Holy Roman Empire

Moltke roared: "Madman! Jeffrey, you are such a madman!

Actually pinned their hopes on the British.Do you really think that the British will always support us?

Hold on to Austria?

Ah, God!

Jeffrey, you really dare to think about it!

Participating in the British-Austrian game and still wanting to play them in the palm of your hand, do you think our troubles are not big enough? "

It's not that Moltke is pessimistic, it's that Jeffrey's plan is too idealistic.Everything is based on the premise that Britain and Austria follow their script.

If the British do not continue to provide loans, or because of the game between Britain and Austria, the Vienna government continues to provide loans to the Tsarist government, which will bring disaster to the Pubo Federation.

Countries are also different. The financial resources of Britain and Austria are not comparable to those of Russia and Russia.As long as the interests are large enough, it is not impossible to wage a proxy war with hundreds of millions.

Jeffrey Friedman sneered and said: "Your Excellency Marshal, you are overthinking, the risk is not as great as you imagined.

If you know how much we owe the British people, you can understand why the London government supports us.

The principal alone is as high as 2.1 million pounds, and this is just loans and bonds.We still owe £1.4 million to British businesses, and this number is increasing at a rate of £60 a day.

If you count the interest, we need to repay the British people's debt of nearly 6 million pounds.If the creditors don't want to lose their money, they will find a way to get the London government to support us. "

This explanation made Mao Qi dumbfounded. He never dreamed that the Berlin government would owe such a huge debt, let alone that there are such great benefits to debt.

Of course, the benefits are only temporary.When it came time to pay back the money, it was their turn to cry.

After a pause, Moltke calmed down and asked, "What about Austria? Don't tell me, we also owe them huge debts."

Jeffrey Friedman smiled slightly: "Of course not. The Austrian bankers didn't like us at all, and they lent money to the Russians.

There is no debt impact, but an exchange of interests is possible.In international politics, as long as there are enough interests, enemies and friends can change. "

Jeffrey Friedman's self-confidence did not move Moltke again, he just shook his head: "Your Excellency, it's time to wake up from your dream.

In theory, after we withdraw from the German Confederation, we can indeed make a deal with Austria, and support them to annex the German Confederation in exchange for their neutrality in this war.

But do you think we have a choice?Will the British agree?Will the French agree? "

This is the sequelae of too much debt, and the money of the British is not easy to get.There are indeed countries that take money but do nothing, but the Pubo Federation is not one of them.

The London government is now willing to support the Pubo Federation. In addition to attacking the Russians, it is more to restrict Austria and hinder the unification of the German region.

If it is found that the Berlin government wants to compromise with Austria on this issue, it will be no wonder that John Bull does not get mad.

The reserves of the Pubo Federation are all kept in London. The British government can turn the Mark into waste paper at any time, and the Berlin government has no choice at all.

……

Chapter 261

No matter how many calculations there are, wars still have to be won or lost on the battlefield.At the same time as the diplomatic game between Prussia and Russia, the Battle of Lithuania also broke out.

At this time, Moltke was already in an embarrassing situation.Whether to fight the enemy in Lithuania is a tangled issue.

The Russian navy has stagnated for more than ten years and has long fallen behind the times.But this old-fashioned fleet is not comparable to the pocket-sized navy of the Pubo Federation.

Today is different from the past. Both Prussia and Russia have made preparations for this war. The tsarist government has hoarded a large amount of strategic materials in St. Petersburg, and there will be no shortage of materials for a year or so.

In this context, the sea power advantage can be brought into full play.Ivanov is now launching the Lithuanian campaign to take advantage of these advantages.

After losing his sea rights, he went to the Baltic Sea coast to fight the enemy decisively, or when the enemy was prepared, Moltke said: I am not crazy yet.

The problem is that war is not something you can avoid if you don't want to.The Russians have already launched an offensive, and unless they abandon Lithuania, Latvia and other regions, they can only bite the bullet.

It is impossible to give up. Once the Lithuanian region falls, the flames of war will burn to the East Prussian region again.All the gains made in the first Russo-Prussian war will be lost.

If it was another enemy, Moltke might dare to take a gamble and look for opportunities to defeat the enemy. Unfortunately, when he met Ivanov, who was known for his conservativeness, it would have no effect at all.

Warsaw, Commonwealth General Headquarters

"Marshal, why don't we launch an offensive from the Belarusian region, take the posture of counterattacking Smolinsk, and force the enemy to abandon the Lithuanian campaign plan?" A middle-aged officer suggested.

There is no allusion of "surrounding Wei and saving Zhao" in Europe, but similar war templates are still not lacking.

Moltke shook his head: "It's useless, the enemy has deployed thirty infantry divisions and two cavalry divisions in Belarus, and we have no chance at all."

If Moltke had the confidence to kill this enemy army in a field battle, it would be impossible. With Ivanov's style, these Russian troops would definitely choose to stick to it.

