Chapter 88 A headache-inducing meeting (Please subscribe!)

Whether the Moroccan government will ask the British government for help is a question that the Spanish government has long thought about.

Considering the last war between Spain and Morocco, this kind of thing will happen 100%, it's just a matter of time.

However, it takes some time for the British government to receive the news and contact the Spanish government for mediation.

What Primo has to do is to create greater results during this period of time, and use this as an excuse to ask Morocco for more land and compensation.

As long as Spain has a considerable advantage in this war, even the British will not let Spain return empty-handed.

It was the current Minister of Defense Archduke Serrano who led the Spanish army to fight against Morocco. Because he knew that attacking Morocco was a war that could not fail, Carlo also directly stuffed Andrew and Carman into this war, trying to get some credit.

Andrew and Carman are both capable enough, and what they lack at present is the experience and qualifications of commanding the army.

Spain originally had few opportunities to participate in the war, and Carlo naturally could not let go of this "large-scale" war that mobilized tens of thousands of troops.

Fortunately, the suppression of the Cuban rebellion has proved the ability of the two men. Serrano also admired their military talents and agreed without hesitation to Carlo's proposal to put the two men into the army fighting against Morocco.

Speaking of which, Andrew and Carman's status is actually not low.

In terms of title, they are newly conferred barons.

Although such a baron title is more like an honorary title, it is also a hereditary noble title recognized by the Kingdom of Spain, which is definitely an improvement in status compared to civilians.

In terms of military rank, both of them were promoted to the level of major. Although they only commanded a battalion of troops each, considering that the overall size of the Spanish army is not large, the battalion commander is already a middle- and high-level position.

Considering that the two are in their early 20s, they are definitely two of the most promising new stars in the Spanish military.

After the war with Morocco ended, Carlo did not plan to make an exception to promote them. It's time for them to settle down in the army, accumulate experience and then climb up.

On the morning of September 29, 1870, in the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Carlo saw Prime Minister Primo walking into the office with a smile on his face, and he knew that the Spanish army was doing quite well in Morocco.

"How is the war going? Any good news?" Carlo asked.

"Your Majesty, our army has reached Hassan and Wadi Lao in the south of Tetouan, and the army is heading towards Tangier and Alaysh in two directions. If nothing goes wrong, the Jaguar should arrive tomorrow or the day after tomorrow." Prime Minister Primo was in high spirits, and the results achieved by the Spanish army seemed to make him several years younger.

"How is the war situation of the army on the southern front? Can we achieve the planned strategic goals before the British intervene in the war?" Carlo asked.

The Spanish government has made preparations for both situations. Even if the land occupied in the north is eventually returned to the Moroccan government, the coastline occupied in the south is enough for Spain to make up for it.

If the compensation from the Moroccan government and a series of treaties signed are added, Spain's colonial action is definitely profitable.

"The attack on the southern front is also going smoothly. We have already conquered Migliv and Terraint." Primo's words were full of sarcasm towards the Moroccans. He said with a smile: "When our army arrived in Migliv, the Moroccans were still sleeping.

Their army is vulnerable in front of our army. If everything goes well, our army should be able to attack Agadir within three days."

The overall strength of African countries and European countries in this era is too different, which also makes Europeans generally look down on Africans.

Of course, in addition to the gap in strength, the difference in skin color is also the reason why Europeans look down on Africans.

Although Morocco is a white country, because of its geographical location and religious beliefs, it is also regarded as an African native and the object of colonization by European countries.

Hearing Primo's report, Carlo nodded and was quite satisfied with the progress of this war.

The war against Morocco is not a loss at all now, which is why Carlo did not stop this war.

Even if it cannot obtain too much land, the compensation from the Moroccans is enough for Spain to offset the war expenses while still having some funds left for domestic industrial construction.

From this perspective, Morocco is more like a large blood bag. When the Spanish government has no money, it can come and suck a few mouthfuls of blood. Anyway, no one cares about the life and death of Moroccans.

Four hours after the Spanish army declared war on the Moroccan government, the British government finally received the news.

The British Prime Minister at this time was William Ewart Gladstone, who was later hailed as one of the greatest prime ministers in British history.

