Chapter 0654: Compromise or Destruction

"The Fourth Condition: France's military forces shall be strictly limited. The total strength of the army shall not exceed one hundred thousand men; the army shall not be equipped with artillery of caliber greater than one hundred millimeters, nor shall it possess tanks or armored vehicles. The navy shall be prohibited from constructing warships exceeding five thousand tons in displacement, and shall not be allowed to possess submarines, aircraft carriers, or aircraft. The police and other similar forces shall also be capped at a total strength of one hundred thousand personnel. Minister, we propose these terms solely for the sake of peace in Europe. We trust that the French government will understand." Von Kidron Vashit once again put forward a condition.

As a defeated nation, it was essential to limit France's military capabilities to ensure that the threat to Germany would be minimized. With an army restricted to one hundred thousand men, France would no longer pose any threat to Germany. Without heavy weaponry, tanks, or armored vehicles, the French army would be easily overwhelmed by German forces.

Despite the harshness of this condition, Théophile Delcassé remained unnervingly silent. Perhaps, by now, he had grown numb to the relentless demands. From the outset, the conditions put forth by the Germans had grown progressively more severe, each one a calculated attempt to reduce France to a mere puppet, a casualty of war. And in truth, France had already been crushed underfoot as a defeated power, with no means to resist these impositions.

"Minister, is Germany so determined to cripple France's military power because you fear our vengeance? Are you so terrified that one day we might rise again to defeat Germany?" Théophile Delcassé inquired.

Vashit nodded. "Indeed, the Empire has every reason to be concerned. Germany fought this war with all its might, and victory, along with the establishment of our global supremacy, was not easily attained. Therefore, we must take every measure to secure the Empire's position. To that end, we will employ whatever means necessary."

"Very well, Minister. I will report Germany's conditions to my government. However, I am not in a position to make a decision on their behalf," Delcassé replied.

Though Delcassé held full authority as France's representative at the peace talks, the conditions presented by Germany were so draconian that he could not, in good conscience, accept them. Thus, he had no choice but to report back to Paris, passing the burden of decision to his superiors in France, thereby shielding himself from responsibility.

Vashit nodded, confident that the French would lack the courage to reject these terms. After all, refusal would mean the collapse of the negotiations and the resumption of German military operations. The French army, broken and demoralized, stood no chance against the advancing German forces.

"Minister, if there are any other conditions your government wishes to propose, let them be heard," Delcassé said, trying to maintain his composure.

"Aside from the four conditions already stated, there is but one final demand. Before France fulfills the aforementioned conditions, the German Empire requires the stationing of our troops within your borders, ensuring compliance with all terms. The number of soldiers will be set at one hundred thousand. As soon as France has complied, our forces will withdraw," Vashit declared.

Delcassé nodded, understanding the strategic intent behind this condition. The German occupation force would serve both as a guarantee against any French attempt to renege and as a constant reminder of the crushing weight of their defeat. With the French military reduced to such a minimal force, the German presence in France would hold the power to extinguish any hopes of resistance.

"Minister, if the French government agrees to your first four conditions, I see no reason why the fifth should be an obstacle. If they cannot, however, fulfill the first four, the fifth becomes irrelevant," Delcassé responded.

"Indeed, Minister. The choice now lies entirely with your government. Peace or war—everything rests on their decision," Vashit said.

"Very well, Minister. I shall waste no time in reporting to Paris. Regardless of whether the French government accepts Germany's terms, we will provide our response as swiftly as possible," Delcassé replied.

"This is exactly what I hope for. I trust that France will agree to these terms, so that peace may return to the land," Vashit said.

Delcassé nodded solemnly and, without another word, departed.

Upon leaving the German Foreign Ministry and entering his car, Delcassé's face darkened. He had never imagined that Germany would present such harsh terms. Although they had anticipated tough negotiations, the reality of the conditions far surpassed anything they had expected.

Had he the freedom to act, Delcassé would have rejected these terms outright and left Germany without hesitation. However, the consequences of such a rejection were too great. The Germans had made it abundantly clear: refusal meant the continuation of the invasion, the complete destruction of France, and the plundering of its wealth.

Upon returning to his quarters, Delcassé immediately sent a telegram to Paris, detailing the German conditions and the threat they posed. He knew well that the news would cause an uproar in France. Whether the government would accept these terms was uncertain, but he feared that their only option was to comply, for the alternative was annihilation.

Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Boselli urgently requested a meeting with Delcassé to learn the details of the negotiations. However, Delcassé, resolute in his decision, refused to divulge any information. Boselli, furious at what he perceived as a breach of trust, could do little but curse the French for their lack of transparency. But Delcassé, unwavering, refused to reveal any further details, leaving Boselli with no choice but to vent his anger in frustration.