2311 Between Germany and France 3
"This reason is very far-fetched. In my opinion, one of the most direct benefits of your country's adoption of this behavior is that it can control the supply of iron ore, coal mines and fuel in France through cheap raw materials! Alsace and Lorraine are the closest iron ore sources to France, and the coal in the Ruhr area is close enough that we cannot obtain a large amount of coal from the UK, so purchasing German coal is a must."
"As for oil? Congratulations to your country, it has become an oil-producing country that is actually second only to the United States. Romania has 4 million tons of fuel, more than 20 million tons of fuel in the Transcaucasus region, and 3 million tons of fuel in the Mesopotamian Basin. Your country's annual fuel production is as high as 30 million tons, which is only the current fuel production, and there is still room for improvement in the future. This is definitely not something that Germany and Austria can digest!"
"So, in your country's view, having so much fuel but cannot be converted into wealth is undoubtedly a waste. Of course, from your position, economic benefits are only one aspect, and more importantly, your country can completely control the economic lifeline of France through cheap resources and reduced tariffs! Domestic companies have no reason to refuse various cheap raw materials from Germany. Raw materials from Britain and the United States are rejected, and large amounts of industrial products produced by France flow into Germany."
"In the end, the French trade that was originally facing the world may be transformed into trade with Germany, and people are profit-seeking. Although money cannot solve everything, it can effectively enhance France's dependence on Germany! Once we are used to using German coal mines and oil, and are used to exporting to Germany, then we will no longer be hostile to Germany politically. You are using money and the market to dismantle our fighting spirit." Climonso said with some emotion. "You are really amazing."
There are many enemies that cannot be conquered with guns, but they can be defeated with money and interests. Obviously, the Germans still want to make France surrender, but there is another way. Faced with the Germans' guns, the French warriors can fight one after another until the end. But when facing the economic cooperation plan proposed by the Germans, to be honest, even though Crimontso had learned some of the Germans' ideas, he still could not refuse! After all, no one could not get along with the money!
"Is it not good for everyone to do business together?" Ruprecht said with a smile. "The establishment of a free trade zone with your country is just the beginning. Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and the slippery Italy will join this customs alliance. In the future, it may also absorb Spain and Portugal. Europe is the center of the world, but this center is loose. It has gradually lagged behind the times because of its looseness. Therefore, in the future, the German Empire needs to gather a loose Europe! There will be no more wars between countries, and we will enjoy the glory of this era together."
"This is really a grand plan, even bigger than your country's war plan. At that time, Emperor Napoleon also wanted to do this, but failed. I wonder if you will succeed." Crimontso said after pondering for a moment.
"In my opinion, at least this alliance is a good choice for your country. We have fully taken care of France's interests and exempted France from the possibility of falling into war. As long as France is not on our opposite side, then I don't think anyone will go back and launch an attack on France." Ruprecht said.
At this moment, Climonsoe was really moved. The crown prince was right. This alliance was a very good choice for France. As long as both sides were not in opposition, France could obtain cheap fuel and iron ore, share the entire European market with Germany, and the possibility of facing war plummeted in the future. After all, the only land-powered power country bordering France is Germany. If the Germans do not fight the French, will the British or Americans still come to France for trouble?
Of course, the Germans also have some desires. They are actually tied France to the German chariot in disguise. In the future, France's prosperity depends largely on Germany's strength, because the leader of this new European order is Germany. In order to safeguard its own interests, France may be forced to support Germany in many aspects. It may even have to form an alliance with Germany under certain special circumstances.
After the alliance, there are certain risks! Like Ruprecht, Crimontso did not believe that this war was a "war to end all wars". France had experienced many failures, but did not stand up again and again? How could the British fall completely because of one failure? The Russians lost the land they ruled for hundreds of years, but Russia, which was vast, was still huge. The United States on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean is gradually spreading its wings and trying to expand its influence to the whole world.
In this world, conflicts between countries still exist, and perhaps a new and larger war will break out in a few decades! And then, where will France go? Don’t say that the French can choose to mingle with Germany now, and then wait for a price! The first request put forward by the Germans has made France extremely fragile when facing Germany. Once hostile, it will undoubtedly be equivalent to opening up the door of the German attack by the German army. At the same time, the trade with Germany that has been engaged in years will eventually affect French public opinion. All classes of France who have gained a lot of benefits will definitely not be hostile to Germany. Therefore, the only choice that France can make is neutral or stand with Germany, and the second possibility will be even higher. After all, France is the beneficiary of this system. If Germany that supports this system falls, where will the French benefit? In fact, isn’t the war just for profit?
Crimontso knew very well that his choice was a one-way road, and he would not be able to turn back if he stepped on it. At that time, France could only expect the Germans to have a long-term national destiny so that the system could continue. But would it be okay if he simply chose neutrality? The first condition of the Germans was to not defend Germany militarily and continue to follow the previous path economically? Although France will be difficult in the future, it will at least not be tied to Germany!
"I know, you are hesitating, and you can't decide on things like this. So you might as well go back to Paris, tell your government what I say, and let them make their own judgment. I believe your government will make the right choice."
"In addition, as the conclusion of this meeting, I would like to say the last thing that, between your current status, it is actually not important who is the boss in this world. What France should do now is to maintain success rather than make progress. How to coordinate the relationship between the suzerain and the colonies and ensure its current status is the key. In this case, why doesn't France choose to cooperate with the top-notch power with the highest offer?" Ruprecht said at the end.
Chapter completed!