The battle in Mara City has long ended, and the two armies have broken away from contact. However, a large tent has been set up beside the unnamed stream outside Mara City.
There were only two chairs and a wooden table in the big tent, which was very simple.
Yes, this is where Simeone prepared to negotiate. Considering the relationship between the two, placing it here also shows sincerity.
Regarding the peace talks with the Abyssinians, in fact, when he was still in Rome, His Majesty had already explained that if the Abyssinians were willing to surrender, then it would be acceptable to retain the Abyssinians' political power.
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At that time, in the city of Rome, there were very different attitudes regarding the treatment of the Abyssinians. The military wanted to rule them directly as a colony, while the government, considering the barrenness of the Abyssinian plateau, preferred
It's a mandate.
As for the king who initiated the war, his attitude was the most relaxed. As long as the Abyssinians were willing to become a vassal state of Italy, the war could be over.
The three attitudes of the king, the government, and the military made Simeone feel a little confused about who to listen to, but in the end it was the king who pressured all parties and his opinions prevailed.
So Italy's final solution was to stop fighting against the Abyssinians as long as they were willing to become a vassal state of Italy. In fact, there were other funds, but due to the death of Johannes IV, they could no longer be used.
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That's why when Menelik proposed peace on behalf of the Abyssinians, Simone readily agreed.
In order to show Italy's victorious attitude, the negotiation venue was set in Mara.
"General, the Abyssinians are coming."
Simone, who was at the big account, after hearing the report from his subordinates, looked up at several figures on horseback appearing in the distance.
"Then let's wait for them to come."
Simone stood up and casually gave instructions to the people around him.
Standing beside him were all those who had made meritorious service in this battle, such as Major General Wagman of the advance team, Major General Pascal, Colonel Zelos and others who had made great achievements in this war.
Such a star-studded scene to greet the Abyssinian Emperor Menelik gave him enough face.
When the group of peace negotiators arrived in front of them, Menelik, who dismounted, immediately stepped forward and said to Simone with a smile, as if meeting an old friend.
"Hello, General Simeone."
Completely disregarding the previous fight to the death between the two parties, from this aspect, Menelik is a qualified politician. Compared with Menelik, Major General Wagman, who fought with him in Mara City, was not well-trained in martial arts.
The Abyssinian emperor, who had fought against him and caused a lot of casualties, did not look good at all.
Fortunately, it was General Simeone who was negotiating with the Abyssinian emperor. He showed a victor's smile and stepped forward to shake hands with him. "Hello, Emperor Menelik."
After the two briefly shook hands, Simeone and Menelik left the others and entered the big account.
Because the next negotiation needs to be conducted between two people.
After the two sat down, Simone said. "Your Excellency Menelik, we will not mention the reasons for this war. However, in order to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen in the future, our country needs to station troops in Adwa.
In addition, in order to reduce unnecessary trouble, Abyssinia’s diplomacy needs to be handed over to our country. In addition, your country needs to open its market to our country. In addition to the fixed customs tax of 5%, no other fees are allowed. In addition...
"
Simeone talked about Italy's various requirements for Abyssinia, which basically include tariffs, diplomacy, and consultants. It can be said that it has extended its tentacles to all aspects of Abyssinia.
Faced with the conditions proposed by Simeone, Menelik remained silent. He did not offer any rebuttal at all. The reason was simple: Abyssinia could not be fought anymore, and the elite troops concentrated across the country suffered heavy losses.
Can accept Italian conditions.
Fortunately, although Italy put forward many conditions, the most important ruling rights were still left to them. Italy did not intend to directly rule Abyssinia, nor did it want other rights.
After Simone finished talking about the conditions from the Italian side, Menelik spoke. "As for your country's conditions, our country agrees in principle. But I want to ask, do you want to intervene on the Sudanese side?"
Menelik had nothing to do with Italy's request, or he did not have the courage to refuse it, but he had his own little thoughts about the Sudanese who were invading his country.
Faced with Menelik's temptation, Simeone shook his head and replied, "We don't know much about the situation of the Sudanese. If your country wants to fight back against the invading Sudan, our country will not stop it."
Yes, Italy is going to burn bridges. They are not going to honor the promises they made to Sudan before.
Not to mention the Italians being despicable, not too many countries do this in this era. In the final analysis, it is still a matter of strength. The strength of the Sudanese is simply not qualified for Italy to take it seriously.
Of course, the more important thing is that Italy doesn't need the Sudanese now, so if it's time to give up, just give up. This can also give the newly surrendered Abyssinians a little bit of luck, isn't that good?
Simeone's words let Menelik know Italy's attitude, which was a great blessing among misfortunes for Abyssinia.
"Thank you for your country's attention to Abyssinia. I have a small gift that I hope your Excellency, Lieutenant General, will not dislike."
With that said, Menelik took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Simone. "Your Excellency Simone, please don't refuse my personal kindness."
Seeing Menelik's move, Simone raised a brow and took it. "I would like to thank you for your kindness."
He did not refuse, because if he rejected Menelik's kindness on the spot, although it would not cause the other party to be unhappy, it would still be a bad thing. At worst, he would just hand it over when the time comes.
Curious Simone opened it and saw a check lying quietly inside, starting with 1 and six zeros. It was a check from the Bank of England. It seemed that the emperor had spent a lot of money.
When Simone calmly accepted the gift, Menelik immediately beamed.
"Can we be considered friends now?"
"Of course, we are best friends."
With the two people having reached an agreement, although there are still some details that need to be discussed later, there is no need for the two of them to continue talking. They are mainly responsible for the general direction.
So before long, people waiting on both sides discovered that the two negotiators walked out arm in arm.
But that's how politics is. One second they were mortal enemies, and the next second they were like best brothers. This is all damn politics.
Although the contract still needs to be signed by Rome, it is basically intact. According to the treaty, Italy obtained diplomatic rights in Abyssinia. In addition, Italy also obtained the authority to garrison troops in Adua and can deploy no more than 5,000 troops.
.Then Abyssinia opens its market to Italy and can only charge a 5% tariff. As for other countries, it must charge a tariff of no less than 25%.
There is another item, which Menelik took the initiative to add after Simeone gave up the Sudanese, that is, Italy can recruit soldiers in Abyssinia, but the number must not exceed 20,000.
Of course, there was also a little thought on the part of the emperor, and although Simeone saw through it at a glance, it was also very beneficial to Italy and he happily accepted it.
When this treaty is handed over to Rome for signature, the war between the two countries will be over.
Of course, Simeone, who had just received the benefits, decided to give the other party something in return. Of course, helping the other party block the invasion of Sudan was also one of the reasons.
"Emperor Menelik, I have a batch of old ordnance in the middle of my army. I wonder if you need it."
