Chapter 199 Negotiation

In Berlin in February, the sky seemed a little gloomy. The leaves of the bodhi tree on the avenue under the bodhi tree had fallen, leaving only the staggered forks reflecting a little claw shadow under the morning sun. Occasionally, after a cloud covered the sky, the tree shadow disappeared.

Although the sky is a little cloudy and there is a trace of chill in the air, there are still pedestrians walking on the sidewalk on the road under the bodhi tree. When the jingling tram stops, people keep going up and down.

On the street under the Bodhi Tree, two Chinese-made Tianma cars were driving fast, and a small flag was flying on the headlights of the leading Tianma luxury car: the national flag of the Chinese Empire.

In the wide back seat of the car, Yang Sheng sat there quietly. At this time, he looked serious and sat motionless. He was wearing a gray tweed coat, a dark gray hat with a hard brim almost folded, and his eyes stared ahead without blinking.

And his hands were on his knees. To be precise, it was a brown cowhide briefcase placed on his knees, and on both sides of him, there were two young people with a serious expression. Although they were in casual clothes, they could see some military style. The two squeezed him in the middle.

In this way, the car drove quietly on the street. After passing the Bodhi Tree Street, the car turned into another road and drove towards the suburbs.

Today is a special day.

Yang Sheng thought so in his heart that just yesterday, with full authorization, he submitted the Sino-German Alliance Treaty (Draft) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the German Empire for the first time, and at the same time put forward a request to form an alliance with Germany. Everything was in accordance with Germany's requirements, drafted by China, and then proposed by China on its initiative.

The draft and request were submitted in the morning, and at 4:15 p.m., Yang Sheng received an official reply from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the German Empire. Tomorrow, that is, today, the representatives of China and Germany will hold formal talks in a palace belonging to the Kaiser outside Berlin.

This will undoubtedly create a history!

Yang Sheng understands that the Sino-German Alliance Treaty (Draft), which is rewritten according to the telegram sent in China, will create a history for China. As soon as the treaty is signed and approved by the two parliaments, then China will form an alliance with the world's first-class power for the first time. This alliance is complete. In terms of obligations, it involves even more than any alliance treaty in history.

He looked at the two embassy marines around him with Yu Guang. They looked serious and put their hands in their pockets. Yang Sheng knew that they were on guard with guns in their hands and were ready to "fight" at any time. In the rear car, there were also three Marines holding submachine guns. Such a strict guard was to avoid the occurrence of the occurrence of the What is the possible accident?

At least this alliance treaty must be kept strictly confidential until it is signed by the two countries.

"I hope they didn't notice it!"

Yang Sheng thought in his heart, while thinking about whether the Berlin diplomatic community had been aware of this information recently. It seemed that neither Britain nor the United States, France or Russia had realized that China and Germany had formed an accurate alliance.

Finally, when the hour hand pointed to nine o'clock, the car drove into a royal manor, and in front of the palace in the middle of the manor, German Foreign Minister Yakov waited for Yang Sheng with a smile.

"Today, we will make history, Mr. Special Envoy!"

After Yang Sheng got out of the car, Yakov looked at him and said meaningfully that what is now in front of him is not only the ambassador of the Chinese Empire to Germany, but also the special envoy of His Majesty the Emperor of the Chinese Empire.

"It will create a new history that belongs to the German Empire and the Chinese Empire..."

"Yes, Your Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, today we will create history!"

Yang Sheng nodded and agreed that everything today is creating history. This is the first sentence Yang Sheng said after they walked into the palace belonging to the German emperor, and also the first sentence he said after leaving the embassy.

A few minutes later, in the conference room of the palace, the representatives of the two sides in the talks sat on both sides of the long table. Compared with more than a dozen representatives from Germany, Yang Sheng only brought two attendants, but for him, this is enough. In the domestic telegram, it has detailed where China's bottom line is.

The telegram will be deciphered. Yang Sheng is not worried. Whether it is the alliance treaty or the bottom line of negotiations, it is a temporary password that has been enabled. The password is brand new and has never been used. It will only be activated in this special event, and new passwords will be continuously enabled in the future.

Even if it is deciphered, there is no password book in the steel clip. What they see is only a four-legged code, and the translation is only a set of numbers.

"Since we will sign a historical treaty, both of our countries have benefited. In the future, the cooperation between Germany and China will bring benefits to our country and our citizens. What do you think, Mr. Special Envoy?

The traditional diplomatic politeness came out of Yakov's mouth, while Yang Sheng nodded.

"I don't think there is anything more in line with the interests of China and Germany and the nationals of the two countries than this alliance treaty!"

