Every family has a scripture that is difficult to read. Britain had to think about how to deal with the aggressive Germany, which had painstakingly arranged for the southward shift of the naval strategic center of gravity, China was thinking about how to gain an advantage in the future strategic game, and Italy also had to face a new situation. As one of the members of the Central Powers, Italy must now think clearly about whether it will still be tied to the chariot of the Central Powers in the future, and how can it maintain Italy's vested interests after breaking away from the Central Powers?

After entrusting Leo to end his trip to China, the Italian duke, who had a very close relationship with Xu Jie, brought Huaxia's attitude to the Italian Congress. In a certain way, Xu Jie's private statement already represents the end of Huaxia's direct quasi-alliance with the Allies! And if Germany continues to pursue its eastward expansion plan, then the two sides will definitely fight each other, and there may even be a direct confrontation with force. If it really came to this point, and the Entente and the Chinese soldiers were united, the Allied navy would really have nothing to jump about. So Italy had to figure out a way back for itself.

But as former allies, although the two allies of Germany and Austria almost sold Italy during the negotiations, there are still pro-German high-level people in Italy, which is not to say how deep the relationship with the Germans is, the key is that without the support of Germany, how can Italy mix in Europe? At present, there are only two major powers in Europe, the Central Powers and the Entente Powers, and with Italy's strength and key position, it is really not easy to stay out of the matter, and without the help of Germany, France can defeat Italy. Although China has a good relationship with Italy, the two sides are too far apart. Far water can't quench the thirst of the near.

"Italy is a maritime nation, and the direct link between the mainland and the North African colonies is essential in the future national strategy, and if Italy wants to retain a certain degree of autonomy. Then we must have a navy that can deter potential adversaries, and we must let them know which side the Italian navy is falling, so that this side can have an advantage in the Mediterranean! We joined the Allies in World War I and played a huge role in naval warfare. Let other powers see the power of Italy. And now, what we need to do is to continue to forge the Apennines' sword at sea, so that no power that wants to blackmail Italy will dare to act rashly. "In the recollections of the Admiralty. This is how the trusted Admiralty of the Admiralty, Marshal Tycho, explains the direction of the future development of the Italian Navy! "The Italian Navy is a porcupine, not big, but it can effectively intimidate the other side!"

Italy is to continue to maintain its maritime power. But for a country that was not very powerful, the development of the Italian navy was simultaneously limited by both treaty and economic power. The Italian Navy has more capital ships left, and there are fewer new warships. In contrast to the almost rearmament of France and Austria-Hungary, Italy had little to do with capital ships. There is only a tonnage of more than 60,000 tons of new ships. And like China, the United States, and Britain and Germany. The tonnage of a newly built 16-inch battleship went straight to 40,000 tons. So after the completion of a battleship. The remaining tonnage is really chicken ribs, and if two warships of more than 30,000 tons are built, it can only be described as lagging behind the times, even if it is the battleship Longxiang, it is only a former strongman, yesterday's yellow flower. This made the Italians very entangled.

"Can we convert the remaining capital ship tonnage into aircraft carrier tonnage in a ratio of 1 to 1?" During one of the meetings, Tycho asked Vittorio about this. Although it was written in the treaty that Italy could convert the remaining tonnage into aircraft carrier tonnage, the problem was if it was to operate according to the conversion ratio of the Chinese at that time. It's a big loss, because there isn't much tonnage left. But if the tonnage of 20,000 tons of battleships can be handed over to aircraft carriers in a ratio of 1 to 1. Then the tonnage of the aircraft carrier is much more relaxed. Let's not forget that, according to the treaty, Italy has a maximum tonnage of more than 50,000 tons of aircraft carriers

"Well, if the majority of the members of the conference agree, I think it should be fine. But 1 to 1 can be a little harder. Vittorio thought for a while and said, whether it is because of the friendly relationship between Italy and China or because of the direct personal relationship with Vittorio, Xu Jie is still very concerned about the construction of the Italian Navy, after all, Vittorio has said on behalf of the Italian government that there will be no conflict with China, this is not an empty guarantee, but a correct choice based on national strength and national strategy, so Xu Jie naturally believes in Italy's guarantee. And the method of converting the excess battleship tonnage into aircraft carrier tonnage was also proposed by Xu Jie.

