Time entered November 1916, and Germany once again received good news. German 8th Army Corps, with the assistance of Pacific Fleet, won Lion City. And, sweeping across the entire Straits Settlements.
It is expected that the entire Straits Settlements will fall into the hands of Germany soon.
At almost the same time, German military 4th Army Corps also successfully landed in the west of Australia under the escort of Indian Ocean Fleet. Start attacking eastward along the coastline of Australia. Although, Britain people organized a lot of troops in Australia. The combat effectiveness of Australia's army is also stronger than that of the Anglo-Indian Army. However, it is obviously impossible to resist German offensive.
When German 8th Army Corps also enters Australia to fight, the British and Australian troops will be defeated soon. However, the problem that plagues German military is that Australia is too vast, almost twice the size of India. If you want to occupy the entire Australia, it will take a lot of time. Fortunately, Australia does not have a large population now. Even if Britain people organized an army here, they wouldn't be able to organize much.
It is expected that in the first half of next year, German military will have no problem occupying the entire Australia. At that time, German military's military operations will come to an end temporarily.
However, Oscar's attention now is not on the rich colony in Australia, but on Germany's immediate neighbors and Austro-Hungarian Empire. As an ally of the German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire did not play much role in the last game of World War. However, at least some of the enemies were held back by Germany. Otherwise, it would probably be even more difficult for Germany to win among World War, especially on the land battlefield.
Although, in the war, Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire are extremely firm allies. However, after the war, for the sake of their respective national interests, the alliance between Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire gradually came to an end. Germany began to do everything possible to suppress Austro-Hungarian Empire, causing the two countries to gradually transform from allies to rivals, and even enemies.
When Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I was in power, although the alliance between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Germany was bumpy, it could be maintained. Once Franz? Joseph I died, Crown Prince Karl, who hated Germany, inherited the throne. You don't need to think about it to know that the alliance between Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire will completely come to an end.
Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I, now eighty-six years old. And Oscar knew that the old emperor's life was coming to an end. In another time and space, he passed away this month. Therefore, Oscar specifically requested the intelligence department to strengthen intelligence collection on the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Oscar also doesn't know, in this time and space, whether Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I will die on November 18th.
On November 15th, Oscar held Imperial Council. There is only one focus on Imperial Council this time, and that is Austrian Emperor Franz? Once Joseph passes away, what impact will this have on the relationship between Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even more, if Germany launches military action against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, how long will it take to defeat Austro-Hungarian Empire, etc.
Although Austro-Hungarian Empire is currently an ally of Germany, a powerful neighboring country will pose a considerable threat to Germany. Especially when Austro-Hungarian Empire's new emperor is still an emperor who hates Germany, this further increases the risk factor. It can be said that once Crown Prince Karl decides to turn to United States and fight against the German Empire, this will make German Empire's situation even more dangerous. And Oscar will never allow that to happen. Therefore, he would rather launch a preemptive strike against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, eliminate Austro-Hungarian Empire first, and eliminate this threat.
In Oscar's plan, once Austro-Hungarian Empire is defeated, Germany will directly annexation of Austria. After all, Austria people are all Germanic people, and they have the same culture and species as Germany people. Before Austro-Prussian War, Austrian Empire had always been one of the many German states, and it was still the most powerful one. If Germany annexation of Austria, the difficulty will be very small. In this case, the strength of Germany can be further improved. In addition, Germany will also annex other areas where Germanic people dominates, further strengthening the strength of Germany. Other countries allow them to become independent. Of course, all these countries must be under the protection of the German Empire. Once a war breaks out, they must all stand on the side of the German Empire. Only in this way can the interests of Germany be ensured.
"Your Majesty, Excellencies. According to the latest information we have received, His Majesty the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I may not be able to hold on for much longer. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire has completely blocked information about His Majesty's physical health. However, we can still learn some clues through other channels. According to our predictions, His Majesty the Austrian Emperor will definitely not survive the 20th of this month!" reported the Imperial Intelligence Director, Admiral Braimin.
Empire and Military and Political Ministers all frowned. Everyone knows what it means to Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire once Franz? Joseph passes away. Even, a war will break out between the two sides.
"Your Majesty, since Austrian Emperor Your Majesty has passed away soon. Then, I'm afraid we have to make preparations early." Prime Minister Bülow said.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Crown Prince Karl has always been hostile to the Empire. In addition, in the negotiation after the last World War ended, his requirements were not met. And Americans has been vigorously wooing Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even gave Austro-Hungarian Empire a loan. It is foreseeable that once Austrian Emperor Your Majesty passes away, Austro-Hungarian Empire will definitely end its alliance with the Empire." Foreign Minister Wachth also said.
Oscar nodded. Everyone knew very well that the death of Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I would become a turning point in the relationship between the two countries. German Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire will turn from allies into enemies.
"Everyone, once Austro-Hungarian Empire quits Allied Powers and becomes Empire's enemy. So, what should Empire do?" Oscar asked.
Neither Prime Minister Bülow nor Foreign Minister Wachth opened their mouths.
Minister of War and Chief of Staff von? Field Marshal Falkenhayn, First Sea Lord Reinhard? Admiral Scheer, Air Force Commander General Seeckt, looked at each other.
Feng Field Marshal Falkenhayn said, "Your Majesty, once Austro-Hungarian Empire quits Allied Powers and turns to United States. Then, Empire must use thunderous means to destroy them and eliminate the threat Austro-Hungarian Empire poses to us!"