Theophile Delcasse looked at von Kidron Wachth with a Panic look on his face, with disbelief in his eyes besides Panic. He never imagined that Germany people would actually put forward such a condition! The first two conditions, whether it is war compensation of 55 billion Mark or the transfer of all overseas colonies, are already harsh enough conditions.
However, compared to the Germany people's request that France cede territory north of the Loire River and Corsica to them, it pales in comparison. France's territory is not large to begin with. If territory north of the Loire River is ceded, it will be equivalent to losing half of the territory. What's more, northern France and the central territory are considered to be the most industrially developed places. If those territories are lost, France will be completely finished and will be reduced from a world-class industrial power to an industrial weak country.
Such France can no longer be regarded as a world-class power, but can only be regarded as a third-rate small country. At that time, France can only rely on Germany people to survive, let alone Germany people Vengeance. After losing the most prosperous and developed central and northern areas, France no longer has the capital to find Germany people Vengeance.
Only now did Theophile Delcasse understand that from the very beginning, Germany had never thought of sparing France lightly. They have always made up their mind to weaken France as much as possible so that France no longer poses a threat to Germany.
From the perspective of Germany people, in order to safeguard their own interests and status, this is what they should do. However, from the perspective of French, such harsh conditions are unacceptable. If such conditions are accepted, France will be no different from national subjugation.
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, are these conditions too harsh? You have directly claimed half of France's territory, which is the most prosperous and developed half. Even French Republic's capital Paris is included. After losing those territories, is France still France? German Empire is simply trying to kill us all!" Theophele Delcasse looked sad and angry.
"Mr. Minister, you should know that German Empire is capable enough to destroy France. As long as our army continues to advance south, it will take at most a month to capture all French territory. By then, do you still have any choice? I'm afraid you can only let us slaughter you! Now, Empire can leave half of France's territory, which is already forgiving you." Wachth said.
"Humph! Your Excellency, Minister. You are doing this to extort more war reparations from French Republic and ensure that those colonies can be transferred to you smoothly! If French government goes into exile overseas and continues to resist, you will not get a war reparations from Franc, and overseas colonies will not be obtained so easily." Theophile Delcasse said.
Wachth nodded. "Indeed, we have this consideration. However, if France is willing to accept our conditions and would rather live in exile overseas, then we have no other choice but to send out troops to occupy all of France. As for the war compensation, although we can't get it, it doesn't matter. We can do whatever we want in France. I believe that by then our wealth will exceed 55 billion Mark. As for those overseas colonies, we can also send troops to capture them. German Empire has the most powerful army and navy in the world. I believe that it will not be a problem to capture all those colonies."
"If you wantonly gain wealth in France, you will arouse the anger of the people. When the time comes, you will encounter unprecedented resistance!" Theophile Delcase said through gritted teeth.
"It doesn't matter. We are very experienced in dealing with resistance. If you are willing to submit and be a good citizen, that is the best. If you are not willing, then just kill them all. Even if they are killed in rivers of blood in France, we don't care. Anyway, it's just French who died!" Wachth said nonchalantly.
"Asshole! Are you going to kill all French?" Theophile Delcase said angrily.
"We won't kill them all, only one or two million people at most. When I think about all the Frenchs, they will behave like rabbits." Wachth said.
"Devil! You are all devils. If you kill innocent people like this, God will make you go to hell!" Theophile Delcasse was very angry. What is the difference between the behavior of Germany people and the devil?
"Okay, Mr. Minister, there is no point in saying this. Empire, will your country agree to the Empire's third condition?" Wachth asked.
"No, never! French Republic will never agree to such conditions. What is the difference between that and the subjugation of the country? In that case, French Republic would rather fight to the end." Theophile Delcasse said firmly.
Wachth nodded. "Very good, I understand what you mean. So, from now on, our negotiations have broken down. I will report to His Majesty the Emperor. Imperial Army will continue to attack until France is completely destroyed."
Theophile Delcasse was stunned. If German military really continued to launch an attack, France would not be able to resist it anyway. The weak French army was frightened. I simply don't have the courage to continue fighting the powerful German military. If the war continues, there will be only one result, and that is the destruction of France.
As Wachth said, after France was destroyed, Germany could still get everything they wanted. It's just that it takes a little more time. However, France ceased to exist.
This is undoubtedly unacceptable to Theofile Delcasse and other senior French government officials. Even if France lost half of its territory, it could still exist. In that case, it seems better than being destroyed!
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, I have no authority to agree to your country's conditions. I will report it to the country. However, I think the possibility of French government agreeing is very small." Theophile Delcasse said.
Feeling that Theofile Delcasse's attitude had changed, Wachth couldn't help but feel a little proud.
"Your Excellency, Minister, I believe there are smart people in your government. They will definitely make the right choice!" Wachth said.