Chapter 2297： New Articles

The Duke’s words actually imply that the British, under the current circumstances, the British entangled with the sovereignty of the two islands are of no value, because the British cannot hold these places, and no external forces will find it uncomfortable for these two islands and Germany. . The Americans may react fiercely to Germany's entry into the British mainland, but they will never take any substantive actions against Germany's control of the two islands!

Silence, a long silence. The British know very well that what the Germans are saying is indeed the truth, and they have nothing to do with the Germans wanting to take these two islands! For things that cannot be prevented, then there is no point in arguing.

"It seems that we have reached an agreement on this issue." Ruprecht said with a smile. "Then let us discuss the next issue, about the arms limitation of the British navy and air force. Britain has fallen from the pinnacle of world power. You have lost the large fleet that has spent more than 20 years and hundreds of millions of pounds in components. You have lost many A colony, with heavy debts, it is impossible to return to the pinnacle of the world when military power and economy have been hit hard, so before discussing this issue, I hope that your country can have a clear idea of ​​its position. Positioning."

"Even France, which failed in the Franco-Prussian War, has never suffered this level of humiliation and suppression. This is true in France, and even more so in the United Kingdom. What's more, many civilian fields are involved in these clauses! Aircraft will definitely be used in the future. Civilians, so we absolutely do not accept the clause prohibiting the development of any aircraft with more than three engines! This is a trampling on the right of the British Empire to use new technologies legally!" Asquith said.

"Do you know what the victor is most worried about? Ruprecht asked: "The most worrying thing is that one day the loser will regain its strength and start the competition again. It will be a more fierce war. Therefore, as a winner, without the influence of external factors, we will definitely choose to weaken the opponent as much as possible! If we fail to do so, then the conditions do not allow it, just like we could not restrict French armaments back then, because this would be opposed by Britain and Russia, and the German Empire could not resist. But today, our restriction on your country does not exist this obstacle! So you understand, our decision to do this may be under pressure, but in the end, we will succeed, regardless of whether your country chooses to cooperate or resist. "

"Your country is not willing to let the British Empire collapse, because although the knife in your hand is sharp enough, the mouth is very bad. You can't digest the accumulation of the British Empire for hundreds of years. If we are finished, then it is not you who benefit the most. It's the Americans, so the fundamental reason why you choose to let us keep some of the colonies is that you don't want a third party to take advantage." Asquith said.

"However, this world is ultimately a world that pays attention to strength, and if our navy is restricted, then we will not be able to effectively defend our remaining colonies. At that time, both the Japanese and the Americans can easily defeat them. We, the Japanese, can break through the Strait of Malacca and enter the Indian Ocean, and the Americans are even more powerful. These countries can easily take away these places if they want. Maybe in the future, you will face a stronger America! This is certainly not the situation that your country wants to see."

Asquith deserves to be the British Prime Minister. He knows very well that it is absolutely impossible to directly confront the Germans, because under the absolute military advantage, the Germans hold a king bomb in their hands! That is the threat of another war! The Germans are not afraid to lift the table, but the British are afraid!

Therefore, he tried to persuade his opponent from another angle. He knew very well why Germany retained part of the British colony, and also knew the contradiction between the United States and Germany. Therefore, Prime Minister Asquis tried to persuade the Germans to allow the British to keep it through the United States. "Appropriate" naval power to prevent the United States from acquiring these colonies.

"But we think your country has enough military power." Ruprecht was unmoved. "Japan is an ally of the United Kingdom. I think this alliance will continue. Your Excellency said to maintain a strong military force to ensure the security of the Far East colonies. In fact, it is completely unnecessary. Because you still have allies, Japan will at least not be right. Your country does it, and the primary goal of the United States is not Britain. This strength is enough."

"In addition, I want to clarify that the two Fury-class battleships in the shipyard have exceeded the limited tonnage, so they must be abandoned or transferred. The current Fury can be retained." Ruprecht said.

"I think the limitation of armaments is a very complicated issue. We need to set up a special group to discuss this matter. So, can we spend our precious time on the most important things? We simply cannot repay the indemnity requested by your country. It’s not just a matter of bankrupting the empire’s finances. Even if we take out all of our hard currency, we cannot compensate for so many indemnities, unless you just want a pile of waste paper."

The Earl of Balfour realized that the issue of armaments was also deadlocked After the Germans did not intend to let go, he believed that the possibility of a breakthrough on this issue was low, so he decided to change the topic and discuss all the terms. The only clause in the UK that can be rebutted with certainty-compensation! The basis of British bargaining is also very simple, that is, the British government really does not have that much money to compensate! Do whatever you like!

"I always think that the British are businessmen in their bones. They can do everything possible to make profits. But your country's answer disappointed me. Is it that when it comes to the life and death of the country, the United Kingdom cannot earn enough through its own wisdom and operation? Has money come to maintain this country? If this is the case, Britain might as well go bankrupt. After all, there is no need for a country that cannot compensate the empire." Albert sneered.

"This amount is really beyond our imagination. Before the war, the British Empire's fiscal revenue was only 200 million pounds a year, and these compensations and benefits are at least equal to the British Empire's fiscal revenue for 20 years!" The Earl of Balfour decided to make a point of truth .

"However, during the war, your country's highest monthly military expenditure was close to 200 million pounds. Didn't Britain still fight for more than two years?" Grand Duke Baden said with a smile.

"Your answer does not seem to have much to do with what I just said. Many of these war expenses you know are overspend. They are raised by bonds, high taxes and other means... "As the quartermaster, Lloyd George said from the side.

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