Chapter 888

Bern, affected by the tension in Europe, the life of Switzerland, a neutral country, is not easy.

Switzerland, as the "roof of Europe", is not the strategic position that later keyboard warriors think is unimportant.

On the contrary, Switzerland, located in the center of Western Europe, is bordered by Austria to the east, Italy to the south, France to the west, and Baden and Württemberg to the north. It has been an important transportation route in Europe since ancient times, and its strategic position is very important.

Because of the mountains, Switzerland has many strategic locations. For example, St. Gotthard and St. Bernard are battlegrounds.

The European War is about to break out, and Switzerland, as a neutral country, has become the center of the storm, and how to stand in line has become a difficult problem.

Benhard Highmore, the rotating chairman, was very unfortunate to catch up. The only thing that makes him gratified is that the countries are still enticing and not directly forcing them to stand in line.

This is an inevitable result. Switzerland is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and there are well-known Swiss mercenaries. Anyone with a discerning eye will know that this is a hard bone.

Under the system where all the people are soldiers, it is still possible for Switzerland to draw 300,000 to 500,000 troops. Although Switzerland is still a poor man, the weapons and equipment of so many troops are not complete.

But as long as they stand in line, these problems will not be a problem, and neither France nor Austria will think that they have too many troops.

Benhard Highmer explained: "His Excellency the Minister, Switzerland is a neutral country and we will not be involved in continental disputes."

Similar words, Benhard Highmore has said how many times, but the people who come to visit are still in an endless stream.

In the eyes of most people, he is up for grabs, and only Benhard Highmer knows that he really does not want Switzerland to be involved in the continental disputes.

There is no way, the Swiss family is too thin. Sticking to the homeland can also take advantage of geographical advantages and take the initiative to participate in the war, then it can only be reckless.

For a small country like Switzerland, participating in the Franco-Austrian dispute has limited benefits if it wins, but it is completely worth the loss if it loses.

Austrian Minister Elie Decaz shook his head: "Your Excellency, don't be so absolute. There are many things in this world that everyone is compelled to do.

We would also be reluctant to wage this war if possible, but the French did not.

You must know how ambitious the French are. If we don't stand up and stop them now and let them expand into Central Europe, we will suffer greatly in the future. "

Benhard Highmore was silent, deep in his heart he had complained countless times. In essence, the ambitions of the French were also indulged in Austria.

If Austria hadn't indulged the French and swallowed Italy in the past, and if it hadn't had the arrogant French Empire today, naturally there would not have been the troubles it has now.

Thinking about it, it's impossible to say it. Now Switzerland also needs Austria to stand on top, otherwise Switzerland will be really dangerous when the French annex Belgium and the Rhineland.

"Your Excellency Minister, it is indeed very important to curb the expansion of the French, but our strength is limited, and we really have no ability to mix in this war."

It is impossible to participate in the war, and it is impossible to participate in the war in this life. To contain the actions of the French, we just need to support them in spirit.

Benhard Highmer's refusal was not at all surprising to Elie Decazes, there was no real benefit, and the mere fact that it was to curb French expansion was not enough to make the Swiss die.

"Well, if your country is unwilling to participate in the war, you can neutralize first.

Just put the switch at the critical moment, let our army pass by, and catch the French by surprise.

In return, after the war your country can get the Khonté area. If your country is willing to send troops, you can also get the Savoyard area. "

I have to admit that Austria is very generous in the distribution of benefits. Even Benhard Highmore, who had made up his mind to be neutral, was not a little tempted.

The Comté region includes Dou, Jura, Haute Saône and Belfort, with a total area of ​​16,202 square kilometers, equivalent to two-fifths of Switzerland.

If you add the Savoie region, that's more than half of Switzerland. This is already the limit, and they won't be able to eat more if you give it to Switzerland.

After hesitating for a moment, Benhard Highmore resisted the temptation. No matter how great the interests are, it will be after the defeat of the French. If you lose on the battlefield, there will be nothing left.

