TN: Change of translation of Training Assault Battalion to Instruction Assault Battalion
Although neither of them had any concrete evidence, at a time like this, the truth was irrelevant. What mattered was that they needed a common enemy.
And the Saxon Empire was undoubtedly the best candidate.
The two men exchanged glances, both seeing an unspoken understanding in the other's eyes.
"But, Mr. President." Grey placed his wine glass on the table, leaning slightly forward.
"Relying solely on the strength of our two nations may not be enough to ensure victory in the coming storm."
"We need to add one more weight to the scale."
"Weight?" Poincaré frowned.
Grey: "Mr. President, do you recall the sacred alliance agreement signed between your nation and the former Great Russian Empire?"
Poincaré certainly remembered.
The essence of the alliance agreement could be summarized as: if either Gaul or Great Russia were attacked by the Saxon Empire, the other party must immediately launch an offensive against the Saxon Empire.
But he quickly spread his hands: "Sir Grey, you must be joking? The Romanov family has been hanged in the Kremlin… Russia is currently in complete chaos. That agreement is no different from a piece of scrap paper."
"No, it is not scrap paper." Grey shook his head.
"Hasn't former Imperial Navy Admiral Kolchak and his group of royalist nobles established a so-called 'All-Russian Supreme Autocracy' in Saint Petersburg?"
"They continually claim to be the legitimate successors of the Great Russian Empire and are desperate for international recognition."
Poincaré's breath hitched. He instantly grasped Grey's meaning.
"Are you suggesting…"
"Yes."
Grey affirmed his thought, then continued:
"If Kolchak is willing to honor the Romanov family's pledge and continue to uphold that alliance treaty this time…"
"Then the Holy Britannian Empire and the Gallic Republic can issue a joint statement, publicly recognizing the legitimate international status of the 'All-Russian Supreme Autocracy.'"
This proposal instantly illuminated Poincaré's thinking.
If Russia could be pulled into their camp, the Saxon Empire would face the dilemma of fighting on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, which would significantly increase the Entente's chances of victory.
"That is indeed a tempting offer."
Poincaré did not reply immediately. He needed time to process the information and discuss it with his cabinet.
"But I need to confirm one thing: Is Kolchak capable of this?"
"He will be capable." Grey's answer was full of confidence.
"If only we are willing to help."
July 20th, Saint Petersburg.
This once-glorious capital of the Russian Empire was now shrouded in desolation and decay.
The scars of the civil war were visible everywhere, like unhealed wounds on the city.
However, today, a rare bright spot appeared on the desolate square in front of the Winter Palace.
A brand-new tricolor eagle flag, representing the 'All-Russian Supreme Autocracy,' snapped loudly in the cold wind.
Former Imperial Navy Admiral, now 'Supreme Ruler,' Alexander Vasilyevich Kolchak…
He had spared virtually no expense to organize the most solemn welcome ceremony possible for Raymond Poincaré, the President of the Gallic Republic, who had traveled a long distance.
For the 'Supreme Ruler,' who was struggling to hold onto Saint Petersburg, Poincaré's visit was nothing short of a shot in the arm.
It signified that his regime had finally gained recognition from a top European power.
In a reception room in the Winter Palace, Kolchak expressed his gratitude to Poincaré.
"Mr. President, your arrival allows all of Russia to see a glimmer of hope."
Poincaré only smiled and nodded. He got straight to the point of his visit.
"General Kolchak, gaining the recognition of the entire civilized world as the legitimate successor of the Great Russian Empire is quite simple."
"You only need to continue to honor the pledges the Empire once made."
"Pledges?" Kolchak was taken aback.
"Yes, continue to uphold the Sacred Alliance Treaty, join the declaration of solidarity with the Kingdom of Serbia… and at the necessary moment, apply decisive pressure on the Saxons and the Austrians from the Eastern Front."
Kolchak's smile instantly froze.
He looked troubled and spread his hands: "Mr. President, I am afraid I am unable to help in this matter."
"As you can see, the current state of Russia… We have yet to fully suppress the internal rebels, our industry is nearly paralyzed, and the army lacks clothes and food. We have no capacity to help the Serbians so far away in the Balkans."
Kolchak spoke the truth.
Although his forces were said to number a million, most were hastily conscripted peasants with questionable combat effectiveness.
He had yet to completely clear out the rebels or establish an overland route to Denikin's forces, let alone launch an offensive against the strong enemy in the West.
However, Poincaré merely smiled mysteriously.
"Your Excellency the Supreme Ruler, you will not think that for much longer."
The next day, July 21st.
