Franz's decision meant that the honeymoon period between Britain and Austria was over. In the years to come, the conflict between the two countries was bound to increase.
The world was big enough to support billions of people, but the world was small enough to accommodate two hegemons.
The world couldn't accommodate them, let alone the European continent.
With the revival of Austria, it was only a matter of time before there was a conflict of interest with the British. Even without the Prussian War, the two countries would still be on opposite sides elsewhere.
If it was before the opening of the Suez Canal, Franz would still be afraid of the British. But it was different now. The Austrian Navy could directly enter the Arabian Sea, and there were colonies along the way to rely on.
If the British and Austria really fell out, Austria could adopt a method of mutual destruction. They could drive the British out of Africa and spread the flames of war to the Indian Ocean.
The significance of India to Britannia could be seen from its productivity. It was almost equal to the British Isles.
Without a doubt, this balance was limited to the total economic output. One was agriculture, and the other was industry. There was no comparison between the two.
Austria couldn't snatch the "most dazzling jewel in the crown of the British Empire," but they still had the ability to overturn the chessboard.
Of course, "overturn the chessboard" was only a last resort. If they really did it, Austria would also be miserable.
There was no need to think about the American colonization, and the colonies in the Nanyang region might not be able to be preserved. Most of the overseas market would be lost, and it would take decades for them to recover.
This was still optimistic. If the British went crazy and the main force of the Royal Navy came out and chased after the Austrian Navy, Franz would cry.
From a rational point of view, the probability of this happening was very low. The British were worried that the French would attack their homeland, and Austria was also worried that the French would cut off the connection between their homeland and Austrian Africa.
Austria's strength was also based on the premise that its homeland and colonies were connected. If the connection was cut off, it would be no better than the German Empire.
…
Chief of Staff Albrecht suggested, "Everyone, in view of the current complex situation, we need to expand the navy.
If the British suffered losses in the Prussian War, the Government of London would definitely find other places to recover. In the future, international conflicts would inevitably intensify, and the pressure on the navy would greatly increase.
The French were also worrisome. Ever since Napoleon Iv succeeded to the throne, the Government of Paris had been less active in international affairs.
A few years ago, it could be said that the Government of Paris had internal strife and had no time to take care of international affairs. Now that Napoleon Iv is in power and the Government of Paris has stabilized, it is not normal for there to be no movement. "
He was not used to the days without the French. Originally, the French were blocking in front to attract attention, and the "Mediterranean Empire" shocked the European continent, overshadowing Austria's edge.
With the silence of the Government of Paris, Austria had no choice but to stand up and fight the British themselves. Whether it was the "Bird Poop War" in South America or the Prussian War in Europe, it was a game between England and Austria, and the French were just bystanders.
In this era where the strong preyed on the weak, there was nothing that could not be solved by force. If there was a lot of pressure, expand the army. Once the strength was in place, the problem would be solved.
Minister of Finance Carr objected, "No, at least not before the expiration of the Tripartite Pact. We must uphold the spirit of the contract."
"Spirit of the contract" was a joke. It was estimated that the UK, Fao, and the other three countries did not take it seriously. At most, they could only comfort it in their hearts.
It was precisely because there was no such thing that it was particularly precious. Everyone attached so much importance to it and often talked about it.
There was no breach of contract, not because everyone had the "spirit of the contract", but mainly because it was not worth breaching. As long as the common interest of the three countries was greater than the conflict, there was no breach of contract.
The "UK, Fao, and the other three countries" had already been renewed once. Judging from the current situation, it was difficult to have a third alliance.
However, it was hard to say. The international situation was ever-changing, and no one knew what would happen in the future. It was definitely unwise to tear up the pact rashly. This would make diplomacy narrower and narrower.
Franz nodded, "There is still half a year before the pact expires. If you want to renew it, then the ratio of the three countries' navies will be revised.
Expanding the navy is a matter of time, but there is no need to be in such a hurry. Let the Ministry of the Navy make a plan first and put it in the annual budget for the year after next. "
Expanding the army was never a simple matter, especially the expansion of the navy, which had to consider all aspects.
Unless it was a period of arms race, the expansion of the navy usually took several years to discuss. It was not the efficiency of the government, but the budget.
The government's annual budget was determined in advance. If they suddenly wanted to expand the army, where would the money come from? It was not a time of war, so of course they had to follow the rules.
…
If the Government of London knew that this test accelerated the expansion of Austria's army and triggered the arms race in the future, it was estimated that the Government of London would not do anything.
The future had not happened yet, so Prime Minister Benjamin did not need to worry about it for the time being. However, the current Prussian war made him worried.
