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

Chapter 980

General Winter immediately realized that there was no point in negotiating, and that Charles was not going to back down, so he quickly changed the subject.

“Alright,” General Winter said, “then let’s talk about a ceasefire.”

"A ceasefire?" Charles feigned ignorance. "What's there to discuss?"

General Winter was confused by Charles: "What do you mean?"

“You mean…” Charles asked, “that we negotiate with Germany together? As an Allied power?”

"Isn't that right?" General Winter's expression changed.

“General,” Charles replied.
“Since you have already bypassed France and spoken with the Germans, you have violated the Treaty of London.”

"Then, is it still necessary for us to negotiate with the Germans as part of the Allied Powers?"

Charles wouldn't fall for that. Why should France share the spoils of a war it won with you?

General Winter quickly explained, "This is a misunderstanding, General. We have already investigated; it was General Haig's personal action and has nothing to do with the British government..."

Charles smiled without saying a word.

General Winter suddenly understood Charles's reason for keeping William II alive.

The evidence is in Charles's hands. If one day Wilhelm II suddenly stands before the world and reveals all the secrets of that day in Wilhelmshaven, no amount of sophistry from Britain and the United States will be of any use.

After considering for a moment, General Winter nodded: "Alright, I understand what you mean. You mean, we will negotiate with Germany separately, without any connection between us, is that right?"

Charles nodded firmly: "Yes."

General Winter left Charles's headquarters looking dejected; he had gained nothing.

At that moment, Charles received a telegram.

The telegram was from Lucia: "The objective has been successfully achieved, and I bet you can't guess why he agreed."

Charles was puzzled. What else could a scientist have?
Whether it's funding or environment, like Fersendon, the Shire can provide them with everything they need.

Charles later learned that the target agreed because Charles upheld the "French spirit" and was committed to building world peace.

Upon learning this, Charles sighed inwardly, thinking that this was perhaps the beginning of the effects of "soft power."

They have no effect on politicians, but are extremely damaging to scientists who harbor illusions.

……

In the London War Office, the Quartermaster General listened with a furrowed brow as General Winter relayed Charles's words.

He didn't say anything, just puffed on his cigar, as if trying to bury himself in the smoke.

After a long while, the Minister of Munitions asked, "What progress has our offensive in Frankfurt made?"

(Note: Frankfurt is a district in Germany)

General Winter replied, "The Germans are very tenacious in their defense; they only surrender to the French army, but are willing to fight to the last against the British."

The Minister of Munitions had a bad feeling.

Charles's army did not continue its offensive, and at the same time, the German army only surrendered to the French army.

Does that mean Britain will be excluded from the armistice negotiations?

The Minister of Munitions originally intended to use the Treaty of London to bind Germany to France, so that Germany's surrender to France would be equivalent to its surrender to Britain, thus allowing Britain to use its power to force the Germans to submit.

But Charles wasn't fooled at all.

Based on the principle that "what cannot be obtained on the battlefield cannot be obtained at the negotiating table," even if the Germans were willing to negotiate with Britain, Britain would not gain much benefit.

The Minister of Munitions could imagine the scene during the negotiations:
"We believe Germany should pay $330 billion in reparations for this war!"

"330 billion? On what grounds?" "On the grounds that we were the victorious nation, and we paid a heavy price for this war."

"No, the victor is France, not you!"

"We are allies with France, and you must accept that fact!"

"Sorry, we don't accept this. If you're still not satisfied, then keep fighting!"

……

The Germans dared not say such things to the French negotiators because the French army could cripple them at any time, or even advance all the way to Berlin.

But the Germans could say such things to the British and American representatives.

Because it would still be difficult for the British and American forces to defeat the existing German forces, and they might even suffer heavy casualties.

Therefore, France is the one that benefits the most and holds the power of discourse.

General Winter had also considered this issue, and he suggested, "Perhaps we should wait?"

"Wait?" The Minister of War didn't even look up, asking coldly, "Wait for what?"

General Winter explained:
"Charles' army occupied the Ruhr industrial region, which was the most important industrial base for the Germans."

"Just wait a while, plus our supply blockade at sea."

"The Germans' supplies will soon run into problems."

Needless to say, once the German army ran out of supplies, it would be much easier for the British to defeat them.

The Minister of Munitions considered for a moment and then slowly nodded.

As long as the Germans can be defeated, the politician can gain leverage at the negotiating table. Whether the method used is "unethical" or not is not something a politician needs to consider.

……

Fort Puntise, 6th Army Headquarters.

Albert I personally led a group to deliver food to the Charles.

“These are Liège’s special dishes, Lieutenant General.” Albert I took out waffles, meatballs, honey, and fruit syrup from a thermos.

(The image above shows Liege waffles, a specialty food of Liege.)
“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.” Charles nodded to Albert I in gratitude as he signed the documents.

At this moment, the staff officer reported to Charles with a telegram: "General, production in the Ruhr industrial region has resumed."

Charles took the telegram and casually tossed it aside.

Albert I found this strange: "Lieutenant General, the rifles and artillery you use are completely different from those of the Germans. Is it necessary to restore production in the Ruhr industrial region so quickly?"

What would be the point for the French army? On the contrary, it would increase the risk of their ammunition being seized by the Germans!
Charles simply grunted in response, put down the documents in his hand, picked up a waffle, and found it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, tasting better than he had imagined.

“It’s delicious,” Charles exclaimed.

Albert I replied:
“It’s not just you, General, every French soldier in Liège has it.”

"I would prefer to send them to the front lines so that those brave warriors can have a taste, but the current transportation conditions do not allow it."

"But rest assured, Belgium will remember every contribution they make."

Charles admired Albert I's approach, believing it made people feel that the sacrifices made for Belgium were worthwhile.

Seeing that he was still looking at the telegram about the Ruhr industrial region, Charles explained, "The British army is also attacking the Germans, Your Majesty. I suppose you don't want them to win a great victory on the battlefield, do you?"

Albert I suddenly realized, and then nodded heavily: "Of course, Lieutenant General, of course I don't want that!"

(End of this chapter)