Chapter 600: Is This Considered a Win-Win?
The news of the British defeat at Antwerp quickly spread throughout France.
After all, the fighting took place in Belgium, and the British found it nearly impossible to suppress the news.
However, the French weren't discussing the British defeat itself, as they viewed the British loss as entirely expected:
"This is what happens when you fail to keep up with the times. We've long seen this coming. If you don't adapt, you'll be eliminated by war."
"Exactly! Charles has repeatedly demonstrated the significance of tanks. Even the Germans quickly adapted, following Charles' lead by upgrading and equipping their tanks. But the British stubbornly cling to the idea that tanks are useless."
"But I heard the British already used tanks at Antwerp—the Whippet tanks."
"That's just having tanks. Their arrogance led them to dismiss Charles' tactical use of tanks. They acted superior as the world's greatest power, looking down on Charles. Now, the reality proves them wrong!"
Everyone believed the British brought this upon themselves, taking a certain satisfaction in seeing their defeat.
However, at some point, another voice emerged:
"Do you know why Charles' aircraft didn't reinforce Antwerp?"
"The British, along with the parliament, tried to control Charles' supplies. This left Charles' forces unable to fight. His planes couldn't even take off due to a lack of fuel, and many of his soldiers didn't even have enough ammunition!"
"What? Did that really happen?"
"I think it's true. Charles' existence threatens British interests. Naturally, the British would try to control parliament through their hold on supplies."
Public opinion exploded in an instant. Outraged citizens immediately surrounded the parliament building during a session.
This time, they weren't merely shouting slogans; many stormed into the building and surrounded the parliament members, fists raised as they shouted:
"We oppose parliament's unjust interference with the military! All those involved in persecuting Charles should be severely punished!"
"They are our enemies! They've betrayed France alongside the British!"
"You traitors! You criminals! Vampires who ignore national security for your own interests! You don't deserve to represent the French people!"
The parliamentarians turned pale with fright, desperately explaining that they had nothing to do with the matter. Yet the public refused to believe these double-dealing politicians. Some even became violent, and the parliament chamber quickly became volatile.
Eventually, Gallieni had to dispatch troops to protect the parliamentarians and safely evacuate them.
…
At Namur Castle, telegrams were placed one after another onto Charles' desk.
Though Charles was a hundred kilometers away from Antwerp in Namur, he had the clearest understanding of the situation.
The map in front of him clearly marked the German lines of attack and their current positions.
The public outrage in Paris had also been guided by Charles, such as strategically leaking information that the British and parliament had collaborated to control supplies for the Sixth Army.
Tijani excitedly handed Charles a telegram: "There's strong backlash in Britain about this. Many criticize Kitchener, saying that in the face of a powerful enemy like Germany, he still sought to manipulate allies through control of supplies. They say this only incites internal conflicts within the Allied Powers."
"So they're blaming Kitchener?" Charles asked calmly.
Tijani paused: "You mean..."
Then suddenly realizing, he said, "The parliament, the British House of Commons—it was their decision."
"The capitalists," Charles corrected. "Real control over the supplies lies with the British capitalists."
Tijani nodded in agreement.
The essence of British parliament was similar to France's; capitalists controlled the parliamentarians, who in turn decided national policies. Therefore, suppressing Charles was the idea of British capitalists. It was essentially a battle between them and Charles.
Otherwise, a military figure like Kitchener would never have been able to wield control over essential supplies.
Tijani smiled at Charles: "Looks like your business activities in Britain have touched the capitalists' interests."
Charles smiled slightly but said nothing.
He had anticipated this situation long ago.
Expanding into finance inevitably offended British financial giants, while selling weapons and technology to Britain disrupted the interests of countless arms manufacturers. Especially since Charles' businesses had long-term, overwhelming advantages capable of deciding the life and death of these powerful capitalists, they naturally saw him as an eyesore.
Yet Charles never regretted his decisions. This was the necessary path forward. Would he simply stop making money because it might offend someone?
As for the British capitalists resorting to military means to suppress him, it was never their strong suit. They should have had the self-awareness to avoid such a battle.
Now, it was time for them to pay the price!
Soon after, urgent telegrams begging for help reached Charles.
The first came from Lieutenant General Avis: "The Germans have secured air superiority over Antwerp, severely limiting our capabilities. I request your air forces provide support for Antwerp."
Then came a telegram from Foch: "The British are our most important allies. The safety of Antwerp affects the entire front. From a broader perspective, I think you must reinforce the British."
This was clearly the result of pressure exerted by Kitchener upon Foch.
Then came similar telegrams from the French Military Committee and the Prime Minister's Office, all urging Charles to offer reinforcements, emphasizing the need for Charles' air forces.
Charles didn't rush to respond. Instead, he handed the telegrams to Tijani and asked, "Do you see what they're planning?"
Tijani looked through the telegrams and laughed: "They think if your aircraft regain air superiority, the British can turn defeat into victory. And if that happens, the British will still be the heroes, while we're merely the supporting actors."
Charles nodded.
Not only would this resolve the Antwerp crisis, it would also preserve the British army's reputation—quite a clever calculation.
Of course, Charles wouldn't let them get their way. His response was direct and concise: "My apologies, but due to previous supply policies, my troops are critically short of fuel and ammunition. A preliminary count shows we only have about twenty aircraft operational. Even protecting ourselves is difficult, much less supporting others."
Shortly after sending this telegram, Charles received another from Lieutenant General Avis: "I will immediately dispatch supplies from Dunkirk to support your forces. Please be prepared to receive them and commence reinforcement operations."
Charles murmured a quiet "Hmm," a satisfied smile forming on his lips.
Would this be considered a win-win?
No—it was a triple-win: acquiring the supply warehouses, obtaining additional supplies from the British, and then defeating the Germans.
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