I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France Chapter 854 854: "The World's Lighthouse

What Haig didn't know was that Shire's inclusion of the British Expeditionary Force in the counterattack team was just as much about weakening their colonies as it was about military significance.

To be precise, it was about seizing the high ground of public opinion for France, and simultaneously for himself.

(If France belongs to Shire, then there's essentially no difference between working for France and working for Shire)

Shire understood very well that if France were to beco the world's leading power, besides possessing a strong economy, military, and industry, it was important to be the "world's beacon."

This may seem intangible, but it could bring many real benefits to a country.

It could make countries worldwide believe this nation strives for the developnt of humanity and the progress of the world, and that it will resolve disputes fairly and justly, thus naturally becoming a standard-bearer of civilization and even the "world's police."

And this, in turn, could bring infinite benefits to the country.

Influence, internationalization of currency, setting global trade rules, reaping worldwide benefits, seizing the high ground in public opinion battles, and so on.

...

One week later, at the Paris City Hall.

Clenceau sat comfortably in the Pri Minister's office, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper, as was his habit.

Working with Shire was quite stress-free.

At his senior age, there weren't too many things to consider, and in his later years, he hoped to enjoy so peace.

Clenceau occasionally wondered, if his whole life was plagued by the pursuit of power and wealth, and worry over holding onto them, then what was the point of living?

Collaborating with Shire didn't require such concerns.

As long as he didn't go against Shire's wishes, power and wealth were his, and personal safety wasn't a concern—Shire would never allow anyone to threaten his security.

There were a few tis when political opponents plotted to assassinate Clenceau, but as soon as inklings of such plots erged, they were quashed by "The White Lady" and the "Second Bureau" acting in concert.

Clenceau put down the newspaper and let out a long sigh of relief; it had been a long ti since he felt this relaxed.

Footsteps were heard outside, and Maurice entered through the door, holding a docunt, his face showing anxiety and anger in his eyes.

Upon seeing Clenceau, he marched forward a few steps and placed the docunt on the desk, questioning, "Pri Minister, I want to know what your country intends to do? Overturn Britain's colonies?"

(The image above is Maurice Hankey, a British official who served as the Military Coordinating Secretary of the Allies during World War I, responsible for War Cabinet records and Allied strategic coordination and is close to Clenceau)

"What?" Clenceau did not understand Maurice's words.

Maurice slapped the docunt: "Take a look, see what Shire did and said in the Expeditionary Force!"

Clenceau picked up the docunt, flipped through it, and his eyes widened. He quickly skimd a few more, becoming increasingly alard as he read.

"Sorry, I didn't know about this, Maurice," Clenceau said.

"You didn't know?" Maurice's gaze at Clenceau bore a hint of sarcasm, tinged with provocation: "I thought the French Pri Minister was Shire. Consider, Pri Minister, what impact could this have on Britain, and even on France?"

Anger flickered in Clenceau's eyes; Shire had indeed gone too far.

But this thought passed quickly; Clenceau knew his position and that Shire was not soone he could afford to offend.

After a mont of consideration, Clenceau raised the docunts: "I'll go inquire; there must be so mistake, please wait!"

Clenceau politely invited Maurice to sit and had the secretary bring coffee before he left the room, docunts in hand.

...

Clenceau went to Gallieni's office downstairs.

If anyone could manage or know what Shire was doing, it was certainly Gallieni.

Gallieni was paying close attention to the situation in the colonies, notably Algeria.

Algeria was France's largest and most important colony, and since being conquered by France in 1830, it had been considered an extension of French territory, officially becoming three overseas departnts of France in 1848.

(Note: During World War I, Algeria was divided into the departnts of Alger, Oran, and Constantine)

Having previously served as Colonial Governor, Gallieni understood its significance, so he remained hesitant.

Must it be done this way?

What would the outco be?

Are there other, better options?

Just as Gallieni was engrossed in files and intelligence, there were several urgent knocks at the door.

"Co in!" Gallieni, without lifting his head, assud it was a new secretary.

As Shire said, foreign affairs would only increase in the future, much more than now, compelling Gallieni to recruit more aides familiar with diplomacy.

However, upon hearing the voice, Gallieni suddenly realized it was Pri Minister Clenceau.

"Minister," Clenceau handed the docunts to Gallieni and cautiously asked, "Do you know about these?"

Even though Clenceau was the Pri Minister, he dared not offend Gallieni.

Everyone knew Gallieni's relationship with Shire; if Shire was the Emperor, then Gallieni was the Imperial Regent.

Gallieni took the docunts, skimd them, and nodded gently: "Mm, I'm aware of so, but not in such detail."

...

The first docunt recorded Shire discussing battlefield conditions with Major General Richard, commander of the 5th Australian Infantry Division.

"The Australian Army is composed of veterans, with training and equipnt far superior to other units," Shire told Major General Richard. "So, placing your army at the front line shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"Of course," Major General Richard readily agreed, "It's our honor, Vice Admiral."

According to the British Army custom, the less effective African Legion would be deployed on the front lines as cannon fodder, with the second line consisting of the ANZAC or Canadian Corps, and finally the British Ho Army.

(Note: ANZAC and Canada had a degree of autonomy and were not strictly classified as "colonies," but they lacked military and diplomatic autonomy until they gained full independence after the war)

Shire defied this custom by placing the ANZAC on the front lines, with the African Legion positioned in the second line as cover.

"I apologize," Shire said, "in principle, I should perhaps place the British Army on the front line, but..."

Major General Richard nodded in understanding: "I comprehend, Vice Admiral; they won't agree to be on the front line themselves."

"Understanding, isn't it?" Shire remarked sarcastically, "The reasonable approach would be placing less competent troops in the rear to observe and learn, so over ti, they know how to face the enemy, but not the British."

Major General Richard proudly stated:

"You might be mistaken, Vice Admiral."

"The Australian Army's quality rivals that of the British Ho Army."

"We fought at the Dardanelles Strait, rember? Whereas a large portion of the British were inexperienced recruits!"

Shire uttered an "Oh" in acknowledgnt: "Interesting, then why, if that's the case, are you still a dependency of Britain?"

Major General Richard was stunned.

Yes, the British Army wasn't that formidable; they always lost battles, and their officers' command was utterly chaotic.

So, why does Australia still remain under British control?