Chapter 728： Weak countries have no diplomacy (1/2)
”What, the Austrians want to annex Ottoman?”
The bad news came when Alexander III, who had just been crowned Emperor, had not had time to celebrate.
Foreign Minister Osiel Rivera replied, ”Yes, Your Majesty. We applied for a loan from the Vienna government not long ago, and they made this request.”
Alexander III shook his head and answered affirmatively: ”No, this is absolutely not possible!
Once the Austrians had annexed Ottomans, their forces had penetrated into Central Asia, and no one could guarantee that they would not become our competitors.
If Central Asia falls into the hands of the indigenous Khanate, we can take it back again; if it falls into Austria, it is almost impossible to get it.
Now that we have great vitality, we simply cannot compete with them.
The Austrians wanted to control our lifeblood. They won the Central Asian region and had the ability to divide the Russian Empire into two.
Coupled with the Dardanelles that he already controls, the future Russian empire will depend on their faces. ”
The reason is good, but Osiel Rivera does not agree. Subject to people, this topic is too big.
It's not just a question of the Dardanelles. The Russian Empire is subject to Austria in many ways. Armament, finance, and economy are all inseparable from Austria.
After hesitating for a while, Osiel Rivera reminded: ”Your Majesty, it is not difficult to resolve the Dardanelles issue.
We have been in contact with the Austrians many years ago, and the Vienna government agreed to pay for redemption or territorial replacement.
For some special reason, the final deal was not reached. This also shows that the Vienna government does not attach importance to the Dardanelles, and it is not difficult to get here. ”
Alexander III had just succeeded to the throne, and everyone hadn't figured out his temper. The cautious Osier Rivera chose to strike from the side.
The Austrian threat does exist, but this is not the time to consider this issue. The Tsarist government needs money most at this time. As for other issues, it can be put behind.
In this respect, the Tsarist government has the confidence. The mass of the Russian Empire is here, and there is no need to worry about foreign invasions.
The Austrian threat is based on the premise that the two countries have not turned their backs, and if the two are separated, these problems can be overcome.
After a moment of hesitation, Alexander III nodded helplessly: ”Then talk to the Austrians first. Anyway, you can't let Ottoman alone.”
Alexander III's diplomatic talent far surpassed his ancestors, and soon found the key to the problem: once Austria was determined to act on Ottoman, they could not stop it.
With the support of the Russian Empire, things will be easier; without their support, Austria can still wage war.
The aftermath of the Prussian-Russian war has not yet dissipated, and the European world is still immersed in the tide of anti-war. Britain and France cannot fight for the Ottoman Empire and Austria.
Russia seems to have a strong right to speak, but they are still licking their wounds, the government has no money in their pockets, and Russia and Turkey have the feud, Alexander III could not find a reason to save Ottoman.
Alexander III was sane, as was the suspension of domestic purges. Finding that Austria could not be stopped, he decisively chose in exchange for benefits.
...
Foreign Minister Osiel Rivera added: ”His Majesty, in addition to this issue, we must also consider the issue of Finland.
Before the war, in order to stabilize the Nordic Federation and raise funds for the war, there were still close contracts between the mortgages we signed with the Swedes.
The above clearly stipulates that Finland will be sold to the Nordic Federation after the war. If we breach the contract, we must pay a liquidated damage in addition to the debt. The Vienna government is the guarantor. ”
This is another huge pit. Before the outbreak of the Russian-Prussian War, in order to reduce one enemy, the tsarist government had to sign such a treaty.