Moreover, Russia was still actively promoting Pan-Slavism, which could unite the Poles, Ukrainians, and Yugoslavs around Saint Petersburg. After all, they were all branches of the Slavs.
Meanwhile, the Austro-Hungarian Empire could not even reach an agreement with its own Hungarians. Hungary was actively pushing for all manner of privileges for its own people within the empire, further splintering the internal consensus of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Rudolf's words also caused the atmosphere within Schönbrunn Palace to grow heavy. Even Conrad, a hawk, had no choice but to weigh the matter carefully in the face of so much hard evidence.
Only then did Franz speak. "After saying all that, Rudolf, what course do you think the empire should choose to be the safest?"
Since Rudolf had said so much, he ought to have a solution. The Austro-Hungarian Empire could not simply do nothing because it faced too many disadvantages. Take Serbia, for instance: such a small country was hopping about so brazenly before the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If it was not punished, it would plainly be an insult to the empire's dignity.
Rudolf said, "In my view, we should naturally expand the army actively, especially by increasing military spending. First, we must make up the gap between ourselves and the other great powers, and then declare war on Serbia."
That was basically the same as saying nothing. Military spending was not something Austria could decide unilaterally; Hungary could not be bypassed. And if Hungary could be persuaded, they would not be wavering like this now.
Conrad said, "As for military spending, we can only launch the war first, then slowly negotiate with Hungary. In a state of war, nothing will be a problem. Of course, it would be even better if we could raise military funds without going through Hungary."
As one