Chapter 109: British-Austrian negotiations

Under what circumstances would the conflict between Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia disappear?

This depends on the specifics. After all, [Lord] Palmerston wouldn't naively believe that Austria, after marshalling its forces to confront the Kingdom of Sardinia, would let Sardinia go easily for the so-called world peace.

The only solution would be for one side to fall. A clap can't sound with just one hand; if the enemy falls, the conflict naturally disappears.

Undoubtedly, Sardinia is the one currently on the losing end. Palmerston doesn't believe the Sardinians can turn the tables.

Even if the remaining Sardinian soldiers were as valiant as Spartan warriors, it wouldn't change the outcome of a lost war.

Palmerston pondered and said, "Mr. Metternich, for the sake of world peace and stability, the British government suggests that your country end the Austro-Sardinian war and revert to the pre-war status."

Relations between the British and Austrians are intricate. They oppose Austria's expansion in Italy but due to their European strategy, they don't want to fall out with Austria. Thus, Palmerston's trip to Vienna, trying to resolve the Austro-Sardinian dispute diplomatically.

After the anti-French wars, Europe entered an era dominated by British and Russian powers. Austria-led Vienna system isolated the British Empire from mainland Europe but also curtailed Russian expansion.

For the British, being isolated is acceptable as long as the European continent remains balanced. Their hegemony remains unshaken, and the Vienna system defends their core interests.

Now, with the Vienna system collapsing, and a significant shift looming over the European continent, curbing Russian expansion becomes Britain's priority.

Austria, blocking Russia's westward path, is a potential ally London needs to court. The British-Austrian relationship shouldn't break unless absolutely necessary.

Such complex British diplomatic strategy naturally isn't lost on Metternich; Austria also needs to cooperate with Britain.

Despite Russia and Austria being allies, Austria doesn't want Russia to continue expanding. In fact, the least enthusiastic about Russian expansion is the Austrian government.

Of course, Franz is an exception.

There's little room left for Russians to expand westward. Prussia and Austria aren't pushovers, so Russia can't focus there.

Sweden in Northern Europe is also a challenge. Russians won't tackle difficult tasks; thus, only the Balkans remain for Russian expansion.

People of this era believed that once Russia enters the Balkans, captures Constantinople, and pushes into the Mediterranean, it would become uncontrollable.

Franz's assessment is opposite. He thinks that Russians confined to their cold homeland are more formidable. If they enter the Mediterranean, the British would force the "Russian bear" to be more humane.

Being a land power doesn't necessarily translate to naval prowess. Not looking down on the Russians, their strength lies in their army's numbers. In naval terms, they're novices.

Austria even has a better naval foundation than Russia, with Venice once a naval power and enough sailors still available.

Having seas doesn't guarantee a strong navy. Russia has vast coastal areas but they're not conducive for naval development.

Even now, Russians are like "landlubbers". Their small navy can't grow significantly in just a few decades.

Even when Russia expands in the Balkans, Austria can still have a share, maybe not the juiciest parts.

But Franz's attitude is: Better a bird in the hand than two in the bush.

As long as it strengthens Austria, whoever wants to counter Russian expansion can do so. He doesn't have that internationalist spirit.

If the Russians deviate and focus on navy expansion, he wouldn't mind supporting them wholeheartedly, letting them venture further down this perilous path.

Franz's stance affects Austria's diplomacy, making it less active in many international affairs than during Metternich's era."

This text provides insights into the intricate relationships and strategies of European powers in the 19th century, with a focus on Austria's stance and the interplay of British and Russian influences.

Metternich shook his head and said, "Mr. Palmerston, there is always a price to pay for wrongdoings. If the Kingdom of Sardinia dares to invade Austria, then they must bear the corresponding consequences.

The dignity of the Austrian Empire is not to be defiled. The wicked Kingdom of Sardinia dared to violate the Vienna System and initiate an invasion; they must pay the price for this."

Palmerston breathed a sigh of relief. Austria did not insist on annexing Sardinia. Thus, there was still room for negotiations, and it was just a matter of interests.

Having instigated Sardinia to wage war and provided loans to Sardinia, Palmerston played a part in these actions. If Sardinia were really doomed, those loans would turn sour, and the British bankers wouldn't spare him.

Palmerston pondered and said, "Of course, the Kingdom of Sardinia initiated this invasion, and they should pay the price. For world peace, the British Empire is ready to mediate this war. We hope your country can cease military actions temporarily."

Metternich slightly smiled, "I'm sorry, Mr. Palmerston, but you're too late. At this time, the Kingdom of Sardinia has already been occupied by the Austrian army. King Charles Albert of Sardinia has fled abroad and might soon arrive in London. If your country can restrain the Sardinian guerrillas from continuing their disturbances, we can stop our subsequent military actions."

Austrian troops occupied the Kingdom of Sardinia?

If referring to major cities, Austria had indeed occupied them; but in terms of the entire nation, Austria had only taken about half of Sardinia's territory.

But that didn't stop Metternich from boasting. In those days, military occupation often referred to major cities, with vast rural areas frequently overlooked.

At this juncture, Palmerston didn't feel like pursuing further. Sardinia had lost all its leverage, and a hefty price was inevitable.

Quickly shifting roles, Palmerston asked, "Mr. Metternich, to end this war, what are the terms of your government? We can help convey them."

Instead of answering, Metternich handed over a prepared ceasefire treaty.

Glancing over the content, Palmerston's face changed. If they adhered to Austria's terms, the Kingdom of Sardinia's existence would be at risk.

"Mr. Metternich, aren't these terms excessively harsh?" Palmerston asked, frowning.

It wasn't just harsh; it was extremely severe. The terms practically placed Sardinia's political, military, financial, and territorial spheres under Austrian control, barely different from annexation.

For instance, the appointment of government officials at the ministerial level and above had to be approved by the Austrian government.

Another example: Sardinia couldn't maintain an army but only a police force of no more than 10,000. They were to use 50% of their financial revenue to hire the Austrian army to protect their territorial integrity.

The right to issue currency in Sardinia would be managed by Austria; all Sardinian tax rates would be set by the Austrian government. Sardinia could not produce weapons and had to import all weaponry from Austria.

Lastly, any diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Sardinia and any other country would be exercised by the Austrian foreign ministry on their behalf.

...

There were no demands for territorial concessions or indemnities on this document. However, compared to these terms, Sardinians would probably prefer to cede territory and pay indemnities rather than become a colony of Austria.

Metternich spoke very kindly, "This is just a draft for negotiation. Sardinia's invasion has caused Austria immense damage. Lombardy and Venice were nearly razed to the ground.

Moreover, hundreds of thousands of Austrians were killed or injured, and millions were left homeless. How can we account for such a severe loss?

If the Sardinians cannot accept our conditions, that's fine, as long as they can fully compensate us for all our losses in one go."

...