"I understand," Gallieni replied. "But as I said, we cannot stand by and watch the British Expeditionary Force collapse. We must reinforce them."
Shire did not speak. He pointed at Charleroi in Belgium on the map with his finger.
(The above image shows the location of Charleroi in Belgium. The blue area is the Arden Highlands and Forest, with rugged terrain that is unsuitable for maneuver warfare, effectively splitting the battlefield into two disconnected parts. It was commonly believed at the time that armored units could not pass through this area. In World War II, the German Army bypassed the Maginot Line and entered France by passing through this forest.)
Gallieni looked puzzled, "Do you plan to attack Charleroi?"
"Yes," Shire replied. "This is a critical position that must be captured before an assault on the Liege Fortress. It is backed by mountainous forests, both offensive and defensive, forming a mutually supportive position with Liege."
Gallieni nodded in agreement.
