Chapter 95: Armistice Talks

London, the heart of the British Empire and the center of global diplomacy, is not biased, it is based on centuries of hegemony, not groundless.

From Wilhelmshaven, take the British battleship Iron Duke to Max in London? Prince Likhnovsky in Dawei? Lloyd's? Prime Minister George arranged for him to stay in a hostel on Arlington Street, accompanied by a young Scottish boy who was hired by Lloyd's at his own expense as a servant to take care of his daily life.

It takes a strong heart to come to the enemy's capital while the two countries are still at war, and Likhnovsky has no shortage of this strength, because he once made a public accusation in the House of Lords that Germany dragged Europe into the flames of war, which is already very bold, after all, most of the German elites are present, which is undoubtedly criticizing those who are in favor of Germany going to war and providing them with financial resources.

Far away in Berlin, Eric is forced to have a hard time by his own officials, and Lloyd's in the United Front Center at 10 Downing Street? George's life was not easy, and the German offensive from late November to December directly tore Britain, France, and the United States apart. Britain sent Ferdinand, the commander-in-chief of the coalition forces? Foch's telegram for help was also lost in the sea, forced Lloyd? George had to work with US President Woodrow? Wilson co-signed to French President Raymond? The rebuking telegrams sent by PoengarΓ© were still of little avail.

At this moment, the commander of the coalition forces, Foch, made the German defense line in front of the French army on the other side of the fierce attack and could not advance an inch, which put the British and American armies in an embarrassing situation. Reinforcements did not wait, waiting for the news that the French army had launched an attack alone. This makes Lloyd's? George was attacked by the commander-in-chief of the British army, Douglas? Haig and the Chief of the Imperial Staff, William? Robert? Robertson's accusations led even George V to blame him for not allowing the French to hold such a high position in the first place.

At this time, the situation was extremely critical, and when the British and American armies were surrounded by the German army, German President Erik? Adrian, however, revealed his intention to make peace in his speech to the nation, and made the moderate Max ? Prince Likhnovsky served as chief of staff, and this weather vane was immediately Lloyd? George clung to it and immediately issued a peace initiative. His decision proved to be correct, and President Eric appointed Prince Likhnowski as Germany's representative to Britain for peace talks. Germany's response and goodwill to make Lloyd? George's political career was a hopeful aftermath of a military decision. Since the means of war are no longer possible, let it be resolved diplomatically, which is the common cry of the British people, whose last remaining fighting spirit has been worn out by years of war.

The calmness and self-confidence that Likhnowski was treated with great courtesy had to do with Eric's support, as he was now negotiating on behalf of President Erik and, more importantly, on behalf of Germany, which was already in an advantageous position in terms of the current war situation.

Lloyd's? George led the members of the wartime cabinet to meet Max at the door, in Lloyd? Under George's introduction, Max got acquainted with each other in a friendly manner, and then walked through the crowded hallway. Max noticed that there seemed to be an abnormally large number of people here, and he had been here before, but what about the current situation and Lloyd's? George's financial resources, it will not be a problem to hire these people in a short time. A group of five people walked through the crowded corridor and came to the garden behind the house, which was also Lloyd? George used it as an office space.

Delicious pastries and tea were placed on a round table, but the five of them were not on this matter, but on the urgent need for peace.

Max found that there were only five people present, including himself, and as far as he knew, Lloyd? George's wartime cabinet should have been composed of five, here the Privy Council Speaker and Lord Curzon, the Leader of the House of Lords, and the Wartime Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons, Andrew? Boeauna? Law, and Arthur, a member of the Labour Party? Henderson.

Max looked at Lloyd suspiciously? George, the latter also reacted and said: "It is okay, Lord Milner is accompanying His Majesty as a representative to pass on the content of our negotiations. ”

Max nodded in acquiescence. Lloyd's, in fact? George only met and talked with Max a few times alone, and the conversation between the two was just a foreshadowing, and it was also a rehearsal in advance, and when everything could not be announced on the table, it was very necessary to communicate and agree in advance, which was the law of diplomacy between major powers. Lloyd's? George headed a wartime cabinet of five people, three from the Conservative Party and one from the Labour Party. George is the leader of the Liberal Party. Lord Milner, who was not present, was actually representing King George V, which was a political compromise and a means of gaining support.

Max was sure that as long as he could get the four in front of him to agree, George V would not object.

Just when everyone is silent, Lloyd's? Arthur, the peacemaker handpicked by George and the leader of the Labour Party? Henderson spoke first, and as soon as he spoke, Max was incredulous.

"On behalf of the British Workers' Party, I would like to thank President Adrian for his exemplary and contribution to this, as well as the President of Germany, Mr. Erik, who has set an example in his treatment of workers." Henderson's words were very smooth, and he said them from the heart, after all, Eric did treat workers better than in England.

Max smiled and said, "I will definitely bring Mr. President's words to Mr. Henderson, and I also hope to end the war as soon as possible, because only when the war is over, can our people be fed and clothed, and have jobs, right?" "The front is for Henderson, and the back is Max making a statement.

Lloyd's? George, as the main initiator of this peace negotiation, also said: "Mr. Max, everyone wants peace, and I think the British attitude is also obvious, right? David did not wait for Max to speak, and then continued: "I wonder if Germany can set some example for peace, as your president has done with his own workers?" ”

What David meant was to say whether Germany could lead by example to stop the current military action.

Max thought to himself that you were really embarrassed to say this, but he didn't dare to say it openly, and he couldn't help but say it, so he had to ask: "If Germany ceases its current operations against the British army, what kind of reason can Britain give that I can advise President Adrian to suspend the operation?" ”

Lloyd's? George didn't answer, but added: "It's a military action against all countries, not just Britain, that's a gesture of peace, isn't it?" ”

Max shook his head and said, "Impossible." Whoever is willing to reach a rapprochement with Germany will become a friend of Germany, and Germany is no longer what it used to be under the leadership of President Adrian. ”

David didn't actually think that Max would agree, but he couldn't help but mention it, and then continued: "Can't the Prince see the sincerity of Britain? ”

Max nodded and said, "If it weren't for that, President Adrian wouldn't have let me come to London, would he?" I have a proposal that I would like you to consider. Germany suspended its military operations against Britain, and the British army needed to break away from the Coalition and withdraw in an orderly manner within the next 48 hours. Otherwise, our offensive will continue, and I think the final result will be unacceptable to you. Max threatened while proposing a harsh plan, which was a kind of bargaining for a large price.

Lloyd's? George was tempted to veto such an offer, but thought that the British Expeditionary Force was trapped in a hurry to retreat and lost supplies. The supply of 1.3 million people could not be taken care of in a short period of time, and the British and American armies, which had been divided into fronts, also had no supply line for the safe land of the French mainland, and they relied entirely on sea transportation and lacked sufficient ports, which greatly reduced their transportation capacity. Before the Germans could attack, the British would have to starve to death, and the situation of the American troops was not much better. It is tantamount to suicide to expect the current British and American armies to carry out a breakthrough operation, and if he really wants to do so, his resignation is a trivial matter, and I am afraid that he will be cut by a thousand knives. Lloyd's? George was in a dilemma, should he say yes? Or do you refuse to negotiate the conditions? He wasn't sure, for fear of angering the seemingly mild prince, and if he annoyed Max, the consequences would be detrimental to both parties.