Chapter 1991： The British (1/2)

”But everything has to consider two aspects. What if they refuse to accept our terms?” Balfour asked: ”We can understand that as the German commander-in-chief, Crown Prince Ruprecht used Russia on the Eastern Front. The collapse of the empire and millions of square kilometers of territory made him famous. On the Western Front, if only to remain the same without any compensation or benefits, the German government and citizens would not agree. For this crown prince It is also unacceptable. It is unacceptable whether it represents the interests of the inside or the face of the authority!”

”This question...” Prime Minister Asquith hesitated and thought. He looked at Marshal Haig next to him. Now he hopes Marshal Haig can stand up and pat his chest and say: ”If the Germans don't Accept our opinion, the Royal Army can use its own sword to defend the dignity and interests of the empire!” But unfortunately, Marshal Haig remained silent at this time. In the end, under Prime Minister Asquith's ”unremitting efforts”. Marshal Haig spoke.

”My army and I will fight to the last minute.” Marshal Haig said with a sigh.

”Madan, why not let you talk, the negative and pessimistic mood is too strong.” Prime Minister Asquith said.

In fact, Marshal Haig has given Asquith a lot of face by saying this. In the past few days, Marshal Haig really considered that once the Western Front was broken through on a large scale and the British and French armies were divided, the British army would build a ring based on Dunkirk, Calais and other northern French port cities. Defense system. When necessary, even prepare to withdraw to the British mainland. This is already ready for bugging.

”Benefits are nothing more than indemnities and colonies. Indemnities are impossible. You should be very clear about what the British Empire’s treasury is now. As for colonies? We can give up the sovereignty status of Egypt if the Germans want Sudan. , I can give them some places, but the Germans must exchange part of their colonies!” Asquith thought for a while and said.

This so-called exchange of colonies for colonies is also to maintain the face of the British Empire. In fact, this kind of thing has similar events in history, such as the second Moroccan crisis in 1911 in history. Although the final result was that Germany recognized France's suzerainty over Morocco, and at the same time used parts of German Cameroon in exchange for the central and southern French Congo. It seems to be equal, but in fact, Germany has gained more territory than it has lost. And Asquith said that part of the German colonies were exchanged for parts of Sudan, which actually had similar considerations.

As for why only part of Sudan was given up? The reason is simple. In the British global colony system, Sudan and Uganda are relatively barren, and South Africa, which has diamonds and gold, is definitely not available. Rhodesia, which has a large amount of copper ore and non-ferrous metals, cannot give it, let alone the colonies of India and Southeast Asia. Therefore, although the British decided to cut meat this time, they should give it to the least valuable areas! Even the British do not even want to give it to Uganda and Kenya, because these places will be integrated with German East Africa! I have to say that the political wisdom that the British have accumulated over the past hundreds of years is indeed powerful. This abacus is tricky!

”Remember, this is our final bottom line, Mr. Belfort. This condition can only be thrown out after you think the Germans have real sincerity.” Prime Minister Asquith said.

”Your Excellency, with this condition, how likely is it for us to negotiate with the Germans?” Law and George also felt that the Germans were very likely to accept this condition, so they asked.

”Even if the treaty cannot be signed immediately, but if the two sides use this as the basis for negotiations, the German bombing of London may stop. As for submarine warfare? I feel that the strangulation might be reduced. It is not right to stop submarine warfare completely. Possibly, whether it is political, military or technical.” Belfort thought for a while and said.

The current submarine warfare belongs to once it is scattered, how to fight depends entirely on the skill and luck of the captain. There are still some problems with the long wave radio technology. Therefore, even if the Germans really issue an order to stop submarine warfare, whether the submarine in the ocean can receive it. It's always a problem... So the British only hope that the noose around the neck of the British Empire can be loosened.