I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 790: Pressuring the United States

The British Expeditionary Force was pursued by the German Army for more than sixty kilometers, and after suffering a loss of over 200,000 troops, they finally slowed their advance at the Nancy defense line of the Eastern Army Group of France.

The German Army initially wanted to continue their pursuit, but after Shire’s bombers dropped a few bombs in the direction of Metz, the German Army halted their offensive momentum.

Hindenburg seemed to realize that this was a warning from Shire.

Shire possesses the "ribbon pontoon bridge," which can be used at any time to build floating bridges across the Meuse River for armored units to quickly pass through.

This means that the entire flank of the German Army is exposed to Shire’s offensive.

If Hindenburg didn’t want to fall into the predicament of fighting on two fronts, the best choice was to stop while ahead.

This was what Shire was happy to see.

Let the British Army and Ganmelin’s Eastern Army Group fight the German Army to the death on the east bank of the Meuse River, while he observed from a distance.

To be exact, it wasn’t "observing from a distance," as Shire profited immensely from the German Army’s victorious counterattack over these past few days.

Agricultural land was acquired at the price of 60 to 70 US dollars per hectare, roughly one-seventh to one-ninth of the original price.

Pastures and land for construction were acquired at one-tenth of the price.

Power stations, cement, steel, and other construction-related factories and companies also sold at reduced prices, and Dejoka even successfully acquired controlling shares in two railway companies.

Acquiring the railway companies was unexpected; during wartime, they are scarce resources, as troop transport and supply logistics require railways, becoming more important as battles intensify, increasing transportation costs.

However, no matter how important or expensive, they need protection.

The owners of these two railway companies were smart; they knew the skies over France belonged to Shire. Whether or not certain places could be defended or bombed by the German Army often depended on just Shire’s words or thoughts.

Thus, bringing Shire into their railway company was a good decision.

This can be described as a "siphon" effect.

When Shire grows into a giant tree that can shield other industries from the wind and rain, even without Shire seeking them out, they would proactively seek Shire’s protection.

...

At the Bicangxi training base, Shire took some time to look over the reports sent by Dejoka.

The first phase of acquisitions was satisfactory, but the funds were running low.

About one-sixth of the agricultural and construction land was acquired, which should approximately meet France’s needs.

Shire did not expect or need to acquire one hundred percent, or even half.

The purpose of ensuring national security means that in extreme circumstances, the grains produced on this land can prevent French citizens from starving.

In peacetime, when capitalists attempt to hoard grain to raise prices, Shire can release grain at low prices to counteract price hikes.

This is what is known as the national "macro-control" of the market.

But power stations, communications, railways, and energy—these vital industries—are only one-third controlled by Shire near Paris.

This is far from ensuring national security and can at most regulate Paris to some extent.

More funds are needed, at least two to three times the current scale, to pose a threat to the capitalists of various industries; only then can true "regulation" be achieved.

Where can the funds be mobilized?

Shire thought of the United States.

Joseph’s stockpile of various military supplies in the United States had begun taking shape, and the production of arms factories was stabilizing; it was time to cash them out.

This means it was time to knock on the United States.

Thinking of this, Shire sent a telegram to Clemenceau:

"Prime Minister, given the current situation, France has largely regained its territory, but Germany remains strong, and we can’t force its surrender in a short time."

"I believe continuing this war only adds to the pointless casualties."

"A wiser choice would be to negotiate with Britain and actively seek a ceasefire with Germany."

"Our condition is for Germany to return all our territories, including Lorraine and Alsace."

This telegram from Shire caused a sensation in Paris.

Firstly, there was a vote organized by Clemenceau in parliament, with up to 63% of the members supporting negotiations with Germany.

"If Germany is willing to return Lorraine and Alsace, our goal is achieved." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Yes, what more can we hope for? This is the best outcome."

"Should we demand Germany cede territory? No, the Germans on those lands won’t submit to our rule; this might be a loss and lead to war again."

...

The message passed from parliament to the public, and both military and civilians supported making peace with the German Army:

"We’ve had enough of this war. Shire is right; fighting like this is meaningless."

"I even forgot why we were fighting. To stop German aggression? We’ve already done that."

"Yes, give us back Lorraine and Alsace, and we can end this war with dignity."

...

In London, the War Office Building was shrouded in fog as it often was.

British Prime Minister Lloyd George was reviewing documents in his office. Britain’s advantage was that it was an island nation, and the war happening in France didn’t greatly affect British industry.

If there was any impact, it was the manpower shortage and the weakened global position and control of the colonies due to frontline failures.

At this time, the Minister of the Navy, Belfort, came in and handed George a telegram: "From France, Prime Minister, they believe now is the time for negotiations."

George glanced at the telegram and set it aside, as he was more inclined to let the war continue.

"We are on the brink of victory; why not fight until Germany surrenders unconditionally?" he said, "That way, we can receive huge reparations."

Belfort reminded George:

"Prime Minister, our army is in disarray at Metz, and even Shire is helpless against the Germans’ ’Paris Cannon’ and new tanks."

"I believe Shire can ultimately achieve victory, but the cost may be extremely high."

"This might be the reason Shire proposed a ceasefire negotiation."

George was noncommittal: "The Western Front is just one of the fronts Germany has to face; they are already stretched thin, fighting on multiple fronts."

But just as he finished speaking, his staff delivered several reports:

"The Italian 3rd Army organized the 6th Battle of the Isonzo River, but without reserve forces, a decisive breakthrough wasn’t achieved; the campaign concluded."

"On the Romanian front, the German Alps Army marched quickly for 80 kilometers in three days, defeating the Romanian Army at Sibiu and capturing 25,000 Romanian soldiers, forcing the Romanian Army to retreat."

"On the Eastern Front, the German Army launched a full-scale counterattack, and the Russian Army is retreating."

George felt the world shift instantly; he initially thought Germany was collapsing, but in fact, they were achieving victories in various directions.

"Prime Minister," Belfort added, "the German Fleet also seems to be active at sea recently."