Chapter 459: Forcing France into Trench Warfare
"Oil, General," Charles analyzed. "Oil is the lifeblood of Germany. Once Romania announces its joining of the Entente, the Germans will waste no time launching an attack to defeat Romania as quickly as possible."
Gallieni paused, nodding slightly.
Up until now, everyone, including Gallieni himself, had assumed that Romania's entry into the Entente would be a boon. But after hearing Charles' reasoning, it became clear: once Romania joins, Germany will move quickly to seize control of Romania and its oil fields.
Charles continued his analysis, pointing at the map:
"If Romania remains neutral, Germany would likely avoid extreme measures to secure their cooperation."
"At that point, the oil Germany could gain wouldn't be much, because Romania still sells oil to the Entente."
Gallieni interjected, "But if Germany controls Romania, they would have all the oil, while we would get nothing."
"Exactly," Charles nodded. "So, Romania not joining the Entente is actually better. Germany would have no reason to start a war with Romania, and they wouldn't want to push Romania into the Entente's arms. Romania could continue cooperating with us."
Gallieni sucked in a breath, realizing that Charles was right. Everyone, including Joffre, had been on the wrong track without realizing it.
However, after thinking for a moment, Gallieni asked, "But Romania can organize an army of 500,000 men, and with help from other forces..."
"Look at Romania's position, General," Charles gestured to the map. "Romania is almost surrounded by the Central Powers. In the event of a war, we won't be able to send reinforcements, except from Russia."
Gallieni stared at the map for a while before sighing lightly. "Russia is in retreat and can't spare any troops to reinforce Romania."
Charles added, "Even if reinforcements do come, they won't make a difference."
Gallieni hesitated, then reluctantly agreed. The Russian army was in disarray, poorly led, and its fighting strength was low. Even with reinforcements, the situation wouldn't change—Russia would just be sending more prisoners to the German and Austro-Hungarian forces.
As for Romania's army, despite its size of 500,000, it was largely untested and poorly trained. It was easy to imagine how they'd fare against a German offensive.
Gallieni frowned, lamenting, "It seems like the Entente's current strategy has mistakenly turned what could be a valuable ally into a way for Germany to gain control of Romania's oil."
"They plan to have Romania declare war before the general offensive, right?" Charles asked.
"Yes," Gallieni confirmed.
"Then we still have time," Charles said.
Gallieni looked tense. "There's time, but not much. Besides..." His eyes darkened with worry. "I'm not sure I can convince them."
Charles understood. This was part of Joffre's plan to sideline him. He wouldn't give up such a "great victory" easily.
Before leaving, Gallieni instructed Charles, "You don't know anything, understand? You don't know anything!"
"Yes, General," Charles responded.
This was classified military information at the level of the Army Group Commander, and discussing it with Charles was already a violation of protocol.
But Gallieni didn't care. He was secretly relieved that he'd at least been able to discuss the issue with Charles. If he hadn't, it could have led to serious problems.
...
At the Sans Souci Palace in Potsdam, near Berlin, Emperor Wilhelm II and Field Marshal Falkenhayn were walking through the vineyard steps. They admired the heavy fruit hanging from the branches as they discussed the current situation.
The area was surrounded by fountains, statues, and lush greenery, giving off an air of tranquility and leisure. Yet Wilhelm II's brow was furrowed, his hands clasped behind his back, and his footsteps were heavy with concern.
"It seems we are surrounded by the enemy, Erich," Wilhelm II spoke with a hint of melancholy. "I hear the Romanians have been in talks with the British and may be considering joining the Entente."
Falkenhayn gave a short "hmm." "Transylvania is the issue. Unless we're willing to give it to Romania."
But that was just a suggestion, and a superficial one at that.
The key issue was that Transylvania was not German territory—it belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Forcing the transfer of Transylvania would only drive Austria-Hungary further away. Furthermore, it was simply not the German way of solving problems.
"Is that the only idea you have?" Wilhelm II gave a light laugh, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
"No, Your Majesty," Falkenhayn responded, continuing his analysis. "I believe that defeating the British is unlikely, because they have a powerful navy on the other side of the Channel. To land on the island and occupy it would be nearly impossible."
Wilhelm II snorted dismissively, clearly uninterested in hearing the obvious.
Falkenhayn continued, "We can likely dismiss Russia as well. The Tsar's army has been pushed back step by step. Given our victory at Gallipoli, it's only a matter of time before Russia is crushed."
Wilhelm II gave a resigned "hmm." This was barely positive news.
"We need not worry about Italy either," Falkenhayn sneered. "They are no match for us. The Austro-Hungarian forces can easily block them."
"What are you trying to say?" Wilhelm II asked impatiently. "Are you telling me not to worry about being surrounded? All these insignificant issues combined might just be enough to break us, General!"
"What I'm saying," Falkenhayn replied, "is that our best course of action is to concentrate all our forces and first destroy our arch-enemy—France!"
"You're mad," Wilhelm II looked at Falkenhayn in shock. "France has Charles! He just defeated us and captured tens of thousands of men!"
"I know, Your Majesty," Falkenhayn stopped, turning to face Wilhelm II. "But I believe Charles is more suited to mobile warfare. What if we could force France into trench warfare with us?"
Wilhelm II blinked in surprise before slowly nodding.
That might just be a viable plan after all.
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