Chapter 441 Belgium Is a Country, Not a Road

July 21 is Belgium's National Day. 85 years ago, Belgium declared independence on this day, and Prince Leopold was elected as the first king.

Although the war was not over yet, Albert I still rushed to Brussels to hold a military parade.

This military parade was very special. It did not have neat uniforms and equipment. The troops participating in the parade were guerrillas commanded by Colonel Eden.

The soldiers wore a variety of clothes and held rifles from various countries, including British, French, and German.

In addition, there were more than a dozen tanks and armored vehicles sent by the Third Tank Regiment stationed in Brussels. They represented France in this parade.

As soon as they walked onto the street, they were immediately greeted with cheers on both sides of the street. People waved their hands wildly at the team, or held up the Belgian flag and shouted.

Albert I stood on one of the armored vehicles. He waved to the people while holding the armored vehicle, his eyes full of excitement and joy.

The parade slowly moved forward amid the cheers of the people, and finally stopped at the Grand Place in Brussels, where Albert I's armored car drove into the middle and stopped.

(The above picture shows the Grand Place in Brussels, which was built in the 12th century. It is not large in area and is the place where important events are held in Belgium)

Albert I stopped for a while, waiting for the cheers around him to gradually subside, and then he shouted loudly to the people around him: "Unyielding Belgians, I am glad that the National Day can still be held in Brussels this year!"

People cheered.

After the surroundings quieted down, Albert I continued:

"At this time last year, the Germans asked us if we could allow their troops to pass through, and they said it was 'harmless passage'."

"My answer is: Belgium is a country, not a road!"

Cheers rang out again around, and people loudly agreed with Albert I's reply.

"I told them that we will defend our dignity to the death and must use our own strength to repel every attack from other powers!"

"If we must be reduced to dust, let us be gloriously reduced to dust."

"But Belgium will never surrender at any time!"

People were boiling. What Albert I said was a portrayal of Belgium during this period. Since Germany launched the war in August last year, it has been nearly a year. Many people have been thinking about a question in their hearts:

"Is it worth it for Belgium to do this?"

"What is the meaning of doing this?"

"Is it really necessary for small countries to participate in the struggle between big countries?"

...

Albert I gave a powerful response: Only unyielding resistance can make Belgium a thorn, even if it is a small one, but it can still sting the enemy who tries to invade her, so that the enemy will be cautious.

This is the helplessness of small countries, and it is the only thing they can do.

Albert I did not use too many words to thank Britain and France. He knew that this was the reward for Belgium's previous efforts. They had done enough in the war and did not owe Britain and France anything.

But he mentioned a person: "I thank Charles for his contribution to Belgium. This is the second time he defeated the Germans in Antwerp. The Germans were tripped by him in the same place, twice!"

People laughed.

"He is my friend and a friend of Belgium."

"He didn't come this time because he was still fighting the Germans in Antwerp."

"He brought security, freedom, and great victory to Belgium!"

"So I proudly announce that Charles will become a count and pass it down from generation to generation!"

People cheered loudly, as if they were happy for Charles. Many people shouted:

"He deserves such an honor."

"We support him, he saved Belgium!"

"Belgium welcomes Charles!"

...

Charles was a little confused when he heard that he became a "count".

He knew that the title had no practical significance, it was more of an honor, but it was also considered to include Charles in the Belgian nobility, which would be beneficial in interpersonal relationships and business dealings.

I recalled what Albert I said yesterday about selling a piece of land in Antwerp to Charles at a low price. Charles felt that it was a fiefdom and a title, and it felt like he was being trapped in Antwerp.

Charles was right.

Although Belgium was on the road to victory, Albert I was always worried.

Belgium is just a small country with a total population of less than 7 million, but it is sandwiched between several big countries: Britain is across the sea to the north, France is to the west, and Germany is to the east.

(Note: The total population of Belgium in 1900 was 6.13 million. Reference: The population of modern Hong Kong is 7.47 million.)

It would be fine if the big countries were at peace, but if they entered a state of war, Belgium would unfortunately become the center of their tug-of-war.

Last year, the Germans invaded, and today the French drove the Germans out. What if the Germans defeat the French again next year?

Will Belgium be in endless war?

Albert I told Colonel Eden about this worry, and Colonel Eden replied confidently: "Your Majesty, with Charles here, you never need to worry about the Germans invading again."

Albert I nodded and said: "Yes, I believe this. But the premise is 'with Charles here'."

Colonel Eden looked at Albert I in confusion.

Albert I sighed: "Not all French troops are commanded by Charles, Colonel. Not every unit is Charles's unit. We have all seen that the other French units are not very good."

Colonel Eden suddenly realized and nodded in agreement.

Not to mention the distant ones, the nearby ones are Foch's 9th Army.

Charles' troops shot through the German defense zone from Cambrai to Antwerp. If there was no ocean in front, Colonel Eden had reason to believe that they could continue to move forward, and it would be easy.

But Foch's 9th Army, which is the elite unit of the Northern Army Group, and Foch himself can be called the "God of War" of France, is still in trouble in Mons and cannot move. In the end, it was Charles's troops who fought back to support.

So, is it really the French army that is important?

Or is it Charles and Charles's troops?

Colonel Eden believes it is the latter.

After thinking for a while, Colonel Eden suggested: "Your Majesty, I think we should keep Charles in Belgium."

"You think I haven't tried?" Albert I smiled and shook his head: "When he was a lieutenant before, I hoped that he could lead the Belgian army, but he refused without hesitation!"

Albert I's smile was a little bitter.

Facts have proved that Charles is right. He can become a general of France and will be at the top of the French military in the near future. Why should he be tied up by the small country of Belgium?

Colonel Eden hesitated for a moment and suggested: "Your Majesty, as a French general, he may not agree to lead Belgium. But as a capitalist, I think he can't refuse the benefits that Belgium can bring to him."

"What?" Albert I looked at Colonel Eden unexpectedly. He didn't expect Colonel Eden to have some tricks.