"But the friendly relations between Germany and Finland can always make the Russians afraid of it? Moreover, I don't believe that the Germans will watch Russia eat us! This will harm them without any benefit! Tallinn opposite Helsinki is now the territory of the Germans. I don't believe that they will watch the Russian fleet bombard Helsinki without taking any measures!" Starberg said excitedly.

"This does make sense, but we must always be prepared, and even if necessary, we need to exchange some national sovereignty for the security guarantee of the Germans, because, this time, Bavarian Crown Prince Ruprecht will discuss these issues with us personally. He is an experienced politician and military strategist, and we may have to pay some price when necessary." Mannheim sighed.

After having some exchanges with Mannahem, Starberg finally formulated a plan that he seemed pretty good, so he formally sent a diplomatic note to the German government for a visit. The German responded quickly and expressed his expectation of this meeting, and the Germans still gave the Finnish face. This time, the German Baltic Fleet specially drew out a Bavarian-class battleship Saxony to escort the Finnish delegation to Germany. On this ship, Starberg met the German Emperor's younger brother, Prince Heinrich, the current commander of the Baltic Fleet, and held a friendly negotiation.

So with full expectations, the Finnish delegation set foot on German territory at the port of Kiel, and then took a train to Berlin, where they would meet Crown Prince Ruprecht and Prince Albert.

"I am very happy to meet you and Prince Albert in Berlin. From Helsinki to Berlin, we can deeply feel the kindness of the German Empire. We look forward to this talks that will bring the cooperation between the two countries to a new historical peak. We hope that we can cooperate effectively and effectively," said Starberg.

"We have common interests, common enemies, and potential for in-depth cooperation in the economy. I believe that if both sides can show enough sincerity, then the cooperation between the two countries will be very pleasant." Crown Prince Ruprecht said with a smile. After a brief greeting, both sides immediately got to the point.

"First of all, I am very grateful to your country for its kindness and support to the Finnish Republic, especially its almost unpaid assistance in the military. However, in the future, facing a huge Russia, we believe that the Finnish army, which is mainly composed of light weapons and light artillery, cannot effectively block Russia's attack, so we need heavy long-range artillery, tanks and aircraft, especially aircraft. Finland does not have the ability to produce aircraft now, so we hope that the German Empire can provide some help in technology and production. It is also possible for us to invest in some aircraft." Mannheim said first.

"As friends of your country, we are naturally willing to provide your country with the best help, but now, you should be very clear that although the war in Europe is over, the equipment of the German Empire will still play a huge role in another battlefield. Many of the weapons you need are in short supply, so it is a little nervous in a short period of time. If you plan to buy new weapons, the price may not be very friendly." Prince Albert said.

Finland is really poor now. Of course, in the next 20 years, Finland is still not very rich. After all, the population base is only a little bit, and the per capita GDP is not outrageous. In this case, Finland's military expenditure is naturally very limited. Prince Albert's words are very artistic. He doesn't say it will not be sold to Finland, but he just says we can sell it, but the price will not be so friendly. It is difficult for Finns to accept this simply!

As for whether it is OK to buy weapons from other countries? Not to mention that weapons from other countries may not be cheap. In terms of performance alone, the Finns may not be able to accept them, because Germany fought in Russia for a long time, and their weapons were very suitable for the needs of Russia's winter battlefields. Whether it is the United States, Britain or France, their weapons will definitely not consider fighting in the ice and snow at minus 25 degrees Celsius......

"According to my understanding, the Turkish government was unable to pay a large number of German weapons orders during the war, while your country adopted a relatively flexible payment method and provided loans and appropriate exemptions. I think Finland, as a friendly country in Germany, can also enjoy such a policy? Turkey restrained the Russians in the direction of the Black Sea. Opposite the Finnish border is St. Petersburg, the capital of Russia." Starberg said.

"However, Turkey is our military ally and part of the allies. During the war, the Turkish Empire paid the price of millions of casualties, and even their capital was almost affected by the war. We respect such allies and naturally enjoy super-standard treatment. So what about Finland? We are just a friendly country now, not a military alliance. Our support to your country is because of friendship, not obligations." Crown Prince Ruprecht said with a smile. This is actually a bit harsh. Anyone who has passed the "Diplomatic Rhetoric Level 4" can understand the meaning of the crown prince's words, that is, I will give you something if I am happy. But if I am unhappy, it is normal not to give you. Although Germany is rich, aid is not given casually!

"It's true! The Germans want to tie Finland to their own chariot!" Hearing this, President Starberg's heart skipped a beat. The things he expected that the least he wanted to happen seemed inevitable. However, for the interests of Finland, the president would not submit easily!

"However, Finland is a small country after all, and it is difficult for us to face the powerful Russia independently. Compared to your country, you don't want to see Russia bring Finland back into its territory, right? As long as your country provides a little military aid, we can restrain the Russians' power in St. Petersburg, which is definitely a very good deal for your country." Starberg said.

"At present, Russia is your only enemy, and Russia is also our enemy. Why can't our two countries form a military alliance when we have a common enemy? What exactly restricts our alliance? Is the German Empire not strong enough to bring a sense of security to Finland? Or is it because you have other plans?" Prince Albert asked.
Chapter completed!