Chapter 149: Chapter 145: Open Armament Deal, In Fact Germany-Russia Consultation

“Another country?” William II frowned, thought for a while, and then looked back at Minister Andrew, laughing, “Arthur’s ‘another country’ wouldn’t happen to be your Australia, would it?”

In fact, it’s simple. The country that can help the German Empire win over the Russian Empire must be one that the German Empire trusts.

Counting the countries that currently have the ability to export weapons and equipment and warships, the German Empire only trusts the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

However, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is also located on the European Continent, and any small movement couldn’t be kept from the other European powers.

Moreover, there are unresolved contradictions between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia. It is almost impossible for the Austro-Hungarian Empire to export armaments to Russia.

Outside of Europe, there arc even fewer countries capable of exporting armaments and warships that Russia would like.

Adding the fact they must have good relations with the German Empire, this led William H’s attention to Australia as the first choice.

Australia fully satisfies these two criteria, not only has good cooperation with the German Empire, but the monarchs of the two countries, Arthur and William II, have a very good relationship as well.

Furthermore, Australia possesses light weapons systems from both the British Empire and the German Empire, including firearms and warships, which all have fine technology from the two empires.

Geographically, Australia is far away from Europe, so its actions wouldn’t be taken too seriously by European countries, especially when Europe’s disputes are somewhat severe now.

However, Australia has just exported a large number of weapons, equipment and warships to the Island Nation, an enemy of Russia in East Asia, and signed the Treaty of Import and Export of Mineral Resources. Now, they are also aiming at Russia, the enemy of the Island Nation, truly playing both sides!

Under William H’s scrutiny and questioning gaze, Minister Andrew calmly explained without concealing anything, “Yes, Your Majesty. Although there are some disagreements between the two countries because France does not support Russia’s actions in the Far East, currently, the German Empire still cannot shake the joint relationship between Russia and France. If the German Empire wants to communicate with Russia, it would definitely not avoid France, its powerful enemy.”

“But unfortunately, as long as the plan to win over Russia is exposed to the Frenchmen, the plan will never succeed. Thus, Duke’s suggestion is that the German Empire should look elsewhere and utilize non-European forces to promote aiding Russia. Australia meets this criteria very well, not only having good diplomatic relations with Germany, but many of Australia’s weapons, equipment, and military industry for warships even come from Germany. By helping Russia through Australia, not only can Germany remain hidden, but Russia will also know clearly who is truly helping them, achieving your country’s plan to win over Russia.” Andrew explained with a laugh.

Australia’s exported weapons and equipment are basically from Germany’s military industry, including the Gew98 Rifle, various howitzers from Culver Factory, German-made Maxim heavy machine guns, various medium and small-sized warships, and even Brunswick-class battleships, all of which are Germany’s military technology and techniques.

This would indeed highlight Germany’s role, particularly when the Russians got their hands on these weapons, the German standard weaponry would make them understand who was truly helping them behind the scenes.

Having heard Minister Andrew’s explanation, William II nodded calmly and smiled, “Arthur is really calculating! I originally thought that Australia’s export of weapons, equipment, and mineral resources to the Island Nation was to win an ally in the Far East, but it turns out he wants to play both sides and not let go of Russia either. But he does have a point, it’s improbable for the German Empire to win over Russia by itself, and France is an insurmountable obstacle.” “Using the conflicts between Russia and the Island Nation in the Far East to open the door for their arms trade is a clever strategy! However, Arthur’s words have persuaded me, and I will give you the information you want to help you get the arms trade deals. But don’t forget the promise, this time the arms trade and assistance must be carried out secretly in the name of the German Empire.” William II laughed, first affirming and praising Arthur’s strategy before agreeing to the whole plan.

The Russian armament market is obviously not something the German Empire can interfere with. Even if the German Empire can win Russia’s favor and draw closer with the arms trade and financial aid, it will still be offset and counterbalanced by further actions by France.

Moreover, Russia would undoubtedly choose the latter in the choice between the German Empire and France. If they don’t want the plan to fail, it would be better not to let France get involved at all.

However, there are many spies among European countries, especially the European Great Powers, who have powerful intelligence gathering capabilities.

The actions of powerful European countries like the German Empire would definitely attract attention, especially from enemies like France..