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On hearing that Serbia had accepted almost all of Austria-Hungary's demands, Kaiser Wilhelm II had another change of heart and wanted to preserve peace. This angered the German government and military, who wanted action now. The Kaiser himself notified the British ambassador to arrange a conference in Berlin to resolve the issue. This was his chance to be the great peacemaker.

Meeting in Berlin, a week later, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Britain, France and Russia. The Austro-Hungarians wanted to be treated as an internal matter for them and wanted Russia not to back Serbia, no matter the outcome. Russia was not going to be humiliated again. That's when the Kaiser surprised them all with his proposal to resolve the issue. Using the 18th century solution to a, in his mind, similar situation.

He proposed that Austria-Hungary be allowed to settle the situations with Serbia however it wanted. Whether war, occupation or annexation. Russia to save face was allowed to annex from China; Sinkiang, Mongolia and Manchuria. Since Austro-Hungarian influence would increase Italy was allowed Checking in China, a free hand and recognition that Abyssinia was in it's sphere, the same for Persia and annexation of Albania. France was allowed to annex Yunnan, Kwangtoung and Kwangsi in China. Japan was allowed to annex Fukien and Hainan in China. Siam was placed under Japanese control. The are only German annexation was Shandong in China. The rest of China was to be an Empire again with the King of Britain as Emperor.

Many of the diplomats and ministers were astounded to hear the Kaiser's proposal. But we're relieved to see the Kaiser wanted very little for Germany and looked to see if they had done better than their neighbors. The Kaiser then proposed meetings twice a year between the assembled countries so another situation like the current one could be prevented.

When word got out, America and Japan were furious for not being invited. Both were upset for the proposal for China but Japan soon realized in the long run it still came out ahead.

A week later the European powers decided with minor adjustments to accept the proposal.

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