Sir Edward Grey, the Holy Britannian Foreign Secretary, also arrived in Saint Petersburg.
His arrival brought Kolchak a gift that was more practical and far more irresistible than 'international recognition.'
"General, provided you are willing to continue upholding the alliance treaty with the Gallic Republic…"
Grey went straight to his bargaining chips during his private talks with Kolchak.
"The Holy Britannian Empire will provide your nation with a massive interest-free loan, in addition to the existing aid."
Kolchak's breathing immediately became shallow.
With this money, he could equip his army with brand-new Britannian gear, purchase food and supplies from Gaul, and even bribe the local warlords who were still fence-sitting…
But Grey's 'gift' was far from over.
"Furthermore, the Imperial Royal Navy will dispatch a fleet to assist in blockading all ports controlled by the rebels."
"At the same time, an Expeditionary Force composed of elite Imperial soldiers will land in Murmansk to assist you in finally ending this civil war."
Each of Grey's sentences made Kolchak's heart skip a beat.
Loans, supplies, a naval blockade, and even direct military intervention…
These were conditions he had only dreamed of.
Kolchak was no fool. He certainly understood the implications of accepting this 'gift.'
It meant that he and the 'All-Russian Supreme Autocracy' would briefly become vassals of these two nations.
The lives of his million soldiers would become pawns to be moved at will by the politicians in London and Paris on the European chessboard.
But did he have a choice?
If he refused, he might not survive the coming winter.
If he accepted, he would have the opportunity to become the ruler of all Russia, restoring the former glory of the Great Russian Empire.
After a brief hesitation, ambition ultimately overcame reason.
"I agree."
Kolchak stood up, extending his hand to Grey and Poincaré.
"For the sake of our common enemy."
July 23rd, the ultimatum that would decide the fate of countless people was finally sent from Vienna.
The content of the ultimatum was less a diplomatic note and more a deliberate provocation that was never meant to be accepted by the Serbians.
Suppress all publications inciting hatred against the Austro-Hungarian Empire.Disband all anti-Austrian nationalist organizations and publicly disclose their members.Immediately remove all anti-Austrian propaganda from the education system.Dismiss all military officers and officials accused by the Austro-Hungarian Empire of participating in anti-Austrian activities.Accept supervision by representatives dispatched by the Austro-Hungarian Empire to jointly suppress all activities within Serbian territory that undermine the territorial integrity of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.Conduct a judicial investigation into the perpetrators of the Sarajevo incident, supervised by Austro-Hungarian representatives.Immediately implement the above measures and inform the Austro-Hungarian Empire within 48 hours.
The ultimatum contained ten clauses, each of which severely infringed upon the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Serbia.
Especially clauses five and six, which practically demanded that Serbia relinquish its judicial and administrative powers, allowing the Austro-Hungarian Empire to operate freely within its territory.
The moment the ultimatum was published, it caused an uproar across the whole of Europa.
Everyone understood that this was not a genuine attempt to solve the problem but a pretext to launch a war.
The Serbian Foreign Minister, upon receiving the ultimatum, immediately sought aid from the Gallic and Britannian Ambassadors in Belgrade.
However, the reply he received chilled him to the core.
The Gallic and Britannian Ambassadors demanded that the Kingdom of Serbia absolutely reject the terms of the ultimatum, and assured him they would provide all necessary support.
But they failed to offer any substantive commitments.
Only the Ambassador of the 'All-Russian Supreme Autocracy,' upon receiving an urgent telegram from Saint Petersburg, conveyed a personal message from 'Supreme Ruler' Kolchak.
"Russia stands with her brother."
This message offered the desperate Serbians a thread of illusory hope.
But they did not know that Kolchak, far away in Saint Petersburg, had not yet fully gained control over his own military.
His pledge, compared to the 'blank check' Albert II had issued to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was more like a worthless assurance.
The 48-hour deadline was quickly approaching.
The streets of Belgrade were filled with impassioned citizens.
They chanted slogans, demanding that the government reject the unreasonable Austro-Hungarian demands and swear to defend the nation's sovereignty to the death.
Under immense internal and external pressure, the Serbian government finally made its choice.
They agreed to all clauses of the ultimatum except for clauses five and six—which was the maximum concession Serbia could possibly make.
However, for Vienna, which was determined to go to war, any incomplete acceptance was tantamount to rejection.
July 25th, after receiving Serbia's reply, the Austro-Hungarian Minister to Serbia immediately announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Serbia. He and all embassy personnel boarded the train to return to Vienna.
(End of this Chapter)