I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 987: Setting Wolves Against Tigers

Liege Fortress, Pondisai Castle.

Shire was at his desk deploying the Ruhr defensive line on the map.

Although France had reached a ceasefire agreement with Germany at this time, one must always be cautious. Before the situation becomes clear, it is still necessary to construct a defensive line. This is a necessary means to ensure that France can profit from the war while in a "state of peace."

Shire positioned the main force of the 6th Army in the Ruhr Industrial District, with part of the 1st Armored Army and Fuxu’s Northern Group Army in the Giesen area. Together with the Liege Fortress, they formed a triangle, creating a space that could be both offensive and defensive.

Then Shire built a military airfield in both Ruhr and Giesen, and after reserving enough parts and fuel, the preparation was almost complete.

This was Shire’s defensive style. Whenever he captured a place, the first thing he developed was an airport, unlike others who first dug trenches to enclose themselves.

Just as Shire was considering whether to develop another airport in the center of the triangle for turnover purposes, a staff member handed him a telegram.

The telegram was from Kristen: "Vice Admiral, the British Army hopes to attack the German Army to the north through the Ruhr District. What should we do?"

Shire was taken aback. The British wanted to pass through the territory guarded by the French Army in the Ruhr?

His eyes moved upward along the Ruhr District, and when he saw Emden Port, he understood. The British planned to find themselves a way out, an exit that would force the German Army to accept their surrender terms without relying on France.

A brilliant smile appeared on Shire’s face; the show was about to begin.

He replied to Kristen’s telegram: "Delay them for a day, just say it’s paperwork or some other issue."

"Yes, Vice Admiral."

Then Shire immediately called Eitzberger: "Sir, there seems to be a problem with the prisoner exchange. I need you to come here!"

Eitzberger was recently in Liege.

Due to the vast number of prisoners of war, logistics and transportation were significant issues.

As the chairman of the "Armistice Committee," Eitzberger established a "Prisoner Exchange Command Post" here, personally directing the operations.

"Okay, Vice Admiral," Eitzberger replied crisply, "I’m coming right away!"

In less than half an hour, Eitzberger appeared at Shire’s desk, travel-worn and sweating profusely.

He caught his breath, bowed to Shire, and carefully asked, "Vice Admiral, is there a shortage of transport capacity? We can provide trains for your country free of charge, and there’s no need to return them."

Eitzberger was worried that delays would cause complications.

At this time, Germany most lacked soldiers, those with combat experience.

The 1.5 million prisoners of war Shire was releasing were such soldiers. They only needed a period of recuperation and a rifle to reassemble into an army, potentially more powerful than most of the currently fighting forces.

"No, sir." Shire casually handed the telegram to Eitzberger: "You should take a look at this!"

Eitzberger took the telegram, and his face instantly changed. He said to Shire in a panic, "Vice Admiral, we cannot let the British do this. We have no defenses near the Ruhr District..."

Germany, believing it had reached a ceasefire negotiation with France, was lax in defense along the border between the German and French armies, and the British planned to exploit this loophole for a surprise attack.

"Do you think this is all they’re aiming for?" Shire asked.

Eitzberger looked at the map. Though he was a lawyer-turned-politician, years of war had given him some military insight.

After a moment, he exclaimed: "Vice Admiral, you mean their target is Emden Port?"

Shire replied, "I said nothing. Mr. Eitzberger, this is just your speculation."

Eitzberger was stunned, then immediately understood Shire’s meaning: "Yes, of course, you said nothing."

The next second, Eitzberger panicked: "I, I must report this to them immediately..."

"Of course." Shire nodded.

However, when Eitzberger used a secret telegram to report this to Prime Minister Albert, the Prime Minister scolded: "Idiot, what you should do is not report to me but discuss with Shire how to respond, understand?"

Eitzberger was stupefied but soon reacted.

Yes, only Shire could decide everything, from beginning to end it was all Shire’s game.

What use was it to tell Prime Minister Albert?

Even telling Hindenburg was pointless.

Shire’s troops occupied the Ruhr Industrial District, clutching Germany’s throat. Only by nodding could he save Germany.

So, Eitzberger scurried back to Shire’s side.

By this time, Eitzberger seemed calmer; he observed Shire’s expression carefully and cautiously asked: "Vice Admiral, I think the prisoner exchange should be paused. What do you think?"

Finally understanding, Shire thought. Although France had made peace with Germany, it was still a member of the Allies, and openly assisting Germany would cause many unnecessary troubles.

"This is Germany’s affair; I have no right to intervene," Shire answered.

Feeling relieved to see Shire’s calm expression, Eitzberger continued:

"Recently, the influx of too many prisoners has significantly increased domestic security pressures in Germany."

"Therefore, after careful consideration, we believe we should first replenish munitions and ammunition at the present stage."

"What do you think, Vice Admiral?"

Eitzberger replied with a smile, his gaze always fixed on Shire.

"Is that so?" Shire nodded: "If that’s the case, go find General Kristin to make the purchase; the prisoner exchange cannot be rushed."

"Yes, of course." Eitzberger replied as if granted amnesty, nodding and expressing endless gratitude, then turned and left the command post.

It seemed ironic that the once-continent-dominating empire, which opened several fronts single-handedly to fight multiple countries simultaneously, now had its fate determined by just one word from Shire.

Shire was quite satisfied with this.

It wasn’t that he enjoyed this sense of power, although indeed, it was pleasant.

More importantly, it allowed him to pit wolves against tigers, continuously depleting the national strength of the Sun Never Sets Empire.

After Eitzberger left, Shire turned his gaze to the map.

The British underestimated the Germans.

The Germans’ "Fokker D.VII," lauded as the most advanced fighter of World War I, had good reasons for the praise.

Though its maximum speed was only 200 kilometers, less than the British "S.E.5a’s" 220 kilometers, the "Fokker D.VII" boasted superior maneuverability and highly stable performance.

In contrast, due to its hasty deployment, the "S.E.5a" frequently experienced various malfunctions, leading to a combat performance inferior to the "Fokker D.VII."

Additionally, the German Navy remained intact, and the Army’s armored forces retained strength; attacking Emden would not be beneficial for Britain.

Of course, all this was based on the British assumption that the German Army was undersupplied.

Shire felt he should soon find a good excuse to sell arms to Germany.