Chapter 980
General Winter immediately realized that there was no point in discussing the matter and that Charles would not give in, so he immediately changed the subject.
"All right," General Winter said, "let's talk about an armistice."
"About the truce?" Charles pretended to be confused. "What's there to talk about?"
General Winter was confused by Ciel: "What do you mean?"
"You mean..." Charles asked, "We negotiate with Germany together? As the Allies?"
"Isn't it?" General Winter's face changed.
"General," replied Charles.
"Since you have already negotiated with the Germans without going through France, you have violated the Treaty of London."
"So, is it necessary for us to negotiate with the Germans as an Allied Power?"
Charles would not be fooled by this. Why should France share the profits of the victory with you?
General Winter hurriedly explained: "This is a misunderstanding, General. We have investigated it. It was General Haig's personal behavior and has nothing to do with the British government..."
Charles smiled but said nothing.
General Winter suddenly understood Charles' intention of keeping William II.
The evidence is in Charles' hands. If one day, William II suddenly stands in front of the world and confesses the conspiracy that took place in Wilhelmshaven that day, no matter how Britain and the United States try to argue, it will be of no avail.
After thinking for a while, General Winter nodded: "Okay, I understand what you mean. You mean, we negotiate with Germany separately and it has nothing to do with each other, right?"
Charles nodded affirmatively: "Yes."
General Winter left Charles' headquarters in disgrace, having gained nothing.
At this time, Charles received a telegram.
The telegram was from Lucia: "The target has been successfully obtained. I don't think you can guess why he agreed to it."
Charles wondered, what else could scientists have?
Whether it was money or the environment, as in the case of Versenden, the Shire offered them everything they needed.
Later, Ciel learns that the target agreed because Ciel embraces the "French spirit" and is committed to creating world peace.
After knowing this, Charles sighed in his heart, this might be the "soft power" starting to take effect.
They have no effect on politicians, but are extremely lethal to scientists who have illusions.
…
At the London War Office, the Minister of Munitions frowned as he listened to General Winter's retelling of Charles' words.
He didn't say anything, just puffed on the cigar, as if he wanted to "bury" himself in the smoke.
After a long while, the Minister of Munitions asked: "What progress have we made in the attack on Frankfurt?"
(Note: Frankfurt is a district in Germany)
General Winter replied: "The Germans' defense is very tenacious. They only surrendered to the French army, but they were willing to fight to the last moment against the British army."
The Minister of Munitions felt very uneasy.
Charles's army did not continue the attack, and the German army surrendered only to the French army.
Does that mean that Britain will be excluded from the armistice negotiations?
Originally, the Minister of Munitions wanted to use the Treaty of London to tie Germany to France, so that Germany's surrender to France would be equivalent to surrender to Britain, and Britain would be able to use the power of the other country to force the Germans to submit.
But Charles wasn't fooled at all.
According to the principle of "what you can't get on the battlefield, you can't get at the negotiating table", even if the Germans were willing to negotiate with Britain, Britain would not be able to gain much benefit.
The Minister of Munitions could imagine the scene during the negotiations:
"We believe Germany should pay $33 billion in reparations for this war!"
"33 billion? Why?"
"We are the victorious nation, and we paid a heavy price for this war."
"No, the victorious country is France, not you!"
"We are allies of France, you must accept this fact!"
"Sorry, we don't accept that. If you're not convinced, then keep fighting!"
…
The Germans did not dare to say such things in front of the French negotiators because the French army could cripple them at any time and even fight all the way to Berlin.
But the Germans can say this to British and American representatives.
Because it is still difficult for the British and American armies to defeat the existing German troops, and they may even suffer heavy casualties.
Therefore, France is the party that has benefited the most and has the right to speak.
General Winter also thought about this issue and suggested: "Maybe we should wait?"
"Wait?" The Quartermaster asked coldly without even raising his head, "Wait for what?"
General Winter explained:
"Charles' army occupied the Ruhr industrial area, which was the most important industrial base for the Germans."
"It just takes a while, plus our blockade of supplies at sea."
"The Germans will soon have problems with supplies."
Needless to say, when the German army was short of supplies, it would be much easier for the British army to defeat them.
The Quartermaster General considered for a moment and nodded slowly.
As long as the Germans can be defeated, bargaining chips can be obtained at the negotiating table. As for what method is used and whether it is an "unfair victory", it is not something a politician needs to consider.
…
Pontissebourg, headquarters of the 6th Army.
Albert I personally brought food to Charles.
"This is the specialty of Liege, Lieutenant General." Albert I took out waffles, meatballs, honey and fruit jelly from the insulated food box.
(The picture above shows Liege waffles, a specialty of Liege)
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty." Charles, who was signing a document, nodded to Albert I to express his gratitude.
At this time, the staff officer reported to Charles with a telegram: "General, production in the Ruhr industrial area has resumed."
Charles took the telegram and threw it aside.
Albert I was surprised to hear this: "Lieutenant General, the rifles and artillery you use are completely different from those of the Germans. Do you need to restore production in the Ruhr industrial zone so quickly?"
What is the significance of this for the French army? On the contrary, it will increase the risk of the ammunition being snatched away by the German army!
Charles just said "hmm", put down the documents in his hand and took a waffle. It was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and tasted better than he expected.
"It's delicious." Charles praised.
Albert I replied:
"Not just you, General, but every French soldier in Liège."
"I would rather send them to the front lines for the warriors to have a taste, but the current transportation conditions do not allow that."
"But rest assured, Belgium will remember every bit of their contribution."
Charles admired Albert I's approach, which made people feel that Belgium was worthwhile.
Seeing that he was still reading the telegram about the Ruhr industrial area, Charles explained: "The British army is also attacking the Germans, Your Majesty. I don't think you want them to win a complete victory on the battlefield, do you?"
Albert I suddenly realized, and then nodded heavily: "Of course, Lieutenant General, of course I don't want it!"
(End of this chapter)
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