Chapter 455: Chapter 455: Forcing France to Fight a Positional Battle
(The map below shows Romania during World War I, with Transylvania being part of Austria-Hungary during the war and incorporated into Romania afterward. The region is mostly inhabited by Romanians but was under Austria-Hungary’s rule. This conflict was the main reason for Romania joining the Allies in the war against the Central Powers.)
"Oil, General." Shire analyzed: "Oil is the lifeblood of the Germans. Once Romania announces its joining of the Allies, the Germans will undoubtedly launch an attack against it and strive to defeat it in the shortest possible time."
Gallieni was taken aback and nodded slightly.
Prior to this, everyone, including Gallieni himself, thought it was good for Romania, the oil-rich nation, to join the Allies.
But as Shire mentioned, once Romania announced joining, the Germans would capture Romania and control the oil.
Shire continued analyzing as he faced the map:
"If Romania is a neutral country, Germany would avoid radical actions to win its cooperation."
"The amount of oil Germany could get would actually not be much because Romania sells oil to the Allies as well."
Gallieni added: "But if the Germans control Romania, they will get all the oil, while we get nothing."
"Yes." Shire nodded: "So, Romania’s non-joining is actually better than joining. The Germans have no reason to start a war and do not want to push it towards the Allies. They can only watch Romania cooperate with us."
Gallieni took a cold breath; this guy was right. Everyone, including Xia Fei, was unknowingly on the wrong path.
But on second thought, Gallieni asked again: "But Romania can organize an army of 500,000 and cooperate with other troops..."
"Look at Romania’s location, General." Shire indicated with his chin towards the map: "It is almost surrounded by the Central Powers. Once war breaks out, we cannot provide reinforcements except for Russia."
(The map above shows Romania’s location. Although it forms a surrounding pattern against Germany and Austria-Hungary with France, Britain, Italy, and Russia, Romania is actually isolated.)
Gallieni stared at the map for a while and sighed lightly: "Russia is retreating step by step and can hardly spare any troops to reinforce Romania."
Shire added: "Even if they could reinforce, it would be of no avail."
Gallieni hesitated for a moment but had to admit this point.
The Russian army command is chaotic and has low combat effectiveness. Even if they could reinforce, it would change nothing but merely provide more captives to the German and Austrian armies.
As for the Romanian army, although there are 500,000 soldiers, they have hardly been to the battlefield and are poorly trained. It’s easy to imagine what they would be like under the attack of the German Army.
Gallieni frowned and lamented: "The Allies’ current approach seems to have won a rare ally but is actually handing over Romania’s oil to the Germans."
"Are they planning for Romania to declare war before the total offensive?" Shire asked.
"Yes." Gallieni nodded.
"Then there’s still time." Shire said.
Gallieni’s expression was somewhat tense: "Although there is time, it’s not much. Besides..."
A hint of worry flashed in his eyes: "I’m not sure I can persuade them."
Shire understood; this was part of Xia Fei’s plan to defeat Shire, and he wouldn’t easily give up this chance for a ’big victory’.
Before leaving, Gallieni instructed Shire: "You don’t know anything, understand? You don’t know anything!"
"Yes, General." Shire responded.
This was a military secret at the army group commander level. Gallieni discussing it with Shire was already violating the protocol.
But Gallieni didn’t mind; he was secretly glad he violated the protocol to discuss it with Shire or there could be big trouble.
...
At Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam near Berlin, William II and Fajin Han were walking along the steps of the vineyard, discussing the current situation while admiring the heavy fruits hanging on the branches.
(The picture above shows "Sanssouci Palace," a palace built by King Frederick II of Prussia in 1744 in Potsdam)
(The picture above shows the vineyard within Sanssouci Palace)
The roadside surrounding is full of fountains and statues, plus the patches of green leaves and clusters of grapes, bringing a sense of elegance and leisure.
However, William II frowned, with hands behind his back, bent, and his steps seemed very heavy.
"We seem to be surrounded by enemies, Erich." William II’s tone carried a hint of sorrow as the war was heading in an unfavorable direction for the Central Powers: "I heard the Romanians are recently in contact with the British, seemingly thinking of joining the Allies."
Fajin Han made a sound of acknowledgment: "Transylvania is the crux unless we are willing to give it to Romania."
This was just talking.
The important point is that Transylvania is not Germany’s territory but Austria-Hungary’s.
Forcing the cession of Transylvania would only alienate Austria-Hungary, and this is not the way Germans handle problems.
"Is that all you can come up with?" William II smiled lightly, his tone displeased.
"No, Your Majesty." Fajin Han replied, analyzing slowly: "I believe our chances of completely defeating the British are slim because they’re across the strait with a powerful navy. To land and occupy the island is as difficult as climbing up to heaven."
William II exhaled coldly in disdain, isn’t this obvious?
Fajin Han continued: "We can also consider the Russians. The Tsarist Russian army has been retreating before us, plus the victory at the Dardanelles Strait. The collapse of Russia is just a matter of time."
William II made a weak sound of acknowledgment, which barely counted as good news.
"We can also disregard Italy." Fajin Han’s eyes flashed with contempt: "They are weak, and Austria-Hungary’s army is sufficient to hold them back."
"What do you want to say?" William II’s tone was impatient: "You want to tell me not to worry about the encirclement? But all these unimportant factors combined might be enough to undo us, General!"
"What I want to say is." Fajin Han replied: "Our best plan should be to concentrate all our forces to first eliminate our old enemy, France!"
"You’re crazy." William II looked at Fajin Han in shock: "France has Shire, who just defeated us and took tens of thousands of prisoners!"
"I know, Your Majesty." Fajin Han stopped and turned to William II: "But I think Shire is better at mobile warfare. If we can force France to fight us in a positional warfare?"
William II was stunned, then nodded slightly.
This might be a feasible plan!