He now entered into a fresh and secret agreement with Russia by which Germany agreed to protect her against an attack from Austria; he thereby hoped to be able to prevent the Czar from looking to France for support against the Triple Alliance.

It was a policy of singular daring to enter into a defensive alliance with Russia against Austria, at the same time that he had another defensive alliance with Austria against Russia.[13] To shew that he had no intention of deserting his older ally, he caused the text of the treaty with Austria to be published.

This need no longer be interpreted as a threat to Russia.

Then, that Germany, if all else failed, might be able to stand on her own resources, another increase of the army was asked for.

By the reorganisation of the reserve, 500,000 men could be added to the army in time of war.