I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 167

Chapter 167: Military Newspaper

This was indeed a problem. With 44 divisions and over a million troops, teaching them how to use grenades in a short time was no easy task.

Although grenade usage is simple in principle, requiring only pulling the fuse and tossing it, things are different on the battlefield. Without a set of strict guidelines, tossing over a million grenades to hundreds of thousands of soldiers would undoubtedly result in more accidents.

Charles proposed a plan he believed was feasible: "We can convert tank unit soldiers into instructors. As long as we send them to the front lines to train the troops, they will quickly learn how to use grenades!"

Colonel Browning's unit, consisting of over a thousand men, had undergone grenade-throwing training and even had combat experience. They could be sent to the front lines to train other troops.

However, this plan was quickly rejected by Gallieni.

"How long will they train?" Gallieni asked slowly.

"Two weeks, General!" Charles replied promptly.

Gallieni then asked, "Will they be focusing solely on grenade training during these two weeks?"

Charles was stunned.

He understood what Gallieni was hinting at: "During these two weeks, the focus was on infantry and tank coordination, Lieutenant. They only spent a maximum of two days on grenade training. Do you really intend to send soldiers who have only trained for two days to teach others? Do you realize what could happen?"

Gallieni finished the last of his bread, taking his time to swallow, then, without caring for appearances, used his pinky to pick at his teeth before continuing: "Not only will we fail to achieve the goal, but we may also lose our only tank unit. I don't believe they'll all make it back if we send them to the front!"

This was the truth. No one could be sure where the enemy's shells or bullets might land.

Charles' mind raced, thinking that the only option would be to pull the troops back for more training.

But he didn't say it out loud because this was simply impossible. The defenses couldn't afford any gaps; otherwise, the enemy would surge in like a tidal wave.

Suddenly, Charles had an idea: "Why don't we issue a military newspaper?"

"A military newspaper?" Gallieni's eyes lit up.

"Yes!" Charles said. "A newspaper for the soldiers on the front lines. We could publish the grenade usage guidelines in it and even run a photo series on the correct throwing posture!"

Gallieni thought for a moment, then nodded slightly: "An interesting idea. Going forward, we may have many similar pieces of knowledge to spread or tactical ideas to communicate to the entire army. These are things that would be impossible to do in a short time. But if we had a military newspaper…"

However, Gallieni soon thought of another issue. He looked up at Charles: "Do you think the soldiers on the front lines will be willing to pay for these newspapers?"

Charles was silent.

Some soldiers might be willing to buy them, as the knowledge in the military newspaper could very well save their lives.

However, the soldiers at the front would likely think: Isn't this something the government should be doing? We're giving our blood and lives for the government on the front lines, and now the government wants us to pay for a newspaper? Does the government want to exploit our hard-earned money just like capitalists do with workers?

But if the military stepped in and declared: Free of charge...

The problem arose again. To print a million copies every day, with each one costing at least two francs to produce, that would amount to 10,000 francs.

10,000 francs per day!

"Alright, this won't work!" Charles, looking defeated, rejected the plan.

It wasn’t really about the cost. Charles knew this was the only effective way to quickly address the issue, and he also knew Gallieni wouldn't give up easily.

Sure enough, Gallieni was hooked.

After thinking for a while, Gallieni said, "No, this might work!"

"We might not be able to cover the costs!" Charles countered. "No one will be willing to go along with this!"

In fact, Charles was willing to go along with it, not because of money but because of something more valuable: influence, specifically the kind of influence directed at the army.

A slight bias in the content could cause a massive reaction within the military.

This was power—the very kind of influence the right wing had long desired over the army!

But publishing a military newspaper wasn't something just anyone could do. Without military backing, one might not even get involved.

"What if..." Gallieni said thoughtfully, "What if we don't just target the army, but the general public as well?"

"The general public?" Charles feigned confusion. "The public won’t care about how to throw grenades!"

Gallieni turned to look at Charles, his gaze somewhat odd. "But, what if there’s news about Charles himself? Our military newspaper will certainly have the latest updates on Charles. You see, and quite accurately too! I believe the public will be very interested in that!"

Charles was stunned. He hadn't thought of this. He had only been considering that the military newspaper could cover camp life and battlefield conditions, and that many families of soldiers would want to know what was happening at the front.

Who would have thought Gallieni was planning to use Charles as a publicity stunt?

But this was perfectly in line with Kobdo’s idea—using Charles' popularity and prestige to prop up the newspaper.

At the same time, it would still be a military-backed newspaper, which wouldn't attract too much attention and push Charles to the front lines—perfect!

"Well, I guess," Charles said impassively, "if we don’t consider the possibility of leaks…"

"Lieutenant Fernand will tell you which parts are leaks and which are not!" Gallieni interrupted.

"What do you mean?" Charles feigned surprise. "General, you’re not suggesting…"

"This might be something only you can do, Lieutenant!" Gallieni spread his hands. "No one else has the experience and resources for this. Who else but you?"

"But what about the funding…?"

Gallieni interrupted him again: "I’ll apply to Parliament. Issuing a military newspaper is necessary. However, funding might fall short. I’ll need to partner with a businessman..."

Charles cautiously asked, "This businessman you’re referring to, wouldn't it be Charles himself?"

"Right on, Lieutenant!" Gallieni straightened up, smiling. "I’m sure he’ll be willing to cooperate with us. What do you think?"

"I'll think about it," Charles answered reluctantly.

In reality, he was secretly amused. The old fox thought he could accomplish everything with a bit of funding, not realizing that Charles had the same idea: contribute a bit of money and gain most of the control. Why not?

Without putting in money, Charles couldn't feel at ease. It meant that without shares, he would have no control and would be working for the newspaper.

"By the way, General!" Charles added a question. "If we need help from people outside the army, would that be a problem?"

Gallieni answered impatiently: "Then just issue a conscription order!"

Charles said, "Uh..." It was a simple and direct solution!

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