I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 806: Beware of Your Allies

Pershing stood up, excitedly shaking Shire's hand:

"You're absolutely right, Vice Admiral."

"Yes, this is exactly what distinguishes the American Army. Thank you very much, excellent suggestion."

"In fact, you've given me direction. I can almost see such a force standing right in front of me!"

This is not just about fitting the national context; it's also an American political requirement.

Lower casualties will make soldiers and citizens feel safe, leading to more support for the commander, and even the President.

This is the backing for a successful presidential campaign, and it's the basis for Pershing's recognition and even promotion.

Suddenly, Pershing woke up with a start; he looked at Shire in surprise and delight: "You mean, agreeing to the deal, right?"

"Of course," Shire nodded. "After all, we are allies. As you said, the victory of the US Army means easing the pressure on the French Army!"

Pershing was so moved his voice was slightly choked: "Thank you very much, Vice Admiral, we won't let you down."

Shire discreetly reminded Pershing: "What you need to be wary of might not just be the Germans, General."

"What?" Pershing was taken aback.

"I mean," Shire added, "including your allies."

Pershing understood, nodding lightly.

Hubbard looked puzzled, not knowing what the two were talking about.

...

In the car returning to Dunkirk, Hubbard finally couldn't help but ask: "General, what did Shire mean by that last remark? Why should we beware of our own allies?"

Pershing seemed still immersed in the excitement of assembling armored units and answered carelessly: "Think about it, James. Here, who are our allies?"

"England and France, along with other Colonial Armies..."

Pershing interrupted Hubbard: "The 'ally' Shire was referring to is certainly not France."

"So, it's England?" Hubbard was still confused. "But why should we beware of England?"

"You surely haven't understood what England has been doing before." Pershing said.

Hubbard felt a bit embarrassed: "I focus more on logistics rather than combat, General."

"England tried to control the French Army." Pershing explained: "They even tried to infiltrate the French Government and Parliament using supplies. This is how they treat allies."

"Really?" Hubbard felt indifferent, as this seemed quite normal between countries, and it seemed irrelevant to the United States.

Pershing apparently saw through Hubbard's thoughts:

"If you think this is unrelated to America, then you are gravely mistaken."

"As England treats France, they will treat America the same."

"Have you forgotten Kitchener's arrangements for us? He assigned an instructor group to us directly without consulting us."

Hubbard reacted with an "oh": "The chief instructor is even a Vice Admiral; Kitchener is trying to control us."

"Yes."

"But," Hubbard asked, "I don't understand why we easily formed a cooperative relationship with Shire, yet our relationship with England fell into a predicament."

The United States originally had better relations with England, with loans and supplies mainly targeted at England. Internationally, the United States always supports England.

However, once on the battlefield, the reality turned out to be different.

"What else?" Pershing had a faint mocking smile: "The arrogance of the world's top power. The English are worried we'll take over their number one spot in the world and are bound to target us everywhere, using their presumed combat experience."

Pershing tightened the coat around him, nestled in a corner of the seat intending to rest for a while, but couldn't help but complain with eyes closed: "These disgusting guys have no idea they're about to be eliminated by the times. In front of Shire, they are nothing!"

Hubbard realized the full picture only then.

This is a conflict of national interest, not something that can be erased by allies, kinship, or loans.

...

In Dunkirk, Kitchener frowned at a telegram in the command center.

He could understand Pershing going to the Nancy front to survey real battlefield conditions for training the American Army.

But then Pershing unexpectedly went to meet Shire and talked for more than an hour.

What exactly did they discuss?

Is Pershing really planning to let Shire train his troops?

Recalling what Pershing said when leaving: "Shire is the one who keeps winning on the battlefield."

Kitchener increasingly felt this could happen.

No, he couldn't let it be.

If it happens, everyone will know England was betrayed by its closest ally.

What would those recently suppressed Colonial Armies think?

If America acknowledges Shire's tactics instead of England's, should they still follow England into battle together? They might view it as a mistake!

"Has Pershing returned?" Kitchener asked his aide.

"Still on the way, Marshal," the aide checked the time: "It seems it's about time now."

Just as he spoke, Pershing, along with Hubbard, walked in through the main door.

Kitchener instantly put on a smile, greeting them: "Brigadier General, how was the Nancy trip?"

Pershing shook hands cordially, speaking ambiguously: "I saw the bravery of British soldiers, Marshal; they didn't retreat despite enemy machine guns and artillery."

What he meant was actually "they didn't come back; they all turned into corpses."

Kitchener certainly caught the sarcasm in Pershing's words and awkwardly smiled, inviting Pershing to sit on the sofa.

"I have an idea, Brigadier General," Kitchener said, "this might quickly enhance your forces' combat effectiveness."

"Oh, really?" Pershing acted interested, but he didn't believe Kitchener could propose anything good.

"Let American soldiers join the British Expeditionary Force," Kitchener said. "You know, there are no language barriers between the British Army and the US Army, and the British Expeditionary Force will practically teach your soldiers how to fight."

This is an advantage the French Army doesn't have—language.

Kitchener was actually reminding Pershing of the importance of inter-unit coordination through language.

If grassroots soldiers cannot understand each other, various issues will inevitably arise in cooperation; the same applies to having French as instructors.

Pershing paused.

This is indeed true, but it's far from enough.

"Then?" Pershing countered, leaving no face: "Can it prevent my soldiers from dying pointlessly under German fire?"

Kitchener's face darkened: "Death in war is inevitable, Brigadier General; I disagree with your point..."

"Great," Pershing stood up:

"We finally agree on something here; I disagree with your point too."

"I came to tell you one thing; I'm going to establish the training base for the American Expeditionary Force in Bicangxi."

"You can hear the front-line artillery there; the Germans are just across the Meuse River, allowing soldiers to feel the pressure of the battlefield."

"You have no objection to this, do you, Marshal?"

Kitchener's face turned pale.

Pershing played a word game; he only mentioned setting the training base in Bicangxi without saying anything about cooperating with the French Army.

Kitchener had no reason to refuse.