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

Chapter 935 Dominating this World
One of the weaknesses of the League of Nations was that it was still very weak.

In principle, it is an economic organization: countries relinquish some of their coal and steel management rights, and use this as a constraint to form a consensus within the circle.

For countries outside the circle, such as Germany which is at war, it has almost no influence.

Should a coal, steel, or even other material embargo be imposed?

Germany was already under an embargo.

Punish Germany?
Since Germany did not join the League of Nations and did not relinquish control of its coal and steel industries, there is no basis for any punishment.

Therefore, Germany can completely disregard the League of Nations.

But it's different for Ciel.

The League of Nations was spearheaded by France. If two important member states were to be attacked by Germany immediately and the League was powerless to stop it, allowing Germany to destroy those two member states, it would be a fatal blow to the League.

Therefore, Charles had to use France's military strength to endorse the League of Nations.

He must stand up for world peace, for the well-being of humanity, and for building a global home free from war.

This is not a matter for France, nor for Romania or Italy, but for a new international order, a new order created and defined by Charles.

If Charles succeeds in ensuring the security of member states and consolidating this new order, over time France will gain the upper hand and become the "world police" tacitly approved by other countries.

……

The Grand Hotel Crillon in Paris was packed with people in the League of Nations meeting room.

The British representative was among them, General Winter. He would occasionally steal glances at Charles sitting in the front row, then look around, pondering what had led a 19-year-old to organize this global organization.

Although this organization is currently small and seems to have little practical effect, it is nominally above the United Kingdom.

In other words, when the League of Nations was established, Britain, the world's leading power, faced a challenge at least in terms of legitimacy.

People's standards will naturally shift from "whether it is in the interests of Britain" to "whether it complies with the League of Nations Convention".

The conversation quieted down.

Clemenceau, newly elected President of the League of Nations, strode onto the podium in a black suit, stood tall and proud, and began his impassioned speech:

"Ladies and gentlemen."

"The Charter of the League of Nations that we have just signed is a solid structure upon which we can build a better world."

"A world of sovereign equality, where the use of force is prohibited, and where everyone works together to maintain peace."

"We pledge to replace force with dialogue and to stop aggression with justice."

"We declare that all nations, regardless of size, are sovereign and equal; all peoples, regardless of race, have priceless dignity."

"We bear the responsibility of promoting world development, defending human rights, and safeguarding the world."

"The death and suffering of war tell us that isolation and compromise cannot bring peace; only unity and determination can defeat the darkness!"

……

The meeting room erupted in enthusiastic applause, some insincere, others brimming with hope.

Before the applause had subsided, Clemenceau announced the day's agenda: "Unfortunately, due to the turmoil in Russia, Germany, which had previously been inclined toward peace, has once again shown a strong offensive intent."

As he spoke, Clemenceau turned his gaze to the Italian and Romanian representatives in the audience. "Yes," the Romanian representative stood up first, "Germany has increased its troops by at least 10 in the war zone, along with a large number of artillery. We believe they will soon launch an attack on Romania."

"The same goes for Italy." The Italian representative stood up: "The German and Austrian armies have reinforced their troops by about 20 on the Piave River. We estimate that they have also equipped themselves with 'strip pontoon bridges.' Once they are ready, they will launch an attack!"

The Greek representative raised his fist and shouted: "We must stop this barbaric act. Germany's actions violate their sovereignty, and we cannot let them continue."

The Greek representative was speaking to the British representative, indicating that Britain had no intention of withdrawing its troops from Greece.

Other countries joined in, as small nations needed to unite against Britain, otherwise they might be the next to have their sovereignty violated.

General Winter smiled without saying a word. What could the League of Nations do to Britain? Its number of member states was even less than the number of British colonies.

Let alone Britain, the Charles cannot even solve the current crisis.

Italy is in a better position, as it borders France, and France may send reinforcements.

Romania was almost completely surrounded by Germany and Austria, making it impossible for Charles to send reinforcements.

Suddenly, the applause intensified, accompanied by cheers from the delegates, like adding a spoonful of oil to a burning flame, creating an exceptionally high-spirited atmosphere.

General Winter looked closely and saw Charles rise leisurely, waving to the delegates as he walked onto the platform.

"This guy," General Winter thought to himself. He still remembered how Charles looked when he first met him in Antwerp two years ago; he seemed like a completely different person.

The former Ciel was naive, kind, and innocent; now he is mature, decisive, and his eyes hide a hint of ruthlessness.

"Chairman." Charles first greeted Clemenceau, who was sitting to the side, at least on the surface.

Then, turning his attention to the meeting hall, he said, "Distinguished delegates of the conference, good afternoon!"

The delegates responded with enthusiastic applause, even though Charles had not said anything yet.

Charles removed his military cap and held it in his hand as a sign of respect for the attendees.

"I originally thought the war might end, but now it seems I was wrong."

"I suspect the Russians did it on purpose; it was actually them who didn't want the war to end."

"That's why they launched a revolution at this crucial moment!"

The delegates laughed, and many turned their gaze toward General Winter.

General Winter was amused, but he immediately realized something was amiss. Charles was ostensibly mocking Russia, but in reality, he was referring to Britain and the United States, who were unwilling to cease hostilities.

Thinking of this, his smile gradually froze on his face.

Charles continued:
"But I also believe that my judgment is correct, and the war is indeed coming to an end."

"Because whether this world is at peace depends on you, on all the representatives present here."

"If you hold fast to your beliefs, if you work together, if you unite to put the Charter into practice, I firmly believe that we will realize the great dream of centuries past: the elimination of war!"

Finally, Charles concluded his speech with the words: "Gentlemen, you must build a world based on justice and fairness, not on force and selfish interests!"

The delegates applauded, and many of them stood up unconsciously, their eyes filled with tears of emotion.

This was a great moment. They thought, finally someone has stepped up to take control of this chaotic world!

(End of this chapter)