I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 808: US Army Landing Day

The weather was fine and clear, and a convoy was traveling along the road to Dunkirk.

July 14th is French National Day.

Originally, France was supposed to hold a parade in Paris to boost morale, but due to the relentless bombardment of the "Paris Cannon," the authorities ultimately canceled the plan.

Gathering crowds under the gunfire was clearly not a wise choice.

Sitting in the car, Shire joked when he heard the news:

"What would happen if the Paris Cannon happened to hit the Arc de Triomphe and blast a hole or even collapse it?"

"Would the French citizens be disheartened by this?"

"Or would they surrender?"

Sitting next to him, Tijani responded confidently, "No, General, they won't."

Then he explained, "Because you are the Arc de Triomphe in the hearts of the French people."

Shire scoffed, "If your battlefield skills were half as powerful as your flattery, the Germans would have surrendered long ago!"

Tijani laughed, "I'm speaking the truth, but there's another reason."

"Are you referring to the US Army?"

"Yes!" Tijani nodded, "The United States' decision to declare war and send troops made everyone believe that victory in this war belongs to us."

Shire nodded.

This is both good and bad for Shire.

Good, because the United States provided Shire with a $2 billion low-interest loan to help expand production capacity.

This gave Shire instant funds and equipment to acquire premium domestic assets.

This was Shire's discreet public power for personal gain.

Once Shire-controlled coal mines, steel, and power stations expanded production with a large number of American equipment, it meant an increase in Shire's domestic asset shares, making Shire's "macroeconomic regulation" possible.

The bad is that, because of the US declaration of war against Germany, everyone is again confident of victory.

This caused asset prices to rise again, and due to Shire's frantic buying, causing a "shortage" that instantly doubled the prices.

Shire immediately paused the acquisitions, as it was high and clearly not economical to buy.

He planned to take this opportunity to make the capitalists bleed a bit:

The capitalists generally believed that with the US Army joining the war, there would be no suspense, and that the Allies would certainly achieve victory, so they eagerly bought in large quantities.

Shire thought that right now was the time to give them a big "surprise."

Capitalists rely on capital and favorable news to operate.

But Shire, on the other hand, relies on controlling the outcome of the war to operate!

This is outright "insider trading" and "market manipulation," shameless crime.

But Shire could leave everyone speechless.

After all, the battlefield is ever-changing, who can say Shire is leading its outcome?

While thinking, the car gradually slowed down.

"We're at the port, General," the driver reminded.

Shire looked up, and the roadside was lined with British Army soldiers and the welcoming crowd. Some held flowers, others waved small flags from various countries, fluttering in the sea breeze.

Today marks the landing of the first batch of US troops, and two days ago, Pershing eagerly invited Shire to the scene.

"You are their idol, General," Pershing said when he arrived at the Bicangxi training base, "Your presence will surely boost their morale!"

Shire couldn't refuse, after all, those American soldiers are future users of Bernard's weapons and equipment, making them effectively Shire's patrons.

Customers are gods, and must be appeased!

The car slowly stopped by the roadside, Shire opened the door and stepped out.

When people recognized it was Shire, they instantly cried out and crowded over, completely forgetting this was a welcoming ceremony for the US Army.

Fortunately, the British Army soldiers were prepared, and they hurriedly raised a human wall to keep the people outside the precaution line.

Pershing stepped up quickly and warmly shook hands with Shire, "Welcome, General, I thank you on behalf of all the soldiers!"

"It's my duty, General," Shire replied modestly and appropriately, "Welcome warriors to the battlefield, like beacon fires lighting the path forward, I'm honored to be their guide!"

Pershing laughed heartily, "Well said, you are truly a worthy guide!"

Kitchener and Haig then stepped forward, shaking hands with Shire, their expressions not very natural:

"I've long admired you, Vice Admiral."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Vice Admiral!"

Shire's gaze lingered on Kitchener, "Marshal, I might need some translators; the British Expeditionary Force has a lot of experience in this area. I wonder if you could share?"

Pershing almost laughed but managed to cover it up with a cough.

What a fellow, Shire's words hit Kitchener's two sore spots:

"Borrowing translators" was to mock Kitchener losing the training rights for the US Army.

Saying "the British Expeditionary Force has a lot of experience in this area," was to hint at the British Expeditionary Force's lack of combat prowess.

Kitchener and Haig, both seasoned veterans, couldn't miss Shire's insinuations, their faces briefly darkened, yet held their composure.

Kitchener held back his anger and squeezed out a few words through clenched teeth, "Of course, Vice Admiral, it's my duty."

Shire politely expressed his gratitude.

During the wait, Pershing took the opportunity to seek Shire's advice:

"Here's the thing, I know we need to expand the troops to ensure firepower advantage, but I don't plan to increase the size."

"In short, around 27,000 people per infantry division."

"This is more than your 17,000 people, do you think this is feasible?"

Shire gave his reply:

"Certainly, General."

"This is a great, creative idea; it ensures the troops' firepower while simplifying command."

"As I said, it fits the US's national conditions."

After receiving Shire's affirmation, Pershing was delighted:

"Yes, I thought so too."

"Our soldiers might receive training, and equipment procurement is possible."

"But the middle and junior-level commanders lack combat experience, hence the need to simplify command as much as possible."

This idea was spot on, proving Pershing's military talents.

Having 27,000 people, whether split into two divisions or kept as one, makes a huge difference in command and coordination.

The former involves coordinating between divisions, necessitating a corps-level command for unified operations.

The latter requires only a division-level command staff.

More importantly, to maintain "firepower advantage" tactics, more soldiers and equipment concentrated power for an attack are needed, rather than too many commanders.

Hubbard also took the opportunity to consult Tijani about logistics and supply precautions through translation.

In sharp contrast to the lively conversation, stood Kitchener and Haig beside them.

They were cold and neglected, like sentries left on duty, eyes wide and faces full of awkwardness.

Fortunately, the lookout shouted from the high platform, "It's here, the 'Leviathan'!"