My Italy

The approval of the shipbuilding plan is a great event for the Italian Navy.

However, it will take some time to see the launch of new battleships. At least the drawings of new battleships need to be prepared, otherwise the shipyard workers will not be able to build ships. Therefore, if the Navy wants to obtain new warships, it will take time.

Of course, Italy's sudden shipbuilding plan also shocked other European countries.

In Germany, regarding Italy's shipbuilding plan, Kaiser Wilhelm II and his trusted ministers discussed its impact on Germany.

"Your Majesty, Italy's shipbuilding plan is an absolute good thing for our country. At least they can help us share the maritime pressure from Britain and France, and maybe it will be possible for us to achieve maritime balance."

Marshal Tirpitz, Minister of the Navy, was the first to express his views. In fact, his views also represent the views of most German politicians on Italian shipbuilding. After all, Italy is an ally. When its own naval strength is insufficient, allied countries' shipbuilding is beneficial to them no matter what.

"But whether this will provoke a strong reaction from the UK, we also need to pay attention to the attitude of our other ally, the Austrians." At this time, someone expressed different opinions.

No one else needed to speak, Tirpitz could answer it himself. "The British reacted violently to our shipbuilding plan, so why not build it? As for Austria-Hungary's reaction to Italian shipbuilding, is there any surprise? The navy is at a disadvantage, but the army maintains an advantage, and in terms of strategic situation, it is also Austria-Hungary has the advantage, so there is nothing to worry about.”

Well, this is not rude, it makes perfect sense. Tirpitz's remarks drew praise from others.

"Marshal Tirpitz is right. Italian shipbuilding is very beneficial to our country. It can not only contain the maritime power of Britain and France, but also deepen its hostile relationship with Britain and France. We should give it more applause. After all, we Their allies are very ambitious in the Mediterranean, and we should support their demands."

The speaker was Prime Minister and Foreign Minister His Excellency von Bulow. This successor to Bismarck was very knowledgeable in diplomacy. He proposed that Italy's shipbuilding purpose must be for the interests of the Mediterranean. This prime minister with a background in diplomacy has a really accurate vision, and he can see Italy's real core interests at a glance.

"Then, let me send a telegram to my friend Carlo to express feelings. At least Carlo and I must have the same attitude towards the French."

It was rare that the Kaiser made a wisecrack, and all the ministers present laughed happily.

Unlike Germany, which looked happy, the French government, as Italy's neighbor and competitor, was a little troubled by Italy's sudden start of shipbuilding.

That's right, it's just a headache. How could the French government not know about the tense relations between Italy and France these years? And they also know the reasons why Italy is dissatisfied with them. The seizure of Tunisia and the competition for Mediterranean interests have led to poor relations between the two countries. Now that Italy is preparing to massively expand its navy, the French government must treat it with caution.

Now in power in France is the Combout cabinet. The prime minister who studied theology, one of the most outstanding things he has done so far is the separation of church and state (it always feels so familiar).

"Everyone, Germany is currently building its own fleet, and Italy is now starting to build its own fleet. Our navy must expand, otherwise the consequences will be very serious."

It was Navy Minister Pilaten who spoke. Currently, the French Navy is facing pressure from the German and Italian navies to build ships, which makes the French Navy sit on pins and needles. Therefore, as soon as the cabinet meeting started, Pilaten took the lead in speaking.

However, his intention was not realized. Finance Minister Rouvier immediately said, "We are all aware of the difficulties faced by the navy. However, our country's finances are not optimistic at present. It is a bit unreasonable to want to expand the navy on a large scale like Germany and Italy." Reality."

This Rouvier is a veteran figure in French politics. He has served as finance minister in several cabinets and as prime minister for one term. He is very good at balancing the budget and is a pivotal figure in the cabinet, so his words make others very excited. Pay attention to.

"Can't we think of a way? If our navy doesn't keep up, we will be at a dangerous disadvantage in the Atlantic and Mediterranean."

"But we also need to consider the issue of fiscal revenue and expenditure. At present, in addition to normal expenditures, our country is also under great pressure on land, and we also need to consider our allies. Financially, we really do not have any extra funds to build ships for the navy."

Rouvier was not unreasonable. He analyzed the Ministry of Finance's expenditures item by item to the Navy. Faced with Rouvier's analysis, Pilaten was not reconciled.

"I also admit the financial difficulties, but the problems facing our navy are bigger. Isn't national defense and security important? Our navy not only needs to safeguard the interests of the Republic, but also needs to ensure the maritime security of our homeland and colonies. This maritime pressure is too great."

The words of the Minister of the Navy made it difficult for other members of the cabinet to speak. Who made France want to avenge the humiliation at Versailles? The lost Lorraine and Alsace are France's most important coal and iron bases.

