Chapter 369: Combining Vertical and Horizontal (Part 2)

Chapter 369: Combining Vertical and Horizontal (Part 2)

London, England.

The British are very optimistic. Whether it is Prime Minister Viscount Melbourne, Palmerston, or even the moody Lord John Russell, they all feel that Austria and Prussia are seeking their own death. In the end, they will have to cede territory, pay compensation, and write a review. fate.

Even the British Colonial Secretary Constantine Phipps and the Marquis of Normandy began to prepare for matters related to taking over Austria's overseas colonies.

(Due to some changes in history, the Whigs are still in power and Robert Peel and his Tories have not yet come to power)

In fact, he had done relevant research before. The colonies in Africa were easy to solve, but the trouble lay in East Africa and Asia. After all, Tanzania was given to Austria by the Oman Empire. If Britain rashly enters the region, it may cause dissatisfaction with the East African overlord.

The Austrian colonies in the Mekong River Basin are full of fanatical religious atmosphere. The British have penetrated them several times but failed. They have also kidnapped some Chenla workers, but no one said anything even if they were tortured to death. No more than a little bit of useful information was produced.

What's even more terrifying is that Austria has established many arsenals locally, supplying arms throughout Southeast Asia. Fanatic believers have mastered advanced weapons. There is nothing more terrifying than this.

"It's so stupid. The damned Vienna system and the rotten Austrian Empire are in their graves," said Palmerston.

"The collapse of the Austrian Empire will inevitably arouse Russia's ambition to advance westward. We should not weaken it too much, otherwise it will have a negative impact on our British hegemony. Perhaps we should warn Russia not to have ambitions in the German region."

John Russell was already thinking about the international situation after the war, but his approach still aroused Palmerston's dissatisfaction.

"Why warn the Russians first? Wouldn't it be better to let them kill and rob? The more chaotic Europe is, the safer we will be. If the Russians like to fight, let them fight. We can even promise the Russians that we will Give them Poland and we in the UK can solve the problem without even sending troops.”

Palmerston's intention is to let the Russians work for nothing, and finally bring the Russians along. This naturally resonated with everyone, and Prime Minister Viscount Melbourne also said the same.

"That's right! Louis Philippe is also a very good person. He lets Russia and France fight against the Prussian and Austrian groups. At that time, we in the UK can sell weapons and supplies to both sides. This will not only allow the mainland to continue to maintain the balance of power, but also It will take our UK strength to the next level.”

"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is wise!" The horses of the cabinet members were delivered in time. They all knew what kind of fool Louis Philippe was. As long as they acquiesced in his annexation of Luxembourg, they were willing to lose all their overseas colonies.

"The German Confederation actually has this benefit. We should really give a medal to the old Member of Parliament Couldre of Luxembourg." Viscount Melbourne continued to joke.

"What a nice Christmas gift."

There was a cheerful atmosphere in the British cabinet.

Palmerston knew very well how to deal with Neserlov and Guizot. What Russia wanted was to become an ally with Britain, while the French wanted to establish a Franco-Belgian customs union.

It doesn't matter, agree first, and when they fight until both sides suffer, Britain will take action. It will deal with France first because it has a large number of overseas colonies, and its huge benefits can convince those timid domestic lawmakers.

After France is solved, we can then deal with Russia, the enemy of civilization. By the time these two battles were over, the national strength of Prussia and Austria would have been almost exhausted. He could already imagine the four countries groveling at the London Peace Conference.

Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.

Franz and Metternich’s long conversation was not over yet.

"You mean to start with France?" Metternich was a little incredulous, but seemed to have thought of something.

"Yes, the British will also go to France. After all, the French are stupid and greedy, and they are the easiest to be fooled. But we can also take advantage of this and let them work for us." Franz said.

"But King Leopold I of Belgium is the son-in-law of Louis Philippe. He married Princess Louise Marie Therese Charlotte Isabelle de Orleans of France. Their children will inherit Belgium in the future. The throne.”

Metternich said with concern that King Leopold I of Belgium was both an in-law of the British royal family and an in-law of the French royal family, which was very difficult to handle.

"But it was a product of the revolution, and Louis Philippe didn't want to wait that long. Spain was so big that he had to wait, and Belgium was just a small country.

If it were so easily available, I think Louis-Philippe would not mind letting Princess Louise and her husband continue to live in Wallonia, France. "

Franz believes that greed can easily defeat human nature, especially when the benefits are large enough. How can his daughter's happiness compare to the great achievements of himself and his family?

"Give Wallonia to France in exchange for concessions from France?" Metternich finally understood what Franz meant, but he didn't seem to fully understand.

But Franz didn't want to continue pursuing such a trivial matter, but said directly.

"Yes, the Belgian province of Wallonia is predominantly French-speaking, which is why the French have always coveted this place."

"In order to win over France, wouldn't it be better to hand over Flemish to them as well? Moreover, the "Lowlands" have always been a restricted area for the British. After France obtains Flemish, there will never be peace between Britain and France."

Metternich gradually caught up with Franz's ideas, but he was a little too radical or too naive.

It is good to let France swallow up Belgium to sow relations between Britain and France, but there are too many loopholes, and the benefits are too great, which will make the other side suspicious.

Although France had many conflicts with Britain at this time, there were not many high-level people on both sides who really wanted to fight. Metternich could see this move, and naturally some people in Britain and France could also see it.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, our Austrian Empire should be the party that maintains order, and if we want to be in harmony with the six countries, how can we do without the Netherlands. We can return the Flemish Kingdom of Belgium to the Netherlands.

As for the contradiction between Catholicism and Protestantism, our Austrian Empire can accept those marginalized Catholics. Anyway, Austria has a lot of land. If they don't want to stay in Austria, they can seek development in overseas colonies.

Moreover, the Dutch have long been dissatisfied with Belgium's independence. The British can drill a hole in the Vienna system, and we can also fill it.

The British want to destroy our system and establish their own system. If Austria always avoids fighting, the other side will take advantage of it.

If we want to maintain our order, we must pay a corresponding price. Likewise, if they want to disrupt order, they must pay a price. Only in this way can the Anglo-Saxons feel more at ease. "

Metternich was very surprised. It was hard for him to imagine that this was a plan that a 12-year-old child could come up with, but perhaps only children could be so naive.