However, Prime Minister Gladstone had only been in office for two years at this time. Some of the reforms and decrees he promoted had not achieved corresponding results. He was just one of the many ordinary politicians who were honored as prime ministers.

However, the British Prime Minister at this time had another advantage compared to other European countries, that is, the Prime Minister's own power was quite huge, and he was the head of state in the true sense.

Although there was still Queen Victoria on her head, Queen Victoria rarely appeared in public after the death of her husband Prince Albert.

This was actually a good thing for the British government. A queen who did not interfere much in political affairs was the ruler that all prime ministers wanted.

After learning that Spain had invaded Morocco, British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone immediately convened a cabinet meeting to discuss a solution to the Moroccan war.

In fact, it is not a solution, because for the British, there is only one solution, and that is to force Spain not to ask Morocco for land near Tetouan, so as to prevent the expansion of Spanish power in northern Morocco.

But the Spanish government at this time is still somewhat different from the Spanish government ten years ago.

The Spanish government ten years ago had few allies and the domestic situation was quite chaotic. Naturally, it could not withstand the pressure of the British government.

The current Spanish government has solved its domestic troubles. The Spanish royal family and the Italian royal family still come from the same family, which makes it possible for Spain and Italy to unite.

Moreover, the Germans had just defeated the French not long ago, making the situation in this area even more chaotic than it was ten years ago.

"Gentlemen, let's talk about it. How should we deal with the war between Spain and Morocco, and how to prevent the Spanish from having a larger sphere of influence across Gibraltar?" Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone was the first to speak. asked.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, I don't think we should give in to the threat posed by Gibraltar." The British Colonial Secretary stood up first and expressed his opinion: "

Gibraltar is about our control of the Mediterranean, and Gibraltar must not be allowed to return to the arms of Spain. "

"No, sir, this may make the situation in the Western Mediterranean worse." Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower also stood up and put forward his own completely different opinions.

“The defeat of the French, the unification of Italy and the reforms of Spain are all affecting the situation in the Western Mediterranean, and we must also consider the balance of the Western Mediterranean in an all-round way.

If we blindly suppress Spain, will it deepen the hatred between us and Spain?

Of course, a small Spain cannot affect us. What if Spain chooses to join Germany's arms?

Gentlemen, when the Germans form an alliance with Italy and Spain, who will have the final say on the situation in the Western Mediterranean?

Don’t forget that we are still facing challenges from the Russians in Central Asia. Blindly suppressing the Spanish is not a good thing and may make the situation we face even worse. "

"Lord George, you mean we let Spain colonize Morocco? Oh my god, how could you have such a crazy idea?

By the time the Spanish completely occupy Morocco, are you sure they won't have any thoughts about Gibraltar?

Hell, if Gibraltar is reoccupied by the Spanish we will lose control of the Mediterranean completely. "The Colonial Secretary once again raised objections, revealing his radical attitude.

"No, sir, of course we can't do nothing." Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower explained with a smile: "Since Spain wants the colony, let them get it.

Isn’t there a large area of ​​land in southern Morocco? Let them get it themselves. We have only one demand, that the Spaniards should not claim lands in the north of Morocco.

If the Spanish are unwilling to give up the land in northern Morocco, it proves that they still have the idea of ​​​​recovering Gibraltar, which means that the Spanish are destined to be our enemies.

But if the Spaniards are willing to give up the land in northern Morocco, it proves that the Spaniards are at least sensible, and perhaps we can also use Spain to achieve our goals. "

After hearing Granville George Leveson-Gower's complete explanation, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone nodded and said with some satisfaction: "In this case, let's get it done with the Spanish government. I'll leave the contact to you, Minister George.

Of course it would be best if the Spaniards are sensible, but if the Spaniards are unwilling to give up the land in northern Morocco, they can only let our royal fleet go to the Mediterranean. "

The British Empire was the most powerful country in the world at this time, and it also had the most powerful fleet in the world. This was why all British officials, including Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, had great confidence.

Let alone a small Spain, even the combined navies of Spain and Italy are completely inferior to the Royal Fleet.

In terms of navy, the British at this time really had no opponents and could look at all the countries in the world with a smile.

