Chapter 377: The Paris Peace Conference (I)
The end of the war, in addition to making all the population cheer for it. There is still a lot of finishing work to be done, such as fighting for the interests of the defeated countries, claiming compensation for the losses of various countries, and all kinds of issues left over from it need to find a place for everyone to negotiate.
After some deliberations, Paris was chosen as the place of negotiation in order to compensate France, which had suffered the greatest losses and had contributed the most to the resistance of the German army.
So on November 23, representatives of all parties gathered in Paris, where they would negotiate claims and penalties against the Central Powers.
As representatives of Romania, Prime Minister Blettianu and Foreign Minister Barnosque have arrived in Paris with a delegation of nearly 100 people, where, as in history, they can only discuss matters related to Romania.
Yes, for the time being, Romania can only negotiate proposals related to it. Despite their impressive record in the war, Romania was still a small country and could not be joined by several great powers in international affairs. Even if he is quite powerful in a small country, he can't do it.
Although Romania could not change its status at the peace conference, Prime Minister Bretianu and his entourage were given preferential treatment. On the day he arrived in Paris, he was warmly received by French Prime Minister Clemenceau.
The band in the hall played elegant music, and the guests with glasses were talking in whispers. Judging by their flamboyant attire and extraordinary conversation, it's hard to tell if you don't listen to the accents that it's just a welcome dinner.
And in this dinner, if you look closely, you will see that many people are looking at a certain location on the left side of the hall from time to time. That's right, the protagonist of this banquet, Romanian Prime Minister Bletianu, is standing there and talking happily. He was talking to an old man in a well-dressed evening dress, with gray hair and a somewhat stocky build, and yes, this was Clemenceau, the prime minister of Croatia.
Seeing this, Clemenceau smiled and said to Bretianu: "Your Excellency, I hope that you will feel the same as before when you come to Paris. ”
Bretianu knew that Prime Minister Clemenceau was talking about his own experience studying in France, in fact, the Romanian elite loved to study in France, and many people in the current cabinet had studied in France.
"Yes, it's been a long time since I've been to Paris, but it's still so charming, and the city still shines thanks to the French soldiers and civilians who kept the city from being disturbed by the enemy. In addition, this banquet is very grand, and I would like to thank His Excellency the Prime Minister for your hospitality. ”
After Prime Minister Bretianu praised the actions of the French military and civilians, Clemenceau proudly replied: "This is what we should do, France has the ability to thwart the attacks of the German demons, and this war is a clear example." ”
"That's right, Your Excellency, the glory of France is guarded by their people, and no one can take it away from them."
The two gradually began to talk about the common topic, and at this time Prime Minister Clemenceau lowered his voice and said: "Your Excellency, what do you think of the Russian Bushvilles?"
Listening to the topic provoked by Clemenceau, Prime Minister Bretianu's heart moved, and he knew that the meat drama was coming. As for Bushelvvik, he and Eder had already discussed that Romania must be allowed to prevent its spread, so he did not hesitate to speak.
"Actually, my country thinks that these Bushwalkers are the source of unrest, and you can see that under their leadership Russia is a mess. These rebels only know how to make trouble, so we cannot allow these saboteurs to disturb the peace of Europe. ”
Clemenceau did not respond to Prime Minister Bretianu's answer, but instead spoke of another concern: "At present, with the defeat of Austria-Hungary and Germany, the Bushvelviks in the region are very active. In the German and Hungarian regions, these saboteurs completely disrupted the local order, which is too worrying. ”
In the face of Clemenceau's mention of the German and Hungarian Bushvelviks, Prime Minister Bretianu's mind was spinning, was this a test of Romania's attitude towards the two countries?
Prime Minister Bretianu, who was a little puzzled, could only try to say: "I don't think the German Bushvilles are a cause for concern, because the millions of returning troops are capable of destroying them, and even if they can't, their country may still lend a helping hand." As for the Hungarian Bushvelviks, Romania will not sit idly by if they make a rebellion, and we are obliged to help the country to eliminate these rebels. ”
Bretianu's words have already made it very clear that Romania does not care about Germany's affairs. And if something happens in Hungary, Romania can intervene.
Hearing Prime Minister Brettianu's words, Clemenceau continued: "What if the Russian Bushwalkers help these people? ”
Bretianu replied firmly, "Then we will interrupt his outstretched claws, and let these people know that it is the greatest mercy for them to live in this world." ”
"That's right, Your Excellency the Prime Minister is right."
