I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 994: Shire Refuses to Cooperate with England

Pondiye Fortress, meeting room beside Shire's command post.

The Minister of Military Supplies warmly embraced Shire with a friendly smile: "It's been a long time, Vice Admiral, how have you been?"

"Never better than now," Shire replied.

General Winter stepped forward to shake Shire's hand without saying anything, his facial expression indicating their visit was not friendly.

The two of them sat on either side of the square table, the Minister of Military Supplies keeping a constant smile on his face.

"My purpose here is to apologize to you," the Minister of Military Supplies said, accepting the coffee Shire handed over.

Shire responded with an "Oh": "Is there something you need to apologize to me for?"

The Minister of Military Supplies raised an eyebrow: "I'm referring to the resource blockade; I hope you understand that we had no other choice. Please understand, we are not targeting France, this was equally a difficult decision for us."

"Of course." Shire sat in his chair with his coffee, looking indifferent: "Actually, you don't need to apologize. As you've said, you've always done this."

The implication being that you've always been shameless and will continue to be so; do apologies have any use?

The Minister of Military Supplies pretended not to understand: "I'm glad you think this way; I believe this won't affect the relationship between England and France."

This should be heard in reverse: If you can think this way, it won't affect Anglo-French relations.

"Of course." Shire shrugged and asked, "Tell me your conditions, Your Excellency, what do you want us to do?"

The Minister of Military Supplies had a satisfied smile; he was pleased with Shire's attitude, indicating Shire had compromised.

"Very simple." The Minister of Military Supplies nodded towards General Winter.

General Winter understood, took a document from his briefcase, and handed it to Shire:

"We want peace, Vice Admiral."

"England believes the Allies should be negotiating with the Germans; we are a united front."

"So we've revised the negotiation terms, which will maximally protect the interests of the Allies, including France's."

Shire took the document and looked through it, finding many added conditions like Germany not being allowed to produce warships beyond certain tonnage, tanks, large-caliber artillery, and more.

The focus was on reparations, with England generously increasing France's compensation to 150 billion US Dollars.

Shire smiled: "This is quite surprising, Your Excellency; France will receive the most compensation!"

"It's only fair," the Minister of Military Supplies said sincerely:

"The war was fought on French land, and the German invasion caused significant harm to French military and civilians."

"Be it economically, militarily, or politically, they almost captured Paris."

"Therefore, it's only right to have them compensate for damages; this is the price they must pay."

On the surface, it seemed to be advocating for France's interests, but in reality, it was dividing France and Germany, including the reparations.

150 billion US Dollars made France the country receiving the highest compensation.

If Shire agreed, Germany's ire would immediately shift from England to France.

France could even be labeled as "treacherous": having originally signed documents for 20 billion US Dollars, now demanding more.

Shire's response was double-edged: "I can't refuse, can I?"

The Minister of Military Supplies chuckled and nodded: "You could say that."

Refusing would mean your sea trade remains blocked; how long can you hold out?

Shire nodded, his tone deflated: "I need to report this to the government and let them decide, though it's just a formality."

"Of course." The Minister of Military Supplies made a "please" gesture.

...

At the Clyron Hotel, Clemenceau's "International League meeting" was still ongoing.

He passionately criticized the fouls wars England had waged over the years to maintain its dominance and its role in fueling disputes among European countries.

Delegates from various countries were quick to respond.

This was their personal experience; they knew well but hadn't dared to speak openly about it before.

At this point, the secretary walked in, whispered a few words to Clemenceau's ear, and handed him a document.

Clemenceau took the document, flipped through it, and sighed heavily.

After a moment, he raised the document towards the delegates:

"Gentlemen, at this moment, England's Minister of Military Supplies is at Pondiye Castle in talks with Shire."

"The discussion is about this agreement, you'll never guess what conditions the English have proposed." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"England wants France to amend its reparations to Germany, increasing it to 150 billion US Dollars."

The hall erupted in uproar.

Some slower on the uptake even couldn't understand what was happening; England stepping in for France to increase its compensation amount?

"Obviously," Clemenceau held up the "evidence" and condemned:

"The English are trying to win over France; they hope to bribe France with this 150 billion US Dollars to stand by England again."

"It's carrot and stick; they're suppressing France with a naval blockade while offering such a big benefit."

"As long as France is willing to accept, all problems will be gone, leaving only interests."

Delegates were in turmoil.

This was a huge boon for France; with just a nod from Shire, France could extricate itself from the current mess and possibly receive 150 billion US Dollars in reparations!

"However, gentlemen," Clemenceau continued:

"We will not sell out the spirit of France for these reparations."

"Nor will we abandon our beliefs due to England's threats."

"Even less will we fear England's might, sell out the 'International League,' or betray the peace of mankind!"

The conference room burst into applause, delegates expressing their support for Clemenceau.

...

Pondi Fortress meeting room.

The Minister of Military Supplies was enjoying a pleasant conversation with Shire; outsiders would have thought it was a reunion of old friends.

Filled with joy, the Minister suggested switching coffee for brandy.

"We should have a couple of drinks," the Minister said: "It's a moment worth celebrating."

Shire replied, "No, Your Excellency, now doesn't seem appropriate."

"Why?" the Minister asked: "Because of the war? No, the war is about to end, Vice Admiral, there's nothing to worry about!"

Shire shook his head: "The war is not over; it's just beginning."

The minister was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

At which point the aide entered, whispered something to General Winter standing beside.

General Winter's face changed drastically; he quickly walked to Shire with an accusatory tone: "You sent our agreement to the 'International League' to announce to everyone?"

"Can't I?" Shire asked: "These are conditions to be proposed to Germany; they would be known to the world sooner or later!"

The Minister of Military Supplies's expression gradually turned grim, indicating Shire's refusal to cooperate with England and that he had made the decision from the start.