Chapter 536 His skills are as good as his military genius
Seeing Foch thoughtful, Charles added: "You know the situation Nivelle is facing now, General. He will soon step down from the position of commander-in-chief, whether he likes it or not."
Foch nodded slowly.
This was not just a matter of Nivelle's collusion with the British, but also a matter of his lack of reputation and his own abilities.
As a new official who is facing many doubts, it would be good if he could win the battle, as it would help him temporarily consolidate his position.
But now they have been defeated, and the defeat was one with heavy casualties, and a series of scandals of concealing the war situation have been exposed.
If he hadn't been in the middle of an intense battle, he would have been removed from his post long ago.
Charles continued, "I don't want the next commander-in-chief to be controlled by the British. You don't want this to continue, do you?"
This was the reason why Charles believed Foch could not refuse his plan.
Foch sighed helplessly, shook his head and replied: "But this cannot be avoided, Major General, you may not be aware of the situation France is facing at this time. Do you think those parliamentarians are willing to let the British interfere, or even let the British decide the candidate for the French commander-in-chief?"
Ciel replied calmly, "I know."
Foch smiled lightly, his eyes full of disbelief: "Do you really know?"
If you knew, you wouldn't say something like "I don't want the next commander-in-chief to still be controlled by the British", and the next commander-in-chief will still be the same.
"Yes, I know." Charles nodded. "The British can use the supplies they have to influence the outcome of the French army. If our approach does not satisfy them, they will use the German army to put pressure on us."
This operation is very simple.
For example, if the French army chooses a disobedient commander-in-chief, the British will reduce the supply of materials to weaken the French army, and at the same time fight passively on the defense line. Soon the German army will gain the advantage on the battlefield, causing heavy casualties to the French army or even a continuous defeat.
By then, even Charles might not be able to save the entire defense line.
Foch looked at Charles in confusion. He didn't understand why Charles "didn't want the commander-in-chief to be controlled by the British" when he clearly knew this truth. Aren't these two things contradictory?
"So, what you said doesn't exist." Foch stared at Charles and said with certainty: "A commander-in-chief who is not controlled by the British cannot be the commander-in-chief, and I will be no exception!"
"So you should be under British control."
Foch frowned and stood up with a bang, his eyes showing anger and disappointment: "I'm sorry, Major General, I can't be the commander-in-chief."
Then he turned and left.
As soon as he opened the door, Charles said slowly behind him: "I can make sure that the British can't control you, General."
Foch was stunned for a moment, then slowly closed the door.
He seemed to understand Charles' idea, to pretend to be friendly with the British, become the commander-in-chief with their support, and then get rid of the British control.
Foch had no reason to refuse, even if he had to endure the shame of "colluding with the British" in doing so.
But Foch didn't believe it completely. He turned around and asked, "Tell me your solution."
That's Britain, the most powerful country in the world, and your opponent is Marshal Kitchener. They have the supplies in their hands. How can you just get rid of them?
Charles drank the water calmly and said, "I will let the French Navy play a role in anti-submarine warfare."
Foch's eyes lit up.
If the French Navy can play a role in anti-submarine warfare, it will no longer be Britain that determines the strategic resource of materials, but Britain and France.
By then, Britain will naturally lose its foundation for controlling France.
But that's the navy, and they have to deal with German submarines that even the British are helpless against. Can Charles find a way to solve it?
The next second, Foch thought of Charles' performance in the Dardanelles: he invented the "depth charge" to destroy German submarines, and also invented the landing craft and amphibious landing ships that shocked the world, which was enough to prove that he had this ability.
Foch went back to the sofa and sat down, his eyes fixed on Charles.
"If you can do this, why don't you seek to be commander-in-chief yourself?"
"Don't tell me it's because I'm young that I can't convince the crowd."
"Your popularity is unmatched, and most French citizens and soldiers would like you to be their commander-in-chief."
This is a fact, and this voice is very common among grassroots soldiers and civilians. Before Nivelle made a mistake, many people wanted to drive him out and replace him with Charles.
With such a reputation and the ability to control supplies through anti-submarine warfare, it can be said that Charles can be the commander-in-chief with ease and without any pressure.
"I can't." Charles answered truthfully: "You know the reason. The parliament doesn't want the military to dominate alone. They need someone to hold me back. If I become the commander-in-chief, they will cultivate various forces to fight against me, such as Pétain and several army group commanders."
Foch thought for a moment and nodded in agreement with Charles' analysis. This was indeed what the parliament would do.
"So." Charles looked at Foch quietly: "If you are my enemy, then there is no problem."
Foch secretly praised in his heart. He understood Charles's thoughts. At the same time, there was some surprise in his eyes. He didn't expect that Charles, at such a young age, had such means.
As long as Foch and Charles were "enemies" on the surface, the parliament would definitely support Foch out of the intention of "divide and rule". Wouldn't Charles and Foch have the final say on military affairs? At most, it was just a show for the parliament.
"One last question." Foch had let down his guard at this point, and he leaned back on the sofa with ease: "Do you know why the British chose Nivelle instead of others?"
Ciel nodded: "Because he is easy to control."
Nivelle had no military achievements and did not have much reputation or supporters in the French army. The only people he could rely on were the British. It was precisely such a talent that he had to listen to the British because he would be useless without the British.
Foch was different. His reputation was incomparable to Nivelle. It could be said that all the offensive factions were his students and supporters. His reputation was far higher than that of Pétain and the army group commander.
Charles asked, "Are you worried that your reputation is too high?"
Foch hummed, "The biggest competitor should be Pétain, his reputation is just right."
This was something Charles had never thought of.
Come to think of it, Pétain was promoted rapidly after the outbreak of the war. His power in the army was weak and his foundation was unstable, unlike Foch and the army group commanders who could command the support of everyone.
After thinking for a while, Charles answered confidently: "Leave it to me, General. You don't need to worry about it."
"What are you going to do?" Foch asked doubtfully.
"It's simple." Ciel said in a relaxed tone, "Whoever cooperates with me will be questioned, and the possibility of him becoming the commander-in-chief will be smaller."
Foch was so shocked that he couldn't close his mouth for a long time.
The British also have a need to weaken the Shire, so they will never choose someone who has a good relationship with the Shire.
If Charles pretends to be in close cooperation with Pétain...
God, this guy is extraordinary, his skills are as good as his military genius!
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
