"Special Envoy Cabrera, I'm very sorry. Our country's current situation makes it impossible to comply with your country's request. I hope your country can understand."
In a hidden room in the palace, Carlo, as the king of Italy, expressed his apologies to a secret envoy in a rare occasion. Of course, there was a reason why Carlo had to lower his profile.
Because this special envoy Cabrera is a diplomatic envoy secretly sent by Germany. The main purpose is to let Italy make some small moves on the Italian-French border during the confrontation between Germany and France to attract the attention of the French and relieve some of the pressure on Germany.
Of course, Germany also knows that it is impossible to do anything without giving benefits, so it also gives some benefits, that is, it gives Italy certain preferential treatment when importing Ruhr coal and iron ore.
Faced with the German request and the benefits offered, how could Carlo, who had just reached an agreement with the French, accept it. So facing the Cabrera envoy, Carlo thought that the current Italian navy and army were too weak.
The Germans' request was rejected on the grounds that they simply had no ability to cause trouble on the Italian-French border.
The reasons given by Carlo are very reasonable, and there is no shirk at all. Because the Italian navy and army are currently at their weakest in history. In the army, the total strength of the Italian army is only 193,000, so there is no way it can attack.
Not to mention that there are more than two million square kilometers of land in mainland Italy and the colonies. There is not even a single soldier in these ten square kilometers. It is conceivable how much pressure the Italian Army is currently under, and it is of a helpless kind.
As for the navy, let alone that. Last year, everyone knew that all the main Italian warships were sold to the Russians. Now the only one that can take the lead is the Dreadnought. Relying on this timeless warship to cause trouble for the French,
It can only be said that the Italian Navy is drifting.
Some people may say, what are you afraid of? There is still a German navy anyway.
The key to the problem is that the German Navy is in the North Sea and Italy is in the Mediterranean. If you look at the map, you will know that it is easier to rely on the German Navy for rescue than to pray for God to come. As for the long coastline of Italy, if the navy does not have the advantage, then
But it’s hard to do.
Therefore, when neither the navy nor the army has the upper hand, it makes sense for Italy to refuse on the grounds of its own safety.
Faced with Carlo's series of reasons, Cabrera, as a special envoy, couldn't help but think of the exhortation of the Prime Minister, the Marquis de Bilo, before departure. "Cabrera, although the purpose of your trip is very important, it is more important to explore...
It should clarify the attitude of the Italians. Especially when our country conflicts with France, whether they are willing to stand on our side, even if they do not use military means, but at least they need to show this attitude in other ways."
Therefore, when faced with Carlo's polite refusal, the Cabrera envoy was not discouraged at all. He only said, "Your Majesty Carlo, I can understand your country's difficulties, but if your country does nothing, will
Not appropriate, is your country still willing to implement the alliance treaty between our two countries?"
Regarding the words of Special Envoy Cabrera, Carlo said without hesitation. "At this point, please rest assured that the conditions signed between our country and your country will definitely be implemented. As long as your country is attacked by either Russia or France,
attack, our country will definitely mobilize its troops to join your country in declaring war on it."
Carlo also made it very clear that Italy will fulfill its alliance obligations only when it is attacked. As for the signatory countries attacking each other, then I'm sorry and can only remain neutral. Of course, it is still very difficult to sell some supplies needed by the allies.
Reasonable.
As a diplomatic envoy, Viscount Cabrera, who was familiar with diplomatic rules, of course understood what Carlo meant. He knew how to reply to Berlin.
Of course, news of Italy's support for Germany quickly spread back to Berlin. Although Italy refused direct military action due to its current weak armaments, other than that, its performance in other aspects was consistent with Austria-Hungary's.
of.
Regarding Rome's statement, Berlin also breathed a sigh of relief. You must know that Berlin has been closer to Vienna in recent years. Whether it is communication or wooing, more diplomats go to Vienna.
Therefore, Berlin still has doubts about whether Italy is willing to fulfill the alliance treaty this time. But this time Carlo answered without hesitation, allowing Special Envoy Cabrera to get a satisfactory answer. You must know who has the final say about Italy.
Question, who in all countries doesn’t know the answer is this monarch of Carlo? As long as this monarch agrees, then they are inseparable.
Compared with Italy's straightforwardness, Vienna's reply was a bit slow. But fortunately, apart from the condition of directly sending troops, both countries were willing to provide support in other aspects.
Therefore, Germany, which was already leaning toward peaceful resolution of disputes, was in trouble again. Radicals including a group of Junker nobles believed that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
France's ally Russia is so weak and Germany's defensive pressure on the east has been greatly reduced. It should take this opportunity to launch a war against France and remove Germany's biggest threat in Europe, the French armed forces.
Faced with the proposals of these radicals, the conservative faction headed by Prime Minister Billot directly suppressed the radicals who emerged again. First of all, they refuted the other party's view that the British would not participate.
In the view of the conservative faction, the British Empire will not just watch Germany become the hegemon of Central and Western Europe. If a war breaks out between Germany and France, the British Empire will definitely participate in the war. Its huge navy will directly cut off Germany's maritime trade lines.
Moreover, the joining of the British will bring about a chain reaction. First of all, it will be difficult for the two allies to make up their minds to continue supporting Germany. In addition, the joining of the British will also make the Russians in the east ready to move. As a result, Germany will face attacks from all directions.
, this is not what a wise man does.
Just as the Germans were divided into two groups and arguing over this, news suddenly came from France. As a hard-liner in France towards Germany, Foreign Minister Delcassé resigned. The post of Foreign Minister was concurrently held by Prime Minister Rouvier. France suddenly
The reason for changing the foreign minister was the high level of opposition in France to war with Germany.
At this time, France has become a usurious country, which mainly profits from the export of foreign capital. Although the domestic antipathy towards Germany is relatively high, how many French people are willing to see it if a war breaks out.
Besides, how many people in the French government can persist after facing pressure from the British? And many people are also clearly aware of the fact that France's national power has been surpassed by Germany. If the British are really unwilling to intervene, then
The French alone cannot do anything to defeat the Germans.
That's right, every time a war breaks out, all parties involved are rushing for victory. If there is no chance of victory from the beginning, who is willing to start a war?
Therefore, the situation that was originally feared by both sides was opened up after France took the lead in making concessions.
The news coming out of France made Kaiser Wilhelm II also make up his mind to choose peace.
The easing of relations between Germany and France has made European countries breathe a sigh of relief. Of course, Morocco, which was the source of the outbreak between the two countries, made concessions after some discussions. France withdrew some of its controls on Morocco.
However, together with Spain, it maintains police control over Morocco.
It can be said that France took a step back in order not to have a dispute with Germany over Morocco. It temporarily gave up its move to annex Morocco, but still controlled part of its police force. Germany, on the other hand, showed its strength and let other countries see that Germany was in the colonies.
determination.
Of course, it is too early to tell who will take advantage and who will suffer, but the relationship between Germany and France will definitely be worse than before. Of course, the relationship between Britain and Germany will also be worse.
