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

Chapter 951 The Unity of Rights and Obligations
Cheers erupted in the conference room of the Grand Hotel Creole.

Clemenceau excitedly threw his top hat into the air and cheered loudly:

"Victory! Saarbrücken has surrendered, and we have captured it!"

"Ciel is invincible!"

"Long live France! Long live the League of Nations!"

Representatives from various countries joined in chanting: "Long live France! Long live the League of Nations!"

The Belgian representative shook the champagne that had been prepared beforehand, and crystal-clear bubbles surged from the bottle like a fountain towards the crowd. They were like a group of lively little elves jumping and colliding in the air, and the air was immediately filled with their unique fruity and wine aromas.

The cheers grew louder.

This was not a simple victory, nor was it a victory for France or any other country. It was the first time that the League of Nations had spoken out and demonstrated its strength in a diplomatic setting.

Although Charles was leading the French army to exercise power on her behalf, she still successfully demonstrated her authority to the world.

The Greek representative opened his arms to welcome the celebration, his face full of hope.

For them, a French victory meant that the French army was superior to the British, and Greece was one step closer to freedom.

The Italian representative danced wildly, inviting everyone he encountered, regardless of gender, to spin around him.

The French occupation of Saarbrücken meant the safety of Italy; otherwise, hundreds of thousands of German troops would have been surrounded within Italy's narrow borders.

The Romanian representative smiled, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes.

The French army was too far from Romania and was cut off by land, making reinforcements impossible. It was uncertain whether this victory would be enough to deter the German army from withdrawing.

Then they devised a plan: the key was Charles; as long as Charles stood on Romania's side, there would definitely be a way!

Only General Winter and the British representative remained expressionless, managing only a forced smile when people turned to them.

They realized one thing: a powerful France had taken shape, and the Charles had successfully united the European countries through the war, and even though it was still at war with Germany, it remained a powerful threat to Britain.

Clemenceau saw this as a good opportunity to strike while the iron was hot. He took a wine glass and spoon from the waiter, went up on the stage, and rang them a few times.

After the room quieted down, he said in a high-pitched, impassioned falsetto:
"Ladies and gentlemen."

"As a member of the League of Nations, France has demonstrated its ability and sincerity in promoting peace for all mankind and in establishing an international order."

"So now, should we consider this question: should member states assume more responsibility and obligations?"

The delegates, their blood boiling with excitement from the victory, answered without hesitation:
"As it should be."

"Salute to France! Salute to Charles!"

"I completely agree; rights and obligations are unified!"

……

Some people also asked, "What other responsibilities and obligations do we have to bear, Your Excellency Prime Minister?"

Clemenceau replied:

"That's right, the League of Nations warned and arbitrated against German aggression, but only the French army carried it out."

"We are the 'international coalition,' gentlemen. Shouldn't she be a multinational force?"

"What I mean is, we can't just have the French troops, although we are willing to take on the responsibility."

"But the Charles still needs the support of member states, even if it's just an infantry company."

"Otherwise, Charles will worry about being outnumbered and isolated!"

The delegates were amused by Clemenceau's words. Who else in the world could make Charles worry about being "alone and vulnerable"?
After a slight hesitation, they readily agreed to the proposal.

They understood what was happening. The number of troops each country contributed wasn't important; even a single infantry platoon would suffice, or even just a few guards. It was more of a symbol, representing justice, unity, and righteousness, representing their solidarity with the Charles!
……

Freeman's command post.

The latest casualty statistics show that the French suffered more than 3,000 casualties, mainly among the airborne troops. A total of 5000 people were parachuted in the entire battle, with 1371 casualties and 35 missing.

Heavy casualties are common among paratroopers. As soon as they land, they are naturally surrounded by the enemy and lack supplies. If the frontal forces fail to break through and "rescue" them, they will only be surrounded and annihilated.

German casualties are estimated at 13, including those from the Charlemagne forest fires and attacks a few days earlier.

To Charles's right were several newspapers, from various countries.

To be precise, it wasn't newspapers; Pershing turned domestic media reports into documents and handed them to Charles.

“I think you might want to see this, Lieutenant General,” Pershing said.

American media outlets created a series about Shire, depicting his life in the style of a Western cowboy:
“Charles came from a small town called Darwaz. He looked ordinary and nobody knew he was a hero.”

"Until one day, German troops reached this small town."

……

“After that, Charles left his hometown.”

"In order to save France, he resolutely entered the army before he was an adult, thus beginning his legendary life."

Upon seeing these, the sound of a guitar inexplicably rang in Charles's ears, and an image flashed in his mind of a lone rider on horseback, a revolver hanging at his waist, walking through the desert.

……

British media simply described Charles's victory in capturing Saarbrücken, and they even tried to downplay Charles's contribution and emphasize the importance of British and American troops.

But it was all in vain; Charles' victory was too dazzling.

Especially since the British and American forces had just suffered a setback in their attack on Saarbrücken, the Charles had immediately achieved a great victory.

No amount of whitewashing could change this stark contrast; everyone knew that Charles was the protagonist of this battle and had pioneered the use of paratroopers and mine-clearing tanks.

……

French media are the most active:
“Charles is actually attacking along the same route that Britain and America failed to take, without changing anything at all.”

"Moreover, he told the Germans the battle plan in its entirety, and it was published in the newspaper. I initially thought it was fake!"

"Even so, the Germans still couldn't defend against it and were defeated!"

……

The truth behind this is unknown to ordinary people; only Germans understand what's going on.

The phone rang; it was Gallieni calling.

"Well done, Lieutenant General."

"You have accomplished another legendary task. Everyone thought it was an impenetrable defense, but you accomplished it with ease."

Do you know what people are saying about you?

Charles glanced at the table and nodded: "Yes, General, I read the newspaper."

"Hmm." Gallieri's voice was low:
"I won't offer any compliments; that's not the point."

"I think you should put victory aside for now."

"I have heard that the British and Americans are in contact with the Germans and are trying to bypass France to negotiate with them."

(End of this chapter)