Minister Granville George Leveson-Gower nodded and took over the task deployed by the Prime Minister.

For a skilled diplomat like him, threatening a non-powerful country like Spain was easy.

On the afternoon of September 29, 1870, the British diplomatic ambassador to Spain asked to see Primo and put forward the British government's demands.

Prime Minister Primo approached the British Ambassador in government and held a private meeting with him.

British diplomatic ambassador William first greeted Prime Minister Primo, and then raised the British government's request: "Dear Prime Minister Primo, our government has received a request from the Moroccan government to mediate the war between your government and Morocco."

Prime Minister Primo smiled slightly and retorted: "Ambassador William, what Spain and Morocco are doing is not a war, but an armed operation to punish the murderers.

As you know, the Moroccan rebellion accidentally killed our civilians in Ceuta, but the Moroccan government was unwilling to hand over the murderers.

After we punish all the murderers who hurt Spanish citizens, our army will naturally withdraw. "

"No, Prime Minister, this is a war between your two countries." British Ambassador William shook his head and confirmed his initial position: "

Our country deeply regrets the casualties of Spanish civilians, but letting the war continue will only result in more casualties. How about we sit together to negotiate a peace treaty?

On behalf of the British government, I guarantee that we will stand on a neutral position to ensure that your country and the Moroccan government sign a fair peace agreement. "

Prime Minister Primo still kept smiling on the surface, but he was quite dissatisfied with the British ambassador in his heart.

This war has gained an advantage and invested a lot of manpower and material resources. Why should the war that costs so much be stopped just because of a word from your British government? Do you really think you are God?

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ambassador." Primo shook his head with his palm, and the smile on his face gradually cooled down: "The front line is still fighting. If we rashly stop the war, it will cause great damage to our army.

How about waiting for another half a month? How about we wait until we have counted the weapons and equipment and the front-line troops have reached a practical ceasefire, and then discuss the specific peace agreement? "

British Ambassador William also shook his head. He was not stupid. If the Spanish were really given half a month, they would have reached the capital of Morocco long ago.

It would be even more difficult to cease fire at that time. At least the Spanish would get more land, which was not in line with the expectations of the British government.

In the mind of the British government, the sooner the war is stopped, the better. It would be best to use a small part of the land in southern Morocco in exchange for the end of the war, which would not allow Spain to gain too much benefit and avoid the danger that Gibraltar might face.

"We have contacted the Moroccan government, and they can cease fire at any time. Prime Minister, our government is very sincere in negotiating with your country, and I hope your country can also pay due sincerity." British Ambassador William said with dissatisfaction.

"Ambassador William, if your so-called sincerity is to ask Spain to cease fire blindly, then please go back. "Primo, who comes from the military, is not a weakling, otherwise he would not have risked offending multiple forces to promote reforms.

For Prime Minister Primo, the British threat is not that serious. Because the British are unlikely to really interfere in this war, it is nothing more than a diplomatic threat.

Even if the British really want to interfere in this war, Prime Minister Primo is not afraid, because the British have many problems of their own.

If Britain really wants to fight with Spain, there will definitely be more than one country behind the scenes to trip up Britain. Although Spain cannot leave its homeland, it is not easy for the British to invade Spain and defeat Spain.

Seeing Primo's tough attitude, Ambassador William had to change his attitude: "Prime Minister Primo, our country does not want this war to end peacefully.

Considering your country's contribution in this war, we are willing for your country to occupy a part of the land in the south of Morocco as compensation, and how about the Moroccan government paying you another compensation?

I know that your country is undergoing reform and industrialization. This compensation can help your country expand its industry faster. It can be regarded as compensation for the casualties of Spanish civilians. "

Seeing that the British finally changed their attitude, Prime Minister Primo nodded with satisfaction and resumed negotiations with the British: "Our troops can withdraw from Hassan and Wadi Rau, but I hope we can obtain the triangle area between Ceuta, Tangier and Tetouan.

In addition, we also hope to obtain the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni. We will build a fishing base here to increase the income of fishermen and compensate civilians who were killed and injured in this conflict. "

Hearing Prime Minister Primo's request, Ambassador William stood up directly and said repeatedly: "No, Prime Minister Primo, this is impossible.

