"Damned Germans! They actually refuse to recognize the rightful interests the Empire holds over Italy! It is utterly infuriating. The Germans are blatantly severing ties, betraying their allies!" Once outside the palace and seated in the car, Crown Prince Karl raged furiously. His face twisted with anger, looking all the more fearsome as his fury consumed him.
"Your Highness, what demands did you make of His Imperial Majesty, the German Emperor?" Baron Berchtold, Austria-Hungary's Foreign Minister, inquired.
"I demanded that Italy pay 50 billion krone in reparations, cede Venice and the territory to the east to Austria-Hungary, and transfer all of Italy's colonies to us," replied the Crown Prince.
Baron Berchtold was dumbfounded. These demands had not been discussed with him beforehand! Clearly, the Crown Prince had acted unilaterally. To the Baron, the demands seemed far too excessive.
"Your Highness, might these demands be too harsh? No wonder the Germans have refused," said Baron Berchtold.
"Harsh? I disagree. These conditions are modeled after the terms Germany imposed on France," the Crown Prince retorted.
"Uh..." Baron Berchtold fell silent, unable to counter.
Germany had extorted vast interests from France, certainly a tempting prospect, but that did not mean Austria-Hungary could do the same with Italy. Italy was not as wealthy as France, and moreover, while Germany had monopolized the spoils from France, Italy's concessions would be split between Germany and Austria-Hungary—an entirely different matter. Moreover, Libya, part of Italy's overseas colonies, was a territory of great value to Germany. The notion that Austria-Hungary might seize all of Italy's colonies, including Libya, was akin to taking food from the lion's mouth.
"Your Highness, the Germans are unlikely to relinquish Libya," said Baron Berchtold.
"The Germans have acquired so many colonies already—are they not worried about overextension? Moreover, Libya's oil is of immense strategic value to Austria-Hungary. If we can exploit it, we will gain an enormous wealth that could help resolve many of our domestic issues," the Crown Prince asserted.
Baron Berchtold could say nothing more. He only thought the Crown Prince had greatly simplified the situation. Such actions would not only harm the relationship between Germany and Austria-Hungary but also add numerous complications to the peace talks.
"Your Highness, might we consider slightly lowering our demands? This could make reaching an agreement easier. For instance, reducing the war indemnity to 5 billion krone, allowing us to take Venice and the land to the east, and limiting our claims to Italian East Africa. This might facilitate a quick settlement and peace treaty," suggested Baron Berchtold.
"What? Baron, what are you implying? You are severely compromising the Empire's interests!" the Crown Prince snapped, clearly displeased with the Baron's proposal.
"Your Highness, I am only considering the Empire's best interests," the Baron countered.
"Enough, Baron. This time, we will follow my approach. I am confident I will bring greater benefits to the Empire," the Crown Prince said dismissively.
Baron Berchtold had no choice but to remain silent. He feared that the Crown Prince's approach would undoubtedly harm Austria-Hungary's long-term interests, but unfortunately, the Crown Prince would not listen.
The following day, the peace talks between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy commenced.
The negotiations took place in the conference room of the German Foreign Ministry. Around a large round table, representatives from the three parties gathered. Germany was represented by Foreign Minister von Weichs, Austria-Hungary by Crown Prince Karl and Baron Berchtold, and Italy by Foreign Minister Paolo Boselli.
"Your Highness, Your Excellency. The Kingdom of Italy deeply regrets our actions. We should never have listened to the lies of the British and French, betraying our allies. Fortunately, our alliance has ultimately triumphed in the war. Italy now seeks redemption and hopes that, in consideration of our former alliance, Germany and Austria-Hungary will offer us a chance to make amends," said Paolo Boselli, bowing low in apology.
Having fully grasped the severity of the terms in Germany's treaty with France, Boselli felt immense pressure. Both King Vittorio Emanuele III and Prime Minister Antonio Salandra had insisted that he prevent Italy from suffering a similar fate. If possible, he would even kneel before Germany and Austria-Hungary, begging for forgiveness, but he knew that such an act would be utterly futile. Both Germany and Austria-Hungary were eager to exploit this opportunity to extort Italy.
"How dare Italy shamefully betray our alliance, bringing great peril to the entire coalition and inflicting severe losses. Words of repentance will not suffice to absolve such treachery!" Crown Prince Karl declared sternly.
"Indeed, His Highness is right. Italy must pay the price for its actions!" added Foreign Minister von Weichs.
"Your Highness, Your Excellency, the Kingdom of Italy is willing to compensate Germany and Austria-Hungary for our transgressions. However, Italy is not wealthy, and we hope that Germany and Austria-Hungary will show mercy. If the terms are too harsh, we simply cannot meet them. That would be disastrous for us!" pleaded Boselli.
"Should Italy fail to meet our demands, we shall march our armies straight into Rome! I am confident that, in such circumstances, Italy will be compelled to comply with our terms!" Crown Prince Karl declared with unwavering resolve, his determination to ruthlessly exploit Italy evident.