Chapter 237 is small, the pattern is small.
Replacing France as the protectorate of the Papal States can also criticize Italy in public opinion in the name of religion. The most important thing is to delay the process of Italian unification, which is a huge temptation for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Although the Papal State is now very small, it is not another region, but Rome, one of the most economically developed regions in Italy. At the same time, its cultural history and political status are unrivaled in Italy. The most economically developed are Venice and Lombardy, the former territories of the Austrian Empire.
Ernst just put forward a rough plan. If he wanted this thing to become a reality, he needed professionals to perfect the details. If he could attract Franz's attention, it meant that the matter was half done.
……
"Ernst!"
Ferdinand, who had just walked out of Schonbrunn Palace, called to his future son-in-law.
"Father-in-law, what's wrong?"
"Do you have any grudge against the Italians? Come up with such a damaging method!"
"Hahaha, how is that possible? , Italy has not offended me, and my business dealings with Italy are not small, so how can I have any objection to them.”
"You are a businessman. According to your past style, you will definitely not get up early without profit. There must be some reason for you to cheat the Kingdom of Italy like this."
"Nonsense, where did you hear the rumors? I have always operated with integrity, and my friends and businessmen are very willing to cooperate with my company, and the business I operate is always legal and compliant, not those without integrity. If you tell me the person who spreads the rumors, I will definitely show him some shame."
"Franz said it."
"That's it. Yes, but being an emperor should not distinguish between black and white.”
“What is the reason that makes you take the initiative to dig a hole for Italy?”
"Don't think blindly. The reason is very simple. East Africa needs a strong Austro-Hungarian Empire, not a strong Italy. It's that simple." Ernst interrupted Ferdinand and said.
"Well, that's right! It seems that I'm overthinking it. By the way, what did you mean when you said at Schonbrunn Palace that you could make a lot of money from it if the French popularization started?"
Compared with politics, money was not less attractive to Ferdinand. If someone else said this, Ferdinand would definitely not believe it. Ernst had a talent beyond ordinary people in this regard.
“If you want to make a profit without losing money, just buy bonds issued by the Prussian government.”
“You are so unfavorable about France!”
Ernst's words are equivalent to clearly saying that France must be defeated, otherwise Prussia will take the lead to pay off its debts? The military expenditures spent on the previous war and the debts owed have not yet been paid off.
"France only has a slightly stronger army than the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but has no obvious advantages over the Austro-Hungarian Empire in other aspects. How can it fight Prussia?"
"Although I am an Austrian, and I am A member of the Habsburg family, but to be honest, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is far inferior to France. The Hungarian problem alone is very difficult."
"Do you think France is also monolithic? There are three royal families in France now, and Orleans. and the Bourbon family are all opponents of Napoleon III, and there is also the largest reactionary group in France - the Republicans."
Ernst said that the French Republicans are reactionary groups, and they are both weak. The government of the big capitalist spokesperson who colluded with the enemy during the war and brutally suppressed the people can be ranked among the top two most disgusting governments in France. The other one is the French government during World War II.
"You mean the French will stab Napoleon III in the back?"
"Those people have soft bones. It's okay to play with the wind. As long as Napoleon III makes a slight mistake on the front line, these idiots will definitely do it." Bad thing," Ernst said.
To be honest, the emperor Napoleon III was quite capable. France did develop vigorously under his hands. In terms of national power, France was indeed above Prussia. However, during the Franco-Prussian War, the operations of the French rear government said that they were Even the insects exalted them.
Napoleon III was still not ruthless enough. If he were half as decisive as Napoleon, he would not be stabbed in the back by his men.
……
Schönbrunn Palace.
“Go and call the generals from Vienna.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The main high-ranking generals of the empire in Vienna gathered at Schönbrunn Palace before dusk .
"Do you think the Franco-Prussian War can be fought?" Franz asked sitting on the sofa.
