Chapter 549 Britain’s strategic direction
Marquis Wellesley's expression also became solemn.
He continued to read in silence and saw that the next paragraph of the report was about France's diplomatic situation.
Also very amazing.
As the country with the same surname as Bourbon, Spain has always had a very good relationship with France.
Needless to say, the United States has been an ally of France since its independence.
Austria, because of France's great help to them in the Silesian War, now the two sides seem to be quite harmonious.
The countries of South Germany and France signed the "Rhine-Seine Treaty", and trade was booming.
The Dutch Patriot Party had received help from France. Although it was somewhat dissatisfied with the matter in the Southern Netherlands, it generally lived in peace with France.
The Italian countries have been looking for a balance between France and Austria, and no one dares to offend either side.
Russia is cooperating with France to develop the Donbas region. Catherine II is very satisfied with France's investment there. In addition, the trade volume between the two countries continues to grow. There are even rumors that she plans to marry her eldest granddaughter to France. Crown Prince.
Wellesley couldn't help but feel his heart sink.
Franco-Russian alliance? !
That will give rise to a terrifying giant on the European continent. With the current strength of Austria, Prussia and other countries, they simply cannot compete with them.
In other words, the current diplomatic situation in France is as good as heaven.
Except for Prussia, there are almost no hostile countries, and it is likely to receive strong support from Russia.
Wellesley narrowed his eyes and must destroy France's international situation as soon as possible. Otherwise, when it forms European hegemony, Britain will never be able to get ahead.
This is the "continental balance" policy that the UK has always adhered to - the European continent must be broken into a pile and a hegemon must never be allowed to emerge.
He looked at Little Pete and said in a deep voice:
"It seems that we must take action to maintain balance."
The latter nodded:
"Indeed, we don't have much time to waste."
He glanced at where Wellesley had turned and continued:
“The various reforms carried out by France in the past two years were also mentioned later.
"I have to admit, they did a pretty good job."
"They first solved the tax problem and knocked down the restless nobles. Then they promoted bank reform, straightened out the financial system, and established an 'industrial development fund', which successfully stabilized the dissatisfaction of the nobles.
"After doing all this, their precarious finances began to stabilize. This is also a guarantee that they will be able to rapidly develop their industry in the future.
"Then they carried out land reform and received support from a large number of people. Oh, and recently they also took back the right to tax. I heard that although they had conflicts with tax collectors and killed hundreds of people, the support in the country became even stronger. Big.
"The Duke of Leeds predicts that after taxation is improved, France's industrial development will be more rapid, which will have a huge impact on our products in the European market."
Little Pete glanced at the report again:
"The Duke of Leeds rarely mentioned the French military situation before, but you have just added it. It is also not optimistic.
"In fact, His Majesty the King has basically agreed to the country's shift towards a strategy towards France. "Currently, I have ordered the cabinet ministers to carry out strategic planning for their respective areas of responsibility, and there will be several discussions in the future. Oh, in terms of military matters, you may Also submit a report.
"After all plans are finalized, they will be submitted to His Majesty for signature and implementation."
He never mentioned Parliament at all. Although Britain is nominally governed by a parliament, in fact those parliamentarians who can only grandstand can only dictate taxation. Such general strategies involving the fate of the country are basically decided by the elites of the House of Lords and the king.
Little Pete let out a long sigh after saying: "The peaceful life will probably end soon."
While the two were talking, the carriage stopped in front of St. James's Palace.
The Marquis of Wellesley got out of the car and saw his mother and brother waiting here with more officials. There was another burst of cheers from all around:
"Our hero is back!"
"It is the guardian of the Far East, the great Marquis of Wellesley!"
Wellesley only felt that these compliments were quite harsh. After briefly hugging his mother and brother, he followed little Pete quickly into the ball hall celebrating his triumph.
He made a speech with a forced smile, performed an opening dance, and then huddled in an inconspicuous place, thinking about the next strategy against France.
A graceful figure in a white dress floated towards him, standing not far away holding a wine glass, waiting expectantly for Wellesley to ask her to dance.
This aristocratic lady named Catherine Kitty Paxnam was the object of Wellesley's pursuit, but she was not very interested in him before. It was not until this time that he won the war in India and became famous that she was Finally changed my mind.
However, she waited for more than ten minutes, but the young officer who was so enthusiastic about her just lowered his head and said nothing, showing no intention of dancing with her.
She was a little discouraged, and was about to get closer, but she saw the Foreign Secretary, Lord Grenville, walking towards him, and had to stop in frustration.
"Congratulations." Grenville smiled and toasted to Wellesley, "a great victory."
"To victory."
The latter clinked glasses with him and exchanged casual greetings. The topic soon turned to Britain's current grand strategy.
"Indeed, as you said, the current international situation is very beneficial to the French." The Foreign Secretary nodded, "However, there is nothing we can do."
Wellesley had also worked in a diplomatic position and knew that it was very difficult to launch a diplomatic attack on France. He was surprised and said:
"Do you already have a countermeasure?"
"It's just some general ideas that I just wanted to discuss with you." Grenville has always admired Wellesley very much and often said that he was far less smart than him.
"I have always believed that you can't be too greedy in anything. If you don't want to give up anything, you will get nothing in the end."
Wellesley nodded: "Please continue."
"In order to better control trade with Russia, we have always disapproved of Russia's claims on Poland."
Grenville raised his glass: "However, this not only offended our ally Prussia, but also created a situation of disharmony between Prussia and Austria."
Wellesley thought for a moment and said: "You mean, our protection of Poland blocks the expansion of Prussia and Austria?"
"Indeed. Without Russia's participation, it would be difficult for Prussia and Austria to expand eastward, especially Austria. They would even prefer to put their power in Romania. This situation is what the French are most happy to see."
(End of chapter)