Chapter 449: The Media Offensive
The Belgian people, united in the midst of war, were extremely determined. Some even made the journey to Paris specifically to distribute leaflets on the streets:
"Look, we cannot let the real hero go unnoticed."
"It was Charles who defeated the Germans and saved Belgium. Only he can represent the Allies in accepting Germany's surrender."
"Charles also saved France, along with many soldiers. We will not bow to coercion or backdoor dealings; we seek the truth!"
...
The Belgians were clever, or perhaps this was the tactic of King Albert I, learned from the British.
Balfour's statement aimed to stand on the moral high ground, using the front-line soldiers to support Foch's position. But with Belgium's campaign, it easily suggested the possibility of behind-the-scenes deals between Balfour and Foch.
The truth didn't matter; what mattered was what people would infer.
The British were masters at this kind of manipulation. For example, they had promoted the idea that the Germans were committing cannibalism or planting mines targeting civilian vessels.
(Note: During World War I, the British did indeed spread these rumors. The first was an unverified rumor, while the latter was based on actual British mines, which, though intended to block German naval activity, would occasionally be dislodged by the sea and drift onto civilian ships, causing accidental casualties. However, the British could always claim these mines were German, and no one would investigate further.)
Unexpectedly, a boomerang effect struck the British themselves.
The French, feeling guilty for the Belgians' support of Charles, were ashamed: Charles was French, yet it was the Belgians who had to speak up for him, and the truth was so clear and undeniable.
As a result, French soldiers and civilians quickly organized protests, with soldiers strongly opposing being morally coerced into opposing Charles:
"We support Charles as the representative of the Allies in accepting the surrender."
"Whoever defeats the Germans should be the one to accept their surrender!"
"Don't try to turn us against Charles; we are his firm supporters!"
...
The media continued to intensify the situation, with public outrage spreading uncontrollably.
If Foch had been wise, he should have backed down at this point.
He only needed to publicly support Charles' acceptance of the surrender. Since he wasn't the one to propose it, his prestige wouldn't suffer too much, and he might even gain a reputation for being "magnanimous" and "reasonable."
However, Foch never wanted to let go of the possible fame and rewards.
He continued to fight, hoping to turn public opinion in his favor.
Thus, he used the newspapers to emphasize the First Special Artillery Regiment's victory at Cambrai:
"As everyone knows, the First Special Artillery Regiment achieved a great success at Cambrai."
"I believe that victory was decisive. In that battle, we defeated the Germans' main armored forces, laying the foundation for the success of the Second Battle of Cambrai."
"Of course, I won't argue about who should accept the surrender, because Charles' success is equally important."
"But we can't quantify success and compare whose role was more important. I respect the people's choice, even if many don't understand military affairs."
...
This was a very clever move.
Foch skillfully highlighted the role of the First Special Artillery Regiment and made people start to question themselves: "Are we considering Charles more successful simply because we don't understand military strategy?"
At this point, Foch failed to realize that his statement, though seemingly shrewd, had in fact cut off his own escape route.
Just as people were starting to waver in their judgment, a piece of explosive news broke out: "The reason the First Special Artillery Regiment succeeded in the night battle at Cambrai was not due to Foch's command, but because of Charles' idea."
An injured, retired staff officer from the Special Artillery Regiment told the media:
"I can prove this."
"At that time, the First Special Artillery Regiment was in trouble, and our tanks were no match for the Germans' 'Upper Silesia' forces."
"General Christian was at a loss, and the commander-in-chief (Foch) still ordered us to attack, putting us in near-defeat."
"In desperation, General Christian had to call Charles for help."
"Charles' reply was just two words: 'Night battle,' and we won!"
...
The media immediately exploded again.
The public's focus shifted entirely to Foch, with people lamenting:
"So Foch is the one who doesn't understand military tactics."
"All the credit belongs to Charles, including for the First Battle of Cambrai."
"Shameless Foch, he was saved by Charles but is trying to use this to defeat him!"
...
Foch, in this regard, could be considered innocent. He didn't know that the First Special Artillery Regiment won the battle thanks to Charles' help. Christian had never told him.
Furious, he summoned Christian and, after receiving confirmation, proceeded to scold him fiercely.
Christian, though submissive in front of Foch, had a barely perceptible smile in his eyes.
The staff officer who spoke to the media had been acting on Christian's orders.
"General, what should we do now?" Carné asked, with a worried expression, seeking Foch's opinion.
Foch furrowed his brows, remaining silent. He didn't know what to do. He had reached a deadlock.
Admitting fault would be a heavy blow to his prestige.
If he didn't admit his fault, the irrefutable facts were right in front of him, with a witness to back them up.
The key issue was that prestige mattered greatly to Foch. The reason the parliament had kept him as the commander-in-chief was not because of his exceptional command skills, but because he was molded into a hero to unite French military and civilian morale.
If he lost that role, his tenure as commander-in-chief would be over.
So...
Foch clenched his teeth and turned his gaze to Christian: "Is there any battlefield record of this?"
"Of course not, General," Christian replied. "If there was any record, it would have spread everywhere by now."
Foch nodded expressionlessly: "Then it's just a rumor. You never received any telegram from Charles, understand?"
"General..." Christian hesitated. "But Major Erd—"
"You don't need to worry about him," Foch interrupted.
Christian reluctantly answered: "Understood."
Foch may have been trying to buy off Major Erd to change his story. The man was a fool, and he had served under Foch for so many years!
Foch's obsession with fame and fortune was something others could hardly fathom. He never gave up until the very end, even if it meant using any means necessary.
But just then, a messenger hurriedly ran up to Foch: "General, General Baer of the German army has issued a statement through Belgium's Patriot Newspaper—they will only surrender to Charles!"
Foch was stunned. He looked up at the messenger, and his jowls twitched uncontrollably in shock.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1