Chapter 460 Join - Split

London

Since the fall of the Russian Empire, France and Austria have been the greatest enemies of the British. Although Franz has been very restrained, with the continuous development and growth of Austria, he is still regarded as a big enemy by the British.

I don't know since when, the Vienna government's every move has been stared at by the British, and it can be regarded as enjoying the treatment of German II in advance.

If it wasn't for the French to share the pressure, the British would have formed an anti-Austrian coalition, something they are best at.

The seemingly inconspicuous redistricting, the London government was aware of the danger, which in their view was a sign of the alliance between France and Austria.

Fao teamed up, and the result was terrible. Looking at the whole world, there is no one who is qualified for Fao to join forces, except for Britain.

In Downing Street late at night, the Prime Minister's residence was brightly lit. Benjamin Disraeli held an emergency meeting overnight, not because he couldn't hold his breath, but because the situation was on the verge of getting out of control.

In recent years, they have been very cautious about France and Austria. They dare not go too far even if they suppress them. They are worried that the two countries will come together because of pressure.

Prime Minister Benjamin opened a top secret document left by his predecessor. The above is just speculation, and there is no substantive evidence.

But the content inside is terrible. Former Prime Minister John Russell believes that there is a secret agreement between France and Austria, and even the two sides have formed an alliance.

The basis for the judgment is that Austria acquiesced in the annexation of the Kingdom of Sardinia by the French. Based on this judgment, many attempts were made in the political diplomacy that followed.

There have been many trials, but I am not sure whether this is a smoke bomb released by the two countries. After all, France and Austria can be each other's biggest competitors for European hegemony.

Benjamin didn't believe it at first. He also believed that his predecessor was too weak in his treatment of France and Austria, and did not reflect Britain's domineering.

Now his judgment has changed. As long as Lombardy and Venetia and the Italian region are cut, the biggest obstacle to Napoleon III's ascension to the Italian throne is gone.

Under normal circumstances, Austria should contain the expansion of the French, but now the Vienna government has made the opposite decision, so Prime Minister Benjamin cannot be worried.

"The information has been sent to everyone, and I invited you to come over late at night to discuss countermeasures. Judging from the current situation, the rumors of an alliance between France and Austria are almost certain.

The question now is where should Britain go, and can we hold them back in the face of challenges from France and Austria? "

The international situation is not good for Britain, it is a disaster for politics and diplomacy, but it is another feast for the military.

Lord Admiral Robert took the lead in stating: "The Royal Navy is capable of meeting all challenges. Even if the adversary is France and Austria, we are also capable of defending Britain's security."

This is not bragging b, the Royal Navy really has this strength. As long as they don't die, they also have a certain chance of winning in the face of the alliance between France and Austria.

Of course, this is only tactical. Strategically, as a maritime nation, the navy is the lifeblood of Britain, and they have no way to compete with France and Austria.

Benjamin Disraeli said with certainty: "Very well, the Royal Navy must be prepared from now on. If war does break out, it will be up to you to defend Britain."

Robert answered righteously: "Please...".

The Minister of War was also eager to try, but soon fell silent. It's not that he doesn't want to take a stand, the main reason is that no one believes what he says.

Wouldn't it be funny to count on the Army if the Royal Navy couldn't keep Britain safe? France and Austria are the army powers, and the strength of any army is three or five times that of the British army.

The navy's assurance gave everyone a little peace of mind. It is a small problem that France and Austria cannot be suppressed at the same time. Britain depends on wisdom to eat, and they can compete with each other.

After receiving a positive answer from the Royal Navy, Foreign Minister Maclean suggested: "The situation is not that bad, France and Austria are inherently conflicted, and even if they form an alliance, it will be difficult to cooperate sincerely.

This is the opportunity. If possible, I propose to form an international alliance of Britain, France and Austria to jointly dominate international affairs.

Then, slowly provoke the Fao relationship until the alliance collapses. "

There is an ally called pit teammates, and there is another ally called shit stick. As masters of both arts, McLean plans to use their expertise to break up the Fa-Austrian alliance through diplomatic means.

Colonial Minister Louis frowned and asked dissatisfiedly: "Did we give up all our previous plans?

Don't forget, how fast Austria has expanded overseas in recent years, if it is not curbed, it will not be able to limit it later. "

This is a fact. In the overseas expansion, the combat effectiveness of Austria is shocking. The expansion is so fast that no one can keep up.

Foreign Minister Maclean smiled and asked: "The world is almost divided up, and everyone's expansion has basically reached the limit. If the Austrians want to continue to expand, they must compete with other countries.

The reason why they expanded so fast, in addition to the large number of immigrants, is the flexible foreign policy of the Vienna government.

