Chapter 2297 New Conditions Three
The Grand Duke’s words actually imply to the British that it is of no value for the British to entangle the sovereignty of these two islands under the current circumstances, because the British cannot guard these places, and no foreign forces will make things uncomfortable for these two islands and Germany . The Americans may react fiercely to Germany's landing on the British mainland, but they will definitely not take substantive actions against Germany's control of these two islands!
Silence, long silence. The British knew very well that what the Germans said was indeed true, and they had nothing to do with the Germans wanting to take these two islands! And for things that cannot be stopped, there is no point in arguing about it.
"It seems that we have reached an agreement on this issue." Ruprecht said with a smile. "Then let's move on to the next question, about the arms limitation of the British navy and air force. Britain has fallen from the pinnacle of world power. You have lost a large fleet that took more than 20 years and hundreds of millions of pounds in components. You have lost many It is a colony, and it is burdened with heavy debts. It is impossible to return to the pinnacle of the world when its military power and economy have been severely damaged. So before discussing this issue, I hope your country can have a clear understanding of its position position."
"Even France, which was defeated in the Franco-Prussian War, has never suffered this level of humiliation and suppression. This is true for France, and even more so for Britain. What's more, many civilian fields are involved in these articles! Future aircraft will definitely be used in People, so we absolutely do not accept the clause that prohibits the development of any aircraft with more than three engines! This is a violation of the British Empire's right to use new technologies legally!" Asquith said.
"Do you know what the winners are most worried about?" Ruprecht asked: "The biggest worry is that one day the losers will regain their strength and start the competition again, and that will be a more intense war. Therefore, as winners, without the influence of external factors, we will definitely choose to weaken our opponents as much as possible! If we did not do this, then the conditions did not allow it, just as it was impossible for us to limit the armaments of France back then, because it would be opposed by Britain and Russia, and the German Empire could not resist. But today, our restrictions on your country do not have this barrier! So you understand, we decide to do this, there may be pressure, but in the end, we will succeed, whether your country chooses to cooperate or resist. "
"Your country is not willing to let the British Empire collapse, because although the knives in your hands are sharp enough, your teeth are very bad. You cannot digest the accumulation of the British Empire for hundreds of years. If we are over, then you will not benefit the most. It's the Americans, so the fundamental reason why you chose to let us keep some of the colonies is that you don't want a third party to take advantage of it," Asquith said.
"However, this world is ultimately a world of strength, and if our navy is limited, then we will not be able to effectively defend our remaining colonies. At that time, neither the Japanese nor the Americans can easily defeat We, the Japanese, can break through the Strait of Malacca and enter the Indian Ocean with hard work, and the Americans are even more powerful. If these countries want to, they can easily take away these places. Maybe in the future, you will face a stronger America! This is certainly not what your country wants to see."
Asquith is worthy of being the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He knows very well that it is absolutely impossible to directly confront the Germans, because under the absolute military superiority, the Germans hold a king bomb in their hands! That is the threat of war again! The Germans are not afraid of flipping the table, but the British are afraid!
Therefore, he changed his angle to try to persuade his opponent. He knew the reason why Germany retained some British colonies, and he also knew the contradiction between virtue and virtue. Therefore, Prime Minister Asquith tried to persuade the Germans through the United States to allow Britain to maintain "proper" naval power,
In order to prevent the United States from acquiring these colonies.
"But we think your country has enough military power." Ruprecht was unmoved. "Japan is an ally of Britain. I think this alliance will continue. What you said about maintaining a strong military force to ensure the safety of the Far East colonies is actually completely unnecessary, because you still have allies. At least Japan will not treat you. Your country is doing it, and the United States' primary target is not the United Kingdom. This power is enough."
"In addition, I would like to make it clear that the two fury-class battleships in the shipyard have exceeded the limited tonnage, so they must be scrapped or transferred. The current fury can be kept." Ruprecht said.
"I think the limitation of armaments is a very complicated issue. We need to set up a special group to discuss this matter. So, can we spend our precious time on the most important thing? We are simply unable to repay the compensation requested by your country. It's not just about bankrupting the empire's finances, even if we take out all our hard currency, we can't compensate so much compensation, unless you just want a pile of waste paper."
The Earl of Belfort realized that the issue of armaments had also reached a stalemate, and the Germans did not intend to let go. He believed that the possibility of a breakthrough on this issue was already very low, so he decided to change the topic and discuss the only one of the terms that the United Kingdom had a certain degree of certainty. Rebuttal Clause - Indemnification Question! And the basis for the British bargaining is also very simple, that is, the British government really doesn't have that much money to compensate! Do whatever you like!
"I have always believed that the British are businessmen at heart. They can do everything possible to make profits. But your country's answer disappointed me. Could it be that the UK is unable to earn enough through its own wisdom and operations when it comes to the critical moment of the country's life and death? Is money used to maintain this country? If so, Britain might as well go bankrupt, after all, there is no need for a country that cannot bring compensation to the empire." Albert sneered.
"This amount is really beyond our imagination. Before the war, the financial income of the British Empire was only about 200 million pounds a year, and these compensations and benefits were at least equal to the financial income of the British Empire for 20 years!" Earl Belfort decided to put the facts and make sense .
"However, during the war, your country spent nearly 200 million pounds a month on its military. Didn't Britain still fight for more than two years?" Grand Duke Baden said with a smile.
"Your answer does not seem to have much to do with what I just said. You know that many of these war expenses are overspend, and they are raised by bonds, high taxes and other means.... "As the person in charge of military supplies, Lloyd George said from the side.
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