My Italian: Chapter 592 ultimatum

The Austro-Hungarian Empire, which got the results it wanted from Germany and Italy, was naturally full of confidence, and then Austria-Hungary began some preparations for war.

For example, starting to stockpile ammunition, recruiting and mobilizing troops, controlling public opinion, and formulating battle plans, etc., but for Vienna, these preparations are secondary, and the first thing is to formulate a strategy for Serbia diplomatically.

Therefore, one month after the murder of Archduke Ferdinand, public opinion in Austria-Hungary changed drastically, from mourning the murdered crown prince to needing to punish the murderer and the forces behind it.

Then the major Austro-Hungarian newspapers obtained detailed information on the murderer Princip, focusing on the situation of the Serbian terrorist organization Mafia. With the help of the government, coupled with the hype of the Austro-Hungarian newspapers, Serbia and its black hands with backgrounds in the military and intelligence agencies have become stinky in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Public opinion in Austria-Hungary also became violent, and punishing Serbia became the mainstream in its country.

With the help of domestic public opinion, Austria-Hungary took the opportunity to submit an ultimatum to Serbia.

The main contents of this notice are as follows:

Article 1: Immediately ban national self-defense organizations and other organizations that promote anti-Austro-Hungarian propaganda.

Article 2: Immediately remove from educational groups and teaching methods any teaching content that may or may incite anti-Austro-Hungarian propaganda.

Article 3: Remove officials from the military or administrative departments who are accused of anti-Austro-Hungarian propaganda, and the list of such officials is provided by the Austro-Hungarian government.

Article 4: Accept cooperation with relevant departments of the Austro-Hungarian government to suppress activities in Serbia that attempt to subvert the territorial integrity of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Article 5: With the assistance and instructions of the relevant departments designated by the Austrian government, take legal action to punish those who plan, participate in or execute the assassination.

Article 6: Arrest of anti-Austrian persons investigated by the Austro-Hungarian government.

Article 7: Maintain cooperation and take effective measures to curb arms smuggling within its territory.

Article 8: Explain to Austria-Hungary the remarks of senior Serbian officials in or outside Serbia who are hostile to them.

Article 9: Seize any publications that cause hatred and contempt for the Austro-Hungarian royal family.

Article 10: Take the above measures immediately and inform the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

These ten points are what Austria-Hungary asked Serbia, and Austria-Hungary only gave Serbia three days to answer.

This ultimatum was personally handed over to the Prime Minister Pasic by the Austro-Hungarian envoy to Serbia, Gisl. The Serbian Prime Minister was also bitter about the ultimatum in his hand, because when he asked Archduke Ferdinand to visit Sarajevo, the Serbian government got some wind.

Of course, compared with the military and intelligence agencies, the Serbian government is much more rational. They knew that such assassinations of dignitaries from neighboring countries would add fuel to the already tense Ossey relations. Therefore, the Serbian government ordered the border between the two countries to be closed to prevent those hot-blooded young people in the country from really knowing what to do and going to assassinate politicians.

But unfortunately, Belgrade's orders also need to be executed by lower-level officials, so Princip and others can easily cross the border.

Subsequently, the murderer of the Grand Duke and his wife was caught on the spot, which made the Serbian government feel like it was on the spot. At that time, it felt that Vienna did not make any big moves. Unexpectedly, this month later, Austria-Hungary finally took action, which was unacceptable to Serbia.

If you look closely, you will find that all the conditions in the ultimatum are actually interfering in Serbia's internal affairs. Of course, this is of some importance. Among them, Articles 5 and 6 are the most serious, because they directly interfere with Serbia's judicial power.

For these two items, the Serbian government is not willing to accept them, but they are willing to accept other conditions. In fact, Serbia does not want to accept any of these conditions, but because of the serious consequences, coupled with the already enraged Austro-Hungarian government, Serbia's small body cannot stand alone.

So after Austria-Hungary submitted an ultimatum to it, Serbia immediately reported the ultimatum, and has been supporting his Russian Empire behind its back.

Russia was of course furious about the Austria-Hungary ultimatum handed over by Serbia, and Russian Foreign Minister Sazonov made a public statement. Austria-Hungary made such harsh demands on Serbia, completely ignoring Russia's special interests in Serbia.

Speaking of which, Russia has been good enough to Serbia over the years. Before the Cypriot War and the wars in the Balkan countries, Russia had always stood firmly behind Serbia. Not even the Kingdom of Bulgaria, which has always regarded it as a protectorate.

Of course, this is also related to Russia's own needs (Serbia can block Austria-Hungary's expansion into the Balkans, so Russia will die), but this also shows how much Russia attaches importance to Serbia.

Since Serbia attaches so much importance, it is natural to have something to say. Even Russia is very troubled about assassination, but it is about its own interests, which needs to speak with its own needs.

So Russian Foreign Minister Sazonov summoned the Austro-Hungarian ambassador Szapari and told him that Russia was firmly opposed to the two terms of the ultimatum. Territory to investigate the Sarajevo assassination.

In the face of the words of the Russian Foreign Minister, Austria-Hungary Ambassador Szapari immediately explained, "Austria-Hungary is just suppressing terrorist movements and riots, which is beneficial to all civilized countries."

For the Austro-Hungarian ambassador, Sazonov immediately showed Russia's tough side. "This is a false statement, you are provoking a war in Europe."

Obviously, Russia has sensed some movement, so it is impossible to make a retreat. Of course, it is not easy for Russia to retreat, and the greedy bear has always had a good appetite. If you don't hurt it, you won't listen to other people's opinions at all.

Then the Russian Foreign Minister made it clear that if Austria-Hungary made an attack on Serbia, then Russia would conduct general mobilization, and do not doubt Russia's determination to defend Serbia.

Russia is of course determined to defend Serbia. After receiving an ultimatum from Austria-Hungary from Serbia, the Russian military began to order a secret mobilization.

And the government also held a cabinet meeting under the auspices of Foreign Minister Sazonov to discuss preparations for the war.

As for why it was convened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, because its Prime Minister Goremekin is a figurehead, and His Majesty the Tsar is on vacation with his family and cannot make it back to St. Petersburg at the moment, so the Minister of Foreign Affairs presided over it.

Although Russia showed a very tough attitude, how could Austria-Hungary withdraw this time. You must know that this time they have the full support of the two allies.

Therefore, Austria-Hungary has sharpened its sword against Serbia, and it is not afraid of Russia, which provides protection for it.

------off topic-----

I'm sorry everyone, the old man of Mantou was diagnosed with cancer today, and his wife cried to death. Mantou can only comfort his family first, and he also needs to help, so only one chapter has been updated today.