My Italian: Chapter 516 3 Emperor Talks Part 2
Remember [New] for a second,! "Your Majesty, Italy is very resistant to adding Britain as a target, as we felt during the previous talks."
In a room at Sanssouci Palace, Prime Minister Bilo is reporting the results of previous talks to Emperor William II.
Listening to the Prime Minister's report, William II tapped his fingers on the table unconsciously and asked. "what else?"
"We can feel that Italy is somewhat afraid of Britain's powerful navy, and thinks that if our country does not increase the investment of the navy, they will not agree to the goal of joining the United Kingdom in the alliance treaty." It was Admiral Tirpitz who spoke.
Of course, he is happy to see Italy's request to attach importance to the navy. After all, how could he be unwilling to increase navy funding?
Facing the words of the Admiralty, William II said hesitantly. "Now that Italy is resistant to adding the UK to the target, can we exclude it from the conditions."
Wilhelm II's words shocked the German executives present, and the first leader, Bilo, said. "Your Majesty, please think twice."
There is also a reason for Prime Minister Billow to speak at this time, because he knows the emperor's feelings for Britain, and the emperor has a love-hate relationship with Britain. It claimed that an armed conflict with the United Kingdom was "the most unimaginable thing", but in action it was the large-scale shipbuilding of the German Navy that made the United Kingdom look like a big enemy.
But in the German government and among the people, there is no such sentiment towards Britain. In their view, the British Empire was only a potential opponent of Germany, and they did not have the complicated feelings of an emperor. So for the majesty of the emperor, William pays great attention to his words in public. Of course, if you sometimes forget, the senior government officials around you also know how to make amends immediately, for example, this is the case now.
"So does the government have any new solutions?"
And the Prime Minister reminded William to know that he was not talking about this topic. William II was not stupid either. Of course, he knew the importance of tying Italy more closely. After all, senior military and political officials could share the pressure of Germany on both land and sea. Especially for the valiant Italian navy, Wilhelm and German military and political officials place great importance on it. It is considered that its combat effectiveness is a little higher than that of Germany's own navy.
"We think we can increase support for Italy, such as giving interest-free loans, or technical support, etc..."
In the face of the emperor's inquiry, Prime Minister Bilo gave the government's advice.
"Our military believes that we can increase the exchange of military technology between the two countries. In addition, we can do the same in the field of tactical research, and we can even discuss issues such as military cooperation with them."
The chief of the general staff, Admiral Mao Qi, also made suggestions to the emperor on behalf of the military, and after he finished speaking, he also gave Tirpitz a special look.
William II also saw Xiao Maoqi's small actions. Obviously, for the sake of unanimous opinion, a certain party made some concessions. At present, it seems that the navy has made some kind of concessions.
Since both the government and the military are clamoring for a deeper alliance with the Italians, how could he, the monarch, object.
"Since you all said so, then the conditions for tomorrow's talks can be presented. I think Italians should be moved."
William II's words set the tone for tomorrow's talks with Germany, which of course made Germany pay more attention, and it is also the result of Italy's efforts over the years. From being disliked at the beginning to being scrambled to win over, this is the result of a substantial increase in Italy's national strength. In this era, weakness is the original sin, and every country implements this code.
While Germany is making plans for tomorrow's talks, Italy is doing the same thing.
"Your Majesty, the Germans in today's talks have too little sincerity to meet our demands."
In the room, Prime Minister Antonio reported the content of today's talks to the returning Carlo. In addition to the Prime Minister and the King, the important officials of the delegation are all present.
"Yes, Your Majesty, the German side has given too little sincerity. It is an enemy of the British Empire. At present, our country is not ready at all." Admiral Yagier, the Minister of the Navy who made a big splash in the meeting this time, also took the opportunity to speak.
"Admiral Yagier is right, we have nothing to prepare, it's too early to talk about this." General Simeone, the chief of staff, also said.
Carlo could see it. Although his high officials said various reasons, it was obviously a sign of their lack of confidence in being an enemy of Britain.
Yes, it is the fear of the majesty of the British Empire.
As for the lack of confidence of the important ministers, Carlo understands very well.
After all, over the past few hundred years, the United Kingdom has been famous, and Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Russia have all experienced the consequences of the challenge. Especially in the Napoleonic era, France, which made Europe flourish, also failed to overturn Britain's position. How could Italy dare to compete with the British Empire, even with Germans sharing the pressure?
Facing the worries of the important ministers, Carlo certainly needs to give a little confidence. "Everyone is right. If you want to increase the terms for the United Kingdom, then the conditions given by Germany are indeed a little less. At least the two countries need to strengthen the naval strength of the two countries. Germany needs to have at least the strength to hold back 80% of the British navy. ."
The 80% that Carlo said is the result of careful calculation by the Italian Navy at present. In view of the situation in the Mediterranean, the Italian Navy believes that it must have an advantage in the face of the French Navy and the British Mediterranean Fleet, which is the key to ensuring Italy's control of the sea in the Mediterranean.
Because the Mediterranean Sea is so important that if Italy loses sea control, it will be tantamount to defeat. Factories lacking raw materials in the country will come to a standstill, and lack of imported food will lead to popular riots. So in the face of war, Italy first needs to consider sea dominance. If you don't get sea control, there is no need to fight this war. Even if you suffer a little loss, you must realize this.
In the face of Carlo's words, these important ministers also agree very much, because this is the current situation that Italy must face.
"Your Majesty, then in the next talks, we will focus on Germany to contain the British Navy. In addition, when we plan to talk with them, let Germany open up more restricted technologies, whether it is military or civilian technology. "
Prime Minister Antonio stated to Carlo the focus of the next meeting.
Carlo also knew the intention of the Prime Minister's words. In general, Italy seems to have good technological development at present. It has good technologies in the internal combustion engine, electric power, petrochemical, shipbuilding and other industries~www.mtlnovel.com~ However, in addition to these technological industries with outstanding achievements, Italy's technologically backward industries are even more many. According to the barrel theory, how much water is filled depends on the shortest board, so if Italy wants to develop healthily, it needs to make up for the short board. It is very important to introduce more technology from Germany.
"No problem, the next meeting will focus on what the prime minister said."
Faced with the specific talks, Carlo reassured him to hand it over to his important ministers.
At this time, Admiral Yagier interjected. "The Austrians can't let it go. I heard that they are also preparing to build dreadnoughts."
Admiral Simone, who heard the sound and knew the elegant meaning, immediately opened his mouth and said. "Do you want to include it in command in the future?"
"I have this idea. After all, Austria-Hungary is also a Mediterranean country. Only by concentrating our strength can we defeat possible future powerful enemies."
Well, the admiral will pay attention to the Austrians.
"Add it to the next meeting as well."
Facing Admiral Yagier's suggestion, Carlo also agreed.