To be honest, if Arthur didn't know about Germany's plight afterwards, he would have readily accepted William II's conditions. Even with a large amount of equipment from Britain, it would take Australia at least ten years to build a systematic industry.
But with Germany's help, this time could be infinitely shortened, and Australia's industry could undergo earth-shaking changes every year.
In terms of industry, Germany definitely had the strength to compete with Britain, and even if it had the same amount of colonies as Britain and France, Germany's industrial strength could even rival that of the United States.
Seeing Arthur hesitating, William II continued to smile and said, "If Arthur thinks that's not enough, the German Empire can also provide low-interest loans of over 500 million marks to Australia and send industrial experts to stay in Australia to help you build a complete industrial system."
Five hundred million marks is roughly equivalent to 25 million pounds sterling, which is not a small amount of capital.
More importantly, after Germany's defeat in World War I, the German mark will suffer from crazy devaluation. The current value of 500 million marks is 25 million pounds, but in the future, 500 million marks may not even be worth 500,000 pounds.
If this loan is delayed for repayment for 20 years, doesn't that mean Germany is giving Arthur over 20 million pounds for free?
"Cousin William, although I am tempted by your proposal, as you know, Australia is a sparsely populated agricultural country, and we are very backward in terms of industry and economy, and I'm afraid we can't help Germany," Arthur said with a smile.
Although Germany's conditions were tempting, it was too simple to think that Australia could enter the vortex of World War I with just these conditions.
"That's for sure, Arthur. Once the war in Europe begins, most of France's army will be concentrated on the battlefields in Europe and Africa, including their fleet. You only need to harass them in their African and Asian colonies, and constantly cause damage. The great German army will come and crush them on the front lines, no matter how many people they have," William II said with a hint of pride.
William II did have the confidence to say such words. Like the British Empire, the German Empire was undoubtedly the number one navy, and in terms of comprehensive military strength, including soldiers' individual qualities, the German Empire had a significant gap with the second and third places.
"Cousin William, if we were to join your side and go against France, Australia would be powerless. But if we were to only support you in secret and create a small threat to France, we could still do that," Arthur said with a smile. "But as you know, Australia lacks everything, so even if we wanted to do something for Germany, we don't have the ability to do so. I hope that besides industrial and financial support, Germany can also provide Australia with support in artillery and warships. In return for the support from Germany, Australia promises to target and destroy some of France's colonies in Africa and Asia during the war to attract the attention of some of the French army."
"Very good, Arthur. I'm glad to see you standing with me instead of like Uncle Edward. I originally thought that with our blood ties, Germany and Britain could become good allies. But I didn't expect Uncle Edward to insist on standing with France, so I can only apologize to my grandmother Victoria," William II said with satisfaction, nodding and smiling at Arthur.
Due to his blood ties, William II was initially closer to Britain. But due to Germany's gradual rise, they naturally formed an opposition with Britain. Even if William II wanted to mend the rift between Germany and Britain, it was already too late.
"Cousin William , I hope that aid from Germany can arrive in Australia soon. At least before the war breaks out in Europe, Australia must have a complete industrial system in order to be of assistance to Germany in the war," Arthur said, not paying attention to William II's complaint about Prince Edward, and smiling.
With aid from Germany that didn't require payment, the earlier Arthur could get it, the more reassured he would be. As for the future repayment of loans, it might not even cost as much as the current loans.
"Haha, no problem, Arthur. I promise that the industrial equipment and financial support, as well as talents, you asked for, will all arrive in Australia before Christmas. But I hope that the relationship between Germany and Australia can remain concealed for now. It would be best if no one knows about this. This way, Australia can give France a deadly blow at a critical moment, and this treaty can achieve the best results," William II laughed and casually said.
For William II, these forms of support were only a drop in the bucket in terms of national cost. But if it could exchange for severe damage to French colonies by Australia during the war, even if they had to pay twice the cost, it was still worth it for Germany.
"After all, France's economy and raw materials mostly come from the colonies, so once the colonies are destroyed or threatened, it represents a huge threat to France's economy and industry.
"No problem, cousin William," Arthur agreed quickly.
Originally, Arthur was still hesitant about how to ask William II to agree without publicizing the relationship between Australia and Germany.
From the current situation, even with Australia's full support, Germany has no hope of defeating Britain and France.
If Australia is dragged into Germany's vortex and becomes a defeated country in World War I, it will be contrary to Arthur's envisioned plan for Australia's rise.
Australia can participate in World War I, but it must be a victorious country. Only then can Australia seek its own interests after the end of World War I and establish its sphere of influence in the South Pacific.
Italy: Lazy in the early stage, desperately dragging its feet in the middle stage, and directly joining the opposite side in the later stage.
"As for the artillery and shipbuilding technology you requested, I allow you to introduce it from within Germany. As for what technology you can purchase, it depends on the ability of your diplomats," William II said with a smile.
Many of Germany's famous technologies are held by capitalists who have established military and shipbuilding factories.
Although many of these factories are government-owned, it is not easy for them to give up their own technologies just by William II's words.
"Of course, cousin William . Our introduction of German technology is also very sincere. After I go back, I will send a diplomatic mission to Germany," Arthur said with a smile.