Chapter 469
The political conception of the alliance between Britain, France and Austria actually appeared a few years ago after the arms race between Britain, France and Austria.
In the arms race, the Royal Navy failed to meet the two-power standard. People of insight in the British government believed that continuing the confrontation would likely lead to the alliance between Fao and Austria, which was not in the interests of Britain.
Some people proposed a three-nation alliance, an attempt to use the form of a covenant to constrain the French and Austrian countries to expand their armaments, and at the same time to establish Britain's world hegemony and establish an international order with Britain at its core.
This plan is obviously too idealistic, because of the conflict of interests of the three countries, the idea is always an idea and cannot be turned into reality.
To this day, Fao does not recognize the British as world hegemons. No one wants to bow their heads, and the people of France and Austria are also full of arrogance, but everyone can't stand it in terms of face.
If you read European newspapers, you will know that it is internationally recognized that Britain, France and Austria are in a tripartite relationship. The British had the advantage in the navy and the economy, but far behind in the army.
Originally in the era of sea power, the ocean hegemon was the world hegemon. But the center of the world in this era is on the European continent, and France and Austria have more influence on the continent.
When the boss couldn't hold back the second and third children, hegemony became only nominal. No, even this "name" has not been recognized by the world.
Not long ago, the London government suddenly decided to promote the alliance of the three countries. In addition to dismantling the Fa-Austrian alliance, it was more necessary to make the title of world hegemony worthy of the name.
Britain, France and Austria have formed an alliance, and the old nature of the alliance is the world hegemony. This is not just a false name, but also a series of interests.
With this name, the British can gain benefits more easily when they expand overseas, and France and Austria can also benefit, but they are not as large as the British.
One of the biggest interests is currency hegemony. The title of world hegemon will undoubtedly increase the status of the pound, which can overwhelm the Aegis and the franc in one fell swoop to become the world currency.
The three-nation alliance involves a wide range of interests, and the negotiations reached a deadlock shortly after the start of the negotiations. The sudden outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War made this alliance even more distant.
Many people are relieved, especially Berlin and St. Petersburg, once Britain, France and Austria are allied, there will be no chance for them.
Everyone knows that behind the Anglo-Boer War is the Anglo-Austrian game, and everyone's eyes have surrendered to Vienna and London, wanting to see the reaction of the two countries.
The result is very regrettable. The Vienna government did nothing, and the London government did not respond.
This is just the perception of the outside world, in fact, the London government is not calm. The conflict with Austria at this time has already affected their previous plans.
Now that the war has broken out, it is too late to say anything. Britain also wants face, and it is impossible to retreat because of fear of Austria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli had already given Governor Delphi an unhelpful assessment in his mind. Of course, if the battle is won, this evaluation will still change.
It has nothing to do with right or wrong, the main thing is that the timing is wrong. If the Portuguese win over and the two join forces to expel the Austrians from South Africa, then it will all be worth it.
In the case of failing to do this, it seems that it is a bit of a loss just for the sake of the two Boer republics.
Gold mines in the Transvaal and Orange Free State have not yet been discovered, and diamond mines are just beginning to emerge, but the price of diamonds is not high now, and this little benefit is not enough to make Prime Minister Benjamin tempted.
These are secondary, the point is that the London government has no certainty of winning. It is natural to face the Boers alone, but with the participation of Austria, the situation has changed.
Everyone is in the same circle, and they basically know how many means the other party has. Putting on a set of military uniforms, the little tricks that appeared on the battlefield, it is not that they have not played.
It is not so much a Boer Republic, it is better to say that it is a German Republic. Even if tens of thousands of Austrian troops are mixed in, it will not be a show.
In the inland area, the logistical pressure on both sides is great, and neither of them has much advantage.
The trouble is that Austria's advantage on the African continent is too great, and there is a steady stream of troops to be replenished, which makes Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli unsure.
Prime Minister Benjamin asked straight to the point: "Sir Lewis, what do you think of the Boer war?"
There is no doubt that the colonial ministry was involved in this war. Otherwise, the Governor of Delphi alone would not be able to organize an army of 30,000 troops.
Colonial expansion means wealth, and regardless of whether the government loses or gains, the individuals or companies involved below always earn blood.
Behind this war, there are also interest groups pushing. The diamond mines of the Boer Republic are not enough to impress the London government, but they are enough to impress the colonists in South Africa.
A few years ago, because the South African colonial company rushed too fast, a series of armed conflicts occurred with the Austrian colonial team. In the end, it was really unable to hold on, and the truce was only after the intervention of the two governments.
This time, they were the main force in promoting the Anglo-Boer War, and it had nothing to do with hatred. Anyway, they were all bottom-level thugs who died, and there was no blood feud among high-level leaders.
Mainly, the surrounding expansion roads are blocked. If they don't start with the Boer Republic, they can only go to Namibia to eat sand.
There were no minerals to sell in Namibia in this era. European colonists came here as early as the 15th century, and then left.
There is no way, the semi-desert climate, even if you want to farm, there is no output, and the input and output of mining are not proportional.
Apart from
It is suitable for fishing, but it seems that there is no income. The South African colonial company also had pursuits. It would be better if they wanted to catch fish and stay in the country as fishermen. Why did they travel all the way to South Africa?
