Chapter 1125: The Empire Strikes Back
Fox hesitated, speaking with a touch of uncertainty, "But what if Russia chooses to withdraw their troops immediately after occupying Poland?"
"Furthermore, for Austria, they probably wouldn't want to see an overly powerful Russia appearing right on their doorstep..."
Grenville and William Pitt Junior shared a knowing smile when they heard this.
These two masters of strategy were already calculating several moves ahead, while their mediocre Foreign Secretary was still struggling with the basic surface logic of the situation.
Pitt felt compelled to explain patiently, "Russia wants more than just Polish territory; they want a permanent corridor connecting them to Central and Western Europe."
"That is why they have poured all their strength into expanding toward the Balkans for over a century. Tell me, how many times have they fought the Ottomans now?"
"Six times," Fox replied.
"Ah, yes, six. From over a hundred years ago until today." Pitt nodded. "Yet despite multiple military victories, the Russians have only managed to secure Crimea and Iasi. To this day, they have failed to reach the southern banks of the Danube."
"This isn't because the Ottoman Empire is exceptionally strong. It is because Austria, France, and even our own nation have no wish to see Russian influence penetrate deep into Europe. It is the direct result of a calculated balance of power."
Grenville added, "The Russians have been covertly supporting Greek independence specifically to undermine Ottoman power in the Balkan Peninsula."
"This time, we can help Greece accelerate its break from the Ottomans. Once the Russians see a glimmer of hope, they will be unable to restrain their urge to meddle in Western and Central European affairs."
Fox nodded thoughtfully, though another question quickly followed. "But how do we convince Austria? They are the most wary of a powerful Russia, given they would be the first to face any Russian threat."
Pitt smiled. "For Franz II, his greatest desire right now is to reclaim control over Italy. His second is to bring the Rhineland states back under his Holy Roman Empire."
"It is obvious that Austria cannot achieve these goals through its own strength alone."
"Consequently, he will have to make concessions to Russia in the Balkans in exchange for their military intervention in the Western European theater."
Fox looked concerned. "But in doing so, we might allow Russia to become too powerful to control."
Pitt dismissed the worry with a wave of his hand. "Given Russia's current financial state, they will likely need loans from our government just to finish the war in Poland."
"We can cut off financial aid at any moment to restrict their military operations."
"And even if things truly spiral out of control, we can always join forces with France and Austria to drive out the 'Eastern Orthodox heretics.'"
In history, the very situation Fox feared did eventually come to pass. Later, Britain joined France, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia to declare war on Russia.
The Anglo-French fleet entered the Black Sea, and over a hundred thousand expeditionary troops landed in Crimea, taking three years to utterly defeat the Russian Empire.
Ultimately, Russia was forced to neutralize the Black Sea and completely abandon its control over Serbia, Wallachia, and Moldavia. Their strategic position regressed fifty years overnight, and they remained weakened for a long time thereafter.
Fox finally broke into a smile. "It seems I need to make a trip to Saint Petersburg as soon as possible. Oh, and Vienna as well."
Grenville raised a hand. "You focus your energy on the Russians. I will handle Austria personally."
Persuading Austria would involve a complex web of deals and secret protocols; he didn't trust Fox to manage such delicate negotiations.
Pitt thought for a moment and then added, "We also need to find a way to stir the situation in Italy. Dissatisfaction with France is growing there by the day."
"If we can cause trouble for the French on the Apennine Peninsula, it will help us implement our diplomatic plans in Germany and Eastern Europe without interference."
Grenville nodded. "A sound suggestion. We'll leave that to Sir Norris, with Sir Paget providing assistance. Have them submit an action plan as soon as possible."
Sir John Chuck-Norris was the British trade representative to the Papal States, essentially functioning as a consul.
Sir Arthur Paget served as the British Minister to Naples.
These two were the British officials most familiar with the internal affairs of the Apennine Peninsula.
Fox then mentioned that next month, a member of the royal family would be required to attend the founding ceremony of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.
The Portuguese royal family had already arrived in Rio de Janeiro.
To strengthen the integration of the Brazilian colony, João had decided to officially 'elevate' it to Portuguese territory, forming the United Kingdom.
"The Duke of York will cross the Atlantic to attend the ceremony."
After saying this, Grenville's brow furrowed again. "Now that we have withdrawn a significant portion of our expeditionary force from Portugal, the Spaniards might move their troops toward Gibraltar. We need to prepare supplies to be shipped there ahead of time."
He wasn't actually worried about Gibraltar being captured. After Spain invaded Portugal, Britain had sent two thousand reinforcements to the fortress. The garrison now numbered 3,500 men. With enough ammunition, they could easily repel a siege of tens of thousands.
Pitt mused, "I believe that rather than pouring resources solely into defense, it would be better to divert the Spaniards' attention elsewhere."
"Oh? What do you suggest?"
"The Spaniards have always had their eyes on Morocco," Pitt noted. "Compared to the impregnable Gibraltar, that region is far more enticing. We just need to give them a reason why they absolutely must go there..."
North Africa.
Northern Morocco.
Lord Elliot glanced at the mountain ranges through the carriage window and turned to the diplomat beside him. "Mr. Aster, this must be the Atlas Mountains, correct?"
The latter cleared his throat awkwardly. "Ahem, actually, these are the Buhellal Mountains, my Lord."
"Oh, they look quite imposing," Lord Elliot remarked, still full of enthusiasm. "No wonder their Sultan has never been able to effectively rule these mountain tribes."
Aster wanted to point out that they were 'barely two hundred meters high,' but he bit his tongue. He was just a minor official stationed in Africa; he couldn't afford to offend a powerful figure from London.
He cleared his throat and got down to business. "My Lord, if the Wazzan tribe refuses us because they fear their Sultan's wrath..."
Lord Elliot waved him off with a laugh. "The only reason you think that is because you don't know what I've brought for them."
He lowered his voice mysteriously. "A full three thousand flintlock muskets and 120,000 pounds sterling."
Aster's eyes widened in shock. "That... that much! But if it's just for raiding, that seems entirely unnecessary..."
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