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Piaotian Literature of the Fourth Empire of China www.piaotia.com Chapter 674 Britain and France join forces

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    On July 25, 1902, the third day after China discovered the Abqaiq oil field, French President Emile?  Fran?ois?  Loubet convened an emergency meeting of the government, and ministers from all important departments participated in this meeting.  Everyone's eyes were red, like rabbits.  It's not because of anything else, it's entirely because of pinkeye.  The reserves of the Abqaiq Oil Field, which exceed one billion tons and are worth over ten billion francs, have almost driven them crazy.

    "Everyone, according to the news we have received, it has been confirmed that the Abqaiq oil field discovered by the Chinese in the Hasa region has reserves of more than one billion tons! So, what should we do now?" French President Loubet asked.  In fact, he would rather have no oil in the Middle East.  In this case, he may not have to conflict with the Chinese, and he can spend this term safely and even get the next term.  However, the emergence of super oil fields gave him no choice. The industrial and commercial capitalists in France would never let go of such a large piece of cake.

    "Your Excellency, the Middle East is our colony, the Kingdom of Najd is ours, those despicable Chinese are thieves, they are thieves, they have stolen the wealth of the French Republic, we must take back this wealth!" Finance  Minister Morris?  Rouvier was the first to respond. It was a super oil field worth over 10 billion francs. France's current annual fiscal revenue is only more than 3 billion francs, which is already several times the French fiscal revenue!

    "Your Excellency, President, we all already know the importance of oil. The Middle East was originally a colony of France, and the oil there belongs to us, and we must not let the Chinese take it away. Even if we fight for this, it will be ours."  No matter what!" Minister of War Charles?  Virtue?  Fresine also said.  He had already made a strong statement when China intervened in the Middle East, and now, the discovery of super oil fields has made him know that his decision is correct.  Just last night, many French industrial and commercial capitalists had met with him to lobby him to speak in the government and use force in the Middle East.

    President Lubet nodded, but asked: "We can see the value of the oil in the Middle East, and the Chinese also know it, not to mention that the oil was discovered by the Chinese. So, if you want the Chinese to return it,  That is impossible unless war is adopted. However, what I want to ask is, even if a war begins, can the French army and navy win victory for France?"

    "Your Excellency, the French Army will try its best to win!" Minister of War Charles?  Virtue?  Fresinet replied that he did not dare to vouch for it, so he could only answer this way.  China's military strength is well known to everyone.  It is not that difficult for France to defeat China on the battlefield!  At least, France currently has only more than 10,000 troops stationed in the Middle East, while the Chinese have deployed a Marine Division of nearly 20,000 troops in the Al-Hasa region.  In addition, the 50,000 troops of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are also under the command of the Chinese.  Therefore, France will not have any advantage in military power in the Middle East.  Once a war breaks out, France is likely to be completely defeated in the Middle East.

    "In other words, the army is not sure of victory? If it fails, what should we do?" President Lubet continued to ask.

    The heat in everyone¡¯s eyes has slowly receded. President Lubet¡¯s question undoubtedly poured cold water on his head.  To regain the oil in the Middle East, we must fight a war with the Chinese.  If we win, everything will be easy. If we drive the Chinese away, we can take possession of the oil.  But what if you lose?  At the very least, France in the Middle East is lost, and their current government will all step down.  Even more, France will lose more.  And is France capable of defeating China?  At least, many people do not have this confidence.

    "Your Excellency, we have no retreat now. All French people now know that there is oil in the Middle East, and the oil still belongs to France. If we do not take effective measures, the angry people will directly  We drove him out of office!" Chancellor Waldeck?  Rousseau reminded.  France is now in a difficult situation. They know that if the war breaks out, there will be no good results, but they have to bite the bullet.

    President Loubet has a huge headache. If he wins, he will naturally become a hero of France and win the next term. It will not be a problem.  But if he loses, he will be the best scapegoat.

    ¡°Minister Feresine, does the Ministry of War have a specific combat plan?¡± President Lubet asked.

    "Your Excellency, according to our plan, if we want to retake the Middle East and drive away the Chinese, we must send at least 300,000 combat troops to the Middle East. In addition, the navy must ensure the safety of the Mediterranean waterways. The Chinese  The navy will never let us enter the Indian Ocean!" War Minister Charles?  Virtue?  Fresine said.

