Chapter 1929: The Mind of the French II

Joffre's expository report is easy to write, but Clemenceau's political forecast report cannot be written. Because he really didn't know whether what the prince said was true or not! As a politician, Clemenceau's integrity is very low. In his opinion, why should Britain and France form an alliance? Didn't the French just want to regain the lost territory and become the boss of Western Europe by the way? If this goal cannot be achieved, then there is still a gross point in forming an alliance! So, for the so-called betrayal. Clemenceau didn't have much psychological pressure.

Now he has to admit that the two conditions put forward by the prince are very good. The first one suggests that the British Air Force launch an attack on its own initiative. This condition is very easy to realize. Franco-German honeymoon. Then next, I can't help but think about whether to implement the remaining condition...

And even if they really get out of the way for 20 kilometers on the battlefield, the French can find excuses. After all, in the face of a full blow from the German army, it’s okay to have a breakthrough on the battlefield. Can the Germans just open it? You British can only say that the army is not strong, and you can't say that the French have betrayed the alliance, right? In fact, if this is done, the French can also wash themselves off politically. And if the Germans really keep their promise to attack the British. Does that count as "happy to all"?

So Clemenceau first stated the entire negotiation process in his report, and then objectively analyzed the practical significance of the Anglo-French alliance. Clemenceau emphatically mentioned that "under the current circumstances, the British and French allies have become more and more meaningless. We are in danger for our own survival, but the British can use their geographical and naval advantages to continue the war. The worst thing they can do is to return to the island country, so the British will not consider the problem from our point of view!" In this passage, Clemenceau expressed a strong tendency, but like Joffre, he did not make any Conclusion, conclusion, let those bigwigs make their own decisions!

A day later, Paris received the report from Clemenceau and Joffre. The French government, which was in internal and external difficulties, still had some expectations for this report. After reading the report, they, like Clemenceau, fell into In hesitation and confusion. The other party accidentally gave them a way out, but they didn't know if the other party was reliable!

So in the Tuilers Palace in Paris, French President Armand Fallier, Prime Minister Alexandre Ribeau, Minister of War Gallieni, Commander-in-Chief of the Western Front Corps of the French Army Foch, and Chief of Staff Pétain. Gathered again to start discussing the future of France. After giving them the reports of Clemenceau and Joffre and giving the other participants a day to consider, President Armand believed that it was up to them to make a decision.

"From what I know of German politics, German political decisions largely depend on certain powerful individuals. Their cabinets have no say in key issues. On the contrary, such as the Kaiser, the King of Bavaria, and key figures within the kingdom People, they have a greater say in politics than the prime minister. Especially the crown prince of Bavaria, his influence is not only limited to Germany, but even extended to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You should know that he His wife is about to become Emperor of Austria-Hungary."

"So, my point of view is that if the crown prince really wants to be friendly with us, the French Republic may obtain a more decent armistice agreement." Prime Minister Ribo said carefully.

"And this means that we will completely break with the British. Don't think that the British are stupid. If we really leave a 20-kilometer gap in the front, even if we deny it in every possible way,

The British will still think we have betrayed them. France will bear the infamy of a traitor, and France's reputation will also fall into a trough. Most critically, we will never be able to take back Alsace and Lorraine. said Army Secretary Gallieni.

"It seems that we can take back Alsace and Lorraine now." Petain sneered. "Although I am a soldier, I want to say that the British are unreliable. Looking at history, during the time of Napoleon III, we helped the British fight against the Russians in Crimea. What happened? When the Franco-Prussian War After the outbreak, when France faced the invasion of the mighty Prussia, the British chose to stand by. If there were no British, the current Belgium and the Netherlands are ours, and some parts of Italy are also ours."

"The current situation is that our capital is one step back. What about the British? They still have the English Channel to rely on. In the end, the Germans will not enter London, but they will enter Paris!"

Petain had served as the commander-in-chief of the French army in the Mediterranean theater before, and he was very aware of the combat effectiveness of the Bavarian Army. He was not superstitious about the fortifications of the Western Front like other generals on the Western Front. To be honest, Greece's terrain is perfect for defense. However, the Bavarian Army cut through the defense line of the British and French Army very easily. In the face of armored spearheads across the board, the value of the Western Front's defenses was greatly reduced. Therefore, as the person who had the most dealings with the Bavarian Legion, Petain really didn't want to face the prince's soldiers anymore!

"If a frontline soldier made such remarks, he would be dealt with by military law!" Gallieni said. "We have already formulated a strategy before. We must at least withstand a wave of strong attacks from the other side before negotiating! Our strength is superior, and the British are still strengthening their army and air force. Maybe we can't win this war, but at least We want to fight for a tie. And now, the proud France can't just give up the previous plan just because of the other party's intimidation?"

"Well, let's not talk about whether we can stop this wave of offensive, nor how much France will pay, even if we block the first wave of German offensive. What if the Germans refuse peace talks? What if they are like a What should we do if angry bulls keep attacking us? How many times do you think France can stop the opponent? Look at our infantry division with an average of only 8,000 people now! And look at the steel production that is less than half this year! And A division has no more than 30 75MM rapid-fire guns! Do you know? Our current combat effectiveness is no better than that of the Russian army that was eaten in Warsaw's pocket!" Pétain said.

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