My Italy

"Special Envoy Cabrera, I'm very sorry. Our country's current situation makes it impossible to comply with your country's request. I hope your country can understand."

In a secluded room in the palace, Carlo, the King of Italy, expressed his rare apology to a secret envoy. Of course there is a reason why Carlo needs to lower his profile.

Because this special envoy Cabrera was a diplomatic envoy secretly sent by Germany. The main purpose is to let Italy make some small moves on the Italian-French border during the confrontation between Germany and France to attract the attention of the French and relieve some of the pressure on Germany.

Of course, Germany also knows that it is impossible to control people without giving benefits, so it also gives some benefits, that is, giving Italy certain preferential treatment when importing Ruhr coal and iron ore.

Faced with the German request and the benefits offered, how could Carlo, who had just reached an agreement with the French, accept it. Therefore, facing the Cabrera envoy, Carlo rejected the German request on the grounds that the current Italian navy and army were too weak and had no ability to cause trouble on the Italian-French border.

The reasons given by Carlo are very reasonable and there is no excuse at all. Because the Italian navy and army are currently at their weakest in history. In the army, the current total strength of the Italian Army is only 193,000, and there is no way it can attack. Not to mention that there are currently more than two million square kilometers of land in Italy plus the colonies. There is not even a single soldier in these ten square kilometers. It is conceivable how much pressure the Italian Army is currently under, and it is a kind of powerless one.

As for the navy, let alone that. Everyone knew last year that all Italy's main warships were sold to the Russians. Now the only one that can take the lead is the Dauntless. If this timeless battleship causes trouble for the French, it can only be said that the Italian Navy is in trouble.

Some people may say, what are you afraid of? There is still a German navy anyway.

The key to the problem is that the German navy is in the North Sea and Italy is in the Mediterranean. Just look at the map and you will know that it is easier to rely on the German navy for rescue than to pray for God to come. As for Italy's long coastline, it would be difficult if the navy did not have the upper hand.

Therefore, when neither the navy nor the army has the upper hand, it makes sense for Italy to refuse on the grounds of its own safety.

Facing Carlo's series of reasons, Cabrera, as a special envoy, couldn't help but think of the exhortations given by the Prime Minister, the Marquis de Bilo, before departure. "Cabrera, although the purpose of your visit is very important, it is more important to find out the attitude of the Italians. Especially when our country conflicts with France, whether they are willing to stand on our side, even without using military force. means, but at least it needs to show this attitude in other ways.”

So when faced with Carlo's polite refusal, the Cabrera envoy was not discouraged at all, he just said. "Your Majesty Carlo, I can understand your country's difficulties, but if your country does nothing, is it inappropriate? Is your country still willing to implement the alliance treaty between our two countries?"

Regarding the words of Special Envoy Cabrera, Carlo said without hesitation. "At this point, please rest assured that the conditions signed between our country and your country will definitely be implemented. As long as your country is attacked by either Russia or France, our country will definitely mobilize its army to join your country in declaring war on it. "

Carlo also made it very clear that Italy will fulfill its alliance obligations only when it is attacked. As for the signatory country attacking the other party, then I'm sorry and can only remain neutral. Of course, it is very reasonable to sell some supplies that allies need.

As a diplomatic envoy, Viscount Cabrera, who was familiar with the rules of diplomacy, naturally understood what Carlo meant. He knew how to reply to Berlin.

Of course, news of Italy's support for Germany quickly spread back to Berlin. Although Italy has refused direct military action due to its current weak armaments, other than that, its performance in other aspects is consistent with Austria-Hungary.

Regarding Rome's stance, Berlin also breathed a sigh of relief. You must know that Berlin has become closer to Vienna over the years. Whether it is communication or wooing, more diplomats go to Vienna.

Therefore, Berlin still has doubts about Italy's willingness to fulfill the alliance treaty this time. This time Carlo answered without hesitation, giving Envoy Cabrera a satisfactory answer. To know who has the final say in Italy, no one in the world knows that the answer is the Carlo monarch. As long as the monarch agrees, then they are inseparable.

Compared with Italy's promptness, Vienna's reply was a bit slow. Fortunately, apart from the condition of directly sending troops, both countries are willing to provide support in other aspects.

Therefore, Germany, which was already leaning toward peaceful resolution of disputes, now has another wave of trouble. Radicals, including a group of Junker nobles, believed that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

France's ally Russia is so weak and Germany's defensive pressure on the east has been greatly reduced. It should take this opportunity to launch a war against France and remove Germany's biggest threat in Europe, the French armed forces.

Faced with the proposals of these radicals, the conservative faction headed by Prime Minister Bilot directly suppressed the radicals who emerged again. First they refuted each other's belief that the British would not participate.

In the view of the stalwarts, the British Empire would not just watch Germany become the hegemon in Central and Western Europe. If a war breaks out between Germany and France, the British Empire will definitely join the war. Its massive navy would directly cut off Germany's maritime trade lines.

Moreover, Britain's accession will have a chain reaction. First, it will be difficult for the two allies to make up their mind to continue supporting Germany. In addition, the addition of the British will also make the Russians in the east ready to move. In this way, Germany will face attacks from all directions. This is not what a wise man would do.

Just as the Germans were divided into two groups and arguing over this, news suddenly came from France. As France's hard-liner on Germany, Foreign Minister Delcasse offered to resign. The post of Minister of Foreign Affairs is concurrently held by Prime Minister Rouvier. The reason why France suddenly made the decision to change its foreign minister was that France had high domestic opposition to war with Germany.

At this time, France has become a usurious country, which mainly profits from the export of foreign capital. Although the domestic antipathy towards Germany is relatively high, how many French people would be willing to see it if a war broke out.

Besides, how many people in the French government can persist after facing pressure from the British? And many people are also clearly aware of the fact that France's national power has been surpassed by Germany. If the British are really unwilling to intervene, then the French alone will not be able to do anything to the Germans.

That's right, every time a war breaks out, all parties involved are rushing for victory. If there is no chance of victory from the beginning, who is willing to start a war.

Therefore, the situation that was originally feared by both sides was opened up after France took the lead in making concessions.

The news from France made Kaiser Wilhelm II determined to choose peace.

The easing of relations between Germany and France has made European countries breathe a sigh of relief. Of course, Morocco, which was the source of the outbreak between the two countries, made concessions after some discussions. France has withdrawn some of its controls on Morocco, but joins Spain in maintaining police control.

It can be said that France took a step back in order not to have a dispute with Germany over Morocco. Has temporarily given up on annexing Morocco but retains some control of its police force. Germany, on the other hand, showed its strength and let other countries see Germany's determination in the colonies.

Of course, it is too early to tell who will take advantage and who will suffer, but the relationship between Germany and France will definitely be worse than before. Of course, the relationship between Britain and Germany will also be worse.