Alsace-Lorraine not annexed?

One thing that hasn't been mentioned so far is that the federal German government needed to annex Alsace-Lorraine so that it could be responsible for defending the border. Previously, it had to go through the states, which was viewed as an unnecessary administrative burden.
 
"Give the Belgians Artois, perhaps, in exchange for the Belgians acquiescing to a German annexation of Luxembourg?"

I can't imagine Belgium wanting any French territory, it would have been a danger to her survival. From France wanting the territories returned, also from the resentfulness of the French speakers forced to join Belgium.
Yes Belgium already has a lot of French speakers, to add more might lead them to wish to join France. Might upset the Flemish as well, they might demand to join Holland.

The subject was AL not been annexed, i think it's Germanys best option as it leaves France without anything to fight another war for. I think no annexions, maybe a pleibecite in Alsace brings a situation where the pot can cool down. Ok it might takes decades, but ends Frances territorial demands in the Rhine area.

If i had been the Kaiser i would have tied non annexaton and peace for France - Alsace Pleibecite - to a treaty that recognised the permanence of the Franco German, Franco Belgian, and Belgian German borders.

Know this would have won favour with Britain, and possibly offered more security.
Resentfulness of the French speakers forced to join Belgium???
First time I ever read something like that.:D
 
Yes, whats wrong with that. Let put it more simply, i dont think the French in Artois would be very happy about suddenly being part of Belgium.

I didnt realise it was dead.
 
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