Chapter 198 China and Germany

Britain in 1906 gathered a large amount of wealth in the world and had the largest colony in the world. As an advanced country of the industrial revolution, the national philosophy of this country has also changed. When Europe became a ruin after Napoleon's war, Britain became the world's factory. Their goods poured into the European continent like a flood, and Britain's wealth grew like a fly, which promoted their reproduction capacity and increased production, thus gaining markets in India, China and the world.

However, now, with China's magnificent development potential after the restoration, under the priority of certain tariff protection and policies, the rapidly developing industrial factories in China are not only squeezing foreign products in the Chinese market little by little, but also some businessmen begin to go south at the same time, trying to develop to the south. Millions of overseas Chinese in Nanyang also like to use Tangshan's goods.

The purchase of domestic products is patriotic. The same sale of domestic products is more patriotic, and most of the retailers in Nanyang are Chinese. In just a few months, China's exports to Nanyang have exceeded the total of the past few years. According to this momentum, sooner or later, they will take away the British market, and those will be piled up in The goods in the warehouse will have nowhere to go.

This is obviously an unacceptable reality for British businessmen, and British diplomacy has always been to stop those things that are dangerous to them in their infancy.

But the approach is very cunning. They avoid the direct means of war as much as possible. If they can't avoid it, they will let other countries fight through clever diplomatic means. Even if they have to send troops by themselves to the end, they will try to unite with some countries with common interests to act together.

Although Britain really wants to cut off the seedlings of China's development, there will be no war with China. In British diplomatic idiom, that is, "balance of power in the Far East"

To maintain this balance, some diplomatic means are needed.

What they originally considered was the Japanese version.

When China, through decisive adventures, took advantage of the war relationship between Japan and Russia to regain Taiwan, which was ceded to Japan ten years ago, the relationship between China and Japan suddenly became tense, and the two countries regarded each other as imaginary enemies.

It is also because of this that when Japan showed that it was ready to attack China, Britain did not stop them. It even condoned Japan's action through a loan of 30 million pounds, and assisted Japan many times during this period. It can be said that because of this, Sino-British relations also turned cold and urgent.

In December 1905, the export value of British goods to China was 120,000 pounds, while six months ago, the export value of British goods to China in that month was 2 million pounds. This rapid relationship is often the most fully reflected through trade, while the changes between China and Britain are seen by other countries. In my eyes, happiness in my heart.

"Why don't you just form the Dehua League!"

Hermann, German Ambassador to the United Kingdom? Feng? Agard Stain, after realizing that the relationship between Britain and China has turned cold, especially after the Chinese ambassador even expressed China's anger by refusing to hold a normal meeting.

He realized that the best opportunity for Germany had come. After the emperor's short-sighted refusal to provide a loan to Russia, any European diplomat knew that the loan ultimately determined Russia's direction, and Germany would have to face the direction from Britain and France. And the pressure from their future ally Russia.

At this time, Agardstadt has changed from the relationship between China and the United Kingdom and realized that the time has come to break the two-line crisis in Germany. As long as Germany can pull China into the German camp, the situation in Russia must turn from safety to danger, and he also needs to consider China's threat.

In such an era when diplomats are active everywhere, but there are also some laymen in it, at least there is a little bit of this taste. As an acting ambassador, unlike many professional diplomats, he has not received formal training, and he is purely interested in this profession. In fact, this is common in the diplomatic circles of all countries. As long as you can get the trust of the emperor with a strong right to read, this will happen even in Germany, which has a very strict bureaucracy.

In the diplomatic community in London, Agardstad carried out diplomatic activities with his private money, which was not a problem for him in terms of money, but for him, he knew that he needed a suitable merit to prove that he was qualified for this position. Similarly, he understood that if he could promote "de" China Alliance", then the whole Germany will bear in mind its own credit. Now China has shown its combat effectiveness, so the remaining problem is a treaty.

It is also based on this idea that he began his own diplomatic action in London. He first asked the political elites in London about their abandonment of China and Asia.

"Maintaining the balance of power in the Far East is the only starting point for the United Kingdom, and the United Kingdom believes that China is destroying the balance in the Far East!"

The answer of British politicians, whether pro-China or pro-Japanese politicians, is such an answer, which finally made Aigardsta affirm the Dehua League.

Because when he visited Wang Daxie, the British ambassador to China, he relayed the attitude of the British people he learned.

