Chapter 858 "World Lighthouse"

What Haig didn't know was that Charles's inclusion of the British Expeditionary Force in the counterattack had more important implications than just military significance, which was to disintegrate its colonies.

To be precise, it is for France, but also to fight for the high ground of public opinion for oneself.

(If France belongs to the Shire, then there is no difference between the two. For France is also for the Shire.)

Charles knew very well that if France wanted to become the world's number one power, in addition to having a strong economy, military and industry, it was very important to be a "beacon of the world."

It may seem abstract, but it can actually bring many benefits to the country.

It will make all countries in the world believe that the country is working for the development of mankind and the progress of the world, and will resolve disputes fairly and justly. Then this country will naturally become a benchmark of civilization or even a "world policeman."

This, in turn, can bring endless benefits to the country.

The right to speak, promote currency internationalization, formulate trade rules to reap global benefits, occupy the commanding heights in the war of public opinion, etc.

…

A week later, Paris City Hall.

Clemenceau sat comfortably in the Prime Minister's office, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper as usual.

It's quite worry-free to work with Shire.

As he gets older, there aren’t many things he can think about, and he hopes to enjoy a peaceful and peaceful life in his later years.

Clemenceau sometimes wondered, if one’s whole life was spent worrying about power and wealth, and worrying about how to keep them, then what was the meaning of this life?

You don't need to think so much when working with Charles.

As long as it does not go against Charles' wishes, the power and wealth will be his, and there is no need to worry about his personal safety. Charles will never allow anyone to threaten his safety.

On several occasions, political opponents planned assassinations against Clemenceau, but they were suppressed by the "Lady in White" and the "Second Bureau" as soon as they started.

Clemenceau put down the newspaper and breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't felt so relaxed for a long time.

There were footsteps outside the door and Morris pushed the door open, holding documents in his hands, with an anxious look and anger in his eyes.

After seeing Clemenceau, he took a few steps forward, put the documents in his hand on the desk, and asked: "Mr. Prime Minister, I want to know what your country wants to do? Subvert the British colonies?"

(The above picture shows Maurice Hankey, a British official who served as the Secretary of Military Coordination of the Allied Powers during World War I. He was responsible for the records of the wartime cabinet and the strategic coordination of the Allied Powers and had a close relationship with Clemenceau)

"What?" Clemenceau didn't understand what Maurice meant.

Morris patted the documents and said, "Look, see what Charles did and said in the expedition!"

Clemenceau took the document and flipped through it, his eyes immediately widened. Then he quickly read a few copies, and the more he read, the more frightened he became.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know that, Maurice,” said Clemenceau.

"You don't know?" Maurice looked at Clemenceau with a hint of sarcasm and provocation. "I thought Charles was the French Prime Minister. Think about it, Prime Minister, what kind of impact will this have on Britain, and even France?"

There was a flash of anger in Clemenceau's eyes. Charles had indeed gone too far.

But this thought was fleeting. Clemenceau knew where he was and Charles was not someone he could afford to offend.

After thinking for a while, Clemenceau raised the document in his hand and said, "I'll go ask. There must be something wrong. Please wait a moment!"

Clemenceau politely invited Maurice to sit down and asked his secretary to bring him coffee, then he picked up the documents and went out.

…

Clemenceau went to Gallieni's ministerial office downstairs.

If anyone could control or know what Charles was doing, it was Gallieni.

Gallieni was watching the situation in the colonies, especially Algeria.

Algeria is France's largest and most important colony. Since it was conquered by France in 1830, it has been considered an extension of French territory. In 1848, it officially became one of the three overseas departments of France.

(Note: During World War I, Algeria was divided into three provinces: Algiers, Oran and Constantine)

Gallieni, who was once the colonial governor, knew her importance and was therefore always hesitant.

Is it necessary to do this?

What will be the result?

Are there any other better options?

Just as Gallieni was buried in documents and intelligence, there were several hurried knocks on the door.

"Come in!" Gallieni didn't even raise his head. He thought it was a new secretary.

As Charles said, there will definitely be more diplomatic affairs in the future than now, much more, and Gallieni will have to recruit more assistants who are familiar with diplomacy.

However, when he heard the voice, Gallieni suddenly realized that it was Prime Minister Clemenceau who came.

"Minister." Clemenceau handed the document to Gallieni and asked cautiously, "Do you know this?"

Although Clemenceau was Prime Minister, he did not dare to offend Gallieni.

Everyone knows the relationship between Gallieni and Charles. If Charles is the emperor, then Gallieni is the emperor emeritus.

Gallieni took the document, flipped through it, and nodded slightly: "Well, I know some, but not in such detail."

…

The first document records Charles discussing the battlefield situation with Major General Richard, commander of the 5th Australian Infantry Division.

"The Australian army is made up of veterans, and their training and equipment are much better than other troops." Charles said to Major General Richard, "So, will it be okay if we put your army on the front line?"

"Of course." Major General Richard agreed happily: "It is our honor, Lieutenant General."

According to the British Army's custom, the weak African troops were deployed on the front line as cannon fodder, the second line was the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps or the Canadian Army, and finally the British mainland army.

(Note: Australia, New Zealand and Canada had a certain degree of autonomy and were not strictly considered "colonies", but they did not have military and diplomatic autonomy and did not become fully independent until after the war)

Charles did the opposite, placing the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on the front line and the African Army Corps on the second line of defense to provide cover.

"I'm sorry," Charles said, "If this is the principle, I should probably put the British troops at the front, but..."

Major General Richard nodded to show his understanding: "I understand, Lieutenant General, they will not agree to be on the front line."

"It's very confusing, isn't it?" Charles said sarcastically. "The normal practice should be to place the troops with poor quality in the rear for observation and learning, so that after a long time they will know how to face the enemy, but the British are not like that."

Major General Richard said proudly:

"You may have some misunderstandings, Lieutenant General."

"The quality of the Australian Army is no worse than that of the British Army."

"We fought in the Dardanelles, remember? And a good portion of the British were new recruits who knew nothing!"

Charles said, "Oh!" "Interesting. Then I don't understand. If that's the case, why are you still a vassal state of Britain?"

Major General Richard was stunned on the spot.

Yes, the British army is just like that. They always lose battles and the officers' command is a mess.

So why is Australia still controlled by Britain?

(End of this chapter)