I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 905: Strategic Buffer Zone on the East Bank of the Rhine

Archduke Theodore of Bavaria and a group of ministers looked at the French envoy nervously.

They all knew that the latter's words could now determine the life or death of Bavaria.

Secretary of State Pomental came to the front, saluted Ségur on his chest, and said with difficulty:

"There is no doubt that the powerful French army defeated us. Your Majesty is willing to... accept any conditions in exchange for your country's withdrawal."

Ségur returned the greeting with a smile, shook his head and said, “No, Bavaria did not fail, it was only Austria that failed.

“If Emperor Franz II had not forced you to send your troops to Ingolstadt, threatening Lieutenant Colonel Moreau’s logistics, he would have been very reluctant to clash with General Dernberg.

“If I remember correctly, it was Austria that insisted on dragging Bavaria into the evil war against France.

"That caused you to lose tens of thousands of troops in Luxembourg. There are still many Bavarian soldiers in our prisoner-of-war camps.

"But what hatred is there between our two countries?"

Ségur turned his gaze to Theodore: “Not at all!
"Not only do we not have any hatred, but our two countries have a large amount of trade exchanges every year, and we have also joined the Seine-Rhine Trade Agreement in the past.

"Your salt, linen and ceramics are very popular in Paris. Oh, I have a white porcelain pen holder made in Munich in my study."

The Bavarian monarch and his ministers looked at each other in bewilderment. How come this didn't look like a declaration of surrender? Rather, it looked like a friendly visit...

Pomenthal asked cautiously:
"So, what do you think our country should do to get a ceasefire agreement?"

"Trumpet? Oh, yes." Segur nodded, "But perhaps our two countries can go a little further."

"what do you mean?"

"For example, we can sign a Franco-Brazil Mutual Defense Treaty." Segur raised his right hand, "Bavaria can even directly join the Mediterranean Security Organization."

Joseph made such arrangements because he knew that although Bavaria was a southern German state, it had never been in agreement with Austria.

If Austria wants to restore its glory as the overlord of the Holy Roman Empire, the most direct way is to annex Bavaria to strengthen its strength.

Just 16 years ago, during the War for the Bavarian throne, Austria sent troops to occupy nearly half of northern Bavaria's territory.

In the end, Prussia was worried that Austria would become more powerful, so it joined forces with Saxony to send troops to intervene, forcing Queen Theresa to choose to withdraw her troops.

But even so, Austria still obtained the Inn River region of Bavaria. Although this place is not large in area, it is full of fertile farmland.

This is also the reason why the Archduke of Bavaria always wanted to exchange his territory to the Southern Netherlands and rebuild the Burgundian Empire - that way he could stay away from Austria, the dangerous neighbor.

It is for these reasons that after Napoleon defeated Austria, Bavaria would rather accept the revolutionary government and risk the world's condemnation than form an alliance with France to fight against Austria.

At present, the anti-French alliance was on the verge of dissolution, and Austria was being defeated by France. Joseph judged that Bavaria would most likely accept and side with France.

Well, Ney's army outside Munich will also help them make the right decision.

Theodore was immediately overjoyed.

He had been prepared to cede Memmingen and pay millions of florins in war reparations, but he did not expect the French to offer such lenient conditions.

Without waiting for the Minister of State to speak, he nodded first and said:

"Of course, you are right. France and Bavaria have always been the best of friends. We should definitely sign a mutual defense treaty to deal with the provocations of certain countries." Ségur added: "There is also the Rhine Trade Union Agreement. I believe all member states are looking forward to Bavaria's joining."

"Yes, our country also hopes to join this trade alliance."

Pomental carefully confirmed again: "Count Ségur, then the French troops outside the city..."

"Since there is a mutual defense treaty, the French army will only protect Bavaria." Segur said, "Including the soldiers who were captured before, they will be returned to you later."

Joseph was not afraid of Bavaria's rebellion.

First of all, after being taught a lesson by Moreau, Bavaria certainly doesn’t have the courage to do so.

Secondly, France will certainly continue to weaken Austria and try to get the latter to return the Inn River region to Bavaria. Even part of Innsbruck in southwest Austria will be ceded to Bavaria. By then, Bavaria will only shout "It's so good" and closely follow France's steps.

Theodore and his ministers all felt relieved and expressed their gratitude to Ségur profusely.

You know, normally the ransom for the officers among these prisoners alone would cost millions of florins.

a.

Ségur signed the draft of the Franco-Bavarian Mutual Defense Treaty on behalf of France and Bavaria.

The treaty stipulates that if either party is invaded by another country, the other party must provide military reinforcements.

At the same time, both parties automatically obtain the right of military passage through each other's territory.

Finally, France could establish a garrison in Passau, Bavaria.

At this point, France had gained a large strategic buffer zone on the east bank of the Rhine.

Due to the large size of Bavaria, Austria could no longer launch a direct attack on the Rhineland region of France.

At the same time, whether Prussia or Austria wanted to integrate Germany, they would have to cross the hurdle of Bavaria first. France could use Bavaria as a starting point to intervene in the affairs of the German region at any time.

What's more interesting is that Theodore had no children. According to the agreement signed after the Battle of Bavaria, his successor would be Maximilian Joseph.

He is currently serving as an officer in Strasbourg, France.

It can be imagined that after he ascends the throne, Bavaria will become more pro-French.

That evening, a grand banquet was held at the Munich Palace to celebrate the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

After the second course was served, Segur held up his glass and said to Theodore:

"Your Majesty, the coal mines in Iphofen have not been effectively mined. Perhaps the French Industrial Development Fund can invest here and build a large coal mine."

Theodore seemed very hesitant: "Ah, that's good, of course, but the ownership of the mine belongs to several families, which will be very troublesome..."

Segur knew that he was worried that France would swallow up his coal mine, so he smiled and said, "The Industrial Development Fund can only hold 45% of the shares, and the remaining shares will be distributed among those families.

"However, the coal mines will be managed by the development fund. As you know, our country has very rich experience in coal mine operations."

(End of this chapter)