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Without any surprises, as a responsible major power, Austria naturally had to provide security protection to Belgium and North Germany.
On August 1, 1888, Franz issued the "Letter to the People of Europe," stating clearly that Austria was committed to maintaining the balance and stability of the European Continent and resolutely fighting against the evil forces that disrupted European order.
As to whether the two countries' governments dare to believe it, that remained unknown. Nevertheless, this announcement still had positive significance and garnered widespread support in public opinion.
With Austria's promise, Beide Countries also gained a trace of confidence at the negotiation table.
Just a trace, for the most disastrous losses in the event of war's outbreak would still be theirs, and no one knew who would win or lose between France and Austria in the end; certainly, those caught in the middle were always the losers.
