Chapter 459: Forcing France into Trench Warfare
"Oil, General," Charles analyzed. "Oil is the lifeblood of Germany. Once Romania declares its allegiance to the Allies, the Germans will waste no time in attacking and defeating them as quickly as possible."
Gallieni paused, nodding slightly.
Until now, everyone, including Gallieni himself, believed that Romania, being an oil-rich country, joining the Allies would be beneficial.
But as Charles pointed out, Romania's declaration of allegiance would prompt Germany to take control of the country and its oil reserves.
Charles continued analyzing the map:
"If Romania remains neutral, Germany will restrain itself from any aggressive actions to maintain a cooperative relationship."
"In such a scenario, Germany wouldn't gain much oil, as Romania would continue selling oil to both the Allies and the Central Powers."
Gallieni interjected, "But if Germany takes over Romania, they would have access to all the oil, while we would get nothing."
"Exactly," Charles nodded. "So it's actually better for Romania not to join. Germany wouldn't have a reason to attack them and wouldn't dare push them towards the Allies. They'd have no choice but to watch Romania cooperate with us from the sidelines."
Gallieni drew in a sharp breath, realizing that Charles was right. Everyone, including Joffre, was walking down the wrong path without even knowing it.
After a moment's thought, Gallieni asked, "But Romania could raise an army of 500,000, not to mention coordination with other troops..."
"Look at Romania's position, General," Charles said, gesturing at the map. "It’s surrounded by Central Powers. Once war breaks out, we would be unable to send reinforcements—except for Russia."
Gallieni studied the map for a while before sighing softly, "Russia is retreating on all fronts, barely able to fend for itself, let alone send reinforcements to Romania."
Charles added, "And even if they could send reinforcements, it would be futile."
Gallieni hesitated before admitting the truth of this statement.
The Russian army, plagued by chaos and poor combat effectiveness, would likely only bolster the Central Powers' prisoner count, even if reinforcements arrived.
As for Romania's army, though 500,000 strong, it was inexperienced and poorly trained. One could easily imagine how they'd fare against German offensives.
Gallieni frowned and lamented, "The Allies’ current strategy might seem to have secured a valuable ally, but in reality, it hands Romania’s oil reserves over to the Germans."
"They plan to have Romania declare war just before their offensive, don’t they?" Charles asked.
"Yes," Gallieni nodded.
"Then there’s still time," Charles replied.
Gallieni’s expression grew tense. "There may be time, but not much. Besides..."
A flicker of worry appeared in his eyes. "I’m not sure I can convince them."
Charles understood; this was part of Joffre’s plan to outmaneuver him. He wouldn’t easily abandon such an opportunity for a "great victory."
Before leaving, Gallieni instructed Charles, "You know nothing about this. Understand? You’ve never heard a word!"
"Understood, General," Charles replied.
This was a top-level military secret. Gallieni discussing it with Charles was already a breach of protocol.
But Gallieni didn’t care. He silently thanked his stars for breaking the rules, as otherwise, they might have faced significant trouble.
...
At the Sanssouci Palace near Berlin, Wilhelm II and Falkenhayn strolled along the vineyard steps, admiring the clusters of ripe grapes while discussing the current situation.
Fountains and statues lined the paths, surrounded by verdant greenery and clusters of grapes, creating an atmosphere of serene elegance.
Yet Wilhelm II frowned deeply, his hands clasped behind his back, walking with heavy steps.
"It seems we are surrounded by enemies, Erich," Wilhelm II said with a hint of despair in his tone. The tide of war was shifting against the Central Powers. "I’ve heard rumors that the Romanians have been in contact with the British, considering joining the Allies."
Falkenhayn murmured in response, "Transylvania is the sticking point unless we’re willing to cede it to Romania."
But that was easier said than done.
The issue was that Transylvania wasn’t German territory but part of Austria-Hungary.
Forcibly ceding it would alienate Austria-Hungary, and such a move was inconsistent with Germany’s approach to resolving conflicts.
"Is that your only solution?" Wilhelm II asked with a faint smile of discontent.
"No, Your Majesty," Falkenhayn replied, analyzing the situation calmly. "I believe it’s nearly impossible to completely defeat the British. They’re across the Channel with a powerful navy. Invading and occupying the British Isles would be as difficult as scaling the heavens."
Wilhelm II exhaled sharply, clearly unimpressed. Wasn’t that obvious?
Falkenhayn continued, "Russia can also be set aside for now. The Tsar’s army has been retreating steadily under our blows, and with our victory at the Dardanelles, Russia’s collapse is only a matter of time."
Wilhelm II grunted indifferently. That could barely be considered good news.
"Italy, too, isn’t worth worrying about," Falkenhayn said, a flicker of contempt in his eyes. "They’re no match for us; Austria-Hungary’s forces are more than enough to hold them back."
"What are you trying to say?" Wilhelm II asked impatiently. "That we shouldn’t worry about their encirclement? All these minor concerns, combined, might be enough to crush us, General!"
"I’m saying," Falkenhayn replied, "our best course of action is to focus all our forces on destroying our arch-enemy, France!"
"You’re mad," Wilhelm II exclaimed, staring at Falkenhayn in disbelief. "France has Charles. He just defeated us and captured hundreds of thousands of our men!"
"I know, Your Majesty," Falkenhayn stopped and turned toward Wilhelm II. "But I believe Charles is better at mobile warfare. What if we force France into trench warfare?"
Wilhelm II froze momentarily, then nodded slightly.
It might just work.