NOVPUBIn the Paris Embassy of Britain, Foreign Minister George and Envoy Roberto Fernandes sat facing each other, the atmosphere in the room extremely oppressive.
From their expressions, it was evident that the just-concluded welcoming banquet was not so pleasant.
Napoleon IV had not only been absent himself, but he had also announced a sudden government meeting during the banquet, prompting a collective departure of the French top officials.
With influential figures gone, only a few staff members from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a bunch of nobility with empty titles remained to entertain Sir George.
The fundamental principle of equivalent treatment had been abandoned, and this was no longer just a matter of intimidation, it entirely disregarded George, giving no regard for the face of the Great Britain Empire.
Being treated coldly in diplomacy was not uncommon. Relations between England and France had always been poor, and even ruder incidents had occurred, but what worried George was the mission.
"Your Excellency Envoy, you have been stationed in Paris for a long time and understand the French government well. What do you think would be the cost to persuade the French to support us?"
George’s trip to Paris had been very rushed, and without knowing what France wanted, he could only adapt to the situation as it unfolded.
After a brief thought, Roberto Fernandes said, "Sir, the French have a large appetite, and mere benefits might not satisfy them.
If the situation isn’t particularly critical, I suggest it’s enough just to stabilize the French government, as the cost of winning them over is too great. Enjoy more content from freewebnovel
In fact, the French government is currently busy sorting out internal affairs, and in the short term, it does not have the capacity to interfere in international matters."
It is commonplace for nations to take advantage of others’ misfortunes; now that Britain needed France, the French government would naturally not be polite.
Unmoved, George asked, "What do the French most want now?"
In diplomatic engagements, even eloquent speeches cannot outweigh interests.
George did not believe he could persuade the French by merely sweet-talking them; to win over the French government, he would have to present tangible benefits.
Envoy Roberto Fernandes answered, "The strategic goals of the French have hardly changed. They have always aimed for supremacy in Europe. After the Great Revolution, they toned down a bit, but now there’s a trend of resurgence.
The radical groups in France want to expand to Central Europe and seize European supremacy; capitalists seek to take over Belgium and the Rhineland region to resolve the cost issues of industrial raw materials.
These interest demands are opposed by the domestic Aristocratic Conservative Faction, who fear that moving into Central Europe will trigger a new anti-French war.
Currently, it is precisely these conservatives who hold significant power, opposing expansion in Europe and advocating for easing relations with European countries, using the development of colonies as a way to solve the shortage of domestic industrial raw materials.
Lately, the French government has been very lively. After ending his trip to Algeria, Napoleon IV returned to Paris and immediately ordered the replacement of a batch of local bureaucrats.
To fill the vacant positions, fierce battles erupted among the various factions within the French government, with high officials even resorting to physical fights.
Napoleon IV is currently busy balancing the various forces, and unless we can offer conditions no French interest group can refuse, we won’t be able to win over the French in the short term."
Even though George had been aware of the complex internal situation in France, he had not imagined that the French government was in such disarray.
During intense political struggles, there is no need to ask why. "If you support it, I oppose it," and vice versa.
Everyone opposes for the sake of opposing. Perhaps nothing will be accomplished, but it’s enough to thwart the opponent’s plans.
Even over trivial matters, people can squabble endlessly, let alone over issues involving major international alignments.
If he were to try and persuade these people one by one, George had no doubt that he’d retire before he could convince this group.
"Belgium and the German Federation are our potential allies. Supporting the French in their expansion into Central Europe means giving up these allies.
Moreover, given the current strength of the French, expanding into Central Europe at this time might not even be successful.
With Austria’s influence, it’s entirely possible to form a new Anti-French Alliance. It’s uncertain about other countries, but direct victims like Belgium and the German Federation would surely align with them right away.
No matter who ultimately prevails, Europe will face a scenario of one power dominating, and we will be put in a passive position."
There’s no way around it; supporting the French in their expansion into Central Europe would not only cost Britain its international reputation but also mean giving up their leverage in the Central European Region, making it difficult to intervene in European affairs in the future.
If it were just these issues, it would still be negotiable. After all, the international reputation of the British isn’t great, and it can’t fall much further.
The key issue was the loss of support, as Belgium and the German Federation would definitely drag Austria into the mire, ultimately leading to France vs. an Austria-led Anti-French Alliance.
With England and Russia restraining each other, the outcome of the France-Austria war became uncontrollable.
Unless both sides were mutually wounded, the victor would become the hegemon of Europe, and an hegemon hostile toward Britain at that.
Envoy Roberto Fernandes nodded, "Of course, maintaining a balance of power in Europe is our national policy."
If we cannot start from a strategic perspective, then we must approach from an economic one, though the repercussions would be severe.
For instance, ’Unilaterally abolishing the high tariffs against the French.’
Upon hearing this suggestion, George’s face immediately fell. It was not just that the repercussions would be severe—it was practically lethal.
The high tariffs against France were a retaliatory measure for the French pulling out of the free trade system.
Moreover, the tariffs between England and France were almost equal now. If Britannia abolished them unilaterally, it would mean that French goods could freely enter the British market, while British goods entering the French market would have to pay high tariffs.
Under such conditions, if George dared agree, the domestic capitalists would surely tear him apart.
"Your Excellency, that joke is not the least bit funny. Do you realize what it would mean if we gave up the tariffs unilaterally?"
Envoy Roberto Fernandes nodded, "Of course, it would mean turning Britain into an economic colony of the French.
That’s why I was against wooing the French from the start. We currently have too few chips to bargain with, and the French’s appetite is too big; it’s simply not possible to come to an agreement."
Actually, we’re all aware that the possibility of Austria intervening directly in Central Asia is virtually nil, with the Persian Empire lying in between.
Whether or not the French are restrained doesn’t matter. As long as there are no problems with the French, even without doing anything, the Austrian Government must always be on guard.
The pressing matter is to find a way to end the arms race, not to waste time on an unattainable goal."
The risks and rewards are directly proportional; letting the French tie down Austria guarantees nothing, and it could ignite a war between the two nations at any time.
If even the appearance fee isn’t sufficient, how can you expect the French government to willingly take the risk?
After a pause, George slowly said, "What if we formed an alliance with the French?
We can’t support the French expanding into Central Europe, but that doesn’t mean we can’t tacitly allow the French to expand into Central Europe.
Since Austria has to bear the brunt, the French won’t deploy troops rashly without full assurance.
Britain needs time; as long as we deal with the issue in Central Asia first, whether to honor this alliance in the end will still be in our hands."
After pondering for a while, Roberto Fernandes said gravely, "Sir, is this the final decision at home?
You must know, doing this would destroy all we have built in France over the years."
Pro-British doesn’t mean unconditionally pro-British; the vast majority of the Pro-British Faction would still prioritize their country’s interests.
The shorting of the Franc in recent years had seriously offended the French, resulting in a drastic reduction in the number of Pro-British members within the French government.
Another move now, and the Pro-British Faction would probably vanish completely from the French government, leaving behind nothing but naked hatred.
In the eyes of most, a traitor is more detestable than an enemy. The line between the Pro-British and Anti-British factions is indeed very thin.
George, unmoved, said, "This is the necessary price to pay. If possible, I wouldn’t wish to be so extreme, but for the sake of Britain’s interests, there is no other way.
Our laborious efforts, aren’t they all for this day?
Starting now, the embassy needs to mobilize all our connections to facilitate this alliance."
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