"I don't know what your Excellency, Ambassador Fulam, is doing with this visit."
In the office, Carlo looked at the British ambassador in front of him with a smile on his face and asked what he wanted.
Facing the British who are in full swing, Carlo, as the king, has to put on a friendly expression. There is no way, the British are so powerful now, no one dares to ignore their existence.
Especially for the current Italy, it cannot afford to offend. If nothing else, as long as the Suez Canal is closed to Italy, its troops preparing to expedition to Abyssinia will need to take a boat around Africa. That 200 million lire
War bonds cannot even last two months.
Facing the polite Carlo, Ambassador Fulam would not underestimate him at all. He had served as ambassador in Rome for three years and had a full understanding of the king's abilities and knew that he was not as kind as he appeared.
But this time he really came to visit for something.
He said with a smile on his face, "Your Majesty Carlo, I come this time with goodwill."
Ambassador Fulam's words made Carlo feel a shadow in his heart. The ambassador was so polite, which meant that his visit was definitely not simple.
"Oh, I wonder what kind of goodwill can make the Ambassador come in person."
Sure enough, following Fulam's words, Carlo immediately felt something unusual.
"Your Majesty Carlo, this time I brought the goodwill of Emperor Johannes IV of Abyssinia. He is willing to make a gesture of goodwill to avoid such disputes from continuing to occur."
How could Carlo not understand at this time that Ambassador Fulam, or the British behind him, wanted to be a peacemaker.
Carlo's expression immediately darkened.
"The dispute between our country and the Abyssinian Empire cannot be resolved with just one sentence."
Faced with Carlo's gloomy expression, Fulam completely ignored it and continued. "Your Majesty Carlo, it is better to listen to the kindness of Johannes IV."
Considering the importance of the British, Carlo could only listen to the ambassador's speech.
"His Majesty Carlo, Emperor Johannes IV of Abyssinia, expressed regret for the conflict between the two countries in Adi Kwara. In order to achieve peaceful coexistence between the two countries, Johannes IV decided to withdraw the army 30 kilometers to avoid
Let the misunderstanding between the two countries continue. For the Italian officers and soldiers who suffered losses in this conflict, Johannes IV gave 120,000 pounds as financial compensation. In addition, Johannes IV decided that he is willing to hand over Dalol to your country for management.
."
After Ambassador Fulam finished speaking, Carlo looked at him. "Are there no other terms?"
"No more at the moment, but we can discuss it again if we're not satisfied."
Is this land cession (less than 5,000 square kilometers) and compensation (only 120,000 pounds) over?
Under this situation, Carlo expressed his own opinion. "I have only two conditions. First, Johannes IV comes to Rome in person to apologize to the families of the murdered officers and soldiers. Second, the Abyssinian Empire provides tax exemption for Italian goods.
."
Hearing Carlo say these two things, Fulam immediately knew that this condition was impossible to negotiate. Because the first one was to completely throw Emperor Johannes IV's face to the ground. If he personally came from Rome to apologize, then this would be okay.
The emperor's position, which was easily taken away, is no longer available.
As for the second item, it is even more impossible. It is treating Abyssinia as a dumping ground for Italian goods. Who can accept this?
However, Fulam still refused to give up, because it was London's order to avoid war between the two countries, which was related to Britain's layout in Africa. For the British who were driven out of Sudan, Sudan was in their pocket and they did not want to see it.
Italian occupation of Abyssinia peeks into Sudan.
"Your Majesty Carlo, these two items are too harsh. Can you reconsider it?"
Facing the words of the British ambassador, Carlo said without hesitation. "This is the biggest concession I can see that your country can give in terms of face. In exchange for the previous idea, our country hopes to bring Johannes IV to Rome.
On trial.”
Now Ambassador Flam knew what the Italians were thinking, and he had no intention of negotiating peace with Abyssinia.
"It is very regrettable that this will bring disaster to both countries."
Faced with Ambassador Fulam's change of tone, Carlo responded without any sign of weakness. "If the British Empire suffers from such a situation, please tell me your country's decision."
"These are two different things and cannot be confused."
Faced with Ambassador Fulam's double-standard performance, Carlo couldn't help but ask. "I don't know if this visit is your government's idea or the ambassador's idea."
Faced with Carlo's inquiry, Ambassador Fulam said, "This is my idea. At the same time, our government is also willing to let your country and Abyssinia resolve disputes based on the principle of peace."
Ambassador Fulam's words mean that Britain will not openly embarrass Italy, as long as this is enough.
"Thank you Ambassador for your kindness, but the gap between our country and Abyssinia is too great, making it difficult to negotiate."
Carlo's words represented Italy's rejection of British mediation.
"That's a shame."
Since there was no agreement, there was nothing more to say, and Ambassador Fulam left the palace.
After the British ambassador left, Carlo called the captain of the guard over. "Send a message to the military and ask them to make another plan, because Britain and France are very likely to provide military assistance to Abyssinia."
When Filimic heard this, he knew the seriousness of the matter and immediately replied, "I will arrange someone right away, otherwise I will personally send the news to the military."
Although Carlo's words were vague, he was sure that these two countries would definitely make small moves behind the scenes.
Britain was because of the Sudan, and France, needless to say, how could the Paris government forget Italy's performance in the Sino-French War?
After Carlo informed the military of his judgment, the original plan was immediately overturned because he was worried about the small actions of Britain and France. This time, the military was rarely heroic and made a big move.
The 3rd Army, which is stationed in the Alps all year round, is one of the core units of Italy's defense against France. This war against Abyssinia will be based on this army. In addition, the 3rd Mountain Brigade and the 6th Mountain Brigade have been added.
, the 7th Artillery Regiment, and part of the 6th Division, plus two regiments of the Guards, bringing the total strength of this war against Abyssinia to 53,000.
Of course, it will take time to transport these troops to the front line in Eritrea. Among other things, the amount of transportation of weapons and ammunition alone is astonishing. For this purpose, the military has set up a temporary transportation department to manage all this.
Of course, Britain and France informed the Abyssinian Emperor Johannes IV of the general actions of Italy through various channels.
Knowing that he had stabbed the black emperor, he certainly would not sit still and wait to die.
So the cloud of war enveloped the land of East Africa.
