So why must we avoid it?
Edward's voice didn't seem loud, but it made Zuo Zongtang's heart beat a little faster!
What does it mean?
Did the British not only give up on Argentina, but also on Uruguay?
"I believe that the relationship between the UK and South China should focus on the future, not just the past. London believes that the situation in La Plata and the adjustment of the border line have no direct relationship with London. We are not opposed to South China's presence here.
Any action in this area, of course, we hope that you can fully take care of the interests of British expatriates here, and at the same time, for the sake of our future friendship, I think we need to discuss some topics!"
Although Edward didn't say it explicitly, the meaning of these words was very clear - they were determined to sacrifice Uruguay!
In international political games, the interests of weak countries have always been given up and sacrificed. At this point, the British have an old tradition. For the interests of the United Kingdom, they can sacrifice any country at any time. Take
It is absolutely normal for a weak country to trade its territory and interests.
Now, they just sacrificed a little Uruguay, a country that few people in London have probably heard of.
"Do you mean that Britain can accept Nanhua into Uruguay?"
Facing Zuo Zongtang's question, after a moment of silence, Edward strengthened his tone meaningfully and said.
"London believes that the situation in the La Plata area and the adjustment of the border line are not directly related to London. Therefore, there is no direct conflict of interest between your entry into Uruguay and London. London will certainly not stop your actions."
When he said this, Edward couldn't help but mourn for Uruguay. Without the support of Britain, it is unknown how long Uruguay can exist.
South China's desire for expansion will lead them to attack Uruguay, and their war machine will destroy anyone who tries to stand in their way.
What does Britain gain by sacrificing Uruguay?
"So is there anything you need me to do?"
Zuo Zongtang asked directly.
In the game of international politics, nothing comes without a price. The change in the British attitude must be due to their plans for South China.
"airship!"
Taking a puff of his cigar, Edward looked at Zuo Zongtang and said.
"Britain needs your airships. Of course, we will offer you a price that satisfies you!"
As expected!
Zuo Zongtang couldn't help but sigh in his heart. In fact, when Edward came to South China, Zhu Xianhai had already given him a telegram telling him the British plan - airship!
The British actually betrayed Uruguay for the airship, which was definitely beyond his expectation.
"Of course, in return, we support any actions you take in the Rio de la Plata basin!"
There was a smile on Edward's face, he looked at Zuo Zongtang and said.
"I believe that we can reach a consensus on this issue. If we reach a consensus, both our countries will benefit. In the future, the cooperation between Britain and South China will bring extremely rich benefits to our people. Your Excellency does not think this is natural.
Of?"
When Edward said these words, he thought of the confidential instructions he received from the Foreign Office in London. The contents of that instruction included the following points - at all costs, stir up the hostility of South American countries against South China, and sacrifices can be made if necessary.
Some countries stimulated Nanhua's desire for expansion.
Desire to expand!
Once Nan Hua greedily enjoys the food like a greedy wolf, it will inevitably arouse the hostility of South American countries!
And this is what Britain needs!
But now he is just throwing out the British permission as a negotiation tool.
So Edward Thornton smiled again and looked at Zuo Zongtang. Now he had opened the chips.
Trade an airship for a license!
For Nanhua, this business is worth it!
"Um……"
Zuo Zongtang fell silent. He did not speak. He just moved his shoulders casually, picked up the cigar and took a puff. Then he put the cigar into the crystal glass ashtray, then thought for a while and said.
"The cooperation between the UK and South China will indeed bring extremely rich benefits to our people. The British market is also needed by South China. Our wheat and beef are also needed by the UK. I believe that the UK is also willing to cooperate with us in this regard."
Nanhua cooperates..."
Zuo Zongtang thought while talking,
"In the final analysis, there is no actual conflict of interest between South China and the United Kingdom. If this is the case, then cooperation between us should also be done."
Zuo Zongtang's words fell into the eyes of Edward Thornton, but they were just excuses. In fact, "secret room diplomacy" is like this. Everyone finds a seemingly valid reason and then starts negotiating. During the negotiation, they will
Directly sacrificing the interests of some small countries, or directly deciding the fate of small countries, "secret room diplomacy" has always been the preserve of the strong.
As for the weak like Uruguay, they are the ones who are sacrificed.
"I think,"
Zuo Zongtang said,
"We should sign a treaty, a treaty of friendly commerce and trade, what do you think, Mr. Ambassador?"
What kind of commercial and trade treaty!
It’s clearly a treaty that betrays Uruguay!
What is the biggest problem with “secret room diplomacy”?
Even if it is a secret, just a verbal agreement, how can you convince the other party to believe it?
It is precisely for this reason that they need a suitable excuse to sign a treaty, and in addition to the treaty, they must sign a secret treaty with additional agreements to stipulate the interests of both parties.
In other words, it is "black and white" so that neither party will regret the contract. Of course, black and white is also a handle.
Just to give the other party a handle, and of course to restrain each other's behavior.
But in this era, not every country is qualified to conduct this kind of secret room diplomacy. Only the strong can become the protagonists of secret room diplomacy.
And what about the weak?
Just like Uruguay. It is just a sacrificed role. In this era, it is so naked. There has never been any so-called international justice. As for the so-called universal exercise, it is just a joke.
For the great powers, as long as they are willing, they can attack a weak country at any time, occupy their land, and plunder their wealth. This is why the great powers are called great powers.
Of course, Zuo Zhongtang knew all this very well. During his inspections in Europe and the United States, he learned this again and again.
What now?
Nanhua is finally qualified to stand on this stage and participate in the partition...
Does this mean that Nanhua has also become a great power?
This chapter has been completed!