"Crown Prince, those Capital Ships sold by Germany, generally have very advanced performance. Moreover, the ship age is also very short. Even the oldest 'Nassau-class'Z Battleship is less than ten years old. If we purchase it, it can be used for another ten years or even longer. This is very necessary to expand the strength of Imperial Navy," Admiral Anton House said excitedly.
Although, starting from the predecessor Crown Prince Archduke Ferdinand, Austro-Hungarian Empire has attached great importance to the development of the navy. However, due to various reasons, Austro-Hungarian Empire's naval development was not satisfactory. Until now, Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy and Capital Ships are only four 'Radetzky-class' and Battleship. Although these Battleship are equipped with 4-seater Triple 305mm Main Gun. But the overall strength is not strong, and it cannot even compete with German Navy's 'Nassau-class' Battleship. As for the more powerful 'Austro-Hungarian Monarch-class' Battleship, it has only been built not long ago. The first ship 'Monarch of Austria-Hungary' is not expected to enter service until next year. As for the other Battleship, it is estimated that it will take longer to enter service.
Naturally, such a size of the navy cannot satisfy the Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy commander, Admiral Anton House. Now, Crown Prince Karl is interested in buying Battleship, which is about to be retired by Germany, which is undoubtedly the best thing. Although those Battleship people Germany people want to retire, but Germany people look down on them, Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy will not dislike them. After all, those are real main battleships! Even 'Austro-Hungarian Monarch-class' Battleship will not have better performance than German Navy's retired 'Helgoland-class' Battleship and 'Kaiser-class' Battleship. Even 'Moltke-class' Battlecruiser's combat power will not be much worse than 'Austro-Hungarian Monarch-class' Battleship.
"In other words, we have used all the Capital Ships belonging to Germany people?" Crown Prince Karl asked.
"Yes, Crown Prince. Five 'Kaiser-class' Battleship, four 'Helgoland-class' Battleship, three 'Moltke-class' Battleship, all have very powerful combat capabilities. The remaining four 'Nassau-class' Although the performance of Battleship and the two 'Blücher-class' Battleship are slightly worse, they are also rare and powerful Capital Ships. If we can buy all these Capital Ships, this will allow our naval strength to take off quickly," said Admiral Anton House.
"Photograph all of them? How is this possible? The entire 18 Capital Ships cost more than one billion Mark. Although Germany people have been using it for a long time, after the bidding, it is estimated that it will also exceed 600 million Mark. Even if there are more competing countries, the price will rise further. We simply don't have that much money to bid for those Capital Ships!" Baron von Berchtold shook his head.
"As for the money, don't worry, I will take care of it!" Crown Prince Karl said nonchalantly.
Admiral Anton House looked happy, since Crown Prince Karl said he didn't need to care about money. Then he naturally has nothing to worry about.
But Baron von Berchtold is a little confused.
"Crown Prince, how much loan did Americans promise to give us?" Baron von Berchtold asked.
Crown Prince Karl hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Two hundred million dollars! After we terminate our alliance with the Germany people, they will give us more loans."
"Two hundred million dollars?" Admiral Anton House and Berchtold both exclaimed. There is no doubt that this is a huge amount of money.
"Yes, two hundred million US dollars. This is the first one." Crown Prince Karl said proudly. As if he thought he had made a great deal.
"Your Highness, if we terminate our alliance with the Germany people, it will put us in danger!" Baron von Berchtold said immediately. Although Americans gives a lot of money, it will not be worthwhile if it triggers a war with Germany.
"Yes, Your Highness." Admiral Anton House obviously didn't think it was a good idea to accept Americans's loan.
"Let's discuss this issue later. Don't worry, I have arrangements!" Crown Prince Karl said impatiently.
Admiral Anton House and Baron von Berchtold had no choice but to say no more. They began to discuss how they could bid for more Capital Ships from Germany people. After all, this is directly related to enhancing the strength of Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy. If Austro-Hungarian Empire's navy can be greatly enhanced, then their voice in the Mediterranean Sea can be greatly increased. At least, in front of Germany people, they no longer have to worry so much.
US Secretary of State held a banquet at the embassy, of course Germany knew about it. In fact, US Secretary of State had secret conversations with Crown Prince of Island Nation and Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Germany also learned about it. However, it is still unclear what exactly they talked about.
Although this is Germany's territory, the conversation in the secret room of the embassy is not so easy to obtain. But even so, Director of the Intelligence Bureau Feng General Balaimin reported the matter to Oscar immediately.
"Your Majesty, Americans are obviously doing something small. Empire won this victory over World War, which has made Americans feel threatened. Therefore, they can't wait to recruit other countries to jointly deal with the Empire!" Prime Minister Bülow said.
"Island Nation and Empire are incompatible with each other. It is natural for Americans to win over Island Nation. However, Austro-Hungarian Empire After all, is still an ally of the Empire. By doing this, they are not taking Empire seriously!" Foreign Minister Wachth said.
"Austro-Hungarian Empire has long been separated from the Empire. Americans will not know this. However, what I am more curious about is, is Crown Prince Karl's brain trapped by the door? Don't they know that this will provoke Angry Empire! However, they still foolishly contacted Americans. Do they think their army can really resist Empire's attack?" Oscar looked funny.
"Your Majesty, should we make preparations early. Once Austro-Hungarian Empire turns to United States, it will be very detrimental to the Empire!" Feng Field Marshal Falkenhayn said.
"It doesn't matter. Before the death of Austrian Emperor, the alliance between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Empire will be very stable. Of course, after the death of Austrian Emperor, Empire The alliance between and Austro-Hungarian Empire ends here. When the time comes, Empire will use all its strength to deal with the Austro-Hungarian Empire!" Oscar said. This was something he had planned for a long time.