I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France - Chapter 608

News of the British defeat at Antwerp quickly spread throughout France.

After all, the war took place in Belgium, and it was difficult for the British to block the news.

However, what the French are discussing is not the failure of the British. In their view, the failure of the British army is natural:

“This is the result of not keeping up with the times. We have known this situation for a long time. If we don’t change, we will only be eliminated by the war.”

“Yes, Shire has proven the importance of tanks. More than once, the Germans have followed Shire’s footsteps in equipping and upgrading tanks, but the British still stubbornly believe that tanks are useless.”

“But I heard that the British have already used tanks in Antwerp, which are ‘Whippets’.”

“Those are just tanks. They arrogantly brushed aside Shire’s tank tactics and pretended to be the world’s most powerful country and ignored Shire. Facts have proved that they were wrong!”

…

Everyone believed that the British had brought it on themselves and took a gloating attitude towards the defeat.

However, I don’t know when a voice appeared:

“Do you know why Charles’s fighter planes did not reinforce Antwerp?”

“The British and Parliament jointly tried to control Shire’s supplies, which caused Shire’s troops to lose their combat effectiveness. His planes were unable to take off due to lack of gasoline, and many soldiers did not even have a single base of ammunition!”

“What? Such a thing actually happens?”

“I think this is true. The existence of the Shire is not in the interest of the British, and the British will use the materials in their hands to control the Parliament!”

…

Public opinion exploded instantly, and angry people immediately surrounded the House of Representatives, which was in session.

This time they not only shouted slogans, many people rushed directly into the House of Representatives and surrounded the members. They waved their fists and shouted at the members:

“We oppose the parliament’s unreasonable interference in the military. All members of the parliament who participated in the persecution of Shire should be severely punished!”

“They are our enemies. They united with the British and betrayed France!”

“You traitors, sinners, vampires who ignore national security for profit, you are not worthy of representing the French people!”

…

The congressmen turned pale with fright. They kept clarifying to the crowd that this matter had nothing to do with them, but how could people believe these duplicitous congressmen? Some of them even took action. There was a strong smell of gunpowder in the House of Representatives.

In the end, Gallieni mobilized troops to protect the MPs and leave safely.

…

At Namur Castle, telegrams were sent to Charles’s desk one after another.

Although Charles was in Namur, a hundred kilometers away from Antwerp, he was the one who had the clearest grasp of the situation.

The map in front of him clearly marked the German offensive route and location.

Public opinion in Paris was also guided by Charles, such as the timely release of the British Joint Parliament to control the supplies of the 6th Army.

Tijani excitedly handed over a telegram: “There was also a strong response to this matter in the UK. Many people criticized Kitchener for not still thinking about using supplies to control allies when facing a powerful enemy like Germany. This would only Caused internal conflicts among the Allied Powers.”

“So, they put the responsibility on Kitchener?” Charles said calmly.

Tijani was stunned: “What do you mean…”

Then he suddenly realized: “Parliament, the British House of Commons, this is their decision.”

“It’s the capitalists, General.” Charles corrected: “It’s the British capitalists who really control the materials.”

Tijani nodded in agreement.

The essence of the British Parliament is similar to that of France. Capitalists control the members, who then decide on national affairs.

Therefore, the suppression of the Shire is what the British capitalists mean. This is a struggle between the British capitalists and the Shire.

Otherwise, Kitchener, the Secretary of War, would not have control over supplies.

(Note: Britain is divided into the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords is composed of traditional nobles, mostly hereditary, and continues to this day. It lost most of its constitutional power during World War I, and power was transferred to the House of Commons. But it is not that the House of Lords has no power as reported online. , the House of Lords has the power of review. Although it cannot veto the bill of the House of Commons, it can delay it for one or two years)

Tijani smiled at Charles: “It seems that your business in the UK has offended the interests of the capitalists!”

Charles smiled and said nothing.

He had known this would happen for a long time.

Developing the financial industry will offend British financial giants, and selling arms and technology to Britain will offend a large number of British arms dealers. Moreover, it will be long-term, sustained and even overwhelming, and can almost determine the life or death of these capital giants. Of course, they will I regard you as a thorn in your flesh.

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But Charles does not regret doing this. This is a necessary development path. Is it because he is worried about offending others and does not do business or make money?

As for the British capitalists’ use of military force to suppress the Shire, they are always a bit naive. This is not their strong point. They should be self-aware.

Now, it’s time for them to pay the price!

Soon, a series of distress telegrams were sent to Charles.

The first one came from Lieutenant General Ives: “The Germans have gained control of the air over Antwerp, which makes our army very passive. I hope your army can provide air support for Antwerp.”

Then came the telegram sent by Foch: “The British army is our most important ally. The security of Antwerp is related to the entire front. Considering the overall situation, I think you should provide reinforcements for the British army.”

This was probably the result of Kitchener’s pressure on Foch.

Then, the French Army Committee and the Prime Minister’s Office also hoped that Charles would provide reinforcements, and their statements were surprisingly consistent: Charles’s air force was needed.

Charles did not rush to answer, but handed the telegram to Tijani and asked, “Did you see anything?”

Tijani took the telegram, flipped through it, and laughed: “They believe that as long as they can defeat the German fighters in the air and regain air supremacy, the British army can turn defeat into victory. If so, the final victory will still be the British, and we just played a supporting role.”

Charles nodded.

This will not only solve the crisis in Antwerp, but also save the face of the British army, and it is a wishful thinking.

Charles certainly would not let them have their way. His answer was straightforward: “Sorry, the previous material policy has led to a serious shortage of gasoline and ammunition in our army. We can only take off a dozen fighter planes. It is estimated that these planes can only protect their own safety. We are willing but unable to provide reinforcements.”

Soon after the telegram was sent, Charles received a reply from Lieutenant General Ives: “I will immediately transfer a batch of materials from Dunkirk to reinforce your army. I hope your army will be prepared to receive and reinforce.”

Charles said “hmm” and a satisfied smile hung on the corner of his mouth.

Is this a win-win situation?

No, it should be a win-win situation: obtaining a material warehouse, obtaining material reinforcements, and defeating the Germans!