Southern France, Toulouse. This has become the temporary residence of French government. Before, French government moved to Bordeaux, but when the warship of German Navy appeared in the nearby waters, the senior officials of French government were like frightened birds, screaming and flying from the woods, and ran directly to Toulouse.
Toulouse is also the last big city in southern France. If this place is also threatened, if French government wants to continue moving south, I am afraid they will have to cross Pyrenees Mountains and take refuge in Spain. However, in that case, is French government still French government? It's more like calling it a government-in-exile. Besides, Spanish government probably doesn't dare to accept French's exile.
Seeing that Germany is about to win against World War, wouldn't it be asking for death to help French at this time?
Toulouse City Hall became the temporary office of French government. As more and more lands fell, more and more armies were dispersed by German military. France now is literally hanging on for dear life. How much longer it can last, no one knows.
The reason why French government gritted his teeth and persisted was precisely because he was waiting for the decisive battle between Combined Fleet and German Navy. If Combined Fleet wins, then they still have a glimmer of hope. If Combined Fleet fails, then there is no need for them to persist at all.
French President Poincaré's office. Senior officials from the cabinet gathered here, waiting for news of the naval battle. Although, after waiting for a day, everyone was very tired. But everyone is still insisting. The most they can do is smoke one more cigar and drink one more cup of strong coffee.
"Sir Secretary of the Navy, is there any news?" President Poincaré asked. Maybe even he himself couldn't remember clearly. This was the first time he asked this question.
"Your Excellency, there is no news yet. However, it is almost evening. The fighting should be over soon." Minister Victor Gagnour said.
President Poincaré nodded. "So, do we have a chance of winning?"
"Your Excellency, the chance of winning is probably not good. Although our three countries have united and organized a powerful fleet with a number of battleships that are not inferior to the Germans. However, it is not possible to defeat the Germans with enough battleships. Compared with the German Navy, the performance of our battleships and the quality of our naval officers and soldiers are far behind. The most elite British naval officers and soldiers were almost killed in the previous naval battles. The current officers and soldiers are much worse!" Victor Gagnour said.
"Alas! I hope God can bless French Republic!" President Poincaré was quite helpless.
Now French government is indeed very helpless. Their performance in this war was already very bad. On the battlefield, they could no longer resist German offensive and could only retreat blindly, trading space for time. The only thing that can be done is to wait for the outcome of the naval battle. They pinned all their hopes on naval battles. If the naval battle can be won, then they still have a chance. If the naval battle fails, then defeat and surrender will become inevitable.
It can be said that the outcome of the naval battle is related to the life and death of France, and it is also an important basis for these French government senior officials to decide what to do next. Everyone is somewhat looking forward to the outcome of this naval battle, but most of them are still nervous. They hope that Combined Fleet can create a miracle and defeat German Navy. But at the same time, they are also worried that the final result will still be failure.
Of course, failure is relatively normal. The disparity in strength between the two sides is huge. It is simply unrealistic to place hope on a miracle.
Half an hour later, a naval admiral walked into the office with a serious face.
"Is there any result?" President Poincaré asked immediately.
The other people's eyes were also focused on this general.
"Reporting to your Excellency the President, Combined Fleet was defeated. All Capital Ships were sunk or captured by the Germany people. The losses we caused to the Germany people were very slight," the general said.
"Failed? Is it really still a defeat?" President Poincaré sat back on the chair dejectedly. This result completely shattered the hope in his heart.
However, it also made President Poincaré feel relieved. After knowing the results of this month, at least I no longer have to continue to have delusional thoughts.
Other French Cabinet senior officials also started whispering. However, everyone's faces were full of frustration. Although, Combined Fleet was defeated, which is not surprising. However, this result is still too difficult to accept. After all, after Combined Fleet was defeated, there was only one way left in front of French government.
"Your Excellency, it seems that we can no longer reverse the situation of the war. Combined Fleet failed, and our only hope was shattered." Prime Minister Rene Viviani said.
President Poincaré nodded. "Originally, we also pinned our hopes on Combined Fleet, hoping that the fleet could create a miracle and defeat German navy. However, now it seems that all this is simply a delusion."
"Everyone, French Republic the most difficult moment has arrived. What should we do next?" President Poincaré looked at Cabinet senior officials.
However, these senior officials all lowered their heads and said nothing. Isn't it obvious what to do now? Speaking of other things, they have long been of no use at all.
"Your Excellency, the navy has failed, and the army cannot withstand the Germany people's attack. The Germany people are continuing to advance to the south. There is nothing we can do about it. This war has been going on for a long time. We have already paid a high price for this. Since we can no longer win, we should end the war as soon as possible! This way, we can reduce some losses," Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Theofile Delcase suggested.
"Yes, Mr. President. We have no choice. The Army has been defeated by the Germans many times. Now, many troops of the Army do not even have the courage to fight the Germans. Often our troops are defeated as soon as the German artillery fires. If this continues, I am afraid that the Germans will reach Toulouse before long. The entire France will be occupied by the Germans." War Minister Alexander Millerand said.
French Army's elite troops have long been dead. Today's troops are all new recruits. They don't have much fighting power at all, and they have been scared out of their wits by the Germany people.