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

Chapter 958 Provides Protection for Greece

General Winter was right; Charles's attribution of credit to the League of Nations was a deliberate attempt to "get the ball rolling."

The occupation of Saarbrücken and the rescue of Romania were clearly done by Charles leading the French army, yet he "transferred" them to the League of Nations.

The purpose of doing this was twofold: first, to establish the authority of the League of Nations and let everyone know that the League of Nations was not an organization without executive power.

On the other hand, whatever Charles wants to do in the future, he can use the banner of the "League of Nations" to transform into a "multinational force" and become the embodiment of justice and righteousness.

Clemenceau continued, "The third thing..."

He paused for a moment, drawing out his words, both to keep the audience in suspense and to wait for them to quiet down.

The delegates were filled with doubt.

I've only done two things recently, Italy and Romania. Is there a third thing?
Why have I never heard of this before?

Even if there's a third thing, it's not a big deal!

Clemenceau and other representatives, having mustered their curiosity, then mysteriously revealed the answer:

"Gentlemen, we have successfully brought Russia back to the Entente."

"Yes, you heard right, it's Russia, which just went through the February Revolution."

"They are still in chaos, but under the persuasion of the League of Nations, they have expressed their willingness to stand with us and continue fighting!"

This is no small matter; it's a great achievement.

It surprised everyone; no one expected that the League of Nations would have such power to bring Russia back to the Entente and rejoin the war.

So much so that even the delegates couldn't believe it.

Even General Winter and the British representative were taken aback; they were also unaware of this matter.

The next second, General Winter understood: this was Charles's doing; only he had the ability to persuade Russia to join the war, thanks to his relationship with Brusinov.

Some of the delegates understood this point; they exchanged glances but remained silent in their understanding.

Then, enthusiastic applause rang out again in the conference room.

The League of Nations was secure, at least externally, because other countries believed it could make Russia "submit".

Before the applause had completely subsided, the Greek representative eagerly stood up to speak:

"Your Excellency Chairman, distinguished delegates."

"It is well known that Greece has always wanted to remain a neutral country and has no desire to get involved in this war."

"The result was completely unexpected."

"Greece became a battlefield, with Allied forces and German troops facing off on the Thessaloniki Line."

"We have no objection to the current situation. It is caused by a variety of reasons and cannot be simply attributed to any one country."

"Therefore, we will not ask the French troops to withdraw from Greece, nor will we ask the British troops to withdraw."

The room erupted in uproar, and even General Winter and the British representative were taken aback.

What's going on with Greece?

Not long ago, its demand was that all troops, including German troops, should not enter Greece.

Of course, the key is the British army.

The French army has agreed to withdraw.

Greece is pro-German, and there is no need for German troops to enter Greece and cause tension between the two countries.

The most troublesome were the British troops who were unwilling to withdraw.

Only Clemenceau understood; he had already spoken with Charles and knew what was going on.

Demanding the withdrawal of British troops from Greece was impossible, which meant that all its operations in Greece would be in vain, and it could even give the Germans control of the Mediterranean region.

Since that's impossible, a strategic retreat should be adopted to place Greece under some form of "protection," a double protection from both public opinion and military forces. Amidst surprised glances, the Greek representative continued:
"Ladies and gentlemen."

"A harsh reality is that the Allied and Central Powers fighting on Greek soil inevitably caused a humanitarian catastrophe."

"I mean the harm the war has done to civilians, and the security, order and law enforcement issues caused by the large number of soldiers entering Greece."

"Based on this, I request the League of Nations to send a coalition force to provide protection for Greece."

Upon hearing this, the representatives understood Greece's intention: to use the "coalition of nations" to ensure that the Greek government would not be overthrown by Britain.

General Winter's face gradually darkened; this was clearly directed at Britain.

“I believe the ‘coalition’ should not interfere in Greece,” General Winter said angrily, rising to his feet.

He felt he should do something, otherwise Britain's dignity would be trampled underfoot by this group of small countries, and its prestige would be completely destroyed.

“Is that so?” Clemenceau gestured toward General Winter. “What are your thoughts?”

General Winter hesitated for a moment, unable to come up with a reason to object, and the atmosphere became awkward.

At the crucial moment, Tony, the embassy military attaché sitting next to General Winter, stood up and answered on his behalf:
"Because Allied troops are already stationed in Greece."

"As everyone knows, the French army and the British army are both members of the League of Nations."

"We fought the Germans in Greece to ensure that Greece would not be invaded by Germany."

A few laughs came from the meeting room, and everyone knew that this was not the case.

The Greek representative's eyes gleamed with anger. "Guarantee Greece will not be invaded by Germany?" They were supporting the opposition to overthrow the Greek government!
General Winter continued:

"exactly."

"There is no humanitarian crisis in Greece, and France and Britain can guarantee that."

"Moreover, Greece has its own police and military, which can guarantee its own safety and order."

"Think about it, if we send a 'coalition of nations' to protect Greece, Greece will then have troops from many countries, which will inevitably cause unnecessary chaos."

The room erupted in laughter once again.

Someone asked General Winter, "So, General, you want Greece to have its own police and army?"

Winter was taken aback. Wasn't that right?
Thomas whispered a reminder: "General, the British government requires the Greek army to disarm and submit to British command."

General Winter immediately realized his mistake, but he remained unfazed:
"Of course, Greece can have its own police and army."

"But in order to avoid unnecessary conflict, it is reasonable for us to ask its troops to temporarily disarm."

"This does not affect their ability to maintain domestic order..."

Clemenceau couldn't stand it any longer and interrupted General Winter:
"But the French are withdrawing from Greece, General, just as we promised."

"In the future, only British troops may remain in Greece."

Do you believe the British military can guarantee Greece's security?

General Winter gritted his teeth: "Without a doubt."

Even he himself didn't believe it, and the meeting room erupted in boos.

The Greek representatives looked both indignant and helpless; they dared not provoke the British representatives too much, lest they become enraged and do something even more outrageous in Greece.

Clemenceau waved his hand: "Then let's vote on this matter: whether or not to send the 'United Nations' to protect Greece."

The delegates cheered.

General Winter and the British representatives looked at each other in bewilderment.

Voting in this climate, Britain is doomed to lose!

(End of this chapter)