Chapter 458: Romania
Charles had been busy during this time, although he didn't need to worry about the land defense lines, as it was the responsibility of Foch's 9th Army. However, the deployment of fighter planes and bombers required his coordination.
One squadron of about 20 of the most advanced "Camel" fighter planes was assigned to Antwerp, Brussels, and Mons, while in Ghent, another airport was opened to allocate two bomber squadrons, solidifying the Belgian defense line.
Noticing that Charles seemed at ease, Tijani was somewhat puzzled. "Brigadier, you seem to have more confidence in the planes than in the trenches?"
"Planes are everything, General," Charles replied. "They are force multipliers for the army, and they can suppress enemy artillery, logistics, and ammunition depots. This gives us an advantage on the battlefield."
Tijani raised an eyebrow but didn't take Charles's words too seriously. Charles didn't elaborate further. People in this era hadn't yet fully recognized the importance of air superiority, and explaining it would have been difficult.
At that moment, a guard came in and reported, "General, General Gallieni has arrived; he is waiting outside."
"General Gallieni?" Charles was taken aback, thinking he had misheard. Gallieni was supposed to be in Paris. But as soon as he turned his gaze, Charles saw Gallieni at the door of the command room, accompanied by two guards.
Gallieni walked into the room with his chest out and asked with a smile, "How is everything, Brigadier?"
"Yes, General," Charles replied, quickly stepping aside to invite Gallieni to sit down, then he called for a servant to bring coffee.
As the servant left, Charles suddenly remembered something and hurriedly called out, "Two sugars, and add more water."
"Yes, General," the servant responded.
Gallieni, behind his glasses, gave a slight smile. At least Charles still remembered his coffee preferences.
"We came to check on the defense lines," Gallieni explained. "They plan to have the reserve army group take over the territories already recaptured in Belgium."
Charles nodded. "Are they planning to attack the Germans?"
It wasn't hard to guess. With the reserve group pushing forward, the northern, central, and eastern army groups would be freed up to attack the enemy.
Gallieni didn't speak but merely glanced around, and Charles, understanding, led him into the meeting room.
When the coffee arrived, Gallieni took a sip, waiting for the servant to close the door before he spoke. "They believe the war might be ending soon. This isn't a small-scale attack, but a full-scale offensive, a general assault."
Charles was startled. His first reaction was that this wasn't right. It was only 1915, and though progress had been good, the war was far from over. Launching a general offensive at this time would clearly not lead to victory.
"Foch's battle plan?" Charles asked.
Gallieni nodded slightly. "Only the army group commanders know the full plan right now."
This explained why Charles hadn't been involved. But it was really just an excuse Gallieni had made for Charles; most people, including Foch, wanted Charles to participate.
Foch had bluntly stated in a meeting, "Charles knows how to defeat the Germans. He should be the one to draw up the operational plan."
However, Carnot had rejected Foch's suggestion on behalf of Joffre. "Sorry, General Foch, this operation is more about the strategic direction; it's an all-out offensive plan for the entire army. We will place Charles and his units in the appropriate positions for the attack."
In other words, Charles, due to his rank and experience, wasn't yet in a position to command the entire army.
Foch muttered, "Unbelievable. We have a Mars, and yet we sideline him!"
Gallieni, however, said nothing. He knew that Joffre was trying to use this "all-out operation" to gain more glory than Charles, especially after Charles's recent victory over the Germans and the capture of over 100,000 prisoners.
Thus, Joffre could not allow Charles to be involved. If Charles were part of the plan, it would once again be his victory, and that wouldn't benefit Joffre at all.
Charles wasn't concerned about this. He furrowed his brow and said, "Now might not be the right time."
"They don't think so," Gallieni replied as he took another sip of coffee. "Your victory has greatly boosted the morale of the Allied forces. Many people even believe we can drive the Germans completely out of France within two months."
"And the Germans, on the other hand, are demoralized due to their defeat in Belgium."
"More importantly…" Gallieni put his coffee cup down and looked at Charles, "Romania is about to join the Allies."
"What?" Charles was stunned. "Romania? Joining the Allies?"
Gallieni nodded. "This came after your victory at Antwerp. I suspect their mindset is similar to Italy's; they think we're on the brink of victory, and if they don't join now, they'll miss the opportunity."
"The British played a role in this; they've been negotiating with the Romanians."
"The Romanians' condition is simple: they just want Transylvania recognized as their territory."
Charles furrowed his brow. He remembered Romania was supposed to join next year, not this early.
(Note: Romania joined the Allies and declared war on Austria-Hungary in August 1916.)
Charles quickly understood the situation: The breakthrough from Cambrai to Antwerp didn't happen in history, and this victory seemed more like the French Army overwhelming the Germans with their superior strength—breaking through the German lines in one day, surrounding 200,000 troops, and forcing over 100,000 to surrender.
This victory had made everyone optimistic about the war.
As a result, countries that had been on the fence were eager to join the Allies. They hoped to secure a share of the spoils before the war ended.
"Romania, and Italy," Gallieni said as he turned his attention to the map on the wall. "Along with the British, French, and Russian forces, they plan to launch simultaneous attacks from several directions. Joffre believes this is enough to crush Germany. 'If we don't hesitate and keep pushing forward, victory is within reach!'"
Gallieni's gaze stayed fixed on the map as he spoke in a calm tone, "You seem to disagree with this plan?"
"I don't disagree with the plan, General," Charles replied. "I disagree with Romania joining the Allies."
Gallieni was taken aback by Charles's response and quickly turned to look at him in confusion. "Isn't it a good thing to have another ally? You may not know, but Romania is a key source of oil for the Germans."
Gallieni added, "Romania can also raise an army of over 500,000 men."
"Exactly," Charles replied, speaking deliberately. "That's why I believe Romania shouldn't join, at least not now."
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