Iron and Blood: A Triumph of the Will

"That brat Joachim seems to be out of touch with reality lately, and he still won't give in..."

After receiving the ultimatum from Germany, Clemenceau felt that Joachim was being too naive, trying to shut him up by talking about German internal affairs.

Isn't that reason a bit too ridiculous?

It's ridiculous that the German Empire has interfered in France's internal affairs since its inception, and now they're using such a slogan to fob them off.

"So you could say that Germans' brains are full of mush now."

Speaking from the side was André Tardier, Clemenceau's closest advisor: "In an attempt to escape defeat, they've resorted to this tactic. I've heard they're also reinforcing their troops in the East, trying to put pressure on Red Russia."

"What does this prove?"

Clemenceau blinked, flipping through the report in his hand: "Does this mean they were trying to help the Red Russians win the civil war?"

"To this day, Kolchak is on the offensive, and Red Russia is finding it difficult to hold on."

André Tardieu: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent us a message asking if we are ready to establish genuine diplomatic relations with White Russia."

"Let them get started on preparations, especially regarding the debt aspect."

"We must recover all our investments in Russia and make the Russians pay back their debts one by one."

Clemenceau held up one finger, indicating that the Russians must repay the debt they owed the French.

We can't let those damned Russians renege on their debts; World War I cost France far too much.

France transformed from a usury empire into a creditor nation.

The French owe the Americans a huge debt.

Therefore, making the Russians pay back the money and the Germans pay reparations was something the French had to do.

"We will definitely take it back; the White Army is gradually gaining victory!"

André Tardieu stated confidently, "The Russian affair is over."

"That's good. Since the Germans are unwilling to admit defeat, then we'll let our strength speak for itself."

Clemenceau raised an eyebrow slightly: "That's what the Germans used to like to say too."

"Yes, there is a proverb in Europe."

André Tardier nodded: "Germans like to keep a pistol on the table during negotiations."

"So you know what to do, right?"

"Should we inform our British allies?"

"No need, I can call them right now."

Under Andrei's watchful gaze, Clemenceau casually picked up the phone and dialed a number. If the French were to run into trouble on this matter, the British would fare no better; their fleet had definitely not sailed into Wilhelmshaven.

Offending both Britain and France at the same time, the Germans must be out of their minds to do something like this.

The Kaiser's youngest son is indeed too young.

That's a bit too impulsive!

But it's good, because this is a perfect opportunity for him to completely subdue Germany.

And by the way, we finally got our revenge for 1871!

"Transfer this to the British Prime Minister..."

"What's wrong, George?"

The British Prime Minister on the other end of the phone sounded tired, and even his tone of voice was somewhat dejected.

Just from these words, Clemenceau knew that the British had run into a wall with the Germans.

However, this is also good, as he can use this opportunity to get the British to agree to France advancing further into the German heartland.

"The Germans wanted to continue fighting, and they directly rejected our ultimatum."

"They are unwilling to surrender their weapons and disarm; they have no sincerity for peace."

Clemenceau, in just a few words, characterized the Germans' behavior, changing their initial reluctance to accept French intervention in their internal affairs to a direct rejection of the French proposal.

This is undoubtedly an attempt to create an image of Germans as indomitable.

"Well, things aren't going well for me either. They've agreed in principle, but the area in front of the port is riddled with landmines."

"So it's essentially still a rejection!" Clemenceau continued to stir up trouble and fan the flames: "So we still need to teach the Germans a lesson and make them truly understand reality."

"What do you want to do?"

Despite being extremely tired, the British Prime Minister on the other end of the phone became unusually alert upon hearing this.

"Send troops to teach the Germans a lesson; we'll occupy Sarran and control the coal mines there..."

"Isn't this a violation of the armistice treaty?"

"What if the war continues?"

If Clemenceau had X-ray vision, he would definitely see Lloyd George smoking incessantly.

Pale blue smoke filled his room.

Therefore, the British Prime Minister's current worries are not just about the Germans, but also about other issues.

First, there was the news of the so-called Russian Revolution escalating on the streets of London, despite Lloyd George's victory in the post-war general election.

However, his Liberal Party had long since fallen apart, and the newly emerging Labor Party had taken away the vast majority of his Liberal Party's votes, turning his Liberal Party into a marginal party.

Therefore, he now feels that his coalition government is somewhat weak, in addition to some unrest in Ireland.

A guy named Collins declared Irish independence on January 21, but that wasn't a big deal.

It's just a minor disturbance; the British Empire can easily handle it with a few police officers.

Furthermore, Lloyd George considered himself a seasoned politician, and his approach to these separatists was to give them the cold shoulder and suppress them softly.

After all, isn't your desire for independence just a ploy to gain more benefits?

Then I'll just give you more benefits.

First they brandish a big stick to force you to comply, then they give you some candy.

Therefore, in February, Britain faced the issue of Irish independence.

I only did three things.

They arrested minor figures who were part of the rebels and shut down a few pro-independence newspapers.

Then the cabinet in London met to discuss the Irish question.

The conclusion drawn was to maintain the status quo and gradually increase pressure.

After all, the situation in London is very delicate right now, and no one knows whether what happened in Germany and Russia will happen to Britain itself if a bloody crackdown occurs.

Therefore, Lloyd George was very vigilant and took every step with great care.

"Then let's keep fighting. Do you think the Germans now have the ability to stop our 50 brave warriors on the border?"

"They certainly don't have the ability to stop us, but the problem is, what if the situation gets worse?"

"My request isn't unreasonable."

Clemenceau shook his white beard and gave a sly smile.

The British had fallen into his trap; all he wanted to hear was this: "We only intend to push a little further toward the border, and stop at Sarran."

"This is a lesson for the Germans."

"What if the Germans still don't give in?

"If the Germans still don't give in, then we'll march all the way to the Ruhr."

"......."

"So warning the Germans isn't your ultimate goal; you French are after the coal there, aren't you?"

"Should we let Wilson know?"

"Wilson? He's still adrift at sea!"

"Hmph..."

After saying this, Clemenceau smiled but remained silent.