Chapter 1040 It’s Time to Go Home
Clemenceau received the news, put down the phone, and announced to the representatives of various countries with a proud but calm face:
"Gentlemen, I'm sorry to interrupt you."
"I have just received a piece of news which I believe will be of interest to you."
"Just now, the German High Seas Fleet defeated the British North Sea Fleet, forcing the British Fleet to abandon its attack on Brest Port and return to the North Sea."
The meeting room was quiet for a while, and then there was a lot of discussion:
"The German High Seas Fleet? They can actually defeat the British North Sea Fleet!"
"Unbelievable, how did they do that?"
"I almost forgot about it. I thought all they had left to do was sign the surrender document!"
…
However, representatives from various countries quickly reacted:
"It must be Ciel, it must be him."
"Yes, the German High Seas Fleet had long been torn apart, but now it has been reunited. This must be related to Charles."
"He had planned this move long ago, using the German fleet to push the Royal Navy into the abyss."
Someone also asked Clemenceau: "What about the Strait of Gibraltar? Is it still under the blockade of the British?"
Just at this moment, the secretary sent a telegram to Clemenceau.
Clemenceau took a look at it, then proudly waved it towards the representatives of various countries: "Look what I have received."
Representatives from various countries responded in unison:
"Have the British troops withdrawn from the Strait of Gibraltar?"
"I guess Ciel defeated them."
"Yes, Charles must have broken through the British blockade. This is a good opportunity!"
…
“No.” Clemenceau smiled and shook his head. “It was a telegram from British Prime Minister George. He wants to negotiate with France.”
There was a burst of laughter in the conference room.
negotiation?
This is clearly surrender!
Then everyone understood one thing: the days when the British Empire dominated the world were gone forever.
…
When the citizens of Paris heard the good news, they came out of the factory this time.
Because they knew: if even Britain bowed its proud head to France, it would mean the war was over.
If that's the case, why do they still need to work so hard to prepare for war?
People rushed to the streets to celebrate wildly, shouting Charles' name again and again.
…
But that's not what's important.
Two hours after the defeat of the British fleet, Canada declared independence and expressed its intention to join the French-led "League of Nations".
Half an hour later, Egypt declared independence.
Then came Kenya, Uganda, Nyasaland (now Malawi), the Gold Coast (now Ghana)...
Overnight, as if they had agreed beforehand, Britain's colonies announced their independence from British control one after another. Some asked for three days, while others gave a more relaxed week for Britain to withdraw its troops, otherwise they would declare war on Britain.
Without exception, these countries, like Canada, announced at the same time that they would join the "League of Nations" led by France.
They knew very well that the Shire was their only guarantee; otherwise, even the desperate Britain was not something they could afford to offend.
When Clemenceau reported this good news to Charles, Charles gave him a surprising suggestion: "Now, we should carefully review the applications from these countries, Mr. Prime Minister. I mean to raise the threshold."
Clemenceau was stunned. Now was the time when everyone was pushing down the wall. Shouldn't he take the opportunity to take all the British colonies under his control?
Why "review" and "raise the threshold" at this time?
Clemenceau soon figured it out.
These countries have declared independence, and they have no choice but to rely on France, otherwise they will likely be ruthlessly suppressed by Britain.
At this time, it was not France that needed them, but they that needed France.
The result of France raising the threshold is that these countries will take the initiative to hand over powers such as "military bases", "infrastructure" and "mineral resources" to France.
Thinking of this, Clemenceau nodded repeatedly. "You are right, Lieutenant General. The League of Nations is a strictly organized international organization. Not everyone can join it. It certainly needs standards."
After hanging up the phone, Charles stood up and looked outside the fortress. The cold wind was blowing and the grass was withered. Winter was approaching and it was time to go home.
…
The small town of Darwaz.
People were smiling like it was a holiday, holding newspapers and discussing every detail of the war, some arguing with each other until their faces were red:
"I believe the Germans must have received reinforcements from Charles, otherwise where would they get the 'torpedo planes'?"
"No, the Germans have always had 'torpedo planes', they use their own equipment!"
"But the 'torpedo plane' was invented by Charles, and the Germans copied Charles' idea."
…
Whether they were on the pro or con side, everyone had pride on their faces and confidence in their eyes.
France once lagged behind the great powers, was suppressed by Britain at sea and had its capital captured by Germany on land.
They struggle to survive in the cracks. Although they pretend to be strong by puffing out their chests on the surface, they are actually licking their wounds silently in the dark where no one is around.
Now, they can finally face everyone with confidence and tell them that France is a great power.
Not only that, France also reached the pinnacle of the world and became a superpower.
(Although France had not yet developed to the level of a superpower in terms of economy and industrial capacity at this time, it was foreseeable that it would develop rapidly, and it was already a veritable superpower in terms of prestige and military.)
Many people are not used to this huge contrast, so they are more keen to discuss with each other and want to know the views of other countries.
There was always a crowd around Dejoka's cottage, with neighbors and relatives always finding various excuses to visit.
This forced Colonel Laurent to add more guards near the cabin, otherwise Camille would be too busy.
Even so, Camille still had a headache about how to refuse visitors.
Everyone was busy and no one noticed a car slowly driving into the town and finally stopping in front of the cottage.
That was Colonel Laurent's car. People were used to it. Laurent often drove it to deliver telegrams from the front to Dejoka so as not to let Camille worry too much.
But this time…
After the car stopped, Colonel Laurent hurriedly got out and walked to the back seat, opening the door respectfully: "We're here, General!"
With one foot out of the car door, Charles lowered his head and put on his general's hat as he got out.
Before he could stand still, the neighbors came running towards him screaming:
"God, it's Ciel!"
"Charles is back!"
"He came back like this without saying anything. I thought he should at least visit the Arc de Triomphe!"
…
If Colonel Laurent had not called on the guards to block the crowd, Charles would have been overwhelmed in a moment.
(End of this chapter)
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