Austria was on the move, but the British weren't idle either. In order to win over the Russians, British Foreign Minister George personally visited St. Peter Castle.
The most prominent symbol of the industrial age was speed. In the Middle Ages, it usually took more than half a month to travel from London to St. Peter Castle. Now, it only took four or five days.
The rapid development of navigation technology had brought the human world closer together. There were two sides to everything. The closer the connection was, the more international disputes would increase.
Stepping out of the deck, George looked at the sparse welcoming crowd in front of him. His anger was already rising.
As the Foreign Minister of Britannia, he was the most distinguished guest wherever he went. He didn't expect the Russians to not give him face.
Not to mention the members of the royal family, even the senior Tsarist government didn't come. Only a few low-level officials were sent over. The status of the two sides was completely unequal. It could be said to be very rude.
Of course, this was the view of the British. In the eyes of the Russians, this treatment was already very respectful.
The Anglo-Russian war had just ended, and the hatred between the two countries was at its peak. If the government fawned over the British at this time, what would the people in the country think?
Politicians were smart people and knew what was best for them. For a thankless task like receiving the British, everyone naturally pushed it down level by level until it couldn't be pushed anymore.
The big shots didn't come, and the welcoming crowd wouldn't come. The fighting nation was not an undeserved reputation. If a few hot-blooded youths sneaked in and wanted to fight with the British, it would be embarrassing.
It wasn't like this hadn't happened before. If you opened the history books, you would find that the number of Russian diplomats who received a lunch box for a duel was more than double digits, including the famous poet Pushkin.
Although he was angry, he still had to do it. The current international situation was very unfavorable for Britannia. If it wasn't handled well, the world's hegemon would be replaced.
Since the status of the receptionists wasn't equal, George naturally wouldn't waste time on them. After disembarking, he went straight to the embassy and even refused the welcome banquet.
…
"What's going on, why are the Russians so cold?"
George asked seriously. Since it was an official visit, the foreign ministries of the two countries must have communicated before. Because of the situation, this was something that had been discussed in advance. No matter what, they had to keep up appearances.
Minister Richard Trulli explained, "The situation is very bad. Just a month ago, the Austrians suddenly took action and set off an anti-French wave in St. Peter Castle.
The anti-French sentiment among the people of Russia was already very strong, and the pro-Austrian faction occupied a dominant position in the Tsarist government. Soon, a national anti-French movement broke out.
By the time we reacted and prepared to take measures, it was already too late.
Under the influence of public opinion and the advocacy of the pro-Austrian faction, I'm afraid that the Tsarist government's political stance has already changed. "
This was not his responsibility. Because of the war between Britannia and Russia, Britannia once evacuated their embassy in Russia. In fact, Richard Trulli had only been in office for slightly more than a month.
In such a short amount of time, to be able to sort out the daily work was already considered smart and capable. It would be too difficult to disrupt Austria's operation.
George waved his hand and said sympathetically, "Forget it, it's not your responsibility. Even the French didn't realize it, let alone us. "
As Britannia's Foreign Affairs Minister, George was still very familiar with the internal political factions in the Tsarist government. Currently, or in recent decades, it had always been the pro-Austrian faction that held the power.
This was decided by interests. As the Russian-Austrian trade deepened, more and more people were tied to this interest chain.
Not only were there many pro-Austrian factions in the Tsarist government, but there were also many pro-Russian officials in the Government of Vienna. This was not something that could be changed by one's will.
Of course, political orientation did not necessarily mean political stance. In essence, everyone was still biased towards their own country.
Generally speaking, this kind of orientation would only take effect if it did not harm one's own interests.
Even so, Britannia had no way to disrupt Austria's public opinion campaign. After all, the war between Britain and Russia had just ended, and the pro-British faction in the Tsarist government did not dare to come out at all.
Without the cooperation of the local tyrant, Britannia also had no way to fight on their own! If the British Minister really stood up to speak for the French, it was likely that the original anti-war faction would become pro-war.
However, George did not take the Tsarist government's change of position seriously. Between countries, the only thing that could last forever was interests.
In George's view, preventing Austria from dominating Europe was the common interest of Britain and Russia. The indifference shown by the Tsarist government was only to raise their own status.