"We must fight, but the time is difficult to control." "What if the Franco-Prussian War will break out in two months?"
"Your Majesty, it should not be It's very possible!"
"Tell me first if this is possible."
"It is definitely possible. France has always been obsessed with the German region, and Prussia is not a good person. The size of its army has always remained at the upper level.”
"Then, assuming that the Franco-Prussian War suddenly broke out, what should we in Austria-Hungary do?" Franz asked.
“Well, to be honest, it’s better for us in the Austro-Hungarian Empire not to end the game early.”
“But if we don’t end the game early, we can’t get anything. We can only sit back and watch one of the popularizations. Exclusive loot."
"What can we do? Join the battle. Our chances of winning in this game are not too high, and the risks and benefits are completely out of proportion."
Seeing his men quarreling fiercely, Franz remained silent. Austria has indeed declined. The generals are facing the challenges of Prussia and France. My attitude has become unclear. In other words, I am not confident enough.
"Okay, let's not discuss this matter. What if we don't take sides in the Franco-Prussian War, but open up a new battlefield?" Franz said.
"Huh?" The Austrian general was confused by Franz's words!
“Just imagine, if the Franco-Prussian War broke out, would a country be ready to take action?”
“Your Majesty, I mean Britain!”
Franz shook He shook his head and said: "I have already said that we will not discuss the matter of French popularization. The empire will not intervene in French popularization this time. But if the French popularization really starts, Italy will not be idle."
"Italy? Could it be that your Majesty is referring to the Papal State!" A keen general immediately noticed the factors and asked.
"Yes, if a war breaks out between France and Prussia..." Franz explained Ernst's analysis and plan in detail.
“Do you think this plan is feasible?”
“Meet in the Papal States and prevent Italy from unifying the Apennine Peninsula! If this is just the goal, it doesn’t seem too difficult.”
"What's in it for us?"
"Italy's non-unification is the biggest benefit to us. I think Italy's threat to the empire is much higher than that of Tsarist Russia and Prussia. A unified Italy will definitely be detrimental to us. In addition to the navy, it may also have ambitions in the Balkans." Navy Chief said Commander Wilhelm von Tegersov.
The Ottoman Empire can actually be counted, but the Ottoman Empire only has paper strength and is extremely expensive in reality.
"Well, if we launch an operation against Italy, I think the scope of this plan is still too small. Can we take this opportunity to regain Venice?" An army general suddenly suggested.
His words instantly opened the minds of the Austro-Hungarian generals.
"Yes, this is an opportunity. If the Franco-Prussian War breaks out, Italy will have no backing, and in order to win over us..."
"Wonderful! We all know the combat effectiveness of Italy. If it were not for the support of France and France in the past few times, it would not be possible to pose a threat to us."
"Your Majesty, since we want a war, we should take action now. This is A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "
The military generals who had been submissive to Prussia and France just now suddenly changed their attitude. It seemed that the victory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was in sight and Italy had become the meat on the chopping board.
Morale is available. Franz is very satisfied. The Austro-Hungarian Empire is at the bottom of the four major powers. It is more than enough to defeat Italy. Now it is time to send personnel and weapons to the Papal States as soon as possible.
As long as the French army retreats and the Pope reaches an agreement with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, there will be an excuse for war. At the same time, as the generals said, it is not impossible to consider taking Venice back.
As for the risk, even if the frontline advancement does not go smoothly, Italy will not be able to counterattack into Austria, but if it succeeds, then Venice...
Venice is too tempting for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As for the population problem, there are too many lice. No need to worry, no need to worry about debts. Doesn’t that brat Ernst want to immigrate? When you arrive, pack up the opponents and send them to him to contribute to the development of Africa.
“Now, come up with a detailed plan. This operation must not attract the attention of anyone who is interested. When the time comes, we will catch the Kingdom of Italy by surprise.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. ! "This time everyone is the main militant faction.
(End of this chapter)