Chapter 311 Declaring War on Italy

All along, Qin Tian didn't think much of the fighting power of the Italians, so he didn't have the slightest concern that Italy would betray the Allies and seek refuge with the Allies. What's more, in another time and space, the Italians did the same. Therefore, Qin Tian was not at all surprised by the Italian's choice.

It's just that, compared with the other time and space, the time of Italian betrayal was only a few months earlier.

Of course, although Qin Tian is not worried, it does not mean that other people are not worried. Italy, after all, is an industrial powerhouse with a population of 20 to 30 million. After mobilization, at least two million troops can be armed. In today's world, this is already a proper military power.

Although, the Italians did not perform very well on the Ethiopian battlefield and the North African battlefield. But whether they are really as vulnerable as Qin Tian said is very difficult to say.

"The Italians have betrayed us. It is foreseeable that they will definitely launch an attack on the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Therefore, the Austro-Hungarian Empire must first draw troops from the front line and return to the southern line to ensure that it can withstand the Italian attack. From the Italians Judging from the troops that can be dispatched, the Austro-Hungarian Empire may have to withdraw an army group from the front line to return to the defense." Von Falkenhain said.

"A group army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is enough to resist the attack of the Italians. Of course, if everyone thinks it is not safe, we can send three infantry divisions to reinforce the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With the help of the terrain of the Alps, we can resist the Italians' attack." Offensive is definitely not a problem. However, our current enemies are still Britain, France and Russia, and the Italians can ignore them for now. After we defeat Britain, France and Russia, the Italians will naturally have nothing to worry about." Qin Tian said.

"Well, let's do this. Let the Austro-Hungarian Empire deploy troops to defend against Italy, and we will send three infantry divisions to reinforce them!" William II made a decision. This is the end of the matter, and it is useless to say anything else. All that can be done now is to resist the Italian attack and minimize losses.

"Your Majesty, we will contact the Austro-Hungarian Empire immediately. However, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is already somewhat powerless to resist the Russian attack on the Eastern Front. If the army is deployed again, this will make them extremely easy to be attacked by the Russians." Defeat. In order to avoid this situation, the 8th Army and the Austro-Hungarian Army must start the joint operation against the Russian Southwest Front Army as soon as possible." Von Falkenhain said.

For the pig teammate of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Germany obviously cannot give up easily. If the Austro-Hungarian Empire is abandoned, then Germany will really fight alone and fight against the whole world with its own strength.

"Oscar, is the rest of the Eighth Army complete?" William II asked. He is now full of confidence in the 8th Army, which has repeatedly performed miracles on the Eastern Front.

"Father, the rest of the 8th Army is almost complete. However, after the 8th Army goes south, which army will the defense of East Prussia and Poland be handed over to?" Qin Tian asked.

Although the Northwest Front of the Russian army has been completely defeated, this does not mean that Russia has no threat to East Prussia and the Kingdom of Poland. Once the troops mobilized by the Russian army from the rear arrive, they can still continue to attack. Therefore, after the 8th Army went south, the lair must also be defended by troops.

William II frowned, this is indeed a problem.

"Do you have any suggestions?" William II asked.

"Your Majesty, the General Staff hopes that the Ninth Army can be formed. The Ninth Army will be formed from the reserve army, plus the newly formed Ninth Armored Division. The Ninth Army can be formed while being responsible for the defense of East Prussia and the Kingdom of Poland. In this case Even if the troops mobilized by the Russians from the rear arrive, they can completely resist their attack." Von Falkenhain suggested.

This was the result of discussions between Qin Tian and von Falkenhain. The 8th Army was already under Qin Tian's control. Next, Qin Tian had to find a way to expand his influence to other legions. Of course, the difficulty of expanding influence like other legions is obviously more difficult than controlling the newly formed legion. For this reason, Qin Tian intends to use a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, he will actively expand his influence in other legions, and on the other hand, he will form a new legion. In this case, his influence within the army will continue to increase.

William II thought about it for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

After failing to win a quick victory on the Western Front, William II also felt that the German Army was severely understrength. This is mainly because Germany mobilized only 50 percent of its troops when the war broke out. Germany's old rival, France, has already mobilized 80% of its troops. In contrast, Germany's mobilization appears incomplete.

"The Ninth Army can be formed. Do you have any suggestions for the commander and chief of staff?" William II then asked.

"Father, I suggest General Hindenburg be the commander of the 9th Army. As for the chief of staff, General Hoffman, the deputy chief of staff of the 8th Army can be the chief of staff." Qin Tian directly expressed his opinion. Both Hindenburg and Hoffman were his men. Having them as commanders and chiefs of staff of the newly formed Ninth Army would ensure his influence over the newly formed army.

"Your Majesty, everyone has seen the fighting power of the Eighth Army. Therefore, the Ninth Army will be formed in full accordance with the Eighth Army. Admirals Hindenburg and Hoffman will serve as the Ninth Army. The commander and chief of staff of the legion are also based on this consideration." Von Falkenhain said.

"Okay, let's do what you want!" William II nodded. Although he was very clear that this was Qin Tian taking the opportunity to expand his influence in the army, William II, who had already regarded Qin Tian as his only heir, no longer cared so much about it. Small movements, often turn a blind eye.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Von Falkenhain nodded. With the approval of William II, everything will become very easy.

On October 1, 1914, the German Empire declared war on Italy, the traitor, on the grounds that the Kingdom of Italy had betrayed the Treaty of Alliance.

Just two hours later, Austria-Hungary also declared war on the Kingdom of Italy.

That night, the Kingdom of Italy also declared war on the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Once allies, on this day, became enemies.