The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 1126: Chapter 844: Testing William

“Father, in the early hours of yesterday, the German government officially declared war on Poland and expelled all diplomatic staff from the Polish Embassy.”

According to intelligence from Europe, within about an hour of declaring war, at least tens of thousands of German troops were mobilized and crossed the German-Polish border before dawn.

Father, war has come.” On October 16, 1935, at noon, Arthur listened calmly to the European intelligence William reported.

“This was bound to happen sooner or later. The explosion of the Wilhelm II airship might also have been premeditated,” Arthur nodded and said to William without any surprise.

“Father, are you saying that the Wilhelm II airship might have been sabotaged by the Germans themselves?” William couldn’t believe it. Were the Germans willing to sacrifice their own people for the sake of war?

“Although it’s only my conjecture, I’m afraid there’s a great possibility that it is true,” Arthur replied, showing no surprise, as if he had expected this all along, and calmly looked at William: “This is just a tactic of those in power, William. For some particularly fanatical people, what does sacrificing the lives of some domestic citizens matter?”

“Then, Father, what should we do?” William continued to inquire.

Arthur smiled and did not answer but returned the question to William: “What do you think? William. If you were in my place, what do you think we should do?”

“Given the current situation, it’s very likely that the French will join this war. If Poland can hold on for three months, the French will be adequately prepared for war and will initiate an attack on Germany.

If that’s the case, we could, just like the last war, first export a large amount of armaments, earn enough profit, and then choose to join the side with the greater advantage,” William pondered for a moment and then voiced his thoughts.

“Let’s hope so, William,” Arthur said with a smile.

“Father, you seem somewhat pessimistic about the war between Germany and Poland? Do you really think that Poland, with its 700,000 troops and a large number of cavalry, won’t last even three months?” William asked in surprise.

Although he respected his father, he also found it strange that Arthur seemed to have no faith in Poland’s chances.

After all, Poland’s military numbered 700,000 men, which was 100,000 more than Germany’s current forces.

Moreover, within the Polish army was a large number of cavalry, which played a significant role in the last great European war.

“It’s not that I am pessimistic about the war; it’s just that I don’t believe in the valor that the Poles boast about. In fact, weapons and equipment are not that important. As long as the commanders are competent and the soldiers are fearless, Poland could resist any country for a year and a half,” Arthur explained with a smile: “Besides, today’s Germany is not the powerful German Empire of more than 20 years ago. Although they have long since abolished the restrictive treaty, the long-term restrictions on their army have still affected their military combat capability and quality.

If the Poles truly have the determination to fight to the bitter end, I even think that they do not need France’s participation to bring down present-day Germany.

But the question is, do the Poles really have such perseverance? Unless God himself helps them, the downfall of Poland is only a matter of time, and it will definitely occur within three months.”

“Then, Father, if the Poles perform poorly in the war, will the French come to their aid in time? Based on the previous actions of the French public, if the French government wants to start a super war, it is unlikely to receive the support of the French people,” William continued to inquire.

“Perhaps only God knows that, William,” Arthur replied with a smile, patting William on the shoulder: “It depends on what those French politicians decide. If they prioritize national interests, France should naturally join this war and limit German expansion from the beginning.

But if they prioritize personal interests, those government officials, for the stability of their positions, are unlikely to easily start a war.”

Generally speaking, nations with military dictatorships or absolute monarchies have certain advantages in times of war.

With just one command from the ruler, the nation can immediately enter a state of war and mobilize all manpower and resources within the country.

But it’s different for a republican country like France. For the French government to declare war on Germany is not as simple as issuing an order.

The first to contend with the powers of the French President is the French Parliament, which can elect the Prime Minister.

If the President acts recklessly in starting a war, impeachment by Congress could give him a rough time.

Even more fatal is that if there is widespread dissatisfaction among the French people, leading to massive protests and strikes, it would be enough to directly overthrow the French government.

As one of the first countries to undergo a revolution, the French have a particular fondness for protests and revolution.

