Although this was just a guess, in view of the serious consequences of this guess, Delcasse sent a secret telegram to Paris that day. The French government was also shocked after receiving the telegram, and immediately asked the military to deduce what would happen to Germany at this time.
If a war starts on all fronts, France will have a few percent chance of winning.
"Everyone, according to our military deduction, if only Germany goes to war with our country, on land, our country will have a balance of power with Germany by virtue of its 75mm rapid-fire gun. If Italy is added, then our country's chance of winning is only three levels, and if
If you add Austria-Hungary into the mix, our country’s chances of winning are even lower.”
At the Prime Minister's Office, a French general was telling Prime Minister Rouvier and other cabinet ministers the results of the military's war simulation.
For Rouvier, the former Minister of Finance who had just become prime minister, he was faced with such a big problem when he took office, which made him feel very headache. (The betrayal of the Radical Party and the Socialist Party by his predecessor Combu led to his death in January 1905.
Resigned on January 17th)
However, France is facing this crisis. As the prime minister of the cabinet, he certainly cannot sit idly by and say. "Everyone, France is currently in a dangerous state. As the top leaders of the government, we have the responsibility to prevent France from this situation."
"
After setting this tone, Rouvier immediately said to the military representatives attending the meeting. "Beto, Kamil, your navy and army need to prepare for possible wars in advance."
Facing the Prime Minister's words, Beto, as the Minister of War, immediately spoke. "Prime Minister, our army has already made plans. We have stopped the vacation of officers and soldiers, and the early recruitment of reserves and militia is proceeding in an orderly manner."
"The same goes for our navy, which is recruiting reserve officers and soldiers and overhauling warships."
The military's preparations in advance are not enough for Rouvier. More importantly, at the diplomatic level, France needs the strength of other countries to at least help France tide over this difficulty.
He then said to Trullo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs on the side. "Your Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to contact the United Kingdom and let them side with us. In addition, Russia should at least let them keep an eye on Austria-Hungary and send a message to Delcasse."
, let him talk to the Italians, and at least ensure that Italy cannot get involved in the affairs between our country and Germany."
It is obvious that Rouvier, as Prime Minister, has well-organized response measures and must have thought about it for a long time. First of all, the British Empire must be the first on France's demand list. Because only the deterrence from the British Empire can keep the Germans clear-headed.
a little.
Of course, if all hopes are placed on the British, this is definitely impossible. On the one hand, it is whether the British are willing to form a military alliance with Paris at this time, and secondly, if the British Empire is only willing to give verbal support, then it is necessary
Use the following steps.
The first is ally Russia. Although it has just lost the war and is full of domestic conflicts, it is still useful. Although it is not expected to complete the task of flanking Germany, it should not be a problem to keep Austria-Hungary in check. As for other things, forget about it, unless Nikolay
The second generation suddenly felt that he was a Frenchman, so he might have to pray to God for help.
After Russia looks after Austria-Hungary, it needs to deal with the thorn in the side of Italy.
Regarding Italy, France has a good card in its hand, and that is Tunisia. Speaking of the hostility with Italy, it is mainly because of Tunisia. In recent years, Italy has been causing trouble with France. Of course, the most uncomfortable thing is the war with the Qing Dynasty. In Italy
Mixed in, France lost the face of the great powers.
Of course, it is rude to come back without reciprocating. France has also caused trouble for Italy, but the effect is not as good as Italy's.
Now for the security of France, the Italians must be stabilized, at least not allowed to get involved in the dispute with Germany.
As Rouvier made countermeasures, the French began to get busy. In London, after a conversation with the British, the French envoy won the support of the British. Its Prime Minister Bannerman promised that if France and Germany
If war broke out, the British Empire would side with France.
Although the leader of the Liberal Party claimed to support France, regarding France's most urgent military alliance, the British Empire refused to negotiate a military alliance now on the grounds that the conditions were not mature. Although it did not reach the most ideal state, it
Britain pledged to stand by France, which was a pretty good result.
As for Russia, Tsar Nicholas II agreed to France's request to keep Austria-Hungary in check. Of course, they also promised that if war broke out between Germany and France, Russia would support France, but military operations were impossible due to domestic turmoil.
After both Britain and Russia achieved good results, the next step is to stabilize the Italians.
It's still the same cafe, still two diplomatic professionals.
"Your Excellency Bacona, our country sincerely wants to discuss the issue of Tunisia with your country. Because our country believes that this slightly hostile policy between your two countries is actually not wise at all."
Even though the two have met many times, Delcasse, as the French Foreign Minister, still finds the Italian Foreign Minister a bit difficult to deal with. The reason is...here he goes again.
"Okay, then your country will hand over the protection of Tunisia to our country, then your country will be our country's true friend, as true a friend as Germany."
This is the reason why it is difficult for Mr. Bacona to deal with it. He only puts forward one condition, which is to give Tunisia to Italy for protection. There is no such thing as accepting death in diplomatic negotiations. He has obtained Bacona's information before.
This person who was able to become the Minister of Foreign Affairs and be in charge of Italian diplomacy is a very capable person, and he cannot have this kind of character.
So now the conclusion has been reached, that is, the Italians are confident and have their own reasons for agreeing.
"Your Excellency Bacona, our country agrees that your country enjoys equal rights with our country in Tunisia. This is already the biggest concession. We also hope that your country will not be overconfident."
Regarding Delcasse's words, Bacona showed a slightly embarrassed expression. "I'm sorry, our country is not interested in this right, so thank you for your kindness."
For Mr. Bacona, who is not good at everything, Delcasse feels that the other party will not listen to what he has to say unless he comes up with his trump card. Of course, since it is called a trump card, it must not be used easily. But looking at it now
You can't hide it when you come.
So he pondered for a while and then said, "Actually, our country can understand your country's desire for Tunisia. So if your country is really interested, then we might as well talk about it."
Delcasse's words made Bacona's eyes flash with a glimmer of light. "Is this true?"
