Chapter 663

Just when everyone thought that the Prussian-Russian War was at a stalemate, on November 2, 1879, a Prussian military division suddenly bypassed Kamen and headed straight for Pinsk.

After the outbreak of the Prussian-Russian War, Franz has been paying close attention, occasionally sending airships to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance.

Austria is the country with the most developed airship technology. The most advanced reconnaissance airship can operate at an altitude of up to 8,000 meters.

Air defense weapons are not yet developed these days. As long as they are above 3,000 meters, no matter whether they are anti-aircraft machine guns or artillery, there is no threat.

Without a security threat, Austrian airships often penetrate deep into the airspace of other countries. Franz was not used to this kind of domineering style at first, but seeing that the neighbors didn't respond, he gradually got used to it.

At an altitude of several kilometers, without a telescope, many people will think that it is just a bird, and the probability of being discovered is still very low.

Even if it is discovered, it can be avoided that the pilot is lost. Anyway, this kind of thing often happens, especially the airships of small European countries, flying out of their own airspace.

The change of the Prussian army attracted the attention of the pilots. After the report, it attracted the attention of the idle and bored Franz, who directly called the staff on duty for a meeting.

"Everyone has read the information, what do you think Mao Qi's purpose is?"

No matter why Franz paid attention to this issue, everyone was very excited to be able to show his abilities in front of the emperor.

Deputy Chief of Staff Admiral Morkes: "Your Majesty, the real goal of the Prussian army should not be Pinsk, which may be a distraction for the Russians.

Pinsk is located on the main road of the river, about 180 kilometers away from Brest, which is already regarded as the rear. Going alone like this is a very bad choice militarily.

Even if they lied to the Russians and were not discovered in advance, Pinsk still had a regiment of troops stationed there. Even if the attack of the Prussians could not be stopped, it would be no problem to delay for a few days.

Once the surrounding Russian army reacted, the Prussian army was finished. Unless they can conquer Pinsk in one day and rely on local fortifications to defend it for more than a month, there is no strategic value.

The risk here is too great. As a famous European player, it is impossible for Mao Qi to not know, so his real target can only be Brest. "

One of the staff members objected: "It doesn't have to be Brest, it might be the Pripyat River. Of course, this possibility is very small. Now is the dry season, even if the damage caused by the blockage of the river will be lost. Not much.

I think it is more likely that it was just a false shot to deliberately attract the attention of the Russians and cover the real strategy of the Prussian army.

As for interspersed behind Brest, it looks good, but what's the use of just an infantry division? "

...

The staff's brains are indeed very powerful. After a while, they analyzed more than a dozen possibilities, and Franz was directly confused.

No way, Franz is just an ordinary person. It is too embarrassing to ask him to figure out the strategic deployment of everyone in the military.

But Frederick, who came together, was discussing with the staff enthusiastically. Perhaps his son has the gift of being a military strategist, Franz thought to himself.

Of course, I can only think about it. As the Crown Prince of Austria, Frederick has no chance to become a military strategist.

It is no longer the Middle Ages, and the era of emperors leading troops into battle is over. As the crown prince, even if he is on the battlefield, he is only gilded, and there is no chance for him to perform at all.

Frankly speaking, Franz thinks listening to the staff discussing is much more interesting than reading newspapers, and it is really as exciting as a novel.

All of them are eloquent. Whether it can be done or not can only be known after trying it. Anyway, it is theoretically feasible.

The more he understands, the more Franz feels that luck is very important, and he no longer believes in the so-called halo of famous generals. Just like the twenty-eight gimbal will add up, it is not as powerful as the meteorite falling from the sky.

...

The Russian-Prussian War is still in a stalemate, and the South American battlefield first took a turn. Tragedy has begun in Peru and Bolivia since the British navy came off the field.

The sea passage is gone, and supplies can only be transferred from neighboring countries. Originally, this is nothing, everyone likes war money, but unfortunately everyone's relationship is not good!

South American countries have been full of contradictions since their establishment. If France and Austria come forward to coordinate and warn the careerists to stay calm, it is estimated that these countries will be in trouble at this time.

Foreign Minister Wesenberg: "Your Majesty, as of three days ago, the British detained a total of more than 200 ships bound for Peru and Bolivia, of which 45 were registered in our country.

In order to break the British blockade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested to unite with the countries where these ships are located to put pressure on the British together. "

What should come will still come. It is still difficult for Chile to go one-on-two.

If Bolivia and Peru are not cut off by sea, and the influx of supplies continues, the two countries can arm many more troops than Chile.

