Chapter 2316 Changes in French Attitudes II
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But it’s different now. In Central Europe, a superpower with an area of more than 1.5 million square kilometers, a population of over 100 million, and the world’s second largest industrial scale has emerged! And as an ally of this superpower, the size and population of the Austro-Hungarian Empire are not inferior! The population of the two countries is close to 200 million and the land of nearly 3 million square kilometers covers almost all the best part of Europe!
They have the largest industrial base in Europe, the second largest oil field in the world, the largest granary in Europe, and the richest coal and iron mines in Europe! They have nearly 2 million square kilometers of fertile land waiting to be developed! This in itself is a very huge market! A market that can be fully developed and produced without overproduction for decades! And these two countries also inherited all the British colonies in Africa! Rhodesia and Southern Africa, which are rich in resources, have made up for the last shortcomings of these two empires!
The German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire stretched their bodies and released their influence in the victory! The entire European continent, the African continent, and Asia west of India are trembling under the majesty of these two powerful countries!
Britain and Russia are losers, but after all, Britain has retained the two most important dominions and the brightest jewel in the British crown—India. These properties are enough to make Britain a second-rate power next to the strongest. Russia also suffered heavy losses, but it can still be called a vast land with abundant resources and a vast territory.
Even Japan, which the French have always looked down upon, was full of stomachs in this war. As the only power in the Far East, Japan has a huge advantage in East Asia and Southeast Asia, but considering the upcoming war, Japan's dominance of the Far East is not stable!
And what about France? Really poor! France itself only has a population of 40 million, and the domestic market demand is the priority, while the colony is poor in supplies and the level of economic development is also very limited. Apart from providing some tropical crops, most areas have almost no role, and they cannot be called a market at all! The post-war French needed financial support, but more than that, new markets and sources of raw materials. But it is a pity that the help of the Americans is based on an alliance. The British will not forgive France, and Japan is beyond its reach. And what about Russia, France's long-standing ally? It is still fighting a civil war, and after the war, I don’t know what kind of Russia can provide France with help?
So, now there is a situation that seems absurd to the French. The allies who were still fighting the French on the battlefield a few months ago can provide the help France needs most during this period! Of course, the Germans are also conditional. And the cost of cooperating with the allies will be slowly reflected in the future! As an old power, the French are very aware of how terrible this kind of economic interest binding is! That's why Prime Minister Ribo said what he just said!
"Deep cooperation with the Allies will completely destroy some of France's political and diplomatic legacy in the past century. The United States will not like us. The British regard us as enemies. And France's best friend in recent decades- Russia will also become our enemy. We cooperate with Germany and Austria to build factories and obtain resources in Russia's lost territory. This will automatically make France stand on the opposite side of Russia, because after decades, we cannot sit idly by The factories, mines, and markets in these places in France have been recaptured by the Russians, and we will involuntarily take up our swords and guns to stand with Germany and Austria," Prime Minister Ribo said.
"If Germany can maintain the current situation, it is also a good choice to rely on Germany to maintain France's current status and interests. After all, there is a kind of friend in this world who is an enemy that cannot be defeated." Petain said with a sigh.
"But what if the Germans lose in the next war? Does France have to put its hope on the other party's possible tolerance like this time?" Prime Minister Ribo said loudly.
"So what if the Germans win the next war? Any benefit comes with risks. It's just a matter of size. However, as a soldier, a soldier who has fought the Germans on the battlefield, I think Germany is in the next The probability of losing in a war is very small, and Germany’s last short board has been made up. Facts have proved that even in the peak period, neither the British navy nor the vast sea of Russians are the opponents of German steel. What’s more What's more, Britain and Russia, which have been severely weakened afterwards? Although the United States is strong, they are too far away from Europe." Pétain said.
"Well, I have seen your thoughts. M. Clemenceau and General Pétain are very realistic. Their idea of cooperating with the Germans can help us solve our immediate difficulties. Prime Minister Ribeau is a good idea of the future of France. Full of worries, I understand that. But I can’t agree, because without the present, there is no future.” French President Armand, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke, and he seemed to have made a lot of determination.
"The so-called economic binding does exist, but this problem will not be solved overnight. We have too much time to resolve or delay this kind of thing. Compared with the alliance conditions proposed by the Americans, I feel that the conditions of the Germans are more sincere. , and more realistic. The Germans are a wolf, but who can guarantee that the Americans are not a tiger?" President Armand's attitude is very obvious, he is in favor of a compromise with Germany!
Now the result is obvious. President Armand, General Petain representing the military, and Clemenceau decided to accept the two demands made by the Germans, at least in part. Prime Minister Ribo's objections became moot. Passing through Parliament will not be a formality after agreement is reached within the government. And then, after achieving the most basic understanding with Germany, it is the negotiation issue between the two sides.
"When are the Germans going to negotiate with us?" asked President Armand.
"It may be a month later. The negotiations between the Germans and the British have entered a critical period. The Americans have also contacted the British before, but it seems that the result is not good. There is a problem in the Indian colony. It is estimated that the British will be difficult to resist. The pressure from the Germans. So I feel that this negotiation will not last too long." Clemenceau thought for a while and said.
"Well, it seems that we still have a long time to prepare. In future negotiations, we can try our best to promise the Germans military matters, but we have to choose to accept the economic aspects. After all, I don't want the Germans to continue The weakening of trade barriers has knocked France's manufacturing industry to pieces. France must have its own complete industrial system, even if we have allies, some things must be our own." President Armand said. The French are as proud as ever, as in history!
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