Of course, if it could all be taken in one stroke, it would save a great deal of trouble down the road.
To put it bluntly, Franz did not like the feeling of being watched by thieves. As the ancients said, how could one allow another to sleep soundly beside one's couch?
But Britain was still far too powerful; war was only a backup option. If the matter could be settled with money, that was naturally the best choice.
Moreover, the money Franz offered would eventually return to the Austrian Empire's hands.
On the economic level alone, there would not be much loss. Besides, having the British use Anticipation Notes to buy goods would also stimulate economic growth, since the money would all be spent within the Austrian Empire.
Throwing one hundred million pounds sterling into Austria would not be enough to trigger inflation. Franz would instead thank the British for giving him an opportunity to increase the money supply.
As for whether the Austrian Empire could produce precious metals worth one hundred million pounds sterling?
The answer was, of course it could—but there was no need.
Knowing full well that the other side intended to scheme against you, yet still following their script—that was the stupidity known as arrogance.
Even if one won, it would be nothing more than a waste of time.
True courage was not fearing nothing, but continuing forward even with fear in one's heart.
As Maupassant said, courage was not something shouted aloud; it was taking another step forward even while trembling.
There was another reason as well: America was stronger than Franz had imagined, while Britain, through his calculations, was far weaker than it had been in history.
If Franz did not lend a hand, this war would likely end ahead of schedule.
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