My Italy

Although Italy and Germany are much closer to negotiating, the alliance treaty still cannot be signed because it still lacks another country, the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

So soon the two parties moved to Vienna, preparing to discuss the renewal of the contract with Austria-Hungary.

Facing the two teams of negotiators coming from Berlin, Austria-Hungary also attached great importance to it.

Because the Triple Alliance Treaty is an upgraded version of the German-Austrian Alliance Treaty, it is also very beneficial to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

However, the contract renewal, which was originally thought to be just a formality, has caused trouble.

"Prime Minister Bismarck, we have seen the terms in this treaty, and our country believes that changes should be made that are more in line with the interests of the three countries."

As soon as the three parties sat down, Count Gustav Carnoky, the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, spoke out about Austria-Hungary's different opinions.

One more thing, the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister has been concurrently serving as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers for the past two decades, because the Austro-Hungarian Empire does not have the position of Prime Minister, only the Prime Minister of Austria and the Prime Minister of Hungary. Traditionally, the Austro-Hungarian Prime Minister is basically the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and this is concurrently held by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. (It should be a translation problem. I think it’s the chairman of the Council of Ministers, but Mantou can’t read German and doesn’t dare to change it randomly.)

Count Carnoki's words made the German side feel a thump in their hearts, and there was a feeling that things were about to get out of control.

Sure enough, following Prime Minister Bismarck's words, what Austria-Hungary thought should be changed, the Count of Carnoky immediately expressed Austria-Hungary's opinion.

“Our country believes that Article 4 of the treaty is somewhat out of date. For example, when a major power that is not a signatory to this treaty threatens the national security of one of the contracting states and that contracting state is forced to engage in war with it, the other contracting states are obliged to maintain Neutral, we reserve the right to participate in war when appropriate. We think this needs to be changed.”

As soon as Count Carnoki finished speaking, the German representative's face immediately became brighter. Although Prime Minister Bismarck had already made some speculations, he, who was well-educated, still endured the unhappiness in his heart and spoke. "So how should we change it?"

"We believe that it should be changed to the obligation of other contracting states to maintain assistance to allies."

What Count Carnocchi said next had similar meanings to Italy's previous opinions, both of which required public opinion and diplomatic support from allies.

Faced with Count Carnocchi's words, Bismarck did not need to say it, but he could personally see that Italy and Austria had reached a consensus in this regard.

Now Bismarck understood everything. No wonder Italy no longer persisted. They were waiting to attack together after the round with Austria-Hungary.

Faced with this situation, even Bismarck, who was outstanding in diplomacy, found it difficult.

Because Austria-Hungary is different from Italy, if we use simpler words to describe the relationship between Germany and the two countries, then Italy is a friend. Although everyone is pretty good on weekdays, when it comes to critical situations, they will break up as soon as possible, and Germany will not regret it.

As for Austria-Hungary, they have a brotherly relationship. Although there are some minor frictions on weekdays, in critical situations, Germany will not give up on Austria-Hungary.

Of course, this may not be accurate, but it is generally like this. Otherwise, it would not be possible, just a few years after fighting the Austro-Prussian War, they would become allies again.

Of course, in addition to the historical relationship of the same species and ethnicity, there is also the factor of France. As long as France still poses a threat to Germany, its diplomatic strategy will not change.

So after Carnoky finished speaking, Bismarck thought for a while before speaking. "We will consider your suggestion carefully. However, I feel a little unwell due to the long journey. I hope the meeting can be postponed to tomorrow?"

Yes, Bismarck also used the pause card. At present, Germany lacks intelligence support, so it is not known why Austria-Hungary also supports Italy's draft. It is a taboo in diplomacy to continue talking without knowing what the opponent's cards are.

Faced with Bismarck's health reasons for suspending negotiations, how could the Austro-Hungarian side represented by Karnoky not accept it.

"In that case, then Count Bismarck should rest a little longer, and we can wait."

With Karnoki's words, the three-party negotiations were pressed on the pause button.

Bismarck, who hurried out of the negotiation venue, whispered instructions to the deputy foreign minister beside him, Weizsäcker. "Weizsäcker, it's not convenient for me to show up next time. Please contact your friends in Austria-Hungary and find out what's going on."

Weizsäcker, who knew the seriousness of the matter, nodded without saying anything to show that he understood.

Compared with the German representatives who left in a hurry, the Austro-Hungarian and Italian representatives walked behind slowly.

"Your Excellency Bacona, are you interested in having a drink with us?"

Count Carnoki extended an invitation to Bacona beside him.

"I heard that your wine is very famous throughout Vienna. I am very honored to have requested it."

The performance of the Italian and Austrian negotiating leaders will definitely shock the jaws of uninformed people. When did the relationship between the two countries become so good?

In fact, this is not surprising at all, because the two completely explained what it means that there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests. The two countries are getting closer so quickly precisely because of their interests.

Italy's proposal to amend Article 4 was simply an unexpected surprise for Austria-Hungary.

You can see it just by opening the map.

Look at the countries surrounding Austria-Hungary. Germany and Italy are now allies, so there is no need to worry at all. To the east is Russia, its rival in the Balkan competition. As long as it can resist the threat of Russia, the Balkan countries will be completely unable to withstand the various methods of Austria-Hungary.

Although there are still some small countries around Germany, countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark are deeply involved with other European powers. Unless Germany intends to challenge two or three opponents, it cannot move at all.

This is also the reason why Bismarck was unwilling to amend Article 4. Germany's benefits from the revised Article 4 were too low, and it was completely making a wedding dress for the other two countries.

As for Italy, its land has no possibility of expansion. Its land territory is restricted by France and Austria. As for the poor and poor Switzerland, its location makes Italy dare not touch it at all.

Although there is no possibility of expansion on Italian land, Italy has an excellent navy. With its powerful navy, it can invade and occupy countries along the Mediterranean Sea.

Of course, this also requires choosing an opponent, and the opponent chosen by Italy this time will at least not allow other powers to interfere.

Of course, in addition to this reason, Italy also made another huge commitment to Austria-Hungary. It is this commitment that is the main reason why the people of Austria-Hungary have to stand firm regardless of their relationship with Germany.

So what is the promise that has such power?