"How to let the Pu Bo Federation win this war?" This was a big problem. A land war was different from a sea war. Even if the Government of London wanted to help, they could not intervene.
The size of the British Army was not as large as a month of casualties in the Prussian war.
It was impossible to send troops. Once again, the Government of London discovered that it was too difficult to interfere in the European continent without fighters.
Foreign Minister Edward said, "Your Excellency, the Pu Bo Federation does not lack supplies or troops. The situation is far from as bad as we thought.
At least within this year, the Pu Bo Federation will not be defeated. Winter is coming soon, and the war in the future will inevitably slow down.
This is an opportunity. It is imperative to plan the second anti-Russian alliance. Austria is supporting Russia. With the strength of the Pu Bo Federation, it is difficult to win this war. "
Benjamin asked in confusion, "Isn't the Ministry of Foreign Affairs already doing it?"
Edward explained, "The French are stirring up trouble in Annam. The southern border of the Empire of the Far East is unstable. They are unable to contain Russia.
Although the Osman Empire wants to take revenge on Russia, they are afraid of Austria's reaction and need us to provide security. This also requires the participation of France.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs only persuaded the three Central Asian countries, but their strength is limited. Seeing that the Pu Bo Federation is at a disadvantage on the battlefield, they do not dare to bet so early.
We have already tested the Government of Paris. It is very difficult to convince them. The best way now is to find an ally for the Pu Bo Federation in Europe. "
Prime Minister Benjamin asked with some surprise, "You mean the German Federal Empire?"
Then he denied it, "No. The strength of the Germans is indeed good, but there are too many internal states. Hanover can only barely control the situation.
If they start a war with Russia for the Pu Bo Federation, wouldn't the small states in the country turn the sky upside down?
You should know what role Austria plays in this. I don't want the German Federation to fall into chaos before I can help. That would be troublesome. "
The German Federal Empire was an important pawn of Britannia on the European continent. Its main role was to prevent Austria from unifying the German Region. For this reason, the Government of London also pushed for the Rhineland Deal. It could not be abandoned so easily.
Edward smiled and said, "Of course we can't let the Germans join the war directly, but what about the Pu Bo Federation joining the German Federal Empire?"
If this news were to spread, the entire European continent would be shaken. It would simply subvert the current international order.
The merger of the German Federal Empire and the Pu Bo Federation was not as simple as 1 + 1 = 2. The two complemented each other and made up for their own shortcomings. This meant the rise of another top power after the British, Fao, and Russia.
Although this new empire was slightly inferior to the three major powers, its overall national strength was also greater than the Russian Empire. Naturally, it would not be a problem to win this war.
The key was that after the war, the situation in Europe would change dramatically. Austria's strategy of unifying Germany would be shattered, and the French's eastward strategy would also fail.
Prime Minister Benjamin shook his head and said, "This is impossible. The Austrians will not agree. The Government of Vienna will definitely send troops to intervene unless you can get the French to hold them back.
For the French, this is also harming others without benefiting themselves. At that point, the Government of Paris will most likely choose to join forces with Austria to divide the Central European region. "
In the face of interests, competitors and allies could also be converted into each other. The two countries, Fao and France, also had previous records. No one could guarantee that they would not cooperate a second time.
Edward said firmly, "Where there is a will, there is a way. The two countries, Fao and France, are growing too fast. If this continues, either one of them will have the ability to threaten us.
If the Fao really joins forces to divide the Central European region, the Fao war will not be far away. The German nationalists will not let the French rule the German Region.
If it is done well, the two countries, Fao and France, will be greatly weakened, and the situation in Europe will be pulled back on track again. "
This was a conspiracy, but also an open conspiracy. Nationalism was a double-edged sword. It could kill the enemy, but it could also hurt oneself.
Benjamin asked again, "After the merger, how will the master-slave problem be solved?"
This was the most realistic problem. The Pubo Federation was stronger, and definitely would not be willing to be a vassal. The same was true for the German Federal Empire. How could they retreat when they already had an emperor?
Edward said, "Of course, there is no master-slave problem. We will continue the system of the Holy Roman Empire. Considering the current special situation, the Pubo Federation needs to make concessions, such as giving up the emperor election.
We don't need a powerful empire in Central Europe. After the merger, the German Federal Empire should be a loose alliance with a certain amount of strength.
The central power is weak, and the states are strong, but they cannot be integrated. Such a political system is more conducive to Europe's stability.
Only such a country can be accepted by the two countries, Fao and France. Don't worry about the Government of Berlin refusing. They have no choice at all. "
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