So Yakov smiled again and looked at the Chinese ambassador to Germany in front of him. The Chinese people need this treaty, and Germany also needs this treaty. However, both sides need it, so there is no problem with the signing. Now, the next thing they want to talk about is the obligations and responsibilities of the two sides in the treaty.

"I believe,"

While talking, Yakov lit a cigar. He knew that the ambassador in front of him did not smoke a cigar, but only that kind of paper cigarette.

When Yakov was about to say something, Yang Sheng raised his eyebrows slightly, as if he wanted to hear what he was going to say next.

"But once this alliance treaty is signed, no country in the world will dare to underestimate China!"

Then Yakov specifically emphasized.

"I have no doubt about this!"

"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, I also have no doubt about this!"

Nodded, and Yang Sheng continued to say after expressing his approval.

"I believe that when the world knows that Germany has China as an ally, the whole world will understand that Germany will get rid of the dilemma of east-west attacks!"

As a diplomat, Yang Sheng knew that if he was put on the air of "benevolence" by Yakov at this time, and he acquiesced, China would definitely lose a lot in the following negotiations.

Yang Sheng's sentence gently pushed back the "favor" revealed in Yakov's words. In this alliance treaty, there is no favor to whom, but only common obligations and responsibilities.

"Of course!"

Yakov just laughed. The previous words were just to take advantage of the negotiation. Now that the two are tied, there is no need to get entangled in this issue, so they opened the German translation of the Sino-German Treaty (Draft).

"In view of the fact that the emperor of the German Empire, His Majesty the King of Prussia and His Majesty the Emperor of the Chinese Empire must believe that it is their indispensable duty as monarchs to ensure the security of their empire and the peace of their subjects in all circumstances; in view of the close alliance of the two empires, it is easier and more effective to perform this duty; Finally, Given that the close cooperation between Germany and China will not threaten any country, and the purpose is to consolidate peace in Europe and Asia.

His Majesty the Emperor of the German Empire and His Majesty the Emperor of the Chinese Empire solemnly promised each other that they would never let the pure defense agreement develop a tendency to aggression in any aspect, and decided to conclude an alliance treaty of peace and common defense!"

When Yakov read the beginning of the alliance treaty, Yang Sheng also looked at the Chinese version. Unlike the German version, the Chinese Empire is at the top of the Chinese version, which is an international treaty practice.

"There is no objection to this in the German Empire!"

After reading, Yakov looked at Yang Sheng and asked.

"Do you have any objections?"

"No."

Of course, there will be no objection. This is a draft written by China. How can there be any objection? What's more, this is just an introduction to the treaty, and the real negotiation is later.

Then, Yang Sheng made a speech, where he read about the appointment of plenipotentiary representatives of the two countries. Process, this is just a necessary process.

"First, if contrary to their wishes and contrary to the loyal wishes of both States parties, one of the two empires is attacked by Britain, and the two States parties are obliged to help each other with all the military strength of the empire, and therefore they can only conclude a peace treaty together after mutual consent."

After reading this, Akow said to the Lord.

"For the sake of reality, we hope that this clause will be aimed at Britain and changed to the Russian Empire!"

For Germany, this is out of the most direct interest. But if this secret treaty is leaked, then the first article is enough to make Britain more wary of Germany, which Germany is not willing to face now. More importantly, Germany signed this treaty to use China to contain Russia, not Britain.

"Your Excellency Plenipotentiary, considering the actual threats faced by the Chinese Empire, we hope that both Britain and Russia can be written into direct terms, not broad terms!"

Yang Sheng did not hesitate to refuse, and at the same time expressed his attitude. To be precise, it is China's attitude. The direct clause is completely different from the constraints of the broad clause. It is said that the game was played by the British, that is, it was played on the broad clause. China does not want to repeat the mistakes of the Japanese version.

"This..."

Hesitating, Yakov fell silent.

For the United Kingdom, it is precisely the responsibility that Germany is unwilling to bear, at least the responsibility that it is not willing to bear now.

"Your Excellency, if the British terms are written, we can bear a wider range of responsibilities and obligations! Of course, this is under the premise that Germany needs it!"

In the face of Yang Sheng's persistence, Yakov moved his shoulder with dissatisfaction, extinguished the cigar with a rapid action, and pressed the cigarette butt to the bottom of the crystal glass soot.

"Okay!"

Yakov nodded and said.

"I think we can temporarily enter this clause and go directly to the next clause!"

Yang Sheng, who knew that Yakov had no right to make the decision, did not insist, but directly read the second article in German.

"Second, if one of the State party is attacked by another country, the other party shall not only not support the aggressor against its ally, but also at least adopt a good and neutral attitude of the State party.

