Although this was nothing more than speculation, in view of the seriousness of the consequences of this speculation, Delcasse sent a secret telegram to Paris on the same day. The French government, which received the telegram, was also taken aback, and immediately asked the military to deduce that if the German side started a war at this time, France would have a few percent chance of winning.

"Ladies and gentlemen, according to our military calculations, if only Germany and our country go to war, on land, our country will form an even balance with Germany with the advantage of 75 mm rapid-fire guns. If we add Italy, then our country's chances of winning are only three layers, and if Austria-Hungary is added, then our country's chances of winning are less than one. ”

At the Chancellery, a French general is telling Prime Minister Edouer and other cabinet ministers about the results of the military's war drills.

For former Finance Minister Ruvier, who had just become prime minister, he was given such a big problem when he took office, which made him feel very troubled. (The defection of his predecessor, Khumbu, to the Radical Party and the Socialist Party, led to his resignation on January 17, 1905)

However, in the face of this crisis, France, as prime minister, of course, could not sit idly by. I saw him speak. "Ladies and gentlemen, France is in a dangerous state at the moment, and it is incumbent upon us, as the top of the government, to prevent France from doing so."

After setting the tone, Ruvier immediately addressed the military representatives attending the meeting. "Beto, Camille, you navy and army need to prepare for a possible war in advance."

In the face of the Prime Minister's words, Beto, as Minister of War, immediately spoke. "Prime Minister, our army has already made a plan to stop the leave of officers and soldiers, and the early recruitment of reserves and militia is proceeding in an orderly manner."

"It's the same with our navy, reservist officers and soldiers are being called up, and warships are being overhauled."

It is not enough for Ruvière to start preparing in advance on the military side, but more importantly, at the diplomatic level, France needs the strength of other countries to at least help France through this difficult time.

I saw that he immediately said to Deputy Foreign Minister Trullo on the side. "Your Foreign Office needs to engage with Britain and get them on our side. In addition, the Russians, at least, let them keep an eye on Austria-Hungary, and send another telegram to Delcasse to talk to the Italians, and at least ensure that Italy does not get involved in the affairs between our country and Germany. ”

It is clear that Ruvière, as prime minister, has a well-organized response and must have been thinking about it for a long time. First of all, the British Empire is definitely at the top of the list of French demand at the moment. Because only deterrence from the British Empire can make the Germans sober their heads.

Of course, it would not be possible to pin all your hopes on the British. On the one hand, the British were willing to form a military alliance with Paris at this time, and on the other hand, if they were only willing to give verbal support to the British Empire, then the latter steps would need to be used.

The first is its ally, Russia, which has just been defeated and has many internal contradictions, but it is still useful. Although it is not expected to complete the heavy task of pinning Germany, it should not be a problem to watch Austria-Hungary. As for the rest, don't think about it, unless Nicholas II suddenly feels French, and he may have to ask God for help.

And after Russia looks at Austria-Hungary, then the next thing is to solve the thorn in the side of Italy.

For Italy, France has a good card in its hand, and that is Tunisia. Speaking of the bad relations with Italy, it is mainly because of Tunisia, and Italy has also been playing tricks with France everywhere in recent years. Of course, the most uncomfortable thing was the war with the Qing State, and under the mixture of Italy, France lost the face of the great powers.

Of course, it is not rude to come and go, and France has not given Italy a lot of tricks, but the effect is not as good as Italy.

Now for the sake of France's security, the Italians must be stabilized, or at least not allowed to get involved in the dispute with Germany.

With Rouvière taking action, the French began to get busy. In London, the French envoy, after some conversation with the British, received support from the British. Its Prime Minister Bannerman promised that if war broke out between France and Germany, the British Empire would side with France.

Although the leader of the Liberal Party claimed to support France, the British Empire refused to talk about a military alliance now, citing the fact that the conditions were not ripe for France's most pressing military alliance. Although it was not at its best, Britain was guaranteed to side with France, which was not bad.

As for the Russian side, Tsar Nicholas II agreed to the French demand for Austria-Hungary. Of course, they also promised that Russia would support France in the event of a war between Germany and France, but military action was not possible due to domestic turmoil.

After good results in both Britain and Russia, the next step is to stabilize the Italians.

It's still the same café, it's still two diplomatic professionals.

"Your Excellency Bacona, my country sincerely wishes to discuss the question of Tunisia with your country. This is because our country thinks that this slightly hostile policy of your two countries is not wise at all. ”

Even though the two have met many times, De Casse, as the French foreign minister, still finds the Italian foreign minister a little difficult to handle, and the reason is ...... Not again.

"Well, then your country will hand over the protection of Tunisia to our country, then your country will be our true friend, a true friend like Germany."

This is the reason why this Lord Bacona is difficult, and he only makes one condition, which is to give Tunisia to Italy for protection. How can there be such a reason for admitting death in diplomatic negotiations, he has obtained information from Bacona before, and this person who can become the foreign minister and take charge of Italy's diplomacy can be described as a very capable person, and it is impossible for him to be this kind of character.

Now the conclusion is already there, that is, the Italians have nothing to fear, and they have their own reasons to agree.

"Your Excellency Bacona, my country has agreed that your country has equal powers in Tunisia, which is already the biggest concession, and I hope that your country will not be overconfident."

Bacona gave Delcasse a look of embarrassment. "I'm sorry, my country is not interested in this right, so thank you for your kindness."

For this Mr. Bacona, who does not eat oil and salt, Delcasse feels that if he does not come up with a killer weapon, the other party will not listen to what he says at all. Of course, since it is called a killer feature, it must not be taken out easily. But now it seems that it can't be hidden.

So he pondered for a moment and spoke. "Actually, it is not incomprehensible to my country that you want Tunisia. So if your country is really interested, then you might as well talk about it. ”

Delcasce's words made a gleam in Bacona's eyes. "Is that true?"