Chapter 0675: Eastern Development

Qin Tian stayed in northern France for three days, finalizing the operational plan for the campaign against Britain. Afterward, he left France and returned to Berlin. By this time, the peace treaty between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy had been signed, and the Austro-Hungarian delegation had already departed from Berlin.

"Your Majesty, the Austro-Hungarian delegation has left. However, they were far from pleased. Especially Archduke Karl; his dissatisfaction with the Empire has undoubtedly reached its peak," remarked the Empire's Minister of Foreign Affairs, von Kidren-Wahitt.

"Even back during the war with Russia, I had sensed Archduke Karl's inexplicable hostility toward me. I never imagined it would persist to this day. But, in a way, this is fortunate for the Empire. Without someone like Archduke Karl, how would we ever find an excuse to take action against the Austro-Hungarian Empire?" Qin Tian replied with a smile.

He firmly believed that, with the death of Emperor Franz Joseph I and the subsequent ascension of Karl to the throne, relations between the two empires would inevitably worsen. In fact, a confrontation was not out of the question. Should such a conflict arise, Germany would have ample justification for striking against Austria-Hungary.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," von Kidren-Wahitt nodded.

"Your Majesty, the Empire's operations against Britain will commence in three months. Apart from this campaign, no other fronts are currently active. Additionally, we have already acquired vast territories and substantial war indemnities from Russia, France, and the Kingdom of Italy. Therefore, the Cabinet believes that it is time to develop the newly acquired eastern territories," said Prime Minister Bernhard von Bilo.

Under the treaty signed between Germany and the Russian Bolshevik government, Poland, the Baltic States, and half of Belarus were ceded to Germany. Finland and Ukraine, under Germany's support, would also gain independence, though they would effectively remain under German control. This expanded Germany's eastern borders by several hundred kilometers, and if these territories were developed, Germany's power would be greatly enhanced. Eastern Europe, traditionally one of Europe's primary agricultural regions, could provide Germany with an abundance of food supplies. Not only would this make Germany self-sufficient in food, but it would also yield a significant surplus. More importantly, the loss of these fertile, resource-rich lands would weaken Russia immensely, diminishing its potential to threaten Germany.

"Indeed, it is time to develop the East. The campaign against Britain will not significantly affect the Empire. Therefore, focusing on the East at this time will not disrupt the ongoing war," Qin Tian affirmed.

"By the way, has the Russian Civil War come to an end?" Qin Tian asked.

"Your Majesty, the Russian Civil War is nearly over. The Bolshevik forces have all but destroyed the White Army's main forces. Though remnants of the White Army still cling to life, they no longer pose any serious threat to the Bolsheviks," Marshal von Falkenhayn replied.

Due to the absence of support from the Entente powers, the strength of the White Army had significantly diminished compared to another timeline, while the Bolshevik-controlled forces had grown stronger. It was therefore not surprising that the White Army had been quickly annihilated.

"In that case, we must expedite the development of the East. We need to develop the newly acquired lands and prepare for war before the Bolsheviks grow too strong. Otherwise, if war breaks out, we will be caught off guard," Qin Tian said.

He was well aware that once the Bolsheviks launched their Five-Year Plan for industrialization, Russia would experience rapid development. This once backward and impoverished nation would quickly transform into a powerful industrialized state. The vast territories Germany had seized from Russia were deeply resented by the Bolsheviks, and they would undoubtedly seek to reclaim these lands once they were able. Furthermore, they might even have the ambition to launch an offensive against Germany itself. It was for this reason that Qin Tian held great wariness toward both the Bolsheviks and Russia. He even occasionally questioned whether his support for the Bolsheviks had been a mistake.

"Your Majesty, do you truly believe the Bolsheviks would dare to tear up the treaty and launch an attack against us?" Prime Minister Bilo asked, incredulity evident in his voice.

Not only Prime Minister Bilo but also the other military and political leaders of the Empire shared his disbelief. After all, in their eyes, the Empire was the most powerful nation in the world. The Russian Bolsheviks had only recently gained control of the country, and if they dared to wage war against Germany, the Empire would decisively crush them.

"Do not underestimate Russia or the Bolsheviks. If you do, the consequences will be dire. I can guarantee that, under Bolshevik leadership, Russia will become a formidable force. When that happens, they will be a significant threat to the Empire. Therefore, if necessary, the Empire must devise a way to eliminate them in the future!" Qin Tian declared.

Since it was his support that had enabled the Bolsheviks' rapid rise, Qin Tian felt a sense of obligation to ensure their destruction. This was, in his mind, necessary for Germany's security. If Russia were ever to defeat Germany, Qin Tian was certain that the Bolsheviks' ruthless nature would ensure his downfall.

Qin Tian's words caused the Empire's leaders to regard Russia and the Bolsheviks with newfound seriousness. They knew that when Qin Tian spoke with such certainty, there was always an underlying purpose behind it. This meant that, in the future, the Empire would need to find a way to deal with Russia and the Bolsheviks.

"Prime Minister, has the Cabinet formulated a plan for the development of the East?" Qin Tian inquired.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Although there are still many guerrilla bands in the newly acquired eastern territories, they are all hostile to the Empire. Therefore, before we begin large-scale development, the military must first clear out these guerrillas," Prime Minister Bilo explained.

"Chief of Staff, I leave this matter to you. The newly formed Imperial forces can be sent to eliminate the guerrillas. Since they have yet to see battle, this would serve as excellent training for them to sharpen their combat skills," Qin Tian ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Marshal von Falkenhayn responded.

The forces destined for the British campaign were ready, while the other units could do little but wait. The newly formed units, in particular, had yet to engage in battle. However, soldiers had to experience bloodshed to become truly strong, and for now, they would have to focus on dealing with these guerrillas.