Jagged Germany: Chapter 847 Crown Prince\'s ambition
When Crown Prince Karl left the American embassy with a smile on his face, it was already early morning. However, being able to obtain so many benefits from the Americans has already made Crown Prince Karl very satisfied. A low-interest loan of 200 million US dollars is already a lot of money for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They can use this money to further develop their military power, so that the strength of the army and navy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be further improved. In this case, even if they tear themselves apart with Germany in the future, they won't have no power to resist at all.
However, the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister Baron Berchdold, who returned in the same car with Crown Prince Karl, didn't think so. He believes that His Highness the Crown Prince's behavior is causing trouble for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire won the World War, it did not get much benefit. At the same time, domestic conflicts have become increasingly acute. In addition, the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I was almost unable to hold on. The current Austro-Hungarian Empire can be described as troubled! Isn't it self-inflicted to offend Germany at this time?
"His Royal Highness, this is the territory of the Germans. It seems that it is not good for us to contact the Americans like this. If the Germans know about it, the problem will be more serious." Baron Berchdold said.
"Don't worry, Your Excellency the Baron. The Germans won't know what I talked about with the Americans. What's more, even if they know, they can't do anything to us without real evidence. Although Germany is stronger than the Austro-Hungarian Empire, But we can't just let them round and flatten." Crown Prince Karl said nonchalantly.
"Your Highness, no matter what, Germany is the world's hegemon. No one can deny their strength. Therefore, if you can not offend the Germans, it is best not to offend them. Otherwise, it will be very bad for us! "Bersidold persuaded.
"Your Excellency, Germany is strong, I admit it. However, don't forget that Germany also has many enemies. One or two enemies, of course, cannot pose a fatal threat to Germany. However, if all of Germany's enemies are united, they are enough to overwhelm Germany. Overwhelmed. The Germans have made too many enemies. Therefore, although they are strong, it is not so easy to secure the throne of world hegemony." Crown Prince Karl said with great certainty.
Even, Crown Prince Karl believes that if he is lucky, the Austro-Hungarian Empire may not have the opportunity to replace Germany and become the world hegemon. After all, the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be regarded as one of the most powerful countries in the world. If it is possible to receive the German heritage after defeating Germany, then there will be no doubt about the rise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that time, the Austro-Hungarian Empire will definitely have the strength to compete with the United States for the throne of world hegemony.
After all, the Austrian Empire was considered one of the states of Germany at the beginning. If they hadn't lost to the Kingdom of Prussia in the Prussian War and were driven out of Germany, they could also be regarded as the successors of Germany. Once Germany is defeated again, the possibility of the Austro-Hungarian Empire inheriting the German heritage is undoubtedly very high.
Baron Bercidold saw Crown Prince Karl's expression and knew that he was daydreaming again. However, he couldn't say much at this time. After all, Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I obviously couldn't last long. Crown Prince Karl, as the first heir to the imperial throne, is already a sure thing to inherit the throne. If there is too much quarrel with Crown Prince Karl, it will be very unfavorable to him personally. Baron Berchdold can only pray that God can bless the Austro-Hungarian Empire and keep the Austro-Hungarian Empire from going to the abyss.
"Your Excellency the Baron, is General Anton House here?" Crown Prince Karl asked.
"According to the information received, General Anton House has arrived at the embassy tonight." Baron Berchdold replied.
Anton? Haus Admiral is the naval commander of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After Crown Prince Karl learned that the German Navy was planning to sell a large number of battleships, he asked Admiral Anton Howes to come to Berlin. Although Crown Prince Karl attaches great importance to the development of the navy, he is a layman after all. He also didn't know whether the battleships sold by Germany were worth buying.
"Your Highness, are you planning to participate in the auction? But we simply don't have enough funds to buy German warships!" Baron Berchdold reminded.
"Don't worry, Your Excellency the Baron. The funds have already been secured." Crown Prince Karl said with a smile.
As soon as Bercidold thought about it, he guessed the source of the funds.
"Your Highness, Americans' money is not easy to get. What if they use this as a condition to blackmail us?" Baron Bercidold was a little worried.
"Don't worry, I'm not a fool, I know what to do!" Crown Prince Karl said impatiently.
Seeing this, Baron Berchdold had no choice but to shut up.
After returning to the embassy, Crown Prince Karl immediately summoned Admiral Anton House.
The naval strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is generally relatively weak. In the whole world, it is not ranked in the forefront. Of course, that refers to before the war. Now, the navy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be regarded as a powerful navy second only to Germany. It's just that the German navy can crush the navy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by sending a fleet at will. Because the ranking of the naval power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire has risen, it is not because of its own strength, but because the navies of the countries ranked in front have all been destroyed.
The British Navy, French Navy, Italian Navy, and Island Navy were all nearly wiped out by the German Navy. The capital ships in active service of the U.S. Navy were also handed over to the United Kingdom, allowing them to fight desperately with the German Navy. The result was all lost. This made the navy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire one of the most powerful navies in the world.
Of course, this moisture is undoubtedly very large.
Crown Prince Karl is well aware of the strength of the German navy. It is undoubtedly very difficult for the Austro-Hungarian navy to confront the German navy. However, even so, he still wanted the Austro-Hungarian Navy to have the right to speak in the Mediterranean waters. In this way, the interests of the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be ensured. After all, the Austro-Hungarian Empire now also has some overseas colonies.
"General Anton House, what is the performance of the battleships that the Germans want to sell? Can we buy them? If possible, buy as many as possible. Don't worry about funding, I have already figured out a way!" Carl The Crown Prince said impatiently.