Chapter 1,407 The Prince’s Response 1

Chapter 1407 The Prince’s Response 1

"Ruprecht, we seem to have an opportunity to end the war quickly. Italy, a guy with ambitions like a lion but only the strength of a rabbit, seems to have decided to stand on our side. The Italian ambassador to the Empire has made a vague statement They expressed their willingness to fulfill their obligations as members of the Allies and mobilize their navy, land and air forces to fight alongside us, but their asking price is relatively high. Not only do they want to obtain territory from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but they also want us to persuade Turkey to give up control of Libya."

"Emperor Fritz said that this issue can be considered, but from the news we have learned so far, it seems that the Austro-Hungarian Empire does not want to give that much. The current psychological price of the Austrian Emperor is only half of the Italians' asking price, while Turkey Expressing great reluctance. After all, it is the last African colony of the Turkish Empire. Now, I hope you can play an important role in this matter. No matter what you choose, please be sure to put the interests of the empire first." Look. With the Kaiser's autographed letter delivered personally by Chief of General Staff Maoqi, the prince had to respond seriously. Because, in front of him was the Chief of General Staff, the so-called Imperial Envoy, whom the Kaiser relied on most in the military affairs on the Western Front.

"Your Highness, His Majesty the Kaiser hopes that you can look at this issue from the perspective of the overall interests of Germany and the Allies." After the prince put down the letter in his hand, Moltke added.

"Italy is a speculator!" said the prince after reading the letter.

"Yes, a despicable speculator who has given up credibility and has no glory. But we need his power. Even if Italy is called the poor man's imperialism, it is still a powerful country after all." Little Maoqi raised his eyebrows slightly , he realized that today’s meeting might not be so easy.

"The Italians are not prepared and do not even have the most basic material reserves in place! Their small mainland cannot even feed tens of millions of Italians!" The prince's words were full of resentment. "Do they just want to go out in vain in this state?"

"This..." Little Maoqi was speechless. He couldn't imagine why the prince would say this.

"Yes, you are right. Italy does still have some hard power. No matter what, if it is mobilized, it can have an army of millions, and the size of the air force can exceed 4 digits. As for the navy, There are also a few dreadnoughts. But so what? How much significance does it have to our military?! In other words, when they decide to join the war, what help can they provide us?!"

"The fundamental purpose of speculation is to stand on the side of the winner. They will only add to the cake and not provide help in the snow! From a political point of view, they are not the decisive bargaining chip. No matter which side they are on, they will not have a big impact on victory. Understand my point Do you mean Marshal Maoqi?" the prince said.

Allies do matter;

But you have to look at what kind of allies there are. Some allies are decisive forces, some are insignificant, and some are worse than none... Take World War I as an example, the United States was decisive. Whether historically or now, the United States was the one that could really play a decisive role in both warring parties in the European War! Historically, the Allies were ultimately defeated because of the joining of the United States, but in this dimension, because of the pro-German stance of the United States, the prince was fully confident that he would at least draw a draw with Britain and France! Does Italy matter? It doesn't matter at all. Just look at the performance of Italians in World War I in history! Facing the weakest Austro-Hungarian Army among the six major countries, and it was not the elite of the Austro-Hungarian Army, in a place called Isonzo, the Italians fought eleven battles... What a fucking fighting power this is!

It is true that with Italy's participation in the war, it can indeed contain some of the opponent's forces. This is beyond doubt. Without further ado, 30 divisions are still possible. From this perspective, even if Italy cannot break through the defense lines of the Austro-Hungarian Empire or France, as an opponent, it must deploy troops here.

Although the Italian Navy is not as strong as it has historically been, due to its important position and the Italians' amazing speedboats and special warfare capabilities, the Italian Navy can indeed put a certain amount of pressure on Britain and France. But what about the Air Force? Well, the prince personally feels that the Italian Air Force is the only force that can compete with the great powers. The size and technology of the Italian Air Force are much stronger than those of the Russians, and stronger than the Austro-Hungarian Empire in history, but not as good as the current strengthened Austria-Hungary. !

"To be fair, if Italy is on our side, it will generally have some benefits in changing the situation of our war. There is no doubt about this." As the prince said these words, Xiao Maoqi's face also became better. Some.

"But, since Italy's participation in the war has no impact on the final outcome of the war, then why should we harm the interests of our allies to pay extra costs for this ally that is not necessary? Italy is greedy. If it were not for us and Italy If we are not close, maybe they want to get some benefits from us! Why should such a treacherous country that only knows how to play with the autumn wind but does not know how to pay should ask us to pay extra compensation?" Prince's words Said a turn.

"Your Highness, this is not the time to act on impulse. No one can say that the outcome of this war has been decided!" Little Maoqi said.

"Okay, since you are a general, let's discuss from the military and supply side whether Italy's joining is necessary for us. First of all, we have to confirm two points. First, Italy is not prepared. It’s a good war. Their troops did not update their equipment and increase the number of officers a few years before the war like ours. I believe the Italians can gather hundreds of thousands of troops, but they lack equipment and officers. Such a force, what? You should be very clear about combat effectiveness.”

"The second point is also the most important point." The prince held out two fingers. "Who provides Italy's supplies? Italy's own food production is not even enough for them to consume for half a year, and now, there is a shortage of food! Is the Italian fleet capable of continuing to transport after the outbreak of the war? Don't forget, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal They are all in the hands of the Allied Powers. Tell me, will you provide food, drink and industrial supplies for 30 million Italians?!"

The prince's words were like a heavy hammer that shocked little Maoqi and left him speechless for a long time!

"Think about it, a country that has no local oil, not enough iron ore and coal mines, let alone various rare metals, and a big shortage of food, not to mention a country that has enough reserves, does not even have the most basic preparations for war. Country, is it really significant for them to participate in the war?" the prince asked rhetorically.

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