Chapter six hundred and thirty first riding a tiger
The Austrian side was really not used to Russia's sudden attack, or was caught off guard. According to their assumptions, this time Russia would only break its teeth and swallow it in its belly. It would definitely be beaten and unable to fight back.
Suddenly, suddenly, the Russian showed his ferocious fangs and rushed forward to bite him. If the Austrian was not surprised, he would be lying.
"Are the Russians crazy?" Princess Sophie asked.
This question is actually also a question on the minds of other Austrian ministers. For example, Windischgratz couldn't figure out where the Russians had such courage. How could they dare to break up with them despite the pressure from Britain and France?
"We must see that the Russians did not come forward directly. According to the front line, it was the Wallachian National Army that attacked us. Strictly speaking, it has nothing to do with Russia!" Marshal Von Heinau interrupted to remind him.
.
In fact, there was no need for him to remind everyone in this room, except for Franz Karl I, who had the same decorations. Everyone else knew this. But in his opinion, this statement was almost ridiculous and deceptive, and it made no sense at all, because
Everyone knows that the Wallachians are nothing more than Russian puppets. When will the puppets be free from the manipulations of those behind the scenes?
Crown Prince Franz Joseph immediately said: "Strictly speaking, this is true, but we all know what the truth is. It can be concluded that Russia has definitely gone to war with us. I think it is time to consider strengthening contacts with Britain and France. It is necessary
It’s time to consider joining the coalition!”
Crown Prince Franz Joseph can be said to have the strongest anti-Russian stance in Austria. This is understandable. After all, the fundamental reason why he failed to become emperor last time was Russia's opposition.
Nowadays, it is natural for him to hold a firm anti-Russian stance in tit-for-tat, but extremists like him do not constitute the majority among Austrian senior officials. Although most senior officials are indeed dissatisfied with the actions of the Russians back then, they are not
The meaning of declaring war against Russia.
And compared with Russia, Austria has no more worries about Britain and France. Once Britain and France win in Turkey, they will inevitably penetrate into the Balkans. The strength of these two countries is much stronger than Russia, and their relationship with Austria is also quite good.
It's average, especially considering that this time they are still siding with Turkey, and theoretically they can't deal with Austria.
After all, Austria's consistent strategy is to resist Turkey's rule over the Balkans and try to expel it from Europe. Once Turkey gains support from Britain and France, it will be more difficult for Austria to take over Russia's steel guns and continue to repair Turkey.
From this perspective, as long as Turkey is still tied to the British and French tanks, the Austrians do not want to stand in the same trench with Britain and France.
Windischgrätz immediately objected: "This is inappropriate. Once Russia is overly weakened, the power of Britain, France and Turkey in the Balkans will be greatly expanded, which is quite detrimental to us! Even with our national strength, we cannot resist the forces of Britain and France alone.
Influence!"
This statement immediately won the support of von Heinau, Radesky and others. Compared with Russia, Britain and France were more terrifying and hateful. Once Britain and France were allowed to enter the Balkans, it would be like letting a tiger into the house.
Not only did these veterans insist on this, but Princess Sofia also agreed. She immediately said: "This is reasonable. We cannot resist the influence of Britain and France alone. If Russia is excessively weakened, it will also be extremely detrimental to us!"
After a pause, Princess Sophia continued: "And morally speaking, we will also be at a disadvantage. After all, Russia has helped us before. Once we declare war on Russia regardless of the impact, it means that it will be impossible for us to continue to maintain traditional friendship with Russia.
At that time, Russia will regard us as its enemy, and we will be even more isolated and helpless in the Balkans! This short-sighted approach is absolutely not advisable!"
Crown Prince Franz Joseph's face turned red after being taught a lesson. Apparently, the lesson from his mother made him very embarrassed and deeply humiliated.
It's just that now everyone doesn't care whether he is happy or not, because the division of power at the top level in Austria is very interesting. When Schwarzenberg died, the power vacuum he left was divided between Princess Sofia, Wendy Schreitz and others.
After being clean, Crown Prince Franz Joseph did not gain more power.
To put it bluntly, the people who are in charge of Austria today are Princess Sofia and Windischgratz, and these two people are obviously not as eager for quick success and quick success as Franz Joseph, and they know that if some things are done, it will cause endless troubles.
So even Windischgratz's impression of the Russians is not particularly good, but it does not prevent them from making rational decisions.
The so-called rational decision-making is to take advantage of small measures in Wallachia. It is one thing, but to use force against Russia is another thing.
"Notice to Duke Alexander to make solemn representations and protests regarding the armed conflict in Transylvania, and ask the Russians to immediately apologize and start border demarcation negotiations!"
Princess Sophie made a decision simply and swiftly. It was obvious that her opinion was in line with everyone's wishes, because their original intention of doing things in Wallachia was to try to regain some of their interests in Wallachia.
As long as the Russians agree to negotiate, Austria can regain some of the benefits in the current situation.
However, Russia once again disappointed the Austrians, because Duke Alexander directly rejected the Austrian note and also simply rejected the request for negotiation.
He said it very clearly and directly: "Border demarcation negotiations? Why don't I remember that there are border disputes between Wallachia and your country? According to the border agreement signed by your country with our country and Wallachia in 1849, everything is
It’s clear, clear, clear, I don’t think there’s anything unclear about it!”
Not only that, he also replied very forcefully: "As for the recent conflicts and disputes between your country and Wallachia, in my opinion, your country is completely unreasonable... As the protector of Wallachia, Russia will always
Stand together with Wallachia and resolutely safeguard Wallachia's legitimate rights and interests. If your country must take desperate measures, then we can only accompany you to the end!"
Princess Sophie, Windisch Gratz and others were confused by Russia's toughness, because they did not expect this result at all, and the direction of things was completely different from their planned script.
But now that Russia has shown that they are not afraid of death even if they wear shoes, the Austrians are beginning to feel a little bit stuck. They are also worried about expanding the conflict. If they do not expand the conflict, they will not be able to get out of power. What should they do?