Chapter 236
Chapter 236: "Rome" Conspiracy
The topic of Italy's territorial acquisitions and its growing threat to the Austro-Hungarian Empire weighed heavily on Franz's mind. Italy had taken Venice and Lombardy with French support, leaving Austria-Hungary with only the port of Trieste and a weakened navy. Franz saw Italy as a significant external adversary.
Ernst brought up the possibility of Prussia posing a substantial threat to France and the potential consequences of such a conflict. He highlighted Prussia's military capabilities and growth since the Austro-Prussian War, emphasizing that the Prussian army had likely reached a new level of strength.
Ernst also mentioned Prussia's ability to mobilize a large army rapidly, potentially exceeding one million troops in a conflict with France. While Franz and Ferdinand were initially skeptical, they couldn't deny Prussia's military prowess and the growth of its North German Confederation.
Ernst continued to emphasize the importance of Prussia's military capabilities and how it could influence the balance of power in Europe. He suggested that Prussia might pose a serious challenge to France, which had long been considered the dominant European power.
The discussion then turned to Italy and the Papal States. Ernst pointed out that France's defeat could lead to its withdrawal from Rome, potentially allowing Italy to annex the Papal States. He urged Franz to consider the implications and asked what Italy might do in such a scenario.
Franz recognized the complexities of the situation, including Austria-Hungary's limited ability to expand territorially and its defensive stance. He questioned how they could interfere in the affairs of the Papal State, especially when the French were still present.
Ernst proposed a plan involving the deployment of a non-uniformed "army" of believers disguised as pilgrims into the Papal State. He suggested that they enter in groups and hold Italy at bay, with merchant ships transporting weapons. Additionally, Ernst recommended establishing a special diplomat to contact the Pope when the French withdrew, inviting Austria-Hungary to send troops under the guise of righteousness.
Franz was intrigued by the plan but recognized its risks and complexities. He acknowledged that any misstep could lead to failure. Ernst reassured Franz that seizing this opportunity was essential, as Italy's animosity toward Austria-Hungary had already been established, and they couldn't afford to miss this chance to deter Italy.
Franz agreed to consider the plan but stressed the need to consult with the military and evaluate its feasibility before making a decision. The discussion left Franz with a challenging decision to make, as he weighed the risks and potential gains of this ambitious scheme.