Chapter 861 Common Interests of Mankind
The photograph Charles gave Gallieni was a fake.
It was the end of 1918 when US President Wilson formally proposed "national self-determination" internationally, two years ago. It is impossible for the "Lady in White" to get a single word about it from US congressmen.
It was forged by Charles, who typed out a few lines on an English typewriter, took a few photos with a camera, and took it with him to Gallieni as evidence.
But Charles wasn't worried about being exposed.
The evidence is false, but the fact is true. The United States is already planning this matter at this time, so it is inevitable that some rumors will leak out.
More importantly, the United States has never had a need for war, and the intelligence system and confidentiality awareness during this period were almost negligible, so Gallieni could easily find out something.
After comparing the two, Gallieni was convinced.
…
The document that Gallieni handed to Clemenceau was the intelligence found by the "Second Bureau".
"Most of it is what the American congressmen revealed at the reception, and some of it is what the Second Bureau found in waste paper," Gallieni told Clemenceau, with an anxious tone:
"They are trying to create an atmosphere, which is simply the French 'fraternity', looking at things from a human perspective."
“They stressed that national autonomy should be supported and oppressed nations should be given the right to self-determination.”
"We always thought that what they said were unrealistic clichés, stupid words said by some idealistic guys, and lies, but we didn't expect it to be a conspiracy."
Clemenceau understood: “So, even if we don’t do it, the Americans will do it?”
"Yes, this is inevitable." Gallieni nodded slightly:
"This is reality and trend, Mr. Prime Minister. The only difference is whether we accept it actively or passively."
"If we accept this passively, our relationship with the colonies will deteriorate rapidly and we will be stuck in war."
“Not to mention building up prestige internationally and occupying the commanding heights of public opinion.”
Clemenceau, who was about to leave, slowly sat back in his chair.
This is a topic that deserves in-depth discussion, a big and important topic, even more important than war.
After thinking for a moment, Clemenceau continued Gallieni’s words:
"But if we take the initiative to accept it, we can ease the relationship with the colonies, which will actually bring the greatest benefit."
"At the same time, we can once again lead the world in liberating the colonies."
“Just like the French Revolution led to global institutional change!”
Gallieni sat opposite Clemenceau, staring at him intently, and asked in a serious tone: "Which one will you choose, Prime Minister?"
Clemenceau smiled lightly, with helplessness hanging on the corners of his mouth: "Do we have the power to choose?"
Charles was right.
Rather than handing over this commanding height and its attendant benefits to the United States, it would be better for France to occupy it first.
Rather than letting the United States break up Europe and use colonial resistance to drag down European countries, it would be better for France to grow and become a leader.
After thinking for a while, Clemenceau suddenly became interested.
God, this will be a great boon to me as the Prime Minister of France, because I will become a "saint" like Charles!
"Minister," Clemenceau said, "If this is the case, we should first consider how to gradually relax restrictions on colonies while gaining as much benefit as possible..."
…
Paris City Hall, Prime Minister's Office.
Maurice thought that Clemenceau would return soon, after all, he was only confirming Charles' intentions.
And Maurice was sure that Clemenceau would give an answer that would satisfy Britain.
Because Charles' actions would not only be detrimental to Britain, but would also backfire on France itself.
This is also the reason why Britain only sent officials of Maurice's level to negotiate with Clemenceau. The British side did not think this was a big deal. They believed that it was just Charles' personal "idealistic" Madonna complex.
Just like Charles was called a "capitalist with a conscience" in France, that was just Charles's hot-headedness.
But Maurice waited and waited but Clemenceau did not come back, and he couldn't help but feel strange.
What delayed you?
Or a big quarrel with Gallieni?
Or is it that Charles is so powerful that even Clemenceau cannot suppress him?
The last point is very likely, as everyone knows that Clemenceau is Charles's man.
But Morris still believed that Charles would compromise.
Because this is not just a matter for Clemenceau, it concerns the interests of all capitalists and even all French citizens.
Unless Charles dares to go against the world and make enemies with everyone.
Neither Morris nor Britain realized that the international environment had changed at this time, and that insisting on colonial policies would be "daring to go against the world."
Just when Maurice was getting impatient, Clemenceau pushed the door open.
"I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting." Clemenceau said with a smile on his face, holding the documents in his hands, his expression calm.
"Have you contacted Charles?" Morris asked, his arm slung across the back of the sofa, in a condescending manner.
He thought the problem was solved. Charles would never say similar things in front of the colonial army again, nor would he use his personal assets to guarantee the so-called "fairness" and "justice"!
“No, Maurice,” Clemenceau replied. “I have discussed this with General Gallieni, and we both agree that there is no need to contact Charles.”
Morris hummed, "It would be acceptable with General Gallieni's assurance."
Gallieni was perhaps the only person who could keep Charles in check.
Unexpectedly, Clemenceau straightened his chest and asked in confusion: "Promise? What promise?"
Maurice looked at Clemenceau in astonishment: "I don't understand what you mean, Prime Minister."
“Me too,” Clemenceau replied, smiling all the while.
Maurice felt something was wrong. He raised his chin towards the documents in Clemenceau's hand and said, "How are you going to solve these problems? We need an answer."
Clemenceau picked up the document and flipped through it:
"Solve? Is there anything that needs to be solved?"
"We all agree that Lieutenant General Charles did the right thing. He generously invested his personal assets to boost the morale of the colonial army."
"As for the words he said, 'liberty', 'equality', 'fraternity', that is the policy that France has always adhered to, Mr. Morris, we agree with them very much!"
Morris was stunned. He was actually speaking tactful words to me?
"Benefits, where are your interests?" Morris stood up and asked angrily, "What good will this do you? Don't forget, you also have colonies..."
"Mr. Maurice!" Clemenceau interrupted Maurice and answered righteously with his head held high:
"Charles is different from the others."
"I am different from other prime ministers, and the French government I lead is also different from other governments."
"We will consider issues from the perspective of the common interests of mankind, not just the interests of France!"
(End of this chapter)
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