Chapter 780: Have to respond
Charles does have the meaning of "sitting on the mountain and watching the fight between tigers".
He thought that the British should not be allowed to get away with it like this. As allies, how could it be possible for the French army to fight to the death in the front while the British army enjoyed a good life in the rear?
From the perspective of depleting Britain's strength, it is also necessary to transfer the British Expeditionary Force to the front line.
The key point is that this was an open conspiracy, and both Germany and Britain had to respond.
Germany.
Hindenburg had just taken office, and he needed a victory to prove that he was capable not only on the Eastern Front but also on the Western Front.
Only in this way can he consolidate his position and tell everyone that he is qualified for the position of Chief of the General Staff.
Just at this moment, Charles offered Hindenburg a victory with both hands, and there was no reason for him to refuse!
U.K.
Kitchener's repeated failures made his position shaky, and Haig's disastrous defeat at the Somme also shattered his myth of "military genius".
They desperately need Zhanji to vindicate themselves, otherwise their political and military careers may be over.
So why not let them fight it out on the east bank of the Meuse?
…
To the north of Dunkirk, there is a place known as "the most beautiful beach in the north".
The soft sand is mixed with many beautiful shells. Although there is no blue sky and bright sunshine today, the gentle waves keep hitting the shore, leaving cotton-like foam.
Kitchener and Haig walked side by side on the beach, as if they were relaxing, but the sea breeze could not erase the sad expressions on their brows.
After walking for a while, Kitchener took out a newspaper from his pocket and handed it to Haig: "Look at this!"
Haig took the newspaper with difficulty.
Ever since he was saved by Charles in the Battle of the Somme, he had developed the habit of not reading newspapers, as there would be no good news anyway.
But Kitchener made him look, and he had to look.
This is The Times, with a front-page headline that is a ruthless critique of Haig:
"Perhaps we shouldn't call Haig a 'military genius'. He wasn't even talented."
"Because if Haig has 'military talent', then what is the Shire?"
"When the British Expeditionary Force was besieged in Dunkirk, Haig only criticized Charles for not wanting to rescue them, complained that Charles ignored the interests of the alliance, and denounced Charles as a cancer of the Allies."
"His performance seemed to be saying that everything was Ciel's fault, Ciel was responsible for everything."
"But what is the truth?"
"While he was yelling like a woman at Dunkirk, Charles had led his troops across the Ardennes Mountains and finally rescued the British Expeditionary Force from the German attack."
"Shire saved the lives of nearly a million British Expeditionary Force soldiers, including Haig."
"Is this how we repay our savior?"
“Is this what we should do as allies, as soldiers, and as members of the Allied Powers?”
…
Haig couldn't bear it any longer. He clasped his hands together, crumpled up the newspaper and threw it hard on the beach. "It's easy for you to say that. It's not true. We have tried our best. It was Charles who used us as bait. Charles had considered everything and made arrangements in advance..."
"But who cares?" Kitchener interrupted Haig, with a hint of displeasure in his voice: "Even if this is true, what does it matter? No one will believe what you say. They will regard this as your slander against Charles, as your resentment and jealousy, and as ungratefulness!"
Haig was so angry that his face turned pale, but there was nothing he could do.
"Think realistically, Douglas." Kitchener put his hands behind his back and turned his eyes to the ocean, where flocks of seagulls were flying and chirping in the sky.
However, these shouts sounded like mockery to Kitchener's ears.
After a moment's silence, Kitchener continued, his tone heavy:
"Do you know how serious our situation is now?"
"Some members of the domestic parliament have proposed to remove you from your position as the commander of the expeditionary force."
"Someone also proposed giving the command of the expeditionary force to Charles!"
Haig was furious. He objected excitedly:
"Ridiculous! When did the British Empire's army fall to the point where it needed to be commanded by the French?"
"Even if I agree, my soldiers won't agree."
"There are also British citizens who would not agree to this. This is a disgrace and even treason!"
Kitchener didn't say anything, but turned around and looked at Haig silently.
Haig was stunned: "They, they passed this proposal?"
"No." Kitchener shook his head: "However, a considerable number of British citizens and even expeditionary soldiers support this proposal."
"No, that's impossible..."
"Nothing is impossible." Kitchener interrupted Haig: "Have you ever thought that this may be shameful and undignified, but compared with life, what does it mean?"
Haig understood.
Fighting with Charles can not only keep you alive, but also gain the glory of victory.
What's more, since they are all Allied armies, it cannot be considered treason for Charles to command them all.
Kitchener added: "Especially the colonial army."
Haig's mood sank to the bottom.
Yes, the colonial army has long had this intention.
The colonial army is different from the British soldiers. The British soldiers have dignity, honor, and a sense of being a great power, but the colonial army does not have these burdens.
They are fighting with other armies anyway, so is there any difference between following the British Army and the French Army?
But if you follow Charles, you won’t have to die!
Kitchener continued to move forward, and Haig hurriedly followed from behind.
Kitchener spoke slowly:
"We all know that this is the work of the 'Second Lord Munitions Minister', who wants to destroy the Army and everything we have so that the Royal Navy can gain the most benefit."
"But if we do nothing we will continue like this."
"There is only one outcome waiting for us, understand?"
Haig nodded and replied, "Yes, His Excellency the Marshal."
But he immediately asked again: "But now there is no place for us to fight. Charles's troops have occupied the entire offensive surface."
"Don't worry about that." Kitchener said affirmatively: "He will need us. The defense of the Meuse River will require a lot of troops, and the Germans are not so easy to deal with. What you need to consider is how to do your best."
"Yes, Your Excellency Marshal." Haig responded, but he disagreed in his heart.
Charles could recapture Lorraine and Alsace with the strength of the French army itself, and he did not need a British expeditionary force.
At this time, a signalman hurried up along the coast and handed Kitchener a telegram: "Marshal, a telegram from the French War Department, they hope we can reinforce Metz!"
Kitchener took the telegram and waved to Haig: "Look, this is what I said, your chance has come!"
Haig was stunned. Charles actually asked for help?!
Kitchener sighed inwardly. He had only guessed that Charles would let the British army fight the German army.
But even so he had to respond.
This is where Charles' brilliance lies!
(End of this chapter)
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