If they were really not interested in mediating, the Tsarist government would have rejected his visit a long time ago. There was no need to play these dirty tricks.
"Is the situation on the battlefield in Europe not good?"
Minister Richard Trulli asked.
Information from St. Peter's Castle was still a little blocked. Even if the news came, it had been embellished halfway and had long lost its original meaning.
George nodded, "The situation in the French Regions of Italy is unstable. Many guerrillas have appeared on the peninsula, and the French defense line in southern Europe is in danger.
On the battlefield in Central Europe, the French army seems to be maintaining the offensive, but in fact, they are physically and mentally exhausted. The army has suffered a lot of attrition. Based on the current situation on the battlefield, France will last at most one more year before being worn down by Austria.
The situation on the battlefield is ever-changing, and no one knows what will happen tomorrow. Arrange for me to meet with the senior officials of Russia as soon as possible. The establishment of the Intervention Alliance cannot be delayed. "
It was not that George was impatient and anxious to get in touch with the Russians. The key was that they did not have much time left.
The Intervention Alliance could not be established in a day or two. Even if the alliance was established, there was still the need to coordinate the relations between the various parties. It could not be done in a short time.
If the internal relations had not been straightened out, the European War would have ended, and Britain would have been in big trouble.
…
Almost at the same time that George arrived at St. Peter's Castle, the negotiations between Russia and Austria also came to an end.
Once again, it was proven that there was nothing that money could not solve. If there was, it must be because there was not enough money.
The Government of Vienna was naturally unwilling to give real money, but Franz did not feel pressured to be generous at the expense of others.
After the Government of Vienna promised that "once the Tsarist government joins the war, it will receive no less than 20% of the total war reparations," the Tsarist government could no longer hold on.
As the third largest power in the world, France's wealth was very rich. The reparations that they could receive after the war were at least billions of Divine Dukes.
Based on the lowest 20% calculation, it would be hundreds of millions or even billions of Divine Dukes. It was equivalent to several years of the Russian Empire's revenue.
It was just a declaration of war and no specific combat mission, yet they could receive such a generous return. It was completely beyond the expectations of the Russians.
In the Tsarist government's view, this was rare for the Austrians to make a mistake. If they did not sign the treaty quickly, it would be too late by the time they reacted.
…
After everything was settled, the Russian Foreign Minister Oscar Jimenez, who was in a good mood, finally remembered the British Foreign Minister who was visiting Russia.
The other party came from afar. Not only did they not receive him warmly, but they also left him there for several days in a row. It could be said that it was very rude.
However, this was not a problem for Óscar Jiménez. The relationship between the United Kingdom and Russia was like this. A few months ago, the two countries were still fighting on the battlefield.
Improving diplomatic relations with the British?
Sorry, the Tsarist government had not given up on its ambitions in India. Although the senior government officials knew that the British were not easy to deal with, they could not stop the enthusiasm of the people.
Everything was afraid of comparison. Compared to the Prussian War, the Anglo-Russian War was much easier. In many people's view, if it was not for the logistical burden, the Tsar could have held a military parade in India.
Even if they did not achieve their ultimate goal this time, they still seized the Central Asian region, including three-quarters of the "Heart of Eurasia."
Right after the Anglo-Russian war, someone within the Tsarist government proposed to build a railway connecting Moscow and Afghanistan in preparation for the next war.
If it was not for the lack of money in the government's pocket, the plan would have been implemented. In this context, any attempt to repair the relationship between the United Kingdom and Russia was destined to be futile.
…
The British Foreign Minister George asked, "Your Excellency, about the matter mentioned in the telegram, I wonder what your country thinks?"
Thought? Oscar Jimenez was a little confused. Frankly speaking, if it were not for George's reminder, he would have almost forgotten about the British's proposal to form an intervention alliance.
The reason was very simple, he was against whatever the enemy supported. The Anglo-Russian war had just ended, and the British came to the door. The Tsarist government naturally did not believe that the British would have good intentions.
In Oscar Jimenez's view, the British proposal was to drive a wedge between the Russo-Austrian Alliance. Then, the telegram, which was of great significance to the British, was handled by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Even George's visit this time was deliberately arranged by Oscar Jimenez to negotiate with Austria. Now that the goal had been achieved, the actors were naturally not so important.
