Empire Rising: Spain

Since the establishment of the dual empire, the Cabinet of Austria-Hungary has been somewhat unique. The original power of the Prime Minister has been completely dispersed, with the Foreign Secretary of Austria-Hungary serving as the chairman of the ministerial meetings, theoretically making him the Prime Minister of Austria-Hungary.

However, as components of Austria-Hungary, both Austria and Hungary also have their own Prime Ministers and even possess the Austrian Empire Government and the Hungarian Kingdom Government.

This aspect also reveals the issues within Austria-Hungary; the Imperial Government’s control over Hungary is completely inadequate.

In times of peace, such issues can be concealed. But when it comes to war or other special periods, the lack of control over Hungary by the Imperial Government will ultimately lead to the disintegration of this unique dual empire.

Emperor Franz Joseph I nodded, as he also believed that the Russians would not easily keep their promises.

Although national credibility is also very important, sacrificing the significant regions of Bosnia and Serbia for it would require careful consideration of the gains and losses, for any country.

The reason Austria-Hungary agreed to remain neutral in the war was not only because Russia had Germany’s support but also because the Ottoman Empire had the assistance of the British.

Franz Joseph I originally believed that with the help of the British, even if the Ottoman Empire could not win the war, it could at least drag the Russians into a war of attrition.

Unexpectedly, after encountering trouble at the Plevna Fortress, the Russians quickly made a comeback and directly drove the Ottoman Army near Plovdiv.

This would lead to significant changes in the situation on the Balkan Peninsula, finally making Austria-Hungary, which had been a bystander, anxious.

”What’s the opinion of the British Government? The Ottoman Empire has failed in this war; I fear the British won’t remain indifferent,” Franz Joseph I asked.

If possible, he did not want to face the Russians alone. Although Austria-Hungary is one of the five major traditional powers in Europe, Austria has become the weakest after failing in the competition with Prussia.

We could fight the Russians, but the losses involved would require Franz Joseph I to consider carefully.

”The British are temporarily...” Foreign Secretary Julo Andrássy, the Earl, had not yet finished his words when a knocking sound came from outside the meeting room.

Everyone’s gaze immediately turned towards the meeting room door. After the door opened, the Royal Palace’s butler stood at the entrance with the Deputy Foreign Minister waiting respectfully.

”What’s going on?” Franz Joseph I inquired.

”Your Majesty, ministers. The British Government sent a telegram not long ago, asking if we are willing to mobilize troops to intervene in Russia’s war. They also stated that they would deploy navy and army to assist us in the intervention.

As long as we are willing to send troops to intervene in Russia’s offense and ensure that the Russians do not set foot in Constantinople, the British are willing to let us take Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the Deputy Foreign Minister said respectfully.

Franz Joseph I immediately stood up, eyes filled with excitement, and asked, ”Do you have the original telegram?”

”It’s already brought here, Your Majesty.” The Deputy Foreign Minister handed over the original telegram respectfully, quietly awaiting Franz Joseph I’s decision.

”Your news is timely, and this will change our diplomatic strategy.” After reading the entire original telegram, Franz Joseph I looked at the Deputy Foreign Minister with a satisfied smile.

”Since the original telegram has been delivered, I will take my leave.” The Deputy Foreign Minister, demonstrating keen judgment, did not linger in the meeting room.

After the door closed again, the ministerial meeting of Austria-Hungary resumed.

Franz Joseph I breathed a sigh of relief, instructing the guards to pass the original telegram to all the Cabinet Ministers for viewing.

”Let’s discuss whether we should follow the British request and deploy troops to intervene in Russia’s offense?” Franz Joseph I asked.

After the Cabinet Ministers finished viewing the original telegram, each fell into deep thought.

Foreign Secretary Julo Andrássy, the Earl, was the first to stand and speak: ”If the British are truly willing to dispatch the Royal Fleet, I believe this is an excellent opportunity.

The British do not want Russia to control Constantinople; for the safety of Constantinople, they are naturally willing to offer Bosnia and Herzegovina as compensation.

With the help of the British, at least the Russians won’t pose much threat to us. Once we gain control of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we can still penetrate Serbia, even influencing the more southern Black Mountain Region.

The British, to protect the safety of Constantinople, certainly will not allow the Russians to gain Bulgaria. This way, we gain Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Russia gains Romania, keeping us on the same starting line.”

Before other Cabinet Ministers could react, the current Hungarian Prime Minister, Kálmán Tisza, was the first to become restless, quickly standing up and saying: ”Your Majesty, I believe we should consider carefully.

If we offend the Russians, our borders will face great risk. The Russians can mobilize millions of troops at any time; even if we can resist the Russian offense, it will disrupt our agricultural production and economy.”

Austria-Hungary and Russia are adjacent, and the adjacent areas are precisely the northern regions of Hungary, Galicia, and Lodomeria.