Although the negotiations between Italy and Germany are much closer, the alliance treaty still cannot be signed because it still lacks another country, the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
So soon the two parties moved to Vienna, preparing to discuss the renewal of the contract with Austria-Hungary.
Facing the two teams of negotiators coming from Berlin, Austria-Hungary also attached great importance to it.
Because the Triple Alliance Treaty was an upgraded version of the German-Austrian Alliance Treaty, it was also very beneficial to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
However, the contract renewal, which was originally thought to be just a formality, has caused trouble.
"Prime Minister Bismarck, we have seen the terms in this treaty, and our country believes that changes should be made that are more in line with the interests of the three countries."
As soon as the three parties sat down, Count Gustav Carnoky, the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, spoke out about Austria-Hungary's different opinions.
One more thing, the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister has been concurrently serving as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers for the past two decades, because the Austro-Hungarian Empire does not have the position of Prime Minister, only the Prime Minister of Austria and the Prime Minister of Hungary. Traditionally, the Austro-Hungarian Prime Minister is basically the Council of Ministers
Chairman, and this is concurrently held by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. (It should be a translation problem, I think it should be the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, but Mantou can’t read German and doesn’t dare to change it randomly)
Count Carnoki's words made the German side feel a little thumped in their hearts, and there was a feeling that things were about to get out of control.
Sure enough, following Prime Minister Bismarck's words about what Austria-Hungary thought should be changed, Count Carnoky immediately expressed Austria-Hungary's opinion.
“Our country believes that Article 4 of the treaty is somewhat out of date. For example, when a major country that is not a signatory to this treaty threatens the national security of one of the contracting parties, and that contracting party is forced to go to war with it, the other contracting states have the obligation to maintain fidelity to the allies.
It is neutral and reserves the right to participate in war when appropriate. We think this needs to be changed."
As soon as Count Carnoch finished speaking, the German representative's face immediately became good-looking. Although Prime Minister Bismarck had already made some guesses, he, who was well-educated, still endured the unhappiness in his heart and said, "Then how should we change it?
?”
"We believe that it should be changed to the obligation of other contracting states to maintain assistance to allies."
What Count Carnocchi said next had the same meaning as Italy's previous opinions, which meant that he needed public opinion and diplomatic support from his allies.
When faced with Count Carnocchi, it was not necessary for Bismarck to speak, but he could personally tell that Italy and Austria had reached a consensus in this regard.
Now Bismarck understood everything. No wonder Italy no longer persisted. They were waiting to launch an attack together with Austria-Hungary after the round.
Faced with this situation, even Bismarck, who was outstanding in diplomacy, found it difficult.
Because Austria-Hungary is different from Italy, if we use simpler words to describe the relationship between Germany and the two countries, then Italy is a friend. Although we are usually good friends, when it comes to emergency situations, we will break up at the drop of a hat, and Germany will not
pity.
As for Austria-Hungary, they have a brotherly relationship. Although there are some minor frictions on weekdays, in critical situations, Germany will not give up on Austria-Hungary.
Of course, it may not be accurate to say this, but it is generally like this. Otherwise, it would not be possible, a few years after fighting the Austro-Prussian War, they would become allies again.
Of course, in addition to the historical relationship of the same race, there is also the factor of France. As long as France still poses a threat to Germany, its diplomatic strategy will not change.
So after Carnogy finished speaking, Bismarck thought for a while before speaking. "We will consider your suggestion carefully. However, I feel a little unwell due to the fatigue of traveling and traveling. I hope that the meeting can be postponed to tomorrow."
?”
Yes, Bismarck also used the pause card. At present, Germany lacks intelligence support, so it is not clear why Austria-Hungary also supports the Italian draft. It is a diplomatic taboo to continue talking without knowing what cards the opponent has.
Faced with Bismarck's health reasons for suspending negotiations, how could the Austro-Hungarian side represented by Karnoky not accept it.
"In that case, then Count Bismarck can rest a little longer and we can wait."
Following Carnoky's words, the three-party negotiations were pressed on the pause button.
Bismarck, who hurried out of the negotiation venue, whispered to the deputy foreign minister Weizsäcker beside him. "Weizsäcker, it is not convenient for me to come forward next. Please contact your friends in Austria and Hungary to find out what is going on."
.”
Weizsäcker, who knew the seriousness of the matter, nodded without saying anything to show that he understood.
Compared with the German representatives who left in a hurry, the Austro-Hungarian and Italian representatives walked behind slowly.
"Your Excellency Bacona, are you interested in having a drink with us?"
Count Carnoki extended an invitation to Bacona beside him.
"I heard that your wine is very famous throughout Vienna. I am very honored to have requested it."
The performance of the Italian and Austrian negotiating leaders will definitely shock the jaws of uninformed people. When did the relationship between the two countries become so good?
In fact, this is not surprising at all, because the two completely explained what it means that there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests. The two countries are getting closer so quickly precisely because of their interests.
Italy's proposal to amend Article 4 was an unexpected surprise for Austria-Hungary.
You can see it just by opening the map.
Look at the countries surrounding Austria-Hungary. Germany and Italy are now allies, so there is nothing to worry about. To the east is Russia, its rival in the Balkan competition. As long as the Russian threat can be resisted, the Balkan countries will be able to withstand it.
Can't live with Austria-Hungary's various means.
Although there are still some small countries around Germany, countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark are deeply involved with other European powers. Unless Germany intends to challenge two or three opponents, it cannot move at all.
This is also the reason why Bismarck was unwilling to amend Article 4. Germany's benefits from the revised Article 4 were too low, and it was simply making a wedding dress for the other two countries.
As for Italy, its land has no possibility of expansion, and its land territory is restricted by France and Austria. As for the poor and poor Switzerland, its location makes Italy dare not touch it at all.
Although there is no possibility of expansion on Italian land, Italy has an excellent navy. With its powerful navy, it can invade and occupy countries along the Mediterranean Sea.
Of course, this also requires choosing an opponent, and the opponent chosen by Italy this time will at least not allow other powers to interfere.
Of course, in addition to this reason, Italy also made another huge commitment to Austria-Hungary. It was this commitment that was the main reason why the people of Austria-Hungary had to stand firm regardless of their relationship with Germany.