After a compliment, Clemenceau continued: "At present we are very worried about the situation in Russia, and we are deeply afraid that these cancers will spread throughout Europe. At the moment you Romania are on the front line, so we must determine whether you are willing to act as the guardians of the free world. ”
Bretianu replied: "Of course, this is what the Romanian military and civilians want, and it is our duty to protect the peace of Europe." ”
"It's rare for Romania to have such ambitions, so we want Romania to take on the responsibility of stopping the spread of Bushelvik."
Clemenceau painted bread for Bretianu.
"But for now we can only take responsibility for the south, and we can't do anything about the Polish plain in the north."
Bretianu doesn't eat this, he directly says what Romania is capable of at the moment.
Regarding the words of the Romanian Prime Minister, Clemenceau shook his head and said: "The Prime Minister does not have to worry, we can adjust this." ”
Then he whispered a few words in Bretyanu's ear. These few words immediately made the prime minister's eyes widen.
"Really?"
Seeing Prime Minister Bretianu's surprised expression, Clemenceau nodded and replied, "That's right, but this is a proposal that we have already discussed, but it has not yet been announced." ”
What exactly Clemenceau said to Bretianu surprised him so much. Quite simply, His Excellency the Prime Minister told him about the rebuilding of Poland.
Yes, Poland, which has been divided several times, has once again been given the opportunity to re-establish itself. Speaking of Poland, other people's ancestors are also too broad, and he has done it all, punching Russia and kicking Prussia. However, after modern times, the fate of the Poles, who had played too much, was tragic, and they were divided several times, and it was simply unbearable to look back on the past.
However, the establishment of Poland by Britain and France also had their own selfish motives, and they hoped that the country would be able to look down on the defeated Germany and the red Russia. However, they did not trust the Poles' abilities, and they wanted to find a helper for them. As far as the eye can see, only Romania, located in southern Poland, has the strength to help them.
France, as the biggest beneficiary of Poland after its establishment, can only come forward to help it. That's why Clemenceau made this offer to Brettianu. Let Poland and Romania form a military alliance in the face of the Soviet Russian threat. They had thought it through, and the matter was of no benefit to Poland. In terms of military strength, Romania was much stronger than the Poles, and in terms of national strength, the newly rebuilt Poland was far inferior to Romania, which had made a fortune in the war. Moreover, Poland is also on the main road from Soviet Russia to Central and Western Europe, and its terrain is also located in a large plain that is easy to attack and difficult to defend. If they don't find a strong helper, the newly created country is likely to fall under the Soviet Russian army.
Of course, Russia is still in the civil war, but after seeing that the White Army, which it has greatly aided, has suffered several setbacks, Britain and France and other countries must take an insurance, and Romania is currently an important part of this insurance.
"Your Excellency, the stakes are so high that I can't say anything about it right away. But I believe that as long as this new government is willing to show us goodwill, the chances of success are very high. ”
The change of Prime Minister Bretianu did not immediately commit to the change, but Clemenceau was satisfied, at least Romania did not object to the proposal for an alliance with Poland.
"I can understand the Prime Minister's deliberate consideration, but I believe this is good for everyone. Your Excellency Prime Minister, let me accompany you to meet our outstanding business people in France. ”
After saying this, Clemenceau pulled Brettianu to introduce his famous French businessman. It seems that for the gradually developing Romania, French capital is also trying to participate in it and get a piece of the pie.
News of the French Government's warm reception of the Romanian delegation spread that night. Many delegates from other countries were envious of Romania being entertained by France, but the British delegates, one of the giants, had already seen France's intentions.
"Clemenceau is looking for help in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, and neither Serbia nor Poland seems to be reassuring him."
Prime Minister George, sitting on a chaise longue near the hearth, commented on the French intentions.
The deputy next to him asked, "Do we need to entertain them once?" ”
"No, they will feel the goodwill of the British Empire, and let Clemenceau stand up for us."
In Prime Minister George's view, as the world's first power, you must have the confidence of the first power, even if this war has greatly damaged their vitality, but Romania is still not worthy of the British Empire to bend down and negotiate with its counterparts.
Prime Minister Bretianu had no idea that he had become the focus of many people's attention overnight. It's just that whether this matter is a good thing or a bad thing for Romania, no one knows.