Look at the miserable situation of our neighbor Italy. In order to develop its heavy industry, it is looking for coal and iron mines all over the world. They are lucky to find coal and iron mines in Kosovo and Libya. However, let’s not talk about the safety of the long transportation lines. This directly leads to The Italian steel industry can only rely on the protection of tariff barriers and can only develop domestically.

Therefore, the naval issue made it difficult for everyone present to answer the question. But at this time, someone spoke instead.

"Actually, I think it would be difficult for our country alone to compete with the navies of Germany and Italy. Under the current circumstances, our country cannot take care of both the navy and the army, and can only choose one to provide support."

The speaker was Foreign Minister Delcasse, and the foreign minister's words immediately aroused Pilaten's dissatisfaction. Because if it can only protect one, there is no saying that the government must protect the army. After all, for France, land is much more important than sea.

“Isn’t maritime safety important anymore?”

In response to the complaints from the Navy Minister, Delcasse said. "Safety at sea is of course important, but when it can only guarantee the safety of one side, our country can only choose land. And there is no way to solve the issue of maritime security."

Foreign Minister Delcasse's words attracted everyone's attention. After all, in this case, they wanted to see what good ideas he could come up with.

Facing everyone's gaze, Delcasse said immediately. "Everyone, our country's current security at sea can actually be solved through alliances."

After saying this, Delcasse immediately said the name of a country. "I believe that an alliance with the United Kingdom can completely solve our country's maritime security problems."

Delcasse's words were like a meteorite hitting the water, immediately setting off huge waves.

"What, you actually believe the British."

"I would absolutely hate to see our country's back handed to the British."

"If the British can believe it, then I think the whole world can be trusted."

In the face of passionate opposition, Foreign Minister Delcasse could still feel everyone's dissatisfaction with the British even though he was prepared in his heart.

There is no way there are too many topics to talk about between Britain and France. From the Hundred Years War to the recent Franco-Prussian War, the role played by the British in it is not glorious at all. Moreover, the two countries are still in conflict over their sphere of influence in Africa. It would be foolish to talk about forming an alliance.

This is still at the government level. If you ask a French person among the people which country is the most hated, the British will always be at the top of the list. It was only in the past few years that the Germans took the lead. Now he actually proposes to form an alliance with the British, maybe because he thinks the government is too stable.

After everyone had finished denouncing the British, Foreign Minister Delcasse continued. "I admit that these problems you mentioned all exist. Including me, we all have a bad impression of the British. But we are politicians and cannot be swayed by emotions, and what matters more between countries is interests. At present, our country and the United Kingdom The benefits gained from forming an alliance are huge. First of all, we can gain a powerful ally, whose naval strength I won’t go into details, everyone has experienced it.”

Although the people present are not very fond of the British, their naval strength is worthy of trust.

Seeing everyone's thoughtful expressions, Delcasse continued to ride the railway while it was hot. "In addition, I think there is no doubt about whether Britain is worthy of winning over and can be trusted. At present, all the colonies that can be divided in the world have been divided, and the British colonial area ranks first, and our country ranks second. That William of Germany Didn't the emperor say that if we want to obtain land under the sun for Germany, this will inevitably conflict with the United Kingdom. Coupled with its massive naval construction, it is enough for the British to regard it as a thorn in their side. As long as our country pulls in a little bit, I believe that the British People must know who their friends are.”

Although Delcasse's words are heart-warming, some people still point out the biggest diplomatic dilemma at present. "But the British are currently besieging our ally Russia. How should we reconcile the relationship between the two countries?"

Yes, the current bad relationship between Russia and Britain is a difficult problem facing the French government. Unless this issue is resolved, there is no way to bring the two countries together.

Delcasse also had his own solutions to the poor diplomatic relations between Britain and Russia. "This is very simple. Russia's expansion in the East is not in the interest of our country, and we can do nothing to deal with it. After Russia encounters a bad situation in the Far East, our country will help, and then we can calm the irritable polar bear. Come down, when the time comes, our country will be the mediator, and I believe that both countries can seriously consider it. After all, the interests in the Far East are not as high as those in Europe. I think as long as we get some interests in the Balkans, the Russians will flock to it."

Yes, Delcasse also knows the temper of the Russians. Greed is a shortcoming that can be exploited. As long as an opening is opened in the Balkans, which he is most concerned about, the Russians will turn their attention from the east back to the west.

"But we have to be careful. What if the Russians rush out of the Black Sea?"

"This issue is completely unfounded. After defeating Germany and taking back Alsace and Lorraine, at worst we will have another Crimean War. Besides, the British and Italians are probably more worried about this than us."

Delcasse's wonderful speech made everyone present nod in approval, and Prime Minister Combu, who presided over the meeting, immediately spoke. "Then let's do what Lord Delcasse said. Let's release some goodwill to the British first and see if London responds."