"As for peace talks with the Italians, wait until the representatives of Austria-Hungary come. It can be done at the end. First peace talks with the French, then peace talks with the Italians. Qin Tian said.

Austria-Hungary was an ally of Germany, although they did not contribute much in this war. But if Austria-Hungary had not dragged down a large number of Russian troops in the early stages of the war, it would not have been so easy for Germany to win the war. At the very least, there will be a big price to pay. What's more, in the war against Italy, Austria-Hungary was the main force. Although, the combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian army was relatively poor, but the combat effectiveness of the Italians was even worse! With Russia already out of the war, the Italians would not be able to resist Austria-Hungary if it attacked Italy with all its might. Had it not been for Austria-Hungary's attempt to preserve its strength, perhaps they would have defeated Italy long ago.

Of course, Qin Tian always kept in mind that the relationship between Germany and Austria-Hungary would gradually change with the development of the situation. At the outbreak of war, the two countries were close allies. However, as the war is gradually won, the interests of both sides will also conflict. Especially after the victory of the war, the two countries will inevitably have more contradictions because of the unequal distribution of spoils. In such a situation, the relationship between the two countries will inevitably get worse and worse, and even turn to confrontation.

The European continent is too small, and it is enough to have a great power like Germany, and there is no room for another great power. Even in order to ensure the status and security of Germany, Qin Tian will suppress Austria-Hungary in the future.

What's more, the crown prince of Austria-Hungary has always been hostile to Germany. This made Qin Tian even more vigilant. If necessary, Qin Tian even planned to destroy the Austro-Hungarian Empire in one fell swoop. In this way, Germany will be able to truly dominate the European continent. Otherwise, when fighting against other powers in the future, Qin Tian would have to worry about whether Austria-Hungary would rebel.

However, now the two sides have not torn their faces. Therefore, in the peace talks with Italy, Austria-Hungary must be involved. Measures against Austria-Hungary had to wait until after the war had been won, or after Germany had digested the gains made in the war.

"Your Majesty, Austria-Hungary is now an ally of the Empire, and it is only natural that they should be called in the peace talks with the Kingdom of Italy. However, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had always had ambitions for Italy. Especially before the unification of Italy, they had a large amount of territory in Italy. If they take advantage of this opportunity to take back those territories, should we support them? Washitt said.

"No! Italy must not be weakened excessively, or in other words, Austria-Hungary must not gain too much benefit from Italy. Otherwise, it would be a great threat to the Empire. Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty is right. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was certainly an ally of the Empire, but that was because the Empire faced many enemy states. Now, the Empire is on the verge of winning the war. The international environment in which the empire finds itself has also changed radically. Between the empire and Austria-Hungary, I am afraid that there will be a gradual transformation from an ally to an enemy. So, the empire had to prepare a little earlier. Prime Minister Bilow said.

"Hmmm! So this time, if Austria-Hungary puts forward conditions that are detrimental to the empire, or too outrageous, in the peace talks. The Empire will not be able to support them! Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Vahit nodded. He already understood what Qin Tian and Biluo meant. Although, it seems that there is something that should not be done to start counting one's allies before the war is over. However, this is how it is meant to be between countries. There are no eternal friends, only eternal interests.

"In the peace talks with Italy, we will also have Italy pay huge war reparations to the Empire. not less than two billion marks. Italy is not as rich as France, but it is much better than the Russians. Although 20 billion marks is a lot, if they tighten their belts, they should be able to pay it back. In addition, Italy's overseas colonies were to be transferred to the Empire. At the same time, they had to pay compensation for the losses caused to the empire by seizing the empire's oil fields in Libya after the outbreak of the war. Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Vahit replied. It is true that these conditions proposed by Qin Tian are very harsh. However, the situation of the Italians is very similar to that of the French. If they dare not agree, then the Imperial Army can unite with Austria-Hungary at any time to destroy them. Therefore, in the face of these harsh conditions proposed by the empire, they could only agree.

"By the way, the Navy wants to be able to get a base in the Mediterranean. In that case, let the Italians cede Sicily to us! Add Sardinia and Corsica to the French, if you can. In this way, the empire has a foothold in the Mediterranean. Qin Tian continued.

Although Qin Tian did not have any ambitions for the native of the Kingdom of Italy. But those islands are different. The importance of the Mediterranean Sea is self-evident, guarding this important shipping route between East and West. Once Germany had taken over the British colonies in its entirety, all kinds of materials obtained from India and extracted from the Middle East would have to be shipped back to Germany via the Mediterranean. In this case, the safety of shipping routes in the Mediterranean is very important, which is directly related to Germany's energy security.

In addition, having a foothold in the Mediterranean could also ensure that the empire was squeezed by Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary had a geographical advantage in the Mediterranean. If Germany could own these islands, it would be able to offset the geographical advantage of Austria-Hungary. This is undoubtedly very important for Germany.

"Your Majesty, the Italians probably won't cede Sardinia to us. After all, it was there where the Kingdom of Sardinia rose. Birlow said.

"Sardinia can be discarded. But Sicily and Corsica are to be ceded to us. This is the bottom line of the empire. If the Italians don't agree, then we will send troops to occupy the islands. The Imperial Marines have been in the army for so many years and have not really been on the battlefield. Anyway, the operation against the British mainland will not be able to start for a while, and it is just right for the Marines to go around the Mediterranean, which can be regarded as an actual combat exercise. Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Both Bhilo and Vahit replied.