Chapter 49, Strategic Deception

London

Since the start of the European arms race, the British Government had been paying close attention, keenly aware of the movements of other nations.

Foreign Minister Palmerston said in an unbroken stream, "Based on the intelligence we've collected, the Austrian Government's armament expansion is likely aimed at the Ottoman Empire; our plan to divert trouble eastward has been successful.

However, a change has occurred, the Austrian Government might have made a compromise with the Russians. Provoking conflict between Russia and Austria won't be possible in the short term.

But the more conflicts of interest arise, even the best relationships can shatter. From the moment Austria stepped onto the Balkan Peninsula, the collapse of the Russian-Austrian Alliance was destined..."