"It can be thought that Britain is now very dissatisfied with your country's military actions against Japan and the previous peace conditions. If China takes further military action, Britain is likely to take some measures to force your country to make concessions!"

Through that harsh negotiation and conditions, Egaldesta believes that for China, they must have further action, but they seem to be waiting for something, or they are not ready at all.

"Britain,..."

With a cold snort, Wang Daxie raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Please believe that we will not succumb to the pressure from Britain! Whether it's any pressure!"

Wang Daxie's answer only made Agardstad happy. Although he was just a non-professional diplomat, he knew that China's statement was really good news for Germany, which was about to be hit by two countries.

"Well, at this time, you, China, must consider that maybe you need a friend!"

There was a hint in Agardsta's words, and Wang Daxie could not hear the meaning in his words, after a moment of silence.

"Germany has proved many times that your kindness to the Chinese Empire. Now Germany wants to invest in the construction of the Longhai Railway in China. I think China and Germany can become real friends!"

In fact, Wang Daxie did not know that all this was an Agardista's personal adventure. Now he just suppressed the joy in his heart. He speculated about the intention of Agardista here, and at the same time threw out the negotiations between China and Germany on the loan of the Longhai Railway, which may also be a signal. If he can understand.

"Mr. Ambassador, do you think it is possible for Germany to form a real alliance with China? I mean the treaty!"

Agaldesta finally made his intention clear. He came here for a treaty.

"on the treaty?"

"Yes, Mr. Ambassador, I think there are too many things in common between China and Germany's international interests. We are both backward countries, and most importantly, we all need to face threats from Britain. I think we have a common enemy, which means that we have the possibility of becoming friends!"

Then Agardesta said with excitement from the bottom of his heart.

"Of course, this friend is closer. This friend can provide support for each other. We can provide the best guarantee for each other's safety. When China faces the attack of other countries, Germany will declare war on other countries as soon as possible, and vice versa!"

"What!"

Egardesta only surprised Wang Daxie. He could hardly believe what he heard. Does he mean that Germany wants to form a full alliance with China?

In order to confirm the authenticity of the news, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Weddell, the German minister in Japan. Weddell knew nothing about it. Surprisingly, he confirmed the matter with Berlin. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also unaware of this matter. That is to say, the whole thing is a one-man show sung by Agardelstain alone.

However, even if Agard Star started the play alone, he gave birth to the British Alliance because of his performance. In this way, it seems that he still achieved his goal.

"So..."

Pressing the ecstasy and incredible in the bottom of his heart, Wang Daxie looked at Egaldsta seriously and asked.

"I don't know, is this what your country means, or..."

"Your Excellency, if we work together, it will become the common will of our two countries. Of course, we still have a lot of work to do next. Please believe that for Germany, we are very happy to be a partner with a strong China until we are allies!"

Egardstad's words moved Wang Daxie, and at the same time, perhaps the German's words were serious.

"At this time, I hope that your country can take the initiative to make this request to Germany at the right time. Of course, I will first use all my relationships in Berlin to promote this matter. In the end, at the right time, your country only needs to make a request!"

After Agardista said this, Wang Daxie immediately sent a telegram back to the country, first conveying the meaning of Agardista, and then hoping that the domestic initiative to start direct negotiations, of course, at the right time.

When sending this telegram, Wang Daxie certainly did not know that, in fact, whether it is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Your Majesty himself, he has always wanted to establish an alliance with Germany. In any case, it is always appropriate to get an ally like Germany as support, whether in the long run or Recently, it has been beneficial to China, and in fact, China has begun to carry out these preparations, such as increasing trade orders from Germany, promoting the establishment of the "Sin-German Association" in Germany, and hiring German [***] officers to serve in military schools. In short, Wang Daxie does not know that now China is falling to Germany, and his This telegram has attracted great attention in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On February 4, on the day of receiving Wang Daxie's telegram, Liang Dunyan did not discuss with Prime Minister Zhang Zhidong, so he went directly to see His Majesty and forwarded Wang Daxie's telegram to His Majesty.

"The problem is that now this is just Agadsta's personal behavior!"

Listening to Liang Dunyan's report, unlike the ecstasy expressed by Liang Dunyan and Wang Daxie, Chen Moran just said very calmly. Maybe they don't know, but they understand that the alliance with Germany is only an expedient. To be precise, it is only a temporary use. If you want to really implement the treaty, there is no door. Yes, even in a few years, I may stab myself in the back of Germany.

