Chapter 44: German-Australian Treaty
To be honest, if Arthur had not found out what happened to Germany, Arthur would have simply agreed to William II's conditions.
Although there is a large amount of equipment from the UK, if Australia wants to build a systematic industry, it will definitely take ten years.
But with Germany's help, this time can be shortened infinitely, and Australia's industry can even undergo earth-shaking changes every year.
From an industrial point of view, Germany definitely has the strength to compete with the United Kingdom. Even if it has the same number of colonies as Britain and France, Germany's industrial strength can even compete with the United States.
Seeing Arthur's hesitation, William II continued to smile and said: "If Arthur thinks this is not enough, Germany can also provide Australia with low-interest loans of more than 500 million marks, and send industrial experts to station in Australia to help you build the The entire industrial system."
Five hundred million marks is almost equivalent to 25 million pounds, which is considered a large sum of money.
More importantly, after Germany lost World War I, the German mark would suffer a crazy devaluation. The current 500 million marks are worth 25 million pounds, and the 500 million marks in the future may not even be worth 500,000 pounds.
If the loan is postponed for twenty years before repayment, wouldn't it mean that Germany gave Arthur more than 20 million pounds in vain?
"Cousin William, although I am very moved by your proposal, you also know that Australia is an agricultural country with a vast territory and a sparse population. We are very backward in industry and economy, and I am afraid that we cannot help Germany." Arthur Said with a smile.
Although Germany's conditions are very exciting, it is still a bit too simple to want Australia to enter the vortex of World War I based on such conditions alone.
"Of course, Arthur. Once the war in Europe starts, most of the French army will be concentrated on the battlefields of Europe and Africa, including their fleet. You only need to harass their African and Asian colonies, constantly Just destroy them. The great German Army will defeat them on the frontal battlefield, no matter how many people they have." William II said with a bit of pride.
William II indeed had the confidence to say such a thing. Just like the British Empire's well-deserved number one navy, the German Empire also deserves its number one army position. Whether it is the individual quality of soldiers or the comprehensive military strength of the army, the second There is a big gap between the third capital and Germany.
"Cousin William, if we join your camp and go against France, Australia can't do anything, but if we just support you secretly and pose a small threat to France, we can still do it." Arthur said with a smile: "But As you know, Australia lacks everything, and even if we wanted to do something for Germany, we don't have the ability to do it. I hope that in addition to industrial and financial support, artillery and warships, Germany will also give Australia support. In return for this from With the support of Germany, Australia promises to choose the opportunity to destroy France's African and Asian colonies when the war starts, attracting the attention of a part of the French army." "Very good, Arthur. I'm glad to see you can stand with me
. , rather than like Uncle Edward. I originally thought that Germany and Britain could become good allies based on our blood relationship. But I didn't expect that Uncle Edward insisted on siding with France, so I could only say sorry to Grandma Victoria. Yes." William II nodded with satisfaction and said to Arthur with a smile.
Because of his blood relationship, William II was relatively close to Britain at the beginning.
But due to the gradual rise of Germany, it has naturally formed an opposition to Britain. Even if William II wanted to make up for the rift with Britain, it would be of no use.
"Cousin William, I hope that aid from Germany will arrive in Australia soon. At least before the European war, Australia must build a complete industrial system to help Germany in the war." Arthur did not care about William. The second prince said with a smile at Crown Prince Edward's complaint.
With free aid like Germany's, Arthur will naturally feel more at ease the sooner he gets it. As for future loan repayments, they may cost less than a fraction of the current loan.
"Haha, no problem, Arthur. I promise that your industrial equipment, financial support, and talents will arrive in Australia before Christmas. But I hope that the relationship between Germany and Australia can be hidden for the time being. It is best not to have this matter with Anyone mentions it. This way Australia can deal a fatal blow to France at the critical moment and achieve the best effect of this treaty." William II laughed and said nonchalantly.
For Wilhelm II, this support was only a drop in the bucket of national expense.
But if it can be exchanged for Australia's serious damage to the French colonies during the war, then even if these conditions are doubled, it will be very worthwhile for Germany.
After all, most of France's economy and raw materials come from the colonies. Once the colonies are destroyed and threatened, it means that France's economy and industry face a huge threat.
"No problem, Cousin William." Arthur agreed quickly.
Originally, Arthur was still hesitating about how to speak to get William II to agree not to publicize the relationship between Australia and Germany.
Judging from the current situation, even with Australia's full support, Germany has no hope of defeating Britain and France.
Once Australia was pulled into the whirlpool of Germany and became a defeated country in World War I, it would run counter to Arthur's plan for Australia's rise.
Australia can participate in World War I, but it must be the victor in World War I. In this way, Australia can pursue its own interests and establish its own sphere of influence in the South Pacific after the end of World War I.
"As for the artillery and warship construction technology you requested, I allow you to introduce it to Germany. As for what technology you can purchase, it depends on the ability of your diplomats." William II said with a smile.
Many of Germany's more famous technologies are in the hands of capitalists who have established military factories and shipyards.
Although many of these are factories specially provided by the government, it is not as simple as William II's words to get them to spit out their own technology.
"Of course, Cousin William. We are also very sincere in introducing German technology. I will send a diplomatic mission to Germany after we return." Arthur said with a smile.
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(End of chapter)