Chapter 1056 Conditions
"Recognize the independence of Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine, cease fire with Algeria for three years, and cede the Texas colony. Don't you think it's too much to ask?"
Although Cavaignac is very clear about the current situation, he doesn't quite understand the current state of France.
He still believes that Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine, and Algeria are French territories.
In fact, these lands have been out of France's control, and this is the biggest concession Franz can make.
If the problems of the Duchy of Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine cannot be solved, then Franz will be a sinner of the nation and the Confederation.
"Both the Duchy of Belgium and the Duchy of Alsace-Lorraine are part of the German Confederation. You just need to acknowledge this fact.
As for the war between your country and Algeria, it has caused too many casualties, so we hope that both sides can suspend the fighting to give the people a chance to breathe.
As far as I know, the so-called Texas Colony has never accepted the leadership of the Second French Republic, and all the officials sent by your country to accept it have disappeared inexplicably.
So this is not a loss for your country."
Cavaignac naturally could not agree with Franz's words, although the latter said all the facts.
"The appetite of the Austrian Empire is too big. Let's put the Belgian issue aside for the time being. Alsace-Lorraine has been a part of France since ancient times!"
Cavaignac said it with confidence, and Franz still said calmly.
"Two hundred years ago today, your country took Alsace-Lorraine from us. How can it be said that it has been so since ancient times?
I am just seeking revenge for my ancestors today."
In the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Austria ceded Alsace-Lorraine to France.
Cavaignac is not a good politician, as can be seen from the fact that he chose democratic elections after taking control of the political situation and eventually lost power.
"Is there no other way?"
Franz smiled.
"Of course there is. We can adopt a democratic referendum."
"Democratic referendum?"
"Yes, isn't this what your government has been pursuing?"
At this moment, Cavaignac said with hope in his eyes.
"So as long as the people of Alsace-Lorraine are willing to stay in France, will the German Confederation give up its claims to the area?"
Franz just smiled and didn't answer. He was just teaching Cavaignac how to explain to the country, and he didn't really want to give up Alsace-Lorraine.
In fact, Franz was very confident about the referendums in the two places. After two Alsace-Lorraine crises, coupled with a series of disastrous defeats and massacres by the French army, he did not believe that the locals still had general illusions about France.
However, Franz could not support such things. After all, he was a representative of despotism and power. And no one could guarantee whether the French would have any secret operations.
If Franz did not participate, it would be fine. Once he participated, if there was a problem, he would shoot himself in the foot.
And even if he took a step back, why did Franz help Cavaignac? Did he feel that things were going too smoothly to stimulate himself?
Cavaignac was not stupid, he understood what Franz meant. This was indeed a good way out, which could shut up many people.
Even if he had to blame, he could only blame those Germans who did not have Gallic blood. Afterwards, at the right time, he could also say that some major powers were secretly manipulating the election.
Thinking of this, Cavaignac felt much more at ease. Since there was a way to solve it, the Alsace-Lorraine issue was no longer a problem.
Franz naturally understood the reason, so he needed the French to hold a referendum themselves. After all, whoever makes the first move will be passive.
As for whether Cavaignac would be desperate and make the people of Alsace and Lorraine want to stay in France?
Of course it is possible. Cavaignac may even take this opportunity to declare war on the German Confederation again.
But the conditions do not allow it. France has no power to fight again at this time, and the reasons that apply to the French also apply to German nationalists.
So in the end, the French can only give a referendum result that satisfies Franz, which will save a lot of trouble in the future.
"The Algerian issue is a rebellion in our country. Does the German Confederation also want to interfere?"
It must be said that Mr. Cavaignac is still very smart. He actually learned and applied it, calling the behavior of the German Confederation interference in other countries' internal affairs.
Cavaignac's intention is very clear, that is, to slap Franz in the face. Although he will lose on the table, he cannot admit defeat verbally.
Franz smiled indifferently, with a bit of contempt in it.
"We are just worried about the humanitarian issues that will be caused by continuing the war. If your country wants to continue the war, then please do so.
If you think it is a civil war in your country, then please abide by the rules of civil war.
But I must remind you that if your country's war harms our interests, it is no longer a civil war in your country, and we do not have to abide by the armistice agreement set at this time."
Although Franz's words sounded high-sounding, everyone knew the threat in them. What you can't get on the battlefield, you can't get at the negotiation table.
This clause seems to be protecting Duke Omar of Algeria, but in fact it is also a protection for the fragile Second French Republic at this time.
Popular uprisings, rebels, restless royalists and ambitious people, if France does not cease fire with Algeria, then Duke Omar may take advantage of the chaos to counterattack and eventually succeed.
Although the Orleans family is a pro-Austrian force in France at this time, Franz does not think that Duke Omar will still feel close to the Austrian Empire after taking power in France.
I am afraid that after Duke Omar eliminates his domestic enemies, the Austrian Empire, which was once a foreign aid, will become his biggest enemy.
This has nothing to do with Duke Omar's personal qualities. In fact, France wants to expand in only two directions on the European continent, one is Italy and the other is Germany.
These two regions happen to be Austria's territory. Both sides are regional powers and powerful countries, so from a geopolitical perspective, the contradictions between the two sides cannot be reconciled.
Unless one country has an overwhelming advantage and the other country is in a long-term chaos, the contradiction may stop.
Theoretically, Cavaignac won this game, but he was not happy at all, but began to sweat profusely.
At this time, France was completely in a passive position in the war with Algeria, and the defection of the Great Eastern Fleet directly reversed the situation in the Mediterranean.
Duke Omar could easily destroy the fragile coastal defense in southern France with his powerful fleet.
France's naval strength has always been strong in history, especially in the Mediterranean, so it is a hegemonic existence, so its emphasis on coastal defense is far less than that of Austria and Venice.
At this time, France wanted to cram at the last minute and could only watch Duke Omar plunder supplies and people everywhere.
For Duke Omar, the first problem is to keep Algeria alive. At this time, most of Algeria's materials need to be imported from Austria in large quantities.
Once the Austrian Empire stops supplying, the Principality of Algeria will become the Governor-General's District of Algeria in France.
In order to completely eliminate the Algerians, the French destroyed a large amount of farmland and converted it to grapes, which led to extremely high food prices in Algeria.
In history, Duke Omar also held heavy troops, but he fled without firing a shot. What is more fatal than not having a strong enough navy to fight the Great Eastern Fleet is that Algeria does not have enough food reserves to support the war.
I must say that our book friends are pretty good. People have guessed what I am going to write, but this referendum cannot be led by Germany or the locals.