Chapter 2274： I lost two without even making a move (1/2)
Therefore, the Germans are very clear. Asking the Americans for help does not have much effect on Germany. Whether it is the alliance between Germany and the United States or Germany's hard power, the United States will not play a big role. Secondly, the Americans will not easily let go of the United Kingdom. In this era, big countries are generally more vengeful... If you want to ask the Americans for help, think about how much money is in the British people's deflated wallet! As for the last point, don’t forget the foreign countries. If Britain chooses to stand with the United States, then Britain is likely to face a second large-scale war immediately, and regardless of the outcome of this war, the British in the Far East The colony will be devastated. In short, this is the situation, you can figure it out!
”Fuck! Lost!” Belfort knew that when the talks reached this point, at least at his level, there were not many countermeasures that Britain could choose. The first thing that needs to be explained is that the British are very aware of how much they have left. As the Germans said, even if the conditions in Germany are more stringent, the British can still have a lot of money left. And take these family backgrounds to be the little brothers of Americans? The British government is not so stupid!
Therefore, Belfort’s previous statement was actually to scare the Germans, telling the Germans not to overdo it, and to be careful that everyone gets separated. This allows the Germans to offer lower prices. However, the Germans do not believe in Belfort's rhetoric at all, so this so-called intimidation is completely joking! What’s more terrible is that the Germans’ later remarks are very logical. It can even be said to analyze this issue from the perspective of the British, so that even Balfour thinks that it is not a good choice to ask the United States for help at this time.. .....
The current situation can be described in a scene where two swordsmen are about to draw their swords, but one of them just put their hands on the hilt of the sword, and the other party immediately loses... Now the feeling of Balfour and Prince Battenberg is like this, they can't even find a place to fight back!
”However, the cost of 3 billion pounds is too high. The British Empire simply cannot afford such a large amount of compensation. You must know that the Franco-Prussian War that year only paid 5 billion francs, or about 200 million pounds! And this time, You asked for more than 15 times more than the Franco-Prussian War!” So, when he couldn't be tough, Belfort could only cry decisively!
“However, the French paid 5 billion francs in compensation in only three years, and this time, we also have enough time for you to pay the compensation.” Prince Baden paused and continued: “And I need to explain. One point is that now the compensation that your country needs to pay is no longer £3 billion. Due to the poor performance of your country’s navy, we have boldly increased the price of compensation! As for the specifics, we have to discuss with the senior leaders of our country. It depends on your country's performance! It's really meaningless to play tricks at this time!”
”Hehe, I think that if the negotiations between us eventually collapse, the difference in compensation costs may account for more than 40%. As for the British Empire to cooperate with your country? I can only say that you think too much.” Sir Balfour's sharp words did not give him much extra points, but made people feel that he is strong outside and doing it! However, the German opposite did not want to let him go.
”Then I want to know the other 60% of the reasons for the collapse of the negotiations.” Prince Baden said with a smile.
”It is unacceptable for the British Empire to lose the entire Africa, especially southern Africa, where the empire’s most important non-ferrous metals, gold mines and diamond mines. Unless we can keep these areas and use the production here as compensation, Otherwise, all your country can receive is meaningless banknotes.” The Earl of Balfour paused for a while and continued: ”We can exchange other territories with southern Africa.”
”There is no room for implementation of this proposal. Australia and Canada are impossible. They are too far away from us, and you will not give it. The empire promised that the United States would no longer seek colonies and garrisons in the Far East, so we would not choose Southeast Asia. India? I think the British government will not give it any more? Therefore, we will not give in on the issue of African colonies.” Prince Baden said.
”Then this is another part of the reason for the failure of the negotiation.” Count Balfour sighed.