"As for the peace talks with Italy, let's wait until the representatives of the Austro-Hungarian Empire arrive. We can put it at the end. Talk with French first, and then talk with Italy." Oscar said.
Austro-Hungarian Empire is an ally of Germany, although they did not contribute much in this war. But if Austro-Hungarian Empire did not hold back Russians's large number of troops in the early stages of the war, it would not be so easy for Germany to win this war. At the very least, a big price will be paid. What's more, in the battle against Italy, Austro-Hungarian Empire is the main force. Although the combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian Empire army is relatively poor, the combat effectiveness of the Italy people is even worse! Now that Russia has withdrawn from the war, if Austro-Hungarian Empire attacks Italy with all its strength, the Italy people will simply not be able to resist it. If Austro-Hungarian Empire hadn't tried to preserve his strength, they might have defeated Italy long ago.
Of course, Oscar has always kept in mind that the relationship between Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire will gradually change as the situation develops. When the war broke out, the two countries were close allies. However, as the war gradually wins, the interests of both sides will conflict. Especially after the victory of the war, the two countries will inevitably have more conflicts due to uneven distribution of spoils. In that case, the relationship between the two countries will inevitably get worse and worse, and even turn to confrontation.
European continent is too small. The existence of a powerful country like Germany is enough, and there is no room for other powerful countries. Even if it is to ensure the status and safety of Germany, Oscar will suppress Austro-Hungarian Empire in the future.
What's more, Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire has always been hostile to Germany. This makes Oscar even more vigilant. If necessary, Oscar even plans to destroy Austro-Hungarian Empire in one fell swoop. In this case, Germany can truly dominate European continent. Otherwise, Oscar will have to worry about whether Austro-Hungarian Empire will rebel when fighting other powerful countries in the future.
However, the two sides have not yet broken up. Therefore, in the negotiation with Italy, Austro-Hungarian Empire must be involved. Various measures against the Austro-Hungarian Empire will have to wait until after the war is won, or after Germany has digested the results obtained in the war.
"Your Majesty, now Austro-Hungarian Empire is an ally of the Empire. It is natural to call them during the peace talks with Kingdom of Italy. However, Austro-Hungarian Empire has always been hostile to Italy is ambitious. Especially before Italy was unified, they had a lot of territory in Italy. If they take this opportunity to take back those territories, should we support them?" Wachth said.
"No! We cannot weaken Italy excessively, or in other words, we cannot allow Austro-Hungarian Empire to gain too much benefit from Italy. Otherwise, this will pose a great threat to the Empire." Oscar said.
"Yes, Your Majesty is right. Austro-Hungarian Empire is certainly an ally of the Empire, but that is because Empire is facing many enemy countries. Now, Empire is about to win the war. The international environment that Empire is in has also undergone fundamental changes. I am afraid that Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire will gradually transform from allies to enemies. Therefore, Empire has to prepare earlier." Chancellor Bülow said.
"Yeah! So this time, if Austro-Hungarian Empire puts forward conditions that are detrimental to the Empire's Conditions, or that are too outrageous, Empire cannot support them during the peace talks!" Oscar said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Wachth nodded. He already understood the meaning of Oscar and Bülow. Although, it seems inappropriate to start plotting against your allies before the war is over. However, this is how it is between countries. There are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.
"In the peace talks with Italy, we also want Italy to provide a huge war compensation to the empire. It must not be less than 20 billion marks. Although Italy is not as rich as France, it is still much better than the Russians. Although 20 billion marks is a lot, they should be able to get it back if they tighten their belts. In addition, Italy's overseas colonies must be transferred to the empire. At the same time, they must also compensate for the losses caused to the empire by seizing the empire's oil fields in Libya after the war broke out." Qin Tian said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Wachth replied. Although these conditions proposed by Oscar are very harsh. However, the current situation of the Italy people is very similar to that of France. If they dare to disagree, then Imperial Army can unite with the Austro-Hungarian Empire to destroy them at any time. Therefore, in the face of these harsh conditions put forward by the Empire, they had no choice but to agree.
"By the way, the Navy hopes to obtain a base on the Mediterranean Sea. In this case, let the Italy people cede Sicily to us! If possible, add Sardinia and French's Corsica. In this case, Empire will have a foothold on the Mediterranean Sea," Oscar continued.
Although Oscar has no ambitions for Kingdom of Italy's homeland. But those islands are different. The importance of the Mediterranean Sea is self-evident, guarding this important waterway connecting the east and west West. Once Germany takes over all the overseas colonies of the Britain people, then all kinds of materials obtained from India or mined from Middle East need to be transported back to German homeland through the Mediterranean Sea. In this case, the safety of the route on the Mediterranean Sea is very important, which is directly related to the energy security of Germany.
In addition, having a foothold on the Mediterranean Sea can also ensure the extrusion of the Empire into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Austro-Hungarian Empire has a geographical advantage over Mediterranean Sea. If Germany can own these islands, it can offset the geographical advantage Austro-Hungarian Empire has. This is undoubtedly very important to Germany.
"Your Majesty, Italy people probably won't cede Sardinia to us. After all, that's where Kingdom of Sardinia rose." Bülow said.
"Sardinia can be abandoned. But Sicily and Corsica must be ceded to us. This is the bottom line of the empire. If the Italians do not agree, then we will send troops to occupy those islands. The Imperial Marine Corps has been in the army for so many years and has not really been on the battlefield. Anyway, the battle against the British mainland will not be fought for a while. It is just right for the Marine Corps to go around the Mediterranean Sea, which can be regarded as a practical exercise." Qin Tian said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Both Bülow and Wachth replied.