    "Three hundred thousand?" Everyone asked?Shout out.  Because of the opposition between the Entente and the Central Powers, France's standing army has increased a lot, but its total strength is now less than 500,000.  To devote most of its troops to the Middle East at once will consume an absolutely astronomical amount of military expenditures. In everyone's opinion, is the price too high?  Moreover, after paying so much price, victory may not be possible.

    "Everyone, three hundred thousand people is not that many. Although the Chinese have only deployed less than 20,000 troops in the Middle East now, if they are willing, they can deploy more than 200,000 troops in the Middle East within a month.  Everyone has heard about the combat effectiveness of the Chinese Army. Even if they cannot compare with the German Army, they are not much different. Therefore, 300,000 people is just a conservative estimate. If the war does not go well, maybe there will be more  More troops will be invested!" Minister of War Charles?  Virtue?  Fresine reminded.

    "With three hundred thousand troops, wouldn't the required military expenditure reach more than one billion francs? Or even more?" Finance Minister Maurice?  Rouvier's face looked a little ugly. Although France's fiscal revenue was relatively abundant, it was now somewhat unable to make ends meet due to increased investment in military affairs.  If force is to be used in the Middle East, France's finances will not be able to spend so much money.

    "As for the issue of military expenditures, several major domestic banks and companies have decided to jointly provide loans to the government. However, they require that after the Chinese are driven away, the oil in the Middle East must be mined by them!" War Minister Charles  ?  Virtue?  Fresine said.

    "These greedy capitalists!" Everyone couldn't help but cursed secretly.  Obviously, these capitalists provide money, France sends troops, and then plunders the profits.  Of course, the French government can also gain some benefits.  The prerequisite is to be able to defeat the Chinese.

    "So, as it seems now, this war between us and the Chinese must be fought! But the difficult problem we face now is whether we can defeat China. If we fail, it will be very difficult for us and France.  It¡¯s a huge disaster!¡± President Lubet reminded.

    "Your Excellency, I think some diplomatic measures can be taken. Now that the Chinese have occupied the oil fields, it is impossible for them to withdraw. However, if the Chinese can give us a part of the profits from these oil fields, or  Let us jointly develop these oil fields with them. Then maybe we can avoid war!" Foreign Minister Alexander?  Ribo suggested.  Although it is impossible to monopolize the interests of the Middle East in this way, it is a better outcome for France to be able to obtain these benefits without going to war.

    "Hmph! Mr. Ribo, I think you may be disappointed! The Chinese paid a price of 100 million yuan a year to lease the Persian Gulf coast. Just relying on the Abqaiq oil field, at least in the next few years  , the Chinese will not be able to obtain any benefits. Unless the price of oil doubles, or the Chinese discover other large oil fields again. Otherwise, the Chinese will never share the benefits there with us!" Finance Minister Mo Mo  Rhys?  Rouvier said.

    ? ?Everyone agrees with this.  After all, the Chinese are not fools. They have spent so much money and taken so many risks. It is completely impossible for them to give part of their benefits to France in vain.  If such a thing happens to France, at least France will never do the same.

    "Your Excellency Ribo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can contact the Chinese. If the Chinese are willing to make concessions, that would be great. If not, then we can only resort to war!" President Lubet said.

    "Yes, Your Excellency, President. In addition, I propose that we unite with the British to put pressure on the Chinese, and even go to war with China if a war breaks out. In this case, our chances of winning will be much greater. I  I think the British are also very coveted for the oil in the Middle East. Although our gains will be greatly reduced if we bring in the British, it is still much better than losing the war and everything!" Foreign Minister Alexander?  Ribo suggested.

    "This is a good idea. After the meeting, I will summon the British Ambassador to France!" President Loubet nodded.

    Other important officials, although they feel that it would be a little painful to share some of the interests with Britain.  But if they can bring Britain together to fight China, their chances of winning will be much greater.  In this way, it is also very cost-effective.

    After the meeting, French President Loubet summoned the British Ambassador to France and expressed France¡¯s opinions to the British side. The British Ambassador to France did not dare to neglect and quickly conveyed the French proposal back to the United Kingdom.  (To be continued. Please search Piaotian Literature, the novels will be better and updated faster!)
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