African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 1372: Chapter 365: France Wavers (Part 3)

After Clemenceau finished speaking, the current French military commander, Marshal Petain, also spoke: ”I support the President’s view.”

”Gentlemen, right now we are merely making a choice between the glory of France and practical issues, but we must admit that the so-called glory is nothing but a fig leaf. If we sacrifice the future of the entire nation, whether or not this fig leaf is removed now, it will eventually be lifted by other countries.”

”If we can use the power from East Africa to gracefully withdraw from the war, although it will hurt French national sentiment greatly, compared to dooming the future of the entire French nation, this is nothing.”

”We should admit that since the war started, France’s national strength has been unable to support our competition with the United Kingdom and Germany.”

”In fact, France is now a second-rate country in Europe; since 1870, we have been no match for the United Kingdom and Germany.”

”France’s population, industry, and resources cannot sustain us alongside Germany and the United Kingdom. Now our alliance with the United Kingdom is merely to be the British vanguards.”

”You must know that the population of the United Kingdom far exceeds ours, yet this so-called ally only mobilizes half the troops that we do. Isn’t that laughable?”

”Moreover, the war is fought on French territory, and our losses are extremely severe. It can be said that the war zone is originally the most important area for our economy.”

”So whether from a military or economic standpoint, this war is a mistake. We should bear the blame and preserve the spark of France, not continue to err again and again.”

Marshal Petain and President Clemenceau share the same view, which is to cease fighting. Of course, primarily because France cannot sustain it, if France’s birth rate and population could reach Germany’s level, the two might not have made such a decision.

And when the two most powerful people in the French government and military share a unified thought, other members within the government also began reflecting on the war.

Ultimately, France internally decided on peace talks. Clemenceau called Lipowitz back to the conference room and said to him: ”We are willing to make an effort for European peace, but your country should also persuade Germany to abandon some unrealistic ideas and show sincerity for peace talks.”

Lipowitz readily agreed: ”Naturally, Mr. President, you must know that our attitude from East Africa has always been consistently supportive of European peace and we have continuously worked hard for it.”

What Lipowitz said was not incorrect. At least since 1914, East Africa has always called on European countries to remain calm and promote world peace.

Of course, before 1919, East Africa merely shouted some slogans, wishing for a heated battle in Europe, but now the situation has changed, for its own interests East Africa hopes Europe can return to pre-war conditions.

”The Imperial Government not only sent me to your country to lobby, but we are also negotiating in Berlin, London, and Vienna. A peaceful Europe is what East Africa hopes to see, and it is beneficial to everyone, especially in light of the revolution in Russia.”

”Everyone should pay attention to the dangers posed by the Labor Party, if Europe cannot end the war, the entire continent may be exploited by them. You must know the Labor Party has no concept of nation or ethnicity; if they truly incite the masses, France, Germany, and Austria-Hungary may all disappear from the map.”

This is not an exaggeration, given that the Soviet Union was essentially an alliance of states, placing Russia, Ukraine, and other nations under one country. Though this method ultimately failed, it was not impossible for the countries of early 20th century Europe, particularly now that European Labor Parties are as united as family.

The slogan is for workers of the world to unite, but this is a nightmare for imperialist forces such as East Africa. Naturally, Lipowitz mentions the Labor Party to provide French Government with an excuse, easing their psychological discomfort over the issue of peace talks.