The Abyssinians are on the move, and Italy is not stupid, so how can it not be indifferent to this?
Don't think that the Abyssinians are so united. There are always some people who want to bring down the emperor through Italian hands.
Therefore, not only did Italy know that Johannes IV was mobilizing for war, but Britain and France, who were behind the scenes, were also well aware of it.
It is not polite to come back and forth, and Italy will naturally not be polite and has countermeasures.
Sudan is now full of joy after independence. Although the savior who led them to independence, the Mahdi, has returned to the embrace of God, the Sudan he founded still stands on the land of Africa.
Omdurman, located in the middle reaches of the Nile River, was the capital chosen by the Mahdi himself (in order to distinguish himself from the previous British, the founder of Sudan did not choose Khartoum).
As the successor after the death of Mahdi, Caliph Abdullah was extremely busy.
After the founding of Sudan, the country was in dire straits due to the previous oppression by Egypt and the British. Moreover, Mahdi's sudden death caused a split in the Sudanese leadership that had united around him. They split into three parts.
, led by the three caliphs Abdullah, Sharif and Ali respectively.
Among them, Abdullah had the most power. And this Abdullah also had the ability to defeat the other two caliphs one after another within a year, making him the only caliph of the Sultanate.
Now, except for the secret objections of a few people, Abdullah can be said to have monopolized power.
Today, the ruler of Sudan is meeting with an envoy from Italy.
"Hello, Mr. Perez."
Abdullah shook hands with the visitor in a very Western style.
"Hello, Your Majesty the Caliph."
Abdullah was very satisfied with Peres's attitude, which meant that the newly established Sudan was recognized by other countries.
"We are very clear about the purpose of your visit this time, but why should we help you? You must know that if you occupy Abyssinia, you will not be our neighbors. How can we trust you then? No
Like other Europeans, they will have ambitions towards us."
Abdullah spoke very directly, so directly that Envoy Peres was a little surprised.
However, since he was from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peres was not surprised by Abdullah's words.
"Your Excellency, Caliph, we understand your concerns very much. However, I remember there is a proverb in your country that lions will not be friends with sheep. This sentence is also very suitable for the current situation between you and us."
Listening to the words of envoy Peres, Abdullah stared at him. "So who do you think is the lion and who is the sheep?"
"We in Italy are lions, but your country is not a sheep, it can be regarded as a jackal."
The explanation given by Perez made Abdullah laugh.
"Does your Excellency the Special Envoy think that you can impress me by showing this proverb?"
"Of course not. This is just to let the Caliph have a clear understanding of his own strength."
Facing the Sudanese caliph, Peres continued to talk rhetorically. "As far as I know, your country also has a lot of disputes with Abyssinia. Uniting with our country can help your country get back those people who were ousted by Abyssinia."
Areas occupied by Xenia.”
The invaded areas Perez mentioned are Binis located in the western part of the plateau and the Samir Valley located in Corsoni. The two blue and white Nile rivers have made these two areas lush with water and grass. From ancient times to the present, whether it is Abisi
Whether the Niya tribe went west or the Nubians (ancient Sudanese) went east, it was the only way to go here.
In addition, there are also religious factors. Abyssinia believes in Orthodox Christianity, while Sudan believes in Green Christianity. These two religions have been at loggerheads for nearly a thousand years. Territory and religion have made the relationship between the two countries very difficult.
became extremely bad.
Therefore, these two places can be said to be the core of the two countries, and they will explode if they touch each other.
And now these two areas are occupied by Abyssinia. It would be impossible for the Sudanese people to do so without any ideas.
Perez's words made Abdullah a little moved. But it was only a heartbeat. If he couldn't figure out what the Italians really thought, it would be impossible for him to join the war against Abyssinia.
"How do I know that this is not a poisonous apple with a charming smell?"
Facing Abdullah's question, Perez spread his hands. "I can't guarantee this to you, because all the guarantees I give need to be based on the fact that there is not a big gap in strength between the two parties. But I can give you
I have news for you."
Peres's last words aroused the interest of the Sudanese Caliph. "Oh, let's hear some news."
"In preparing for this military operation in Abyssinia, we discovered that the British were behind this evil regime."
Seeing Peres mention the British, Abdullah frowned. Who he and the Sudanese senior officials were most worried about was the British. Although he had never heard the saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, it meant something.
He has heard a lot of similar proverbs.
As for how to judge, this needs to test the caliph's judgment.
The caliph remained motionless, thinking about the pros and cons, while Peres waited quietly, and the room fell into silence for a while.
After a long time, the caliph spoke. "If our country is willing to attack Abyssinia with your country, then in addition to Binis and Samir, we will need compensation."
Thinking that the Sudanese ruler wanted to open his mouth, Peres had to warn him. "Your Excellency, ambition needs to be matched by strength, otherwise it will only bring unnecessary disaster to yourself."
"Don't worry, I'm awake."
Faced with Peres's warning, Abdullah knew what he wanted. "Our request is that in addition to the above two territories, your country needs to provide us with 3,000 rear-mounted guns of your country's standard. In addition,
In addition, our country will also share half of the Abyssinian equipment captured in the battle, and our country will have the right of first refusal to purchase the other half."
Yes, Abdullah was very sober. He knew how to maximize the Sudan's interests in this battle. In addition to territory, he also considered strengthening his own strength. Those Abyssinian equipment, Italians
It must be looked down upon, and this condition is exactly what I want to use.
Faced with Abdullah's request, Peres did not consider it at all and said directly. "This is no problem, I can agree to it. Next, let us discuss the issue of sending troops from your country."
In addition to the foreign aid of the Sudan, Italy also tried to divide the noble princes of Abyssinia. As the strongest man besides Emperor Johannes IV, Menelik II also sent people to contact Italy.
"I'm sorry, I won't betray the emperor. You'd better give up."
Looking at the visiting guests, Menelik II righteously rejected Italy's attempts to win over him.
"Your Excellency, don't think about it again. Our country is willing to see people like you become the new masters of Abyssinia."
"I won't do this, that's all."
After a few words, the visiting guests were invited out.
However, the guest was not angry at all, because Shoa met him secretly and did not alert other people. This is enough to explain the problem. Menelik II may not be willing to face his father-in-law directly.
Of course, his thoughts did not matter among the people contacted by Italy this time. This was the general attitude of the Abyssinian princes, who were unwilling to make premature bets.
However, when the situation becomes clearer, the conditions will not be as generous as they are now.
