Chapter 1003 Dilemma

"Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Azores is an inherent territory of the Portuguese Republic, and the people will not accept the government selling the Azores. If the government decides to sell the Azores without authorization, it will definitely cause strong dissatisfaction among the people. In that case, the government will be under a lot of pressure," said President Sidonio Paez.

He obviously didn't want to sell the Azores, but in order to avoid angering Germany, he had to put the blame on Portuguese public opinion.

Wahit frowned, and then said: "The German Empire is very sincere about this. We can buy the Azores at a price of 300 million marks. The current Azores has almost no development potential. This The price is already very reasonable.”

President Sidonio Pais admitted that Portugal is currently short of money and under great financial pressure. Three hundred million marks is already a huge sum of money for Portugal. Moreover, he also believes that if Portugal really intends to sell the Azores, it can further negotiate with Germany. In that case, the price can be further raised on this basis.

It's just that Sidonio Pais really doesn't want to sell the Azores! This will involve Portugal in future wars. Once Germany also wins the war in the future, it is okay to say that Portugal can get a certain benefit from it. But what if Germany lost the war? Portugal, which was tied to the German chariot, will definitely become the target of liquidation by the United States and other countries. At that time, Portugal will pay a heavy price. Sidonio Pais still hopes that Portugal can continue to maintain neutrality, and the Azores are in their hands, and they can also be sold for a price, and even become a bargaining chip to curry favor with the victorious powers after the war situation becomes clear.

"Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, I need to discuss with the cabinet. However, I believe that most people will not agree to sell the Azores. The Azores are an inalienable territory for us." Sidoni O Pais said.

Vachite nodded, the Portuguese were unwilling to sell the Azores, which did not exceed their expectations.

"Your Excellency, if your country is really unwilling to sell the Azores, then we have another plan, that is, your country will lease the Azores to us. We are willing to pay you six million marks per year. The nationals have leased the Azores for ninety-nine years," Wahit continued.

Germany has long prepared two plans for the Azores. It would be best to be able to buy it all at once. If you can't buy it, rent it. Anyway, as long as the Azores can be in the hands of Germany, it can be used as a base for the German Navy's Atlantic Fleet.

Sidonio Pais couldn't help but feel even more worried. Vachter proposed a second plan. Although it was a lease, he felt that Germany was determined to win the Azores. If Portugal really refuses, then this will inevitably anger Germany. Sidonio Pais couldn't imagine what kind of consequences this would lead to.

"Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, I will discuss it with the cabinet, and I will give you an answer as soon as possible!" President Sidonio Pais said.

Vachite nodded. He also knew that such a major event, even if Sidonio Pais held the positions of president and prime minister concurrently, it was impossible for him to decide by himself. Wahit believes that under strong pressure from Germany, Portugal will definitely make the right choice. If they refuse, the consequences will be very serious. Although it is unlikely that Germany will directly use force against Portugal for this, the use of other suppression methods is enough to make Portugal overwhelmed.

Next, under the leadership of officials sent by the Portuguese government, Vachter visited and played around Lisbon. The Portuguese government, on the other hand, conducted urgent consultations on the German request.

"Gentlemen, the Germans are here for the Azores this time. They hope to buy the Azores or lease the Azores. What should we do about this?" Sidoni President O'Pais's face was full of sorrow.

The other high-ranking officials of the Portuguese government didn't look too good-looking. Germany is the hegemon of the world, and it is close at hand. Now, Germany has formally proposed to buy or lease the Azores, which undoubtedly puts great pressure on the Portuguese government. If possible, Portugal certainly does not want to sell or lease the Azores to Germany. But can they refuse? Once refused, it may bring a disaster to Portugal.

"Your Excellency, the location of the Azores is so good that it has been coveted by other countries for many years. When the British Empire dominated the world, the British wanted to take the Azores from us. If it weren't for our close relationship with the UK, maybe they would have done it long ago. Now, the Germans have replaced the British Empire as the world hegemony, and once again set their minds on the Azores. Our strength is too small , I’m afraid we won’t be able to defend the Azores at all!” Foreign Secretary Castro said.

"Yes, Your Excellency. The confrontation between Germany and the United States is becoming more and more intense. The Germans want to gain an advantage in the confrontation. Therefore, they want to establish a military base on the Azores. In this case, they will Being able to obtain an important forward base on the Atlantic Ocean can expand its power to the mid-Atlantic. At that time, the Americans will be at a disadvantage. This time, since the Germans have already made a request, it may be difficult for them to cancel this request. ’ said the Secretary of the Navy.

"However, if we really sell or lease the Azores to the Germans, it will be tantamount to boarding the Germans. Although Germany is very strong now, the strength of the United States is also not weak. In the future I am afraid that it is hard to say who will win the war. If we agree to the demands of the Germans and they win the future war, then we can use this to continue to maintain our close relationship with Germany. However, in case What if the Germans lost the war? The Americans will never let us go," said the Secretary of the Army.

President Sidonio Pais couldn't help frowning tightly. Obviously, this is a dilemma for him and the Portuguese government, which is directly related to the future of Portugal! A little carelessness may bring disaster to Portugal.