From the data on paper, the Austrian side obviously has a big advantage, but it can't stand the French military's reputation.

Napoleon was also at a disadvantage and defeated the anti-French coalition. No one knew whether the French would replicate the miracle of their ancestors. Benhard Highmore did not dare to take the risk.

"Sorry, Your Excellency. We have no ambitions for French territory. Switzerland is just a small country and has never thought of expanding."

It must be refused. If it is indecisive at this time, it will be said that Switzerland is spying on the territory of France. If the French people know about it, the Swiss government will not be able to hold back.

Elie Decaz smiled and said: "Your Excellency, don't worry. After the war, the French were too busy to take care of themselves, and it was impossible for them to ask your country for these lands.

You must know that a large part of the French territory was seized, and it will definitely be returned to the original owner after the war.

For example, the states in the Italian region will regain their independence. The Upper Pyrenees that they captured in Spain need to be returned, the Lorraine and Alsace that they occupied in the German region should also be returned, and the northern...

If your country is concerned about security, Austria can provide you with protection, and we will sign a treaty after the war.

A pact to jointly contain France. "

After listening to Elie Decaz's explanation, Benhard Highmore's heart was disturbed. If the Austrian plan is successful, the current Great French Empire will shrink by at least half.

As long as all countries can fulfill the contract, France will lose the possibility of re-emergence. Even if Napoleon is resurrected, the neighbors will not give him a chance to be big.

If that's all, Switzerland is also a member of the vested interests, and Benhard Haimer has absolutely no reason to object.

However, along with the division of the spoils, Austria's continental hegemony was also established, which is not what Benhard Highmer wanted to see.

Austria now seems to be harmless to humans and animals, and rarely does things in the European continent, but Austria, which cannot become the hegemon of the European continent, will also be so peaceful.

In case the situation changes and Austria takes the Swiss idea, they are in danger.

Not to mention impossible, this is the ancestral land of the Habsburg dynasty, and almost all the previous Habsburg monarchs have made plans here.

After calming down, Benhard Heimer categorically refused: "Your Excellency Minister, Switzerland is a neutral country, which was determined as early as the Vienna Conference.

This is our fundamental national policy and will not change due to changes in the outside world. So as tempting as your offer is, we can only regret it.

But don't worry, we stand with your country on the issue of containing France, and no third person will know about today's conversation. "

Rejection is refusal, Benhard Heimer still does not want to offend Austria. Deep down, he felt that Austria would probably win.

There are not so many reasons, just with the plan just now, Austria has the advantage.

Although the French are strong, they can't stand many enemies! Once the continental war broke out, France would face internal and external troubles.

Seeing that it was impossible to do anything, Elie Decaz did not continue to force it, he waved his hand and said, "Well, your country is not willing to participate in the war, and we will not force it through us.

However, because of the need to fight against France, I hope that your country can set up obstacles for the French in trade after the outbreak of the war. "

If we can't talk about it now, it doesn't mean we can't talk about it in the future. When the anti-French coalition has an advantage on the battlefield, it will be much less difficult to pull Switzerland into the army.

It's really not good, it's a big deal, coercion and inducement. Small countries are nothing but grass, so-called principles are worthless in the face of survival.

After hesitating for a while, Benhard Highmore replied: "There is no problem with setting up trade barriers.

France is not a member of the free trade system and does not apply the principles of free trade. After the outbreak of war, we can prohibit the flow of strategic materials into France. "

Verbal promises, no pressure on Benhard Highmore. The embargo on strategic materials should also be viewed according to the actual situation.

If the advantages of the anti-French coalition are obvious, then there is a real embargo against France. It is the survival instinct of a small country to stand on the side of the winner, and it does not need to be considered at all.

If the two sides are deadlocked, it will be banned in name and smuggled secretly, and both sides can explain the past.

on the contrary……