Chapter 121: ,preparation

(Note that there is a place in front of the note, the exchange rate was mistaken by a decimal point, 1 lev = 1 dinar = 1 lei = 1 franc ≈ 0.29 grams of gold, now it is changed.)

In international diplomacy, as long as you judge the ownership of the interests, in the hearts of big people, you can roughly guess the origins of the situation. As for the truth and falsehood, it is often not important!

Ferdinand thought that the secret transaction with Austria-Hungary was inseparable from the speculation of Alexander III!

Crown Prince Nicholas took a deep breath. Obviously he couldn't do the same as Alexander III. He was very worried and said: "Does the deal between Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary mean that their strategic change will affect the peace? What about us?"

Alexander III asked, "Nicolas, what do you think? I want to hear your own judgment!"

Crown Prince Nicholas pondered for a moment, and then said: “I think Bulgaria’s strategy has not changed from beginning to end! Ferdinand’s goal is still the Ottoman Empire, although the Ottomans have fallen, it cannot be challenged by Bulgaria now. of!

The contradiction between Bulgaria and Serbia is deeper than the contradiction between Germany and France. There is no possibility of relaxation. There must be a battle between Bulgaria and Serbia!

Now Vienna wants to teach the disobedient Serbs, and the goal of the Bulgarians hits it off. Ferdinand intends to let the stone fall!

But that's it, Austria-Hungary can't watch Bulgaria maimed Serbia, let alone annex it!

Once Austria-Hungary intervenes, the war will stop! Ferdinand did not ask us for help, indicating that he was mentally prepared! For us, the impact does not seem to be big! "

If Ferdinand listened to Nicholas' judgment, he would be surprised. Is this still the incompetent Nicholas II in the history books?

Think about it, the decline of the Russian Empire began with the Russo-Japanese War. In the first ten years of Nicholas II's reign, this huge empire was still functioning normally!

The czar who mastered this huge empire, an emperor who could suppress the nobles and capitalists in the country; how could an emperor who had the support of the peasant class even after being overthrown be an idiot?

Alexander III smiled and said: "Nicholas, your judgment is correct, but this is also our opportunity! In 1886, Austria-Hungary intervened in the Paul-Serbia War, and many Bulgarians are still worried about it. , Their grievances will be deeper!

Last time Serbia did not pay the price, it is hard to say this time. Once Austria-Hungary's intervention does not satisfy them, it is estimated that they will not read Vienna well!

Our opportunity has come to stir up their civil conflicts. Even if Serbia completely fell to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Joseph could not easily swallow it! "

The Prime Minister said in surprise: "Your Majesty, Austria-Hungary has the ambition to annex Serbia, so are we going to intervene in this war, otherwise~~"

Nicholas interrupted the Prime Minister's words: "No need! Serbia is not easy to swallow. The British will not let Austria-Hungary dominate the Balkans, and even their ally, the Germans, will probably oppose it!

Our strategic focus is now on the Far East. It is enough to have Bulgaria in the Balkans. There is no need to involve too much energy in the short term! "

Alexander III thought for a while and said, "Nikola is right, now we don’t have to intervene! Even if I prevent this war, Serbia will not come to us!

Unless we are willing to fight the Austro-Hungarian Empire for a Serbia! Otherwise, once Joseph's patience runs out, all our investment in Serbia will be lost! "

……

The different opinions of the top Russian government are also caused by the different strategies advocated by the factions within the Russian Empire! The European faction represented by the prime minister, and the Far Eastern faction headed by Crown Prince Nicholas.

The Europeans hope to expand in the Balkans and then enter the Mediterranean, so they support intervention in the Belarusian War; the Far Easternists believe that the Balkans are complicated and that Russia will encounter resistance from Britain, Germany, Austria, and Italy if it wants to enter the Mediterranean. Expand to the Far East to develop national power, and finally return to Europe!

From a strategic point of view, Russia’s implementation of the Far East Plan is correct, and European powers are too strong to make breakthroughs.

Even if it fails in the Russo-Japanese War, it cannot be said that the Far East strategy is a mistake, it can only be regarded as an implementation error!

In fact, Russia’s harvest in the East is still very rich. The vast territory and abundant resources have laid the foundation for the rise of the Soviet Union in future generations!

If it were not for greed, the Russian Empire had not fallen into the quagmire of the Balkans, and continued to implement the Far East Plan, and world history would have to be rewritten again!

It is estimated that Crown Prince Nicholas, who opposes intervention in the Serbia War, would never dream that he would launch a world war for a Serbia that he can give up, and eventually destroy his empire!

Ferdinand, who has just sent away the Russian foreign envoy, Earl Paul, is in a good mood now. There was no accident. The Russians were willing to cooperate with this scene, and now it can be said that the winner is in hand!

……

"Are the Constantine government departments ready?" Ferdinand asked

Constantine said without hesitation: "Duke, we are ready for everything! Bulgaria can enter a wartime state at any time. UU Reading domestic related major factories have been included in the scope of government coordination. !

The strategic material reserve is enough for a 200,000 army for a year. At present, a special wartime fund of 100 million Lev has been raised, but the following construction projects may be postponed! "

Ferdinand nodded in satisfaction, and then said: "Well, well done, let's start mobilizing! Although most of the reserve is not needed, it is a drill!

How's the chief of staff and the military preparing? When can it start? "

Hearing Ferdinand’s words, Petrov replied confidently: "Your Excellency, please rest assured, there is only Serbia, we can attack at any time!

According to the estimation of the General Staff, the duration of this war will not exceed two months. Normally, within one month, we will be able to occupy Kraljevo and end the war! "

Specifically how to fight, Ferdinand wisely chose the default. You know your own level. If you are talking about soldiers on paper, that's okay; if you have to formulate a strategy, you will still be able to command the battle. It's not as good as Zhao Kuo!

How about the commanding ability of the Bulgarian military? This is really hard to say! At least people commanded a group of militiamen to overthrow Serbia nine years ago, at least the tactical level is qualified!

Ferdinand said with a smile: "Serbia has already begun nationwide mobilization, so let's start. You can't really wait for them to be ready before going to war? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for finding a suitable excuse to declare war, and other departments cooperate!

The military must not forget the strategic purpose of this war! All battles must revolve around the core goal of reducing Serbia’s vitality to the maximum! "

"Yes"! Petrov sonorously returned

……