The bureaucrats in the colonies knew very well that if they didn't do it, they would never have the chance to do it. They came to the colonies to make a fortune, not to mess around.
There are so many people who want to fight, and the ideal and aspiring Governor of Delphi is naturally good.
Naturally, the British Colonial Department will not discourage the enthusiasm of the people below. They will have a share of the credit for winning, and the responsibility will be passed on to Governor Delphi if they lose.
The Colonial Secretary, Sir Louis, was not a member of this cabinet, and he was not in the same league as Prime Minister Benjamin. His rise to power was the result of compromise by all parties, so it is not surprising that the reporting time was delayed.
Lewis said nonsense: "Your Excellency Prime Minister, I just learned about this matter. Our telegraph line in South Africa is not very stable, and the last report contains a lot of loopholes.
Judging from the current situation, the progress of the front line is still very smooth. The telegram said that our army has advanced hundreds of miles, and the Boers are on the verge of collapse.
If the Austrians don't get involved, I don't think there's any problem winning this war, and now it's time for a celebration dinner for our lads. "
Prime Minister Benjamin gave him a stern look. He had already made a decision in his heart. If the war is won, that's all. If he loses, let this nasty guy in front of him get out.
As a close associate of Foreign Secretary Maclean, he immediately retorted: "Sir Lewis, your speculations are based on possible circumstances, and the reality may be just the opposite.
Until now, we in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have had no protests from the Austrians. Presumably no one would think that the Vienna government dared not even protest? "
No movement is the worst possible outcome. If the Austrians protest strongly, it means that the matter is still under control and can be resolved through diplomatic means.
Now that the Vienna government is silent, it must be making a big move. It is not surprising that the Anglo-Bosch war has turned into an Anglo-Austrian confrontation, or even a local war.
Benjamin sneered: "Since the Colonial Department is ready, then you will be in charge of this war, and our cabinet will fully cooperate."
"The Cabinet cooperates with the Colonial Department", if this is said, it will definitely make the headlines of the London newspapers. The reverse of priority is very rare in Britain.
Louis' face changed, why couldn't he hear the meaning behind his words. However, this war was indeed not approved by the cabinet, although this is a normal operation in colonial expansion and is a legal act.
In this case, however, the Cabinet would not be responsible for the war, and the Colonial Ministry and Cape Town Colonial Government would take full responsibility.
This is not what Louis wants. The credit can be taken together, but the responsibility is left to the officials of the colony. He does not want to tie himself to them.
This is a politician's survival instinct, if you can't shirk responsibility, then don't do it. Doing more and more mistakes is the inevitable result.
Louis hurriedly shied away: "Your Excellency Prime Minister, this war was completely an accident, and our Colonial Department did not know about it beforehand. For the specific situation, we should wait for the detailed report of the Governor of Cape Town!
Now that it has been determined that the Austrians will intervene, we must take more active measures. If the navy can block the enemy's coastline, the war will be stabilized. "
Seeing the fire on his head, Admiral Robert sneered: "Sir Louis, you don't know that the two Boer republics are landlocked countries. Which port do you want the Royal Navy to block?"
Although the Royal Navy is the most powerful navy in the world, they are not omnipotent. At least to block the Boer Republic, they can't do it.
Open the map and know that the Boers have bordered the Austrian African colonies. To block them, they must block Austrian Africa. This coastline is not too long, just a few thousand kilometers.
If the Austrian Navy did not exist and the Royal Navy was dispatched en masse, it would almost have been possible. This also requires the cooperation of the French and Portuguese, otherwise the capitalists will not mind the distance.
For a continent, the so-called blockade is a joke. At least in the 19th century, except for the congenitally deficient Antarctica and Australia, several other continents were not afraid of blockade.
Don't think that there is no industry on the African continent and think that there is no industry. With people, resources, and technology, as long as the Vienna government is willing, a primary industrial system can be born within two or three years.
Looking at the embarrassed Louis, the anger in Benjamin's heart subsided a lot.
Otherwise, if they really lost the war, their cabinet would not have a good life. No matter how cleanly the responsibility is pushed, an incompetent hat cannot be taken off.
Many times, ironic policies are released, not because politicians don't know it, but because of their own interests, they have to do it.
Benjamin said solemnly: "Okay, Sir Lewis. Your Colonial Department should come up with a battle plan as soon as possible. This war must be won."
They still have some confidence in fighting in South Africa. It has not been long since the Austrian power has penetrated, and they have been operating there for decades.
The troops that can be invested locally far exceed the troops that Austria can invest. As long as the speed is fast enough, the war may be ended before the Austrian reinforcements arrive.
...
Two dogs fight, play off. Seeing that Britain and Austria were about to start working together, Napoleon III was not alone. While cheering on the Vienna government, and speeding up
the pace of expansion in the Italian region.
The game between Britain and Austria in South Africa has restrained most of the energy of the two countries, which has created a golden opportunity for the French.
At this moment, no one has the strength to intervene in their annexation of the Italian region.
Since the outbreak of the Anglo-Bosch War, the French have increased their garrison in the Italian states, and the threat has been fully revealed.
If it were not for the influence of the international community, Napoleon III had already taken the throne of Italy, and now he is just one step away from being crowned.