Chapter 1002 German Intentions

In the Age of Discovery, Portugal, as a pioneer, also obtained an extremely vast colony. Brazil in South America was all colonized by Portugal. In addition, in Africa and Asia, Portugal also has many colonies. From these colonies, Portugal can obtain a large amount of income every year. It can be said that Portugal in that era was undoubtedly very wealthy.

However, the good times didn't last long. Following Brazil's independence, Portugal immediately lost its largest colony and began to decline continuously. Now, it has become a dispensable small country.

In addition, the Portuguese royal family expropriated and extorted money, which aroused public resistance. In 1910, a revolution broke out in Portugal, the royal family was overthrown and a republic was established.

The president and prime minister of the current Portuguese government are both held by Sidonio Pais, so it can be said that they are in control. But unfortunately, Portugal is just an insignificant small country. For the sake of national security, they can only express obedience and submission to Germany when Germany dominates the world.

However, Portugal has always been friendly with the British Empire. In addition, although Germany dominates the world, the strength of countries such as the United States is also very strong. It is very difficult to say whether Germany's hegemony can be maintained forever. Therefore, the Portuguese government has always been good at hedging their bets. They will fall to whichever side is stronger. In this case, it will undoubtedly ensure that Portugal's interests will not be damaged.

German Foreign Minister Vachter's visit to Portugal is undoubtedly a big event for Portugal. Before Vachter's arrival in Lisbon, Portuguese President and Prime Minister Sidonio Pais convened senior government officials to discuss how to deal with the visit of the German Foreign Minister.

"Gentlemen, the arms control conference hosted by the Germans two months ago ended without a problem. Both the United States and the island countries are strongly opposed to Germany. It can be seen that the future situation in the world will continue to be tense. But at this juncture, Germany has sent diplomats to The minister is visiting our country. Obviously, this is definitely not that simple." Sidonio Pais looked solemn.

As the leader of a small country, although Sidonio Pais enjoys the taste of holding power, but at the same time, he also knows that the pressure on his shoulders is very heavy. Especially in front of a world hegemon like Germany, a little carelessness may bring disaster to the Kingdom of Portugal. With the strength of Germany, a little finger may be able to crush Portugal.

"Your Excellency, no matter what, Germany is the overlord. The whole of Europe, or the entire eastern North Atlantic region, belongs to the sphere of influence that Germany absolutely controls. If we turn against Germany, the consequences will be very serious." Minister of Foreign Affairs Castro said.

Sidonio Pais nodded. Indeed, this is what he was worried about. In the face of a powerful Germany, Portugal is too weak, so weak that it doesn't even have the qualifications to resist.

"Your Excellency, Portugal is just a small country. With our strength, we can't play any role in the game of great powers. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine what the intentions of the Germans are." The Secretary of the Army said.

"Your Excellency, it is really difficult for us to guess the intention of the Germans to send the foreign minister to visit Portugal this time. Is there anything else in Portugal that the Germans should pay attention to? Anyway, after the German foreign minister arrives in Portugal, the answer will be It has been revealed. At that time, it is not too late for us to discuss the solution.” The Minister of Finance suggested.

Sidonio Pais vaguely thought of something. If there is anything else that the Portuguese government can make the Germans pay attention to, it is probably the archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. However, he didn't say it right away. He wished he was thinking too much. After all, that is already the most important thing in Portugal.

When German Foreign Minister Vachter arrived in Lisbon, Sidonio Pais led the senior officials of the Portuguese government to greet him at the pier in person, which can be regarded as giving Germany enough face.

Although Vachter is the foreign minister of the world's hegemon, he is very humble and peaceful, without the arrogance and arrogance of the ministers of great powers. This makes the senior officials of the Portuguese Royal Government have a good impression of Germany.

On the same day, Sidonio Pais held a grand welcome dinner at the Presidential Palace to welcome Vachter's visit.

At the dinner, the two sides enjoyed themselves as guests and hosts. However, Wahit has never indicated the intention of this visit, which made Sidonio Pais and others feel a little worried.

The next day, Wahit went to the presidential palace and held talks with President Sidonio Pais. It was only at this meeting that Wacht revealed Germany's intentions.

"Your Excellency, as the hegemon of the world, the German Empire has made a lot of efforts to maintain world peace. For this reason, we do not hesitate to limit the development of our own armaments. Unfortunately, our efforts still fail. The United States Countries such as Japan and the island countries do not want to ease the current international tension, and rejected the good intentions of the empire. For the peace and security of Europe and the entire world, the German Empire must make preparations in advance." Wachter said.

President Sidonio Pais highly praised Germany's contribution to world peace. However, his heart kept sinking, and he knew that his guess might come true. However, President Sidonio Pais has no good idea how to reject the demands of the Germans.

"Your Excellency, the Americans are frantically building warships on the other side of the ocean to enhance their naval strength. This has posed a serious threat to Europe. Portugal is a European country, and the German Empire hopes that Portugal can contribute its own strength." Wathit continued.

"Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, I don't know what the Kingdom of Portugal needs to do?" President Sidonio Pais asked with a wry smile. Obviously, he didn't want Portugal to be involved in the game between the United States and Germany.

"Your Excellency, the German Empire hopes that the Kingdom of Portugal can sell the Azores to the Empire. The Imperial Navy hopes to have a naval base in the Atlantic Ocean. There is no place more suitable than the Azores." Wahit continued Said.

President Sidonio Pais said in his heart that as he expected, the Germans really came to the Azores. However, the importance of the Azores to Portugal is self-evident, and they would say nothing about selling the Azores to the Germans.