In fact, Luscher's suggestions and Pichon's proposals were both for the future of the country, but Luscher was for the interests of France after the war. Because Luscher believed that after the United States joined the war, the Allies had no hope of winning, so for
The situation after the war must be prepared in advance.
Pichon is doing it for the interests of France now. He believes that France has suffered too much loss now. It is putting the cart before the horse to consider the post-war period first. It is necessary to reduce France's losses before taking care of it after the war. The most important thing now is to let other countries share France's losses.
It's the loss, so the two people's views are different. But this needs to be seen which situation is more critical for Britain and France at the moment.
The suggestions of the two people also caused controversy at the meeting. The views of both parties were for the consideration of the country, which also caused endless debate among the cabinet members who supported their respective views. Prime Minister Clemenceau, who presided over the meeting, looked at his cabinet with a headache.
member, but fortunately he is still able to control the situation. However, those who are careful can also find that members of the cabinet who support Foreign Minister Pichon have the upper hand, which has a lot to do with France's heavy losses.
"alright."
The 76-year-old Clemenceau knocked on the table to draw attention to himself, ready to end the debate.
"Members of the Cabinet, I know your love for France. But now bringing Romania into our camp is the primary factor, so we need to discuss this topic. And we don't have much time. We don't know when Romania will succumb.
There is pressure from the Allies, so we cannot waste energy and time on other links, let’s get straight to the point now.”
After Clemenceau finished speaking, all cabinet members knew his views. It seems that the Prime Minister recognized the suggestion of Foreign Minister Pichon. Since the Prime Minister has made his own decision, cabinet members with other ideas can only
Be able to accept the Prime Minister's preparations.
Clemenceau saw that the cabinet members did not speak against him, so he told Foreign Minister Pichon. "As for the conditions for Romania, our attitude is that we must bring it into the camp to relieve our pressure. This must allow us to
Allies feel our attitude."
Pichon nodded to Clemenceau and said, "I will put forward our opinions to Balfour on this point. I believe that the British side will seriously consider our opinions."
Pichon's words made Clemenceau feel the same way. There were also young people in his family who were drafted into the army. "Yes, French young men have gone to the battlefield. We need to let more of them return from this hell."
There are also many fewer pedestrians in London in winter. This is due to the impact of the war that has lasted for three years. The war only started to get heated, and the enthusiastic people have calmed down after receiving death notices one after another.
Now most of the young adults in London have joined the army or work in military-related industries, which has led to a serious shortage of operating rates in other British factories. Fortunately, British shipping remains smooth. Although unlimited submarine warfare has caused heavy losses to merchant ships, according to
The strong shipbuilding capabilities of the Allied Powers have slowed things down. The only disadvantage is that ordinary people have a harder time during the war, especially in winter when they need enough clothing, food and other necessities.
However, this is only a difficulty among ordinary people. It is not a problem at all among the wealthy classes. Especially Prime Minister David George, who is in charge of the British Empire, does not have this problem. Now he is discussing with cabinet members the conditions for Romania's accession to the Union.
"Everyone, I think Romania's requirements need to be lowered a little bit."
The speaker was Foreign Secretary Balfour, who had previously served as Prime Minister from 1902 to 1905. At the same time, he had never married because of the early death of his childhood sweetheart. He was almost 70 years old. He expressed his views sonorously and forcefully. In later generations,
He will be more famous for his "Balfour Declaration" proposing the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. It is just that he has not yet proposed this idea, but he is already considering it.
Balfour's views had different opinions in the cabinet, among which Lord Milner, who was in charge of the army, immediately objected. "But by doing this, can we guarantee that Romania will definitely join us? If it joins the alliance, the young man in France will
But there is a problem. I cannot let these soldiers who serve the British Empire be wasted like this."
As the Governor-General of South Africa after the Boer War, Lord Milner took over as War Secretary shortly after World War I. Of course, he had to be responsible for the British soldiers who fought and died in France and the German army, so he immediately raised objections.
Faced with the opposition of the Secretary of War, Balfour gave his own explanation. "Of course I know that Romania's joining will reduce the pressure on our front lines, but this will only happen if Romania comes up with a reasonable plan."
Belfort took out a map of the Balkans, pointed to the location of Romania on it, and the dyed requested territory, and said to other members. "Look, Romania's requested territory has exceeded its current territorial area. This is completely a lion."
It’s a big opening. Moreover, Romania does not compromise on these conditions and has no intention of reducing them.”
Many cabinet members looked at the map of the Balkans that Belfort had hung up. They realized that Romania's request for territory was indeed larger than the existing territory, and they began to whisper among themselves.
They are not suppressing Germany to give other countries the opportunity to develop and grow. Even if they are given, they must be given by the British Empire and cannot ask for it themselves. This is the confidence of being the world's number one power. It is obvious that Romania is a bit too liberal and let the British
It's a bit uncomfortable to lose face, which is something Edel didn't consider when he made this plan.
Because he came from the 21st century, when the British Empire was more of a joke, Edel looked down upon Britain a lot when formulating this plan. Therefore, these old people who were involved in the political arena could see through Romania's purpose at a glance. France because
The losses were too great and we had to agree to this plan, but Britain was not so easy to accept.
While the cabinet members were discussing, a voice sounded. "I think Romania's request is too little. We should give them something more."
The sound of this voice immediately silenced the cabinet members who were discussing. A slightly fat man stood up and looked at other cabinet members and repeated again. "I'll say it again. I think we gave too little. We need to
Give Romania more territory.”
The words of this slightly fat cabinet member caused an uproar at the scene. This person became the focus of attention for a while, and Prime Minister George, who was presiding over the meeting, couldn't help but lectured. "Churchill, do you know what you are talking about?"
