Chapter 835 Good people and evil people
Then, Dutch Speaker Dandels came to everyone and spoke on behalf of the Dutch government with a sad expression.
He first severely rebuked Britain and Prussia for forcing the Netherlands to participate in this unjust war, causing irreparable harm to France. On behalf of the Netherlands, he expressed his most sincere apology to France.
Then he took out the armistice agreement document and began to read it one by one.
"My government will try war criminals involved in the invasion of Wallonia..."
Dandels then explained the meaning of war crimes - there was no concept of war crimes in this era.
Before he finished speaking, he could hear the crying faintly.
The Netherlands sent more than 20,000 soldiers to participate in the anti-French alliance this time, and many of the onlookers were relatives and families of the soldiers.
Dandels hurriedly raised his hand and whispered: "The soldiers are just obeying orders. Only officers above major need to bear the responsibility of provoking war!"
The onlookers He immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and then began to raise his arms and shout, "Severely punish the sinners who provoked the war!"
"Trial war criminals!"
"Hang them!"
As the crowd gradually calmed down, Dandels read out the amount of war reparations:
"... A total of 700,000 guilds were required to compensate the French government. "
This time he immediately added: "We have brought more than 800,000 losses to France, but His Majesty the King of France has given mercy and pardoned part of it." br>
People don’t have much feeling about this. Last year, Amsterdam Bank spent more than 1 million guilds to acquire Batavia Trading Bank, which is not a big deal.
Dandels later mentioned the provisions of adding "noble seats" to the parliament.
Most ordinary citizens couldn't figure out what this meant, but the nobles present began to cheer, "This is a fair parliament!"
"God! Thank the French! ”
“The future of the Netherlands is hopeful again…”
Dandels looked at the armistice agreement and finally said: "According to the French government's request, the Netherlands will withdraw from the alliance treaty with Britain and Puerto and swear to always abide by the neutral state..."
The square was silent for a moment, and then a thunderous cheer suddenly burst out.
In fact, the Dutch have always been dissatisfied with the British-Dutch alliance - this was something that the Netherlands was forced to sign with the British after losing the Fourth British-Dutch War ten years ago.
In that war, the British plundered a large number of Dutch merchant ships and occupied many Dutch colonies.
Seeing that such a humiliating alliance was about to be abolished, how could the Dutch not be happy?
As for the British to get angry?
The British are now busy fighting with France and have no time to care about the Netherlands.
Let’s talk about the others after the war is over.
If the British really defeated France, then it would not be embarrassing that the Netherlands bowed and apologized to the European overlord.
And now, cheer first.
I don't know who shouted first, "Long live the King of France!"
The nobles who improved their political status immediately shouted, "Long live the King of France!"
Long live the King of France!"
The nobles who improved their political status immediately shouted, "Long live the King of France!" >"Long live the 'suffering rescuer'!"
"Yes, the French are our savior!"
"I love France!"
Danders and other Dutch politicians never expected that this surrender ceremony would be like a celebration.
Dandels and Seguel then signed the armistice agreement. There was another thunderous cheer in the square, and then people began to parade spontaneously to celebrate the end of the war.
However, the Dutch had no idea that the truly tragic war had not yet arrived...
The French army retreated much faster than Joseph promised.
On the sixth day after the signing of the armistice agreement, the last French army retreated to Leopoldesburg in the Flanders area, and after a brief rest, they continued to march southward. He rushed to the Arden Plateau every day.
The distance between these two places is less than 120 kilometers.
The coalition led by the Duke of York rushed from Antwerp to Luxembourg, but could only go to the Netherlands in the north, then go east by Shertohenbos, and then south by Gelden.
The whole journey is about 330 kilometers, and there are two more crossings of the river during this period.
So at this time, the Duke of York had just arrived north of Luxembourg and had not even entered the battle.
The Lefferre Legion will arrive at the Arden Plateau in three days.
…
Southwest of the Netherlands.
No mistakes, one poem, one post, one content, one in 6, one book, one bar, one read!
Middleburg.
Four days after the French evacuated the Netherlands, Major General Siheke, the commander-in-chief of the Flemish National Army - well, he was promoted again - led a 10,000 army to appear in this prosperous coastal sea Near the suburbs of the city.
Shike rode his horse and looked around, and found a feeling of an invincible famous general.
Yes, a week ago, Flemish formally announced his separation from Austrian rule, and the group proposed to form the Republic of Flemish.
Then the newly independent country declared war on the Netherlands on the grounds that "Dutch troops invaded Antwerp and Gantt."
After Siheke set out from northern Leuven, he was invincible all the way, and no Dutch city could stop his army for more than half a day.
A few days ago, he easily occupied the important town of Breda. By this time, more than half of the cities in southern Netherlands were under the control of the Flemish army.
However, Siheke knew very well that the reason why he could conquer cities and land so easily was not that he could fight, but that the Dutch army had long been cleaned up in advance by the French army.
No flintlock rifle can be found in all police stations in southern Netherlands.
This kind of battle can be easily won if it is replaced by a monkey to command.
A sparse gunshot came from afar.
After a while, Sheek's nephew Luka rushed over and reported to him with a relaxed look: "General, the Dutch defenders have surrendered!"
Well, Middleburg, this A defense team of more than 300 people was barely gathered in a few days, using hunting rifles and even bows and arrows. How could it be possible to stop the Flemish regular army?
Shike nodded: "The whole army entered the city. I don't need to remind you what to do, right?"
"Yes, please leave it to me." br>
Two hours later, Flemish soldiers appeared on the streets of Middleburg and loudly declared that the city was under the rule of the Flemish Republic.
Citizens who had experienced the French army entering the city this time were much calmer this time, just watching quietly, waiting for these troops to leave quickly like the French.
However, news soon spread that all Middleburg officials, as well as senior chamber officials and bank directors were asked to meet at the town hall immediately.
At 3 pm, gunfire began to appear in the city, and some people said that it was Flemish soldiers arresting officials who failed to assemble on time.
In Middleburg City Hall, Lieutenant Colonel Luca, surrounded by soldiers, came to the panicked officials and wealthy businessmen, and announced with a smile:
"In the name of the Flemish National Army Military Court, I declare that you have committed the crime of "collusion with Austrian tyrants" and are all arrested."
(End of this chapter)