The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 477: Chapter 377: Declaration of War! Declaration of War!

"The Italians still claim their loyalty to the Triple Alliance. However, the issue is that they also want to maintain their traditional friendship with Britain and France. The Triple Alliance takes on the obligation for defensive wars, but the Italians contend that the Austro-Hungarian Empire is currently carrying out an aggressive war without prior consultation with Italy.

Even if the Russians intervene in this war, the Italians will not bear any obligations, and Italy will remain neutral in this war", replied Prime Minister Betman.

Although the Italians' argument seems reasonable, compared to Germany's steadfast support for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is simple nonsense.

The only reason Italy hasn't fulfilled its alliance obligations is that it wants to play both sides of the fence between the allied nations and the Allies, and join this war in a likely victorious manner.

William II shook his head disdainfully, saying,"The Bible says, a servant cannot serve two masters, let alone three. It's entirely impossible. Italy is most likely to join Britain and France. I hope you all can clearly see this. Assume we never had this ally; without it, we would still be victorious in the war. I have firmly decided to wage war against Russia and France; nothing can stop us."

On July 31, 1914, the German government announced that Germany was entering a state of war threat.

In the afternoon, the German government issued a final ultimatum to Russia, demanding that the Russian government cancel its total mobilization within 12 hours, otherwise, Germany would enter a state of war with Russia.

But the reply given by the Russian Foreign Minister Shazonov was, "Due to technical reasons, the total mobilization of Russia cannot be stopped."

Naturally, the Germans did not believe such nonsense from the Russians. Almost on the day the ultimatum was issued to Russia, Germany approached the French government, asking whether France would remain neutral when Germany and Russia go to war, and demanded a reply from the French government within 18 hours.

Moreover, if France agrees to remain strictly neutral, Germany has provocatively demanded France surrender the Toul and Verdun Fortress to Germany as a guarantee of neutrality.

Of course, the French would never agree to such a demand. French Prime Minister Vivianne Green stated: France will act in accordance with its own interests.

On the day of such a reply, the French government also issued a total mobilization order, which is equivalent to a strong statement to the German government.

On August 1, 1914, without waiting any longer, the German government formally issued a war notice to Russia, and Germany and Russia officially entered a state of war.

Just the next day, Germany issued a final ultimatum to the Belgian government, demanding that Belgium allow Germany to enter its territory and fight against the French army, which Belgium refused.

On August 3rd, Germany declared war on France and Belgium successively, and the flames of war officially spread to Western Europe.

On August 4th, the vanguard of the German army had already reached the Belgian border and invaded Belgian territory.

Also on this day, Britain, using Germany's violation of Belgian neutrality as an excuse, declared war on Germany.

Australasia also declared war on Germany at this time, with the reason being to fulfil obligations with the three countries of Britain, France, and Russia.

On August 6, the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on Russia, representing all nations (except for the fence-sitters) of both the Allied nations and the Allies, have all entered into a state of war against the enemy.

After various countries began to mobilize, the number of soldiers participating in the war also peaked.

3.82 million Germans, 2.3 million from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, 5.34 million Russians, 3.78 million Frenchmen, 660,000 from the British Expeditionary Force, 380,000 Belgians, 380,000 Serbs, 320,000 from the Australasia Expeditionary Force, totalling more than 20 million combat troops, will soon gather in all of Europe, igniting one of the most brutal wars in human history, World War I.

Just the day before Australasia declared war, which was August 3, 1914, Arthur called an emergency meeting to discuss when Australasia should declare war and what pretext should be used to declare war.

Coincidentally, just shortly after the meeting was convened, news arrived that Germany had successively declared war on France and Belgium.

With the pretext for war, it was only natural for Australasia to declare war.

At the same time, Australasia's battle plan in the war was also brought up again by Arthur.

According to the plan of the Defence Staff of the Department of National Defence, after Australasia dispatched 300,000 colonial troops and a regular division, it could at least have five divisions of deployable troops.

The main battle plan for these five divisions is to go north and attack German New Guinea, German Samoa, German Caroline Islands, German Micronesia, German Mariana Islands, and German Palau.

After seizing these areas, not only could Australasia connect the regions of New Guinea, but it could also fill the existing gaps in the defensive chain.

Without exaggeration, Australasia will also become the only country in Oceania; being the dominant power on the continent isn't just talk.

After completely unifying Oceania, Australasia will have a unique geographical advantage, and as long as it can bridge the population gap, the foundation for a future superpower will be roughly established.

For Australasia, its military tasks should be the least among the four great powers of the Allies.

Because this war does not involve Australasia's homeland, so all Australasia's army needs to do is to cooperate with the British and French armies, and it will have completed all tasks.

As for the attack in the Oceania region, the Germans in these two colonies combined do not have up to one division, and there is no sizable navy at all, and they cannot possibly be a match for Australasia.