"Your Majesty, after all, this is a hope. I believe that this is not just the personal wish of Igadstad, William's favorite minister. Isn't there the same wish in Germany?"

Liang Dunyan looked at His Majesty and continued to say.

"Your Majesty, since you have agreed to the plan of the Army Department, the alliance with Germany is bound to be accelerated. After all, no one can predict what kind of attitude Britain will show, so... Your Majesty, what is the current situation in our country now? Although we took advantage of the adventure in the Russian War and won the status of a powerful country after winning, in fact, our country is still a semi-opened country. In the current semi-consecrated state, there is really no power to fight against the threat of Britain. If you want to save the country, you must make a major transformation. With some diplomatic work alone, you can't get rid of the current country's predicament..."

Speaking of which, Liang Dunyan was silent. To a large extent, he was not a pro-German faction, but now, at this time, he knew that only by allieding with Germany could he save the country from possible dangers in the future.

"Diplomatic work..."

After a moment of meditation, Chen Moran nodded, and then stood up and looked at the garden outside the window.

"External force, just a temporary help. In the next few decades, what we must do is to promote the industrialization of this country at no cost, and of course, the transformation of the people, all of which take time..."

It takes time, and how can we get this time? If Britain wants to remain silent in China's future attack on Japan, at least not to use force to stop China, it must rely on Germany's deterrence, but if it is now allied with Germany, will Britain definitely choose to eliminate future threats?

No, if it is allied with Germany, Britain must take into account Germany's attitude. Is it possible for Britain to dare to test the Germans' maintenance of the alliance by war?

"Let's test the Germans in Germany when we start the activity in Egadsta!"

As a diplomat, Yang Sheng, who studied in Germany in the pre-Qing Dynasty and accompanied Yinchang to Germany to "apology", never thought that he would become an ambassador to Germany, but the fact was always the same. He retained too many former Qing officials in the Chinese Empire. He was just one of them. In fact, to some extent, he and Ai Gadesta was also eager to prove his value with some "merits", but when he received instructions from the country, Berlin showed a glimmer of hope in front of him, although it was the one who helped to open it.

Yang Sheng grasped this opportunity and immediately visited German Foreign Minister Yakov after getting permission from the country.

Compared with the German Yakov, he is not tall, even a little thin and his eyes are small. If you look at Chinese studies, this person is a typical cunning appearance, but in fact, Yang Sheng, who has been with him for a long time, knows that this person is far from the cunning of a diplomat. Cunning.

When Yang Sheng went to visit, in the face of his temptation, Yakov, as the German Foreign Minister, answered very directly.

"As you said, Germany also needs an alliance in this regard, and in Germany's view, it is appropriate to form an alliance with your country!"

In a word, it was completely beyond Yang Sheng's expectation. He didn't expect that Yakov would be so direct.

In fact, Yang Sheng did not know that after Germany refused the loan to Russia, in the face of the possibility that Russia would completely turn to Britain and France at any time, Kaiser Wilhelm II's attitude was also a little nervous in anger.

"Now Russia is an alliance with France. If Russia turns to Britain and becomes the enemy of Germany, Germany will be caught in the attack between Russia and France. So Germany will fall into a situation of isolation. Germany is a little overwhelmed by Russia alone. If France inserts a knife in the back, Germany will be in a desperate situation. For the security of the German Empire, we should still maintain good-neighborly relations with Russia, but again, in order to ensure that in the future, it is appropriate to form an alliance with China, which is equivalent to inserting a knife behind Russia. If we deliberately maintain it, even if Russia turns to Britain, then they have to consider the future. I will be caught in a two-sided attack between China and Germany.

It can be said that it was the "diplomatic strategy" that made Germany make Germany make the final decision - alliation with China.

Because only China can compete with Russia in Asia, otherwise it will be difficult to face the siege of Britain, France and Russia by relying on Germany alone.

"Mr. Ambassador, please tell your emperor that Germany is willing to sign an alliance treaty with China in the sense!"

Yakov said at the right time, and then he repeated.

"Of course, we hope that this alliance treaty is proposed by China, do you understand?"

Anyway, Yang Sheng knew that he had got the answer he wanted, and there was no need to do a more in-depth discussion now, and Yakov continued, "Let's discuss it together when there is a specific plan for the alliance!"

(to be continued)