Chapter 986 Is the War Over?
Pariser Platz is not in Paris, it is in Berlin, Germany.
This square located at the western end of Unter den Linden in the center of Berlin originally had a hasty and simplified name: Square.
But in 1814, Prussian and allied troops occupied Paris after defeating Napoleon, and to celebrate this victory, the Prussians renamed this place "Paris Square".
(The picture above shows the Prussian army celebrating in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Paris Square after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871)
(The picture above shows the modern Paris Square and Brandenburg Gate)
Erzberger was treated like a hero here when he returned to Germany.
Everyone knows that Erzberger led the "Armistice Commission" to reject the British and American demands for $13 billion and $10 billion in reparations.
More importantly, he also reached a ceasefire agreement with Shire at a low cost of US$2 billion.
Before this, everyone, including Prime Minister Albert, thought that France would definitely demand the most compensation, and Charles would be the most difficult to deal with.
Because Germany had no conditions to refuse: either destroy the country or give money!
Germans generally believe it will be worth tens of billions of dollars because Germany is worth that much.
No one expected that the final result would be only 2 billion US dollars.
This made the Germans cheer loudly as if they had won a victory. Everyone had a smile on their face, and people surrounded Erzberger as he walked into the Brandenburg Gate.
The cheers gradually died down.
Erzberger shouted to the public: "Do you know how arrogant the British are in front of us?"
He raised his head and lowered his eyebrows, pretending to be a British disdainful voice: "Germans, you must pay 13 billion US dollars in war compensation, and 10 billion US dollars to the United States. Otherwise, what awaits you is war!"
The German soldiers and civilians in the audience burst into laughter. They were amused by Erzberger's lifelike appearance.
Erzberger regained his voice and composure:
"Do you know how we answered them?"
"I say, bring it on, British and Americans."
"We have never been afraid of you on the battlefield, you have never defeated Germany, so don't even think about taking a penny from me!"
The military and civilians in the audience cheered in support:
"To hell with the British and the Americans!"
"They are our defeated enemies and yet they want a huge compensation from us."
"Tell them that if they are willing to pay Germany $10 billion, we will not defeat them!"
…
Erzberger raised his hand to ask the soldiers and civilians to quiet down, and his playful demeanor turned into one of emotion and caution.
He said directly: "I have met Charles, gentlemen. He is a worthy opponent and a worthy friend."
The soldiers and civilians nodded one after another, they felt the same way.
Erzberger believed that if he wanted the military and civilians to accept Charles' conditions as a matter of course, he should let them realize Charles' "greatness".
So he spoke his feelings "from the heart" and listed all of Ciel's excellent qualities:
"Ciel is a very easygoing person. If you meet him, I guarantee you will never believe that he is Ciel."
"Because he looks like an ordinary person."
"I mean, he's different from the British and Americans, he has no airs at all, even though he should have airs!"
The soldiers and civilians nodded.
Yes, Charles is the general who defeated Germany. It would be abnormal for him not to be arrogant.
Then Erzberger's voice deepened:
"Charles is the most intelligent person I have ever met."
"Not just in military wisdom, but also in politics and thinking."
"He knew that this war was not our fault, and he was not blinded by hatred like others."
The soldiers and civilians were so moved that they nodded their heads.
Yes, the vast majority of French people want to defeat Germany completely.
If Charles did this, he would undoubtedly gain greater prestige and support.
But he didn't do that, he chose to forgive.
Erzberger's voice turned high: "Charles is still the kindest person I have ever met. He is even willing to provide us with ammunition produced in the Ruhr area under certain conditions, because we need ammunition and munitions to protect ourselves!"
The soldiers and civilians cried out in surprise.
This is something they don't know, all their attention is focused on reparations.
Germany really needs the arms from the Ruhr area, otherwise it would be beaten by these jumping clowns like Britain and the United States and would have to pay huge compensation.
Erzberger waved his hands again and shouted:
"You may not believe it."
"He even agreed to a mutual release of prisoners between us and France, all of them."
"Even though we only have over 300,000 French prisoners, the French have over a million German prisoners!"
The soldiers and civilians could hardly believe what they heard.
Everyone knows that it is unfair to exchange more than 300,000 prisoners for more than 1 million.
What's more, Charles didn't need "exchange" at all. He could use force to "force" Germany to release the prisoners.
Erzberger regained his composure again:
"Do you know what I'm thinking of?"
"I think of the lenient policy we adopted towards Austria when we defeated it."
"We didn't claim Austrian land then."
The soldiers and civilians answered loudly: "Yes."
Charles didn't either, because the Lorraine and Alsace he wanted back were originally French territories.
"We did not ask for a huge reparations, but only asked Austria to pay a small amount of military expenses as compensation."
"Yes." The soldiers and civilians nodded.
Charles didn't either. He only asked for $2 billion, which was reasonable and within Germany's ability to pay.
"We have preserved Austria's international status and given it enough respect."
"Yes." The soldiers and civilians responded loudly.
This is the most important thing. Charles allows the German people to live with dignity.
Finally, Erzberger said, "Now, do you know who to support and who to oppose?"
The square was instantly boiling with people shouting:
"We support the Shire."
"God punish the British and the Americans, they are all liars."
"They are vile warmongers who fight wars for money!"
…
Erzberger knew how to win people's hearts. He brought two French generals to the scene and introduced them to the soldiers and civilians: "Gentlemen, they are Major General Bolezac and Lieutenant General Ruffy. Out of trust in Charles, we have decided to release all French prisoners of war immediately. Including them!"
Erzberger shook hands with the two French generals respectively and said: "Congratulations, Generals. You are released. As long as you are willing, you can leave Germany and return to France at any time. Of course, we will send cars and guards to escort you!"
The two French generals were a little at a loss. They didn't know what was going on and looked blankly at the German soldiers and civilians below who were applauding and cheering for them.
Is the war over?
(End of this chapter)
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