Chapter 297 Operation Catapult (5)

At this moment, Marshal Pétain paced anxiously in the spacious reception hall. Apart from the rhythmic ticking of the floor clock swinging back and forth, the only sound was Marshal Pétain's constant muttering. "Damn Brits... I won't let this go... Damn it..."

Watching Marshal Pétain pacing incessantly made Wilhelm's eyes dizzy. He advised, "Prime Minister, there's no need to be so agitated. Sit down and have a cup of tea."

Marshal Pétain couldn't help but complain. "Prince Wilhelm, since you had already seen through the British plan, why didn't you inform me earlier? At least let our fleet be prepared. Germany and France are allies now. Do you really want to weaken the strength of an ally by using the hands of the British?"

This guy's thoughts were really despicable. If he truly wanted to eliminate the French Navy, did he need to use the British? Wilhelm dismissed it with a smile. "Prime Minister, don't confuse me with those despicable people. I don't have the habit of betraying allies. The reason I didn't inform you was to avoid alerting the enemy. If the British knew you were prepared, and they turned back halfway, what would be the point of this intelligence?"

"..." Marshal Pétain was about to say something when his secretary rushed in. "Prime Minister, Commander Letts is on the line!"

Marshal Pétain hastily inquired, "Are the losses significant?!"

"The fleet has not suffered much. Just a shell hit the bulwark, causing a large hole."

"These damn British! They really dared to open fire!?" The French military was now left with the pitiful navy. It could be said that the current French Navy upheld all the national pride and confidence of the French nation, almost becoming the last symbol of armed forces for the nation. Yet those despicable British actually showed no mercy and directly attacked?!

What grudges or grievances do we have? This is simply unbearable!

"Hahaha!" Just when Marshal Pétain was about to blow smoke from his nose due to anger, Wilhelm beside him couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Prime Minister, forgive my frankness, but the British have tricked you more than once. And you? Every time, you seem to have a short memory. You get battered and bruised, and then when the other side offers a sweet date, you quickly become bosom buddies, only to get tricked again." The French seemed to have forgotten the true nature of the British – they only have perpetual interests, not perpetual friends, especially when they were never friends but mere accomplices.

Because the UK has always pursued a policy of glorious isolation in diplomacy, creating a Europe without a hegemon through various alliances on the continent. They fought against Napoleon because the France he led was too dominant, not aligning with British interests. They defeated Napoleon but didn't kill him, keeping him around to see if they could use him against Russia or Prussia later.

In fact, countries tricking each other is normal, but you shouldn't focus only on one country. Even when shearing sheep, you can't just grab one sheep and shear it as much as you want. This time, it seems France truly wants to turn the tables.

However, seeing Marshal Pétain fuming with rage, Wilhelm was concerned that the elderly Prime Minister might suddenly hiccup and instructed his secretary, "Prime Minister, no need to get too worked up. Inform the Prime Minister of the losses suffered by the British." Marshal Pétain was a decent puppet; it would be a bit regrettable if he were to kick the bucket like this.

The secretary continued the report. "Yes. According to the telegram, the incoming British fleet is left with only five destroyers, and the rest have all sunk."

"Ha!" Upon hearing the joyful news that almost the entire British fleet had been wiped out, Marshal Pétain's mood immediately improved significantly. It's just a bit regretful that it wasn't the French fleet that sent those bastards to the seafloor.

Seizing the opportunity, Wilhelm spoke. "Prime Minister, as I mentioned, I never let my allies suffer losses, nor do I let my enemies off lightly. Now, the French people should understand that they can't trust those despicable British anymore. To prevent such tragedies from recurring, I've decided to eliminate the hatred between Germany and France."

"What suggestions do you have, Your Highness?" Marshal Pétain couldn't quite understand; after all, Germany had already occupied one-third of France's territory. How could such hatred be eliminated with a snap?

"We need to vigorously promote the friendship between Germany and France, emphasizing that the harmony between the two nations is the correct direction of historical development. The friendship between Germany and France has deep roots, as we share a common ancestry, don't we?"

In the year 768 AD, Charlemagne inherited the Frankish Kingdom, embarking on campaigns both to the south and the north, eventually establishing the renowned Carolingian Empire. After Charlemagne's death, his three sons signed the Treaty of Verdun, dividing the Frankish Kingdom into three parts. The East Frankish Kingdom comprised the region east of the Rhine River, which is modern-day Germany. The West Frankish Kingdom held the lands west of the Rhone, Saone, and Meuse rivers, constituting modern-day France. The remaining kingdom laid the foundation for future Italy.

Therefore, Charlemagne is also referred to by the French as the "Father of France."

However, Charlemagne also held another title, the "Father of Germany."

"Between our two countries, there should have been deep brotherhood, mutually fostering development. The root cause of all the current hardships is the deliberate instigation by British conspirators. The hatred between the peoples of Germany and France is entirely manipulated by some ill-intentioned individuals, influenced by the media's malicious distortion under the pay of the British. In simple terms, all blame is placed on the British."

"...," Marshal Pétain seriously pondered for a long time, feeling that alleviating the animosity between the French and the Germans was crucial for present-day France. It could also consolidate his position. After all, this would reduce criticism against them, and anyone daring to dissent would be labeled a traitor bribed by the British, an enemy conspiring to overthrow the French nation.

"I guess your country's existing overseas colonies should maintain a 'friendly' neutrality or directly surrender to the British? On this point, I currently lack both the intention and the capacity to act. They can do whatever they want. After all, choosing sides is a speculative endeavor; one never knows who the winner will be until the end. Those who join the wrong side will ultimately pay a painful price. However, we can improve the economy on the mainland of France.

In addition to deducting the 50 million reparations, we can allocate various military products for production in your country's factories. All diligent and responsible workers will be paid salaries according to German worker standards. Moreover, your country can use special products like champagne, perfume, and wine to replace war reparations, and we can offer a very favorable purchase price."

"This way, your country's businessmen can continue their business. They earn money, pay taxes to your government, and your government uses these taxes to pay us reparations, which we then distribute to continue buying things from your country."

This trade model essentially involves using the French's own money to buy their own goods, which is almost indistinguishable from daylight robbery. However, in this circulation of funds, the Germans will share some of the benefits with the Vichy French government and the local French people.

Since everyone benefits, who would still rally behind de Gaulle's Free France?

"Thank you, Your Highness Wilhelm." Marshal Pétain felt that this would significantly alleviate the pressure on the French government.