Chapter 536: His Tactics Are as Brilliant as His Military Genius
Seeing that Foch seemed deep in thought, Charles added, "You're aware of the situation Nivelle is facing, General. He will soon be relieved of his position as Commander-in-Chief, whether he likes it or not."
Foch nodded slowly.
This was not just a matter of Nivelle's collusion with the British; it was also due to his lack of reputation and his insufficient abilities.
As a newcomer who was already under scrutiny, if he won battles, he could temporarily solidify his position.
But now, he had suffered a defeat—a heavy loss—with many casualties, and a series of scandals about concealing war situations had been exposed.
Had it not been for the ongoing tense battle, he would have already been dismissed.
Charles continued, "I don't want the next Commander-in-Chief to be under British control, and I believe you don't want that to continue either."
This was Charles’s reason for thinking Foch would be unable to reject his plan.
Foch sighed helplessly, shaking his head. "But this is inevitable, Major. Perhaps you don’t understand the situation France is facing. Do you think those members of parliament are willing for the British to interfere, even to the point of deciding who should be the Commander-in-Chief of France?"
Charles calmly replied, "I understand."
Foch gave a faint smile, his eyes full of disbelief. "You truly understand?"
If he truly understood, he wouldn't have said something like "I don’t want the next Commander-in-Chief to be under British control." The next Commander-in-Chief would indeed be just that.
"Yes, I understand," Charles nodded. "The British can manipulate the outcome of our battles with the supplies they control. If our actions don’t satisfy them, they will apply pressure through the Germans."
This manipulation was simple.
For example, if France chose a disobedient Commander-in-Chief, the British would cut back on their supply of materials, weakening the French army. At the same time, they would adopt a more passive stance on the frontlines. Soon, the Germans would gain the upper hand on the battlefield, leading to catastrophic losses for the French and a steady retreat.
By then, even Charles might not be able to save the entire defense line.
Foch looked at Charles with confusion. He didn’t understand why Charles, who knew this logic, would still say something like "I don't want the next Commander-in-Chief to be under British control." Wasn't that contradictory?
"Therefore, what you're saying is impossible," Foch stared at Charles, his tone firm. "A Commander-in-Chief not under British control cannot be Commander-in-Chief. I would not be an exception!"
"So you must be under British control," Charles said flatly.
Foch furrowed his brows, standing up with a sudden motion. His eyes showed both anger and disappointment. "I’m sorry, Major, but I cannot be that Commander-in-Chief."
With that, he turned to leave.
Just as he opened the door, Charles’s voice came slowly from behind. "I can make it so the British can’t control you, General."
Foch paused, then slowly closed the door again.
It seemed that he understood Charles’s idea—pretend to cooperate with the British to rise to the position of Commander-in-Chief, and then break free from their control.
Foch had no reason to refuse, even if it meant enduring the shame of "collaborating with the British" during the operation.
However, Foch wasn't fully convinced. He turned around and asked, "Tell me your plan."
After all, the British were the most powerful in the world, and their opponent was Field Marshal Kitchener. They held the resources, and it wasn't something that could just be shaken off.
Charles, remaining calm, took a sip of water and said cryptically, "I will have the French Navy play a role in anti-submarine warfare."
Foch's eyes lit up.
If the French Navy could take a role in anti-submarine warfare, the control over the strategic resource of supplies would no longer lie with the British alone, but with both the British and the French.
At that point, the British would lose their ability to control France.
But this was about the Navy, and the Germans’ U-boats were a threat that even the British had trouble dealing with. Did Charles have a way to overcome this?
In the next instant, Foch recalled Charles’s actions in the Dardanelles: he had invented the "deep-water bomb" to destroy German submarines, as well as revolutionary landing crafts and amphibious assault boats, which proved his capability in this regard.
Foch walked back to the sofa and sat down, his gaze fixed on Charles.
"If you can do this, why not fight for the position of Commander-in-Chief yourself?"
"Don't tell me it's because of your age and inability to command respect."
"Your reputation is unmatched. Most French citizens and soldiers hope you will become the Commander-in-Chief."
This was true—such sentiments were widespread among the rank-and-file soldiers and the civilian population. Even before Nivelle's mistakes, many had wanted to replace him with Charles.
Charles had the reputation, and by controlling the anti-submarine operations, becoming Commander-in-Chief would be effortless for him.
"I cannot," Charles replied honestly. "You know the reason. The parliament doesn't want the military to hold too much power; they need someone to counterbalance me. If I become Commander-in-Chief, they will foster various factions to oppose me, like Petain and several army group commanders."
Foch pondered for a while and nodded, acknowledging Charles’s analysis. This was indeed something the parliament would do.
"So," Charles said quietly, looking at Foch, "if you were my enemy, it wouldn't be a problem."
Foch internally praised Charles, realizing that he understood his thinking. He was also somewhat surprised by how resourceful Charles was at such a young age.
As long as Foch appeared to be Charles's "enemy," the parliament, in its "divide and rule" strategy, would support Foch. At that point, the military matters would be decided privately by Charles and Foch, with nothing more than a show for the parliament.
"One last question." Foch, now at ease, leaned back into the sofa. "Do you know why the British chose Nivelle and not someone else?"
Charles nodded. "Because he is easy to control."
Nivelle had no military achievements, lacked support in the French army, and could only rely on the British. Such a person was forced to obey the British, as without them, he was nothing.
Foch was different. His reputation far exceeded Nivelle's, and all the aggressive factions were his supporters and students. His influence was much stronger than Petain's or the army group commanders'.
Charles asked, "Are you worried that your reputation is too high?"
Foch murmured, "My biggest competitor should be Petain. His reputation is just right."
This was something Charles hadn’t considered.
Upon reflection, it made sense. Petain had risen rapidly after the war broke out. His military power base was weak and unstable, unlike Foch and the army group commanders, who had strong followings.
After some thought, Charles answered confidently, "Leave it to me, General. You don’t need to worry about this."
"How do you plan to do it?" Foch asked, puzzled.
"It’s simple," Charles said lightly. "Anyone who cooperates with me will be questioned, and their chance of becoming Commander-in-Chief will become even slimmer."
Foch was stunned into silence for a long time.
The British also needed to weaken Charles, so they would never choose someone closely allied with him.
If Charles pretended to cooperate closely with Petain…
My God, this guy is no simpleton. His tactics are as brilliant as his military genius!