Chapter 2402: Italy IV
Italy is very weak to the current Allied Power system. The Italian government itself is not friendly to Germany and Austria, and Italy can provide very little military help, at least for now. So at present, Italy’s greatest use for Germany and Austria may be the market of nearly 40 million people and a relatively sufficient labor force. To be honest, Italy’s economy is very depressed, and the labor force is really surplus. For example, the end of World War 1 In the end, most capitalist countries have experienced a golden period of development, but Italy's economy has not been very good after World War I, which is why Mussolini came to power so early in history.
However, to enter the Italian market, the biggest problem facing Deo is not the competition from domestic Italian companies. Although the Italian industry can produce some high-quality goods, how should we say it? Compared with the production scale of German industrial products, Italy's production capacity is at the level of small workshops, with high costs and low efficiency. Therefore, for the German business community, the obstruction of the Italian government is the most troublesome!
Therefore, for the benefit of Germany and Austria, and in order to punish Italy for the fact that it broke the alliance in World War I, Ruprecht supported putting pressure on Italy to open their market! This time point is the best for Germany and Austria. Other established powers in Europe are either defeated by Germany and Austria or are trying to get closer to Germany and Austria. And the United States is busy with the war with Japan and won't take care of this kind of nosy business. Well, let me ask, why does Italy resist the pressure of Germany and Austria?
"Of course, simple market plundering is definitely not enough. Facts have proved that only a win-win situation can benefit both parties. Simple plundering will not last long. In this process, we can gradually integrate Italy's industrial system and use it for us, becoming a Part of the product suppliers or upstream and downstream enterprises. Gradually bind the Italian industry with us." Buhler continued.
"However, for us now, what we need most is sufficient human resources in Italy. We can open up the labor market, and the Italian government can also use this to profit from intermediaries and labor export. There should be little resistance. When the relationship between the two sides is getting tighter in terms of personnel mobility and economics, we can spread our influence to the Italian government and then gradually tie it to the chariot of the German Empire," Buhler said.
"What do you guys think?" the crown prince asked.
"The Italians are not our reliable friends, nor do they have the strength worthy of our respect like the French. For this kind of guy who is not friendly and not strong, we can beat them. Otherwise, if this matter It has passed like this, which will damage the majesty of the empire. We must let those countries at both ends of the head rat know our attitude, those who follow me will prosper, and those who oppose me will perish." Duke Albrecht said.
Although Italy provided some materials for Germany and Austria when it was neutral, at the same time, the Italian merchant fleet was also transporting materials for Britain and France. The Italian aircraft and artillery factories also earned a lot of francs and pounds. In fact, the materials that were re-exported into the Allies through Italy were even more than the materials that some people in the United States secretly gave to Britain and France! Therefore, as the former commander of the Western Front Army, Duke Albrecht did not have a good impression of Italy. (How to put it, although Italy's industry is poor, its aviation industry is stronger than the Austro-Hungarian Empire in history.)
"Italy should be beaten, but I think that compared to what Mr. Buhler said, I think the most important thing for us now is to control Italy's raw materials and energy! If we can get Italy's energy market through an agreement If so, then Italy's surrender is a matter of time!" Prince Albert said.
"think about it,
If we can become Italy's main supplier of coal mines, iron ore and oil, then why should Italy oppose us? Why should their government refuse our request for cooperation? "Obviously, although Prince Albert emphasized Italy's role in previous discussions, now he also advocates controlling this important country in the Mediterranean!
"Oil is easy to say. We control the second largest oil field in the world. The oil field in Baku can supply the whole of Europe without any problem, and the cost of shipping by sea is also very low. In terms of price, we have an advantage over the Americans, but coal mines and iron mines are afraid. It's a little difficult. If we use the railway to transport coal and iron from Lorraine and the Ruhr area, the cost is a bit high, and in order to continue mining, it is already very good for our mining volume to meet the internal consumption of Germany. It is more inclined to export to France, after all, it is closer to France." Prince Baden thought for a while and said.
Although Germany is rich in coal and iron resources, it must first supply Germany and France, the two currently strongest industrial countries on the European continent. Therefore, there will be very little allowance for southward shipments to Italy. You read that right, although the relationship between France and Germany is very bad, but a considerable part of the iron ore and coal mines of the French before the war were supplied by Germany... Even more so after the war! Because of the quarrel between Britain and France, the British are unlikely to provide coal mines to the French at par, so the current supply of German coal and iron mines is actually relatively tight. After all, Germany still has to build new territories. Coal and iron are required in large quantities.
"It seems that this problem should be left to the Crown Prince to solve. After all, the Austro-Hungarian Empire now controls the Krivoy Rog Iron Mine and the Donbass Coal Mine." Duke Albrecht said after looking at the Crown Prince. According to the final armistice line, the Austro-Hungarian Empire completely controlled the area west of the Dnieper River. Therefore, the Krivoy Rog Iron Mine, the largest iron mining area in Europe, was naturally under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while the Donbass Coal Mine was under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was allocated to the newly established Ukraine, but this coal mine is actually still under the capital control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Duke said that not only answered the question raised by Prince Albert, but also gave Crown Prince Ruprecht Good buy!
After all, Duke Albrecht is the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Württemberg. Although this is not a formal meeting, it is obvious that the Duke represented his kingdom to support the coal and iron market in Italy obtained by Bavaria and Austria-Hungary! Considering that Transcaucasian oil is mainly controlled by Bavaria, in fact, if the German government promotes this plan, Bavaria will benefit the most, followed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Two updates today~~~! Ask for a subscription and a reward~~~!