It was already early in the morning when Crown Prince Karl left American Embassy with a smile on his face. However, being able to get so many benefits from Americans has made Crown Prince Karl very satisfied. A low-interest loan of US$200 million is already a lot of money for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They can use this money to further develop their military power, so that the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's army and navy can be further improved. In this case, even if they break up with Germany in the future, they won't have any resistance at all.
However, Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister Baron von Berchtold, who returned in the same car as Crown Prince Karl, didn't think so. He believes that Crown Prince's behavior is causing trouble for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although Austro-Hungarian Empire won against World War, it did not get much benefit. At the same time, domestic conflicts have become increasingly acute. In addition, Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I can't hold it any longer. It can be said that Austro-Hungarian Empire is having a troubled time right now! If you offend Germany at this time, isn't that asking for trouble?
"Crown Prince, this is the territory of Germany people. It seems not good for us to have contact with Americans like this. If Germany people find out, the problem will be more serious." Baron von Berchtold said.
"Don't worry, Your Excellency. Germany people won't know what I talked about with Americans. What's more, even if they know, they don't have real evidence. No matter what they do to us. Although Germany is stronger than Austro-Hungarian Empire, we can't just let them crush it." Crown Prince Karl said nonchalantly.
"Your Highness, no matter what, Germany is the world's hegemon. No one can deny their power. Therefore, it is best not to offend the Germany people. Otherwise, it will be very detrimental to us!" Berchtold advised.
"Your Excellency, Germany are powerful, I admit that. However, don't forget that Germany also has many enemies. One or two enemies cannot pose a fatal threat to Germany. However, Germany If all of's enemies unite, it will be enough to crush Germany. Germany has made too many enemies, so although they are strong, it is not easy to secure the throne of world domination." Crown Prince Karl said with absolute certainty.
Even Crown Prince Karl believes that if he is lucky, Austro-Hungarian Empire may not have the chance to replace Germany and become the world's hegemon. After all, Austro-Hungarian Empire can be considered one of the most powerful countries in the world. If Germany's legacy can be accepted after defeating Germany, then there will be no doubt about the rise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When the time comes, Austro-Hungarian Empire will definitely have the strength to compete with United States for the throne of world dominance.
After all, Austrian Empire was originally considered one of the German states. If they hadn't lost to Kingdom of Prussia among Austro-Prussian War and been driven out of Germany, they could also be regarded as the successors of Germany. Once Germany is defeated again, the possibility of the Austro-Hungarian Empire inheriting the German legacy is undoubtedly very high.
Baron von Berchtold One look at Crown Prince Karl's expression showed that he was daydreaming unrealistically again. However, it was hard for him to say much at this time. After all, Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I obviously can't last much longer. Crown Prince Karl As the first heir to the throne of the Empire, it is a certainty that he will inherit the throne. If there is too much quarrel with Crown Prince Karl, it will be very detrimental to him personally. Baron von Berchtold can only pray, God can bless Austro-Hungarian Empire and prevent Austro-Hungarian Empire from going into the abyss.
"Your Excellency, has General Anton House arrived?" Crown Prince Karl asked.
"According to the information received, General Anton House has arrived at the embassy tonight." Baron von Berchtold replied.
Admiral Anton House is the naval commander of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After Crown Prince Karl learned that German Navy was planning to sell Battleship in large quantities, he asked General Anton House to come to Berlin. Although Crown Prince Karl attaches great importance to the development of the navy, he is a layman after all. He also doesn't know whether the Battleships sold by Germany are worth buying.
"Your Highness, are you planning to participate in the auction? But we simply don't have enough funds to purchase German warship!" Baron von Berchtold reminded.
"Don't worry, Your Excellency. The funds are already secured." Crown Prince Karl said with a smile.
Berchtold guessed the source of the funds as soon as he thought about it.
"Your Highness, Americans's money is not that easy to get. What if they use this as a condition to blackmail us?" Baron von Berchtold was a little worried.
"Don't worry, I'm not a fool, I know what to do!" Crown Prince Karl said impatiently.
Seeing this, Baron von Berchtold had no choice but to shut up.
After returning to the embassy, Crown Prince Karl immediately summoned Admiral Anton House.
Austro-Hungarian Empire's naval strength is generally weak. From a global perspective, it is not among the best. Of course, that was before the war started. Now, the navy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is considered a powerful navy second only to Germany. However, German Navy can simply dispatch a fleet and crush Austro-Hungarian Empire's navy. Because the ranking of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's naval strength has risen, not because its own strength has increased, but because the navies of the countries in the front have been destroyed.
British Navy, French Navy, Italian Navy and Island Nation Navy were all nearly wiped out by German Navy. American Navy's current Capital Ships were also handed over to Britain, letting them fight German Navy. As a result, everything was lost. This made Austro-Hungarian Empire's navy one of the most powerful navies in the world.
Of course, this moisture is undoubtedly very large.
Crown Prince Karl knows how powerful German Navy is. It will undoubtedly be very difficult for Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy to fight against German Navy. However, even so, he still wants Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy to have the right to speak in the Mediterranean Sea area. Only in this way can the interests of the Austro-Hungarian Empire be ensured. After all, Austro-Hungarian Empire now also has some overseas colonies.
"General Anton House, what's the performance of those Battleships that Germany people want to sell? Can we buy them? If possible, buy as many as possible. You don't have to worry about funds, I have already thought of a way!" Crown Prince Karl said impatiently.