Chapter 1960 Public Approval 3

Mitterrand was very excited when he learned that the National Court of The Hague had decided to send representatives to Niger to supervise the trial; wasn't this a disguised demonstration of the legality of the approval! They are all French soldiers and citizens. What qualifications does Niger have to conduct a trial? It is simply too much to deceive others.

In fact, he didn't even think about it; if the French hadn't gone too far before, even if Bao Zixuan had instigated it, it wouldn't have been possible so quickly. It can only be said that the oppression is too harsh, and it has reached a level that the Nigeriens cannot accept. Uranium ore is obviously a treasure, but it feels like it is not much different from iron ore; now someone is willing to pay 100 times the price to buy it, and we have to compare the two to make a judgment!

Since the decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague cannot be changed, we can only think of other ways.

If the Nigeriens want to talk about the law, they directly send lawyers to defend them; if the other party disagrees, they are guilty; at the same time, it also proves that the approval is a gimmick; they just want to breach the contract.

By then Niger will not be recognized by the international community and will be a country that has lost credibility; there will be no room for survival. At the same time, it can also allow other African countries to take a good look at the fact that France is definitely a free and democratic country. There is no such thing as oppression and aggression, everything is just an excuse!

Mitterrand said to French Defense Minister Lionel: "France must not sit idly by and be easily manipulated by the colonies; it can easily cause a chain reaction. Has the Ministry of National Defense done any statistics on what it will cost to defeat Niger!"

The military is an important weapon of the country and should not be used lightly; this is true in all countries in the world. It is because of Britain's war with Argentina that the economy has not improved in recent years; it has even triggered domestic demonstrations and riots.

Argentina's defense strength is indeed much stronger than that of Niger. France asks itself that it will definitely not be worse than the United Kingdom. However, Niger is a landlocked country and can attack the opponent from the sea. It needs a way out! At present, only Libya is the most suitable, but the situation is unlikely; after all, I have just rejected Colonel Ka's request to purchase fighter jets, and now I am looking for help from others; how can I care about you!

But this is politics, and what soldiers need to consider is how to defeat the enemy.

Defense Minister Lionel thought for a moment and said: "Your Excellency, according to intelligence, the Soviets have already taken action; many weapons and equipment were delivered to Niger by the Soviet Union through Libya."

"But it has just begun, and Niger's own economy is not very good; there is not much money to spend on purchasing weapons and equipment; the quantity is not very large yet."

"At least heavy weapons such as air force fighter jets have not been sold, so if you want to use force, you must do it quickly. Every day of delay will increase France's losses."

"Another thing that is more troublesome is that Niger is a landlocked country; if you want to attack Niger, you must go through a third country."

"Based on the topography, Libya is the most suitable choice; followed by Algeria. Although both countries were once French colonies, it is not that easy to get the two countries to agree to use the tunnel!"

As early as the colonial era, France had already adopted a localized management model for Algeria. That is to say, Algeria is regarded as the French mainland, and three first-level administrative regions are established in Algeria, which are at the same level as the first-level administrative regions in the French mainland and are governed by the French government. The other French colonies are mainly governed by colonial institutions, which shows the importance they attach to Algeria!

France even declares to the outside world that Algeria is a natural part of France and a natural extension of France, and calls on French people to immigrate to Algeria. As France continued to operate, its rule over Algeria became more and more stable. During the war, a large number of Algerian soldiers served for France. But after World War II, France's strength was greatly reduced; Algeria finally became independent in 1.

However, during the independence process, it was severely suppressed by France; the death toll alone exceeded 500,000, and it really paid a heavy price.

Although the relationship between the two countries is still good now, the country that finally became independent; the former colonizer still has to send troops to station. Even though he knew he was not dealing with them, the shadow in his heart still existed.

The meaning is obvious. If the two countries do not agree to use the tunnel, there will be nothing that can be done to Niger. Relying on economic sanctions alone will not have any effect at all; but it will not have much effect.

If the Soviet Union was behind it, why would we be afraid of French economic sanctions?

