CHAPTER 682: CHAPTER 682: SAVE THE BRITISH OR DEFEAT GERMANY?

The House of Representatives at the Bourbon Palace, where Briand personally convened a meeting.

During the meeting, Briand delivered a passionate speech:

"Gentlemen, this is a war of the Allies against the Central Powers, and our allies are on the verge of collapse and need our help."

"Indeed, General Gallieni’s concerns are valid, Belgium is also our ally."

"But considering the overall interests of the Allies, we should first ensure the safety of Britain rather than Belgium."

"Moreover, if we lose Britain as an ally, we will soon lose Belgium and even Shire!"

"Therefore, we cannot allow such a thing to happen, even if it costs us dearly!"

"At the same time, I believe these costs are necessary and worth it; it concerns our honor, everyone’s, and France’s!"

Briand even broke from his usual gentle and refined demeanor, waving his fist and shouting at the deputies, his voice hoarse.

As soon as he finished, the room erupted in applause, with deputies echoing Briand’s call one after another:

"Britain is our most steadfast ally. They have millions of troops; we must ensure their safety."

"We cannot hand Dunkirk to the Germans; it is our link to Britain."

"If the British are defeated, we will also be defeated; it is only a matter of time!"

...

But Wells stood up, walked to the podium, and loudly opposed:

"Gentlemen, let us recall the victories the British have achieved on the battlefield?"

"Was it the Defense of Paris, the Defense of Ypres, or the Battle of the Somme?"

"Sorry, so far, I haven’t heard of any victory achieved solely by the British Army, only more defeats and interference with our operations."

These words immediately drew opposition from the audience:

"Regardless, Britain is our ally."

"They have reduced the pressure on our front lines."

"Our victories also contain their contribution; without them, we could not have achieved victory!"

...

Steed stood up, his voice old yet powerful:

"Is that so? Perhaps you have forgotten that the majority of Shire’s victories did not involve the British Army."

"If the British Army was involved, it was because he was fighting for the British at the Dardanelles Strait; he even saved them."

"Elsewhere, the British not only failed to help but were obstacles. For example, in the battle of Antwerp, Shire’s troops were almost trapped due to British blockade!"

Arman slowly stood up, adjusted his collar, stepped onto the podium, and turned to face the audience, his hands resting naturally on the wall:

"I do not understand military affairs, gentlemen."

"I only want to ask one question: If we have the possibility of defeating the Germans and ending this war by ourselves, why must we include the British and save them?"

"You all know how many victories Shire has won. I believe Shire’s decisions are correct. I believe he will lead us to victory."

"And you, are more willing to believe the British, who have not achieved a single victory, just because they have more troops?"

Someone shouted from the audience:

"You believe too much in Shire. The Germans have reached Dunkirk from the rear, and next, they will invade Belgium."

"Yes, even Shire cannot win in this situation!"

Arman said nothing, only turned his gaze to the audience behind the podium, where Gallieni stood listening quietly, saying nothing.

Everyone’s eyes focused on Gallieni. The tumultuous conference room suddenly quieted down, with people wanting to know one thing: Whether Shire might lead France to victory without British aid.

Gallieni hesitated for a moment and said:

"I am not sure, gentlemen."

"But I know Shire indeed has a plan."

"I cannot say much, I can only say: If Shire can capture the Liege Fortress, would you be willing to give up on this opportunity and pull him and his troops back to save the British?"

The conference room was in an uproar.

The Liege Fortress is not just a simple fortress. Capturing it not only secures the northeastern direction of Belgium but also means Shire’s troops can invade German territory, possibly encircling and completely defeating the German Army from the rear on the Western Front.

(The image above is a map of Europe, the Liege Fortress is in the corner area between Holland and Luxembourg, facing Germany. Once Shire captures Liege and opens this gap, armored units can bypass Luxembourg from the south and attack the German defense line from the rear, ending the war.)

Saying this, Gallieni had his subordinates distribute maps and possible attack routes.

Arman also had one in his hand and exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Aha!":

"Look, we indeed have the possibility to defeat the Germans without British aid."

"The main German forces are now fully attacking the British Expeditionary Force in the River Somme area, while Shire will immediately bypass the Germans after recapturing the Liege Fortress."

"Then, all Germans will be surrounded by us, including those at the River Somme."

He then proudly waved the map in his hand and said to the deputies: "Now, gentlemen, you choose one: Save the British or defeat the Germans?"

The room was silent.

From the perspective of France’s national interest, it was obvious to choose the latter.

Saving the British was of no benefit to France; in principle, it was a detriment.

The best result would be for the Germans and the British to fight until both are severely weakened, at which point Shire could step in and lead the French Army to end the war completely.

However, this did not align with Briand’s interests, the deputies’ interests, or the interests of France’s capitalists.

Because it would send Shire’s reputation soaring uncontrollably.

By then, all French citizens would elect Shire as their Prime Minister. The deputies might all be ousted by citizen votes in favor of Shire’s supporters, and the Bernard Group would naturally become an unstoppable behemoth in France.

Nonetheless, they could not deny the plan put forth by Gallieni or the possibility.

Especially with the invincible Shire as its executor!

After a while, someone timidly asked: "Then, what about our supplies? We all know France’s supplies come from British loans!"

Arman charmingly flicked his shiny long hair, revealing a mesmerizing smile, leaning forward to answer the questioner:

"You are right, Mr. Raphael, we do need supplies."

"However, have you considered that Shire can also procure supplies from the United States and even has a fleet to escort them?"

"Moreover, if we can defeat the Germans in a short time, we won’t need extensive supplies to sustain us, don’t you think?"

The room fell silent again.

Some deputies were so frightened they turned pale, as if the apocalypse had arrived.