Rise of Empires: Spain.

Chapter 88 A Headache-inducing Meeting (Subscribe!)

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

Considering the last Spanish-Moroccan war, this is 100% certain to happen, it's just a matter of time.

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

What Primo had to do was to achieve as much military success as possible during this period, and use this as an excuse to demand more land and compensation from Morocco.

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

The one who led the Spanish army to fight against Morocco was none other than the current Minister of Defense, Archduke Serrano. Knowing that the attack on Morocco was a war that could not fail, Carlo also directly stuffed Andrew and Carman into the war in an effort to get some credit.

Andrew and Kaman are both capable enough, but what they lack at present is the experience and qualifications to command an army.

Spain had few opportunities to participate in wars, so Carlo naturally could not miss such a "large-scale" war that mobilized tens of thousands of troops.

Fortunately, the suppression of the Cuban rebellion had already proved the abilities of the two men, and Serrano admired their military talents. He 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-crowned barons.

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

In terms of military rank, both were promoted to the rank of major. Although each of them only commanded a battalion of troops, considering the small size of the Spanish army as a whole, the battalion commander was already considered a middle- to high-level official.

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

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

The morning of September 1870, 9, inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.

When Carlo saw Prime Minister Primo walking into the office with a smile on his face, he knew that the Spanish army's performance in Morocco was quite good.

"How's the battle going? Any good news?" Carlo asked.

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

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

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

If we add the compensation paid by the Moroccan government and a series of treaties signed, Spain's colonial operation was definitely a profit.

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

Their army is vulnerable to ours. If all goes well, our army should be able to attack Agadir within three days."

At this time, the overall strength of African countries and European countries was far behind, which also made Europeans generally look down on Africans.

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

Although Morocco is a white country, due to its geographical location and religious beliefs, it is also regarded as an indigenous African and the target of colonization by European countries.

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

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

Even if Spain could not gain much land, the compensation from the Moroccans would be enough for Spain to offset the cost of the war and still have some funds left for domestic industrial construction.

From this perspective, Morocco is more like a large blood bag. When the Spanish government runs out of money, it can come here to suck some blood. Anyway, no one cares about the lives 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 that 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, and some of the reforms and laws he promoted had not yet achieved the corresponding results. He was just one of the many ordinary politicians who ascended to the prime minister's throne.

However, the British Prime Minister at this time has an advantage compared to other European countries, that is, the Prime Minister himself has considerable power and is a true head of state.

Although Queen Victoria is still there, she rarely appears in public after the death of her husband Prince Albert.

This is actually a good thing for the British government. A queen who does not interfere much in political affairs is the kind of ruler all prime ministers want.

Upon learning of Spain's invasion of Morocco, British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone immediately convened a cabinet meeting to discuss a solution to the Moroccan War.

In fact, it was not a matter of negotiation, because for the British there was only one solution, which was to force Spain not to demand land near Tetouan from Morocco and to prevent the expansion of Spanish power in northern Morocco.

But the Spanish government now is somewhat different from the Spanish government ten years ago.

Ten years ago, the Spanish government had few allies and the domestic situation was quite chaotic, so it was naturally unable to withstand the pressure from the British government.

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

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

"Gentlemen, tell me what you think. How should we deal with the war between Spain and Morocco, and how can we prevent the Spanish from having a larger sphere of influence across Gibraltar?" Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone asked first.

"Mr. Prime Minister, I don't think we should back down from the possible threat to Gibraltar." The British Colonial Secretary took the lead and put forward his opinion:

Gibraltar is about our control of the Mediterranean and we must not let Gibraltar return to the arms of Spain."

"No, sir, that might make the situation in the western Mediterranean worse." Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower also stood up and expressed his completely different opinion.

“The defeat of the French, the unification of Italy and the reform of Spain are all affecting the situation in the Western Mediterranean, and we must also consider the balance of the Western Mediterranean as a whole.

If we continue to suppress Spain, will it deepen the hatred between us and Spain?
Of course, a small Spain will not affect us. What if Spain chooses to join Germany?

Gentlemen, when the Germans form an alliance with Italy and Spain, who will have the final say in the situation in the western Mediterranean?
Don’t forget that we are still facing challenges from the Russians in Central Asia. Simply suppressing the Spanish is not a good thing and may make the situation we face even worse.”

"Lord George, you mean that we should allow Spain to colonize Morocco? My God, how could you have such a crazy idea?
When the Spanish completely occupy Morocco, are you sure they won't have ideas about Gibraltar?

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

"No, sir, we can't just do nothing." Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower smiled and explained: "If Spain wants colonies, let them take them.

Isn't there a large area of ​​land in southern Morocco? Let them take it. We have only one request, that the Spanish should not claim the land in northern Morocco.

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

But if the Spanish are willing to give up the land in northern Morocco, it proves that the Spanish are at least sensible, and perhaps we can 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 that case, the matter of contacting the Spanish government will be left to you, Minister George.

If the Spanish are sensible, that would be great, but if they are unwilling to give up the land in northern Morocco, we can only send our Royal Fleet to the Mediterranean."

The British Empire was the most powerful country in the world at that 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.

Not to mention a small country like Spain, even the navies of Spain and Italy combined are no match for the Royal Fleet.

In terms of the navy, the British at this time really had no rivals and could laugh at all the countries in the world. 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-power country like Spain was easy.

