The surrender of the Salonika garrison was a turning point in this war.
But in addition, what is even more worrying is that the Italian army has invaded the Macedonian region. Now the Ottoman Empire's territories in Europe, except for East Thrace, which belongs to the capital Istanbul, have existed in other areas for as long as days.
Let’s calculate.
Faced with such a predicament, the Ottoman senior officials are of course anxious, but what's the use of just being anxious? They need to come up with a solution. Of course, it's not that the senior Ottoman officials don't know the solution, but no one of them mentions it, and no one dares to do so.
carry.
Since the only solution cannot be said or mentioned, they can only act like ostriches in danger, burying their heads in the sand and pretending not to know anything.
However, the Ottomans were not in a hurry, but others were. Ambassadors from Britain, France, Russia, and Austria and other countries met with senior Ottoman officials one after another and expressed their hope that the Ottoman Empire could take time to review and end the war.
Yes, the European powers that are not involved in the war are currently more anxious than the Ottoman Empire.
It is not difficult to guess the plans of their countries. Among them, Britain and France wanted to prevent the Ottomans from suffering serious losses, leading to chaos in the Near East and giving other countries the opportunity to fish in troubled waters.
As for Austria and Russia, they also do not want the Ottomans to suffer too much losses in this war, allowing the Balkan countries to take the opportunity to grow and get rid of their influence and control.
Even though Austria-Hungary has just obtained the legal rule of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Ottomans, Russia and the Ottomans are still feuding. This will not delay them at this time, hoping that the Ottoman Empire will not bleed to death.
Therefore, the situation in Macedonia was so bad, and with the help of other countries, the Ottoman Empire finally had to face the problem of defeat.
Located in the New Royal Palace in Istanbul, a topic about peace talks is being held here.
The superior Ottoman Sultan Hamid II, looking at the senior officials gathered together, was the first to speak. "Yesterday, the ambassadors of Britain, France, Germany and Austria came to see me together. They planned to mediate between our country and Italy and other countries.
war. I wonder, ministers, what do you think of this matter?"
Although Sultan said it tactfully, how could anyone present who was not a human being not understand its intention.
It's just that these words are difficult to answer. No matter how you answer them, they will leave consequences, so the ministers in the hall didn't know how to speak for a while.
But when no one spoke at this time, suddenly a minister came out. Everyone looked at it and saw that this was not the Minister of War, Nuri Pasha? It was rare for this person to be the first to speak.
Didn’t his colleagues sigh? What Nuri Pasha said next was even more surprising.
I saw Nuri Pasha bending down slightly and said, "Your Majesty, this war is currently very unfavorable to our country. As the direct commander of this war, our Ministry of War bears great responsibility, and I, the Minister of War?
Should I bear the main responsibility? For this reason, I sincerely request your Majesty to remove me from my post to calm the people's hearts."
Nuri Pasha's sudden words surprised everyone. They didn't expect that the Minister of War was so brave. He was directly willing to bear the main responsibility for the defeat.
But they soon saw why.
Faced with the Minister of War's move to take the responsibility on himself? As the Sultan, Hamid II looked at him and said. "You are indeed responsible for the defeat of this war. Since you realize your mistake, then step down from office."
The post of Minister of War will be taken over by your deputy, and you will be my military advisor."
Well, how can this be taking responsibility? Anyone with a discerning eye can see that this is the Sultan protecting the Ottoman marshal. In order to avoid possible liquidation in the future? Take it out first.
I really don’t know what to say. The treatment of close friends is indeed extraordinary. What is the difference between resigning and not resigning? Nuri Pasha is still the number one figure in the army. Of course, this has a lot to do with his ability to win the trust of the Sultan. After all, the Sultan
We need trustworthy and capable people to man the army.
However, although others could guess part of it, they still made others drool with envy. Especially Grand Vizier Kamil Pasha, Foreign Minister Halim Pasha and others were the most envious, because they knew what to expect next.
They must be the ones to take the blame. Someone needs to be able to take the blame for this defeat. In addition, someone needs to take the blame for the failed negotiations. There are no more suitable candidates than these two.
Sure enough, as the Minister of War was taken out, the Sultan's face immediately turned ugly. "Why was the defeat in this war, Grand Vizier, please tell me the reason."
As the Sultan directly pointed out Kamil Pasha, many people breathed a sigh of relief. At least they no longer had to worry about their lives. After all, the main person in charge had been designated. At most, they were jointly and severally liable, which was a great blessing among misfortunes.
As for Kamil Pasha who was named, of course he knew why the Sultan wanted his name. Although he was indeed responsible for this war, the main responsibility really did not lie with him, but this was no longer a question of whether he thought about it or not. Thinking of the survival of his family
, he could only take what the Sultan said.
"Your Majesty, the government bears a great responsibility for this defeat, especially the fact that I have failed to live up to His Majesty's expectations. For this reason, I implore Your Majesty to take back my position as Grand Vizier. I am willing to bear all the consequences."
As Kamil Pasha said that he was willing to take responsibility, Hamid II's face became slightly better. "Since you are willing to take the responsibility for this defeat, then I allow you to resign as Grand Vizier.
However, considering that I don’t have a suitable candidate yet, you will continue to serve for the time being until I have a candidate for you.”
Although Hamid II said something to persuade him to stay, this made Kamil Pasha's face even more bitter. Anything that could not find a candidate was an excuse. It was obvious that the Sultan wanted to leave the two masters alone and let him
He will also take the blame for the negotiations. As long as the peace talks are reached, he will definitely have no good results if he loses his power and humiliates his country.
Moreover, he is still a scapegoat with no rights. Life is bleak like this.
But as for the Sultan, can he object? Since he cannot object, he can only accept it.
"Your Majesty, I will stick to my duties during this temporary period."
After taking care of Kamil Pasha, the Ottoman Sultan began to look around the crowd again, which made other ministers immediately frightened and uneasy, as they were deeply afraid of being named at this time.
But soon most people breathed a sigh of relief.
"Halim Pasha, the next negotiations with various countries will be conducted by you, the foreign minister."
Halim Pasha, who was named, felt depressed in his heart. He also could not refuse the task assigned by the Sultan.
Now that the scapegoat was decided, the atmosphere of the following meeting became much better. The other ministers listened to the Sultan's instructions very seriously. Only Kamil Pasha and Halim Pasha were all sad.
Others intentionally or unintentionally stayed away from the two of them, as if they had an infectious disease.
Then the news of Ottoman's request for an armistice and peace talks was sent out.
Faced with the Ottoman request for peace talks, Carlo, as the king of Italy, naturally welcomed it. Although the current situation is very good, the interference from other countries made Carlo intend to stop here. After all, Italy does not have many interests in the Balkans, so there is no need
Trapped yourself in this.
As Italy agreed to peace talks, Bulgaria and Montenegro, both allies, naturally had no choice but to stop. After all, they still need Italy's support to seize the lucrative war dividends.
As for Greece and Serbia, since Italy and other countries have agreed to a ceasefire, it is naturally impossible for them not to agree. After all, the supporters behind each have already expressed their attitudes. Moreover, it is impossible to defeat the Ottomans just relying on the strength of their two countries.
empire.
Then, the war in the Balkans stopped, and now it depends on the efforts of diplomats. In this regard, Italy has enough confidence.
