this?"

"You think these are trivial matters?" Tijani looked at Charles incredulously.

Does he realize how important reputation is these days?
It was the foundation of the League of Nations, which had just been established and could not withstand any blows!

Charles lowered his head and continued signing his documents, replying casually, "It's certainly not a small matter, but it's not difficult either."

“Not difficult?” Tijani couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

To persuade the public, one must reject Britain and the United States; accepting their terms would inevitably lead to a loss of public trust.

This is unsolvable, but Charles thinks it's not difficult!

“What if the Germans are unwilling to negotiate?” Charles signed quickly, then countered, “If they launch a counter-offensive, do you think these issues will still be problems?”

“Impossible!” Tijani replied. “They’d love to negotiate with you as soon as possible!”

At that moment, the staff officer guarding the radio rushed forward to report: "General, there is internal strife in Russia, and their army is collapsing!"

(Note: The Russian February Revolution began on March 8. It is called the "February Revolution" because February is the month in the Russian calendar.)
(End of this chapter)