In the office of the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Despretis and Carlo were listening to Foreign Minister Bacona describe the results of today's negotiations.
"It seems that France and Germany currently have no better way to respond to Britain's decision to support us."
After Bacona finished speaking, Prime Minister Despretis expressed his judgment.
"Yes, Your Excellency Prime Minister. As long as the Dutch cannot find support from other countries, they will not be able to compete with our country and can only obediently agree to our conditions."
Faced with the Prime Minister's words, the Foreign Secretary expressed his judgment.
At this time, Carlo, as the king, couldn't help but ask. "So do you think France and Germany will provide sufficient protection to the Dutch?"
Faced with Carlo's inquiry, Bacona, who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, thought about it carefully and replied. "It is not impossible, but the chance is too low, because first of all, the relationship between the Netherlands and France is not particularly good.
, and France's strength in the Far East cannot prevent our country from seizing Lanfang and other places, unless France re-sends troops, but it will be too late. In addition, Germany, although the Netherlands has a good relationship with it, our country is its ally no matter what, Germany
We will not suppress our allies and support the Netherlands for this."
Baccona's brief analysis reassured Carlo that as long as the Netherlands cannot obtain sufficient support from Germany and France, it will sooner or later succumb to the pressure from Italy.
While Carlo and others were talking about the Netherlands, Becchio, the plenipotentiary representative of the Netherlands, was at the embassy reading a telegram just sent from Amsterdam.
"Damn it, this is not what I need. I need help, help from the country. Let me deal with this. What do I think?"
Although Becchio was complaining in his mouth, he knew in his heart that there was no other way in the country and he could only handle it himself.
This gave Becchio a pessimistic prediction about the negotiations. Originally, the Netherlands did not have enough strength and could only bring in other countries to support the situation. But now the people supporting the situation are on the other side's side, which does not make him feel discouraged.
But even knowing this, Becchio couldn't just surrender and admit defeat. No matter what, he still needed to work hard.
Thinking of this, Becchio opened the door and called his secretary. "Prepare the carriage, let's go to the French Embassy."
Yes, Becchio's first hope is France. The reason is very simple, that is, France has a certain strength in Nanyang. In addition, Italy cheated France in the previous Sino-French war. I believe the French will be happy to help France this time.
Italy is in trouble.
Sure enough, Becchio's idea was correct. He came to the French Embassy and immediately met the French representative, its ambassador to Italy, Goodwin.
"Your Excellency Becchio, our government is very indignant about Italy's barbaric occupation of your country's territory."
Goodwin's words ignited a spark of hope in Becchio's heart.
"Thank you for your country's support for our country. I wonder if your country can provide more support during negotiations."
Facing Becchio's request, Goodwin nodded and replied. "That's no problem. We will make our attitude clear."
Before Becchio could feel happy in his heart, Goodwin changed the subject. "However, let me ask you straight out, whether Your Excellency Becchio is too persistent in placing all his hopes on the support of our country and the Germans."
Hearing Goodwin's words, Becchio was a little confused. "What do you mean, Ambassador?"
"I think your country needs to strengthen its own strength and let Italians see your country's determination to defend its colonies."
Ambassador Goodwin's words gave Becchio a bad premonition, but in order to confirm, he continued to ask. "I don't know how to increase my power?"
"At present, Italy relies on the fleet in its hands, so your country needs some warships to increase its strength. It does not require defeating the opponent, but it must be able to harass the opponent's supply line. In addition, your country's military in the colonies also needs to strengthen its strength.
If the ordnance is not enough, our country can sell part of it or directly obtain the goods from our colonies in Indochina."
Goodwin's words moved Becchio a little, and he continued to ask, "If there is a conflict between our country and Italy, will your country be able to help?"
This statement made it very clear that being able to help in a conflict would inevitably involve the intervention of military force. And because Becchio knew that this was very important, he stared at the French ambassador after he finished speaking.
"Well..."
Facing Goodwin's inquiry, Goodwin was somewhat unable to answer because he did not obtain this authorization from Paris.
Ambassador Goodwin's hesitant words dashed Becchio's hope. He already knew France's attitude.
This is to let the Netherlands and Italy have a fight, and then the French will take advantage of it. He can see through this kind of thinking at a glance.
He didn't talk much, feeling that he couldn't get the results he wanted from the French, so Becchio quickly left the French embassy.
"Go to the German Embassy."
As soon as he got into the carriage, Becchio urged the driver.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Obert is currently ill and needs to rest, so he can't see you."
The words of the German embassy staff made Becchio heartbroken.
The ambassador was still alive and kicking in the morning, but in the afternoon he was too sick to see guests?
Although he knew that the other party was an excuse, Becchio still had the attitude of giving it a try.
"I have something very urgent to ask Mr. Obert."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Obote is really unable to serve as director at the moment."
Disappointed, Becchio had no choice but to leave the German Embassy.
In a hidden window on the second floor of the embassy, the sick Lord Obote had a panoramic view of everything.
"Sir, you really don't want to see him?"
The secretary next to him looked at the disappointed Dutch Foreign Minister and couldn't help but ask.
"Why are you meeting him? Can I change Berlin's decision at will? In this case, it is better not to meet him. At least both parties will not feel embarrassed."
After Obert said this, he thought for a while and continued. "In the next few days, on the grounds that I am sick and need to recuperate, I will cancel all outing activities, including the negotiations between Italy and the Netherlands."
"I understand, Your Excellency."
Obert understands Berlin's decision very well. One is an ally and the other is a friendly country. It is difficult for Berlin to be caught in the middle. Being able to participate in negotiations and act as a middleman is the limit of what Germany can do.
With one avoiding him and the other secretly harboring evil intentions, Becchio's visit ended in vain.
Therefore, in the subsequent negotiations, the helpless Becchio was unable to resist Italy's aggressive attitude. In the end, he had no choice but to accept Italy's blackmail, and the Dutch army withdrew from the Lanfang sphere of influence designated by Italy.
The result of this negotiation was a huge loss for the Netherlands. Not only did they lose the vassal state of Lanfang, but the essence of Borneo was also captured by Italy.
Of course, this is a brilliant diplomatic victory for Italy. It finally has its first colony. (It's so shameful, but I still have the nerve to call myself a great power)
Moreover, this is a colony that has been mostly developed. Faced with such a good thing, everyone in Italy is very satisfied.
Of course, this is not without sequelae. First of all, the Netherlands immediately decided to allocate 40 million Dutch guilders to purchase ships to strengthen its maritime power in the Far East. In addition, it sent an army of 5,000 troops to its colonies in Southeast Asia.
Of course, what the Dutch did had nothing to do with Italy, because they were busy carving up the interests of this colony.