Our government only accepts your occupation of the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni, and other lands are impossible.

If your country is willing, we can remind the Moroccan government to increase the share of the compensation and satisfy your country in terms of funds. "

Hearing what Ambassador William said, Prime Minister Primo understood the bottom line of the British.

It seems that the British are indeed unwilling to let the Spanish government obtain the land in northern Morocco, but they are willing to accept the Spanish government to obtain the land in the south, which is also good news.

And they are willing to let the Moroccan government increase its share of compensation, which is also what Prime Minister Primo cares about.

After all, expanding colonies is also for profit. If you can get money directly, it would be better.

"Ambassador William, our country has paid too much for the war with Morocco.

We can accept giving up the claim to the land in northern Morocco, and the border line in northern Morocco will be restored to the pre-war period.

But we hope to occupy all Moroccan land south of Agadir, and the Moroccan government should compensate our government with at least 500 million pesetas. "Prime Minister Primo pretended to think, and after thinking for a while, he spoke.

"500 million pesetas, Prime Minister Primo, why don't you rob it? This is too much, and it is not a compensation that the Moroccan government can afford.

Excuse me, Prime Minister Primo, considering the economic situation of the Moroccan government, they can only accept a compensation of 20 million pesetas at most. "Ambassador William said to Primo in a somewhat disastrous and inappropriate manner.

500 million pesetas is not a small amount. Peseta is worth about the same as franc, and this amount of money is equivalent to 500 million francs, one-tenth of the compensation paid by the French to Germany in the Franco-German War.

The French have only paid 5 billion francs in compensation. How can you, Primo, be confident that the Moroccan government can pay 500 million francs?

Ambassador William looked at Primo with disbelief in his eyes. Isn't this clearly blackmail?

Robbery? Prime Minister Primo smiled in his heart and answered secretly: Isn't this robbery?

But such words are obviously not suitable to be said. Prime Minister Primo pretended to be in pain and said helplessly: "Then reduce it to 300 million pesetas, Ambassador William.

You don't know that we have spent at least 200 million pesetas on this war. Adding the casualties between civilians and the army, I think 300 million pesetas is a very reasonable compensation. "

Ambassador William almost sneered. This war cost 200 million pesetas? I'm afraid it's less than one-tenth.

The war has only lasted a few days, and the Spanish army has only two weapons: rifles and artillery.

The firing rate of rifles and artillery is relatively slow, and the Moroccan army is poorly equipped and does not need fire suppression.

Under such circumstances, how much weapons and ammunition can the Spanish army consume?

According to reasonable estimates, the Spanish government has consumed less than 10 million pesetas in this war that has only lasted a few days. Turning around and asking for 300 million pesetas in compensation, isn't it treating the British government as a fool?

"Prime Minister Primo, the share of the compensation can be discussed in detail at the peace talks." Ambassador William reminded: "On behalf of the British government, I agree with your country's claim for land in southern Morocco, and I also agree that the Moroccan government should pay compensation to your country.

So, is your government willing to cease fire and conduct peace talks with Morocco? "

Prime Minister Primo nodded, and the smile on his face could no longer be hidden: "Of course, Ambassador William. To be honest, the Spanish government does not want to see war, and we also yearn for the arrival of peace.

As long as the Moroccan government can agree to our two demands, we can cease fire at any time, and on behalf of the Spanish government, I guarantee that the Spanish army will never set foot on Moroccan territory again. "

After getting Primo's nod of agreement, Ambassador William finally breathed a sigh of relief. This meeting was even more exhausting than his battle with the two ladies last night.

But fortunately, the final result was satisfactory. The Spanish were willing to give up their territorial demands for northern Morocco, which was the most important thing for the British government.

As for the Moroccan government's compensation to Spain, is it important? In fact, it is not important at all.

The British will not care whether the Moroccan government can afford the compensation. At most, the British government can lend to the Moroccan government.

Anyway, a higher interest rate and some additional conditions can be set for the compensation. Even if the Moroccan government cannot repay the loan in the end, with those additional conditions, it is enough for the British government to ensure that its own interests will not be lost.

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