The German-Australian Treaty

To be honest, if Arthur hadn't known Germany's fate later on, he would have readily accepted William II's terms.

Even with a large amount of equipment from Britain, it would take decades for Australia to establish a comprehensive industrial system.

However, with Germany's help, this timeframe could be drastically shortened, and Australia's industry could undergo earth-shattering changes year after year.

In terms of industry, Germany definitely had the strength to challenge Britain. In fact, if it had the same amount of colonies as Britain and France, Germany's industrial power could even rival that of the United States.

Seeing Arthur's hesitation, William II continued with a smile, "If Arthur feels this is not enough, the German Empire can also provide Australia with low-interest loans exceeding five hundred million Marks and send industrial experts to reside in Australia to help you build a complete industrial system."

Five hundred million Marks was roughly equivalent to twenty-five million Pounds Sterling, a considerable sum.

More importantly, after Germany's defeat in the Great War, the German Mark would experience rampant devaluation. The five hundred million Marks that was worth twenty-five million Pounds Sterling now might be worth less than five hundred thousand Pounds Sterling in the future.

If this loan were to be repaid twenty years later, wouldn't that mean Germany was essentially gifting Arthur over twenty million Pounds Sterling for free?

"Cousin William, while your offer is very tempting, you know Australia is a vast, sparsely populated agricultural country. We are very backward in industry and economy, so I'm afraid we won't be able to help Germany much," Arthur said with a smile.

Although Germany's conditions were tempting, they were still too simple to draw Australia into the vortex of the Great War.

"Of course, Arthur. Once the war in Europe breaks out, a large portion of the French Army will be concentrated on the battlefields in Europe and Africa, including their fleet. You only need to conduct harassment and sabotage in their African and Asian colonies. The great German Army will crush them on the main battlefield, no matter how many men they have," William II said with a touch of pride.

William II indeed had the confidence to say such things. Just as the British Empire was the undisputed number one in naval power, the German Empire was the undisputed number one in land power. Whether it was the individual quality of the soldiers or the overall military strength of the army, there was a significant gap between the German Empire and those ranked second and third.

"Cousin William, Australia is powerless to oppose France by joining your side. However, if it's just about covertly supporting you and posing a minor threat to France, we can manage that," Arthur said with a smile. "But you know Australia lacks everything. Even if we want to do something for Germany, we don't have the capability. I hope that besides industrial and financial support, Germany can also provide artillery and warships. In return for Germany's support, Australia promises to seize opportunities during the war to sabotage French colonies in Africa and Asia, diverting some of the French army's attention."

"Very good, Arthur. I'm glad to see you on my side, unlike Uncle Edward. I originally thought that with our blood ties, Germany and Britain could become good allies. But I didn't expect Uncle Edward to insist on siding with France, so I can only apologize to Grandmother Victoria," William II nodded with satisfaction and said to Arthur with a smile.

Due to his blood ties, William II was initially quite close to Britain.

However, with Germany's gradual rise, it naturally became an adversary to Britain. No matter how much William II wanted to mend the rift with Britain, it was already in vain.

"Cousin William, I hope the aid from Germany can arrive in Australia soon. At least before the European war breaks out, Australia needs to establish a complete industrial system to be able to assist the German Empire in the war," Arthur said with a smile, unconcerned about William II's complaints about Crown Prince Edward.

Arthur felt more at ease receiving such generous aid from Germany as early as possible.

As for the future loan repayment, it might not even cost a fraction of the current loan amount.

"Haha, no problem, Arthur. The industrial equipment, financial support, and personnel I promised you will arrive in Australia before Christmas. But I hope the relationship between Germany and Australia can remain temporarily concealed. It's best not to mention this matter to anyone. This way, Australia can deliver a fatal blow to France at a critical moment, and this treaty will achieve its best effect," William II said with a hearty laugh, unconcerned.

To William II, this support was a mere trifle for the nation's expenditure.

However, if it could bring about significant sabotage of French colonies by Australia during the war, then even double the conditions would be worth it for the German Empire.

After all, a large part of France's economy and raw materials came from its colonies. Once the colonies were sabotaged and threatened, it would mean a huge threat to France's economy and industry.

"No problem, Cousin William," Arthur quickly agreed.

Arthur had originally been hesitant about how to ask William II not to publicize the relationship between Australia and Germany.

Given the current situation, even with Australia's full support, Germany had no hope of defeating Britain and France.

If Australia were dragged into Germany's vortex and became a defeated nation in the Great War, it would go against Arthur's plan for Australia's rise.

Australia could participate in the Great War, but it had to be as a victor. Only then could Australia seek its own interests after the war and establish its sphere of influence in the South Pacific.

"As for the construction technology for artillery and warships that you requested, I permit you to import it from Germany. As for what technology you can acquire, it will depend on the capabilities of your diplomats," William II said with a smile.

Much of Germany's renowned technology was held by capitalists who had established munitions factories and shipyards.

Although many of these factories were government contractors, it wasn't as simple as William II saying a word to get them to divulge their technology.

"Of course, Cousin William. We are very sincere about importing German technology. I will send a diplomatic mission to Germany after I return," Arthur said with a smile.

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