Chapter 317: The Russians on the sidelines

"According to the information currently available, the German Navy defeated the French fleet at a very small price with inferior forces. We previously underestimated the combat effectiveness of the German 10,000-ton armored cruiser, whether it was the Asama-class armored cruiser purchased by the Japanese. The armored cruiser Bismarck used by the Germans this time has the strength to suppress most battleships. Therefore, it is necessary and correct for us to order a new generation of Rurik type battleships in Germany. The only flaw is us. The quantity ordered is a bit low!"

In the summer palace, Makanov reported to Nicholas II the details of the French-German naval battle, and took the opportunity to encourage the Kaiser to order more German warships! "Furthermore, the temporary increase in low-interest loans granted by the French this time can just make up for our lack of funds. It is perfectly fine to order 4 ships."

"General Makanov, what we need to discuss here is about the future political situation, not about ordering warships from Germany. Now the battle between France and Germany is at a war, and the British have already expressed their support for France. France is a friendly country, we need to do something.” Foreign Secretary Giles said with some dissatisfaction, he is considered to be pro-French to some extent, has a natural resistance to the powerful Germany, and Makanov’s The behavior made him very dissatisfied.

"If I remember correctly, our diplomats in Germany should have already told the Germans about our concerns? What do the Germans think?" Nicholas II asked suddenly.

The czar was still very entangled with his own money bags and creditors. On the one hand, the development of the Russians was inseparable from the French money, but at the same time, they had some malice towards the French who controlled their finances. The Russian upper class has complained more than once that Russia is working for the French. But now, as the Americans enter the Russian financial market, Russia’s financial pressure has alleviated a lot, and it is easier for the United States to gain Russia’s favor than the dictated French.

; But at the same time, the Russians also pay attention to maintaining the balance of power in Europe! Only with France in, Russia can guarantee its advantage over Germany and have the energy to open up the Far East. Therefore, in 1880, Russia warned Germany, which planned to launch a preventive war against France, and this time, if Germany wanted to take the opportunity to change the fundamentals of Europe, then Russia planned to repeat history again!

; But fortunately, this time the Germans recognized the situation and didn't want to make trouble. "Your Majesty, the Germans have a very simple opinion. They have no intention of engaging in a national war with France, but the premise is that France must give up its interference in Portugal and make some compensation for its actions in Africa. The Germans did not give orders, France and Germany. The number of troops on the border is not very large. Basically, it meets our requirements." Giles replied.

"That's good, as long as the Germans do not step into the French-German border, then there is no need for us to take substantive actions. Then what exactly is the so-called compensation of the Germans?" Nicholas II breathed out, with Germany People promised that he could finally continue to concentrate on dealing with that nasty country in the Far East.

"Your Majesty, but the German prerequisite is to let France come up with compensation. If the French are unwilling to admit defeat, then I can hardly imagine whether the Germans will take military actions on land." Giles pointed out the German words One of the "traps."

"These are all minor details. As long as there is no large-scale war between the two sides, Russia has no need to intervene. We have a good relationship with France, but it is impossible to endorse all actions for France! We have already prepared for the war in the Far East. In 20 years, if there is a conflict with Germany, then all previous efforts will be in vain." Army Secretary Kuropatkin said.

"But now Britain is moving closer to France. If Britain and France use this opportunity to come together, it will be very unfavorable for our future situation in the Far East." Giles retorted.

"British? What these guys who seem to be gentlemen but are profiteers and pirates on the surface are still trustworthy? If Britain and France come together, we can fully strengthen the relationship between Germany, Austria and the United States, right, There is also Italy. We have five big countries here, while the British have only three countries, Britain, France and Japan. We have all the advantages."

"Moreover, as far as Britain is now, they have not dealt with the matter in their own backyard, so they want to use an empty declaration to drive us against Germany? Have you forgotten the failure we suffered in the Philippines? And now, the Germans We also have three warships in our hands. If there are some accidents, then we will have no chance of winning in the Far East. Since Germany has expressed its unwillingness to engage in a national war with France, then Russia has no need to participate. Makanov said.

"If the Germans do not intend to invade France, but only want to gain some benefits, then we can uphold neutrality and act as mediators. The pace of eastward advancement cannot be stopped. We can only help France with military hands. Fall into a deeper quagmire~www.wuxiaspot.com~ The empire can only have one enemy at a time. This enemy is Japan, and the hatred between France and Germany should be resolved by themselves!” Nicholas II finally set the tone , Put an end to all discussions.

"However, following this opportunity, we can also seek some benefits from Germany. I think if the German government comes forward, the price of some equipment we import from Bavaria will be much cheaper. The French should also pay for this mistake. Give Russia more francs." Of course, the Russians will not give up this opportunity. For a country like Russia, where less money comes out, it’s even a loss, with a promise to benefit from the Germans, and a verbal support from France. Getting loans from people is what they are most willing to do now!

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs moved quickly, first stating that the basic situation in Europe cannot be changed, and Russia opposes the outbreak of conflicts in all situations on the European continent. Secondly, Russia expressed its neutrality on the African issue. It believed that the two sides' fight in Angola was caused entirely by an accident. The two sides should sit down and negotiate instead of continuing the fight. The noble Russian tsar is willing to act as a mediator.

On the surface, the attitude of the Russians tends to be the weaker France, but what is astounding is that on the second day after this statement was issued, the Russian government paid 1.3 million pounds from Brom-Fors The shipyard ordered a fourth battleship...

;Thanks to the book friends Crane*Crane, Hotbed, Huigezi 0015, Falcon raccoon, Shallow water yy; support~~~! Thanks to the book friends for not being an official and adding more votes, the author will continue to update tomorrow~~~!

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