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But to refuse the Germans at this time, there was a certain price to be paid.
Austria could not bear the pressure of Germany and Italy alone and could only place its hopes on its ally, France.
French President Albert understood the severity of the matter, but he still hoped that the Germans would not launch a large-scale war.
In the reply to Austrian Emperor Karl I, French President Albert's stance was clear, "We are shocked by the grand ambitions of the Germans and will firmly fulfill our duties as allies, standing together with our Austrian brothers.
Please rest assured, France has made all necessary preparations, and we can support our ally with all our might at any time, in any place.
If the Germans dare to start a war, then let them come. The loyal French military will show them that any nation that dares to provoke a European War will receive the just sanctions of France."