As countries prepare for peace talks, the first goal that needs to be achieved is the choice of the location for the negotiations.
According to Italy's wishes, Rome is naturally the best choice. However, other countries are not willing to do this, especially Greece and Serbia, which are the most fiercely opposed. After all, this is Italy's home ground, and they have already shown enough unwillingness in this war.
Italy can still have home field advantage.
Since these two countries were desperately opposed, Rome was defeated. At this time, there were enthusiastic countries willing to provide venues for peace talks.
Britain offered London, France offered Paris, Germany offered Berlin, Austria-Hungary offered Vienna, and even Russia offered St. Petersburg and Moscow as choices.
For countries to be so enthusiastic, not only can they increase their prestige in the world by placing the negotiation venue on their own side, but they can also build up the self-confidence of their citizens.
Otherwise, why so many countries are willing to provide peace negotiation venues in the future is also a consideration in this regard.
However, among the many locations here, it is not easy to choose one that satisfies everyone. After several days of wrangling and arguing, London became the location accepted by various countries.
Now that the location has been decided, everyone has nothing to say. Naturally, they each bring their negotiation teams and prepare to go to London to fight for the interests of their respective countries.
The negotiators that Italy plans to send this time are led by Prime Minister Despretis and assisted by Foreign Minister Bacona.
Before leaving, as the king, Carlo, in order to show the importance he attached to them, came to the port to see them off in person.
"You two, this peace negotiation depends on you."
Carlo held the hands of the two of them and said what he expected from them. Of course, it is very reasonable for Italy to take the lead in this war. This war is led by Italy. Although Bulgaria and Montenegro performed well, their
Their strength can only give them the promised results, but other than that, it is impossible to get additional rewards.
This is not because Italy wants to go back on its word, but because off-field factors have too much influence this time. Countries such as Britain, France, Austria, and Russia have exerted tremendous pressure. Italy must prioritize ensuring its own results.
Although the four countries of Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Montenegro still launched the Balkan War in the previous life, the times are different after all, and there is a development gap of more than 20 years. How can the strength of the four countries be compared with that before the First World War? It is still far inferior.
Not to mention, there is an extra Italian this time? Naturally, it can only shrink their results.
Faced with the King's personal farewell, the two heads of delegation also expressed their opinions immediately. "Your Majesty, please rest assured that we will definitely protect Italy's interests. No one can make Italy retreat."
Over the years? With Carlo's influence, Italian senior officials are very confident. What makes them confident? Or is it Italy's strength. Years of development? Although the debt burdened by Italy has not been reduced, the strength and originality have not been reduced.
Compared with time and space, it is greatly improved.
Occupying two colonies in East Africa and Lanfang, domestic industry is booming? The economic situation is getting better year by year? The military has also performed well in previous wars. So no matter how you look at it, Italy is in a prosperous posture.
This has caused many overseas newspapers to exclaim that Italy is on the right track of development.
In this case, Italy needs to have results that match its strength.
In yesterday's discussion, Carlo drew the bottom line of this peace negotiation? That is, Albania and Libya must be owned by Italy. In addition, Crete also needs to be independent? If there is a chance, then then
Securing some Ottoman islands as a result.
As for other Ottoman territories in the Balkans? Let other countries grab it. Carlo never thought of going deep into the Balkans anyway.
Although other Italian officials are very greedy, they can eat as much as they have the ability. Carlo doesn't want to be regarded as a competitor by Austria-Hungary and Russia? Let them go and bite the dog. Italy should choose some places where it is easy to make profits.
So Carlo is not nervous now? Because Italy really has never thought about intervening in the Balkans.
However, of course he will not publicize this idea. He also plans to use this opportunity to exchange interests with other countries.
Just as Carlo was talking with the delegation and saying goodbye, an attendant hurried over with a telegram. The captain of the guard immediately greeted the attendant when he saw it.
"This is an urgent telegram from Berlin and must be handed over to His Majesty immediately."
As the attendant spoke, Ferrimich glanced at the telegram and his expression immediately changed. Ignoring the expressions of others, he hurriedly walked up to Carlo and whispered a few words.
Listening to the captain of the guard's whisper, even the well-educated Carlo couldn't help but frown.
"Is the news reliable?"
"Very reliable. This was sent personally by the ambassador to Germany."
The two people's nonsense words left the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary a little confused.
Facing the two people who looked confused, Carlo decided to tell them the news. Anyway, they would know it before long.
Then he said, "This is the news from Berlin. Prime Minister Bismarck has resigned."
"What?"
Facing Carlo's words, the two of them asked this question in unison.
There is no way, this news is too shocking. You must know that this is Bismarck. He has been in charge of Germany for decades. His outstanding diplomacy and maneuvering have brought Germany from division to unity, and made Germany gradually stronger.
How could such a prime minister with such great achievements suddenly resign without any news?
Although others couldn't figure it out, how could Carlo, who had the memory of later generations, not understand. This meant that the conflict with the new Kaiser was irreconcilable, otherwise how could this energetic and iron-blooded Prime Minister resign.
Of course, it was impossible to say this from his mouth. After all, until World War I, Wilhelm II had always held power in Germany. He would only say it out loud if he was crazy. Italy still needs Germany as a powerful ally.
, to shelter yourself from the wind and rain.
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Bismarck's resignation will affect our most important ally after all. Do you want us to leave one behind to inquire about the situation in Germany?"
As Foreign Minister, Bacona was still very diplomatically sensitive and immediately asked Carlo for his opinion.
"No, I will handle this matter. The most important thing for us at the moment is the peace talks in London, and we need you more."
Carlo rejected the Foreign Secretary's suggestion because he believed that this matter would not affect the relationship between Germany and Italy, so negotiations in London were still important.
So going forward, although various countries are making an uproar over Bismarck's resignation, Italy is still paying attention to the subsequent negotiations in London.
The same goes for other participating countries. They are all eyeing the peace talks in London.
