During this period, it was a happy day for Italian journalists. They did not need to look for news, they only needed to keep an eye on the upcoming peace talks in Rome.
When big names come to Rome, whether it's for food, accommodation or sightseeing, it's all news. It's best to say a few words of praise for Italy. That would be perfect.
Unlike journalists, the Italian government, as a participant and organizer, is much busier. Unlike those who watch the excitement, the reception work is even more difficult for them.
Of course, King Carlo also appeared in this. Just today, King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria came to Rome with a Bulgarian delegation. As the host, Carlo naturally needed to welcome him.
At the welcome dinner in the palace, the guests of honor gathered together happily, and the Italian, Italian, and Black parties gathered together happily.
That's right, there is an additional Grand Duchy of Montenegro.
At this dinner to welcome Bulgaria, the Grand Duchy of Montenegro, as a comrade-in-arms, also attended in costume.
In fact, it is not difficult to guess. When the sworn enemy Ottoman was basically about to withdraw from Europe, Montenegro's hatred of Ottoman suddenly lost its target.
At this time, Montenegro should consider its future. Maintaining good relations with Italy across the sea is naturally Montenegro's first choice. However, putting eggs in a basket does not meet actual needs, so Montenegro needs to have more considerations.
.Participating in the dinner to welcome Bulgarian allies this time is not a contact. After all, according to the needs of each country this time, Montenegro and Bulgaria are not bordering, so there is no conflict in core interests.
So at this dinner, you can see that the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Montenegro, Peter Thiel, was having a lively conversation with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Stambolov, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Despretis. Around the three of them, the other guests formed separate groups.
Talking in one social circle, everything is so orderly and lively.
However, the focus of this banquet is not on the three prime ministers, because at the core are the three monarchs.
"We were able to defeat the Ottomans this time thanks to your country's help. As a country that suffered the consequences, we will never forget this kindness."
The one who is speaking is Nicholas I, the Grand Duke of Montenegro. This person does not have a strong presence in Europe, because the Grand Duchy of Montenegro has been recognized by European countries for less than 20 years. (Montenegro was only considered a political power at the Berlin Conference in 1878.
The country could only be considered a religious force before.)
The Archduke's gratitude was sincere. If it weren't for Italy's help, Montenegro, a small country with a territory of only 8,000 square kilometers and a population of less than 150,000, would have almost doubled its territory and increased its population to more than 200,000.
.To put it in a simple and easy-to-understand way, it’s not too much to say “rebirth parents”.
Carlo had heard enough words of thanks from the Grand Duke of Montenegro. Since the Grand Duke came to Rome, he has expressed his gratitude to Italy on various occasions. It is obvious that the Grand Duke has understood the mentality of the Italians.
, the good words for free came right out of the mouth. And through newspapers, the Archduke Nicholas became very popular in Italy.
It's just that you get tired of hearing good things too much, and that was the case with Carlo.
But although Carlo was tired in his heart, he didn't show it at all on the outside.
"The Grand Duke is overly praised."
After replying to Archduke Nicholas, Carlo turned the topic to the King of Bulgaria. "Your Excellency Ferdinand, the journey has been smooth."
Facing Carlo's inquiry, Ferdinand I, who had been silent until now, smiled and replied. "Thank you, Lord Carlo, for your concern. The journey went very smoothly."
Having said this, Ferdinand I looked towards the three prime ministers along the gap, and happened to meet the Bulgarian Prime Minister. And the Bulgarian Bismarck winked at the king, as if giving some hint.
.
After receiving the response, Ferdinand I smiled slightly and continued. "Your Excellency Carlo, in fact, I want to say it again what Grand Duke Nicholas said. This time, we can win the victory over the Ottomans with your country's help."
It is the greatest achievement. Therefore, everyone in our country believes that if we can maintain our current relationship, it will be of great benefit to our three countries."
Ferdinand's words actually represent the true thoughts of the Bulgarians. Although Bulgaria gained a lot from this war, its diplomatic environment is deteriorating rapidly. Needless to say, its relations with Greece and Serbia have also
Seize large areas of territory in Macedonia, conflicts between the three countries
Rapidly deepening. If Italy were not watching, it would be a high probability that the two countries would secretly form an alliance against Bulgaria. As for Bulgaria's original ally, Russia, as Ferdinand became king, the relationship between the two countries also deteriorated rapidly.
As for Osman, let alone this, this is considered a blood feud.
In addition, Austria-Hungary, another major power in the Balkans, has also become more subtle in its attitude towards Bulgaria. Although Ferdinand was born here, its current relationship with Bulgaria is not very good. In addition, another Bulgarian
Neighboring Romania had relatively good relations before, but as Bulgaria seized large tracts of territory, its attitude also became subtle.
So looking at it, Bulgaria's diplomatic situation in the Balkans has never become so bad.
In fact, the Bulgarians themselves know the reason. That is, as Bulgaria seizes large tracts of Macedonian territory, its national power has been greatly enhanced, and it has been able to threaten the safety of Greece and Serbia. In addition, the Bulgarians have always been brave and good at fighting, and have performed well in recent wars.
Excellent, which makes people even more worried.
However, even if they knew the reason, the Bulgarians did not relent on the Macedonian territory. For them, giving up a small piece of territory was unacceptable.
Therefore, the only way at present is to find a strong ally to suppress the evil neighbors with evil intentions. Currently, there is no more suitable ally than Italy. It does not have much conflict of interest with Bulgaria. Its strong strength can prevent others from acting rashly.
.So this time the Bulgarians not only wanted to discuss the conditions for the defeat of the Ottomans, but also wanted to deepen relations with Italy.
Apart from anything else, it would be even more perfect for Bulgaria if it could sign a five-year military alliance treaty with Italy.
Although Carlo didn't know the Bulgarian's intentions, he still understood the words of the Bulgarian king in front of him.
However, it was difficult for him to accept what Ferdinand I said. Although Italy would benefit a lot from having multiple allies, if this ally is in the Balkans, it would require thinking twice. The Balkans powder keg was not the 20th century.
It was only formed, and the seeds were planted at the Berlin Conference in 1878.
In the final analysis, the Ottoman power has weakened sharply, leaving a vacuum of power in the Balkans. External forces from Russia and Austria want to gain access to it, and local independent countries also want to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, nationalism is mixed in, etc.
Factors included, it's pretty good that it can be delayed until the first battle.
So faced with the olive branch extended by Bulgaria, Carlo was worried, but considering the relationship between the two countries, it would definitely not be feasible to refuse it like this. After thinking for a while, Carlo said. "Thank you for your attention to our country.
Our country is also very willing to maintain good relations with Bulgaria. However, this matter is of great importance, so it takes time to discuss."
What Carlo said is as if he didn't say it. The whole article is just words of evasion.
Faced with Carlo's words, Ferdinand I knew in his heart that the results of this first trial were somewhat unsatisfactory. It didn't matter, if he really wanted to reach an agreement, it would be impossible in less than ten days and a half. Bulgaria had time and could