Chapter 1396 - 373: Soldiers’ "Struggle" (3)

Chapter 1396: Chapter 373: Soldiers’ "Struggle" (3)

Even, under the instigation and lobbying of the United Kingdom, various interest groups in the United States, in order to completely drive East Africa out of the European market and monopolize it, were willing to join the Allies to gain orders from the UK, France, and Germany.

Now news from Europe reveals that a ceasefire is imminent, clearly not what the United States wanted to see. If the United States hadn’t joined the war, it would have been fine, but since it has already joined the Allies, the investments made in between are essentially going down the drain.

Moreover, if Europe were to cease hostilities, it would essentially mean that the United States is establishing Germany and Austria-Hungary as enemies for no reason, isolating itself from the Allies-controlled Central and Eastern European Market.

"Mr. President, the change in Europe’s stance is very likely instigated by East Africa; we didn’t expect East Africa to mediate the European war, as it doesn’t conform to their interests."

"We think so as well, Mr. President. Logically speaking, East Africa would also take advantage of the war to profit, as their trade with European countries during the war was substantial, and they even had more advantages than us in the early to mid stages of the war, but who would have thought they would go and mediate the war!"

It’s quite normal for Americans not to understand this, since East Africa and the United States are different. The United States is a democratic nation, where capitalist interest groups naturally wish for Europe to continue fighting for their own benefits, allowing them to gain more; this is not something a few people in the United States can stop, and even joining the war was because it allows U.S. military and other industries to earn a huge profit, hence they fuel the flames.

In fact, Wilson himself did not support joining the war from the start, as he considered the USA’s national interests, thinking it best to observe a bit longer, but U.S. companies and capital couldn’t wait; once they made a decision, it wasn’t something Wilson personally could stop.

On the other hand, East Africa, undoubtedly, monarchial autocracy is a backward institution that doesn’t align with the current era’s trends, but this allows Ernst to have greater authority in directing East Africa’s foreign policy, and no one can block Ernst’s decision.

Of course, East Africa mediating the war is bound to cause dissatisfaction among some domestic groups, as many people rely on European trade for livelihood, but their power is insufficient to interfere with the emperor’s decisions, especially for a figure like Ernst, who is almost akin to a founding monarch.

Ernst’s immense power is something that even William II and Emperor Franz would envy; in this world, perhaps only the Japanese Emperor, the Thai King, and others could compare, not to mention the small elected U.S. President Wilson.

To put it bluntly, Wilson is just a "dog" elevated by the U.S. interest groups. If he defies the owners’ will, the fate of President Lincoln would serve as a lesson for Wilson.

"Mr. President, the dust hasn’t settled yet, and even if European opinion shifts, it doesn’t necessarily mean Europe will cease hostilities. We should first discuss with the UK and France to determine if they secretly engaged in peace talks with the Allies."

"If this is truly the case, then we must be prepared, especially in improving relations with the Allies; the British cannot be fully trusted, as they might indeed be secretly negotiating peace with the Allies."

President Wilson said grimly, "There’s no other choice now. Damn East Africa, they must have done something secretly, otherwise Europe wouldn’t be in the current situation."

As a smart person, Wilson has locked onto the suspect, surely East Africa is behind it, but he has no concrete evidence. After all, both European peace conferences were held secretly, and East Africa only invited the UK, France, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, deliberately to prevent news leaks that could disrupt the process.

The fewer participants and countries involved, the easier it is to reach consensus. Undoubtedly, East Africa made the right move.