Chapter 728: Weak Countries Have No Diplomacy

"What, the Austrians want to annex the Ottomans?"

Alexander III, who had just been crowned emperor, received this bad news before he had time to celebrate.

The Foreign Secretary, Osière Rivera, replied: "Yes, Your Majesty. We applied for a loan from the Vienna government not long ago, and they made this request."

Alexander III shook his head and replied affirmatively: "No, this is absolutely not possible!

Once the Austrians have annexed the Ottomans, their power has penetrated into Central Asia, and there is no guarantee that they will not become our competitors.

If Central Asia falls into the hands of the native khanates, we can take it back; if it falls into the hands of Austria, it is almost impossible to get it.

Now our vitality is greatly damaged, and we simply have no ability to compete with them.

The Austrians wanted to control our lifeline, and they had the ability to split the Russian Empire in two by taking over Central Asia.

Coupled with the Dardanelles he already controls, the future Russian Empire will have to act according to their faces. "

There are good reasons, but Osière Rivera does not agree. Subject to people, this topic is too big.

More than just a Dardanelles issue, the Russian Empire was in many ways constrained by Austria. The three core lifelines of armament, finance and economy are inseparable from Austria.

After hesitating for a while, Osier Rivera reminded: "Your Majesty, it is not difficult to solve the Dardanelles issue.

As early as many years ago, we had contact with the Austrians, and the Vienna government agreed with us to pay for the redemption, or to carry out a territorial exchange.

For some special reason, the final deal was not reached. It can also be seen that the Vienna government does not pay attention to the Dardanelles, and it is not difficult to get it here. "

Alexander III had just ascended the throne, and everyone had not yet figured out his temper. The cautious Ossière Rivera chose to attack from the side.

The Austrian threat does exist, but now is not the time to consider this issue. What the tsarist government needs most at this time is money, and other issues can be suppressed.

In this regard, the tsarist government is confident. The size of the Russian Empire is placed here, and there is no need to worry about the invasion of foreign enemies.

Austria's threat is based on the premise that the two countries have not turned against each other. If they really part ways, these problems can be overcome.

After hesitating for a while, Alexander III nodded helplessly: "Then talk to the Austrians first, and no matter what, you can't let Ottoman be alone."

Alexander III's diplomatic talents far surpassed his ancestors, and he soon discovered the crux of the problem: Once Austria made up its mind to attack Ottoman, they simply couldn't stop it.

Having the support of the Russian Empire made things easier; without them, Austria could still wage war.

The aftermath of the Russian-Prussian War has not yet dissipated, and the European world is still immersed in a wave of anti-war. It is impossible for Britain and France to go to war for the Ottoman Empire and Austria.

Russia seems to have a strong voice, but they are still licking their wounds, and the government has no money in their pockets. Coupled with the feud between Russia and Turkey, Alexander III really could not find a reason to save Ottoman.

Alexander III was sensible, just like calling a halt to the domestic purges. Finding that Austria could not be stopped, he decisively chose to exchange for benefits.

...

Foreign Secretary Osière Rivera added: "Your Majesty, in addition to this issue, we must also consider the Finnish issue.

Before the war, in order to stabilize the Nordic Federation and raise funds for the war, there was still a secret agreement on the mortgage loan we signed with the Swedes.

It is clearly agreed above that after the war, Finland will be sold to the Nordic Commonwealth. If we default, in addition to repaying the debt, we must also pay a liquidated damages. The Vienna government is the guarantor. "

This is another huge pit. Before the outbreak of the Russian-Prussian War, in order to reduce an enemy, the tsarist government had to sign such a treaty.

Up to now, this has become a problem again, and it can be regarded as a happiness trouble for now, but only after winning the war.

During the period of Alexander II, the prepared response plan was to take the duchies of Schleswig-Holstein and hand them over to the Nordic Federation to pay off this debt.

Unfortunately, halfway through the plan, Alexander II saw God. Alexander III's ability to withstand pressure is not as strong as that of his father, and his own prestige is not enough.

In addition, the domestic situation did not allow him to continue the war. After being strongly opposed by European countries, he quickly chose to compromise.

Alexander III frowned and shook his head: "The strategic significance of the Finnish region cannot be handed over, at least not all of it.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs first contacted the Nordic Federation to see if they could accept the sale of part of Finland.

After all, this debt is guaranteed by Austria, and unless it is absolutely necessary, do not use the threat of force. "

Weak countries have no diplomacy, and Mao Xiong has never been a master of rules. They are better at using cannons than solving problems at the negotiating table.

Alexander III was regarded as a pacifist among the tsars, and he was able to take out part of the Finnish area to perform the contract. If he changed his father, Alexander II, it would not be so easy to talk.

Of course, the Austrian guarantee also played an important role. The "Debt Guarantee Contract" is not just as simple as providing security guarantees, but there are also clear penalty clauses on it.

Compared with bribing Austria with interests and keeping the Vienna government silent, Alexander III felt that it would be easier to achieve his goal by talking with the Nordic Federation.

Foreign Minister Osière Rivera said with a smile: "Your Majesty can rest assured that as long as we can devote part of Finland to fulfilling the contract, the Nordic Federation will not reject our goodwill."

...

Berlin, since the end of the Russian-Prussian War, this bustling metropolis has suddenly become silent.

Although some of the funds were withdrawn from the sale of territory, the Berlin government was still having a hard time.

The heavy debts increased the burden on the shoulders of the Prussian people. More importantly, the despair brought about by the defeat of the war made many people lose their confidence in the future.

In order to give an explanation to the domestic people, William I has announced his abdication, and Prussia has entered the era of Frederick III.

This is an unlucky bastard. Yuan Shi-kong met God just a few days after he succeeded to the throne. He has the nickname of "Hundred-Day Emperor" and actually reigned for 99 days.

Barely survived his father, and after a while of emperor addiction, he died in a hurry.

Under the butterfly effect, Frederick III now ascended the throne ahead of schedule, and he also failed to please, and took over a mess.

The only benefit is probably that William I abdicated, forcing a group of Junker nobles to resign, and there were not so many annoying people.

Compared with the current mess, perhaps Frederick III is more willing to accept a group of Junker nobles.

The king is the biggest Junker in his position, and everyone's class interests are still the same, and the only thing they are fighting for is power.

Looking at the map hanging on the wall, Frederick III sighed deeply.

He has not done anything, and the territory of the Kingdom of Prussia has been reduced by more than half. If a country wants to revive, it cannot do without population and resources.

With the defeat of the Prussian War, the Kingdom of Prussia lost a lot of territory, and also lost a lot of population and resources.

Whether you admit it or not, the Kingdom of Prussia has become a small country.