The talks in Sanssouci Palace became more intense as Italy took Austria-Hungary into account.
"Your country is a little too impatient to include our country's unfinished warships."
The speaker was His Excellency Count Ehrenthal, the chief representative of the Austro-Hungarian delegation, the Foreign Minister (who leads public affairs as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and can also be counted as the Prime Minister). It was already the sixth day of negotiations.
For him, who had always been a spectator, being suddenly asked by Italy to form a joint fleet was unbearable for Count Ellenthal. What's more, the Italians also asked for wartime command, which was even more intolerable.
Therefore, his tough tone and angry expression clearly demonstrated the dissatisfaction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Faced with Count Ellenthal's performance, as the host of this meeting, Prime Minister Bülow has already seen through it all.
The Austrians were not really dissatisfied when they behaved like this. They were probably waiting for them to give them benefits. Sure enough, Count Ellenthal then continued: "If you want our country to accept your country's conditions, then your country
Compensation must be given.”
Although Count Ellenthal said these words to the Italian side, for some reason, Billo always had a feeling that these words should be directed at himself.
"If your country wants to seek compensation from our country, are you looking for the wrong person? Besides, your country is not a Mediterranean country. Doesn't it need to guarantee sea control? If we really encounter a war and our navies cannot jointly fight, then
That’s a real tragedy.”
Italian Prime Minister Antonio unceremoniously refuted the Austrian's remarks, but why did his words sound so weird?
It was obvious that the conversation between the two men was directed at the Germans. After the two men spoke, they unabashedly looked at the Wei-like Biluo who had been sitting there. It was obvious that they were waiting for this reply.
.
Facing the staring eyes, how could Biro not know what these two people were thinking.
However, it is not easy for him to speak. As the German Prime Minister, it would be a joke if he was so easily overwhelmed by his two colleagues.
Seeing that they failed to win over the German Prime Minister, the two men stopped pretending.
"Your Excellency Biro, what do you think of this situation?" Count Ellenthal directly asked by name.
"Yes, I also want to hear Mr. Billo's opinion." Antonio from the Italian side also expressed his thoughts.
Facing the inquiry from the heads of government of the two allied countries, Biro knew that it would be impossible not to answer, so he opened his mouth and said, "You two, I think this is a very good decision for the two countries to form a joint fleet in the Mediterranean. This is
It is conducive to integrating the strength of our alliance in the Mediterranean and deterring potential enemies, which we in Germany are also very willing to see."
The two allies formed a joint fleet in the Mediterranean, which in itself is very beneficial to Germany. It can not only contain the maritime power of Britain and France, but also reduce the antagonism between Italy and Austria, which is beneficial to the overall situation of the alliance.
However, although Bilo is very optimistic about the Italian's proposal, these two people are probably thinking too much if they want to benefit Germany from this.
I saw Biro continued. "I think that since it is a union of navies, then the navies should be the ones to negotiate. I think the navies of the two countries should know better how to negotiate, right?"
Bilo was good at Tai Chi and left the problem to the navies of the two countries. However, although he had a good idea, others were not vegetarians. Count Ellenthal said, "Your Excellency Bilo, at present we
It is true that we are talking about the issue of naval union, but this is not just the navy, but also involves all other aspects. It is impossible to negotiate with the navy alone, so it is best for us to negotiate."
"Our country thinks so too."
Antonio gave a tacit assist.
Facing the naked and undisguised intentions of these two men, Bülow smiled bitterly, because he knew that this time it would be impossible without some bloodshed. When they talked with Italy before about including the British Empire as a potential enemy, they and Germany paid a lot of money.
The price of the Philippines. In addition to opening up more technologies, an interest-free loan of 1 billion marks and some concessions on tariffs have allowed Italy to make a huge profit.
Of course, these are not important reasons. The most important reason is that the two countries have reached an agreement on naval issues. In the future, the German Navy must reach 70% of the British Empire in the proportion of main battleships. This can be regarded as Italy's response to Germany.
Concessions that offer many benefits.
Of course, as part of the price, Italy will also, in accordance with the treaty, be responsible for containing some of its troops on land when Germany is at war with Italy's neighboring countries. Although the treaty does not specify who it is, who else can be in the countries bordering Italy's land?
, it can’t be the Balkan children from Switzerland or the new country.
When the talks with Germany were almost complete, Italy then proposed the formation of a combined Mediterranean fleet.
This is a good thing for Germany and Italy, but it is hard to say for Austria-Hungary. First of all, the Austria-Hungary coastline is not long, and Italy, which has a stronger navy, is standing in the front. In addition, Austria-Hungary and Italy already have
There is a little dispute, so Austria-Hungary is actually not very willing. However, considering that competing for interests in the Balkans requires support from Germany and Italy, it is completely normal to take some benefits.
However, Austria-Hungary wanted to get benefits, while Italy did not want to pay the money, so the two parties felt that the matter was difficult to negotiate, so they targeted Germany. Whoever makes this adjustment to the alliance will benefit most, no matter what
Find someone to look for.
"I don't know what conditions Count Ellenthal wants to put forward. If it is too high, we cannot afford it."
Biro finally relented. There was no way anyone could let Germany be the core. According to popular terms, it was the identity of the leader of the alliance. Since it was the leader of the alliance, it could not be as fussy as Italy and Austria. It must have the responsibility of the leader of the alliance.
Obviously, these two people also figured out that Germany must take responsibility, so they tacitly agreed to leave the dispute to Bilo. Of course, Bilo also gave the requirements, and they could not speak loudly, otherwise Germany would not be willing to take the responsibility.
Taken advantage of.
After receiving the acquiescence from the Germans, Count Ehrenthal immediately said, "We think it would be good if there was an interest-free loan of 100 million marks over ten years."
Well, this Austrian is already a known star and no longer hides himself.
This requires Bülow, who is the Prime Minister of Germany, to also give him a thumbs up. The Austrians are really stuck just right, just at Germany's psychological bottom line. If it goes any further, he will refuse.
"Yes, our country agrees."
Biluo didn't bargain and simply agreed.
Now the purpose of Germany hosting this meeting has been achieved. After the main goal is achieved, the next step is some finishing work. The three countries also spent a lot of time talking about these finishing work. In the end, the three monarchs (crown princes) played for nearly a month.
Months later, the renewed alliance treaty was finally negotiated, and the three monarchs (crown princes) each signed their names.
After signing the treaty, the Italian and Austrian negotiating delegations who came from afar needed to rush back to their respective countries. After all, these important ministers had been away for almost a month and needed to go back to continue managing their respective departments.
But for some people, leaving is a bit sad.
"Sister Louise, come to Rome when you have time, I will miss you."
On the tightly protected platform, Vittorio, the Crown Prince of Italy, was saying a sad farewell to the Kaiser's youngest daughter, Princess Louise.
"Brother Vittorio, I will miss you too."
The Kaiser's little cotton-padded jacket also said goodbye to the Crown Prince with red eyes.
As for the adults on the side, they were also saying goodbye.
