The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 308

Chapter 308: Aid from France

Leopold II was still seething with anger. “Austria must also take a stance on this!”

Emperor Joseph II wearily waved a hand to cut him off. “General Würmser just suffered a defeat at Rochefort. The German states are all watching our reaction closely. We must mount a strong counterattack against the Prussians.”

Leopold II’s gaze fell.

He knew all too well that because of his elder brother’s reforms, Austria’s nobility was deeply discontent and unwilling to contribute to the state. Bohemia, Croatia, Hungary—these territories also resisted the royal family due to reforms that touched on their vested interests【Note 1】.

In such a situation, Austria could not muster the strength to fight a decisive war against Prussia. But if the Southern Netherlands were to become independent, the German states would surely believe Austria was too weak and throw their lot in with Prussia.

That was a situation absolutely unacceptable!

After a pause, Joseph II continued, “Our only chance of defeating Prussia lies in persuading France to support us. Since Marie Clementine has not been formally betrothed to the Crown Prince of France, let’s allow that matter to pass.”

Leopold II understood the gravity of the situation. Though he was unwilling, he nodded. Then something occurred to him, and he looked at his brother. “Your Majesty, although we are tied to France by marriage, according to the supplemental clauses signed by Vergennes and our country, France bears no military obligation to us.”

The “Vergennes” he referred to was Count Vergennes, Louis XV’s foreign minister and the man who orchestrated the marriage between Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. But as a seasoned statesman, Vergennes had used Austria’s desperation at the time to strip away France’s military responsibilities within the alliance.

In fact, ever since the ancient rivals France and Austria entered a marriage alliance for temporary gain, they had rarely supported one another in any meaningful way.

“I know,” Joseph II nodded. “That’s why we must do everything we can to persuade Antoinette. She is our sister, after all.

“Besides, France seems very invested in trade agreements with the South German states. We could offer them certain benefits in that area in exchange for military assistance.”

Austria’s original strategy was not to let France gain easy access to the South German market. They had planned to insert numerous restrictive clauses into any Franco-German trade agreement and erect steep tariff barriers for Bavaria, Württemberg, and other states to ensure Austria remained the market’s dominant force.

But reality had overtaken them. Austria now had to offer up some of those interests to secure French military aid.

Fortunately, the French were rather lenient regarding the German states’ high tariffs. They only requested reductions for a few categories like iron products and machinery—demands Austria could live with.

Moreover, through this trade agreement, Austria could also gain access to the French market.

More importantly, regardless of how the agreement was structured, as long as the French sent troops, Austria’s reform initiatives would at least be able to continue.

That was what Joseph II valued most!

His reforms must not be interrupted, or else Austria would inevitably lose its standing as a first-tier power in Europe.

...

In the wide corridor of Schönbrunn Palace, Talleyrand followed a court official at a brisk pace toward Leopold II’s reception room.

He had come at the latter’s summons, rushing back from the negotiation table in Munich.

As he recalled the letter from Leopold II, Talleyrand couldn't help but sigh. When he left Strasbourg last month, His Highness the Crown Prince had already informed him that Austria might soon suffer defeat in the Southern Netherlands. And sure enough, Würmser had been routed by the Duke of Brunswick.

According to the Crown Prince’s instructions, someone high up in Austria’s leadership—either the Emperor himself or a senior minister—would likely consult him afterward about France’s possible military intervention.

Thus came this summons from none other than Leopold II, who was effectively the heir to the Austrian throne.

Talleyrand straightened his posture. It was now his duty to carry out the Crown Prince’s follow-up arrangements.

Inside the reception room, after a few pleasantries, Leopold II quickly turned the conversation to the war in the Southern Netherlands. “As I just mentioned, General Würmser has withdrawn the main force to the forests near Luxembourg, preserving the majority of our troops.

“In other words, we are still exerting significant military pressure on the rebels.”

Talleyrand knew Austria hadn’t suffered catastrophic losses, but this talk of “maintaining pressure” was pure diplomatic rhetoric. With Blücher’s 20,000 troops and over 10,000 Southern Netherlandish rebels blocking the west of Luxembourg, it was only their fear of ambushes in the Black Forest that had kept them from pushing the Austrian army into Bavaria.

Of course, French logistical supplies were also crucial to Würmser’s ability to keep holding on. Without them, the Austrians would’ve been fighting the local farmers over potatoes.

Talleyrand merely smiled at Leopold II and said nothing.

The latter had no choice but to continue awkwardly, “His Majesty the Emperor has decided to muster 80,000 troops and dispatch them to Luxembourg, to show William II just how foolish it is to meddle in Southern Netherland affairs.

“Of course, the Prussians are also likely to send reinforcements. And the Dutch have provided significant aid to the rebels.

“His Majesty’s army is confident of victory against any foe, but the conflict may drag on. As you know, that would be extremely costly.”

He glanced at Talleyrand. “If, at this juncture, Austria’s dear ally France could provide some localized military assistance, the collapse of the Prussian forces would come all the more swiftly.”

Having finished, he looked straight at the French foreign minister. “His Majesty also instructed that Austria will take France’s views fully into account during negotiations on the ‘Seine–Rhine River Trade Agreement.’”

The “Seine–Rhine River Trade Agreement” was a new name proposed by the various delegations a few days ago. The Seine symbolized France, and the Rhine conveniently passed through the South German states. The name also embodied France’s vision of promoting inland river commerce.

Leopold II added, “I hope you will convey His Majesty’s intentions to His Majesty the King of France as soon as possible. I very much look forward to even closer cooperation between our nations.”

Talleyrand nodded, recalling the Crown Prince’s instructions. He smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, in fact, upon hearing of the developments in the Southern Netherlands, His Majesty the King has already authorized me to conclude an agreement with you on military assistance at any time.”

Leopold II was overjoyed upon hearing this. He thought to himself: my dear sister still cares for her homeland after all. Before I could even open my mouth, she had already made preparations to aid Austria.

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