Chapter 997: berlin conference
Faced with Germany’s invitation, the United States, the island nations, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Italy reacted differently. The Ottoman Turkish Empire is barely considered a big country now, but the country is relatively poor and financial resources are tight, so there is not much money invested in military development. In addition to the three capital ships previously purchased from Germany, Germany was also commissioned to build two capital ships. They are already very satisfied with such naval strength. Participating in the meeting this time is just a soy sauce role.
As for the Kingdom of Italy, when Germany declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Kingdom of Italy seized this opportunity and also declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It not only sent troops to take back Venice and other places occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but also further eased the tension. The relationship with Germany is on the side of Germany. Therefore, Germany generously allowed the Kingdom of Italy to rebuild its navy.
The United States is undoubtedly disgusted by Germany's invitation. They finally decided to let go of their hands and feet and develop their military strength. However, the Germans made such a request. The U.S. government originally wanted to refuse, but after seeing the voices of other countries around the world, they knew that if they refused, the Germans would definitely put the hat of breaking peace on their heads without hesitation. Therefore, the U.S. government had no choice but to say that it would send a delegation to Berlin to participate in the meeting, and was willing to make its own contribution to world peace.
The same is true for island countries, especially the navy of the island country, which finally persuaded the cabinet to start the design and construction preparations for the follow-up battleship. Now the Germans have jumped out to restrict them, which of course will not make them agree. If they are restricted, how will they seek revenge from Germany in the future! However, since the United States, the backer behind them, has indicated that they want to attend the meeting, they have no choice but to bite the bullet and participate. However, Admiral Tomosaburo Kato, Minister of the Navy of the island country, has already made a statement within the navy, and will definitely ensure that the interests of the navy of the island country will not be damaged.
The Berlin Conference will be held on September 18th. Delegations from various countries will rush to Berlin before then.
The main leaders of the US delegation are Secretary of State Bryan and Secretary of the Navy Daniels, the main leaders of the island country delegation are Foreign Minister Ichiro Moto and Marine Minister Tomozaburo Kato, and the leaders of the Ottoman Turkish Empire delegation are Grand Vigil (Equivalent to Prime Minister or Prime Minister) Aisi and Minister of the Navy Fatih Pasha, the representative of the Kingdom of Italy is Prime Minister Orlando and Minister of the Navy Francisco.
Beginning on September 10, these delegations arrived in Berlin one after another. The delegation from the island nation with the farthest distance arrived first.
Although the islanders hate Germany and grit their teeth, on the surface, they are very respectful. This is mainly because the islanders worship the strong by nature, and even resentment is deeply buried in their hearts.
Germany's current strength is undoubtedly the envy of the islanders and even jealousy. If they had such a strong strength as Germany, I am afraid they would have already dominated the world.
Within a few days, delegations from several other countries also arrived. The delegations of the island countries and the United States even held secret meetings. As the younger brother of the United States, the islanders are very self-aware. They are very clear that this time they must be consistent with the United States. Only in this way can it be ensured that their interests will not be harmed.
"Your Excellency, Secretary of State, what exactly are the Germans planning to do this time by holding an arms control meeting?" asked Ichiro Motono, the foreign minister of the island.
"The Germans did this for two purposes. One is to pretend to be working hard for peace in order to change their international image. However, everyone knows that the Germans are the most peaceful people in the world. Destroyer. The second purpose is undoubtedly to suppress the development of our military strength. Although we are still much weaker than the Germans. However, our development speed has already made them feel threatened. Therefore, they That's why they want to suppress us in this way," Bryan said.
"We absolutely cannot let the German conspiracy come true!" Said Admiral Tomosaburo Kato, Minister of the Sea of the island nation.
The island navy has already formulated a series of development plans. They will start construction of two "Nagato-class" battleships, two "Kaga-class" battleships, and even four "Ki-class" battleships in the future. Start designing. All these will enable the strength of the island nation's navy to take off. If they are restricted, then their efforts will be in vain. If you want to defeat Germany and avenge your hatred, that is even more distant.
"Of course we have to oppose the German conspiracy. Restrictions are not limited to us. Similarly, Germany's military strength must also be restricted. This is only fair. The Germans can't blindly restrict us. their military strength, but do not limit them? In that case, what is fair? Even if we do not accept their conditions and the meeting cannot reach an agreement, it is not our fault. I believe that other countries will also recognize it. Despicable faces of the Germans," Minister Daniels said.
General Ichiro Moto and Yusaburo Kato nodded again and again. Obviously, at this Berlin meeting, they will advance and retreat together.
While the U.S. delegation and the island country delegation met in secret, the Ottoman Turkish Empire delegation and the Italian Kingdom delegation were received by Kaiser Qin Tian. The heads of the delegations of the two countries even assured Qin Tian that they would remain consistent with Germany. These two countries can be regarded as being close to Germany. They know that if they offend Germany, the consequences will be very serious. Besides, they don't have extra financial resources to develop the navy, and it's not easy to give Germany a face.