"Your Majesty, the President of the United States would like to be able to have a meeting with you. You've been busy with Franz all this time? The funeral of His Majesty Joseph I and your enthronement. So, didn't have a chance to visit with Woodrow? President Wilson has a good talk. "Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister Leopold? Feng? Baron Belhidald reported.

Karl I nodded: "Okay, I see, you can arrange a time!" ”

"Your Majesty, the purpose of the President of the United States this time is probably to force us to take sides. I'm afraid this level is not easy to pass. Baron Belchdald reminded.

The Americans have been courting Austria-Hungary, hoping that it will become cannon fodder and become a pawn in their fight against Germany.

This was obviously not good for Austria-Hungary. Although Austria-Hungary was also a big country, it was too weak compared to Germany. If it weren't for the fact that the two sides were allies, they might have been attacked by Germany long ago. Now, if Austria-Hungary were to turn to the United States, it would obviously be against Germany. When the time comes, once the Germans are provoked, will there be good fruit to eat from Austria-Hungary?

"I know! However, it was impossible for us and the Germans to coexist peacefully. The Germans would not tolerate a strong Austro-Hungarian Empire staying next to them. This can be easily seen from the last time they distributed the fruits of victory in the world war, when they continued to suppress us. If we continue to sit idly by like this, the Germans will definitely gain an inch. When the time comes, I'm afraid we won't even have the ability to fight back. Karl I said.

"But Your Majesty, the Americans are not credible. We are allies of Germany anyway, and as long as the alliance exists, the Germans will have concerns and will not tear their faces to attack us! But if we turn explicitly to the Americans, Germany will have no scruples. Belchdold reminded.

"Well, you're right. But is there any chance of turning back? In order to buy the German warships, we took a loan of $200 million from the Americans. Those loans are not given for free, they need to be repaid. And now, the empire simply does not have the money to pay back the Americans. If we turn to the United States, we can get more American support. Even, it is not impossible to get a new loan from the United States. As long as there is enough money, it will be possible to solve the domestic problem. When the time comes, our strength will become stronger and stronger, and the Germans may not dare to attack us easily. As long as they are not able to defeat us in a short time, the war will enter a stalemate. The Americans will intervene then. So, we're safe. Karl I said.

Baron Belhidald frowned, though Karl I's words sounded plausible. However, he can perceive that there are too many loopholes, too many uncertainties. If you pin your hopes on this, there is obviously no chance of victory.

"Your Majesty, this is too risky." Baron Belchdot persuaded.

"Okay, I've figured it out. Rather than watching the Reich suffer from the repression of the Germans, it is better to give it a go. Perhaps, we will have a chance to win. I believe that God will bless Austria-Hungary! Karl I said.

Baron Belhidald saw that Karl I had made up his mind, so he had to say nothing more. He knew that Karl I at this time could not listen to anyone's persuasion at all.

After Baron Belhidald left, Karl I couldn't help but clench his fists.

"Humph! The ministers of the Reich, all timid as mice, were frightened by the Germans. If everyone were like them, the Reich would not have been able to confront Germany at all, and it would be better to submit directly to the Germans. Karl I said hatefully.

Karl I always wanted to lead Austria-Hungary beyond the German Empire to become the most powerful country in the world. Of course, this is mainly because he is an extremely rigid and conceited person. If there is no chance to become the crown prince of Austria-Hungary, then forget it. Since he has such an opportunity, of course he will not let it go.

When he became the crown prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Qin Tian became Franz? Joseph I used to educate his examples. This made Karl I very disgusted and even hostile to Qin Tian from the bottom of his heart. That's why everything came after.

Especially when Qin Tian became the emperor of the German Empire, and the German Empire won the world war, it made Karl I jealous.

He believed that although the Austro-Hungarian Empire under his leadership was weaker than Germany, Germany had too many enemies. As long as he can seize the opportunity, he will definitely be able to defeat Qin Tian and lead Austria-Hungary to become the world hegemon.

So, Karl I has always made this his goal.

On the afternoon of January 2, Karl I met with visiting US President Woodrow Bush. Wilson had a meeting. No one knows what they talked about. But, is it Woodrow that is for sure? President Wilson was smiling as he left.

Prime Minister of the Austro-Hungarian Government, Mario? Webb also attended the meeting. It's just that there is no smile on his face, but he is worried.

"Your Majesty, do we really want to withdraw from the Allies and dissolve our alliance with Germany?" Mario? Webb asked with a worried look on his face.

Karl I nodded: "Yes, I have promised the President of the United States. ”

"But, Your Majesty. It's too risky to do so. This would have pushed Austria-Hungary to the brink of war. ”

"No, the Germans will not necessarily dare to attack us. Even if they attacked, the two million Austro-Hungarian Army and the mighty Austro-Hungarian Navy would not be easy to bully. What's more, the Americans also promised that as long as we can hold out for a month, more than one million US troops will land in Europe and open up a second battlefield. When the time comes, the Germans will be exhausted. And we will win the war. Once we win against the Germans, we will dominate Europe, and even the whole world. What's more, the Americans also promised to give us another billion dollars in interest-free loans. With this money, our internal contradictions will be resolved, and Austria-Hungary will become stronger! Karl I said excitedly.

"Your Majesty, even if we unite with the Americans, I'm afraid we won't be able to beat the Germans!" Mario? Webb said.

"No, Your Excellency Prime Minister, you are too pessimistic. We will have a chance to defeat the Germans! Karl I looked confident.

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