If they fought all the way, no matter if the time was too late or not, the precious mobile force in Moltke's hands would be exhausted.People are gone, why do you need land?

Looking at the deployment of Russian troops marked on the map, Moltke sighed deeply.Since the outbreak of the second Prussian-Prussian War, the Prussian army has been very aggrieved.

It's not that they don't work hard, the problem is that there is simply no room for development.Although the combat effectiveness of the Prussian army is slightly stronger, this gap is still limited, and the Russian army can make up for it with numbers.

After hesitating for a moment, Moltke pointed at the map: "Order the troops on the northern front to abandon Latvia and retreat to Lithuania."

Winning first is not winning, the last winner is the winner.Moltke is ready for another East Prussian battle. It doesn't matter if you lose a lot, the most important thing is to be the winner.

……

On the battlefield, Prussia and Russia are fighting wits and courage, and the two countries are also full of gunpowder in diplomacy.Vienna has once again become a battlefield between the two countries. The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is bustling, and Schönbrunn Palace is also bustling.

In order to avoid trouble, Franz closed the door to thank guests.There is no way to lobby too many guests, and the emperor is also worried. The best way is to see no guests.

Once again, Franz found that there were too many troubles with his relatives. It wasn't that these people didn't know the rules, babbled, and meddled indiscriminately.

There are not many fools among the nobles who can get ahead, and they are skilled lobbyists, most of them pass a word or beat the side drums.

Some people want the Russians to win, some want the Pubo Federation to win, and some just want to test Franz's position and judge the direction of the government's decision-making.

There is no way to do this. It is never the emperor's job to determine the direction of a country. Interest groups large and small in the country are all participants.

This is part of the European political game. For example, if you want to promote a certain bill or resolution, you don’t have to do it yourself. Usually, you will first release the news through these channels to test the reaction of the outside world.

Or to imply that these people make proposals to the government, which is equivalent to the emperor's royal megaphone, so that the emperor will not end the game himself.

The Russo-Prussian War involved too much, including: the future structure of the European continent, the process of unifying the German region, and a large number of political and economic interests...

The more involved, the more interest groups are involved, and the more people are concerned.

Franz didn't want to express his opinion in advance, so he naturally avoided it.The emperor could hide, but the top government officials couldn't. Prime Minister Felix's hairline receded a lot.

……

In the Prime Minister's residence in Vienna, the Minister of the Pubo Federation, Ferdman, said incessantly: "World peace is facing serious challenges, and the European international order is being disrupted by a..."

Felix frowned: "Your Excellency, don't say these unnutritious words, our time is precious, there is no need to waste it like this."

The impatience was nakedly revealed, and it could be seen that Felix was really bored, and he didn't even bother to listen to diplomatic words.

Fudman is not annoyed, and similar things are not once or twice.As a professional diplomat, he still knows how to restrain his emotions and will not bring his personal feelings into his work.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, a powerful Russian Empire is not a good choice for Europe, or even the world. The interests of your country..."

Before Fudman finished speaking, Felix interrupted directly: "Not only the Russian Empire, but a strong Popo Federation is also not good for us. You have to know that rule breakers are often more annoying."

A staunch Greater Germanist would naturally not have a good impression of the existence of a split country.The existence of the Popo Federation, in the eyes of German nationalists, is a cancer.

Prime Minister Felix is ​​the leader of Greater Germanism launched by Austria. Anti-Prussianism is a must, so naturally there is no need to give face.

But everything is possible in front of politics, as long as there are enough interests, there is nothing that cannot be discussed.

"Rule breakers" is just a joke. No one is much better than the other. If Austria obeyed the rules, it would not have the current foundation.

It's just that the Vienna government is the rule maker, and it left a back door for itself early on, so it doesn't look so ugly.

Fudman was a little embarrassed, a flash of inspiration flashed in his mind, and he recovered immediately.I had already scolded him in my heart, and I was almost caught in a routine.

This is a diplomatic meeting. Prime Minister Felix's bad attitude, isn't it a diplomatic means?

After going through this little episode, Fudman didn't have the heart to continue going around in circles, he was afraid that his heart would not be able to bear it if it continued.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, we are very sincere. As long as your country is willing to stop supporting the Russians, Ukraine and the Russian Balkans will belong to your country after the war."

When it comes to interests, Felix's attitude eased a little, and he pretended to be puzzled and asked: "Sincerity, where is it? Why didn't I see it?

Taking the territory of the Russians as sincerity, and we have to send troops to take it by ourselves, the sincerity of your country is really surprising! "

No need to do anything, the Pubo Federation supports Austria's acquisition of Ukraine and the Russian Balkan Peninsula. It seems to be an advantage, but it is actually a hidden secret.

The two Prussian-Prussian wars have made the Berlin government completely sober. The Russian Empire is a small power that cannot be beaten to death. Even if it wins this war, it will not be long before it will revive.

