Chapter 2311 Between Germany and France Three
"This reason is very far-fetched. In my opinion, one of the most direct benefits of your country's adoption of this behavior is that it can control France's iron ore, coal mines and fuel supply through cheap raw materials! Alsace and Lorraine are the closest to France Iron mines in the country, and the coal in the Ruhr area is close enough that we can't get a lot of coal from the UK, so German coal is a must."
"As for oil? Congratulations to your country, which is actually second only to the United States in terms of oil production. Romania's 4 million tons of fuel oil, the Transcaucasus region's fuel oil production of more than 20 million tons, and Mesopotamia's 3 million tons Fuel oil. Your country’s annual fuel oil production is as high as 30 million tons, which is only the current fuel oil production, and there is still room for improvement in the future. And this is definitely not something that Germany and Austria can digest!”
"So, from your country's point of view, it is undoubtedly a waste to have so much fuel that cannot be converted into wealth. Of course, from your position, economic benefits are only one aspect, and more importantly, your country can completely Control the economic lifeline of France through cheap resources and reduced tariffs! Domestic companies have no reason to reject all kinds of cheap raw materials from Germany. Raw materials from the United Kingdom and the United States are rejected, and a large number of industrial products produced by France flow into Germany."
"In the end, France's trade with the world may be transformed into a trade with Germany. People are profit-seeking. Although money can't solve everything, it can effectively increase France's dependence on Germany! Once we get used to using Germany’s coal mines and oil are used to exporting to Germany. Then there will be no political hostility towards Germany anymore, you are using money and the market to disintegrate our fighting spirit.” Clemenceau said with some emotion . "You are really amazing."
There are many enemies that cannot be conquered with guns, but can be defeated with money and interests. Obviously, the Germans still want to make France submit, but in a different way. Facing the guns of the Germans, the French warriors could fight to the end. But in the face of the economic cooperation plan proposed by the Germans, to be honest, even though Clemenceau had an insight into some of the ideas of the Germans, he still could not refuse! After all, no one has trouble with money!
"Isn't it good for everyone to do business together?" Ruprecht said with a smile. "The establishment of a free trade zone with your country is just the beginning. Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece. And that slippery Italy will all join this customs union. Spain and Portugal may also be absorbed in the future. Europe It is the center of the world, but this center is loose, and it has gradually fallen behind the times because of its looseness. Therefore, in the future, the German Empire needs to unite the scattered Europe! There will be no more wars between countries, and we will work together Enjoy the glory of this era."
"This is really a grand plan, even bigger than your country's war plan. Back then, Emperor Napoleon wanted to do the same, but failed. I don't know if your side will succeed." Clemenceau said after a moment of contemplation.
"In my opinion, at least this alliance is still a good choice for your country. We have fully taken care of the interests of France. It also avoids the possibility of France falling into war. As long as France does not stand on our opposite side, then I think there is no People go back and attack France," Ruprecht said.
At this moment, Clemenceau was really moved. The crown prince is right. This alliance is a very good choice for France. As long as the two sides are not hostile, France can obtain cheap fuel and iron ore, which can be shared with Germany. The entire European market, and the possibility of facing war in the future will plummet. After all, the only land power that borders France is Germany. If the Germans don't fight the French, will the British or Americans still come to trouble France?
certainly,
The Germans also wanted something. They actually tied France to the German chariot in a disguised form. In the future, the prosperity of France will largely depend on the strength of Germany, because the leader of this new European order is Germany, in order to safeguard its own interests, France may be forced to support Germany in many ways. It may even be an alliance with Germany under certain special circumstances.
And after forming an alliance, there are certain risks! Like Ruprecht, Clemenceau did not believe that the Great War was "the war to end all wars." France has experienced a lot of failures, isn't it still standing up again and again? How could the British sink completely because of one failure? The Russians lost the land they had ruled for hundreds of years, but the vast Russia is still huge. The United States on the other side of the Atlantic is gradually spreading its wings, trying to expand its influence to the entire world.
In this world, conflicts between countries still exist, and maybe a new, larger-scale war will break out in a few decades! And by then, where will France go? Don't say that the French can choose to mix with Germany now, and then they will be up for grabs! The first request made by the Germans has made France extremely vulnerable to Germany. Once hostile, this will undoubtedly open France's door to the German attack. At the same time, the long-term trade with Germany will eventually affect the public opinion of France. Certainly the classes of France, which benefited greatly, were not hostile to Germany. Therefore, the only choices France can make are neutrality or standing with Germany, and the second option may be even higher. After all, France is the beneficiary of this system. Where to benefit? Isn't the actual war just for profit?
Clemenceau is very clear that his choice is a one-way street, and once he steps on it, he cannot turn back. At that time, France can only count on the long-term fortune of the Germans so that this system can continue. And if you simply choose to be neutral, is it okay? The first condition to agree to the Germans is not to fortify Germany militarily, but continue to follow the previous path economically? Although France will have a difficult future, at least it will not be tied to Germany!
"I know that your Excellency is hesitating, and you are not the only one who can decide something like this. Then you might as well go back to Paris, and then tell your government exactly what I said, and then let them make their own judgment. I believe , your government will make the right choice."
"In addition, as the conclusion of this meeting, I would like to say one last thing. Given your country's current status, it doesn't really matter who is the boss in this world. What France should do now is to be conservative, not aggressive. How to coordinate The relationship between the suzerain country and the colonies, and ensuring their current status are the key, so why doesn't France choose to cooperate with the first-class power that offers the highest price?" Ruprecht finally said.
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