Even in many of Germany's Pacific colonies, only a handful of officials and agricultural personnel were dispatched to declare sovereignty, with the number of these individuals usually ranging from several dozen to a hundred.

This also means that Australasia might be the country that completed its expansion the quickest during World War I. Aside from New Guinea, which may take some time, the rest of the colonies simply require a visit for takeover.

However, this Cabinet Meeting naturally discussed more than just this issue.

Although Australasia's war mission looks simple, war is brutal and really engaging in it is not that easy.

To better cope with such a massive super war involving six powers, everything within Australasia including resource allocation and maintenance of domestic order must be arranged in advance.

"How prepared are we in terms of supplies? What is the progress of public opinion, and how are we handling immigrant issues?" Arthur asked about the current progress of the government's work.

During wartime, supply and domestic stability were most important. Not only should they ensure all the residents' living materials, but they must also ensure that no turmoil emerges within the country.

"Your Majesty, preparations for public opinion have long been completed. According to our survey, at present, the vast majority of Australasians agree with the war. Those who disagree are mainly German immigrants," reported Foreign Secretary Darren.

"Always keep an eye on the movements of these German-descendant immigrants. If possible, try to compensate them as much as possible. Also, do your best to ensure German immigrants do not receive unjust treatment in the country. No matter what, all Australasians are unified, we are a single ethnicity," Arthur agreed, instructing him.

It is inevitable that Australasia and Germany will go to war, something these German immigrants are unwilling to see. But as things stand, this war cannot be avoided.

Therefore, all Arthur and the Australasian Government can do, is to ensure, as much as possible, that no prejudice is cast on German-immigrant residents in the country.

The ethnic makeup in Australasia is primarily composed of British and Russian immigrants while Germany and these two countries are bound to enter a state of war.

As a result, German immigrants, who are already not in the majority, may be subjected to common hostility from British and Russian immigrants.

Arthur does not want to see such a thing happen, as it might potentially damage the unity of the Australasian ethnic concept he had created.

"I understand, your majesty. The Ministry of Civil Affairs will keep a close eye on these German immigrants to ensure that at all times, our people are treated fairly." Civil Affairs Minister, Philip, quickly acknowledged.

"As of today, the Australasian economy enters a state of war economy. No individual or power may export any supplies for any reason or excuse. The supplies of the residents will be centrally procured by the government and then sold to the Allied Nations." Arthur continued with his instructions.

The war economy status would centralize Australasia's resources while also preventing their resources from falling into the hands of the Allies.

After the war starts, the Allies will have a significant shortage of supplies and equipment. The government can buy supplies from the people and sell them off to the Allies at a higher price.

"Your Majesty, should we introduce a mobilization to cope with the constant changes of the war?" asked Defense Minister Raul.

At present, the size of Australasia's army is 200,000 guards, the regular force, and 300,000 colonial forces.

From the current perspective, the gap between the number of Australasia's military and the other powers is too large. However, the population of Australasia supports the military expansion to over a million.

"There is no need for now," said Arthur. "Our military is already sufficient for fighting in Europe and we have plenty of forces left for our strategy in Oceania. At present, the number of our military seems adequate, we don't currently need to impose a significant burden on the Finance."

Australasia's war mission is not a big one, and Arthur does not wish to further mobilize, using his own blood to transfuse Britain and France.

"Despite the upcoming war, I hope the lives of the people within Australasia are as stable as possible. We can't cause tremendous domestic loss and drastic declines in the people's quality of life due to a war that has little to do with us." Arthur added.

This war - Australasia needs to participate in, and win. But that does not mean they need to go full out to help Britain and France reduce casualties.

To achieve greater war results with the smallest casualties, that is what Australasia currently needs to do.

"During wartime, the royal family will donate the fund of the annual royal event to enhance the living standard of the Australasians. All of you are responsible with me to make better preparation for this war that is likely to shatter all of Europe.

We have to work together to win this damn war and bring back peace to the world as early as possible," concluded Arthur standing up and looking at everyone with righteous words.

"I hereby declare, during the entire war, Australasia will enter the state of a wartime cabinet. Temporarily suspend the election of the cabinet government, this cabinet government will remain until the end of the war. The elections in both the state parliament and the House of Representatives will not be affected and must be carried out as planned.

From now on, prepare the government for war, and improve the handling of all matters," Arthur continued.

"After the war is over, I will reward everyone personally for their contributions. Titles and wealth will be awarded to every hero in the war. Notify Britain, France, Russia. Australasia will declare war on Germany tomorrow, fulfilling Australasia's obligations and participating in this war."

Being able to remain on the cabinet seats and having a high chance of receiving great rewards after the war is good news for all cabinet members.

As a result, all the cabinet officers are passionate, showing a determined and fearless attitude.