Chapter 57: Wilhelm II's Terms
To Wilhelm II, it was far more desirable for Australia to lean toward Germany. Even if it could not directly participate in a future war, it should at least pose a substantial threat to French colonies in East Africa and Asia.
But if Australia forged closer ties with Britain—backed by Britain's strength and shared bloodlines—it would be far easier for the British to sway Australia.
In that case, not only would Australia fail to become a surprise force in the war, but it might even serve as a logistical base for Britain and France, potentially threatening Germany's overseas colonies.
This was a scenario Wilhelm II was determined to avoid. The extent of British aid to Australia could very well shape Australia's future stance in the coming war.
If it came to a direct war, Wilhelm II was confident that the German military was not inferior to any other, and that it could prevail on any battlefield.
But that didn't mean he had lost all sense of reason. If Germany's maritime routes were blockaded, and France and Russia had vast territories and colonies to draw upon for supplies, then no matter how valiant the German army was, it couldn't overcome the enemy's endless logistical support.
Securing Australia's allegiance, or at least its cooperation in disrupting French colonies and sea lines during wartime, could yield critical advantages. Wilhelm II didn't expect total disruption—just enough interference to tip the scales. If he could achieve that, he believed Germany could decisively defeat France and end the war swiftly.
This was why Wilhelm II was so invested in Britain's support to Australia. Compared to distant and unfamiliar Germany, Britain clearly held a stronger emotional and cultural sway over the Australian people.
"The real negotiations haven't started yet, but I estimate that the annual aid won't be much—probably around the five million pounds that Grandmother specified," Arthur said with a feigned sigh, shaking his head helplessly.
Arthur understood exactly what Wilhelm II wanted to know and had no qualms about pleasing him.
Either way, Wilhelm would be happy to hear that Britain was limiting its support. Five million pounds was the perfect answer.
Was five million pounds a lot? On the surface, yes—it equated to over ten thousand skilled workers' annual salaries.
But in the context of national industrial development, it was paltry.
With large-scale industrial infrastructure, Australia already spent four million pounds annually on industrial growth—and that was just a modest development plan.
For industrial powers like Britain or Germany, five million pounds was barely the cost of two main battleships.
"Haha, I thought it would be more," Wilhelm II laughed. "Uncle Edward, really—Australia's in such a poor state of development, and he still won't spend more to help. Grandmother specifically asked him to take care of you before she passed, and in the end, all he could offer was five million pounds."
As expected, Wilhelm II burst out laughing upon hearing the figure, his words filled with scorn for Edward.
"It's not so bad," Arthur replied, continuing to play the part. "After all, Uncle Edward isn't the only one making decisions in Britain. Even five million pounds is enough to get our industry started."
Arthur continued to play the underdog while waiting for Wilhelm to present his real offer.
"All right, Arthur," Wilhelm said, standing and clapping Arthur on the shoulder with his right hand. "As your cousin, I feel it's my duty to help you and Australia during these difficult times. The German Empire may not be as wealthy as Britain, but we can still offer meaningful support."
"I've decided to cancel the previously discussed low-interest loan of five hundred million marks. Instead, I'll convert that into a direct grant to serve as your industrial development fund. At the same time, I'll mobilize major German banks to jointly provide at least one billion marks in low-interest loans. You may use these funds to purchase any industrial equipment or resources you need within Germany. From both a strategic and bloodline perspective, Germany and Australia are friends—don't you agree?"
With a grand gesture, Wilhelm II officially gifted the previously promised five hundred million marks to Arthur.
Given the exchange rate between marks and pounds, Wilhelm's offer amounted to approximately twenty-five million pounds in grants and an additional fifty million pounds in low-interest loans. By any standard, this was a massive contribution.
"Really? Cousin Wilhelm, thank you so much. On behalf of Australia and all Australians, I thank His Majesty and all the German people for their support. May the friendship between Australia and Germany endure forever," Arthur said, momentarily stunned by the generosity. Thankfully, he recovered quickly and offered enthusiastic praise.
Praising Wilhelm a little cost nothing—especially when he had just offered such an extraordinary sum.
With seventy-five million pounds in aid and loans, this was undoubtedly a fortune for Australia's development.
"And that's not all, Arthur," Wilhelm II continued. "As the saying goes, teach a man to fish. Germany will send industrial experts to provide hands-on assistance in your country's development. As long as it doesn't involve highly sensitive strategic technologies, Germany will sell industrial technology and equipment to Australia at market prices. We hope to see Australia grow strong and become the hegemon of the South Pacific—and in the future, a key ally to Germany. We will never treat Australia as a subordinate or weakling, but as an extremely important partner, Arthur."
With all conditions laid out, Wilhelm turned to Arthur with a smile and asked, "So, Arthur, are you willing to lead Australia to become Germany's strong right arm?"
"If Australia can successfully develop, then we will be in a position to support Germany in a future war. If our sea routes remain open, Australia can export minerals and other resources to aid Germany in securing victory," Arthur replied, offering a carefully measured answer rather than a direct promise.
But in Wilhelm II's eyes, that was already as good as a "yes." After all, few leaders of Arthur's age could resist such a tempting offer.
Wilhelm believed that although Arthur seemed mature and visionary, he was ultimately still young—prone to impulsive and idealistic decisions.
Surely, once all of Wilhelm's promises were fulfilled, Arthur would shift his allegiance firmly to Germany's side.
What Wilhelm didn't know was that Arthur wasn't someone easily swayed by external factors. More importantly, Arthur was a transmigrator—with advanced ideas and experience far beyond his years. He would make decisions based solely on what was most beneficial to him and to Australia.
(End of Chapter)
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