"Your Excellency, I propose the formation of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Army Groups," declared Marshal Joffre.
"Three additional army groups?" President Poincaré frowned.
If three more were established, the French Army would comprise a total of 15 groups, with a combined strength exceeding three million. This would nearly exhaust the nation's young and able-bodied men, sending them to the front lines to face certain death—a heavy blow to both French society and the entire nation.
"Mr. President, we must prepare for the battles ahead. To continue resisting the German onslaught, we require a stronger force. Given the substantial losses on the front lines, the creation of three new army groups will enhance our capacity to confront the Germans, allowing us to endure until the end. Otherwise, we may not survive long enough to see our navy victorious," Joffre continued.
"Marshal, the war has already plunged the government into debt. Forming three additional army groups will undoubtedly require significant funding, which the government can scarcely afford," Finance Minister Alexander Ribert interjected.
"Regardless of the difficulties, the issue of funding must be resolved. The cost of losing this war will far exceed that of establishing three new army groups," Joffre insisted.
Ribert fell silent, looking to President Poincaré, as if awaiting his decision. Should Poincaré decide to proceed with the formation of more troops, Ribert would not object.
"Marshal Joffre, I concur with your assessment; we shall form three more army groups. However, let this be the final expansion. Beyond this, we have no surplus funds or manpower for additional formations," Poincaré cautioned, reminding Joffre not to propose further units afterward, lest it lead to an unending escalation.
"Understood, Mr. President," Joffre replied with a nod, fully aware that the nation's mobilization was nearing its limit. The addition of three army groups was already a significant concession.
"Sir, the French Republic has resolved to continue the war. Will the British Empire likewise commit to supporting us? It is imperative that they stand by us at this juncture," Poincaré stated.
"Mr. President, I shall communicate France's stance to my government. Personally, I am fully inclined to continue supporting France's war efforts," replied Sir French.
Like France, the British Empire was unwilling to capitulate to Germany. They had to sustain the conflict, especially as they sought to rebuild the Royal Navy and prepare for a decisive clash with the German fleet. However, revitalizing the Royal Navy would take time, and the British Army needed to secure ample preparation for this.
It was indeed fortuitous that the French were willing to persist in the struggle, as a prolonged engagement would benefit the British Empire immensely. The longer the fighting continued, the greater the losses Germany would incur on the French front, thereby weakening their strength.
Poincaré nodded, acknowledging that British commitment would bolster their position against Germany.
"Then, gentlemen, what shall be our next course of action? The Germans will inevitably set their sights on Paris as their next target," Poincaré remarked.
Undoubtedly, Paris had become an exceedingly perilous locale. Once the German forces approached, the city would transform into a battleground. Poincaré wished to avoid being caught in such a conflict.
"Mr. President, Paris is the capital of the French Republic; should war break out here, it would be reduced to ruins. This would be a heart-wrenching scenario. We ought to take measures to prevent Paris from descending into chaos," Prime Minister Viviani suggested.
"Is there a feasible solution?" Poincaré inquired.
"Perhaps we could evacuate Paris and declare it an undefended city," Viviani proposed.
"What? Leave Paris undefended? This is unacceptable!" Joffre exclaimed.
"Prime Minister, that is simply not an option. Would we hand Paris over to the Germans? I would rather engage them in combat here, even if it means turning the city into rubble, than surrender Paris!" Joffre's resolve was unwavering.
Viviani's expression darkened in response.
"Marshal, the Prime Minister does not wish to see the beautiful city of Paris laid waste by war," Poincaré interjected gently.
"I understand, Mr. President. However, I still maintain that we must fight the Germans in Paris. This great city demands a fierce defense; should we confront the Germans here, they will pay an exorbitant price to capture it. To abandon Paris would merely gift it to them. We can rebuild a city ravaged by war, but should France lose this conflict, everything will be lost!" Joffre asserted passionately.
"Mr. President, I recommend that the government relocate immediately from Paris and that civilians also evacuate. I will ensure that troops returning from the front are stationed here to defend Paris to the last," Joffre declared.
Poincaré opened his mouth to respond but ultimately said nothing.
The following day, President Poincaré, Prime Minister Viviani, and the entire cabinet evacuated Paris, retreating southward. Simultaneously, over a million residents of the city fled in haste. Families packed their belongings and departed by carriages, automobiles, or on foot, fully aware that Paris was on the brink of becoming a battlefield. The civilian population was unwilling to risk their lives in the ensuing conflict; escape was their only option.
In stark contrast, the French army was converging on Paris from various fronts, preparing to engage the German forces in a fierce battle.