If defiance of public opinion leads to large-scale protests and strikes by the people, it would not only endanger one’s own ruling position but also result in being recorded on the column of shame in France.

Most politicians, for the sake of their own interests, naturally would not defy the attitude of the public.

This has made it exceedingly difficult for the current French government to consider waging war against Germany unless the current French President can overcome widespread opposition and withstand all pressures.

Thinking of the incumbent President Albert, Arthur and William snorted disdainfully in unison, not believing for a second that President Albert would take the initiative to declare war on Germany.

“In fact, sometimes it’s not up to the French to decide whether to engage in war,” Arthur said with a smile, trying to teach William more, “Do you think that Germany’s occupation of Poland will end this war? On the contrary, as I see it.

Once Germany has successfully occupied all of Poland, their next step will be the entire Austrian Empire. At that time, can the French remain uninvolved?

Sometimes it’s not that French politicians can’t see these things, it’s just that they choose to sacrifice national interest for their own benefit.

For us, this is something we must guard against. Apart from the people, we are the only ones who truly want the Empire to grow stronger.

Officials can easily be corrupted by capital, whether it’s now or in the future, I hope you will take it seriously and strive to improve it.

Leaving a stronger Australasia to future generations is the duty of every Emperor of Australasia. While I still have the energy to manage the country, William, you should accrue more prestige and build your own power base.

I cannot support you forever, and when I abdicate in the future, the path that remains will be yours to walk alone.”

From William’s birth to the present, this was also the first time Arthur had openly discussed with William the matters concerning his succession to the throne.

For Arthur, the end of World War II also signaled the conclusion of his reign.

Although Arthur was only 47 years old and still in the prime and golden age for a ruler, he decided to abdicate early in order for his successor to gain more prestige and personal power, thus securing a higher say in government.

Additionally, with Arthur’s assistance during the early years of William’s rule, there was no need to worry about any unforeseen accidents in the succession to the throne.

As long as Arthur was present, the nation’s stability could be guaranteed, no matter the scale of the war faced.

“Father…” William looked at Arthur with deep emotion, his eyes filled with not only admiration and respect for his father but also gratitude and astonishment for Arthur’s actions.

“Well now, let’s not dwell on this too much, William,” Arthur patted William on the shoulder again and said, “Since Germany and Poland have already started a war, they will certainly expand their military on a grand scale.

We also need to watch Italy’s movements closely, as per their pact with Germany, the Italians are likely to take action.

Besides that, we should pay attention to the British perspective on this war. Without British support, I suspect that even if Poland is completely overrun by Germany, the French won’t start a war.”

Ultimately, at this point, Britain is the most powerful country in Europe.

Though it seems like a battle for dominance between Germany and France, in reality, the one with a greater voice behind the scenes is Britain.

If the British disagree with Germany’s expansion, a few alliances would be enough for the French government to confidently engage in war against Germany.

However, judging by the current actions of the British, they don’t seem to be in a hurry to join the war.

Moreover, the health of King George V is deteriorating. According to British estimates, King George V has at most three months left to live.

The British government and the royal family are both preoccupied, with the government anxiously preparing for King George V’s funeral and the royal family busy with the succession process to the throne.

Besides, the British people are more concerned about matters closely related to their own interests, like the selection of the next Monarch.

While it is highly likely that Prince Edward will succeed, the attitude of the government and the public suggests that the people are not satisfied with the prospective future Monarch of Britain.

On the other hand, Prince Albert, who is historically known as George VI, and his family, are also rather busy at this time.

Compared to Prince Edward, whom King George V disdains, Prince Albert’s daughter, the renowned Queen Elizabeth in British history, is currently the apple of King George V’s eye.

During King George V’s lucid moments, it is often young Princess Elizabeth who stays by his side.

King George V’s various actions have led government officials to boldly speculate. Perhaps in the end, King George V will change the heir to the throne, allowing the more favored Prince Albert to succeed.

The British media are rife with news about the royal succession, a matter of intense interest to everyone from the British royal family and government to all commoners.