Chapter 937 This Battle is Unavoidable

Charles sent a stern warning to Germany in the name of the "League of Nations", delivered by the Dutch ambassador:

"Your Majesty, we know that German troops are preparing to attack Romania and Italy."

"They are member states protected by the 'League of Nations.'"

"The League of Nations demands that German troops immediately cease all armed actions and withdraw beyond the borders of the two countries."

"If this guarantee is not obtained, the 'League of Nations' will take all means to safeguard the interests of Romania and Italy, including attacking Germany!"

…

Kaiser Wilhelm II strolling through the vineyards in the early morning sunshine.

The spring grape leaves have just sprouted a little. The brown vines are like the bones of an old man, twisting and winding around the iron frame. The cracked skin hides vitality. The branches point silently to the sky, as if in a powerless accusation and struggle.

Just as William II was reminded of the past, the Chief Aide-de-camp quickly walked up to him and said, "Your Majesty, we have received a telegram from the League of Nations."

(Note: The Chief Aide-de-camp was William II's closest military adviser, equivalent to a private secretary, who provided military advice to William II.)

William II took the telegram and read it carefully twice, looking confused.

He knew nothing about the "League of Nations". When did this organization come into being?

Later, William II realized that this was the reason why his power was hollowed out by Hindenburg: intelligence was sent to Hindenburg's General Staff, while diplomatic affairs were still sent to him as usual.

Hence the “misalignment” situation.

William II smiled helplessly and waved the telegram in his hand to the Chief Aide-de-camp: "What is the 'League of Nations'?"

The military attaché bowed and replied, "I'm not sure, Your Majesty. I heard that it is a new organization established by France in Paris."

"French organization?" William II frowned.

Why didn't France send a telegram directly to tell him this, but instead took a roundabout way and issued a warning in the capacity of the "League of Nations"?

Hindenburg hurried up the steps, looking a little panicked: "Your Majesty, have you received a telegram?"

William II was surprised that a telegram from the "League of Nations" could make Hindenburg lose his composure like this.

He handed over the telegram: "Are you talking about this?"

Hindenburg took the telegram, glanced at it, and nodded carefully: "Yes, Your Majesty."

William II didn't ask any more questions. If Hindenburg wanted him to know, he would tell him naturally.

Sure enough, the next second Hindenburg explained: "This 'League of Nations' is an international organization founded by Charles. So far, a total of 17 countries have joined, including France, Britain, Romania, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries."

France and Britain are two important powers.

Romania, Italy, and Belgium were at war with Germany, and two of these countries were at the center of the warning.

The Netherlands is currently the most important neutral country to Germany.

William II said "Oh" and probably guessed what was going on.

"It's tricky, isn't it?" asked William II.

For some reason, he felt a little happy.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Hindenburg looked embarrassed.

The Netherlands, which has always remained neutral, may even send troops as a member of the "League of Nations".

…

Hindenburg privately asked Ludendorff to contact Queen Wilhelmina. Hindenburg wanted to tell the queen a message: "Germany does not want the Netherlands to join the 'League of Nations', otherwise Germany has reason to doubt the neutrality of the Netherlands."

But Queen Wilhelmina's answer was: "The Netherlands is an independent country, Your Excellency the Chief of Staff, the 'League of Nations' is an international organization established for world peace, and we have the right to decide whether to participate."

Ludendorff also wanted to try further threats, such as increasing troops on the border to put further pressure on it.

But it was stopped by Hindenburg.

"It won't work," Hindenburg said.

"They believe that if they join the 'League of Nations' they will be protected by the Shire, otherwise they will be in danger of being invaded."

"Not just Germany, but also the UK, which is also likely to 'enter' these countries."

"so……"

Ludendorff suddenly realized.

Charles took advantage of the two catfishes, "Germany" and "Britain", and drove a number of neutral countries into his arms to accept the protection of France.

This is indeed the case.

From Queen Wilhelmina's point of view, the Netherlands should not have joined the "League of Nations" to provoke Germany, which might have dragged the Netherlands into an unnecessary war in the final stage.

However, the Netherlands faces a triple crisis:

At the last minute, will Germany, desperate because of resource shortages, invade the Netherlands?

Will Britain use war as an excuse to "enter" the Netherlands, just as it did with Greece?

If the Netherlands does not join the League of Nations, will it be isolated by the international community? At the critical moment, will the League of Nations have an excuse not to speak up for the Netherlands or provide protection for the Netherlands?

After careful consideration and weighing of the pros and cons, Queen Wilhelmina finally decided to join the League of Nations despite pressure from Germany.

After all, there is no doubt that the French Army has become the strongest overlord on the European continent.

Don’t offend France if you want to offend anyone!

…

"Your Excellency, Chief of the General Staff." Wilhelm II nodded at the telegram in Hindenburg's hand: "How do you want me to respond to the 'League of Nations'?"

Hindenburg replied respectfully:

"Your Majesty, I suggest you explain this to the League of Nations."

"We were at war with Romania and Italy before the 'League of Nations' was formed."

"And without exception, it was Italy and Romania that attacked Germany first, and Germany was only forced to fight back."

William II smiled slightly.

The facts are indeed as Hindenburg said, but it will not be of any use.

Having been involved in politics for a long time, he understood that this was just Charles's attempt to establish the authority of the "League of Nations".

He wanted to announce to the world: No matter which country it was, as long as it joined the "League of Nations", it would be protected by France.

So, no matter whether Germany is right or wrong, it is ultimately wrong.

"Charles would probably reply like this," William II said:

The disputes that preceded the League of Nations have nothing to do with it.”

"Now, we see only German troops igniting the war on Romanian and Italian soil."

"For the sake of world peace and harmony in the international community, Germany should withdraw its troops to the border. This is the basis for further negotiations. Otherwise, we will take necessary measures!"

Wilhelm II fixed his eyes on Hindenburg and asked with a smile: "How will you respond then?"

Hindenburg was stunned. He had not considered this issue. Political matters were usually handled by Ludendorff.

"Prepare for war." William II took a deep breath:

"Char won't give you a chance to defeat Romania and Italy before dealing with him!"

"You are a smart man, Mr. Chief of the General Staff. You know that this war is unavoidable."

"You can only reason with him if you defeat Charles!"

(End of this chapter)