My Italy

Chapter 189 Combination Boxing (Part 2)

In the German Embassy late at night, Prime Minister Bismarck still had not rested because Weizsäcker had brought back news.

"You said that the Italians promised the Austrians to support their annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina?"

"Yes, Prime Minister, this is what our country heard from our Austrian friends. Five days ago, the Italian ambassador paid a visit to Joseph I, and then the Austro-Hungarian emperor summoned his ministers and declared that Italy supports Austria-Hungary's war on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Direct annexation. With the exception of Hungarian Prime Minister Tisza Kalman, everyone else supports Austria-Hungary converting Bosnia and Herzegovina from trusteeship to direct administration at an appropriate time in the future.”

The news Weizsäcker brought was so shocking that even after he finished speaking, Prime Minister Bismarck was still mumbling the words. "It turns out it's Bosnia and Herzegovina. No wonder the Austrians are so interested."

The full name of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which attracted the attention of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was Bosnia and Herzegovina. This region was a diplomatic achievement obtained by the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the Berlin Congress in 1878.

Since various countries were dissatisfied with Russia's results in the Tenth Russo-Turkish War, a meeting was held in Berlin to negotiate among all parties. The main purpose of the meeting was to modify the terms of the Treaty of San Stefano (this was the defeat clause signed by the Ottomans) so that Turkey could retain Constantinople. This move prevents Russia from expanding into the Balkans and rushing out of the Black Sea after defeating Turkey.

As compensation for Austria-Hungary's great efforts, and perhaps with some other intentions, the countries at the meeting handed over Bosnia and Herzegovina to its custody.

During the time when Bosnia and Herzegovina was in charge, Austria-Hungary had always wanted to turn it into its own territory, because this would allow Austria-Hungary to significantly increase its power in the Balkans and at the same time seize the opportunity.

Of course, the Italians are not fuel-efficient, so how could Austria and Hungary get such a big advantage for nothing. For this reason, Austria-Hungary also gave Italy a promise, that is, when Italy and the Ottomans go to war, Austria-Hungary must unswervingly support itself.

It is really amazing that two original enemies have become friendly due to the trend of common interests.

However, this was a bit troublesome for Bismarck, because it was completely a combination of interests, and to break up their alliance, Germany needed to show greater interests.

Is this true?

Yes, but Bismarck did not intend to do so, because it would not be worth the gain. A qualified politician can weigh the pros and cons and cannot let emotions control his mind.

How could Bismarck, as a top politician, not be clear about this? He was careless before and didn't expect that the Italians would dare to play this trick.

Bismarck, who had returned to his normal state, then said to Weizsäcker. "Thank you for your hard work, I was careless this time."

Upon hearing the Prime Minister's words, Weizsäcker, as Foreign Minister, immediately realized that the Prime Minister was already aware of his own problems in the face of two allies joining forces.

"It doesn't matter. We didn't think carefully this time. It won't be so easy next time."

The German delegation is reviewing its mistakes, and in the Italian Embassy, ​​the Italian representative, His Excellency Bacona, is also sending a telegram back to the country regarding today's negotiations. Although the wine from Count Carnoki's family was extremely charming, he would not forget the king's request.

Yes, Carlo, as king, has returned to his country, but because he attaches great importance to negotiations, he requires the Foreign Secretary to inform him of the developments on the German side in a timely manner.

After a while, the embassy telegraph operator took off his earphones and informed him that the telegram had been sent back to the country. With a satisfied smile, Bacona returned to his residence.

On a new day, His Excellency Bismarck, who was feeling unwell, finally recovered, so the negotiations continued.

This time the negotiations were different from yesterday. The German representatives were extremely active.

"This is not possible at all. If it is according to your requirements, then how can our German interests be preserved?"

"Hostile countries must be declared war before both parties declare war. Before that, we will never recognize the labeling of countries that have not declared war as hostile countries, even if it means issuing an ultimatum."

"You label a country with a population of more than two million as a big country. Isn't this too childish? Such a country can only be considered a small country at best, and the whole of Europe is a big country. It is completely unreasonable."

Well, the high-spirited German representatives and the Italian and Austrian negotiators were engaged in a fierce war of words.

The main negotiators of the three parties sat aside and watched the people below making as much noise as a vegetable market. They all said nothing, just sat here and watched.

This is unreasonable, very unreasonable.

In fact, Italy and Austria have already guessed something, otherwise they would not have been working here with Prime Minister Bismarck.

But perhaps because of his age, Bismarck was not as able to sit as the other two. He stood up, patted his butt and said to the two of them. "I'm tired of sitting, why don't I go out and take a few steps."

Bismarck's words immediately cheered up the two of them, and they both realized that they were about to enter a critical moment.

"Very willing to."

"It's an honour."

So after leaving a group of people behind, only three people came over alone. Many people saw the scene of the three leaving, but this did not affect their continued argument.

As the door to the room closed, the quarrel in the conference room finally subsided.

The three of them walked along the aisle to the rooftop. Looking at the scenery in the distance, Bismarck said to the two people following him. "I can agree to your request, and I can even adopt a tacit attitude toward your carving up of Ottoman territory."

Bismarck broke the news as soon as he came up, but both Carnoky and Bacona realized that the iron-blooded prime minister had more to say, and they listened silently to his continued speech.

Sure enough, Bismarck then spoke. "This is the first time and the last time. If something like this happens next time, then I need to consider whether an alliance is in Germany's interest. This is not only what I mean, but also what the German people think. We need to be able to Allies who help, not drag us down."

Bismarck's words frightened the two of them and quickly stated that there would be no next time. There is no way, compared with Germany, the two countries need Germany's power. Especially when Bismarck said that he would consider whether it was appropriate to form an alliance, no one dared to offend the fat old man. Fist is more powerful than strategy. No matter how many strategies you use, you will not dare to explode in the face of absolute strength.

After letting the two men know the consequences of angering Germany, Bismarck certainly did not intend to let them go. "Count Carnoki, our country hopes that your country can negotiate with the Ottomans and provide a certain amount of compensation before annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Karnoki, who knew that Germany also had many interests in the Ottomans, said immediately. "No problem, we will negotiate with Osman."

After solving the Austro-Hungarian problem, Bismarck looked at Bakona and said. "You, Italy, are causing trouble for me. If you want our country to promise that you will not interfere, then we will set aside two military ports from Djibouti in East Africa and Pontianak in Lanfang, and our country will lease them for 20 years at a price of 100,000 marks per year. "

When faced with Bismarck's offer to rent a military port, Bacona was about to say that he couldn't decide when he saw the iron-blooded prime minister looking at him and saying. "Don't refuse. I'll give you one day. Before this time tomorrow, my words will still be valid."

It was obvious that the iron-blooded prime minister did not intend to give him a chance to bargain.

Faced with such a situation, what else could he say? He could only return to the embassy and send an urgent telegram later.

After convincing the two of them, he raised his index finger and continued. "In addition, regarding what kind of negotiation on Article 4 can be achieved, let the people below continue to talk, and we should not interfere."

Since Bismarck had agreed to them in principle, the two people who didn't want to cause more trouble also nodded.

"I think it works."

"I have no opinion."

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