Admiral Anton Haus spoke with great enthusiasm, "Your Imperial Highness, the German battleships for sale are, on the whole, extremely advanced in performance and relatively new. Even the oldest 'Nassau-class' battleship is less than a decade old. Should we acquire them, they could serve us effectively for another ten years or even longer. This would be a critical boost to the strength of our Imperial Navy."
Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire had emphasized naval development since the time of the former Crown Prince Archduke Ferdinand, progress had been lackluster due to various challenges. Currently, the navy's main fleet consisted of only four 'Tegetthoff-class' battleships. While these ships were equipped with four triple 305mm gun turrets, their overall capabilities were far from impressive, incapable of matching even the German 'Nassau-class' battleships. As for the more formidable 'Ersatz Monarch-class' battleships, they were still under construction, with the lead ship, Ersatz Monarch, expected to enter service next year. The remaining ships would take even longer.
Such a modest naval force was clearly unsatisfactory to Admiral Haus, the Commander-in-Chief of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. Crown Prince Karl's intention to purchase Germany's soon-to-be-retired battleships was therefore a welcome proposal. Although these ships were considered outdated by German standards, they were undeniably robust and battle-ready warships. Even compared to the 'Ersatz Monarch-class,' the German 'Helgoland-class' and 'Kaiser-class' battleships were not outmatched. Additionally, the 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers offered a level of combat strength not far behind.
"So, Your Imperial Highness, the German ships could all be of great use to us?" Crown Prince Karl inquired.
"Absolutely, Your Imperial Highness. The five 'Kaiser-class' battleships, four 'Helgoland-class' battleships, and three 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers are all exceptionally powerful. Even the four 'Nassau-class' and two 'Blücher-class' ships, though slightly less advanced, remain formidable additions. Should we manage to secure the entire fleet, it would catapult the strength of our navy to unprecedented heights," Admiral Haus declared eagerly.
"Acquire the entire lot? That's impossible! Eighteen capital ships would cost over a billion marks to build. Even at auction, despite their years of service, the price would likely exceed six hundred million marks—and could rise further if there's intense competition. We simply don't have the funds to bid for so many ships," objected Baron Berchtold, shaking his head.
"Money is not an issue—I will resolve that!" Crown Prince Karl replied dismissively, his confidence unwavering.
Admiral Haus's face lit up with delight. With the Crown Prince addressing financial concerns, his worries were significantly alleviated. However, Baron Berchtold remained skeptical.
"Your Imperial Highness, how much has the United States promised us in loans?" he asked.
After a moment's hesitation, Karl replied, "Two hundred million dollars. Once we sever our alliance with Germany, they will provide even more funding."
"Two hundred million dollars?" both Admiral Haus and Baron Berchtold exclaimed, astonished. It was undoubtedly a colossal sum.
"Yes, two hundred million, and that's just the initial amount," Karl said proudly, as if relishing his accomplishment.
"Your Imperial Highness, severing our alliance with Germany would place us in grave peril!" Baron Berchtold warned. While the American offer was tempting, provoking Germany could lead to disastrous consequences.
"Indeed, Your Imperial Highness," Admiral Haus concurred. Accepting American loans did not seem like a prudent strategy.
"This matter can wait—trust me, I have plans," Karl replied impatiently.
Admiral Haus and Baron Berchtold refrained from pressing further and turned their attention to strategizing how to secure as many ships as possible at auction. The acquisition of these German battleships was seen as pivotal to strengthening the Austro-Hungarian Navy and enhancing its influence in the Mediterranean. A robust navy would also reduce the empire's dependence on Germany.
Meanwhile, at the German embassy, news of the U.S. Secretary of State hosting a banquet and holding private discussions with the Japanese and Austro-Hungarian Crown Princes had reached Berlin. Although the specifics of these talks remained elusive, the German intelligence chief, General von Bleiming, promptly reported the developments to Emperor QinTian.
"Your Majesty, it is evident that the Americans are engaging in covert maneuvers. The empire's victory in this world war has made them feel threatened, prompting them to seek alliances to counter us," remarked Chancellor Bethmann Hollweg.
"Japan and the empire have always been at odds, so the Americans' overtures to Japan are unsurprising. But Austria-Hungary is ostensibly still our ally—this blatant disregard for our interests is intolerable!" declared Foreign Minister Gottlieb von Jagow.
"Austria-Hungary's alliance with us has long been superficial, something the Americans surely recognize. What baffles me is Crown Prince Karl's recklessness. Does he not realize such actions would provoke our wrath? Does he truly believe his forces could withstand a German offensive?" QinTian remarked with a wry smile.
"Your Majesty, should we begin preparations? If Austria-Hungary aligns with the Americans, it could pose a significant threat to the empire," urged Field Marshal von Falkenhayn.
"There's no need for immediate action. As long as Emperor Franz Joseph lives, Austria-Hungary will remain bound to us. However, once he passes, our alliance will end, and we shall deal with Austria-Hungary decisively," QinTian responded. This had always been part of his long-term strategy.