Chapter 669: Crossing the River and Demolishing the Bridge (Fifth Shift)
"Damn the Germans, they have definitely colluded with the Italians to put pressure on the Reich and deliberately make it impossible for the Reich to get much out of the Italians. They simply forgot that we are allies! Upon returning to the embassy, Crown Prince Karl roared angrily.
The Germans were in the negotiations between Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Italy, which was called mediation, but in fact they were taking the opportunity to put pressure on Austria-Hungary, which gave them a sense of betrayal by the Germans.
"Your Highness, the relationship between countries is like this. The Germans had already got everything they wanted in this war. Whether or not the Empire's demands could be met was no longer in their consideration at all. Even, for their own benefit, they have begun to suppress the empire. Baron Belchdold was worried.
Although, Baron Belchdord was also a little angry. But he was more worried. There is no doubt that the foreign policy of the German Reich has changed. Unlike Wilhelm II, Wilhelm II valued Austria-Hungary as an ally, and if Wilhelm II had not died and remained in power, such a thing would never have happened. However, Wilhelm III did not care about Austria-Hungary as an ally. Not because of anything else, but because of the strength of Austria-Hungary, which was too bad. During the war, when Wilhelm III personally commanded the battle, he already had a very clear understanding of the combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In such a situation, the reality of the Austro-Hungarian Empire has been clarified. It is understandable that William III was able to make such a change.
"Damn! The Germans clearly crossed the river and demolished the bridge. How could they have won this war without the support of Austria-Hungary? Now, having won the war, it is too much to want to leave the empire behind. In this war, the empire paid extremely heavy losses. And now the Germans are doing this to us! Crown Prince Karl's face was distorted by anger.
Baron Berchdot believed that without Austria-Hungary, the German Empire would have won the war, but it would have been very difficult. Austria-Hungary played a modest role in the war, but it definitely helped the Germans. It is shameless that the Germans now want to cross the river and tear down the bridge.
"But now, we know what the Germans are trying to do, but we can't do anything about it! The Germans had already made it clear that they were going to side with the Italians and stand up for them. So, if we want to get more benefits by standing on the means, it is already impossible. Baron Belchfew sighed.
If Italy did not have the support of Germany, Austria-Hungary could also threaten them with force. However, this is no longer the case. The Kingdom of Italy, which was supported by Germany, was more confident and confident in fighting Austria-Hungary. In this case, the odds of Austria-Hungary would be further reduced. Under such circumstances, Austria-Hungary was no longer sure of victory. If you start a war rashly, the consequences will be very serious if you lose. When the time comes, Austria-Hungary will suffer unprecedented losses.
"So what are we going to do? Is it just bowing to the Germans and conceding defeat? I can't swallow this breath! Crown Prince Karl looked furious.
If there was to be a compromise, the only way to do so was to accept the mediation of the German Empire and sign a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Italy. However, the gap between the content of the treaty and Crown Prince Karl's expectations is too great. This made Crown Prince Karl simply not want and unwilling to accept such conditions.
But what if you don't accept it? If you don't get it right, you won't get anything.
"Report it to the country, and let His Majesty the Emperor decide." Baron Belhidald said.
The situation in this peace talks was so complicated that it was completely beyond their expectations. Even if they were the plenipotentiary envoys of Austria-Hungary, there was no way to decide on the matter. Only able to report to Vienna, by Kaiser Franz? Joseph I and the Imperial Ministers decided in deliberation.
Although Crown Prince Karl was a little unwilling, he could only nod.
Originally, Crown Prince Karl wanted to use this peace negotiation to obtain huge benefits for Austria-Hungary. In this way, his prestige in the Austro-Hungarian Empire would be greatly enhanced. The ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire would also look at him differently. But now, all his plans have failed.
"Damn the Germans, it's all you! Wait, when I become Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, I will definitely make you pay for it! Crown Prince Karl gritted his teeth secretly.
Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace. Emperor Franz? Joseph I's health was getting worse and worse. Most of the time, he spends his time in bed. Anyone knows that their emperor probably won't live long.
Fortunately, in this war, Austria-Hungary was the victorious power. That way, at least they don't have to worry about the fate of their country. And if they lose the war and at the same time meet Franz? The death of King Joseph I would have been devastating for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Austria-Hungary was a dualistic empire, except for Franz? Except for Joseph I, who was able to unite these large and small nations by virtue of his personal prestige, the rest of the people did not have such a ability at all. Even Karl, as the crown prince of the empire, could not. So, Franz? Joseph I was like a needle to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Austro-Crarian Prime Minister Mario? Weber, Minister of War of Austria and Minister of War of the Central Government of Austria-Hungary, Duke of Casbah, Minister of Finance of the Government of Austria and the Central Government, Duke Andras, Chancellor of the Hungarian Empire? Feng? Count Tissau, Chief of the General Staff, Marshal Baron Hezendorf, and others were summoned and gathered at Schönbrunn Palace.
Franz? Joseph I also dragged the sick body to the office. Although, he doesn't have much energy to deal with state affairs anymore. However, the current situation is urgent, so he has no choice but to summon the ministers in person.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Crown Prince and the Foreign Secretary have encountered problems in the peace negotiations in Berlin. The Germans wanted to cross the river and tear down the bridge, and now, what should the Reich do? "Franz? When Joseph I had finished speaking, he leaned back on your sofa and rested, waiting for the ministers' answers.