"Your Majesty, Italy is very resistant to adding Britain as a target. We felt it during the previous talks."
In a room in Sanssouci Palace, Prime Minister Bilot was reporting the results of previous talks to Emperor Wilhelm II.
Listening to the Prime Minister's report, William II tapped his fingers on the table unconsciously and asked, "What else?"
"We can feel that Italy is somewhat wary of Britain's powerful navy, and believes that if our country does not increase its naval investment, they will not agree to include Britain in the alliance treaty." The speaker was Navy Minister Tirpitz.
Of course, he was happy to see Italy's request to attach importance to the navy. After all, how could he not be willing to increase naval funding?
Facing the words of the Admiralty Minister, William II hesitated and said, "Since Italy is very resistant to adding Britain to the target, can we exclude it from the conditions?"
Wilhelm II's words made the German senior officials present look shocked. Prime Minister Bilot even said, "Your Majesty, please think twice."
There is a reason why Prime Minister Biro spoke at this time, because he knew the emperor's feelings towards Britain. The emperor had a love-hate relationship with Britain. He claimed that an armed conflict with Britain was "the most unimaginable thing", but
In terms of actions, the German Navy's large-scale shipbuilding behavior made Britain feel like it was facing a formidable enemy.
But among the German government and people, there is no such sentiment towards Britain. In their view, the British Empire is just a potential opponent of Germany, and they do not have the complicated feelings of the emperor. Therefore, for the sake of the majesty of the emperor, William paid great attention to
Of course, if you forget your words in public, the senior government officials around you will know to make up for it immediately, as is the case now.
"So does the government have any new measures?"
After being reminded by the Prime Minister, William knew not to talk about this topic. William II was not stupid. Of course he knew the importance of binding Italy more closely. After all, senior military and political officials could share a lot of pressure on Germany's land and sea. Especially for Germany.
William and senior German military and political officials all valued Italy's heroic and capable navy. They believed that its combat effectiveness was slightly higher than Germany's own navy.
"We think we can increase support for Italy, such as providing interest-free loans, or technical support, etc..."
Facing the emperor's inquiry, Prime Minister Bilo gave the government's suggestions.
"Our military believes that the exchange of military technologies between the two countries can be increased. The same can be done in the field of tactical research, and we can even discuss military cooperation and other issues with them."
The Chief of General Staff, General Moltke, also made suggestions to the emperor on behalf of the military. After he finished speaking, he looked at Tirpitz specifically.
William II also saw Moltke's little actions. It was obvious that for the sake of consensus, a certain party made some concessions. At present, it seems that the navy has made some concessions.
Since both the government and the military strongly demand deepening the alliance with the Italians, how could he, the monarch, object to it.
"Since you all said so, then these conditions can be put forward for tomorrow's talks. I think the Italians will be moved."
Wilhelm II's words set the tone for tomorrow's talks with Germany. Of course, the German side pays more attention to it, and it is also the result of Italy's efforts over the years. From being disliked at the beginning to being scrambled to win over now, this is because Italy's national strength has greatly improved.
As a result, in this era, weakness is the original sin, and all countries implement this principle.
While the German side is making plans for tomorrow's talks, the Italian side is doing the same thing.
"Your Majesty, the Germans showed too little sincerity in today's talks and cannot meet our demands at all."
In the room, Prime Minister Antonio reported the content of today's talks to Carlo, who had returned. In addition to the Prime Minister and the King, the important ministers of the delegation were all there.
"Yes, Your Majesty, the German side has shown too little sincerity and is an enemy of the British Empire. At present, our country is not ready at all." Admiral Yagier, the Minister of the Navy who stole the show in the talks this time, also took the opportunity to make remarks.
"Admiral Yagir is right. We have no preparations. It is too early to talk about this matter now." Chief of General Staff General Simeone also said the same.
Carlo could see it. Although his important ministers gave various reasons, it was obvious that this was a sign of their lack of confidence in being an enemy of Britain.
That's right, they were afraid of the majesty of the British Empire.
Carlo understood very well the lack of confidence of the important ministers.
After all, Britain has been famous for hundreds of years, and Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Russia have all experienced the consequences of challenges. Especially in the Napoleonic era, France, which ordered Europe to rise to prominence, also failed to overthrow Britain's status. How could Italy dare?
Compete with the British Empire, even if the Germans share the pressure?
Faced with the worries of important ministers, Carlo certainly needs to give him some confidence. "You are right. If you want to increase the terms against Britain, then the conditions provided by Germany are indeed a little less. At least the two countries need to strengthen their naval capabilities.
Germany needs to have at least the strength to hold back 80% of the British navy."
The 80% that Carlo mentioned is the result of careful calculation by the Italian Navy. In view of the situation in the Mediterranean, the Italian Navy believes that it must have an advantage when facing the French Navy and the British Mediterranean Fleet. This can ensure that Italy obtains the Mediterranean Sea.
The key to sea control.
Because the Mediterranean is so important, so important that if Italy loses control of the sea, it will be equal to defeat. Domestic factories lacking raw materials will stop, and the lack of imported food will lead to popular riots. Therefore, when facing a war, Italy first needs to consider control of the sea. Take
Without sea control, there is no need to fight this war, and we must realize this even if we suffer some losses.
Facing Carlo's words, these important ministers also agreed very much, because this is the situation that Italy must face at present.
"Your Majesty, in the following talks, our main goal will be on Germany to contain the British Navy. In addition, we plan to let Germany open up more restricted technologies during talks with it, whether it is military or civilian technology.
"
Prime Minister Antonio stated to Carlo the focus of the upcoming talks.
Carlo also knew the intention of the Prime Minister's words. Generally speaking, Italy currently seems to have good technological development and has good technologies in internal combustion engines, electric power, petrochemicals, shipbuilding and other industries.
However, in addition to these technological industries with outstanding performance, Italy has more industries with backward technology. According to the barrel theory, how much water can be filled depends on the shortest board. Therefore, if Italy wants to develop healthily, it needs to make up for the shortcomings.
board. It is very important to introduce more technology from Germany.
"No problem. The next talks will be based on what the prime minister said."
Faced with specific talks, Carlo safely handed them over to his ministers.
At this time, Admiral Yagier interjected. "The Austrians cannot let it go. I heard that they are also planning to build a dreadnought."
Admiral Simeone, who knew the elegance of the dazzling sound, immediately said, "Do you want to include it in your command in the future?"
"I have this idea. After all, Austria-Hungary is also a Mediterranean country. Only by concentrating its strength can we defeat possible powerful enemies in the future."
Well, the admiral turned his attention to the Austrians.
"Also add it to the upcoming talks."
Facing Admiral Yagir's suggestion, Carlo also agreed.
