Chapter 330: Mediterranean Tour
After several days of discussion, Prince Ruprecht and Tirpitz made an original plan and submitted it to Berlin via telegram. The Kaiser was quite satisfied with this plan, and at the same time expressed Support for the marriage of the Bavarian-Austro-Hungarian Empire means that after the fleet visits Turkey, the prince can leave the fleet to Vienna. Also included is the honorary title of an admiral... In short, on the surface, it is very tall!
As for the composition of the Mediterranean cruise ship, Berlin also quickly responded. The cruiser Prince Bismarck and the cruiser Hamburg, which have beaten the French Navy in Africa, must participate. Admiral von Boll’s flagship Kaiser Friedrich III will also participate, and the other battleship is the battleship Brandenburg.
"The German Emperor is like a peacock. This time he set sail and selected almost all the first-line battleships of the Empire, just like a peacock displaying his most beautiful feathers when courting." After seeing the order signed by the German Emperor , Admiral von Boll said helplessly.
Actually, from a purely military point of view, he was not satisfied with this arrangement. There were a total of 4 warships, which belonged to 4 different models. Moreover, two of them have experienced battles, and the Prince Bismarck needs some maintenance and repairs. Such a fleet is really not suitable for continued visits.
His Royal Highness also agreed with Admiral Boll's opinion. In a reply to Berlin, His Royal Highness requested that the armored cruiser Prince Bismarck should be returned to the mainland, but Hipper and Scheer should be allowed to accompany the fleet. In this case, the latter The Kaiser’s approval was soon obtained.
However, the German Navy’s plan to invite the U.S. Navy to visit the Mediterranean countries was rejected by the United States. On the one hand, the Americans were not fully prepared. Now, in the eyes of the Americans, going out is not a show but a shame. of...... On the other hand, Germany is going to Malta, and the Americans do not want to have any dealings with the British, so they can only give up for the time being.
However, the Americans said that after the German Navy and the U.S. Navy cruise the Pacific next year and bring Hawaii into their hands, they can organize a worldwide cruise in the name of the two countries. This is to show the outside world the "deep friendship" and "quasi-ally relationship" between the United States and Germany.
For this cruise, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs also made a lot of effort. On the one hand, it contacted the British and proposed the idea of a German squadron to visit Malta. For this request, the self-proclaimed gentleman still agreed to this request. Yes, after all, when the Kiel Canal was completed in history, the most elite George V-class super-dreadnought ship in the British fleet once visited Germany on behalf of the Royal Navy. You know, this time is June 1914! The film opened within a few days, and before the last departure, the slogan "He who was once a friend is always a friend" was played.
In short, in this era, even if the two sides become rivals sooner or later, even if the dog’s head is to be broken in the next moment, the basic etiquette still needs to be discussed, not to mention that the relationship between the two sides is still so-so, and Britain and Germany have the intention to repair the relationship. It's just a small fleet visit, which is nothing to the British.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire is naturally welcome to the visit of the German fleet, and the leader is the son-in-law of the Austrian Emperor... Regardless of the relationship between the two countries or their own relations, there is nothing better than this. The Austro-Hungarian Empire welcomed the visit of the German fleet on the second day. And said that he would give "a reception that fits the status of a king."
The Turkish Empire’s response was also very fast. Although Turkey and this large country in central Europe are not very familiar with the purpose of coming here, no matter what, they are all visitors. Such a powerful country that can overthrow France is not something that Turkey can easily offend. Although there were some doubts and concerns in his mind, Sultan Hamid II of Turkey agreed to the request of the German fleet to visit Istanbul.
The most unexpected thing for the Germans is that Italy, the nominal and actual ally of Germany, was very indifferent to this visit to Germany, but if you think about it, you can understand that Italy was originally opposed to Germany in this matter. Ah, but what I didn't expect was that Germany would equalize Portugal by dividing by two. The French also decided to deal with it in a low-key manner, and the British said they would not bother.
What does the German fleet want to do? Italy can guess some too, it must be a demonstration! To put it bluntly, that is, after the fall, after the fall, Italy is naturally unwilling to this visit with an obvious demonstration. And this time it was the Bavarian prince who brought the fleet with him. This prince will become the son-in-law of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor in the future! Can this attitude be good?
However, Italy, which is stern, is not stiff enough to fight the Germans. This time, the Germans have been hated. If you slap your face again, then Italy will really be isolated and helpless. France will treat you because of a statement made by Italy. Be friends? Certainly not. Will Britain, which is preparing to restore relations with Germany, help Italy? Presumably not, will the Austro-Hungarian Empire take the opportunity to fall into trouble? 80% will! Will the Germans help to abuse? This is almost certain!
Think again and again~www.wuxiaspot.com~ Italy still decided to accept the invitation of the German government, but when the German fleet arrives, the Italians also want to take the opportunity to show their strength!
The final visit route is like this, first is the port of Taranto, Italy, then the island of Malta, Istanbul, Turkey, and finally the Austro-Hungarian military port of Bora.
A week later, the African task force of the German Navy under the command of Earl Spey arrived in Gijon. Then the fleet began to form. The 4 capital ships left the Port of Gijon with 2 supply ships and started the German squadron’s Mediterranean journey. The prince didn’t know it, but he was taken aback. This time the lineup was really strong. what.
"Admiral von Boll, Chief of Staff of the German Navy, Admiral Tirpitz, Secretary of State of the Navy, the three most capable people in the German Navy in history, Earl Spey, Scheer, and Hipper, except for the three Except for Earl Spey, who was forced to hang up with British BC, the remaining two are the future commanders of the High Seas Fleet!" Looking at this lineup, the prince couldn't help being shocked.
Of course, in terms of the highest status in name, it is Prince Ruprecht, who now has the honorary title of Admiral of the Navy! The Kaiser stated that the relevant dresses, medals and other matters can be delivered before entering Taranto before entering Taranto. The prince is guaranteed to wear the full set of the German admiral to visit the Italians...
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