Chapter 661: Copying Germany (3rd Update)
After suffering a great defeat in the world war, Germany's situation suddenly became extremely difficult. The Entente countries, led by Britain and France, plundered wealth in Germany and also controlled the most important industrial areas in Germany.
Inflation, caused by the defeat in the war, swept almost the whole of Germany. This, combined with shortages of food, medicine and light industrial goods, has led to a large number of unemployed people throughout Germany. There are a lot of people who are struggling to make ends meet.
At this time, if a big country could stand up and support Germany, then Germany's situation would undoubtedly be much better. The Chinese Empire, as one of the four great powers of the post-war period, was fully qualified for this. In addition, the Chinese Empire and Germany have a deep relationship. That's why Minister Hermann Müller sent out the invitation.
When Yang Du said that he needed to rush back to China as soon as possible, Hermann Müller was deeply disappointed. But then, Yang Du said that Foreign Minister Tang Shaoyi and Chief of General Staff Marshal Shi Tianhan could visit Germany, which undoubtedly gave Hermann Müller hope again. The visit of China's foreign minister and chief of general staff to Germany undoubtedly affirms Germany's international status. It can play a big role in improving the external environment in Germany.
At the beginning of July 4617 (19) of the Yellow Emperor Era, Yang Du, the prime minister of the empire, returned to China from France. Tang Shaoyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Reich, and Marshal Shi Tianhan, Chief of the Reich General Staff, led a delegation to visit Germany.
The visit of the Chinese Empire to Germany at this time undoubtedly attracted the attention of the whole world. After all, Germany was a defeated country, a heinous country. As one of the world's major powers, the Chinese Empire's visit to Germany with great fanfare can't help but make people think a lot.
When the Imperial Foreign Minister Tang Shaoyi and the Chief of the General Staff Marshal Shi Tianhan arrived in Berlin, they were welcomed by German President Friedrich Ebert and the entire German government and people. Although, there are still some Germans who are hostile to China and regard China as a traitor. But with a large number of merchant ships from China transporting food, medicine and daily necessities, they arrived in Germany. These people have gradually changed their attitudes.
"Your Excellency the Foreign Secretary, thank you for being able to visit us at this time." President Friedrich Ebert said. He had just been elected president of Germany, and the pressure was very high. Although, the war was not fought in Germany itself, which was not destroyed. But the loss of industrial zones has made the German economy very bad. People's lives are getting worse and worse. Complaints against the government are also on the rise.
"Your Excellency, you are so polite. The Chinese Empire has always regarded Germany as our friendly country. Although, because of some national interests, we have had to fight each other. But after the war ended, we remained friends. The Chinese Empire would do everything in its power to help Germany out of the predicament of the war. Tang Shaoyi said.
"Thank you for the help of the Chinese Empire. However, Germany is now poor. President Friedrich Albert said. Germany used to be an industrial power second only to the United States, in terms of scientific and technological strength. It is the first in the world. After four years of war, there was nothing left of Germany.
"Your Excellency, the Reich hopes to be able to purchase some advanced machinery and equipment from Germany, especially the latest industrial machine tools, high-precision machine tools, large-scale forging equipment, large-scale hydraulic and hydraulic presses, and so on. We can buy from Germany as long as it is willing to sell. and could trade in food, medicines, and light industrial goods, which Germany urgently needed. Germany will definitely not suffer. Tang Shaoyi said.
Post-war Germany was in its most difficult period. At this time, if you buy the bottom in Germany, you will undoubtedly be able to get a lot of good things. Including those advanced equipment that Germany was reluctant to sell to China at the time. Now, the Germans should be relieved. After all, improving people's lives and soothing their anger is the most important thing.
"Your Excellency. We also want to have access to Germany's most advanced artillery technology, armor steel technology, internal combustion engine technology, optical instrument manufacturing technology, and chemical technology. We can all pay for these technologies to buy, or directly exchange them for food, medicine, and light industrial products. Tang Shaoyi continued.
Although China's industrialization process is very fast, there is still a gap between China and the Western world in terms of advanced technology. If you can get the relevant technology from Germany. There is no doubt that you will be able to take shortcuts.
President Friedrich Ebert and Foreign Minister Hermann Müller were a little dumbfounded, and they also realized that the appetite of the Chinese seems to be a little big! There is a lot of technology and equipment that is related to German secrecy and national security. During the Second Empire, these technologies and equipment were never sold or transferred.
