I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 811: Messenger of Peace

The White House, President's Office.

The campaign aide is reporting the latest polls to Wilson.

"This is a good phenomenon, Mr. President." The campaign aide is excited:

"Our support rate has increased by 5 percentage points and is still rising; Hughes has been left far behind."

"As long as we maintain this momentum, we will undoubtedly win the election!"

Sitting in the chair, Wilson leaned back comfortably and nodded with satisfaction.

This was within his expectations; ever since he changed the campaign direction to "joining the war," he has been feeling the increasing voices of supporters with every public appearance, and the shouts are getting more passionate:

"We support going to war!"

"Show them what we're made of."

"Kick the Germans back to their own country; they have no right to do this!"

...

Wilson did not anticipate that the public, who had always been afraid of getting involved in the war and maintained a wait-and-see attitude, would ignite their anger with just a spark.

Then, the entire situation underwent a dramatic transformation.

Wilson interlaced his fingers and rocked them in front of his chest, a habit when he is thinking.

"How is the situation on the Western Front?" He asked: "I mean, is there still anyone advocating for negotiations with the Germans?"

Under the current circumstances, Wilson hopes that Britain and France do not reach a ceasefire agreement with the Germans.

It's not just about the issue of the $10 billion loans possibly becoming bad debts; it will also affect his support rate because no one will pay for a "war" that has entered ceasefire negotiations.

"Although there are still voices for a ceasefire, they are not many." The campaign aide replied:

"We pressured the British Government concerning the loans, successfully silencing the British parliamentarians supporting negotiations."

"Additionally, we reiterated that the goal of this war should be to overthrow Germany's dictatorial regime."

"Otherwise, any form of ceasefire would just give Germany time to rest, allowing them the opportunity to come back again."

Wilson nodded, it was a very good excuse.

The right to ceasefire shouldn't be in the hands of Britain and France; it should be dictated by the United States.

Then Wilson suddenly thought, well, why not package the United States as the "hope for ceasefire"?

Imagine that scene:

England, France, Russia, and colonial armies of more than ten countries are slaughtering each other on the battlefield with the Germans. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Everyone sees no hope of victory, everyone is struggling to survive in dark and harsh conditions, with life being at risk at any moment.

Then the United States appeared, announcing that the purpose of joining the war was to end this senseless war, undoubtedly bringing the hope of victory to everyone, becoming the hope of everyone...

Fabulous!

Wilson applauded himself for this idea.

This could not only elevate the United States' international standing but also boost his support rate to a new height, even gaining international acclaim.

Ironically, the United States is the country that secretly tries every means to prevent a ceasefire agreement, yet in public transforms into the "messenger of peace."

But what does that matter?

Just as Wilson was getting excited about this, his secretary came in with a telegram: "Mr. President, General Pershing sent a telegram stating that the British are planning to place the US Army on the second line to ensure the safety of the logistics supply line; he thinks this matter is very important and needs to consult with you..."

"What?" Wilson glanced at the telegram and immediately gave a negative response:

"No, we cannot accept this. If we're only responsible for logistics supply, is that still called joining the war?"

"The United States is not, nor should it be, such an insignificant role; logistics supply is something done by militias. What place does this put the United States?"

"While this approach will indeed reduce casualties, what we lose is dignity, honor, and the belief in maintaining world peace!"

Though Wilson spoke righteously, what he was really thinking about was discourse power.

If the United States is just playing a supporting role, can it still be the "messenger of peace"?

During future ceasefire negotiations, the United States might not even be able to sit at the negotiation table, let alone gain any benefits!

"Yes, I understand." The secretary replied: "I will relay your views to General Pershing."

...

Pershing sighed in relief upon receiving the telegram.

He also hopes that the US won't just protect the transportation line on the second line, as it contradicts his purpose of entering the war.

He aims to enhance the combat power of the US Army, learn advanced tactics, cultivate excellent commanders, and update the US Army's equipment.

Only in this way can the US Army keep pace with world advancements.

Pershing had originally thought Wilson would lean toward "agree."

Because fewer casualties paired with achieving victory might earn him higher support rates, which is the main reason he consulted the White House.

Just moments ago, he was wondering what he would do if Wilson agreed to this plan?

How could he persuade Wilson to change his mind?

Unexpectedly, Wilson's reply was "reject," and his attitude was very firm, even calling it a "disgrace."

Things became easier.

Pershing raised the telegram towards Haig, who was sitting on the sofa enjoying coffee: "I'm afraid to disappoint you, General, the President rejected this plan."

The relaxed Haig froze upon hearing this, the coffee cup stopped mid-air en route to his mouth, and after a while, he said, "No, this cannot be."

Nobody can refuse such a proposal unless he is a fool!

Pershing did not answer, stepped forward to hand the telegram to Haig.

Haig read the telegram over and over several times, then seemed to understand something, he looked up at Pershing with a confident smile: "You certainly did not tell Mr. President how brutal the war is, did you?"

If he knew there was once a day on the battlefield losing 100,000 soldiers, he would definitely consider this proposal seriously.

Pershing looked helpless: "And why do you think Mr. President doesn't know? Unfortunately, before I came here, I already told his excellency about your 'glorious history.'"

Full of sarcasm in his words.

Haig's face turned green and red with anger.

However, he did not want to let things end this way; he felt he still had a chance to turn things around, he got up and gestured towards the barracks outside the window: "Then, General, I believe you should hear the soldiers' voices."

It was then that Haig realized how wise Kitchener's order was.

The United States is a free country; whether it's a general or a president, they all need to consider public opinion support.

If the soldiers broadly accept the plan proposed by Britain and influence military families, both President and General can only compromise.

Pershing snorted coldly.

He certainly could guess Haig's intentions.

But Pershing has made up his mind that if anyone agrees with this proposal, it represents that he is a coward.

Pershing would immediately kick them out of his troops!