Chapter 283: Prussia
January, 1746
Karl Wilhelm, Minister of State to King Frederick of Prussia looked at his master and when the man nodded, he spoke. “Sire, there have been some positive developments in the dispute with Poland.”
The King looked at him and said. “Continue.”
“It appears that the King of Poland is willing to allow some of the subjects that he considers to be disreputable to move into Prussia in exchange for some small trading concessions.” Karl said.
“And what would those concessions be?” The King asked.
“A lowering of the annual tariff from eight percent to five percent.” Karl Wilhelm said.
“Is that a reduction that we can afford?” The King asked.
“Yes, Sire. With revenues from taxation increasing year on year, we should be able to make up the difference.” Karl Wilhelm said.
“Should or will?” The King asked.
“Will.” Karl Wilhelm replied.
“Very well.” The King said. “And what about our proposal regarding Sweden?”
“As regards Sweden, they were a bit more cautious, especially given the renewal of the Britannic Swedish alliance.” Karl Wilhelm said.
“We see.” The King replied. “Very well, we shall simply need to approach the Emperor in that regard then. We are sure he would prefer it if Pomerania was under the control of a state of the Empire and not a foreign state.”
“Of course, Sire.” Karl Wilhelm said. “Though that does risk alienating France.”
The King snorted. “France? The state that has lost the last war to Britannia on the waves and only about managed to deliver something other than complete defeat in the field through a chance peace agreement?”
“Yes, Sire.” Karl Wilhelm said. “France has slowly started redeveloping her navy and remains the dominant military power on land. I think it would be a grave mistake to try and antagonise them now.”
“So, what do you suggest instead?” The King asked. “After all, we both know that it won’t be long before another war starts in Europe.”
“I would recommend slowly retraining the army, Sire.” Karl Wilhelm said. “There are some techniques which I know the French and the British are using, it would be good to implement them. Build up the financial capital within the Kingdom to ensure that we are not reliant on French subsidies, so either way when war does come, we can operate as a free Kingdom.”
The King considered this and then sighed. “You are right of course. Very well.”
There was a brief silence as the King seemed to contemplate something, eventually he said. “We know our son Frederick is young, but we wish to see who he might be betrothed to to strengthen our alliances either within the Empire or without it.”
“There is Princess Elisabeth of Britannia, Sire. She is of a similar age to the Crown Prince and it would not hurt to have ties to Britannia.” Karl Wilhelm said.
“And is there anyone else? We know of the Princess, but we do not wish to be tied too closely to the British.” The King said.
“There is of course, a Princess of Hanover also, or a Princess of Saxony who could help as well.” Karl Wilhelm suggested.
“Approach Dresden.” The King said. “We shall see what they have to say.”
Karl Wilhelm bowed. “Of course, Sire.”