"Your Excellency the Foreign Secretary, we will carefully consider these requests from China. In three days at most, we will give your sister an answer. President Friedrich Albert said.
When it comes to the sale of these advanced technologies and equipment, even if he is the president, he does not dare to make a decision alone, and needs to consult with other high-ranking officials. It's just that Germany has indeed reached the point of exhaustion. Rather than starve to death with these technologies and equipment, it is better to use these technologies and equipment in exchange for a large number of supplies from China, so that Germany can survive this difficult situation in front of them.
Moreover, the Treaty of Versailles stipulated that Germany's military might was to be limited. Many advanced weapons cannot be developed. Rather than this, it is better to leave it all to the Chinese Empire. Perhaps, they will also be able to get some benefits from it.
While the Imperial Foreign Minister Tang Shaoyi was meeting with the German President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Shi Tianhan, went to a manor near Hanover to meet Field Marshal Hindenburg, who had already left the field. The German High Command had been disbanded, and Field Marshal Hindenburg was already at home. However, his identity and status made him still a pillar of the Wehrmacht. Even the German government needs to consult him on many issues. Otherwise, there will be strong opposition from the army.
"Marshal Shi Tianhan, I didn't expect you to come to see me, it really surprised me, the general of the defeated army." Field Marshal Hindenburg was already over seventy years old. However, his spirit is still strong.
"Your Excellency, His Majesty the Emperor has asked me to convey his apologies to Germany. Because the interests of the country were at stake, the Reich had to stand on the opposite side of Germany in this war. Marshal Shi Tianhan said.
Field Marshal Hindenburg's face changed, and he nodded after a long time.
"I can understand that the gap between us and the Entente is too great. Even if the Chinese Empire were to join the Allies, we would not necessarily be able to win the war. When the Chinese Empire joined the Entente, it was able to achieve a great development. This was very beneficial to the Chinese Empire. Marshal Hindenburg said.
If he had been the leader of the Chinese Empire, Marshal Hindenburg would have made the same choice.
"Thank you for your understanding." Marshal Shi Tianhan said.
"Your Excellency Marshal Shi Tianhan, I have received news that the Chinese Empire is waiting for a large number of acquisitions of advanced machines and technologies, many of which are also involved in the military field." Marshal Hindenburg said.
"Yes, Your Excellency. Although, Germany lost the war, it was not your fault. Many of Germany's advanced technologies and equipment are still much more advanced than those of the Chinese Empire. We would like to receive more advanced technical support from Germany. Marshal Shi Tianhan did not hide it.
"However, they are all the roots of Germany, and if they are poached by the Chinese Empire, it will be very detrimental to Germany." Field Marshal Hindenburg hesitated for a moment, and then said,
"Your Excellency Marshal, according to the Treaty of Versailles, the military power of Germany, as well as the development of the military industry, are greatly limited. This means that it will be very difficult for Germany's military strength to develop rapidly in the future. The Chinese Empire can cooperate with Germany, and we will develop sophisticated weapons. For example, airplanes and tanks. These technologies will be shared with Germany when it needs them. Marshal Shi Tianhan said.
Marshal Hindenburg's eyes widened suddenly. This is undoubtedly extremely advantageous for Germany. Germany has a lot of scientific and technological talents and technology, and if it can cooperate with China, then Germany will not be left behind by other countries in military science and technology. In the future, Germany will not necessarily have no chance of revenge.
In the minds of the German* soldiers, the vast majority of them were unwilling to accept this defeat. They also hope to get revenge one day.
"Your Excellency Marshal, although this time our two countries have become enemies there, it does not mean that next time, we will not fight side by side." Marshal Shi Tianhan continued.
Field Marshal Hindenburg's body trembled a little, and he said: "Is the Chinese Empire really willing to cooperate with Germany?" ”
"Of course, His Majesty the Emperor said. This time the Treaty of Versailles was not the end of the war, but only a temporary truce. In twenty years at most, Germany will be capable of revenge. Next time, the Chinese Empire will have enough strength to fight alongside Germany and change the whole world. Marshal Shi Tianhan said sincerely.
"Well, Your Excellency Marshal Shi Tianhan, you convinced me. I will ask them to approve the sale of all kinds of technology and equipment that you need to China. We're going to send some people to China to work with you. I really hope that in 20 years, we will be able to fight together. Field Marshal Hindenburg held out his hand.
"Twenty years from now, we will fight side by side." Marshal Shi Tianhan also stretched out his hand, and the hands of the two were clasped tightly together. (To be continued.) )
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