NOVPUBThe British are in action, and other countries are not idle either, especially the four nations at the center of the vortex—Prussia, Russia, Poland, and the Ottoman Empire—who are assiduously networking.
Seeking diplomatic support from other countries in Europe, diplomats from these four countries are working like busy bees, constantly shuttling between various embassies.
The same could be said of the three countries also at the center of the vortex—France, Austria, and Germany—which seem to be sleeping soundly, with no visible movements.
Hummel understands that things are not as simple as they appear on the surface; it’s not that they don’t want to move, but rather they can’t, adopting an unchanging approach to cope with all changes is Austria’s best option.
He also understands the lack of movement from the French, thanks to the formidable reputation left by Napoleon, to this day, European nations have never relaxed their vigilance against France.
Under such circumstances, no matter what diplomatic maneuvers the Paris Government undertakes, European countries will not forsake their wariness of them.
To annex the Rhineland region, aside from Monaco which is under French control, any country on the European continent would stand in opposition.
Small countries might be threatened or tempted into remaining neutral, but what about the major powers? Even if they wanted to trade interests, France couldn’t afford the cost. If it’s destined to be futile, why waste the effort?
The German Federation Empire’s lack of action puzzled Hummel; winning the Rhineland region without support from European countries was impossible.
Leaving everything to the British and then expecting to reap the benefits? Did they think John Bull was running a charity, without adequate benefits why would they work for nothing?
The German Federation Empire couldn’t possibly be uninterested in the Rhineland region; seizing it would greatly benefit their domestic heavy industry.
Having made no moves at all, entrusting the matter boldly to the British, weren’t they afraid of being sold out by John Bull?
It’s known there’s competition. Aside from the French, Belgium is also a competitor.
Normally, Belgium is too weak and only dreams in secret. But with the support of a great power, that’s not necessarily the case.
The German Federation Empire might have the funds to buy the Rhineland, but so could Belgium.
For the Kingdom of Prussia, it’s more in their interest to let Belgium have the Rhineland than to let it fall into the hands of the German Federation Empire.
Belgium is also a British underling. Handing the Rhineland to Belgium isn’t the best choice, but as long as it doesn’t fall into French hands, the London Government can accept it.
Well aware of the competition, yet the German Federation Empire still trusts the British so much—there must be some unknown secret between them.
Hummel commanded, "Hols, send a telegram to Vienna immediately. Have the intelligence organization find out as soon as possible the insider dealings between England and Germany."
"Yes, Your Excellency the Envoy!" responded Secretary Hols.
…
The London Conference officially opened on July 20, 1874, where the Polish Foreign Minister Wa. Fulu Bulevsky righteously accused the Russians of invading Poland and presented three suggestions to the international conference:
First, condemn and sanction the crime of Russian aggression against Poland;
Second, Russian troops to immediately withdraw from Poland;
Third, the Tsarist Government to compensate the Kingdom of Poland for its war losses.
Undoubtedly, the Polish proposal received diplomatic support from European countries, who condemned the Russian atrocities in unison.
Perhaps to escalate Russia’s troubles or with other calculations in mind, the British Foreign Minister McLean suggested putting the matter to a vote.
The result was naturally lopsided, with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Russia, Prussia, Poland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Monaco, Montenegro, Northern Europe, and the Ottoman Empire—sixteen nations in total, of which thirteen voted in support of Poland.
Austria and Montenegro chose to abstain, and the sole opposing vote was cast by the Russians themselves. It was a significant vote, suggesting that the resolution was void because of the Russian opposition.
Hummel was puzzled; he had no idea what the British were playing at. There were no binding powers in this international conference, no treaties had been signed.
Beyond causing the Russian delegates embarrassment, it was essentially meaningless. Verbal support for Poland wasn’t a problem, but to expect nations to send troops to intervene in the Russo-Polish war was whimsical.
Hummel didn’t doubt the British ability to cheat, if the London Government was willing to pay a heavy price, convincing the Kingdom of Prussia might be possible, but not for other countries.
Clearly, the British had no intention of supporting the Prussians to fight a war, for the input and output didn’t correlate positively.
If the Russians were truly defeated, the Berlin Government would likely default, and all British investments would be lost.
It wasn’t that the Berlin Government wanted to default, but at that stage, they truly wouldn’t have the means to repay.
War is a beast that devours gold. The debts incurred by the last Prusso-Russian battle have not even been one-third repaid by the Berlin Government. What will they repay with if there is another war?
