I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

Chapter 714: Revised - 714 Declaration of War

When the Meuse River defensive line finally stabilized, Dunkirk was completely safe at last.

At this moment, the British Expeditionary Force should have been behind enemy lines chasing to seize merits.

But after the Germans launched two counterattacks, Kitchener didn’t even have the courage to pursue.

This wasn’t Kitchener’s or Haig’s fault—the British Expeditionary Force’s morale had been crushed by the German Army, pushing them to the brink of collapse.

The Colonial Army was even worse.

When the defensive line was about to collapse, Haig repeatedly ordered the Colonial Army to charge fiercely, while the British homeland troops hid defensively in the trenches.

This caused widespread dissatisfaction among the Colonial Army, British officers had generally lost the trust of the Colonial troops, and internal strife or mutiny could occur at any time.

Therefore, Kitchener could only order the Expeditionary Force to follow the Germans from a distance, only advancing to "receive" the positions after the Germans had left.

The Colonial Army was dispatched back to Dunkirk in batches for rest and recuperation.

To call it recuperation was more aptly described as appeasement.

Kitchener made a show of disciplining a batch of British officers who had caused dissatisfaction among the Colonial soldiers, distributed food to the troops, and commended the brave officers and soldiers. This managed to stabilize the morale.

One day, when a completely exhausted Kitchener returned to his office, he found a civilian-dressed middle-aged man waiting at the door with an entourage.

Kitchener was somewhat puzzled; his command post was a military zone—ordinary people couldn’t possibly appear here.

Before he could inquire further, the middle-aged man stepped forward, saluted Kitchener and shook his hand warmly: "Marshal, very glad to see you again. How’s everything?

Kitchener looked closely and then realized: "Admiral Averescu?"

(The picture above shows Romania’s Admiral Averescu, considered Romania’s most talented commander, who led Romania’s attacks on Transylvania after the declaration of war but suffered a crushing defeat by the German Army)

"Yes." Admiral Averescu, happy that Kitchener remembered him, beamed like a child receiving a reward: "We haven’t seen each other for two years, right? I remember it was in London."

"Indeed." Kitchener nodded: "At Her Majesty the Queen’s banquet, I do miss those peaceful times."

Kitchener ushered Admiral Averescu into his office. After an orderly brought coffee, Kitchener glanced at Averescu and asked: "Admiral, what brings you here...?"

"We have declared war on Austria-Hungary." Averescu said, "We intend to join the Allies and fight against the Central Powers."

Kitchener felt delighted and immediately stood up to shake Averescu’s hand: "A very wise decision, Admiral. Your King has made the right choice; now is the time, you are on the side of honor and victory."

"In return," Averescu said, "we hope your nation will support us in reclaiming Transylvania and recognize Romania’s sovereignty over it."

"Of course!" Kitchener agreed without hesitation.

He wasn’t even sure of Transylvania’s exact location.

After all, it wasn’t his property, merely acknowledging the claim posed no loss to Britain.

At this moment, an aide approached Admiral Averescu and whispered a few words, and Averescu furrowed his brow.

"What happened?" Kitchener asked, "Is there any problem?"

"It’s this," Admiral Averescu replied, "Queen Mary is currently negotiating in Paris with France. As you know, we need the support of both countries."

"Of course," Kitchener said understandingly.

"But after Queen Mary spoke with General Gallieni, she believes we shouldn’t declare war and suggests retracting the declaration."

"Is there still time to retract it?" Kitchener asked.

"Yes," Admiral Averescu nodded, "Just barely. The ambassador has prepared the declaration and is about to send it."

Kitchener made a thoughtful sound and generously said, "So, you still have time to consider. I think you should consider it carefully."

"You say so too?" Admiral Averescu was stunned.

To consider carefully, does this mean Kitchener also opposes the declaration?

"Of course," Kitchener spread his hands, "From Romania’s perspective, avoiding war is certainly desirable, but if reclaiming Transylvania is your goal, that’s another matter."

Admiral Averescu nodded, Transylvania was Romania’s deep-seated issue.

Kitchener continued, "It’s clear, if you don’t contribute anything, the Allies will have no reason to support Romania after the war. Moreover, I think France has more reason to oppose your attack on Transylvania."

"Why?" Admiral Averescu looked at Kitchener in surprise.

"Because it concerns their interests, Admiral," Kitchener lifted his coffee cup towards Averescu, "Think about it, after the Allies win, France will receive reparations from Germany, possibly including land."

Averescu suddenly understood.

Yes, Transylvania could be ceded to France, not Romania.

And Britain, isolated from the European continent, wouldn’t want such a distant territory.

Thinking of this, he couldn’t sit still any longer and sprang up, "Sorry, Marshal, I should warn His Majesty the King."

"Certainly." Kitchener nodded and gestured for him to proceed.

Watching the hastily departing Admiral Averescu, a satisfied smile appeared on Kitchener’s lips.

This fool fell for it so easily.

...

Paris City Defense Command.

Shire arrived here around 9 o’clock, hurriedly, his general’s uniform covered in dust and some bloodstains.

He hadn’t had time to shower; after settling down in Verdun, he was summoned here.

Queen Mary exclaimed upon seeing Shire: "My God, are you injured, General?"

"No." Shire glanced at the bloodstains on his sleeve and calmly replied, "These are from inspecting the wounded."

Queen Mary, still in shock, exaggeratedly patted her chest: "That’s good, my apologies. I have never seen a general returning from the battlefield before. It must be very brutal, right?"

Shire raised an eyebrow without answering.

Queen Mary was merely using a technique to flatter him.

She understood men’s psychology—they always liked to show their bravery and strength before women, which made them feel proud.

Gallieni remained silent with a smile.

Shire was too smart, but that made Queen Mary somewhat uncomfortable.

Gallieni stepped in: "That’s nothing, Queen, let’s get back to business, shall we?"

"Oh, yes." Queen Mary invited Shire to sit, maintaining her elegant smile, "As you know, I think we’re making a mistake, we have declared war on Austria-Hungary."

"Haven’t considered retracting it?" Shire asked.

"Certainly." Queen Mary replied helplessly, "But it’s already too late!"