"Your Highness, the United States of America is prepared to offer the Austro-Hungarian Empire a low-interest loan of one hundred million dollars. What are your thoughts on this?" Bryan inquired.
"One hundred million dollars?" Crown Prince Karl's heart leapt with joy. Such a sum, equivalent to four hundred million marks, could fund the construction of several modern battleships. However, his ambitions far exceeded this initial offering.
"Mr. Secretary, a loan of one hundred million dollars seems rather insufficient. To my knowledge, the amount of credit extended to your island allies far surpasses this figure. Let us not forget, the Austro-Hungarian Empire stands at the forefront of resistance against Germany. Should we join the Anti-German Alliance, it would mean a complete severance of ties with Germany. Without a formidable military force as a safeguard, our security cannot be guaranteed. Thus, we require additional funds for military expansion—not just for a powerful army but also for a navy to match its strength," the Crown Prince declared.
Encountering such a wealthy benefactor, it would be remiss not to extract greater benefits. After all, given America's vast resources, securing more favorable terms was only logical. Moreover, if the United States sought to position Austria-Hungary as a bastion against Germany, they would need to offer tangible incentives. Otherwise, why would Austria-Hungary, no fool, willingly comply?
"Very well, Your Highness. I will consult the President. Personally, I believe a loan of two hundred million dollars should be feasible," Bryan replied.
"Two hundred million?" While this was no trivial amount, the Crown Prince remained unsatisfied.
"This would merely be the initial installment. Once the Austro-Hungarian Empire formally joins the Anti-German Alliance, I can assure you that additional loans will follow," Bryan said, sensing the Crown Prince's insatiable appetite.
The Crown Prince nodded, understanding that outright exploitation would prove challenging. Without demonstrating sincerity, America would hesitate to continue its financial support.
"Even with Austria-Hungary's inclusion, I believe the Anti-German Alliance remains woefully underpowered. Across Europe, Germany's strength is unparalleled, deterring any serious opposition," the Crown Prince remarked.
Bryan nodded in agreement. "Which is why I believe the alliance must expand further. We should consider inviting France and Italy to join. Both nations suffered tremendous losses during the war. Defeating Germany would enable them to recoup their losses."
Though the Crown Prince viewed France and Italy as weakened powers, their inclusion could still alleviate Austria-Hungary's burden, preventing them from standing alone against Germany.
"Additionally, we intend to woo the Ottoman Empire. Despite their decline, they retain the capacity to mobilize an army of a million or more," Bryan added.
"The Ottomans are no weaklings, but whether their Sultan has the courage is another matter," the Crown Prince scoffed.
Relations between Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire had long been antagonistic. The Balkans, once dominated by the Ottomans, became a flashpoint as Austria-Hungary rose to prominence, wresting control of the region through wartime victories. Though Austria-Hungary's strength eclipsed the Ottomans, the Crown Prince harbored concerns about their resurgence.
"With sufficient incentives, I am confident the Ottomans will join us," Bryan asserted.
The Crown Prince shrugged, unwilling to argue further. He understood that the United States would lead the alliance and that courting America was essential to securing loans.
"Furthermore, should Soviet Russia express willingness to join, we are open to supporting them," Bryan continued.
"Soviet Russia?" The Crown Prince frowned deeply. His memories of Austria-Hungary's humiliating defeats at Russian hands during the war made him wary of their resurgence.
"Yes, Your Highness. Soviet Russia shares our interest in opposing Germany. Like us, they suffered exploitation at German hands. Given the opportunity to reclaim their losses, I doubt they would refuse," Bryan explained.
"Mr. Secretary, should Soviet Russia grow too powerful, it would spell disaster for the entire capitalist world," the Crown Prince cautioned.
"Your Highness, there is no need to worry. Our relationship with Soviet Russia is purely one of mutual exploitation. Once Germany is defeated, Soviet Russia will be the next to be dealt with. Their strength, no matter how great, cannot rival Germany's. If we can overcome Germany, dealing with Soviet Russia will be child's play. The world will remain securely in our hands," Bryan reassured him.
The Crown Prince nodded, comprehending America's grand strategy. They intended to weaken Germany through Soviet Russia, reaping the benefits as ultimate victors. He realized that Austria-Hungary, like the other members of the Anti-German Alliance, was merely a pawn in America's broader scheme.
Still, without America's support, Austria-Hungary would face Germany's might with no hope of resistance. Only with American aid could they muster a counteroffensive. Thus, both sides were bound in an intricate web of mutual exploitation.