"The majority of Member States agree? Doesn't that mean you didn't say it? Tycho said with a little crying and laughing. Huaxia will definitely agree, and the allies will probably agree if they are in the way of internal affairs, and then do their own work. But what about the Entente? Tycho really couldn't think of a reason for the American-British-French Council to agree. "There is a saying in China called seeking skin with the tiger. Don't tell me that this idea was come up with by Mr. Xu, it's an insult to his IQ. ”

"Within the Allies, we were considered alternative. In the same way, in the eyes of the Entente, we were distinguished from the other members of the Central Powers, in that Germany, Austria and Turkey were out-and-out enemies, and we were in a certain sense of the object of court. If we make certain deals with the Entente, there is a good chance that they will turn a blind eye to certain things. Vittorio thought for a while and said, "In addition, this idea was thought up by Xu Jie, don't talk nonsense if you don't understand it." ”

"Well, in that case, will the treaty exist in name only? After all, just 3 years after the signing, we began to change the content of the treaty? Tycho said worriedly. The treaty limited the development of the Italian navy, but at the same time limited the development of the armaments of potential enemies, which was a double-edged sword, and the Italians did not want to abandon the yoke that bound both the enemy and the enemy.

"In fact, from the moment the treaty is signed, no signatory country will abide by the treaty 100 percent. Whether it is our allies, the Entente or China, they are looking for loopholes in the treaty, and since everyone is not clean, then some things should not be put on the table. It's just that our action this time is a bit big, I have to say! The meaning of Vittorio's words is clear, almost all countries are doing similar things, but they are tacitly aware of each other.

"The Germans intend to build air cruisers, and Huaxia and the United States are considering building high-performance fast cruise ships, the former is a sideshow, and the latter is ready to be converted from civilian to military at any time. If you get serious, the result is something that no one wants to see. And, I think there are some things we have that some of the Entente countries want, let's say France. Vittorio said with a smile.

"French? We had devastated France in the First World War, and now we have to work with them. Tycho said with a sigh. However, Tycho agreed with Vittorio that France was a partner to work with, and that he did not have to worry about the regained French fleet getting into trouble with the Italians. The main force of the German navy went south into the Mediterranean, and even if the French navy was strong, it would be crushed in minutes in the face of the Allied navy gathered together. If Italy remains neutral, the French will already be Amitabha, where will they take the initiative to stir up trouble?

"As for the British, Huaxia has already dealt with it for us, this is Xu's guarantee to me, and not long ago Xu sent a telegram saying that the British would at least not intervene. Then now there is only one United States left, and it doesn't matter if he doesn't agree. Vittorio took a sip of tea and moistened his throat before saying, "Don't you think Thomas has been in Huaxia for a long time?" ”

"So what are you going to do in exchange for the French? Something about the capital ship or something else? "Since you have to make a trade, you need to make an offer. Tycho didn't want to give too much to lift a treaty restriction.

"Aircraft carrier, an aircraft carrier design concept suitable for countries with medium sea power. The exchange of naval technology between us and Huaxia continued, and Huaxia said that certain things could be handed over to the Entente. I think the French will be interested in this. Vittorio said.

"Suitable for a medium-sea power country? Hehe, that is, the design that Huaxia doesn't like has been taken out to make a transaction? The teacher is really calculating! In addition, does this behavior represent a complete change in the direction of this Chinese government? If that's the case, it's time for Italy to rethink its future policy! Obviously, Tycho was also not optimistic about a direct war between Germany and Austria and the Entente plus China.

"It has begun to change, in fact, now the relationship between Huaxia and Germany and Austria is no longer an alliance, as for whether it will become an enemy, this is really uncertain." Vittorio smiled bitterly.

After some manoeuvre, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent notes to other countries that had signed naval arms limitation treaties, asking for "flexible treatment" of the remaining capital ship tonnage of the Royal Italian Navy. That is, these tonnages can be used for the construction of other types of ships. "According to the treaty, the Italian Navy can convert part of the tonnage into aircraft carriers, but if you look at the proportion converted by the Chinese Republic at that time, then this clause becomes very meaningless." Italy wrote this in a diplomatic note.

Soon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Huaxia expressed support for Italy. And it shows that the remaining tonnage of the Italian Navy's capital ships is only about 18,000 tons, and if it is converted according to the ratio of 3 to 2, then it can only be 12,000 tons at most. This tonnage is somewhat "on the low side". Germany then expressed its agreement in principle with Italy's approach, but that it would need to consider its own operation. The most surprising thing was that the Entente did not oppose or support the Italians' proposal. Rather, it is called for a reconvened meeting to coordinate and deal with the relevant issues.

Thanks to the book friend zhouyu1976, hukaikaka for the reward ~~~~~, as well as the book friend Tianwolf Blood Domain, a gentle wolf, and Wang Baishi's monthly ticket support ~~~. (To be continued......)