"Think about it, everyone. Germany is defeated and weakened, Austria-Hungary is divided, and Russia is occupied by the Red Devil. France will find itself at the end of the war, having the best era since Napoleon."
The ministers listened to Churchill's impassioned speech, and no one was surprised as to why Italy was not mentioned. As a great power, Italy can lose even small African countries. It is simply a shame. I thought that Italy would learn its shame and become brave, but because of its presence
This can be seen from its performance in this war. Facing the small number of local troops from Austria-Hungary, Italy was able to retreat, and there was no one left in this war.
“But why do we have to choose Romania?”
Seeing a cabinet member asking about himself, Churchill naturally said, "I considered this based on factors such as location, economics and politics."
Churchill's words made everyone look at him. Seeing the interest of the cabinet members, he decided to explain.
"I believe everyone knows the geographical location, so I won't go into details. The document I gave you about politics and military affairs has already given you enough explanations. Now let me talk about the point that matters most to me."
Churchill said what he valued most. "That is the king of Romania, Edel I. I need to mention here that this young king has very high prestige and power in Romania."
"How high can it be?"
A cabinet minister who didn't know much about Romania asked. In his opinion, Queen Victoria's power and prestige were already very high. For the British Empire, the Victorian period, which was at its peak, was the most memorable era. The British Empire
During this period, all the great powers were suppressed and submitted to submission.
As the British economist Jevons described in 1865: "The plains of North America and Russia are our cornfields; Canada and the Baltic Sea are our forest areas; Australia has our sheep pastures; Peru sends silver, South Africa and Australia have their
Gold flows to London; Indians and Chinese grow our tea, and our coffee, sugar cane, and spice plantations spread across the East Indies. Our cotton, long cultivated in the American South, has spread to every warm region of the earth.”
You can imagine how spectacular this is. The whole world is serving Britain. But unfortunately, when the second industrial revolution came, the British Empire allowed two late-developing countries to seize the opportunity. Economically, the United States and Germany
It has surpassed the empire. The economic foundation is reflected in the military. The two countries have a sneak peek of the vital sea power of the British Empire, the Kaiser's High Seas Fleet, and the United States also quietly built the Great White Fleet.
In the face of the actions of the two rising stars, the British Empire quietly used superb political skills to suppress one and win over the other. As for the United States across the Atlantic, the Empire relied on giving up a small part of its interests to win over the greedy Wall Street capitalists.
Ship, for their own interests, they strongly encouraged the United States to join the Allied Powers.
Of course, Germany, which is close to itself and located in Central Europe, can only suppress it. The empire attracted two land powers, so that Germany could only retain part of its energy at sea. The British Empire was able to devote most of its energy to the navy to ensure that it was at sea.
Use absolutely overwhelming force against Germany to protect its colonies all over the world. Now it seems that the process is a bit tortuous, but everything is moving forward according to the established development track.
"According to my investigation and the report of the ambassador to Romania, the Romanian monarch Edel I is a bit like an Eastern monarch."
After Churchill finished speaking, he unconsciously added, "It's a bit like the power of a monarch in the Far East."
Facing Churchill's additional words, the cabinet ministers present all smiled. It was rare to see Churchill with such an expression, but they all knew the reason.
When Churchill was young, he was crazy about Christianity and Eastern culture, and his family had to write letters to dissuade him from becoming a Christian. For example, in 1907, Gwendolyn Bertie, who was about to become Churchill's sister-in-law, asked in a letter:
."Please do not convert to Christianity. I have noticed your Orientalization and Pasha-like tendencies." If Churchill had believed in Christianity at that time, it would have been impossible for him to hold a high official position in the political arena.
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"Can Europe still have the backward power structure of the Far East?"
A cabinet minister who was obviously not convinced asked Churchill. In his opinion, the power structure of a monarchy like that in the Far East is backward and unprogressive. In the civilized European continent, such power still exists.
The structure is incredible, but fortunately he does not have the universal spirit of later America.
When asked, Churchill said calmly, "Yes, I had never thought that there was such a political structure in Europe before. The power of the Romanian monarch is greater than that of Germany and Russia, but this is not a bad thing for us.
"
Churchill's words prompted Prime Minister David George to say, "That's true."
Excessive concentration of power has various shortcomings, such as reducing the government's adaptability and being unfavorable in mobilizing the enthusiasm of subordinates. Officials will wantonly cater to their superiors for their own future. However, there are also good aspects, such as ensuring the unity of overall policies and ensuring decision-making.
The speed of execution and other advantages. Now there are enough advantages for Britain, that is, it only needs to persuade a few people such as the Romanian monarch to bring it into the camp.
"In order to end the war as soon as possible and for the post-war layout, I think it is in our interests to agree to Romania's conditions now."
In the face of Churchill's words, there were still voices of disapproval. Foreign Secretary Balfour had different opinions. "Mr. Churchill, I think your proposal still has many details that need to be discussed. For example, Romania's post-war rights and obligations in the Balkans
Partition, as well as the attitude towards the Russian red regime, and whether there is a willingness to form an intervention army, etc. This is something that cannot be taken lightly."
Balfour's words made Churchill secretly curse. The Foreign Secretary is old and confused. He is a well-known hardliner in British politics regarding the Russian red regime. However, he can still distinguish the priorities of things. Now he will discuss these matters with Romania.
It will only increase the difficulty and be detrimental to the progress of negotiations. Does the Foreign Secretary still think this is the Victorian era?
Churchill thought of this, sorted out his words and said angrily. "Gentlemen, what we need to see now is the benefits of Romania's joining. I don't think the shortcomings need to be discussed now. You must know that we have spent too much.
If the human and financial resources in this war continue to drag on, we will have more challengers around the world. And the purpose of our war is not to find more competitors for ourselves."
Churchill's words made Prime Minister David George feel that they could no longer let their discussion continue like this, so he ended the topic. "Gentlemen, I don't think Romania's accession conditions are a matter for our country. I believe Paris must be better than
We are more anxious, I think we can wait for news from France."
Prime Minister George's words made Churchill even more anxious, and he spoke to him in an urgent tone. "But Mr. Prime Minister, if we wait for news from France, we will not be able to seize the opportunity. You must know that the Serbians have already received strong support from France.
After the war, Serbia will probably pay more attention to France’s voice.”
"But you must also note France's losses in the war. My munitions minister, you are too eager."
Finally, Prime Minister George ended the government discussion, and everything was focused on waiting for news from France.
As a result, they were not kept waiting, and France sent their decision the next day. This made Churchill angry and felt that his proposal was not taken seriously at all.
