"How are the preparations for the battleship auction? Are there many countries that have signed up?" Oscar did not regard the contact between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and United States as a big threat. Oscar has already planned to start targeting Austro-Hungarian Empire after the death of Franz? Joseph.
Don't let others snore in the bed. Although German Empire has become the world's overlord, it will not allow a country as powerful as Austro-Hungarian Empire to exist.
The America of later generations will dominate the whole world, won't they also do everything possible to suppress the surrounding countries? This makes it impossible for neighboring countries to become major powers, thereby ensuring their own security.
What German Empire wants to do is the same. Austro-Hungarian Empire is next to the German Empire. Even if the two sides are allies, Germany needs to get rid of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for its own safety. It is undoubtedly in the interests of the German Empire to split the huge Austro-Hungarian Empire into small countries.
Splitting Austro-Hungarian Empire is not too difficult for Germany. This huge Empire was originally a dual system Empire composed of more than a dozen kingdoms and princely states. It was entirely due to the prestige of Franz? Joseph that this country was able to be integrated. If Franz? Joseph passes away, the prestige of Crown Prince Karl will not be enough to allow this Empire to continue to exist as a whole. At that time, if Germany adds another fire to it, the possibility of the Austro-Hungarian Empire splitting will be very high. By then, the safety of Germany will be guaranteed.
Another close neighbor is Buru. Germany gained a large amount of territory in this war, causing Germany's eastern border to move eastwards. However, Buru is no more difficult to deal with than Austro-Hungarian Empire. Therefore, if Germany wants to deal with Buru, it must be considered in the long term. Only after all the powerful countries around him are eliminated can Germany be able to compete with United States for the position of world hegemony without any worries.
Of course, all this takes time. After Oscar has drawn up these general directions, Empire and Military and Political Ministers will work hard in this direction. Oscar believes that his plan will be successful before long.
"Your Majesty, there are many countries where the mob participated in the auction. Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman Turkish Empire, Republic of Chile, Argentina and Brazil have all paid deposits. They will all participate in this auction." Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said.
"Austro-Hungarian Empire? They also want to participate in the bidding?" Oscar was stunned. Originally, he thought that only some small countries would participate in the bidding. Almost all of those big countries could build Capital Ships on their own, so they should not participate. After all, the Capital Ships sold by Germany this time are all Capital Ships retired by German Navy. The performance is weaker than the Capital Ships currently in service with German Navy.
"The naval strength of Your Majesty and Austro-Hungarian Empire has never been strong. Now there are only four ships 'Radetzky-class' Battleship to support the scene. There are also four ships 'Austro-Hungarian Monarch-class' Battleship under construction. Compared with the Austro-Hungarian Empire now In terms of its international status, such a navy is really not strong. Therefore, they probably want to take this opportunity to purchase a batch of warships to strengthen their strength. After all, even the warships we sell are more powerful than their Capital Ships, so it will not hurt them to buy our warships." Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said.
Oscar nodded. For the Austro-Hungarian Empire, these Capital Ships that German Empire wants to sell are indeed the best choice to enhance their strength.
"Does Austro-Hungarian Empire have that much money? Although these Capital Ships are retired by us, if other countries start bidding, the price will not be too cheap!" Oscar said.
"Austro-Hungarian Empire's financial pressure is indeed very tight. But, haven't they hooked up with Americans? Americans, who has a lot of money, should be able to give Austro-Hungarian Empire a lot of support!" Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said.
"Your Majesty and Austro-Hungarian Empire will further enhance their strength by purchasing those warships. This will probably have a big impact on the Empire's interests in the Mediterranean Sea. Should we ban Austro-Hungarian Empire from participating in this auction?" Feng Field Marshal Falkenhayn said.
Oscar shook his head. "Empire's previous commitment was that all countries willing to participate can sign up. If Austro-Hungarian Empire is banned from participating now, it will have a negative impact on our reputation. Besides, those Capital Ships After all, is the Capital Ships that we don't like. Even if we get Austro-Hungarian Empire, it's not a big deal. If we can build those Capital Ships, we will be confident enough to sink those Capital Ships."
"Yes, even if Austro-Hungarian Empire gets those Capital Ships, it's not a big deal. Anyway, with Imperial Navy's strength, sinking them is nothing. However, after all, we built those Capital Ships. If we want to sink them with our own hands, it will feel a little uncomfortable!" Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said.
The other ministers laughed.
The bidding for German Navy's retired battleship will begin soon. The countries participating in the auction were very excited. They have sent people to see those battleships before, and they are all battleships with very good performance. Although it has been in service for several years, it has also experienced many naval battles. But the combat effectiveness was not affected much. If those battleships are purchased, their naval strength can be enhanced. For those Capital Ships, there is no problem if they are used for another ten years. Even if the maintenance is strengthened, it can be used for another twenty years.
This time the bidding will be conducted by Chief of Staff of the High Seas Fleet Vice Admiral Hipper.
"Everyone, the bidding has officially begun. The first bidder is the 'Nassau-class' Battleship. There are four Battleships in this class. We will bid separately." After Vice Admiral Hipper introduced the performance of the 'Nassau-class' Battleship to everyone, everyone started bidding.
The starting price of the 'Nassau' No. Battleship is 20 million Mark. This price is less than half of the cost of the 'Nassau' number Battleship.
However, Vice Admiral Hipper believes that after everyone starts competition, the price will definitely rise a lot.
"Twenty-two million Mark!" Fatih Pasha of the Ottoman Turkish Empire quoted first.
Ottoman Turkish Empire's naval development path has always been very bumpy. The two dreadnoughts they ordered from Britain were forcibly detained by the Britain people. Now, Germany is selling Battleship, and their interest is undoubtedly great.
"Twenty-five million Mark!" Republic of Chile's Secretary of the Navy immediately increased the price.