The snowy scenery of the Alps in winter is charming, and a train is traveling on the railway in the mountain stream.
On this train, Carlo glanced at the winter scenery outside the window and said to the two navy and army ministers sitting opposite him. "We have been talking about this for a month, and the result is pretty good. Thank you for your hard work."
Facing Carlo's words of thanks, the two military bosses hurriedly replied, "It's not hard work, everything is as it should be."
Marshal Cadorna, the Minister of War, said with emotion. "Your Majesty, it is really not easy to negotiate technical cooperation this time. If His Majesty had not already negotiated the basic framework, I don't think the Ministers of War of Germany and Austria would have done much.
willing."
Facing the words of the Minister of War, Carlo nodded in agreement. "Of course, there is still a slight gap between our country and Germany and Austria in terms of army technology research and development. We need to recognize the fact clearly."
"Actually, it's not just the army. I talked with Admiral Tirpitz. Next year, the German Navy's investment in science and technology will exceed ours. The fact that we can still maintain the technological lead at present is due to the accumulation of advanced technology. If this continues, I'm afraid that sooner or later we will
Naval technology is also likely to fall behind Germany."
Admiral Yagier, Minister of Land and Sea, expressed his concerns, but he immediately changed the subject. "But now it's better. Our joint research and development will reduce the consumption of funds, and we can continue to invest in many new technology projects, instead of reluctantly cutting them due to lack of funds."
Lose."
Well, again, this is all about money. If Qian wants to be at the forefront of the world, he can only find allies for help. This is why Carlo is trying his best to promote joint research and development among the three countries.
Of course, Carlo also used a little trick in choosing the time. It happened to be after the passage of the German Navy Act and the beginning of Germany's large-scale shipbuilding. At this time, Germany was most dependent on Italy. At this time, it was proposed that the three countries jointly develop at least Germany
I am very willing. Of course, Germany also knows that it is very easy to offend Italy just because it wants to take wool from Italy. Therefore, when Carlo proposed joint research and development of technology between the navy and army, Germany took into account the importance of Italy.
After that, he also agreed wholeheartedly.
In a sense, this also means that Italy's national power has increased. It has sufficient strength and is no longer the pseudo-power that no one looked down on before.
Look, Italy has been struggling in Carlo's hands for almost 20 years, and it's not easy to finally have the strength that other countries can take seriously.
After defeating Germany, the joint research and development of the three countries is basically completed. As for Austria-Hungary, they will basically not refuse.
For Austria-Hungary, there is still a slight obstacle to engaging in research and development with Italy. However, after Carlo made a guarantee that it would no longer hinder the expansion of Austria-Hungary's influence in the Balkans, at least there was a problem in Austria-Hungary's heart.
A small thorn has also been eliminated, and the rest of the matter has basically fallen into place.
However, although the discussion this time was good, there are still some shortcomings. For example, in terms of joint technology research and development, they are basically focused on the follow-up research and development of active weapons. As for the research and development of new weapons, they still do their own things.
"Your Majesty, I have a question that I hope your Majesty can answer for me." Marshal Cardorna suddenly asked at this time.
"Tell me, I will let you know if I can."
When asked by the Minister of War, Carlo did not give a positive word because there were some things that he could not explain.
"Our Army is very concerned about the new French rapid-fire artillery that Your Majesty mentioned. I would like to ask Your Majesty once. Is this information accurate?"
That's right, not only Germany is very concerned about France's new rapid-fire artillery, but the Italian Army is also very concerned about it, because it is related to Italy's national defense security. Moreover, the intelligence department of the Ministry of the Army is not aware of this news at all, which gives the old marshal a clue.
A little confused.
The main blame for this incident is that Carlo did not communicate with the Army before, which made the Army Secretary a little embarrassed when he was questioned, but fortunately he covered it up. Now it is Carlo's time to explain this mistake.
However, this is not entirely Carlo's fault, because he also made a temporary decision at the time whether to speak out or not, but he must bear part of the responsibility.
"In fact, I will tell you this question even if you don't ask." Carlo organized his thoughts and replied. "This is the news that the royal family's intelligence personnel accidentally discovered. However, due to the strict confidentiality of the French, it was not able to
I took photos of the actual product, but only saw the inspection data.”
Well, Carlo's answer dispelled most of Marshal Cadorna's doubts, because he also knew some information. The king has an extremely mysterious intelligence organization in his hands. As for how mysterious it is, it can be described in one sentence,
Only his voice is heard but his person is not seen.
Regarding matters related to this mysterious intelligence organization, Marshal Cardorna obviously did not intend to continue asking. So the atmosphere gradually became quiet, and the train carrying them moved forward quickly, passed through the Alps, and returned to the Apennines.
Rome in the middle of the peninsula.
Rome was that Rome, and the air was filled with a familiar atmosphere.
However, before Carlo could take a few more puffs after returning to Rome, he was immediately told a piece of news by the foreign minister who greeted him.
"You mean, the United States and Spain have finished talking in Paris?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the peace negotiations between the two countries were concluded yesterday." The Foreign Secretary took out a document. "Your Majesty, this is the document for the treaty signed between the two countries."
Listening to the words of the Foreign Secretary, Carlo took over the information on the Paris Peace Treaty (it felt awkward, but there was nothing wrong with it).
There are only a few of them, the first of which is that the United States recognizes Spanish sovereignty over Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish islands in the West Indies.
Article 2: Spain must guarantee the property of American merchants in Cuba and the Spanish West Indies. If it is violated, Spain must recover and return it. (This is also the most difficult clause in the negotiations between the two parties.)
Article 3: Both sides shall repatriate prisoners of war to each other.
Article 4: In view of the huge gap between the prisoners of war between the two sides, and disputes caused by the differences may not be avoided, the United States decided to pay 10 million US dollars in food expenses.
Spain captured a total of more than 900 American naval officers and soldiers. The food expenses of more than 10,000 points for this person are indeed heroic. Well, this kind of deception means you don't have to look at it to know that this is considered compensation.
After closing the contract, Carlo looked at the Minister of the Navy and said, "Then our soldiers can return home?"
Admiral Yagir immediately replied. "Your Majesty, that's for sure. I will send a letter to the Spaniards to ask them to release our officers and soldiers."
After receiving a satisfactory answer, Carlo boarded the carriage. It had been a month since he had seen his little Vittorio, and Carlo was eager to return home.
