Chapter 2315: The Change of the Frenchman's Attitude One

After returning to Paris, Clemenceau immediately informed the French high-level officials of the German opinion. Two days later, President Armand, Prime Minister Ribeau, Clemenceau and the military representative Pétain started talks again. After two days of preparation and comprehensive information from various sources, the French need to set a tone for their development in the next ten years.

The requirements of the Germans are nothing more than two points. The first point is that France will not defend Germany militarily. In addition, there are no restrictions on French armaments. The second point is to suggest that France be integrated into the new European order dominated by Germany and Austria. To some extent, the Germans and Americans have similar practices. It is best to bring France over... .

"Actually, I don't think it is necessary to discuss the first issue, because we cannot refuse the Germans on this issue. Compared with the UK, we are already very lucky. The Germans have at least taken care of France's face, and both sides will Designate a lightly armed area. And retain the right of France to develop a full set of armed forces. Under such circumstances, I don't think we can achieve a better result." What Armand and others did not expect was that as a military Petain, represented by Fang, is so cowardly on this issue....

"Everyone, don't look at me with such eyes. I'm just telling the truth. In fact, look at France before the war. Haven't we given up the sea power that we have been obsessed with for nearly a hundred years? After the age of fearlessness, when France When our finances and industry were unable to support the increasingly large dreadnought fleet, didn’t we also lower the position of the navy to ensure France’s advantages in the Mediterranean and retain some of its ocean-going combat capabilities? Now, France, which has experienced a major defeat, whether it is Both national strength and manpower are not as good as before, but we have to face a lot of trouble." Petain said with a sigh.

As a military representative, Pétain was still very busy after the armistice between Germany and France. Of course, Pétain was no longer worried about fighting a superpower like Germany. He was worried about the colonies! That's right, the colonies. After the defeat, there will be turmoil in the British colonies, so why won't there be turmoil in the French colonies? Come to think of it, France owns over 10 million square kilometers of land in Africa! But now, Petain was thinking about how to deal with those natives! It's not that the French army can't beat it, but that France's finances are very problematic! How to settle these matters with as few francs as possible is what makes Pétain the worst!

"What about ten years from now? When we get through this difficult period...," Prime Minister Ribo said.

"If we fight against the Germans, the process may be a little tortuous, but the result is certain. And I am sure that after another 20 years, the shadow left by this war on the hearts of the French people will not dissipate. Their families, Friends and neighbors have died in battle, and a whole generation of French people has thrown themselves into this meaningless war, gaining nothing but death and pain.” Pétain’s words were full of deep sorrow. Of course, what frustrated Armand and others the most was definitely the first sentence, what does it mean that the process is tortuous and the result is certain! This is too bad, old man!

"Although General Petain's views seem very pessimistic to outsiders, they are indeed the closest to the facts. Before the Franco-Prussian War, France has lost its most critical population advantage, and our local core population has been maintained at a low level. , This makes our tolerance limit for war very low. And the vast colonies also need a lot of manpower and material resources to maintain. Especially in North Africa. We always want to turn them into France in Africa, but it seems a bit difficult now." Clemenceau said.

"So, General Petain, you mean to accept the first opinion of the Germans,

France does not fortify against Germany? "Prime Minister Ribo asked.

"Can we refuse?" Pétain asked rhetorically.

"Well, that's it for this question, let's talk about the second question!" President Armand was very straightforward, and did not get too entangled in this question that was almost impossible to refuse. He cares more about the future of France!

"The Germans are trying to establish a new European order dominated by Germany and Austria. This system includes most of Western Europe. The idea of ​​this so-called European Union is currently only in the economic aspect, but it is likely to expand to politics and defense in the future. We will not go to war with the Germans for someone else, but must we be the servants of the Germans?" Prime Minister Ribo said.

"But judging from the current situation, participation in the current German-Austrian economic circle plays a very important role for France. After this war, it will be difficult for us to open the British market. The British will not open the colonial market to us. In the direction of the Far East, we can only defend. Without sufficient military power and deterrence, it is difficult for us to make a difference. The American market belongs to the Americans. From the western border of Germany to the border area of ​​​​Russia, it belongs to Germany and Austria. And what do we have? It’s just a large barren colony. There are no buyers for our industrial products. The small domestic market will have an extremely adverse impact on the future development of France.” Clemenceau said.

The world market has been almost divided. Unless a new technological revolution is detonated and a new industry emerges, for the world powers, rushing into each other's market means fierce conflict or even war! However, from the current political and economic map of the world, France is in the most disadvantaged position!

Any powerful country that wants to develop needs raw material production areas and product markets. Under the current situation, most of the old order has been broken, and a new order is being formed. The old king has fallen, and a new overlord is rising. The winner happily enjoys the feast of victory, while the loser trembles in a corner.

From an economic perspective, the United States is undoubtedly the one that has benefited the most from this war! Through the acquisition of the overseas assets of the allies, the Americans easily obtained a large number of markets. At the same time, through trade with belligerent countries, the United States successfully transformed from a debtor country to a creditor country. The gold reserves are the highest in the world in terms of quantity and proportion. The American economy has once again reached a new peak!

And what about Germany and Austria-Hungary, the victorious countries? For these two countries, their greatest benefit lies in the qualitative changes in their home country! There has never been a country on the European continent that ranks first in terms of population, territory, and industry! Russia has a vast territory, rich resources, and a large population, but its industrial base is poor. The period of Napoleon in France was very NB, but when the First French Empire was at its most glorious, its territory did not exceed 900,000 square kilometers.

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