"William, how long has it been since we last met?"
"It's been almost seven years, yes it's been seven years."
When the two navies were talking about cooperation, the two monarchs were also talking, but they were talking about friendship. And they were talking in the garden.
Like ordinary people, Carlo and William II sat on a bench, holding wine glasses and looking at the bonfire and the cooks busy at the grill.
"Carlo, I still remember the first time we met. Your remarks about the role of the navy attracted me at that time, and after a conversation with you, I felt that many of our ideas coincided with each other."
William II held a wine glass filled with red wine and sighed. "Later, I watched you become more and more proficient in using the navy. It was a good move to occupy the Borneo colony."
With that said, William raised his glass and gestured to Carlo.
"Thanks!"
Carlo retorted and took a sip.
"William, I'm a little confused as to why your country's navy is developing so slowly. I remember we talked at the time that there are fewer and fewer unclaimed lands in this world, and the lack of sufficient naval power will make it difficult for your country's influence to radiate out.
,Germany also needs land under the sun."
Carlo's words made Kaiser Wilhelm look bitter. "Carlo, there is nothing we can do about it. You know, it is difficult to change the stubborn ideas in the country. Although I seem to be able to do everything now, I also need to
Consider the needs of the domestic people. In the past, our country's need for overseas territories was not urgent, so the demand for the navy was not high. Although I very much recognize the role of the navy, I am only a monarch, not a God. Sometimes I really envy you,
At least you don't have to be so restrained."
Okay, yes, William II was very envious of Carlo. Because Carlo used the navy to gamble all his moves, he bought Italy the Far East market and a rich colony in one fell swoop. Of course, it also brought sweetness to it.
power.
Especially the colony called Borneo, it was the land under the sun that Germany dreamed of. With an annual income of nearly 80 million marks, coupled with its excellent location, Germany was greedy for it.
It's annoying to say that none of Germany's colonies are currently losing money. Of course, this has a lot to do with the fact that all German colonies are in underdeveloped Africa, but it also explains a lot of problems.
"William, there's nothing I can do about it. It's just a coincidence. Everything is a matter of luck."
After listening to Carlo's defense, William II waved his hand and said, "My friend, I'm not jealous of your luck, I'm just lamenting myself. Sometimes I always think about it. If I were not so forward-thinking, it might be a lot better.
"
"Maybe so."
William II looked at Carlo in front of him, and then whispered. "By the way Carlo, I talked with Ferdinand, and he also very much agrees with the role of the navy."
Carlo didn't know how to answer William's words.
Looking at Carlo who was silent, William II said seriously. "Carlo, I think the relationship between your country and Austria-Hungary needs to be improved. You are both allies of our country, and the improvement of the relationship between your two countries is also very beneficial.
itself."
Carlo could see that William II was sincere in what he said, and he wanted Austria-Hungary and Italy to reach reconciliation.
Of course, Carlo hopes so too.
But it was never that easy to reach complete reconciliation with Austria-Hungary. Even if Carlo himself married a Habsburg princess, it would not be easy to promote reconciliation between the two countries.
Because the two countries still have considerable disputes over territory, history, and even interests.
Although the two countries have currently shelved their disputes over the Tyrol region, everyone knows that if the issue of Tyrol's ownership cannot be resolved, sooner or later it will become the trigger for hostility between the two countries and even war.
As for history, the Habsburg family ruled Italy for a long time, and its wealth acquisition in Italy was not small. It caused a lot of public dissatisfaction. It is difficult for Italians to have too much favorable impression of the Habsburg family.
In addition, in terms of interests, the main point of contact between the two countries is in the Balkans. In this region, the two countries have gradually shifted from cooperating against Russia to going their separate ways. Austria-Hungary even formed a tacit understanding with Russia from time to time, which greatly annoyed Italy.
Of course, this situation is also related to the fact that Italy has gained too much benefits from the Balkans. In the Macedonia region, which is the focus of all countries in the Balkans, Italy supported Bulgaria and captured most of the northern Macedonia region. In addition, Italy itself also took the entire Albania region (Kosovo was included in the calculation).
in the Albanian region).