Mitterrand thought for a moment and said: "What is the possibility of directly using the air force and missile forces to completely defeat Niger!"

Hearing this, Lionel really didn't know what to say; he didn't even know whether Mitterrand was really stupid or fake. But who makes someone the president? Since the question is asked, it is natural to give a professional answer!

Lionel: "Niger has a land area of ​​more than 1 million square kilometers, and the buildings are mainly low-rise. Therefore, relying on air force bombing and missile attacks alone will not be very effective."

"Even if all conventional missiles and bombs from France are launched, it will not cause much damage to the Niger mainland!"

"To make Niger surrender, a ground attack is indispensable; based on the current military strength analysis of both sides. We must be mentally prepared to kill and injure 50,000 soldiers, otherwise we will not be able to take Niger at all!"

Landlocked countries also have the advantages of being landlocked. Even if they offend powerful enemies, as long as they maintain good relations with their surrounding neighbors, they don't have to worry about being beaten.

Hearing that the occupation of Niger was possible only at the cost of 50,000 casualties; Mitterrand was a little shaken!

Rushing to send troops could easily lead France into the abyss; why the Fourth Republic fell, the failure of the war in Algeria was a direct factor.

Mitterrand: "The Ministry of National Defense will make plans and preparations for dispatching troops. As for other matters, let the Ministry of Foreign Affairs negotiate."

Although they dare not take risks, they must show a tough attitude; if they are allowed to be manipulated by the Nigeriens, how can France gain a foothold in the world?

Now we can only make two-pronged preparations. Diplomacy and economic sanctions will not work; it is not too late to send troops to suppress it. Mitterrand did not want to send troops, let alone be nailed to the pillar of shame!

As the president, he is naturally aware of the current situation in France; economic development is stagnant and the employment situation is very bad. If a war breaks out at this time, the situation will be extremely unfavorable.

When it comes to who is the busiest man in France in recent times; Foreign Minister Laurent Duma is definitely the one!

It has been trying to communicate with Niger and even said that it can fly to Niamey at any time to negotiate with the new president Mahaman Osman to properly resolve the conflict! To this end, France can make certain concessions and increase mineral prices appropriately.

The Nigeriens almost laughed when they saw France's offer; the uranium purchase price increased from US$0.5 per kilogram to US$5 per kilogram. If you don’t know the international market price, you will probably be grateful; now seeing this quotation, you are simply treating the Nigeriens as fools!

After being rejected by Niger, they tried to communicate with Libya. Colonel Ka did not prioritize the visit of the French Foreign Minister, but his proposal to use the passage was severely rejected, and there was not even any room for negotiation.

Algeria is not as strong as Libya, but it also has a negative attitude towards sending troops to take advantage of the situation.

The foreign minister of the powerful French Republic has been rejected by three African countries; this is the first time in history. Even during World War II, he never received such a cold reception!

However, whoever asks him to do this job must obey the will of the country and maximize the interests of France as much as possible.

With President Mitterrand's look, Laurent Duma naturally understood what he meant; so he said directly: "The Niger side has a very tough attitude and has currently cut off all channels of direct communication with us."

"It can only be communicated through a third party, and the effect is not very satisfactory."

"Libya has made it clear that it will never allow French soldiers and weapons and equipment to enter its territorial waters, airspace, and territory; otherwise, we will bear all the consequences."

"As for Algeria, the same is true, but the attitude is not as tough as Libya; I will personally coordinate, after all, Niger and Algeria themselves also have deep conflicts; you can take advantage of it!"

"I communicated with the Soviet Ambassador to France, and the other party stated that the Soviet Union will not participate in the conflict between Niger and France; but the meaning is also clear, and I hope both parties will exercise restraint!"

Maintain restraint at this time. Who in Africa will take France seriously in the future? Lao Maozi is really good at calculating. However, the current international situation is extremely unfavorable to France, and it can only swallow its anger.

The Soviet Union's non-public support means that weapons and equipment need to be smuggled into Niger; the scale must be limited, which is also good news for France!