Chapter 135: The Surrender of the Austrians

"Your Majesty, we cannot provide military aid to Austria; it would be like throwing money down the drain. Previous wars have proven that the Austrian army is no match for the French. They have already lost over a hundred thousand troops. Even if Franz were to muster more troops, it wouldn't be enough. Hoping to defeat the French with such means is simply wishful thinking," Wellington, Duke of Wellington, said nervously upon hearing George III's words. He sensed that the Emperor might be considering aiding Austria, especially since there were funds available in the treasury.

However, these funds were earmarked for the army. The formidable strength of the French forces in the Italian theater had put significant pressure on Britain. Consequently, Britain had restarted plans to expand its army. Moreover, the French had introduced new weaponry in this conflict, significantly improving infantry combat capabilities. Naturally, the British were keen on acquiring such weapons and had already obtained samples of the 01 pattern rifles from Italy, preparing for their own development. This endeavor required funding, and Wellington was not inclined to let this money go to the Austrians without careful consideration.

"So, what should we do next?" George III inquired, hoping Austria would cease this inevitably doomed war. He envisioned Austria directing its resources toward a future conflict with the Ottomans rather than squandering them in Italy.

"If Austria has invited us to mediate, then we should indeed intervene. However, lending them money is out of the question. Furthermore, we need to exert pressure on Austria to end this war!" remarked Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.

"I fully agree with Sir Edward Grey's suggestion. We must awaken Austria to the folly of wasting its precious military strength in Italy," Wellington added, supported by nods of agreement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the First Lord of the Admiralty.

"Very well, in that case, let us officially reject Austria's request for a loan and mediate this war," George III declared.

"Your Majesty, we are now faced with a difficult question: whether the French government will accept our mediation. Our relationship with France has always been strained, and they currently hold the upper hand on the battlefield," stated Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.

"Where there's a will, there's a way. I believe that with our diplomats' efforts, we can persuade the French government. Besides, Napoleon is no fool. He knows the consequences of rejecting the goodwill of the British Empire," George III replied.

Upon hearing this, George III furrowed his brow. The British Empire was the foremost global power. Even if the French had defeated the Austrians on the battlefield, would they dare to snub the British Empire?

"Hood!" George III called out.

"Your Majesty, how may I serve?" Admiral Hood stepped forward promptly.

"You are to lead the Home Fleet immediately. Have them patrol near the French coastline to apply pressure. If the French dare to refuse our mediation, bombard their coastal cities without hesitation," George III said sternly. As the Emperor of the most powerful nation in the world, he had the authority to make such decisions.

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In Vienna, the British Ambassador officially rejected Austria's request for aid and proposed mediation to end the war. The British government urged Austria to consider the current international situation and terminate the meaningless conflict.

Not only did the British government reject Austria's request for aid, but the British Mediterranean Fleet also began refusing to assist in transporting supplies for the Austrian army against the French.

"Damn those blasted British! They show no regard for the interests of the Austrian Empire. They demand that we abandon Italy, effectively asking us to sacrifice our national interests," Franz II roared in anger within the halls of the Schönbrunn Palace. Despite the increasingly close relationship between Austria and Britain over the years due to France, the two nations had not signed any formal alliance.

"However, the British never considered Austria as an ally; they merely saw Austria as a pawn. This dealt a severe blow to the strong-willed Franz II, leaving him feeling deceived and insulted. The Austrian ministers shared the same bitter expression. They hadn't anticipated that their hopes for British assistance would be dashed. Instead of aiding them, the British applied pressure for Austria to end the war, which was not what an ally should do!

However, they had to admit that Austria was under immense pressure. Without British support, Austria alone couldn't sustain the war effort. Unless Emperor Franz II chose to dip into the Habsburg royal coffers, amassed over centuries, to foot the bill for the war. Of course, Franz II would never agree to such a demand.

Moreover, after consecutive defeats, the Austrian army had lost hope of winning the war. The prevailing sense of despondency among the troops only made Austria's situation more challenging.

"Your Majesty, I believe we must consider the British demands. As the British have stated, the Turks are stirring trouble in the Balkans, which is our core interest. Italy, on the other hand, could be seen as an added luxury. As long as we safeguard the empire's interests, we can make appropriate concessions," advised Austrian Prime Minister Josip Jelačić.

Unlike the British, whose interests lay in extending their influence into the Balkans, Austria had historically held significant interests in the region and had fought with the Turks for centuries.

"Safeguard the empire's interests? Is that even possible? The French have already occupied Italy. Do you really think they'll return these territories to us? Those Frenchmen are greedy, and once they've secured Italy, they may even threaten our Venice," Franz II furrowed his brow. If the French were willing to return the territories and compensate Austria's losses, then ending the war might be possible.

Franz II now realized that the war had been hastily launched. Austria wasn't prepared, and the French caught them off guard. Had Austria been ready, their army would never have suffered defeat. With proper preparation next time, Austria could surely defeat the French and redeem itself."

"Indeed, after all, the Austrian army was considered the best in the world.

"Your Majesty, we can make an effort, since Britain is offering to mediate. However, they must ensure the interests of the empire," said Austrian Foreign Minister Izvor.

Franz II nodded. "In that case, let's negotiate with those Frenchmen. However, I have only one demand: the interests of the Austrian Empire must not be compromised. They must return Italy, which is Austrian territory, and they must compensate us with one hundred million Austrian Florins!" Austrian Emperor Franz II said arrogantly, as if at that moment the victor wasn't France, but Austria.

Franz II's demand left the Austrian ministers speechless. They couldn't forget that Austria was currently at a disadvantage in the war, not France.

But Franz II seemed oblivious to this fact! It was clear that as long as Napoleon wasn't out of his mind, he would never agree to such demands. But since Franz II had already issued the order, as loyal subjects, the ministers had no choice but to obey.