After going on like this, they don't have to do anything.If you want to obtain a stable and developing international environment, you must find someone to share the hatred.

The most ideal ally is the Ottoman Empire, but it's a pity that this mud can't support the wall, it really doesn't matter.

The second is the Nordic Federation. It is a pity that they offended the Danes to death. With the Danes holding back, it is impossible for the Nordic Federation to form an alliance with them.

Then there are the Central Asian countries and the Far Eastern Empire, which are similar to the Ottoman Empire.

Austria was originally not in the category of allies of the Berlin government, but the situation forced them to do nothing. In order to win the war, they had to make the Vienna government give up supporting the Russians.

Being exposed, Fudman was not annoyed, and still smiled and said: "Your Excellency, you can't say that. We severely damaged the Tsarist government in the war, and your country's occupation of these areas is an armed parade.

If your country is willing, you can also take it directly to the Volga River, and we will support it. "

Felix shook his head. When he opened the map, he knew what the "Volga Riverside" was. Is it within reach of Austria?

"We don't have as much appetite as your country. The Russian-Austrian friendship has a long history, and we have no interest in the territory of the Russian Empire."

This is true, Felix has no interest in Russian territory, and the Vienna government has no intention of peeping.

Of course, if the Russians insist on sending it over if they don’t want it, no one will refuse it.

After hesitating for a moment, it seemed that there was a fierce inner struggle, and Fudman said slowly: "What if the German Federation is added?

As long as your country is willing to stop supporting the Russians, we will no longer oppose your country annexing the German Confederation. "

Felix had heard the implication. "No more objection" means in other words: no support, no objection, and Austria's annexation of the German Confederation by default.

Frankly speaking, Prime Minister Felix was moved.However, it has not been revealed. According to the current situation, the Berlin government can make such a promise is already the limit.

The same thing, when the tsarist government was changed, people who were unprepared directly expressed their support.

There is no need to doubt Alexander II's determination to win the war. Any hero is a man who can bend and stretch.

For the Russian Empire, European hegemony is a matter of the future, and right now it is better to win the war first.

The same is true for the Pubo Federation, but they are too much influenced by the British, and there is no way to do that.

"Your Excellency's proposal is of no value. If it was 1853 and your country had this kind of sincerity, then the matter would have been resolved long ago.

Now, do you think your position is still important?As far as I know, the wounds of your country's last war have not been licked clean.

After this war, how long does your country need to cultivate, 20 years or 30 years?

We really want to take action, so what if you object?Do you dare to fight on the battlefield? "

This is not contempt, the reality is so cruel.Winning the war is just the beginning, and there is still a long way to go for the Pubo Federation to regain its strength.

Can't you gamble all your family fortune in order to interfere in Austria?

With the lessons learned from Colombia, no one can guarantee that the Vienna government will change its mind and stop after beating them up.

The bargaining chip also depends on the time when it is thrown out. Even if it is a priceless thing that appears at the wrong time, it is worthless.

Fudman's expression changed slightly, and then he recovered: "Your Excellency, it depends on what you think. If these conditions don't tempt you, what if the Russians win the war?

Throughout the world, there are not many powerful threats to your country, and the Russian Empire happens to be one of them.

How long after Alexander II reformed, the Russians walked out of the last war. If you let them win the war, can you rest assured that your country will continue to develop?

The tsarist government's greed for land is endless. Open the map and you will know how long the border between your country and the Russian Empire is. Future friction is inevitable.

Instead of leaving a hidden danger, it is better to remove them now.Your country can also take the opportunity to enter the Black Sea. With your country's strength, it is only a matter of time before the Black Sea becomes an inland sea, and no one has the ability to stop it. "

Fudman expressed the concern of the Vienna government that the Russians have too much potential for development, and no one knows what freaks will be bred in such a huge territory.

In contrast, the threat of the Pubo Federation is much smaller.Even if they win the war, their national strength will not be able to take much land. It will take at least a few decades to become a real big country.

This is still an ideal state, and Austria has also come step by step. The Vienna government knows better than anyone the difficulty of national integration.

It can be said that the more people the Pubo Federation takes from the Russian Empire, the more serious the ethnic problems in the country will be.

The dual empire is not so easy to play. An active Polish nation is enough. If more nations are added, what is the difference from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the original time and space?

It is not even as good as the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At least the Habsburg family has been in business for hundreds of years, the rule has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and there are not many people who are fighting for independence.

After a moment of silence, Felix shook his head: "Your Excellency, you are wrong. Austria has always maintained neutrality and has never supported the Russians.

What you see is just normal commercial trade. As a member of the free trade system, we will not interfere with the market.

If your country wants to cut off the supplies of the Russians, then spend money to buy them. As long as you buy all the supplies, the Russians will naturally not be able to buy them. "