"German Empire has indeed betrayed Empire this time. Not only did they sign a peace treaty with France behind the Empire's back, but Empire was completely excluded. This time it was even more secret with Italy signed the peace treaty and also helped the Italy people to suppress Empire. This is indeed a huge blow to the Empire!" Empire Prime Minister Mario Weber looked solemn.
"How could the Germany people do this? We are their allies! When the Italy people betrayed the covenant, we were the only ones who stuck to the covenant and fought alongside them. Now, they still treat us like this, which is simply ungrateful!" Chancellor of the Exchequer Duke Andrassy also looked angry. Now, Empire's financial situation is already very bad. If we can extort large sums of war compensation from the Italy people, this will greatly improve Austro-Hungarian Empire's poor financial situation.
"Your Majesty, we absolutely cannot compromise like this. Otherwise, the Germany people will definitely take advantage of it!" Minister of War Duke Kaspar also said.
Obviously, almost all Empire's important ministers are very dissatisfied with the German Empire's behavior. What German Empire did exceeded their imagination and made them feel that the relationship between the two countries was changing. The original alliances are gradually disappearing, replaced by rivals and even enemies.
Franz? Joseph I looked at everyone, and then said, "If we continue to attack Kingdom of Italy, can we destroy them?"
"Your Majesty, with the strength of Italy people, is no match for the Empire. Austro-Hungarian Empire's army will definitely defeat Italy people. But Yes, this war will probably last for a while. If the Germany people secretly support the Italy people, then we may have to pay a higher price in the war," Duke Kaspar said.
"Chief of Staff, what do you think?" Franz? Joseph I asked.
"Your Majesty, if possible, I hope to avoid the outbreak of war as much as possible. Italy people are nothing to be afraid of. With the Empire's strength, it is not impossible to defeat them. Even if The price will be higher, but we will definitely win. However, the Germany people have made it clear that they do not want the war to continue. They have signed a peace treaty with the Italy people. If Italy is defeated, then the war indemnities paid to France in Italy city will not be paid. Therefore, Germany people will definitely not want to see us destroyed Kingdom of Italy. "I'm even worried that they will send out troops to intervene when necessary. That will be a disaster for us. Our army will not be the opponent of the Germany people." Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf said.
Austro-Hungarian Empire's important ministers all fell silent after hearing Herzendorf's words. The expressions on their faces became a little unnatural. Some people even had a flash of fear in their eyes.
German Empire's army is powerful, of course they know it. If they want to be enemies with the German Empire, they definitely don't have the courage. Therefore, almost everyone knows that it is no longer realistic to use force against Kingdom of Italy.
"It seems that we won't be able to get much benefit from Kingdom of Italy this time." Franz Joseph I sighed. He actually hopes that they can plunder more benefits in Kingdom of Italy. In that case, Austro-Hungarian Empire can use the benefits of plunder to solve domestic problems and restore national strength.
"Your Majesty, do we have to compromise in the face of the pressure from Germany people? This is really unacceptable!" Duke Andrassy said.
"I don't want to compromise. However, Germany people are pressing forward step by step, and there is nothing we can do. Who makes Empire's military strength so much weaker than Germany people? What if we and Germany If the people start a war, we have no chance of winning. Therefore, there is no way to compromise with the Germany people!" Franz? Joseph said.
As an emperor, it is undoubtedly very frustrating to have to compromise when Empire faces threats and persecution from the enemy. However, there is nothing Franz? Joseph can do in this lifetime! If he were twenty years younger, he might still have enough energy to deal with domestic problems, slowly carry out reforms, and even confront Germany. But it doesn't work now. His body can't hold on much longer. And his successor was too incompetent. Franz? Joseph I never know how long Empire can last after his death. Under such circumstances, he did not want to be an enemy of Germany. In that case, Austro-Hungarian Empire's situation will be even more difficult.
"Your Majesty has no choice but to temporarily compromise with the Germany people. Fortunately, the war compensation given by the Italy people still has 5 billion Mark, which is actually a lot of money. If not compared with the war compensation received by Germany, this war compensation is pretty good." Mario Weber said.
When there is no other way, perhaps I can only comfort myself in this way. In this case, it might make them feel better.
Indeed, the five billion Mark war compensation is indeed not a small amount. However, compared with the war compensation Germany received in this war, it seems to be much less. It is precisely because of this comparison that the important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire feel a little unbalanced. But if you don't look at how much war reparations Germany received, the five billion Mark war reparations can indeed satisfy them.
"Send Telegram to Crown Prince, let them accept the mediation of Germany people, and sign a peace treaty with Italy people!" Franz? Joseph I said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Empire Prime Minister Mario Weber nodded.
"Your Majesty, the war is not over yet, and the Germany people can't wait to suppress us. It seems that the honeymoon period between us and Germany is over. In the next time, we have to focus on guarding against the Germany people." Duke Kaspar reminded.
Franz? Joseph I nodded solemnly.
Germany's military power is too powerful. Judging from their performance in this war, they undoubtedly far surpassed Austro-Hungarian Empire. Especially since the two countries are still bordering each other. This makes Austro-Hungarian Empire's situation even more dangerous. Once Germany launches an attack on the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire may not be able to resist German offensive. There is no doubt about this.