Hidden Dragon in Qing Dynasty

As for military matters, of course it would be the Military experts's turn to answer. Field Marshal Wallesley nodded and took out a piece of paper from his pocket.

"These are the latest intelligence statistics. According to the information we have gathered, Prussia already has about 300 thousand soldiers, and these are the elite soldiers who have fought in the wars of Pudan and Poo War."

"There are another 200 thousand or so of the second string reserve troops that can be assembled at any time. This way, the total number of troops that can be deployed in Prussia should be around 500 thousand."

"The remaining troops are from the third line, they are basically militia. Although there are a lot of them, but their combat power is not high. These troops are still among the civilians, so they should be able to mobilize around 400,000 to 500,000 people, but don't rely too much on them …"

"Look at the France. Although the France claims to have a million troops, this is only a number written on paper. The troops that can react quickly can only take out about 150 thousand …"

"The quick reaction troops I'm talking about are these soldiers in the barracks. They are well-trained, have enough Arms and ammunition s by their side, are equipped with enough cannons, and have sufficient supplies."

"Once the war breaks out, only one hundred and fifty thousand veterans will be able to gather at the northern border and immediately join the battle!"

In addition, before the war, Napoleon had ordered for the transfer of troops from all over the world, but it was extremely inefficient. Hehe, with the French nature of a man, I only saw the ghost very quickly. So far, there are less than a hundred thousand colonial veterans who have returned to Europe …

"250 thousand is the total number of troops that Napoleon III can now use!"

"On the surface, it looks like Napoleon's forces are not superior, but don't forget that the France's overall strength is far above Prussia's. If the war enters a stalemate … "My initial estimate is that if France was fully prepared for war, it could, on average, arm 100 thousand troops every 10 days. That way, it would be very easy for the French to organize more than 500,000 troops …"

"We can expect more and more French troops in the war. Once we enter a stalemate, France will drag Prussia down alive!"

"Here is a detailed list of weapons and equipment. Everyone can take a closer look."

The Field Marshal pulled out a form, which he distributed to the high-ranking officials present. It was filled with densely written accounts of the differences in weapons and equipment between France and Prussia.

From the tonnage of the battleship to the caliber of the field artillery, to the comparison of the number of heavy machine guns and the amount of time the ammunition could last... The table was detailed for all the large items in Zero's inventory.

In the end, the Field Marshal regretfully said, "Once the war broke out, I'm afraid life in Prussia wouldn't be easy. Perhaps in the beginning, they would have a slight advantage, but once the war lasts for more than two months, their defeat is certain!"

All the ministers in the room gradually became serious. At this time, Prime Minister Gladstone spoke.

"Thank you Marshal for your detailed analysis of the military aspects. Let me now talk about the economic gap between the two countries!"

"How much war money is available to Prussia? The City of London provided 5 million pounds of War bond. How much surplus did Prussia have in its treasury? It's a secret, and I don't know it, but according to our Bankers and financial analysts' calculations, Prussia's fiscal surplus should be around £2 million right now. "

"This is all Prussia had after the outbreak of the war. Although the enthusiasm of the people was high, the amount of funds they could provide for the war was very limited. That country had squeezed out the last copper coin of the people, so the people really didn't have much money to support the war!"

"A full 10 million pounds is the limit of private financing. The situation is not looking good! My gentlemen, Prussia does not even have a reserve of one hundred million pounds, and this battle is indeed very dangerous! "

"War is always a gold-eating monster, and every day the amount of money consumed is an astronomical figure. This bit of money isn't only used to provide for the consumption on the battlefield, it also requires a lot of money within the country. It is for the operation of the railways, Steel plant s, weapon factories, gunpowder factories, food processing and transportation institutions … Countless departments need money! "

"Not only the soldiers have to eat and support the 500 thousand army, but the rear has to have at least a 1: 1 support staff, and at least 400 thousand people are directly serving the war. These people also have to spend a lot of money!"

"During the war preparation period alone, Prussia would need around 1 million pounds a day for military expenditures. If they were to spend at least 3 million pounds a day during the war phase, how long would this amount of money last? I think everyone already knows this very well! "

"What's worse is that war is a deep mud pit that constantly consumes resources! Arms and ammunition, food supplies, mules, cattle, sheep, medical products, alcohol, cigarette gauze and more, these supplies, will all be consumed everyday! "

"Once Prussia's domestic production is unable to meet the consumption gap, they will have to import from the neighboring countries. But as everyone knows, merchants are only interested in profit, so they are waiting for the war fortune. At that time, Prussia's external procurement costs will double!"

"With such a military expenditure, Prussia might not even be able to hold on for two months. In other words, he must control the scale of the war to an end within a month, or else Bismark would be doomed to fail!"

Prince Edward stood up in annoyance and paced around the room, smoking a cigarette. "Tell me about the France, tell me about their situation …"

Gladstone shook his head helplessly, "With regards to the France's national power, I can only say that it's unfathomably deep. Napoleon III's current surplus in the national treasury is already more than £8 million."

"What's even more terrifying is that, with the wealth of the French people, once the war mobilizes the national feelings of the French, then the Government of France will definitely take the opportunity to issue war debts. They do not need to come to our City of London to raise funds, just with the wealth of the people, one or two hundred million of military expenditures is not a problem!"

"In other words, the longer the war goes on, the better it will be for France. I think this is also the main reason why Napoleon was so confident!"

Prince Edward pressed the cigarette into the ashtray. He said indignantly, "We absolutely cannot do this, we absolutely cannot let France obtain the final victory! My Prime Minister, counting the amount of money we can use now, must pay Prussia back! "

"Right now, I have around 20 million pounds worth of money. I can lend it to my brother-in-law in my own name!"

"See if the government can come up with another fund to fund Prussia, and how much money do you have left that doesn't go through Congress?"

Gladstone's face immediately turned bitter. "Oh! My dear Prince, you have really troubled me! "So far, I only have forty million pounds left in my secret fund …"

"If I take out too much, I'm afraid many things will be affected!"