Chapter 533 Physiological Allergy
Britain does attach great importance to arms purchases by the Russian Empire and Germany. Edward VII specially sent former Prime Minister Arthur Balfour to St. Petersburg as a personal envoy to demand that the Russian Empire terminate its transactions with Germany.
Nicola placed all the responsibility on George and asked Arthur Balfour to find George.
Arthur Balfour came to the Admiralty to find George, and was ridiculed by George as soon as they met.
After the Russo-Japanese War, Edward VII took the initiative to ease relations with the Russian Empire and attributed Britain's support for Japan to the then British Prime Minister Balfour's own initiative.
Balfour resigned voluntarily after the signing of the Treaty of Vladivostok, and the announced reason was physical discomfort.
"What does my deal with Tirpitz have to do with you?"
George directly complained, you British people have really long hands.
Balfour is now in a very bad situation. Not only did he resign as Prime Minister, he also lost the election and did not even retain his seat in the House of Commons. His only job currently is to serve on the Imperial Defense Council.
“Your transaction with the Germans may affect the security of the British Empire, which of course has something to do with me.”
Belfort is flexible and flexible, and can remain calm even after being sprayed with spit.
"Don't worry, if one day the Germans cross the English Channel, I will bring the Baltic Fleet to help you."
George was full of malice and cursed when he opened his mouth.
"Your Excellency, the Grand Duke, aren't you worried that your behavior will affect the relationship between the Russian Empire and the British Empire?"
Belfort has a headache, this person is too ignorant of the overall situation, a barbarian He is indeed a savage.
"Oh, it was you who supported the Japanese in the first place."
George was settling old scores. He was a direct beneficiary of the Russo-Japanese War - a victim.
"Grand Duke, how can you give up the deal with the Germans?"
Belfort is based on the present and looks to the future.
George changed his face quickly and started complaining immediately.
The British Dreadnought was followed by three Bellerophon-class ships, then three St. Vincent-class ships, and after the Neptune class was started last year, two more Giant-class ships were started this year.
Through this calculation, the UK now has 10 dreadnoughts built or under construction, ranking first among all countries in the world.
As the first country to build all-heavy artillery battleships, the Russian Empire currently has only 7 all-heavy artillery battleships built and under construction, which is completely incomparable to the British Empire.
"Are 7 all-heavy artillery battleships few?"
Belfort gritted his teeth. George should be regarded as the initiator of the arms race between Britain and Germany.
The British Royal Navy and the Russian Imperial Navy have different positionings. The Russian Imperial Navy is only used to protect the interests of the Russian Empire, while the British Royal Navy's mission is to maintain its global hegemony.
George ignited the arms race, and then hid in St. Petersburg to watch the excitement. If the British were asked to choose the most hated Russian, George would be 100% elected.
“The Russian Imperial Navy has no intention of challenging the Royal Navy, but it must at least have the strength to fight against the German Navy.”
George’s requirements are not high, just make a copy of Tirpitz’s naval plan Can.
Belfort returned in vain, George's request exceeded his authority.
George was not in a hurry and did not leave much time for Britain. On the third day after George returned to St. Petersburg, Tirpitz also came to St. Petersburg and urged George to complete the transaction as soon as possible.
Stolypin came to George and told George to delay for a few more days. Britain and France had officially begun discussing the loan plan with the Russian Empire.
Stolypin's appetite is even greater than George's, and Britain and France proposed a 1 billion pound loan plan, half of which is an interest-free loan. Stolypin, like George, is a hard-edged man.
Half of such a large amount of money is an interest-free loan. Neither the British nor the French agree.
So Stolypin revealed to the British and French that George and Tirpitz were negotiating on the technology of 45-fold 330-caliber triple-mounted naval guns.
Belfort is going crazy. The submarine and torpedoes haven't been dealt with yet, and here comes another naval gun.
What to sell next? airship? airplane?
"Grand Duke Yuriev was seriously stimulated in Berlin. After returning to St. Petersburg, he submitted a naval plan to His Majesty, requiring the construction of 4 new all-heavy artillery battleships, 6 battlecruisers, and 12 new Heavy cruiser. "
Stolypin did not lie, he did have this naval plan, but it was not formulated by George, but by former Navy Minister Alexei.
"The empire's finances are very tight and there is simply no enough funds, so His Majesty allowed Grand Duke Yuriev to raise funds by himself."
Stolypin sighed and frowned.
"Grand Duke Yuriev is so rich, does he have to raise funds in this way?"
Belfort couldn't understand that although George was annoying, he didn't look like a fool .
The high-precision weapons of various countries, no matter whether they are world-leading or not, are all hidden for fear of being discovered by others.
It's better for George. In order to raise funds, he even gave up on national security -
Although this is not rational, if it is connected with George's identity, it seems like something a Russian Grand Duke can do.
“The technologies sold by Grand Duke Yuriev do not belong to the empire, but belong to the enterprises under the name of Grand Duke Yuriev. When His Majesty asked, Grand Duke Yuriev said that this was normal. Business behavior.”
Stolypin’s explanation made Belfort want to curse.
Sentimental lovers, the free trade of the Russian Empire is used here!
"One billion pounds is too much. It must be cut at least in half, and such a large amount of money cannot be obtained in the short term."
Belfort is no longer entangled in George's arms sales. If George's needs cannot be satisfied, Requirements, George is determined to be an enemy.
"Mr. Former Prime Minister, show your enthusiasm for snapping up Japanese government bonds during the Russo-Japanese War. This amount of money is very easy for your empire on which the sun never sets."
Story Ping once again uncovered Belfort's scars.
Belfort should miss Werther very much now.
Look at the people who are in charge of the Russian Empire after Witte stepped down.
Unlike the angry Balfour, Tirpitz fully felt the wealth of the Russian Empire after arriving in St. Petersburg.
Although the Russian Empire has no money, these grand dukes in St. Petersburg are all rich men.
On the day Tirpitz arrived in St. Petersburg, George held a welcome dinner for Tirpitz at the Admiralty. Tirpitz drank a few more drinks in his excitement and slept until the next morning. get up.
Not long after getting up, Tirpitz received an invitation from the Winter Palace. In the evening, Nicholas held a reception for Tirpitz at the Winter Palace.
After Nicholas, the Minister of War, Nicholas Jr., also a German son-in-law, held a welcome banquet for Tirpitz.
Little Nicholas was followed by a banquet for Princess Elisabeth Feodorovna from Germany, the widow of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich.
On the fourth day after arriving in St. Petersburg, Tirpitz's eyes were already straight, and he became allergic to the word "banquet".
(End of this chapter)