Chapter 1285 France’s Position (Second update, please subscribe)
Author: Xiaoyu’s Destiny
Chapter 1285 France’s Position (Second update, please subscribe)
Almost as soon as General Methuen led the reinforcements to Kimberley, the intelligence was sent out by the Boers.
Everything is according to plan!
However, only God knows whose plan this plan is.
But one thing that is certain is that at the beginning of the war, the Boers who took the initiative relied on their superior strength and excellent personal qualities to seize the initiative on the battlefield and inflict heavy losses on the British in a short period of time.
Almost every day, battle reports from the front line were sent from the Ming Empire's embassy in Pretoria to Zhongdu as soon as possible and delivered to the desk of Emperor Zhu Da.
It can be said that Emperor Zhu Da was even more concerned about the war in southern Africa than Queen Victoria of England.
After receiving the information that the Boers had launched a three-pronged attack and used Kimberley to lure the British to attack, Emperor Zhu Da clapped his hands and said happily.
"This is the right way to fight the war, right? Surround the points to bring reinforcements, change from passive to active, and try to kill and injure the British effective forces as much as possible..."
While sighing, Emperor Zhu couldn't help but think that in another world, the Boers seemed to adopt a proactive approach, but they cared too much about the sea outlet. Now the sea outlet was not a possibility for them.
Nothing, with the empire at your back, what else is there to worry about?
Maybe it could deal a devastating blow to the British army at the beginning of the war, but to force Britain to withdraw from the war... this is almost impossible.
"The first blood of the British Empire has been obtained..."
After sighing, Emperor Zhu Da felt proud. While feeling proud, he said to himself.
"The first step has been played. Next, it is time to show the world the image of a responsible power..."
Zhongdu is as usual, with flowers in full bloom. The flowers are in full bloom and blown by the breeze, filling the air with a rich fragrance.
It was at this time that the French Foreign Minister Emile arrived in Zhongdu by airship. He was invited to visit. As soon as he got off the airship, the French Empire's Foreign Minister was surrounded by reporters.
"Your Excellency, Your Excellency, may I ask what the position of the French Empire is in the South African War?"
"Your Excellency, may I ask what position the French Empire holds in the South African War..."
…
People seemed to be still concerned about the war in South Africa. At this time, the French Empire’s Foreign Minister was visiting, and when faced with reporters’ questions, the Emir spoke sternly.
"In this conflict, our position is consistent... We call on the UK and South Africa to return to the negotiating table and end the dispute between the two countries through negotiations. We believe that although big countries are big, they should not bully the weak...
"
What he said was all diplomatic rhetoric. For Britain, it was a feeble protest. For small countries, it was a feeble support. Then, the emir changed his tone and said again.
"For humanitarian reasons, France will work with the Ming Empire to set up refugee camps in the border area between the Bechuanaland Special Zone of the Ming Empire and the Republic of South Africa. The French Red Cross will work with the Ming Empire Charity Federation and the Red Wanzi Society to
Refugees provide whatever help they can - we believe that every life in a war is worth saving."
This is also the image of a responsible big country!
It can be said that the French are also good at playing the image card. Of course, this card was played together with the Ming Dynasty. As early as the day after the Republic of South Africa declared war on the British Empire, the Ming Dynasty opened the border of the Bechuanaland Special Zone to allow refugees to enter and take refuge.
, and also set up a refugee camp as soon as possible, provided tents to the refugees, and began to build simple wooden houses.
In a word, treat refugees as relatives. Of course, these refugees are only limited to Boers. As for their black servants, that is not included...
Now France is just participating in it. Of course, in the eyes of the whole world, France's attitude is a typical French characteristic - as long as it disgusts the British and causes trouble to the British, they will definitely not mind. This is high
Lu Ji has a habitual character.
Even this visit, in the eyes of the outside world, is a common practice of the Gallic Chicken - just to cause trouble for the British. No matter what the two countries will talk about, it will always make the British worried. Of course, this is not
The main purpose of this meeting.
The Emir and the French diplomatic corps were arranged at the famous Peace Hotel. The empire attached great importance to the visit of the French Foreign Minister and made careful plans.
"My old friend, when I left Paris, I just received an order from His Majesty that although Britain is determined to solve the Boer problem by force, according to the current situation, France will not provide moral support to the latter except moral support.
Nothing can be done."
At the beginning of the talks, the Emir made his attitude clear.
Why does France have this attitude?
Because until now, the secret only exists among the royal families of the two countries. Emperor Zhu Da and Napoleon V will not leak the secret until the time is right.
"Of course, our support to South Africa is moral support. Of course, this moral support is not limited to blankets and food."
Zhuge Jun said calmly, without any trace of disappointment on his face.
"Of course, France has always believed that the Boers...or South Africa are an independent country with complete sovereignty. It is precisely because of this that we have reason to carry out diplomatic coordination and give them certain moral support.
.”
Emil flashed his cunning eyes and said some answers that were not what he asked.
But everyone can understand the meaning of his words. In one sentence, they will not provide direct support, but what? They do not exclude material support.
A typical French characteristic - willing but not courageous. Of course, this is certainly not the decision of Napoleon V, but the decision of the French high-level officials.
"Of course, of course, we will all support them morally."
Zhuge Jun already knew about this outcome. Like the Ming Dynasty, they would earn wealth through arms smuggling and other methods during this war.
For the French, nothing makes them happier than causing trouble for the British. In fact, except for British allies, everyone in the world has this attitude.
However, although everyone has this attitude, absolutely no one will take the initiative to challenge Britain. At least no country is willing to risk war to offend Britain.
Emil nodded slightly and smiled without saying a word.
"So when it comes to South Africa, does this count as France's commitment?"
After thinking about it, Zhuge Jun said.
"Yes, we believe that the Boers are members of the civilized world after all. If the war continues, France, as a major country, will require Britain to abide by humanitarianism. Of course, our two countries should also reach agreement on certain issues."
"Of course, this is also one of the reasons why I visited the empire this time. What else? According to His Majesty the Emperor's instructions, we will cooperate with the empire in more aspects."
This is the real purpose of the Emir's visit. The Ming Empire will carry out all-round cooperation with France. This cooperation is of course also to prepare for war.
However, all this is unknown to the public. Even if they know it, all they know is that France imported a lot of good goods from the Ming Empire.
