"Your Majesty, the Russian-British alliance has officially responded, expressing their willingness to cooperate with us," said the Empire's Foreign Minister, Vahit, with a smile.
The agreements reached between Qin Tian and Joseph had all been approved. When the news arrived, Qin Tian and the Imperial military and political leaders were somewhat incredulous. After all, Germany had offered the Russian-British a poisoned gift, and the members of the Russian faction were no fools— they were certainly aware of the danger. Qin Tian even wondered if there were any hidden conspiracies at play.
However, even if there were some treacherous schemes involved, the fact that the Russian-British had agreed to these terms was still greatly beneficial for Germany. Whether it was aiding the Russian-British in rebuilding their industrial system or constructing transportation networks, all of this required funding. Since the Russian-British had no actual capital, they were offering agricultural products and mineral resources as payment. The amount of agricultural produce and minerals given would determine the number of factories built, machinery supplied, and railways and roads constructed.
Thus, the construction timeline would largely be determined by the Russian-British. To expedite the process, they would likely accelerate the exploitation of the peasants. In a state of hunger, would those peasants hold any affection for the Russian-British? When Germany launched its invasion of the Russian-British, they could offer the peasants land and reduce taxes. It was easy to imagine that those same peasants would quickly turn into collaborators.
"Then let us begin implementing the agreement," Qin Tian said.
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied the Imperial Chancellor, Biro, nodding.
Although much of this cooperation with the Russian-British involved future military arrangements, the majority of the projects were civilian ventures supported by the government. Naturally, to meet the military's needs, the army would secretly send personnel to participate in these projects, ensuring that the military received what it needed to gain an advantage in future wars.
"How many battleships does the Russian-British want us to build for them?" Qin Tian inquired.
The construction of a fleet of battleships for the Russian-British was a key component of this cooperation.
"Your Majesty, the Russian-British have requested the construction of four battleships of this class," said Admiral Reinhard Scheer, the Minister of the Navy.
"Four? That seems about right. Their financial resources are already stretched thin," Qin Tian mused, stroking his chin. Though he was eager to outmaneuver the Russian-British, their limited financial capacity left him with little room to push further.
"While constructing these battleships for the Russian-British, the Navy should make sure to leave some vulnerabilities in the design. That way, when the time comes, we can easily sink these battleships," Qin Tian instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The designers are already working on it. When the Russians see what they have spent so much on, they will realize it is nothing but a heap of scrap metal!" Admiral Reinhard Scheer said with a smile.
Though it seemed somewhat unethical, it was, after all, for the Empire's benefit and to ensure victory in the coming war.
"By the way, Your Majesty, the Ottoman Turkish Empire has also expressed interest in ordering a batch of battleships from the Empire," Admiral Scheer continued.
"What kind of battleships do they want? How many?" Qin Tian asked.
"They wish for us to use the 'Mackensen-class' battleship as a blueprint and build two battleships for them."
Qin Tian pondered for a moment. "Agree to their request! However, the profits must be guaranteed."
Admiral Scheer nodded.
During Germany's previous battleship auction, the Ottoman Turkish Empire had purchased the "Von der Tann" and "Leopold" battlecruisers, as well as the "Ostfriesland" battleship. However, it seemed that the Ottoman Turkish Empire was not fully satisfied with these ships.
This was not to say that the ships were inferior, but compared to the vessels purchased by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Turkish Empire's navy appeared weak. If war were to break out between the Ottoman Turkish Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottomans' navy would likely be confined to the Black Sea, too timid to venture through the Straits into the Mediterranean.
The Ottoman Turkish Empire, though diminished, did not wish to be too suppressed, especially as the Austro-Hungarian Empire pressed forward on the Balkan Peninsula.
Since the Ottoman Turkish Empire sought to strengthen its naval power, Germany was naturally inclined to assist. Although this would elevate the Ottoman Turkish navy, complicating the Mediterranean situation, it was ultimately advantageous for Germany. Following the rapid rise of the Austro-Hungarian navy, the German Mediterranean Fleet could not control the entire Mediterranean in the short term. If the Ottoman Turkish Empire could be used to counter the Austro-Hungarians, it would give Germany's fleet more time to develop.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Admiral Scheer nodded.
"Your Majesty, the Empire's Mediterranean Fleet has already stationed itself in the Mediterranean. However, there is currently no suitable military port. We are constructing military ports on Corsica and Sicily, but they won't be ready for occupancy in the short term. At present, the fleet is stationed at civilian ports, which is very detrimental to their security," Admiral Reinhard Scheer continued.
Qin Tian nodded. A military port was not the same as a civilian one. It required not only defensive fortifications but also various military structures, such as ammunition depots, fuel reserves, command centers, and barracks. The German Navy had begun constructing military ports on Sicily and Corsica, but they would not be operational for some time. Although war was not imminent, it would be ideal for the Mediterranean Fleet to gain access to a military port as soon as possible.
"What does the Navy propose?" Qin Tian asked.
"Your Majesty, is there not an existing military port in the Mediterranean? If we seize it, the Mediterranean Fleet could immediately establish itself there. Additionally, its geographical location has always made it a strategically contested area," Admiral Scheer suggested.
"Are you referring to Gibraltar?" Qin Tian inquired.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Gibraltar is currently under British control, but the British no longer have a fleet stationed there. Only a small number of troops are guarding the fortress. If we deploy the fleet and marines to attack, we can easily capture it. Once we take Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Fleet will have an ideal military port, and we will also control the vital sea lanes of the Mediterranean," Admiral Scheer said.