Chapter 718 Declaration of War
When the Meuse River defense line was finally stabilized, Dunkirk was finally completely safe.
At this time, the British Expeditionary Force should have pursued the enemy behind the lines and gained some credit.
But after the Germans launched two counterattacks, Kitchener no longer had the courage to pursue them.
This was not Kitchener's or Haig's fault, but the spirit of the British Expeditionary Force had been destroyed by the German army and they were on the brink of collapse.
Even worse were the colonial troops.
When the defense line was about to collapse, Haig repeatedly ordered the colonial army to charge desperately, while the British mainland army hid in the trenches to defend.
This caused widespread dissatisfaction among the colonial troops. British officers had generally lost the trust of the colonial troops, and civil unrest and mutiny could occur at any time.
Therefore, Kitchener could only order the expeditionary force to follow the Germans all the way, and only dared to go forward to "take over" the position after they had left.
The colonial troops were transferred back to Dunkirk in batches for rest and recuperation.
It is more appropriate to say that it is a comfort rather than a rest.
Kitchener pretended to punish a group of British officers who caused dissatisfaction among the colonial soldiers, distributed some food to the soldiers, and commended the officers and soldiers who fought bravely, finally stabilizing the people's hearts.
One day, when Kitchener returned to the office exhausted, he found a middle-aged man in casual clothes and his entourage waiting at the door.
Kitchener was a little confused. His headquarters was a strong military location. How could an ordinary person appear here?
Before he could ask about the situation, the middle-aged man came up to Kitchener, saluted, and shook hands warmly: "Your Excellency Marshal, it's a pleasure to see you again. Is everything okay?"
Kitchener took a closer look, then remembered: "Lieutenant General Averescu?"
(The picture above shows Romanian Lieutenant General Averescu, who was regarded as Romania's most talented commander. After the declaration of war, he commanded Romania's attack on Transylvania, but was defeated miserably by the German army)
"Yes." Lieutenant General Averescu was as happy as a child who had received a reward when he saw that Kitchener still remembered him: "It has been two years since we last met. I remember it was in London."
"Yes," Kitchener nodded, "at Her Majesty's banquet. I really miss those peaceful times."
Kitchener welcomed Lieutenant General Averescu into his office. After the orderly served him coffee, he looked at Averescu and said, "Lieutenant General, what are you doing..."
“We have declared war on Austria-Hungary,” Averescu said. “We intend to join the Allies in the fight against the Central Powers.”
Kitchener was delighted and immediately stood up to shake hands with Lieutenant General Averescu: "A very wise choice, Lieutenant General. I mean, your king made the right choice, and now is the right time. You are on the side of honor and victory."
"In return," said Lieutenant General Averescu, "we hope that your country will support us in retaking Transylvania and recognize Romania's sovereignty over it."
"Of course!" Kitchener agreed without thinking.
He didn't even know exactly where Transylvania was.
Anyway, it is not their thing, it is just a matter of acknowledging its ownership, and there is no loss to Britain.
At this time, the attendant came in and whispered something to Lieutenant General Averescu, who frowned.
"What happened?" Kitchener asked. "What's the problem?"
"That's right," Lieutenant General Averescu replied, "Queen Marie is negotiating with France in Paris. You know, we need the support of both countries at the same time."
"Of course," Kitchener said, understanding.
"But Queen Marie, after talking to General Gallieni, believes that we should not declare war, and she suggests withdrawing the declaration of war."
"Is there time to withdraw?" asked Kitchener.
"Yes." Lieutenant General Averescu nodded. "Just in time. The ambassador has written the declaration of war and is about to send it."
Kitchener said "hmm" and pretended to be generous: "Then you still have time to think about it. I think you should think it over carefully."
"You say so too?" Lieutenant General Averescu was stunned.
Does the thought of it mean that Fon Kitchener is also against declaring war?
"Of course." Kitchener spread his hands. "From the perspective of Romania's interests, it is of course a good thing not to declare war, but if you want to take back Transylvania, that is another matter."
Lieutenant General Averescu nodded. Transylvania is Romania’s heartache.
Kitchener continued: "It is obvious that if you have given nothing, there will be no reason for the Allies to support Romania after the war. And I think that France has even more reason to oppose your attack on Transylvania."
"Why?" Averescu looked at Kitchener in surprise.
"Because it is related to their interests, General." Kitchener raised his coffee cup towards Avilescu. "Think about it, after the Allies win, France will get compensation from Germany, which may include land."
Averescu suddenly understood.
Yes, it is possible that Transylvania could be ceded to France, not Romania.
But Britain is an island country independent of the European continent, and it would not want such an enclave.
Thinking of this, he could no longer sit still, and stood up with a bang: "I'm sorry, Your Excellency Marshal, I should go and warn His Majesty the King."
"Of course." Kitchener nodded and gestured for permission.
Looking at Lieutenant General Averescu who left in a hurry, Kitchener had a satisfied smile on his face.
This fool was fooled so easily.
…
Paris Defense Headquarters.
Charles arrived here at around nine o'clock, exhausted, with his general uniform covered in dust and some blood.
He hadn't had time to take a shower and was called here just after settling down in Verdun.
When Queen Marie saw Charles, she exclaimed, "My God, are you hurt, General?"
"No." Charles looked at the blood on his cuffs and replied calmly, "This was left when I inspected the wounded."
Queen Mary was still in shock, and patted her chest exaggeratedly: "That's good, sorry, I just saw the general coming back from the battlefield for the first time. It must be cruel, right?"
Ciel raised an eyebrow but didn't answer.
Queen Mary was simply using this as a means of flattering herself.
She knows men's psychology. They always like to show their heroic and powerful side in front of women, which makes men feel proud.
Gallieni smiled but said nothing.
Charles was so smart, but this was exactly what made Queen Marie a little embarrassed.
Gallieni replied: "It's nothing, Queen, let's get down to business."
"Oh, yes." Queen Marie asked Charles to sit down, always maintaining an elegant smile: "As you know, I think we may have made a mistake. We declared war on Austria-Hungary."
"Have you ever considered getting it back?" Charles asked.
"Of course." Queen Mary replied helplessly: "But it's too late!"
(End of this chapter)
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