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

Chapter 978 Wilhelm II's Thoughts

Washington held an emergency press conference:
“We regret what happened at Freeman Joint Command and are shocked by Baker’s actions.”

"Unbelievable, Baker, as the U.S. Secretary of War, actually secretly made an agreement with the Germans and set a trap."

"The White House knows nothing about these things, and we will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly."

"Prior to this, General Pershing was in full charge of U.S. military affairs in France."

……

The British War Office in London then sent a telegram to Clemenceau:
"Britain has nothing to do with anything Haig did; it was all Haig's personal action."

"Please believe that we are staunch allies, and our goals have always been aligned."

"Especially at this final moment, with victory in sight, the British government would certainly not be foolish enough to betray its allies and reach an agreement with the Germans."

……

Clemenceau simply smiled when he received the telegram.

These words might work to fool others, but to use them to fool me is to treat me like a fool.

Britain's interest has never been in defeating Germany, but in defeating the Charles and securing its position as the world's number one power.

You might have had a chance before, but now it's all too late.

……

Public opinion continues to ferment in countries around the world.

Although both the UK and the US responded promptly, the impact of this matter was too great, and it cannot be simply severed by cutting ties.

The Times publicly expressed its doubts:

What is our government doing?

"They told us that soldiers went to the battlefield to fight the Germans, to oppose German aggression, to end the war, and for the peace of mankind."

"But in the end, we found ourselves allies with the Germans, and enemies with the Charles?"

"So, should we launch an attack on France next?"

"Although the British Expeditionary Force is not as strong as Charles's army, I firmly believe that with the British Expeditionary Force as our inside help, we will definitely achieve victory!"

……

The sound of cannons could be heard in the distance from the Liege fortress, the smoke in the air had not yet completely dissipated, and the whole city was cheering and celebrating.

Not long ago, the German troops, who still had a few fortifications, seemed to still hold onto a sliver of hope: as long as they held their fortifications until reinforcements arrived, they still had a chance of victory.

However, the appearance of Charles's dive bombers shattered the Germans' confidence after destroying a few small bunkers.

Charles set up his command post at Fort Lautysai in the northeast corner.

This is a castle that has never been bombed. It is close to German territory, and you can see soldiers continuously marching into Germany just by standing on the loophole and looking out.

Those were infantrymen from the French 6th Army and soldiers from the Belgian 1st Special Reconnaissance Corps.

The Belgian army played a very good supporting role in this battle. They were familiar with the terrain and many of them spoke German, so they could communicate with German civilians without any problems.

However, that's not what Charles is focusing on.

He sent Christine a telegram: "Do you know what to do?"

“Yes, General,” Christine replied, “it’s already underway!”

“Very good!” Charles nodded in satisfaction.

The Ruhr industrial region is Germany's most important industrial area, and it is home to a wide range of talented people, including those in the military industry.

Since the outbreak of the war, Germany has been working hard to catch up with Char's research and development, and at a very fast pace, which surprised Char.

Charles knew very well that talent was the most important thing, and he wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.

As a result, all researchers and technicians from various industries in the Ruhr industrial region, including artillery, machinery, aircraft, and metallurgy, were recruited by the Charles.

Of course, Charles would follow the principle of voluntariness. However, when soliciting opinions on talent, Christine would bring along several fully armed soldiers, some still covered in blood.

Christine will be very polite:
"Who doesn't want to work for Bernard? Raise your hand!"

"Don't worry, we are French, we uphold the French spirit, and even if you don't want to, we won't do anything to you."

Gunshots and screams would occasionally ring out from outside the window.

Of course, this is just acting.

Christine walked to the window and drew the curtains, then turned back and asked again, "Tell me, who?"

Then, the researchers would respond quite readily:

“We are all willing to work for Charles, General.”

"Yes, it is our honor to work for the Charles."

“He offered a very generous salary and would also bring our families over, so we had no reason to disagree.”

……

Then, with the help of these talented individuals, Christine will dismantle and remove as much of the machinery in the Ruhr area as possible.

These are advanced technologies that France does not possess, or relatively expensive equipment.

This was one of the reasons why Charles attacked the Ruhr industrial region.

With France's military strength, Germany's talent, and Charles's strategic vision, it's not hard to imagine the enormous advantage France would have.

Just as Charles was considering how to make use of these talents, his staff reported to him: "General, General Tijani has called to say that he has received the Germans' request to surrender."

Charles said "Oh," and then asked, "Is it a German tank division?"

“No, General,” the staff officer replied excitedly, “it is Kaiser Wilhelm II, who wishes to surrender to you on behalf of Germany.”

Charles was taken aback. Did this mean the war was over?
The surrounding communications soldiers looked delighted, and some even cheered quietly.

But Charles remained calm. After a moment's consideration, he resolutely refused: "No, he can no longer represent Germany."

Charles saw through Wilhelm II's thoughts.

At this time, an uprising was breaking out in Germany, with angry people demanding that Wilhelm II step down and relinquish power.

If Charles agrees to Wilhelm II's surrender on behalf of Germany, it would mean that Charles recognizes Wilhelm II's identity.

Thus, under the military deterrence and prestige of Charles, Wilhelm II was able to maintain his position.

Ciel isn't that stupid; he wouldn't be taken advantage of at this point.

……

The Palace of Forgetfulness was no longer the tranquil place it once was; it was besieged by commoners who were shouting for an explanation from Wilhelm II.

Many people didn't want explanations; they just wanted Wilhelm II to abdicate.

In the tense living room, Wilhelm II paced anxiously, awaiting Charles's reply.

“If Charles agrees, everything will be different.” He muttered to himself, “There’s still a chance, even if Charles makes me a puppet, like Clemenceau.”

William II believed this was very tempting for Charles.

But he thought wrong.

Even if the Charles needs a puppet, it shouldn't be an emperor abandoned by the military and the people.

In the current situation, even a German soldier who has rendered meritorious service would be better than him, the emperor.

Finally, the military attaché delivered the telegram.

Wilhelm II glanced at it only once, then sat down on the sofa like a deflated balloon.

It was all over. Wilhelm II sighed deeply.

(End of this chapter)