Chapter 63 Head of State Negotiations in the Office

December 18, 1900, the second day that Arthur and others came to the German Empire.

After yesterday's sumptuous banquet, William II arranged for Arthur and others to live in the Berlin City Palace and prepared the best guest rooms and servants.

It was also because of this that after a night and a morning of rest, Arthur finally recovered his spirits and began to plan negotiations with Germany.

Unlike the negotiations with Britain, Arthur and William II had already determined the general support plan with Germany.

It only takes the diplomatic delegation and German officials to determine the details of the support and the cooperation mode between Australia and Germany, and the negotiations can come to a successful conclusion.

Lunch was delivered by the guards and was carefully prepared by the chefs of the German royal family. It included snacks and staple foods of various flavors from Germany and Britain.

After a simple lunch, Arthur went to find William II and tried to advance the date of the negotiations.

Fortunately, the Berlin City Palace is not only the palace of the German royal family, but also the core office of William II.

In William II's office, Arthur successfully met him and Bernhard von Bülow, the chancellor of the German Empire who was trusted by William II.

Bernhard is a famous German politician and the current chancellor of the German Empire and Prussia.

Bernhard's most famous deed is that he once said a famous saying that revealed Germany's new foreign expansion policy: "Let other nations divide the continents and oceans, and the era when we Germans are satisfied with the blue sky has passed. We also demand the territory under the sun."

Two months ago, after Prince Hohenlohe abdicated, Bernhard successfully took over the position of prime minister and became the second prime minister of Germany in the early twentieth century.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Bernhard, good afternoon." Arthur greeted.

Long before going to Germany, Arthur and the officials of the diplomatic delegation had done homework, and naturally knew the important German officials and the new prime minister of Germany who was in the limelight.

"Hahaha, have you had a good rest? Arthur. I was going to wait until the afternoon to find you, but I didn't expect you to come first." William II nodded and said to Arthur with a smile.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness." Prime Minister Bernhard followed up with a response.

"I have had a good rest, Your Majesty. I think we can start preparing for the negotiations. It would be great if we can complete our agreement before Christmas." Arthur explained with a smile.

The end of the year and the beginning of the year are important moments for any country, and Australia is no exception.

The actual establishment of the Principality of Australia was the day Arthur changed the territory, which was January 10, 1900.

Although Arthur could not get back on the anniversary of the founding of the country, he had already prepared for it. There would be some small celebrations and gift distribution at that time, in order to increase the sense of identity of Australians with the country.

More important is the annual meeting of the government. Although the government has not been established for a full year, there should still be annual meetings and summaries.

Whether it is the cabinet meeting or the government's annual report at that time, Arthur needs to be present.

This also means that there is not much time left for the diplomatic delegation. At least they have to complete the negotiations with Germany before Christmas. After a simple Christmas in Germany, they have to set off to return to Australia.

"I was just talking about this with Prime Minister Bernhard, Arthur. You came at the right time. Let's sit down and talk together." William II smiled with understanding and said.

The German Empire and Australia have one similarity, that is, the monarchs of both sides have considerable power.

Especially with Prime Minister Bernhard present, the decision of the three people can fully represent Germany and Australia.

The three came to the conference room next to the office and sat down one after another.

"Arthur, we are very optimistic about the relationship with Australia. Germany also sincerely wants to help Australia develop." After the three sat down, William II opened the topic.

"Australia also attaches great importance to the relationship with Germany, Your Majesty." Arthur responded.

"In this case, I think we can completely discuss the general aid. As for the detailed needs and where you need assistance in the future, you can leave it to those officials to discuss." William II nodded and smiled at Arthur, suggesting.

"I'm very happy, Your Majesty." Arthur nodded with a smile and agreed to William II's proposal.

If those officials were to talk, it would inevitably delay the negotiation time because of various details.

For William II and Arthur, since they were essentially inclined to cooperate, there was no need to waste more time.

Since William II and Arthur could basically decide the affairs of the German Empire and the Principality of Australia, it would be better to finalize the treaty directly and leave the specific matters to those officials.

"First of all, it is the previously agreed sponsorship of 500 million marks and low-interest loans of 1 billion marks. I have already instructed the major German banks about this matter. The funds can be raised as early as the beginning of the year and then handed over to you." William II said with a smile.

The sponsorship of 500 million marks is funded by the German government, and the loan of 1 billion marks is raised by major German banks.

This can reduce the financial burden of the German government and create income for major German banks. For William II, he will not lose anything and can get the results he wants.

"No problem, Your Majesty." Arthur nodded.

The share of funds had been discussed before, and it would take time to raise funds, so Arthur naturally had no objection.

"Then there is the issue of resources and industrial equipment assistance. I know about your mineral resources, and for your industrial development, you should not need to import any mineral resources. The equipment issue will not be clear until our industrial experts arrive in Australia, so it is not within our consideration for the time being." William II continued.

Seeing Arthur continue to nod, William II said: "Then it is about the dispatch of industrial experts. I have selected experts from major factories and military industries in Germany, a total of more than 100 people. They will be stationed in Australia for at least five years and provide Australia with the best possible help during this period."

"However, Australia needs to be responsible for all the expenses of this group of experts. Arthur, do you have any questions?" William II asked with a smile.

"No, Your Majesty. It is right to be responsible for the expenses of these experts, including their travel expenses and various expenses. Australia is willing to undertake them." Arthur shook his head and said.

The industrial experts sent by William II are at least better than the industrial experts Australia attracted from Germany.

Using a little money to attract talents, even if it is only for five years, is completely worth it for Arthur and Australia.

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