On the afternoon of September 1870, 9, the British ambassador to Spain asked to meet with 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 Ambassador William first greeted Prime Minister Primo, and then put forward 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 and retorted: "Ambassador William, what Spain and Morocco are conducting is not a war, but an armed action to punish the murderer.

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

When we have punished all those who have harmed Spanish citizens, our troops will naturally withdraw."

"No, Prime Minister, this is a war between your two countries." British Ambassador William shook his head and stood firm on his original position:

Our country deeply regrets the loss of life and death among Spanish civilians, but continuing the war will only result in more casualties. How about we sit down together and negotiate a peace treaty?
I want to pledge the British government's neutrality to ensure a fair peace agreement is reached between you and the Moroccan government."

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

Spain has already gained an advantage in this war and invested a lot of manpower and material resources. Why should we stop the war just because of the British government's words after spending so much money? Do you really think you are God?
"I'm sorry, Mr. Ambassador." Primo shook his head, the smile on his face gradually cooling down: "There is still fighting on the front line. If we stop the fighting rashly, it will cause great damage to our army.

How about waiting for another half a month? After we have counted our weapons and equipment and the frontline troops have reached a practical ceasefire, we can discuss the specific peace agreement. "

British Ambassador William also shook his head. He was not stupid. If the Spanish were 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 Spaniards would gain 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 ends, the better. It would be best if a small part of southern Morocco could be exchanged 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 are ready to cease fire at any time. Your Excellency Prime Minister, our government is sincere in negotiating with your country, and we hope that your country can also show due sincerity." British Ambassador William said with a dissatisfied look on his face.

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

For Prime Minister Primo, the British threat was not that serious because it was impossible for the British to really interfere in this war, and it was nothing more than a diplomatic threat.

Prime Minister Primo is not afraid even if the British really want to interfere in this war, 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 Britain up. Although Spain cannot leave its homeland, it is not easy for the British to invade Spain and defeat it.

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.

Taking into account 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. In addition, how about the Moroccan government paying your country another compensation?
I know that your country is undergoing reform and industrialization. This reparation will help your country expand its industry faster. It can be regarded as compensation for the casualties of Spanish civilians by Morocco."

Seeing that the British had 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 acquire the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni, where we will build a fishing base to increase the income of fishermen and compensate the civilians who were killed and injured in this conflict."

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

Our government will only accept your country occupying the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni. Other lands are simply out of the question.

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

After hearing what Ambassador William said, Prime Minister Primo finally understood the bottom line of the British.

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

Moreover, they are willing to let the Moroccan government increase its share of compensation, which is also what Prime Minister Primo values ​​very much.

After all, colonial expansion is also for profit, and if you can get money directly, that would be great.

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

We can accept giving up our claims to northern Moroccan lands and restoring Morocco's northern border to its pre-war state.

But we hope to occupy all Moroccan land south of Agadir, and the Moroccan government should pay our government at least 5 million pesetas in compensation. "Primo Prime Minister pretended to think, and after thinking for a moment, he spoke.

"Five hundred million pesetas, Prime Minister Primo, why don't you just go and rob them? This is too much, it's simply not something the Moroccan government can afford.

With all due respect, Prime Minister Primo, considering the economic situation of the Moroccan government, the maximum compensation they can accept is 2000 million pesetas." Ambassador William said to Primo in a somewhat inappropriate manner.

5 million pesetas is not a small sum. The peseta is worth about the same as the franc, and this sum is equivalent to 5 million francs, one-tenth of the indemnity paid by the French to Germany during the Franco-German War.

The French have only paid 50 billion francs in compensation. How can you, Primo, be so confident that the Moroccan government can pay 5 million francs?

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

Robbery? Prime Minister Primo smiled inwardly and answered secretly: Isn't this robbery?

However, it was obviously inappropriate to say such things. Prime Minister Primo pretended to be in pain and said helplessly: "Then reduce it to 3 million pesetas, Ambassador William.

You don’t know that we have already spent at least 2 million pesetas on this war. Adding the casualties between civilians and the army, I think 3 million pesetas is a very reasonable reparation.”

Ambassador William almost sneered. This war cost 2 million pesetas? I'm afraid it's less than one tenth of that.

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

Currently, the firing rates of rifles and artillery are relatively slow. In addition, the Moroccan army is poorly equipped and does not need to conduct fire suppression.

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

According to reasonable estimates, the Spanish government spent less than 1000 million pesetas in this war that lasted only a few days. Turning around and demanding 3 million pesetas in compensation, wasn't it treating the British government as a fool?
"Prime Minister Primo, the proportion 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 claim for the southern Moroccan land, and I also agree that the Moroccan government should pay compensation to your country.

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

Prime Minister Primo nodded, 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 are ready to 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. "

Ambassador William finally breathed a sigh of relief after getting Primo's nod of agreement. This meeting made him feel more physically and mentally exhausted than the battle with the two ladies last night.

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

As for the reparations that the Moroccan government paid to Spain, does it matter? Not at all.

The British don't care whether the Moroccan government can afford the compensation. At worst, the British government can lend money 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, those additional conditions will be enough for the British government to ensure that its own interests will not be harmed.

The third update of 6000 words, please support!

The day’s work has been completed, and we will continue tomorrow!



(End of this chapter)