Chapter 648 Calculating Allies

"As for the peace talks with the Italians, let's wait until the representatives of the Austro-Hungarian Empire arrive. It can be done at the end. Talk to the French first, and then talk to the Italians," Qin Tian said.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire is an ally of Germany, although they did not contribute much in this war. But without the Austro-Hungarian Empire holding back a large number of Russian troops in the early stages of the war, it would not have been so easy for Germany to win the war. At least, you will pay a higher price. What's more, in the battle against Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is the main force. Although the fighting power of the Austro-Hungarian army is relatively poor, the fighting power of the Italians is even worse! With Russia already withdrawing from the war, if the Austro-Hungarian Empire attacked Italy with all its strength, the Italians would simply not be able to resist it. Had it not been for the Austro-Hungarian Empire's attempt to preserve its strength, they might have defeated Italy long ago.

Of course, Qin Tian has always kept in mind that the relationship between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire will gradually change with the development of the situation. When the war broke out, the two countries were close allies. However, as the war is gradually won, the interests of both sides will also conflict. Especially after the victory of the war, the two countries will inevitably have more conflicts due to the uneven distribution of spoils. Under such circumstances, the relationship between the two countries will inevitably get worse and worse, and even turn to confrontation.

The continent of Europe is too small. It is enough to have a powerful country like Germany, and there is no room for another powerful country. Even in order to ensure the status and safety of Germany, Qin Tian will suppress the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the future.

What's more, the crown prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire has always been hostile to Germany. This made Qin Tian even more vigilant. If necessary, Qin Tian even planned to destroy the Austro-Hungarian Empire in one fell swoop. In this way, Germany can truly dominate the European continent. Otherwise, when fighting against other powerful countries in the future, Qin Tian would have to worry about whether the Austro-Hungarian Empire would rebel.

However, the two sides have not yet torn faces. Therefore, in the peace talks with Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire must be brought in. Various measures against the Austro-Hungarian Empire must wait until after the war is won, or after Germany has digested the results obtained in the war.

"Your Majesty, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is now an ally of the Empire. It is reasonable to call them in the peace talks with the Kingdom of Italy. However, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has always had ambitions for Italy. Especially before the unification of Italy, they Italy has a lot of territory. If they take this opportunity to take back those territories, should we support them?" Wachter said.

"No! Italy cannot be overly weakened, or in other words, the Austro-Hungarian Empire cannot gain too much benefit from Italy. Otherwise, this will pose a great threat to the empire." Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty is right. The Austro-Hungarian Empire is certainly an ally of the Empire, but that is because the Empire is facing many enemy countries. Now, the Empire is about to win the war. The international environment in which the Empire is located , There have also been fundamental changes. Between the Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, I am afraid that they will gradually change from allies to enemies. Therefore, the Empire has to prepare earlier." Prime Minister Bilow said.

"Well! So this time, if the Austro-Hungarian Empire puts forward conditions that are detrimental to the empire during the peace talks, or conditions that are too outrageous, the empire will not be able to support them!" Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Vashite nodded. He already understood what Qin Tian and Bi Luo meant. Although, it seems a bit inappropriate to start counting one's allies before the war is over. However, this is the way it is between countries. No permanent friends, only permanent interests.

"During the peace talks with Italy, we also want Italy to provide huge war reparations to the Empire. No less than 20 billion marks. Although Italy is not as rich as France, it is better than the Russians. 20 billion marks Although there are a lot of them, if they tighten their belts, they should be able to pay back. In addition, Italy’s overseas colonies will be transferred to the empire. At the same time, they have to seize the empire’s oil fields in Libya after the war broke out, so Compensation for the losses caused to the empire," Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wahit replied. Of course, these conditions proposed by Qin Tian are very harsh. However, the current situation of the Italians is very similar to that of France. If they dare to disagree, then the Imperial Army can unite with the Austro-Hungarian Empire to destroy them at any time. Therefore, in the face of these harsh conditions proposed by the empire, they had no choice but to agree.

"By the way, the navy hopes to get a base in the Mediterranean. In this case, let the Italians cede Sicily to us! If possible, add Sardinia and French Corsica. In this case , the empire has a foothold in the Mediterranean Sea." Qin Tian continued.

Although Qin Tian didn't have any ambitions for the mainland of the Kingdom of Italy. But those islands were different. The importance of the Mediterranean is self-evident, guarding this important channel connecting the East and the West. Once Germany has fully received the overseas colonies of the British, no matter whether it is various materials obtained from India or those mined from the Middle East, they all need to be transported back to Germany through the Mediterranean Sea. In this case, the safety of routes on the Mediterranean is very important, which is directly related to Germany's energy security.

In addition, having a foothold in the Mediterranean can also ensure that the empire is squeezed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Austro-Hungarian Empire had a geographical advantage in the Mediterranean. If Germany can own these islands, it can offset the geographical advantages of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This is undoubtedly very important for Germany.

"Your Majesty, the Italians probably won't cede Sardinia to us. After all, that's where the Kingdom of Sardinia rose," Bilo said.

"Sardinia can be abandoned. But Sicily and Corsica must be ceded to us. This is the bottom line of the empire. If the Italians don't agree, then we will send troops to occupy those islands. The imperial marines have been in the army for so many years Well, I haven’t really been on the battlefield yet. Anyway, the battle against the British mainland won’t start for a while, so it’s just a matter of time for the marines to go around the Mediterranean Sea, which can be regarded as an actual combat exercise.” Qin Tian said.

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