Father of France

Chapter 52 Treaty of Rome
“So certain.” George Pidul’s eyes were smiling as Koeman nodded affirmatively. “If the Soviet Union agreed, it means that the Soviet Union was also willing to coexist peacefully with Western Europe, at least for the time being.”

"This assessment is novel; many people in the country do not trust the Soviet Union." George Pidur's "many people" included himself, who did not have much confidence in this trip to the Soviet Union.

“I think the brutal war should make the Soviets pay more attention to diplomacy,” Koeman replied after a moment’s thought. “After a war, they usually focus their efforts on diplomacy.”

For example, the Entente system that France formed in Europe after World War I, although it was ultimately proven to be of little use, no one can deny its effort.

Stalin was a very pragmatic leader. Although he was an iron-fisted leader, he put national interests before any other options. The only time he suffered a loss in his life was when he encountered the German leader.

However, there is no precedent in history for an uncontrollable political figure like the German head of state.

The racist ideology in Germany was not eradicated by the death of the Führer, but spread throughout the world. Different civilizations could not resist the invasion of this ideology, and even the Jews whom Germany wanted to exterminate believed in his doctrine.

If Stalin hadn't encountered an unpredictable leader and been drawn into a world war, the Soviet Union would have been much stronger and more capable than he had envisioned.

It can be said that since the emergence of the Slavic people, every opportunity to rise to power has been interrupted by the Germanic people. If it weren't for such devastating losses, Russia would definitely be even more domineering than the Soviet Union at its peak.

Koeman also knew that historically, when faced with France's request, the Soviet Union, after careful consideration, did not obstruct it and allowed France to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Although, like the Republic of China, they came to power somewhat by shortcuts, and their contributions were indeed undeserved, China and France still shamelessly squeezed into the ranks of permanent members of the Security Council.

Demville also joined the discussion, saying, "Eastern Europe has always been an important source of raw materials for us, and it remains just as important for our reconstruction needs."

Koeman was in complete agreement. France was not Britain, and Britain's colonies could fully cover the sources of its raw materials.

It's not that France couldn't cover its colonies; in terms of resources discovered in the 21st century, it could have. However, many resources were yet to be found. Britain's colonies were developed, while France's were undeveloped.

Easing relations with the Soviet Union was indeed an urgent need, followed by the development of colonial resources as a supplement. Durmville himself was a colonial official, so he attached great importance to the need for resources and therefore greatly approved of George Pidul's visit to the Soviet Union.

Demville and George Pidul talked for a while about their trip to the Soviet Union, and Coman didn't stay silent either, subtly mentioning his views on the Soviet Union.

"How about I take you to Moscow?" George Pidul asked with a gentle smile. He knew who Koman's father was; otherwise, would anyone be able to spout such nonsense?

But he also doesn't deny that it's no wonder that when Admiral Dragon rarely talks about his family, he always mentions this child.

Whether it was the Franco-Italian Community plan or the upcoming visit to the Soviet Union, some ideas that were still vague in my mind suddenly became clear after the dialogue.

"I believe this will be an amazing experience, and I'm also curious to know why so many people in Italy and France are willing to follow Moscow. I'll probably find the answer once I get there."

Koeman's eyes lit up when he heard George Pidul's words, but the reason wasn't what he said—that was just to appease Pidul. The real reason was to ride the coattails of the current situation; having been present at the Soviet-French diplomatic event made it easier to get promoted.

“Then I’ll take you.” George Pidul was not one to cover up other people’s roles, especially since the other person’s father was an important military general. He nodded gently and said, “Get some rest. Stay with me for the next few days and get the work done with Italy before we set off again. By the way, you… Father has a child now, and you have a little sister.”

“That’s a good thing. The more family members there are, the more lively it is.” Coman noticed the pause in George Pidul’s words and knew why. “I’m also happy for Mrs. Adile.”

George Pidul paused for a moment, and Koman assumed that the other party did not know the way to address her in her own family. This was understandable, as Adil was only a year older than Koman, and he really couldn't bring himself to call her "Mom."

The Franco-Italian Community plan could not escape the eyes of the United States. Just as predicted, the United States, or more precisely Eisenhower, was very supportive of the plan, mainly because the reasons given were indeed irresistible to him.

Anyone who isn't blind knows the influence of the French and Italian Communist Parties. This is France and Italy's self-salvation, so why would he stop them?
With the United States' welcoming attitude, the biggest external obstacle disappeared, and the Franco-Italian Community process accelerated dramatically. The two sides held formal negotiations at the Quirinal Palace.

George Pidul and Gasberry took center stage, with less than an hour to go before the signing ceremony, and the ink on the negotiating table barely dry.

“We all understand the value of this treaty. The Franco-Italian Coal and Steel Community, the Common Agricultural Policy, the free movement of laborers along the border…” George Pidullton paused, “This is not only economic cooperation, but also a bulwark against the westward expansion of Soviet influence.”

The gilded doors of the signing room slowly opened. Reporters simultaneously raised their flashlights, causing George Pidul to squint for a moment.

As he signed his name on the last page of the treaty, Gasberry said to the officials present, "Today, the Alps are no longer a dividing line, but the backbone connecting the two countries."

"Finally, there's been a change worth mentioning." Although it had nothing to do with Koeman, he was still very pleased. The crackdown on French traitors in Paris and the use of batons in Marseille were, in essence, acts of violence against ordinary people. These were the kinds of events that could significantly alter the course of a nation's destiny.

Witnessing the signing of the Treaty of Rome at this time was a crucial step for France in promoting Europe as a third voice. With this advantage, the future would be much easier.

George Pidul and Gasberry were both all smiles. There may not be any earth-shattering changes in the near future, but the significance on the diplomatic level is very important.

French and Italian diplomats applauded enthusiastically, celebrating this historic moment. Journalists were also delighted; with today's front-page headline, the overall reporting landscape was no longer interesting.

“Corman, I’ll take you to Moscow.” Georges Pitoure was a man of his word; as the current French Foreign Minister, he couldn’t be irresponsible with his words.

"Germany is certain to be defeated, and we should indeed consider our next opponent," Koeman replied with a double meaning, implying that nominally, the next opponent had no other choice but the Soviet Union.

"I hope we can bring good news to France in the coming year of 1945," Georges Pitoure said confidently, having just signed the Treaty of Rome.

"Good things should come together, from one victory to another," Koeman sincerely complimented. A win-win situation requires winning twice to truly be a win-win.

(End of this chapter)