In overseas colonial expansion, they avoided the core colonies of various countries and expanded toward the borderlands. In doing so, Austria's strength will naturally not be hostile.

It's different now, and one step forward will lead to conflicts with other countries. The expansion rate will naturally slow down, or even stop.

Our original plan

At most, it is to cause them a little trouble. If the colonial war really broke out, I'm afraid we won't take much advantage.

Sir Lewis, can you tell me how many troops it will take to occupy the colonies all over Austria? "

Louis was slightly taken aback, he didn't expect Maclean to ask this question. However, the professional Lewis still gave the answer.

"The Austrians have five main colonies: Austrian Africa, Austrian Southeast Asia, Austrian Central America, Austrian South America, and Austrian North America.

The first is Austrian North America, a country of ice and snow that includes Alaska and some islands in the Arctic Ocean, the island between Canada and Glen Lin.

The area may be more than two million square kilometers. No one knows the specific situation, because this is a no-man's land.

The total population of Austrian North America should not exceed 10,000. It is estimated that a single company can take them down, or a single pirate can solve them.

Secondly, Austria belongs to South America, that is, the Gottania Plateau, which extends all the way to the Drake Passage. There are about 100,000 indigenous people and more than 50,000 European immigrants.

Argentina and Chile are both interested in this land, and they are likely to do so if you agitate it.

There are many islands in the Austrian South Seas, and it is a little troublesome to move. It is also the most densely populated of all Austrian colonies, with more than 400,000 European immigrants alone.

Because of the relationship of Lanfang Autonomous Province, a large number of Chinese gathered here, with a total number of more than three million, and more than four or five million local indigenous people.

It can provide a lot of wealth to Austria every year, so the Vienna government also attaches great importance to it, and two infantry divisions are stationed here.

War time……"

Foreign Secretary Maclean shouted: "Stop!"

"Sir Lewis, you have also explained the situation. Austrian North America is a country of ice and snow, which does not bring any substantial benefits to Austria except for its appearance.

Austrian South America is similar. Every year, the Vienna government needs to pour money into it, and the balance of payments cannot be achieved.

These two areas are really easy to do, but besides the large area, are there other advantages? If Chile and Argentina are really interested, you don't have to do it, just pay for it directly.

As long as the money is in place, the Vienna government doesn't mind selling this reparation land.

The remaining three colonies are the core of the Austrian colonial system. It's a pity that these areas are not very active unless we tear our face and go into battle in person.

Otherwise, I don't think anyone can capture the Austrian South Seas. There is no doubt that the Dutch are afraid to do it, unless they don't want to be native.

Not to mention Austrian Central America, we also need to suppress the Americans together with the Austrians, and cannot move at all.

I am afraid that no one thinks, who can seize Austrian Africa, right? Even the combined power of European countries on the African continent is at best on a par with them.

That being the case, what is the value of our previous plan? There is no real benefit for us other than to make the Vienna government look ugly.

It may even lead to the fall of South Africa. If Portugal remains neutral and the Austrians unite the two Boer republics, our strength in Cape Town cannot hold South Africa. "

Interest is always the best catalyst. The Colonial Ministry's plan did hit Austria, but unfortunately there was no real harm.

Even if it captured Austrian North America and Austrian South America, the Vienna government would not lose face once, and save more than 200,000 Aegis each year.

In the face of reality, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli naturally made the choice that best served the interests of the British Empire.

"Judging from the current situation, the most important thing at the moment is to interrupt or split the Fao Alliance, and all other plans will be postponed for the time being.

If we don't take action, it won't be long before Napoleon III becomes Emperor of Italy and the Austrians annex the German Confederation. "

Based on speculation alone, Prime Minister Benjamin has come to a near-completely correct answer, and his political judgment is absolutely extraordinary.

Molito, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said worriedly: "This is indeed a top priority. It is very unwise to directly confront France and Austria. Provoking their contradictions and maintaining a balance on the European continent is the best way to serve the interests of Britain.

By the way, our finances also have problems, and we need time to sort them out. The previous governments were too belligerent, and we have been fighting wars for the last dozen years.

They borrowed easily, and the final debt fell on our shoulders. Our total debt has tripled in the last two decades.

Thirty-four percent of our annual fiscal revenue is now used to repay debts. If it continues, the Russian Empire's today is our tomorrow. "

This is a big trouble. The richness of the British Empire does not mean that the government is rich. In the past ten years, the London government has successively provoked the Near East War, the Persian War, the suppression of the Indian rebellion, the Ethiopian War...

No matter how big the family business is, it can't stand such a toss, and the debt will naturally go up.