Chapter 2272 Skirmish One
Everyone has a good relationship, knows each other, and may even have a kinship relationship, but that is in private, and of course the national interest is the most important thing in formal occasions. So at this time, the Germans can't show weakness, and the British can't show weakness!
"The situation in the war is indeed a bit unfavorable, but it is different from losing the war. We still have millions of troops and thousands of aircraft, and our homeland is still under the feet of the British." Earl Belfort said.
"It seems that there are big differences between us." Earl Schelling said with a smile. "I believe that facing reality is the basis of negotiations, and correcting one's own position is the premise of continuing negotiations. What is war? War is nothing but a matter that must be resolved with swords when the two sides cannot use negotiations to solve problems. , then what is negotiation? After the sword has solved the problem, it needs to be the means of ending. It is a cyclical process. Therefore, before the negotiation, we must set the status of both parties. If you don't agree, then I think we should go back to the previous step and finish the unfinished work."
"Threat of war!" Earl Belfort said a few cold words in his heart!
"Although you represent Bavaria, on the issue of war and peace, I don't think you can answer on behalf of the Bavarian royal family and government. Therefore, it is best not to say such things. Otherwise, it may lead to unpredictable consequences." Batten Naturally, Prince Berg couldn't directly say that the UK hadn't lost yet. After all, what kind of beating is the UK now? So the prince decided to counterattack his opponent in other directions.
"I do not have the right to discuss the issue of war and peace on behalf of the Kingdom of Bavaria." Earl Schelling said indifferently: "However, as the Minister of the Bavarian Court, I can tell you responsibly that if you cannot straighten out your own Attitude, if the British government does not issue a written notice of defeat, then Crown Prince Ruprecht will never contact your side.” The minister of the court, this power is very broad, and it can even be compared to the prime minister when the power is great, for example Keeper of the Seal of the French Bourbon Dynasty. No matter how small the power is, it is at least at the level of a spokesperson, and his speech can represent the attitude of the Bavarian royal family!
"His Majesty the Kaiser also has the same opinion. If you cannot meet our request, then as the representative of His Majesty the Kaiser, the Grand Duke of Baden, it is impossible to meet with you. However, using this leisure time, I think your Excellency You can take a good look around the Berlin area. There are so many trophies there, you can even visit there for half a year." Prince Baden said.
"That's ruthless!" Earl Belfort broke out in cold sweat. The Germans did not refuse, because a simple and rude rejection is actually not good. The German government also needs to put on a gesture of stopping the war. After all, even as a victor , Germany also has war weariness in the country, and Germany must also leave a good impression on the world, but this is superficial work after all. The speech of the German representative is a good illustration of the current true attitude of the Germans. If you are not convinced, then continue beat! Anyway, now that the Grand Fleet has existed in name only, and the blockade has disappeared, the Germans can already start normal foreign trade. And what about the UK? It is really trapped on an isolated island, and with the current materials and production capacity of the UK, it is even difficult to maintain the basic livelihood of the people on the island. If there is a large-scale civil uprising, then the UK will be completely over!
"We must consult the country for the declaration of defeat, but I think that whether it is a declaration of defeat or a declaration of armistice, it is more of a formality. We don't need to argue too much about the situation. After all, we are discussing interests. If If the two of you agree with this point of view, can we temporarily let this issue go and discuss the next issue?" said Earl Belfort.
To put it bluntly, it is a matter of face.
The British Empire still needs face, and although Germany, the victor, also needs face, the more important thing is the interests. Therefore, even if it is impossible to get in touch with the core of Germany before the announcement of defeat, then now, at the next level. It is also useful to check the conditions of both parties, so Earl Belfort does not want to suspend the talks.
For the same reason, the Germans did not want to suspend the talks. In fact, although the British were defeated militarily this time, it does not mean that there is no chance to fight back in political negotiations. At least Germany will try its best while ensuring full profits. To prevent the approach between Britain and the United States, and the British are also aware of this, so the Germans also think that it is a good choice to test the British first.
"This is of course possible, but we still have to repeat that the British government must issue a declaration of defeat, and before issuing a declaration of defeat, its content must be approved by the German Empire government. This is the premise of formal negotiations, and I think your country is not either. You have never been defeated, so you should be very clear about how to write it?" Prince Baden said sarcastically. This is actually very humiliating. The British must first obtain the consent of the Germans to issue a statement! But this is definitely not because the Prince of Baden deliberately stimulated his opponent, but because the previous statement is still a matter of attitude, and the content of the subsequent negotiations is a matter of interests! Interests must be contested!
"Your Excellency once discussed the truce with Crown Prince Ruprecht. At that time, His Highness the Crown Prince proposed a basic plan to Your Excellency. You should still remember it?" Earl Schelling said.
"I naturally remember that the four requirements put forward by the crown prince are simply unacceptable." Earl Belfort said with a livid face.
"Hehe, but these conditions were the conditions when we hadn't defeated the British fleet, but now, we have knocked down the world's most powerful navy, and the Sea God's Trident is in the hands of the empire. I think you should be very aware of what all this means to the UK. Because of your wrong choice, we decided to raise the price! You must be mentally prepared for this." Prince Baden said.
The content of the negotiations that year was summarized as follows: Britain completely lost Africa, the colonies and islands in the Mediterranean, withdrew its influence from Persia, and at the same time handed over Ceylon to Germany, plus compensation for a total of 3 billion pounds in war reparations... At that time For the British, this condition is unacceptable, and it is still very unacceptable now. The cession of colonies is one aspect, and the war reparations of up to 3 billion are to some extent more deadly to Britain! Although Earl Belfort already knew that the conditions would be more stringent this time, when Prince Baden made this request, Earl Belfort still felt extremely uncomfortable.
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