London
Since the European arms race began, the United Kingdom Government had been watching closely. They knew every country's movements like the back of their hand.
Foreign Secretary Palmerston spoke at length. "According to the intelligence we have gathered, the Austrian Government's military expansion this time is likely aimed at the Ottoman Empire. Our plan to divert disaster eastward has succeeded.
"Only, there has now been a slight change. The Austrian Government may have reached a compromise with the Russians. It will be impossible to provoke a Russo-Austrian conflict in the short term.
"However, when conflicts of interest pile up, even the best of relationships will collapse. From the moment Austria set foot on the Balkan Peninsula, the dissolution of the Russo-Austrian Alliance was inevitable..."
Prime Minister John Russell frowned and questioned, "Mr. Palmerston, I believe your judgment is correct. The Russo-Austrian Alliance will collapse sooner or later. But that may happen three years from now, or five years from now—certainly not now.
"Before their common enemy—the Ottoman Empire—falls, Russia and Austria can still work together closely.
"The seeds of hatred were planted centuries ago. Whether Russians or Austrians, none of them do not wish to see the Ottoman Empire fall.
"Beyond hatred, there are even more tempting interests. The Russians have their eyes on the Black Sea Straits, while the Austrians have set their sights on the Danube basin.
"The Ottoman Empire is too weak. It has been targeted by two bandits. Yet we cannot allow it to fall now.
"It does not matter much if the Austrians scheme for the Danube basin, but if the Black Sea Straits fall into Russian hands, our losses will be enormous.
"I do not believe that a single Constantinople will satisfy the Tsarist Government's appetite. The desire they have suppressed for so