In the case of a small difference in quality, the number of troops will determine the outcome of a war. In the early battle, Chile has actually been at a disadvantage.

After pondering for a while, Franz made a decision: "Not only should the British be ordered to open the waterway, but they should also be made to compensate for their losses.

If the conditions are ripe, they will pull the French to impose trade sanctions on the British, and some countries will be more aggressive, so that the British will be disgusted. "

That's right, the British are disgusting. If you want to trade sanctions against the British, it is simply impossible.

this year about

Hanniu is also the leader of international import and export trade, accounting for nearly half of the total global trade. What sanctions are there to use?

Sanctions are impossible, but it is still possible to block them. Having suffered such a great grievance, even Austria couldn't bear it, and Franz didn't think the arrogant French could bear it.

If you can't win against the British at sea, a war of words is always possible. Agitate public opinion, not afraid that the British will not submit. You can't offend all countries just for Chile.

...

In fact, before the Vienna government took action, the capitalists of the detained ships did so first.

This time the media on the European continent has a surprisingly unified position, and everyone is scolding the British for their shameless behavior and accusing the British government of sabotaging the normal conduct of free trade.

Not only the mainland newspapers are scolding, but the British newspapers are also scolding the government. Opposition parties have organized public demonstrations to condemn the London government's unauthorized intervention in the South American war.

The capitalists use practical actions to explain what capital has no borders, only the interests are long-lasting.

Outside the Prime Minister's Residence in Downing Street, at this time, the outside was already full of protesters. Everyone held high the banner of free trade and demanded the London government to lift the blockade.

The confused Prime Minister Benjamin slammed the table: "Sir John, now I need an explanation, an explanation that can be explained to the people."

Admiralty John Vasil said with a sad face: "Your Excellency, we have reached an agreement with the Chileans that they will pay for the supplies on these ships.

It went very smoothly. The Chilean government and the capitalists reached an agreement that they would no longer transport supplies into Peru and Bolivia for a year.

However, after these people received compensation, they immediately organized the shipment of materials. The capitalists broke the contract. Naturally, the Chilean government did not agree to continue to pay for the purchase, and the ship was detained. "

After hearing this explanation, Prime Minister Benjamin just wanted to curse. Isn't it nonsense to expect capitalists to abide by the agreement?

Just change a vest, and the previous contract will be voided. Legally, they cannot be held accountable for their breach of contract. These people obviously want to take advantage of the situation.

Benjamin also had some headaches. It would be impossible to let these ships go. If Chile loses the war, the dominance of the saltpeter trade will fall into the hands of Fao.

It is also not enough for the Chilean government to continue to buy these materials. With the feces and urine of the capitalists, as long as they get a huge profit, they will organize a larger fleet to come over soon.

You can't let the Chilean government keep buying and buying. Even if the saltpeter trade makes money, Chile is not so rich!

Benjamin rubbed his forehead and said, "First, send someone to explain to the people outside that it was the Chilean government that detained the ship, and we are just conducting military exercises in South America.

Anyway, think of a way to get the people outside to leave first. If it goes on like this, the impact is really bad. "

Foreign Secretary Edward: "Not only do the protesters outside need to be evacuated, but we are also under great international pressure. So far, we have received diplomatic protests from 22 countries, including Fao.

It doesn't matter if a country is alone, if they are connected in series, things will be difficult.

Especially in France and Austria, the Prussian-Russian war has restrained their energy, but more is still in the military, the foreign ministries of the two countries are still very idle. "

Bolivia and Peru are both small countries, and there are not necessarily twenty-two countries that trade with them in normal times. Now that so many protests are popping up, there must be problems behind them.

Edward didn't say it because he knew very well that it was better not to lift the lid.

In addition to the possible behind-the-scenes manipulation by France and Austria, the greater possibility is the handwriting of the capitalists. The crowd of demonstrators outside is proof that it is definitely planned by domestic shipping companies.

There is no Internet in this era, communication between countries is very inconvenient, and it is very difficult to check the nationality of ships.

For convenience, many ships are registered in multiple countries at the same time, and the nationality to be used is decided according to actual needs.

In order to strengthen the momentum, force the London government to make concessions, and do not stop everyone from making money from wars, of course, the more countries involved, the better.

Small countries also need to improve their sense of presence. Now is a good opportunity. Ships registered in their own countries have been detained for no reason. There is nothing wrong with them coming to protest.

There are so many participating countries, even if the British want to settle accounts after the fall, France and Austria will stand up and carry it, otherwise they will not be able to call on people next time.