Chapter 1523 - 46: European Consensus (3)

Chapter 1523: Chapter 46: European Consensus (3)

"During this period, we should work extensively on forming international alliances to limit Russia’s development and reduce military spending for the Empire. The financial crisis is still unresolved, so we cannot be the only ones confronting Russia."

Germany and Russia are locked in a standoff, and the eventual outcome for Russia is unclear. It is undoubtedly unfavorable for Germany, as even if Germany beats Russia half to death, the International Community is unlikely to allow Germany to retain the spoils of war.

While Germany considers a ceasefire, Russia remains the primary obstacle to peace in Eastern Europe. Observing the current state of the Russian Labor Party, they support the continuation of the war because, so far, the war situation favors Russia. Additionally, the Russian Labor Party currently exhibits traits of a global political party, and their political slogan is the liberation of the world, which naturally requires war to achieve.

This is why Herman proposed stabilizing the war situation and more aggressively attacking Russia to force the Russian Labor Party to return to rationality.

Although the Russian Labor Party temporarily holds the advantage, do not forget that Russians are not synonymous with the Russian Labor Party. Tsarist Russia’s collapse during World War I was due to the weariness of the grassroots population toward the war, which ultimately led to their ill fate.

Herman believes that as long as Russia suffers setbacks on the front lines or struggles to advance, they must return to the negotiation table. Otherwise, regardless of the Russian Labor Party’s ability to sway people, they are destined to repeat the Tsarist government’s failure.

Herman continued, "At the same time, we should counteract the Russian Labor Party in the realm of ideology and public opinion, especially within the Empire and its affiliated spheres of influence, by strengthening propaganda efforts and researching ways to dismantle the ideological weapons of the Russian Labor Party."

"We must prevent the citizens within the country and nearby regions from being incited by the Labor Party. The Labor Party’s theories are the most terrifying, akin to Satan himself. Our lesson in Eastern Europe has taught us that we must find a way to curb the spread of such evil ideologies."

"Otherwise, not just Poland and Ukraine, but even areas within the Empire might be infiltrated by Labor Party elements, ultimately threatening the foundation of our rule."

On this matter, William II also said with a serious expression, "The ideas of the Labor Party are highly destructive. Although we have long been suppressing Labor Party elements, these evil ideas grow like weeds, continuing to thrive. Thus, when negotiating with the British, we should also take the opportunity to discuss how countries around the world might handle the spread of such evil ideas."

Apart from the so-called "evil" ideological factor, Russia is still the same as before, even weaker than the Tsarist Era in national strength. However, their combat capability is starkly different; under the banner of these evil ideologies, the Russian army has shown to be significantly more "ferocious" and "swift" than Tsarist Russia’s grey cattle.

Thus, from the current German government’s perspective, curbing the spread of these ideologies has become an issue that must be resolved. If this issue can be addressed, then the situations in Ukraine and Belarus need not be repeated.

With these problems in mind, in 1923, besides further reinforcing Eastern Europe’s military assistance to block Russia’s expansion, the German government initiated dialogue and cooperation with the United Kingdom and other nations.

Regarding Germany’s shift in attitude, the United Kingdom naturally showed support. Under the active promotion of the two countries, the progress in establishing the International League, a global organization focused on coordinating international affairs and relations and resolving international disputes, accelerated significantly.

The four major imperialist nations in Europe—Britain, France, Germany, and Austria—after experiencing mutual slaughter in World War I, were compelled by various non-European threats (including Russia) to once again gather to discuss the fate of Europe collectively.

This also destined the International League, this international organization, to naturally bear the nature of suppressing developments in countries outside Europe from its inception. This is presently the only consensus that can unite the four countries. It also, to some degree, reflects the current decline trend of Europe.