March 15, 1929
The ancient grandfather clock announced eleven in the evening for all of Ten Downing Street. Aside from the crackle of the nearby roaring fire there was not another sound throughout the entire residence.
Outwardly, the two men assembled in the smoking room were completely at ease. Internally, however, they were both frantically determining what course of action must be taken. André, sensing hesitation, attempted one last bout of persuasion.
"You know as well as I, Prime Minister, that if France falls, Britain stands alone. The government of the Third Republic does not anticipate a war, nor wish one. We simply seek insurance if one were to occur. We can assure that future generations must never again endure the horrors of the Western Front. I sit before you as a servant of the French government, and beg. Beg for assistance from our ally." He took a deep breath and intently studied the balding man who would either save his project or destroy it. Finally, Stanley Baldwin spoke.
"Monsieur Maginot, as both the Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury I can honestly promise the full financial support of the United Kingdom. His Majesty's government will match in full any appropriation made by the Third Republic. You will have your wall, and with it the security of our nations."
André was blindsided. He had been promised nearly three billion francs by the government, which alone only provided for extensive fortifications on the direct eastern border with Germany. With six billion he would extend it across the entire length of France's eastern frontier, Belgium and the Ardennes included.
He stood, and bowed graciously to the British premier. "You have saved our nations, Mr. Baldwin." With that, he hurriedly left and made his way to the waiting car.
There were many preparations to be made and the construction would be lengthy. But, it would happen.
Yes, he would have his wall.
The ancient grandfather clock announced eleven in the evening for all of Ten Downing Street. Aside from the crackle of the nearby roaring fire there was not another sound throughout the entire residence.
Outwardly, the two men assembled in the smoking room were completely at ease. Internally, however, they were both frantically determining what course of action must be taken. André, sensing hesitation, attempted one last bout of persuasion.
"You know as well as I, Prime Minister, that if France falls, Britain stands alone. The government of the Third Republic does not anticipate a war, nor wish one. We simply seek insurance if one were to occur. We can assure that future generations must never again endure the horrors of the Western Front. I sit before you as a servant of the French government, and beg. Beg for assistance from our ally." He took a deep breath and intently studied the balding man who would either save his project or destroy it. Finally, Stanley Baldwin spoke.
"Monsieur Maginot, as both the Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury I can honestly promise the full financial support of the United Kingdom. His Majesty's government will match in full any appropriation made by the Third Republic. You will have your wall, and with it the security of our nations."
André was blindsided. He had been promised nearly three billion francs by the government, which alone only provided for extensive fortifications on the direct eastern border with Germany. With six billion he would extend it across the entire length of France's eastern frontier, Belgium and the Ardennes included.
He stood, and bowed graciously to the British premier. "You have saved our nations, Mr. Baldwin." With that, he hurriedly left and made his way to the waiting car.
There were many preparations to be made and the construction would be lengthy. But, it would happen.
Yes, he would have his wall.
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