However, if in this case, the attacking country is supported by the United Kingdom, whether this support is active cooperation or a military measure to advance the threat to the attacked country, the obligation of mutual assistance with all combat forces stipulated in Article 1 of this Treaty should also take effect, and in this case In this case, the two parties shall fight together until the joint conclusion of peace.

"I think,"

After Yang Sheng finished reading this article, Yakov said, "If we temporarily exclude the designated country, this article will be accepted by the German Empire."

"Of course!"

Yang Sheng did not object. This is only a broad clause, and some of the bases in the broad clause are based on the first one. Even if Yakov needs to ask for instructions, he naturally does not need to insist.

"Article 3, according to the spirit of mutual assistance between the German Empire and the Chinese Empire, the German Empire will provide comprehensive technical assistance to the Chinese Empire to help the Chinese Empire achieve the comprehensive industrialization of the country in the short term. In return, the Chinese Empire will pay currency to the German Empire or use minerals and agricultural products as Equivalent exchange."

After reading this clause, Yakov said.

"Comprehensive technical assistance, according to the terms, we will transfer a number of technology transfers to your country, including technical standards, mechanical equipment patents, metallurgical technology, military equipment technology, etc., which involves the interests of too many German companies. Therefore, we believe that this should be based on commercial cooperation, and the German political axe is willing to I intend to cooperate with the procurement of China's political axe!"

"We hope to include this in the treaty!"

When answering the question, Yang Sheng's face still kept smiling. This, the bottom line given in China is very clear, and it must be guaranteed by the treaty. Yang Sheng vaguely guessed that perhaps for His Majesty, what he values most should be this clause, which is even far more important than the first one.

For a backward country like China, what it needs more is rapid industrialization and the introduction of foreign technology in the process.

"We believe that after the conclusion of the treaty, China will fully introduce German experts to help us formulate a comprehensive national development plan, and in this process, we must get the full cooperation of the German Empire, because we will open all of our country to your country at that time!"

In the last sentence specially emphasized, Yang Sheng continued.

"We hope that your country will send the best technical personnel to guide our production, including the production of military industry. At the same time, our army and naval bases will also be open to the military experts sent by your country. Your country will be responsible for guiding us to build a more modern and regular army. At the same time, our military schools, also Your country needs to send more military instructors, and the army and navy also need a large number of consultants, in short"

Emphasizing, Yang Sheng looked at the surprised Yakov and said.

"We will completely open our everything to our allies, but this must be consolidated in the form of a treaty. I think this is the most normal request! And..."

In addition to Yakov's surprise at the "openness" of the Chinese to Germany, Yang Sheng continued to throw the bait that had already been prepared.

"A strong China is in the interests of Germany. The stronger China is, the more likely it is to become Germany's most powerful helper in future wars. China is too far away from Germany, which makes it impossible for us to import machinery, steel and weapons from Germany during the war. Therefore, we It is necessary for Germany to transfer these technologies to China. Only in this way can we truly become a powerful ally of your country, not a delaying ally.

"Of course, Germany thinks"

Yakov, who slowly calmed down, continued slowly and said every word clearly. "This point raised by His Excellency the Plenipotentiary is indeed very legitimate, but considering that too many commercial interests are involved, we must be cautious, but Germany does not oppose Germany and China's development. Comprehensive military cooperation..."

Yakov still can't answer directly. After all, this involves not only the country, but also many German enterprises, which are private enterprises. It is impossible for the German political axe to make a decision for them.

"Of course, all our actions will take into account the commercial interests of your country. In return, China can guarantee that more than 70% of the orders for external machinery and equipment will be handed over to your country. At the same time, in the process of patent transfer, we will fully take care of the interests of your enterprises, and all we need is your country's political axe. Assist within the framework of the contract!"

He sat aside with half of his eyelids, and Yakov continued.

"This problem is very complicated..."

Then he paused for a moment, suddenly rushed out of the sun, and continued to talk, but now his tone has become strong.

"You must understand that German technology is mastered in private enterprises. For Germany, we feel that what we are interested in is not words or empty words, but practical actions"

Then he continued, louder and more louder and more resolute. "Of course, we will provide help to your country. Of course, this must be based on the willingness of German enterprises to transfer and are also willing to facilitate these transactions. However, if those enterprises do not want to, then this clause will become a piece of paper. At one point, we hope your country can understand!"

Yakov quickly and clearly listed his reasons one by one, as if he was unwilling to give Yang Sheng time to consider the answer.

Then he paused for a moment, and Yang Sheng shook his head after a moment of silence.

"We insist that this clause must be included in the treaty. We believe that it is in the interests of the German Empire and also in the interests of the Chinese Empire!"

"In that case, it will be difficult for us to reach a consensus on this clause today!"

Yakov replied truthfully.

Yang Sheng nodded.

"It doesn't matter. We have plenty of time!"

(to be continued)