CHAPTER 596: CHAPTER 596: DOES THIS COUNT AS A WIN-WIN?

The news of the British defeat at Antwerp quickly spread throughout France.

After all, the battle took place in Belgium, making it difficult for the British to block the news.

However, the French were not discussing the British defeat. To them, the British loss was expected:

"This is what happens when you lag behind the times. We’ve known this would be the outcome for a long time. If they don’t change, they’ll only be eliminated by war."

"Yes, Shire has already proven the importance of tanks, not just once. The Germans have all followed Shire’s steps to equip and upgrade their tanks, but the British still stubbornly believe tanks are useless."

"But I heard the British used tanks at Antwerp, the ’Whippet’."

"That’s just a tank. They arrogantly discarded Shire’s tank tactics, flaunting themselves as the world’s strongest nation, not giving Shire any credit. The facts prove they were wrong!"

...

Everyone thought the British brought this upon themselves and took a gloating attitude toward their defeat.

However, at some point, another voice emerged:

"Do you know why Shire’s air force didn’t reinforce Antwerp?"

"The British and the Parliament tried to control Shire’s supplies, which led to Shire’s troops losing their combat ability. His planes couldn’t take off due to a lack of gasoline, and many soldiers didn’t even have a basic supply of ammunition!"

"What? Such a thing actually happened?"

"I believe it’s true. Shire’s existence doesn’t align with British interests, and the British would use their resources to control the Parliament!"

...

Public opinion exploded instantly, and angry people immediately surrounded the House of Representatives, which was in session.

This time they didn’t just shout slogans; many directly stormed the House of Representatives, surrounding the lawmakers. They shook their fists and shouted at the lawmakers:

"We oppose the Parliament’s unreasonable interference with the military. All lawmakers involved in persecuting Shire should be severely punished!"

"They are our enemies. They conspired with the British and sold out France!"

"You traitors, criminals, vampires ignoring national security for profit, you are unfit to represent the people of France!"

...

The lawmakers turned pale with fear and continuously tried to clarify that the matter had nothing to do with them, but how could people believe these two-faced lawmakers? Some even started to resort to physical actions, and the tension in the House of Representatives was palpable.

In the end, it was Gallieni who mobilized troops to protect the lawmakers and ensure their safe departure.

...

In Namur Castle, one telegram after another was delivered to Shire’s desk.

Although Shire was in Namur, a hundred kilometers away from Antwerp, he was the person most informed about the situation.

The map in front of him clearly marked the German Army’s attack routes and positions.

The public opinion in Paris was also guided by Shire. For instance, it was timely disclosed that the British and Parliament were controlling supplies of the Sixth Army.

Tijani excitedly handed over a telegram: "There’s strong reaction within Britain as well. Many people are criticizing Kitchener for still trying to control their allies with resources when facing Germany, a formidable enemy. This will only cause internal conflicts among the Allies."

"So, they pushed the blame onto Kitchener?" Shire said calmly.

Tijani was startled: "You mean..."

Then he suddenly realized: "The Parliament, the British House of Commons, this was their decision."

"The capitalists, General," Shire corrected, "The real controllers of resources are the British capitalists."

Tijani nodded in agreement.

The essence of the British Parliament was quite similar to that of France. Capitalists controlled the lawmakers, and lawmakers decided national affairs.

Therefore, suppressing Shire was the intention of British capitalists. This was a struggle between British capitalists and Shire.

Otherwise, as the Minister of the Army, Kitchener could not possibly have control over resources.

(Note: Britain is divided into the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords is composed of traditional nobles, mostly hereditary, continuing to the present. During World War I, it lost most of its legislative power, which was transferred to the House of Commons. But it’s not true that the House of Lords has no power as online rumors say. The House of Lords has review powers and, although it cannot veto a bill from the House of Commons, it can delay it for a year or two.)

Tijani smiled at Shire: "It seems your business in Britain has offended the interests of the capitalists!"

Shire smiled without saying a word.

He had long known this situation would arise.

Developing finance would offend British financial giants. Selling arms and technology to Britain would offend numerous British arms dealers, and his long-term, continuous, and even overwhelmingly advantageous position almost determined the fate of these capital giants. Of course, they would see Shire as a thorn in their side.

But Shire did not regret doing so. This was a necessary development path. Should he not do business or earn money because he was worried about offending people?

As for the British capitalists using military means to suppress Shire, they were still somewhat tender. This was not their forte, and they should be self-aware.

Now, it was time for them to pay the price!

Soon, one after another, distress telegrams were sent to Shire.

The first was from Admiral Avis: "The Germans have gained air superiority over Antwerp, which makes our army very passive. I hope your army can provide air support for Antwerp."

Then came a telegram from Fuxu: "The British Army is our most important ally, and the safety of Antwerp is related to the entire frontline. From the overall situation, I believe you should provide reinforcements to the British Army."

This was probably due to Kitchener putting pressure on Fuxu.

Then came telegrams from the French Army Commission and the Prime Minister’s Office, all similarly hoping Shire would provide reinforcements. Their request was surprisingly uniform: they needed Shire’s aviation unit.

Shire did not rush to reply. Instead, he handed the telegrams to Tijani and asked, "Do you see anything from this?"

Tijani took and flipped through the telegrams, then laughed: "They think that as long as they can defeat the German planes and regain air superiority with our air support, the British Army can turn the tide. If that happens, the final victory is still theirs, and we would only play a supporting role."

Shire nodded.

This not only could resolve the crisis in Antwerp but also save the face of the British Army, a well-calculated plan.

Of course, Shire would not let them have their way. His response was direct and straightforward: "Sorry, due to the previous supply policy, our army is severely lacking gasoline and ammunition. We estimate that only twenty or so of our planes can take off. These planes would find it difficult to protect themselves, let alone provide reinforcements."

Soon after sending out the telegram, Shire received a reply from Admiral Avis: "I will immediately transfer a batch of supplies from Dunkirk to reinforce your army. Please prepare to receive the supplies and support."

Shire let out a satisfied smile.

Is this a win-win situation?

No, it should be a triple win: securing a material depot, obtaining supplies, and defeating the Germans!