Chapter 0647: Calculating the Allies

"As for the negotiations with the Italians, we will address them after the representatives of the Austro-Hungarian Empire arrive. We can leave that for last. First, let us negotiate with the French, and then turn to the Italians," Qin Tian said.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire was an ally of Germany, though they had contributed little to the war effort. However, had the Austro-Hungarians not held back significant Russian forces in the early stages of the conflict, Germany's victory would not have come so easily, and the price paid would have been much steeper. Moreover, in the campaigns against Italy, it was the Austro-Hungarian Empire that had played the primary role. Although their military was relatively weak, the Italians were even more incompetent. With Russia's withdrawal from the war, if the Austro-Hungarians had launched a full-scale attack, Italy would have had no means of resistance. Had the Austro-Hungarians not been attempting to conserve their strength, they might well have already triumphed over Italy.

Of course, Qin Tian was well aware that the relationship between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire would gradually shift as the situation evolved. At the outbreak of war, the two nations were close allies. However, as victory loomed, their conflicting interests would inevitably create friction, particularly after the war. Disparities in spoils would breed even greater discord, and in such circumstances, their relationship could easily sour, possibly even turning adversarial.

The European continent was simply too small to accommodate two powerful nations. With Germany's rise, there was no longer room for another strong power. To secure Germany's future, Qin Tian knew he must eventually suppress the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Moreover, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne had always harbored hostility toward Germany, which further heightened Qin Tian's wariness. If necessary, he was even prepared to eliminate the Austro-Hungarian Empire entirely, ensuring that Germany would dominate Europe without challenge. Otherwise, there would always be the threat of rebellion when facing other great powers in the future.

However, for now, the two nations had not yet come to open conflict. Therefore, in the negotiations with Italy, it was essential to involve the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Any measures against them could only be considered after the war's conclusion, or rather, once Germany had absorbed the spoils of victory.

"Your Majesty, at present, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is an ally of the Empire. It is only natural to involve them in the negotiations with the Kingdom of Italy. However, the Austro-Hungarians have long harbored ambitions regarding Italy. Particularly before Italy's unification, they possessed extensive territories there. If they seek to reclaim those lands, should we support them?" asked Wahit.

"No, we cannot allow Italy to be overly weakened, nor should we let the Austro-Hungarian Empire gain too much from Italy. If we do, it would pose a significant threat to the Empire," Qin Tian replied.

"Indeed, Your Majesty is correct. The Austro-Hungarian Empire is undoubtedly an ally, but only because the Empire faces numerous adversaries. Now that victory is within reach, the international situation has fundamentally changed. The relationship between the two nations will likely shift from alliance to rivalry. Therefore, the Empire must prepare for this eventuality," said Prime Minister Bernhard von Bülow.

"Yes! Therefore, if the Austro-Hungarian Empire proposes conditions during the negotiations that harm the Empire's interests, or if their demands are unreasonable, the Empire must not support them," Qin Tian declared.

"Understood, Your Majesty," Wahit nodded. He understood Qin Tian and Bülow's reasoning clearly. Although it seemed premature to begin calculating their ally's future while the war was still ongoing, such is the nature of international relations. There are no eternal friends, only eternal interests.

"In the negotiations with Italy, we must demand substantial war indemnities from them as well—no less than two hundred billion marks. While Italy may not be as wealthy as France, they are certainly better off than Russia. Though two hundred billion marks is a hefty sum, they should be able to manage if they tighten their belts. Additionally, Italy's overseas colonies must be ceded to the Empire. Moreover, they must compensate the Empire for the damages caused by their seizure of our oil fields in Libya after the war broke out," Qin Tian asserted.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Wahit replied. The conditions Qin Tian proposed were indeed harsh, but Italy's position now mirrored that of France's earlier. If they refused, the Imperial army, together with the Austro-Hungarians, could swiftly annihilate them. Hence, Italy had no choice but to agree.

"By the way, the Navy desires a base in the Mediterranean. Therefore, we must demand that Italy cede Sicily to us! If possible, we should also request Sardinia and Corsica from the French. This will establish a strategic foothold for the Empire in the Mediterranean," Qin Tian continued.

Though Qin Tian harbored no ambition for Italy's mainland, these islands were another matter. The Mediterranean's importance cannot be overstated, as it controls the vital trade routes between East and West. Once Germany takes control of the British colonies, all materials from India and the Middle East will need to be transported via the Mediterranean to reach the Empire's homeland. Securing the Mediterranean's sea lanes would be vital for Germany's energy security.

Furthermore, possessing a foothold in the Mediterranean would allow the Empire to counterbalance the Austro-Hungarian Empire's geographic advantage in the region. The Austro-Hungarians had a strategic edge in the Mediterranean, and by acquiring these islands, Germany could negate that advantage. This was crucial for Germany's future.

"Your Majesty, the Italians are unlikely to cede Sardinia to us, as it is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Sardinia," Prime Minister Bülow remarked.

"Sardinia can be forgone. But Sicily and Corsica must be ceded to us. This is the Empire's bottom line. If the Italians refuse, we will deploy forces to seize those islands. The Imperial Marine Corps has been established for years but has yet to see true combat. With a delay in hostilities with Britain, it would be an ideal opportunity for the Marine Corps to conduct a real-world exercise in the Mediterranean," Qin Tian concluded.

"Yes, Your Majesty," both Bülow and Wahit replied.