Chapter 39, Relations with Russia

In March 1891, when Archbishop Scriment returned from St. Petersburg, he was in high spirits. It could be seen that this trip to Russia went well and he was in a good mood.

The superiority of the alliance with Russia has been promoted to people every three days, and now cabinet members have to detour when they see him. They didn't have the guts to make a decision without Ferdinand's nod.

Seeing that the government's line was not working, Scriment was now eyeing Ferdinand. He is no longer satisfied with only easing relations with Russia, and hopes to further the relationship between Russia and Bulgaria, it is best to establish a solid alliance.

His Excellency the Grand Duke, Russia is Bulgaria's natural ally. Since the war of independence, we have been helped by Russia. Although there were some misunderstandings, it was a problem during the Stam cabinet, for the better of Bulgaria. Development, alliance with Russia is imperative! Believe me, I can swear in the name of God! Scriment spoke very passionately, trying to infect Ferdinand with words

It can be seen that Scriment does not understand politics, otherwise he would not have raised it so carelessly at the ministerial meeting.

The conflict between Bulgaria and Russia during the Stam period brought Ferdinand to the top, and anyone with a little political savvy would choose to avoid it, so as not to embarrass Ferdinand.

Although he was very excited, the crowd did not respond. It's too empty, and there is no specific content at all. It is very important for Russia and Bulgaria, but what about the specific benefits for Bulgaria? If you can't see this, how can you get the support of everyone!

Ferdinand took over and said: Mr. Bishop, you are right, the relationship with Russia is indeed very important! The issue is the relationship between Russia and Bulgaria, involving both us and Russia, not unilaterally decided by us!

At the same time, we must fully consider international relations, as well as the attitudes of other powers! At least the attitudes of Britain and Austria-Hungary must be taken into account!

Facts have proved that Scriment really does not understand politics, he is just a simple pro-Russian faction, and he is too embarrassed for international relations.

The position of his cabinet was only given by Ferdinand in order to ease relations with Russia, and he needed to demonstrate Bulgaria's sincerity when he visited, and there were few specific rights.

At this time, there was a knock on the door, dong dong dong... dong dong.

Come in! said Ferdinand, knowing that no one would disturb a cabinet meeting unless something major happened.

Minister Karl hurriedly walked in, went to Ferdinand and said, Your Excellency, the international situation is about to undergo great changes! News just came from Berlin that on March 17, the Russian ambassador to Germany Paul Shuvalov told the Berlin's proposal to extend the German-Russian Reinsurance Treaty for 6 years was rejected by the German government!

Everyone was shocked, the German-Russian alliance was over, and the international situation was about to face a major reshuffle.

Even the politically retarded Schliment knew that Bulgaria's foreign policy had to be adjusted.

Ferdinand thought for a while and said: This is also expected, but I didn't expect it to come so soon! From the beginning of the German-Russian trade conflict, some people expected it, and then the Three Emperors Alliance was dissolved. The reinsurance treaty was made, and now that the old chancellor has stepped down, William II, who urgently needs to prove himself, can't wait!

This is to popularize international knowledge for the cabinet. For a long time, Bulgaria's diplomatic relations have been messed up, mainly because the vision is limited to the Balkans, and the international environment has not been clearly understood.

Your Excellency, how should we adjust our foreign policy? Metev, who is in charge of foreign affairs, asked nervously.

Ferdinand asked back: What do you think?

Constantine thought for a while and said: Your Excellency, until the international situation has stabilized, we should not directly participate. Bulgaria is only a small country and has no ability to influence the international situation. Let's adapt accordingly!

Ferdinand nodded in approval. If Ferdinand hadn't known the future of history,

will make the same choice.

After all, Bulgaria is only a small country, and one wrong step could lead to doom.

Historically, since the Constantine government, Bulgaria has flexibly made use of international conflicts. The initial effect was not bad, and it was attracted by various countries.

However, in the later period, Bulgaria, which was trying to get both sides, paid a heavy price when two international camps were established.

In the Second Balkan War, Russia was dissatisfied with the wavering of Bulgaria and chose Serbia with a firmer position. Likewise, Austria-Hungary had doubts about Bulgaria's position and eventually abandoned Bulgaria.

Scriment was in a hurry. He also knew that the next international diplomatic situation would be very unfavorable for Russia. The value of the alliance between Russia and Bulgaria will also be greatly reduced, which is unacceptable to him.

After a moment of silence, Ferdinand knew that it was too embarrassing for the cabinet to pay attention to them. After all, they were promoted suddenly by rushing ducks onto the shelves, and they had no experience in this area.

Now that the international situation has undergone great changes, it is beyond our ability to intervene where it will go next. Therefore, the general principle is to maintain stability and continue to stabilize the relationship with Britain and Austria. At the same time, we must attach importance to the relationship with Russia and continue to promote the relationship between the two countries. It is also necessary to ease the relationship between the Balkan countries as much as possible and lay the foundation for the subsequent economic development! Ferdinand made a surprising decision

The politically underdeveloped Schliment was a little stunned. Ferdinand, who had previously opposed the alliance with Russia, has now turned to support.

Constantine was the first to react, smiled slightly, and everyone understood and nodded in satisfaction.

Bulgaria's mineral resources are poor, and to complete industrialization, it must go abroad. In terms of cost, Russia is the best choice.

Ukraine is rich in mineral resources and backward in industrial development. It is also on the coast of the Black Sea. It can not only provide resources for Bulgaria, but also have a vast market. Therefore, the relationship between Russia and Bulgaria will become the next most important diplomatic task for Bulgaria.

Up to now, Ferdinand still has some headaches, and the diplomatic performance of the Balkan countries is very surprising, it is a mess.

At first, Serbia was pro-Austro-Hungary, Greece and Romania were pro-German, and Bulgaria was pro-Russian. After the outbreak of the First World War, Bulgaria, which was close to the Allies, joined the Allies, and the countries that were close to the Allies joined the Allies one after another.

Mr. Scriment, you have to work hard for you next time, and go to St. Petersburg again. Just in the name of non-governmental exchanges between the two countries, is there any problem? Ferdinand could not refuse. ask

Scriment said immediately: No, there is no problem! Although he did not understand Ferdinand's foreign policy, what was going on, but it turned out to be what he wanted.