It can be said that Italy's actions directly disturbed the situation in the Balkans.
Bulgaria's increased strength has attracted the fear of the Balkan countries, but considering Italy behind it, they dare not move. Greece saw that the Ottomans were beaten and abandoned in front of Italy and Bulgaria, so they wanted to give it a try.
Due to his skill, he was beaten violently. If the British had not stopped him, the Ottomans would have beaten them to Athens in one go.
As for Serbia, it is even more difficult. Since Bulgaria and Italy occupy Albania and northern Macedonia, its southward expansion route to seek revenge against the Ottomans has been blocked. It is surrounded by European countries, and they want to use the Ottoman pagan country to attack themselves.
break.
For this reason, Serbia's diplomatic environment has deteriorated abnormally. It is surrounded by the ambitious Austro-Hungarian Empire in the northeast and west (Bosnia and Herzegovina has been annexed by Austria-Hungary), and Italy, Montenegro and Bulgaria are in the south. Of course, there is also a small border with Romania.
.
Among Serbia's current neighbors, except for Montenegro, they all need to implement defensive policies, so Serbia is in urgent need of a big partner.
Fortunately, Serbia is lucky and has two big legs to hug. The first is its traditional ally Russia. As a country that helped it become independent, Russia has always been regarded by Serbia as the strongest ally to ensure its security. Especially after Bulgaria and Italy made good relations.
After capturing most of Macedonia, more diplomatic help came from Russia.
The other big leg is the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Yes, you read it right, it is the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the final analysis, the most important thing between countries is interests, and it is also interests that promote the rapid development of relations between the two countries. Italy in the Balkans
The disruption caused losses to Austria-Hungary's interests. Although Austria-Hungary also benefited from it (the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Austria-Hungary's influence in the Balkans was essentially taken away by Italy.
There is a saying that goes well, if you make little money out of it, you will suffer a loss, let alone this. Therefore, the relationship between Austria-Hungary and Italy has also suffered a lot because of the Balkans.
Of course, for Italy, its territory in the Balkans must not be given up. Kosovo's coal and non-ferrous metal mines are the cornerstone of Italy's industrialization, and no one can make it give up.
Since the relationship between Italy and Austria-Hungary was getting worse and worse, the Kaiser, as an ally of the two countries, wanted to help both parties.
Of course, from another aspect, Germany is doing this for its own interests. If ten years ago, Germany's positioning of Italy was to contain France's pawn, then now, Germany's positioning of Italy is to contain France and serve as a chess piece for Germany.
An important ally for expansion in the world.
In the final analysis, it is only when Italy's strength has grown that it can gain the attention of all countries, including its allies.
"William, if you have time, you can call Ferdinand and let's get together."
Carlo's words made William II smile. Both of them understood what they meant. Italy was willing to talk to Austria-Hungary.
"Then when we have an appointment and both have free time, let's come to Germany and try our pork knuckles and dark beer."
"No problem."
"The meat is roasted. Come and have a taste, Carlo."
"Okay, let me try it."
The pleasant conversation between the two monarchs also represented the negotiations between the two navies.
“A pleasure to work with!”
“A pleasure to work with!”
Major General Tirpitz and General Yagier took a group photo with the cooperation letter signed by each of them in their hands.
The cooperation letter stipulates a five-year cooperation plan for the navies of Italy and Germany. In the plan, Italy and Germany cooperated in 8 major categories and 29 sub-categories, including artillery, ammunition, boilers, ship power, warship design, and radio communications.
cooperate.
The cooperation is mainly about the complementary advantages of the two navies and their efforts to strengthen their own navies.
It is also worth mentioning that the cooperation plan does not stipulate that it is only between the two countries, which was specifically requested by Germany. Obviously, this leaves a door open for Austria-Hungary, and Italy is well aware of it.
However, with the development of the Italian Navy in recent years, Italy does not believe that the Austro-Hungarian Navy, which has lagged behind in recent years, can still pose a threat to itself. This is the self-confidence of a powerful navy, and the Italian Navy has finally developed this self-confidence in these years.
