My Italian

The snowy Alps in winter are charming, and a train travels on the railway of the mountain stream.

On this train, Carlo glanced at the winter scenery outside the window and said to the two Ministers of the Navy and Army who were sitting opposite him. "This time we talked for a month, and the result is not bad. The two of you have worked hard."

Facing Carlo's words of thanks, the two military bosses hurriedly answered. "It's not hard work, it's all as it should be."

Marshal Cadorna, Minister of War, made a speech. "Your Majesty, it is really not easy to negotiate technical cooperation this time. If His Majesty had not already discussed the basic framework, I don't think the German and Austrian Ministers of War would be very happy."

Facing the words of the Minister of War, Carlo nodded in agreement. "Of course, there is still a little gap between our country and Germany and Austria in the development of army technology. We need to recognize the facts."

"Actually, it's not just the Army. I talked to Admiral Tirpitz. Next year, the German Navy's technology investment will exceed ours. At present, we can maintain our technological leadership because of the early technology accumulation. If it continues, I'm afraid that sooner or later we will It is also possible that naval technology will fall behind Germany."

Admiral Yagier, Minister of Land and Sea, expressed his concerns, but he immediately changed the conversation. "But it's good now. Our joint research and development will reduce the consumption of funds. We can continue to invest in many new technology projects, rather than cutting them off because of insufficient funds."

Well, again, it's all about money. Qian Shao wanted to be at the forefront of the world, so he had to ask allies for help. This is also the reason why Carlo strongly wants to promote the joint research and development of the three countries.

Of course, in terms of timing, Carlo also used a little trick, just after the passage of the German Naval Act, the beginning of large-scale shipbuilding in Germany. At this time, Germany is most dependent on Italy. At this time, it is very willing to propose joint research and development of the three countries, at least Germany. Of course, Germany also knows that it is very easy to offend Italy just by wanting to pick wool from Italy. Therefore, when Carlo proposed the joint research and development of technology between the army and the army, the German side agreed after considering the importance of Italy. down.

In a sense, this is also the rise of Italy's national strength. With enough strength, it is no longer the pseudo-power that no one looked down on before.

Look, this Italy has been tossing around in the hands of Carlo for almost 20 years, and it is really not easy to finally let all countries face up to its strength.

After Germany is settled, the joint research and development of the three countries is basically completed. As for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it will basically not refuse.

For Austria-Hungary, there is still a small obstacle to R&D with Italy. However, after Carlo made a guarantee that it would no longer hinder Austria-Hungary's promise to expand its influence in the Balkans, then at least the small thorn in Austria-Hungary's heart was eliminated. It's basically a matter of course.

However, although this talk is not bad, there are some shortcomings. For example, in the joint technology research and development, the follow-up research and development of active weapons is basically the main focus. As for the research and development of new weapons, each will do its own thing.

"Your Majesty, I have a question that I hope Your Majesty can help me with." Marshal Cadorna suddenly asked.

"Go ahead, I'll let you know if I can."

Facing the question of the Minister of War, Carlo did not give any affirmative words, because there were some things he could not explain.

"Our army is very concerned about the new French rapid-fire gun that your majesty said, and would like to ask your majesty once, is this news accurate?"

Yes, not only Germany is very concerned about the new French rapid-fire guns, but the Italian Army is also very concerned about it, because it is related to Italy's national defense and security. Moreover, the intelligence department of the Ministry of the Army did not know the news at all, which made the old marshal a little puzzled.

To blame for this is that Carlo did not communicate with the army before he said it, which made the army minister a little embarrassed when he was questioned, but fortunately he covered it up. Now is the time for Carlo to explain the blunder.

But it's not all Carlo's fault, because he also made a temporary decision to say or not to say it at the time, but the responsibility must be part of it.

"This question, in fact, if you don't ask me, I will tell you." Carlo answered after sorting out his thoughts. "This is the news that the royal family's intelligence personnel accidentally detected. However, due to the strict confidentiality of the French, I was not able to take physical photos, but only saw the inspection data."

Well, Carlo's answer dispelled most of the doubts of Marshal Cadorna, because he also knew some news. The king has an extremely mysterious intelligence organization in his hands. As for how mysterious, it can be described in one sentence. Only hear his voice and see no one.

On matters concerning this mysterious intelligence organization, Marshal Cadorna obviously does not intend to continue to ask questions. So the atmosphere gradually quieted down, and the train carrying them drove fast forward, through the Alps, and returned to Rome in the middle of the Apennine Peninsula.

Rome was that Rome, and the air was filled with familiarity.

However, Carlo, who returned to Rome, didn't have time to take a few more breaths, and was immediately informed by the foreign minister who greeted him.

"You mean, the United States and Spain have finished their talks in Paris?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, the peace negotiation between the two countries was concluded yesterday." The foreign minister took out a document. "Your Majesty, this is the information on the treaty signed between the two countries."

Listening to the words of the foreign secretary, Carlo took over the information on the Paris Peace Treaty (it felt awkward, but there was nothing wrong with it).

There are a few of the above, the first of which is that the United States recognizes Spain's sovereignty over Cuba, Puerto Rico and other Spanish islands in the West Indies.

Article 2: Spain must guarantee that the property of American merchants in Cuba and the Spanish West Indies, if violated, must be recovered by Spain. (This is also the most difficult one of the negotiations between the two parties.)

Article 3: The two sides repatriate prisoners of war to each other.

Article 4: In view of the huge gap between the prisoners of war between the two sides, it is not necessary to avoid disputes caused by the difference, and the United States has decided to pay 10 million US dollars for food.

Spain captured a total of more than 900 U.S. navy officers and soldiers, and this person's food expenses of more than 10,000 points are indeed arrogant. Well, this kind of means of concealing one's ears and stealing bells, you don't need to look to know, this is considered compensation.

After closing the contract, Carlo looked at the Admiralty and said. "Then our soldiers can go home, right?"

Admiral Yagier replied immediately. "Your Majesty, that's for sure. I will write to the Spaniards and ask them to release our officers and men."

After getting a satisfactory answer, Carlo got into the carriage. It has been a month since he saw his little Vittorio, and Carlo is also reunited.