Chapter 44 The German-Australian Treaty
Truth be told, if Arthur didn't already know what fate awaited Germany, he might have readily agreed to Wilhelm II's proposal.
Although Australia had received a substantial amount of industrial equipment from Britain, building a fully functional industrial system would still take at least a decade.
But with German assistance, that timeline could be drastically shortened—Australia's industry could undergo transformative growth year after year.
When it came to industrial strength, Germany absolutely had the ability to challenge Britain. And if it had colonies on par with Britain and France, Germany could even rival the United States.
Seeing Arthur hesitate, Wilhelm II smiled and added, "If you think that's not enough, Arthur, the German Empire can offer Australia a low-interest loan of more than 500 million marks, and dispatch industrial experts to reside in Australia and help you build a complete industrial system."
Five hundred million marks was roughly equivalent to 25 million pounds—a significant sum.
Even more important was that, following Germany's defeat in World War I, the mark would suffer catastrophic devaluation. Five hundred million marks today were worth 25 million pounds, but in the future, it might not even be worth half a million pounds.
If repayment could be delayed twenty years, it would essentially mean Germany was giving Arthur 25 million pounds for free.
"Cousin Wilhelm, as much as your offer tempts me, you know as well as I do—Australia is a sparsely populated agricultural country. We are extremely backward in industry and economics. I fear we wouldn't be of much help to Germany," Arthur said with a smile.
As appealing as Germany's offer was, trying to drag Australia into the vortex of a world war with a few incentives was still far too simplistic.
"Of course, Arthur. Once war breaks out in Europe, most of France's troops will be concentrated in Europe and Africa, including their fleet. All you need to do is harass and sabotage their colonies in Africa and Asia. The mighty German army will handle the front lines—even if France has more men," Wilhelm II said proudly.
He had reason to boast. Just as Britain reigned supreme at sea, the German Empire was the undisputed champion on land. Whether in terms of individual soldier quality or overall military strength, Germany's army was leagues ahead of its closest competitors.
"Cousin Wilhelm, Australia wouldn't be able to confront France openly, but if it's only about offering covert support and causing some disruption in their colonies, that's something we can manage," Arthur replied with a grin. "But you know Australia lacks almost everything. Even if we wanted to help Germany, we don't have the means. In addition to industry and financial support, I hope Germany can also provide us with artillery and warship technologies. In return for Germany's aid, Australia promises to launch opportunistic raids on France's colonies in Africa and Asia when war breaks out—diverting a portion of their military attention."
"Excellent, Arthur. I'm glad to see you're with me—and not like Uncle Edward. I once thought our family ties would lead to a close alliance between Germany and Britain. But Edward insists on siding with France, so I suppose I'll have to apologize to Grandmother Victoria," Wilhelm II said with a satisfied smile.
Due to their blood ties, Wilhelm II had originally hoped to maintain close relations with Britain.
But Germany's rapid rise had placed it on a collision course with Britain. No matter how much Wilhelm II tried to mend the divide, it was too late.
"Cousin Wilhelm, I hope Germany's aid can reach Australia as soon as possible. We need to establish a complete industrial system before war breaks out in Europe. Only then can Australia offer meaningful support to Germany," Arthur said, ignoring Wilhelm's complaints about Crown Prince Edward and staying focused on practical matters.
When someone's offering you free assistance, the sooner it arrives, the better.
As for future loan repayments—they might not even be worth a fraction of what they are now.
"Haha, no problem, Arthur. The equipment, funding, and personnel I promised will all arrive in Australia before Christmas. But I hope the relationship between Germany and Australia can remain secret for now. Don't mention this agreement to anyone. That way, Australia can deliver a devastating blow to France at a critical moment—maximizing the treaty's impact," Wilhelm II said with a hearty laugh, unconcerned.
For Wilhelm, the cost of these concessions was negligible for the empire.
But if it meant that Australia could wreak havoc on France's colonies during wartime, then even doubling the aid would be well worth it.
After all, much of France's economy and raw materials came from its colonies. If those colonies were threatened or damaged, France's entire economic and industrial foundation would be at risk.
"No problem, Cousin Wilhelm," Arthur replied quickly.
He had been wondering how to persuade Wilhelm II not to publicize their alliance. Under the current circumstances, even if Australia gave its full support, Germany had little chance of defeating Britain and France.
If Australia was dragged into the war on Germany's side and ended up on the losing end, Arthur's vision for Australia's rise would be completely derailed.
Australia could participate in the war—but only as a victor. That was the only way it could gain benefits afterward and establish its own sphere of influence in the South Pacific.
"As for the artillery and warship technologies you mentioned, I'll allow you to negotiate directly with German manufacturers. Whether or not you can secure the technology depends on your diplomats' skills," Wilhelm II said with a smile.
Many of Germany's most advanced technologies were controlled by private companies running military factories and shipyards.
Even if they served the government, getting them to share their secrets wasn't something Wilhelm could simply order.
"Of course, Cousin Wilhelm. We're very serious about acquiring German technology. I'll send a diplomatic mission to Germany as soon as I return," Arthur replied with a grin.
(End of Chapter)
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