Chapter 945 Never Surrender

"Too much deception! The Germans are really deceiving too much. They actually forcibly demanded that the Empire withdraw its decision. Their subordinates. They have no power to order us what to do!" Karl I was furious.

When Baron Berchdold's telegram was sent back to Vienna, it immediately caused an uproar among the monarchs and ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Although, after deciding to withdraw from the alliance, they expected that the German Empire would be very dissatisfied. But now they discovered that they still underestimated the dissatisfaction of the German Empire. Now, the German emperor personally issued a warning to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which can even be regarded as an ultimatum. This undoubtedly means that if the Austro-Hungarian Empire cannot meet Germany's requirements, then the relationship between the two countries will be completely broken. And the consequences caused by this are very likely to be war.

Baron Berchdold also sent his speculation back to Vienna, although some ministers thought it was too appalling. However, many ministers still think that this is not an exaggeration. With Germany's current strength, if they want to launch a war against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they have nothing to do. Especially those important ministers in the military felt that the situation was not quite right.

"Your Majesty, what Baron Berchdold said is not wrong. I am afraid that this is intentional by the Germans. They are looking for an excuse to go to war with us. We were allies with them before, and they have no excuse to go to war with us. In that case, They will lose their morals. But now that we have withdrawn from the Allies, they immediately put a charge of traitors on our heads. If the Germans use this charge to make war on us, at least the German people will not object Yes. In this case, the Germans can attack unscrupulously." Austro-Hungarian Prime Minister Mario Weber looked worried.

"Your Majesty, I'm afraid we have to make a choice. The Germans have given us an ultimatum. If we don't agree, they will go to war." The Minister of Finance of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Duke Andras, said.

Many important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire looked worried. Obviously, they are unwilling to go to the step of going to war with Germany. Because they don't think that once the war starts, the Austro-Hungarian Empire will have a chance of winning. After all, Austria-Hungary was like a weak giant. Germany, on the other hand, was in its heyday. The German army armed to the teeth can easily defeat the army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

"Go to war! The Austro-Hungarian Empire will never surrender to the Germans." Karl I gritted his teeth and said. He has just become emperor, and Germany is persecuting him like this, it's a slap in the face! If he agrees to Germany's request and withdraws his decision. Then, he will definitely become the laughing stock of the whole world. The incompetent and cowardly emperor will be his nickname. Karl I would rather die than fall to that point.

"Your Majesty, once we start a war, we may have a very hard chance of winning." Archduke Friedrich reminded.

"No, even if we really go to war, we will definitely be able to withstand the German attack. We have an army and navy second only to the Germans in the world. Even if we can't beat the Germans, we still can't resist the German attack. There will be problems. I believe that as long as we persist, the United States and other countries will take this opportunity to go to war against Germany. Germany is very strong, but if other major powers jointly attack, Germany will definitely lose!" insisted Karl I road.

Even at this point, Karl I has not given up hope. The support of the United States has become his confidence. In addition, the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire itself is not weak, so he believes that they can completely compete with Germany.

"Your Excellency Chief of Staff, if we go to war, how long can our army last?" Karl I looked at Marshal Herzendorf, Chief of Staff of the Austrian Army.

"Your Majesty, if the Germans really invade the Austro-Hungarian Empire, we will persist in fighting. However, we are not sure how long we can persist." Marshal Herzendorf replied.

Karl I couldn't help frowning, he was obviously not satisfied with this answer.

"General Antonhaus, what about the navy?" Karl I asked. The navy is his key building force. It is with his strong support that the strength of the Austro-Hungarian navy is second only to the German navy. Of course, this mainly refers to the number of capital ships.

"Your Majesty, if we go to war with Germany, the Imperial Navy will ensure the safety of the Imperial Coast!" Admiral Antonhaus replied.

Although, the German Navy's Mediterranean Fleet has only seven capital ships. But Admiral Antonhaus didn't think they could take advantage of the German Navy's Mediterranean Fleet. What's more, the German Navy can mobilize other fleets to reinforce the Mediterranean at any time. Therefore, if the German navy goes all out to deal with the Austro-Hungarian navy, Admiral Antonhaus has no chance of winning at all.

Fortunately, the Adriatic Sea is relatively narrow and can be blocked with mines. If the main force of the Austro-Hungarian Navy is assembled in the bay, it may not be without the strength to confront the German Navy.

Karl I nodded in satisfaction.

"Gentlemen, the Germans have issued an ultimatum to us, which can even be interpreted as a threat of war. If we compromise with the Germans and submit to them, then the Austro-Hungarian Empire will become the laughing stock of the whole world. We will never hold our heads up Come on. This time, in the face of the threat from the Germans, we must not give in, compromise, or yield to the Germans. We want the whole world to see that the Austro-Hungarian Empire is a great country, and we must not We will be afraid of other enemies. Even the most powerful country in the world cannot make us bow our heads. I believe that the future victory will definitely belong to the Austro-Hungarian Empire!" Karl I looked confident.

However, it is difficult for the ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to have such a fighting spirit like their emperor. In their opinion, the Germans are too powerful. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire is not weak, but if it confronts Germany, it may be defeated.

"Everyone, don't worry too much. Maybe this is just blackmail from the Germans. As long as we don't surrender, they have nothing to do with us!" Karl I said with a smile.

Although he is very dissatisfied with the performance of these ministers, he knows that these ministers must be confident. Otherwise, the consequences will be disastrous.