Chapter 32： Two-headed eagle staring at the east (1/2)
”This is a copy of the treaty, please look at it.” In the Winter Palace, the Russian Foreign Minister Giles sent the text of the ”Reinsurance” treaty before Tsar Alexander III.
”Very well, the Germans finally chose the right path. They did not offend the powerful Russia because of a fragile ally.” Alexander III nodded and said with satisfaction.
Although the content of this treaty and the treaty signed between Germany and Austria is far different, it can only be regarded as a preventive and even neutral clause, but relying on this treaty, the Balkans can maintain the status quo. Without the support of the Germans, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is at a disadvantage in the Balkan region. They will not take the initiative to attack, and Russia, which has drawn its strength, can put all its experience on the decaying empire of the Far East. This is the last place in the world that has not been divided, and Russia is determined to win it!
”That place is too big, even if Russia does its best, it will take hundreds of years to conquer, but at least we have to control this place!” The tsar pointed to the northeast corner of the Manchu and Qing territory.
”Although we have solved the troubles in Europe, the battle in the Far East has just begun. We need to face Britain and the restless small country! It seems that they might have torn a piece from the decaying empire of Qing Dynasty before the empire started. ! And our current military power in the Far East simply cannot form a deterrent to potential opponents, and strengthening the power of the Far East requires a lot of money and the support of allies.” The Chancellor of the Exchequer Witt respectfully said.
”Well, tell me what you think. Do you have a new idea?” the czar asked in a good mood.
“We already owed 2.6 billion francs to the French bank last year, and if we are to build a railway system across Asia and Europe, we need more funds, and only the French can give us this money.” Witte said tentatively.
From the perspective of his job, continuing to maintain a good relationship with France is of great significance to improving Russia’s fragile financial situation and meeting the needs of His Majesty the Tsar’s army expansion. However, the problem is that he has just signed the ” If the Reinsurance Treaty is closer to the French, will it cause a backlash in Germany? So he can only say it in some kind of euphemistic tone.
”The Empire has given the French an order for 500,000 rifles. The reward is already very generous. The Empire is not incapable of manufacturing rifles. The French should understand what we mean.” The Russian Prime Minister said with some dissatisfaction. As a conservative, he naturally hopes that the Russian-German friendship can be consolidated. Naturally, those domestic capitalists and their spokespersons would prefer to obtain large amounts of loans from rich French people.
”It is necessary to maintain cooperation with the French, but with the continuation of the Reinsurance Treaty, our relations with Germany should also be eased. The ease of relations with Germany will allow us to win the negotiation process with the French. A greater advantage.” Giles immediately came out to round the field.
”The Germans have what we need, and this thing is only available in Germany, but not in the French!” General Makanov, who was ranked relatively low, finally spoke under the sign of the Prime Minister. ”They have developed a hardened armor. It is said that the bullet resistance is 150% higher than that of ordinary nickel steel armor. If our newly built warship can be equipped with this kind of armor, the performance will be greatly improved.”