Reincarnated as Nikolai II - Chapter 207

Chapter 207: Each to Their Own Survival (3)
As time passed, self-proclaimed experts gathered in Paris, growing from the initial 52-person committee to hundreds.

When three sailors gather on a sailboat they’re bound to attempt Magellan’s circumnavigation, so what happens when hundreds gather to put the brakes on every single word?

“Two months and still no results.”

“Since the armistice was extended, I believe there’s no possibility of renewed war.”

“Count, at this rate we’ll go past the new year.”

This is the result now.

A situation requiring extension to a second armistice beyond the first.

Regardless of whether Germany refuses or accepts, since things aren’t settled even within the Allied nations, Europe seems to have simply stopped.

“Since all the empire’s military officers and officials are working together, won’t results come soon?”

“Hmm, I’m skeptical. More precisely, I don’t see anyone willing to compromise.”

Though the Treaty of Versailles would later be derided by historians and critics as a failed agreement that neither achieved lasting peace nor maintained stability in Europe, the reality was far more nuanced and complex. The treaty represented an unprecedented attempt at reshaping the post-war world order.

Its hundreds of carefully negotiated clauses were like an ornate jar containing the competing desires, national ambitions, and desperate wishes of every participating nation – from territorial demands and reparation payments to military restrictions and colonial redistribution. Each article reflected intense diplomatic battles and painful compromises between the victorious powers.

You can see this delicate balance of interests clearly exemplified in the newly emerging ‘League of Nations Mandate’ proposal. This innovative system sought to address the thorny question of former German colonies by placing them under international supervision rather than simple annexation, revealing both idealistic hopes for a new world order and pragmatic power politics.

France’s true heart in these negotiations was deeply complex – burning with a desire for revenge over the devastation of the war while simultaneously fearing an uncertain future where it might again face German aggression. Yet despite this internal tension, France actually yearns for lasting peace, not renewed conflict. The harsh terms it advocated were driven more by a desperate search for security guarantees than by pure vindictiveness.

‘They just want compensation for their inferior population and economic power.’

So they want to cleanly take over German colonies and consume western Germany including the Rhineland.

To this, the advisors of America’s Peace Delegation say:

Let’s implement mandates considering the natives.

Adding native support, independence aid, autonomy support, and finally moral reconciliation with defeated nations makes France bound to go berserk.

But is America really just crazy about morality and lost in idealism without living in reality?

‘That can’t be. America, finding it difficult to become an imperialist nation themselves, wants no one else to become one either.’

America is using morality as a noble weapon and justification in this era.

After all, just looking at the Philippines and South America shows America’s own dirty intentions are clear, yet they’re forcing this on European nations.

Saying Europe’s one-sided colonial world is over.

Then what about Britain, caught in these relationships?

No damage to the homeland.

The second-lowest casualties after America.

And still the world’s #1 colonial empire nation, the British Empire.

‘Similar private revenge as France, but they’ll want to keep Germany alive. After all, Germany is ultimately the card to check both France and Russia simultaneously.’

So they’re supporting Rhineland demilitarization while promising France “immediate participation if Germany invades again.”

“Prime Minister Asquith is truly arrogant.”

“Recently he and Clemenceau gave the same speech in both countries’ lower houses. Their intention to support each other is quite obvious.”

“The British Empire must believe they can replace us.”

Change the Entente to an Anglo-French alliance.

They believe a golden balance in Europe will be achieved by moderately supporting both American and French opinions.

Yes. What the British Empire wants isn’t peace. It’s balance.

Then what does Russia want?

Opposition to joining the League of Nations.

Suspension of French alliance extension.

Deterioration of relations with Britain.

Rejection of mandate rule.

Opposition to massive reparations.

Opposition to Rhineland transfer.

Rejection of German colony takeover.

Nothing.

I truly want nothing from them.

“After being disappointed throughout the war, this dragging negotiation isn’t even surprising.”

“Do you perhaps have anything to say regarding the treaty?”

“That’s enough. We won’t join in anywhere.”

We won’t care how the Treaty of Versailles flows.

“Rather, let’s focus more on the treaties with Austria and Hungary.”

A place that will become purely a Slavic party.

Our leading role is in that Central Europe.

==

While everyone at Versailles fought diplomatically over how to divide the German pie.

Kokovtsov wanted to respond by simply dividing the current situation into two.

First. If Germany dies completely.

That is, if they remain as just another Central European country like before the 1870s, both militarily and economically.

‘The empire will boldly plunder Germany.’

If Germany can never rise again, they’ll just become a second Qing Dynasty.

Meaning a playground for great powers, a country belonging to whoever eats first.

However, Kokovtsov hadn’t forgotten Germany’s strength shown in the two-front war over the past 4 years.

Then second. If Germany at least survives or revives. That is, if such a treaty can’t stop Germany.

“We must not become their enemy.”

The Tsar wished to take a somewhat conciliatory position assuming this second case.

Naturally, France’s reaction to Kokovtsov’s stance in negotiations was immediate.

“Prime Minister Kokovtsov, are you really doing this! Saying we should reduce Germany’s reparations!”

“Ah, General Foch.”

“Ships, bonds, gold, goods, securities, they can pay in any form. Why don’t you understand that reducing here only hurts the Allies!”

“Isn’t it enough that we’ve already made Germany support France’s reconstruction with food and raw materials beyond passing on all occupation costs? What more do you want from this old man?”

Ferdinand Foch, taking the lead most actively and overturning all sorts of meetings.

The dignified and weighty Allied Commander-in-Chief is nowhere to be seen, and he seems like an impatient boy questioning him.

“Sigh, Prime Minister. We are allies. Shouldn’t you be taking our side even if it’s not enough? Or perhaps, has Russia too fallen for America’s worthless moralism?”

“…Watch your words.”

“I apologize for the slip. However, I believe you know well what I’m trying to say. Isn’t this a situation where we should work for our mutual national interests, and furthermore security and cooperation?”

Briefly stroking his mouth while pondering what to do with this officer turned ruffian, Kokovtsov decided to draw a clear line here.