"Sorry, Sir George. After careful research, we feel that the situation in Europe is developing in the right direction, and there is no need to form an intervention alliance. "
Hearing this answer, George's coffee cup in his hand almost fell. It was really unexpected that the Russians were not worried about Austria becoming stronger.
George's horrified expression naturally fell into Oscar Jimenez's eyes.
The Russian Empire did not want to see Austria become stronger. But there was no other way, identity determined position. The Russian Empire had already joined the anti-French alliance, and the situation was developing in the direction of the alliance.
After calming down, George asked, "Sir, you are not kidding, right? According to the current development of the situation, after the anti-French alliance wins the war, Austria will be dominant.
The emergence of a giant across Asia, Europe, and Africa not only endangers world peace, but also the interests of your country. "
Oscar Jimenez shook his head and said with a smile, "Sir, you are worrying too much. Russia and Austria are allies. There is no need to say this kind of provocation.
Everyone knows what the European war is. If it were not for the French invasion of Central Europe, there would be no war at all.
The anti-French alliance fought a bloody battle and finally gained the upper hand. If you interfere at this time, aren't you condoning the French's atrocities?
If the invaders are not punished, then the European countries will follow suit in the future. How can there be peace? "
Sarcasm, naked sarcasm. After finally occupying the moral high ground, Oscar Jimenez naturally would not give up this opportunity to ridicule the British.
Everyone knew that endangering world peace was a joke. Since the 18th century, more than half of the world's wars were attributed to the British.
Oscar Jimenez was naturally aware of the threat that Austria could bring. But being aware of it didn't mean that he could do anything.
If they joined the anti-French alliance, the Russian Empire would be able to get a lot of benefits without taking any risks.
If they joined the British-led Intervention Alliance, they would only gain a wave of hatred, and nothing else. Even if Britain and France were willing to compensate the Russian Empire, it would be impossible to be as generous as Austria.
They couldn't let the Russian Empire give up the benefits for the sake of the British! The Tsarist government didn't have this kind of selfless dedication at the expense of others.
He had a stomach full of anger as soon as he arrived, and now he was being ridiculed. Even if George was very self-restrained, he couldn't help it.
"One day, you will regret today's behavior! A group of short-sighted idiots! Just wait, the Austrians will let you know … "
After that, George turned around and left without looking back.
It was impossible to ask him to stay. Oscar Jimenez wasn't a good-tempered person. George's last words were obviously to provoke the relationship between Russia and Austria.
It seemed insignificant, but if it fell into the ears of people with intentions, it was unknown how much trouble it would cause.
Not rushing up to beat people up was already a performance of self-restraint. Naturally, he wouldn't admit defeat, "You don't have to worry about this. You should take care of yourselves first!
The Russo-Austrian Alliance has lasted for decades and can withstand the wind and rain. The relationship between the two countries can't be provoked by a few words from you.
On the contrary, your country is jumping up and down. After the war, there will definitely be a settlement. Think about how to establish a foothold in Europe after the war! "
Oscar Jimenez's voice was very loud, and many people heard it. It directly angered George, who hadn't gone far.
However, this was also the truth. Based on the role that the British played in this war, the relationship between Britain and Austria was destined to be bad.
Being able to become the Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire, Oscar Jimenez was naturally not a reckless man. Taking the initiative to fall out with the British was naturally for Austria to see.
The Tsarist government had decided not to declare war for the time being. In this context, they naturally had to do something to prove their value.
Otherwise, if they just took the benefits and didn't do anything, what qualifications did they have to share the spoils after the war? Could it be based on a piece of paper? That was too simple. There was no free lunch in this world.
Now that they had fallen out with the British, the Tsarist government could announce to the outside world that they had crushed the British plot to pick the peaches and made an outstanding contribution to the anti-French cause.
As for provoking the conflict between Britain and Austria, it could only be regarded as incidental. Russia and Austria were allies. The heavy task of restricting Austria was destined to be impossible for the Tsarist government to complete, so it could only be carried by the British.
From the standpoint of the Russian Empire, it would be perfect if they could drag the British into the quagmire of the European War.
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