Even if they win the war and obtain rich spoils, such treasures could hardly be cash. They are mostly real estate and land, which simply cannot be converted into wealth in the short term.
Moreover, due to the war, even more investment is required to develop newly occupied territories. For a considerable period, these new lands will be a financial burden.
Unless the British continue to extend loans, allowing the Berlin Government to take on new debts to pay off the old ones, the penniless Kingdom of Prussia is destined to default.
...
At the Vienna Palace, upon learning what transpired at the London conference, Franz’s expression changed drastically. What seemed like a mundane vote was actually fraught with deadly implications.
The Russians can’t feel it because they are already isolated. Even a confrontation with European countries couldn’t make their situation much worse.
For any other country, it would be different. To disregard the attitude of European nations, one needs the capital to do so.
On the European Continent, only two nations are unafraid of being ostracized. One is the Russian Empire, which isn’t burdened by debt and possesses a geographical edge. Its vast territory plus the cold winter renders the Russian Empire nearly invincible.
Beyond that, there’s only Britannia, hanging alone over the sea. Even if everyone is displeased with them, with the Channel acting as barrier and the power of the Royal Navy, they are beyond reach.
Other European nations cannot make enemies worldwide; each time they stand against other European countries, crisis inches closer.
The example of Napoleon has taught everyone that without a superior strategic position or the power to challenge the European Continent alone, it’s best not to get too carried away.
Franz was certain that the British weren’t targeting the Russians this time. The declining Russian Empire wasn’t worth such an elaborate scheme.
Aside from France and Austria, there is no third party worth the British scheming. Now that the Paris government is in internal turmoil, there’s little chance of them stirring trouble soon, so the most likely target is Austria.
"The British have made their move. What do you think is our best response?"
Prime Minister Felix: "Your Majesty, it depends on what the British intend to do. At present, there are few places where we can be targeted, and even fewer where the British would care to calculate.
With the British engaging in these maneuvers at this time, they are either trying to disrupt our German unification strategy or aiming to thwart our eastward expansion plans.
If it’s the former, they will likely focus on the German Federation Empire. In name, only this final link remains in our German unification strategy.
However, the German Federation Empire is severely divided internally. Although it seems powerful, the actual strength it can bring to bear is greatly limited.
Even if they could integrate the German Federation Empire, it would not be possible to win over the hearts of people in the short term. Learning from the Kingdom of Prussia’s ability to break free from German nationalism is not something that can be done overnight.
If they are targeting the latter, then the British aim to safeguard the Ottoman Empire. This doesn’t contradict our strategic goals; after all, the Near East war has conveniently needed an excuse to halt.
The primary objective of the British now is to prevent the French from acquiring the Rhineland region, and targeting us should be incidental. With the British-French-Austrian tripartite alliance still in place, it’s unlikely the British will go too far."
Is it really that straightforward? Franz was highly skeptical; he didn’t believe the British had laid so much groundwork for such a modest appetite.
Foreign Minister Weisenberg: "I recall that only two days ago, our embassy in London sent a telegram asking our Intelligence organization to investigate the abnormal behavior of the German Federation Empire and clarify the secret Anglo-German inside deals.
Considering the current situation, we can deduce there’s likely a transaction between the Anglo-German sides that is unfavorable to us. To prevent us from noticing anything unusual, the German Federation Empire chose to remain passive.
Of course, there’s also an extremely faint possibility it’s a smokescreen released by the British, with the German Federal Government playing along to confuse us.
Breaking this deadlock is quite simple. If the German Federation Empire believes that annexing the Rhineland is a foregone conclusion, then let’s muddy the waters.
Weren’t the Belgians previously showing interest in buying the Rhineland region? Let’s get them to make their move then. Having an additional buyer will undoubtedly please the Prussians."
Unclear on the British plan? No matter, we’ll first disrupt their arrangements and stirring the waters never fails.
By prompting Belgium to step forward at this juncture, the London Government will have to choose between two allies, and inevitably, British relations with the one abandoned will suffer.
After some thought, Franz decided: "Then let’s urge Belgium to step up, but that pressure alone isn’t sufficient.
At this stage, secrecy serves no purpose. Prussia and France have probably already guessed at the British’s intentions.
So let’s be blunt and make it known that we’re allied with the British to support the German Federation’s acquisition of the Rhineland.
Let Prussia and France come forward and tip the table over directly."
