Among Cairoli's methods, the first one that worked was to mobilize the people. In the evening and the next day, major newspapers published reports on the French army's invasion of Tunisia on their front pages.
At this moment, the newspaper seemed to be the messenger of justice, showing infinite sympathy to the French bully for bullying the weak Tunisia. Tuan Amen seemed to have forgotten the fact that ten years ago, Italy planned to attack Tunisia but was stopped by Britain and France.
However, this news has shocked the whole of Italy. Many people have purchased various colonial Tunisian bonds. Now their interests have been harmed. No one can accept this possibility. Therefore, except for a few people who really care about weak Tunisia,
People from all walks of life took to the square to oppose the French invasion of Tunisia.
In Milan, more than 50,000 people gathered in the Town Hall Square, shouting slogans against France's invasion of Tunisia and demanding France's withdrawal from Tunisia.
As for Rome, 80,000 people surrounded the French Embassy in Italy. They asked the French Ambassador to stand up and give an explanation. If it were not for the protection of the police, everyone in the embassy would have been torn apart by the excited people.
In addition to the spontaneous public actions against France's invasion of Tunisia, the government also took actions. First, the French ambassador summoned by the Prime Minister expressed Italy's strong dissatisfaction with France's invasion of Tunisia.
Later, after expressing the dissatisfaction of the Kingdom of Italy, His Excellency the Prime Minister proposed that Italy could provide mediation for the French and Tunisian parties to avoid the humanitarian disaster caused by the conflict between the two parties.
In response to the Prime Minister's statement, the French Ambassador stated that he had not been notified of this and therefore could not give an immediate reply.
In addition, in Paris, the news received by the ambassador in France was also pretty good.
French Foreign Minister Gambetta told the ambassador to France that France has no ambition to occupy any part of Tunisia, but must use force in the Cromire area to prevent Algeria from being attacked by Tunisian bandits. (Original words from history)
Such news has made many people in Italy feel relieved. In order to avoid irritating France, various muscle-flexing actions have been carried out intentionally or unintentionally, and even the momentum of the protests has been reduced a lot. After all, people want to have relations with France.
It was a deadlock, but they didn't know that France did not stop its military operations but instead accelerated its pace.
In the city of Tunis, the French army that had just arrived at the city, urged by the commander General Pelissier, immediately joined forces with the Marine Corps to launch an offensive against the city of Tunis.
Although the defenders resisted desperately, they faced the French attack without paying any attention to casualties. The French army broke through the defense line without even being able to hold it back for a day.
In the Tunisian palace, the ministers were panicked when they heard the sound of gunfire in the distance, but even so, many people were still trying to dissuade the ruler Sadiq III from leaving this place of right and wrong.
"Your Highness, the French army has entered the city now. If they don't leave, they won't be able to leave."
"Your Highness, we can't delay any longer."
Faced with the pleading of his ministers, Sadiq III still did not want to leave. This is the Tunisian city where he was born and raised, and he was not willing to leave here at all.
"Where can we go after we leave here?"
"We can go to Istanbul and ask the Sultan for help."
"You can go to London and find British people."
"Go to Rome and seek help from the Italians."
"Go to Cairo and find His Highness Ali."
The ministers' various suggestions gave Sadiq a headache. However, he knew very well that no matter where he went, he was just a down-and-out monarch who had lost his country. Although he did not know that there is an old saying in China that a down-and-out phoenix is not as good as a fallen phoenix.
Chicken, but the meaning is very clear.
This is also the reason why he has been reluctant to leave, because many monarchs who have been exiled in history have died in depression, and he does not want that kind of experience at all.
Maybe the French also need him to maintain the local continuity. Historically, Tunisia was also a vassal of the Ottomans. If the owner changes, the family's status can be preserved. Of course, this is the worst plan. Maybe it is like the French say,
They are just trying to punish the Haromir tribe for their transgressions. There will be no problem in paying compensation when the time comes, as long as the family can continue to be the bey (governor).
The minister had no idea that Sadiq III's mentality had completely changed by this time. He had changed from preserving Tunisia's independent status to preserving its power.
"Okay, I already have an idea. Just stay in Tunisia and negotiate with the French."
Sadiq III's words shocked everyone else, but they had nothing to do about it. Since Bey had already decided, they could only do what he wanted.
So the French army suddenly discovered that the Tunisian army was no longer resisting. Instead, a man who looked like a religious figure holding a white flag came to them.
"Hello, I am the Tunisian Mullah Khalifa. On behalf of the Tunisian Bey, I am willing to discuss peace matters with the commander of your army."
Facing the Tunisian peace negotiator, the French army did not dare to make the decision privately and immediately sent him to their commander, General Pelissier.
"Your Excellency Khalifa, I can accept your request. However, in order to avoid misunderstandings between the two of us, it is best for your army to return to the military camp to avoid misunderstandings."
Who is Perisier? He is an experienced person. This is just a surrender in the name of peace talks. Of course, he gives face in name, but in fact he still chooses to surrender.
Of course, Khalifa knew his purpose this time. When the French commander agreed, he knew that his mission was completed.
"Well, General, I hope you can order a suspension of the attack so that those innocent people can survive."
"No problem, but we can give you two hours at most. If they don't return to the military camp by then, they are not innocent people."
Since the Tunisians intend to surrender, Pelissier does not mind showing his generosity. Of course, he must also warn the other party of the consequences of violation.
In fact, his warning was completely useless.
When the armistice took effect, the Tunisian soldiers, led by their respective commanders, returned to the military camp one after another, which made the French army cheer.
After all, no one wants to be harmed when the overall situation has been decided.
Then the French army occupied various key points in the city. Only then did Pelissier bring a group of soldiers to see Sadiq.
"Hello, His Highness Sadiq."
"Hello, General Pelissier."
After a brief greeting, Perisier took a document from the adjutant behind him and said, "Your Highness, in order to avoid tragedies like this one from happening in the future, our country has drawn up a contract. I hope that Your Highness can provide peace and stability to the two countries."
The peace of the people is signed.”
Sadiq III was mentally prepared to face Pelissier. He wanted to make the French stop the war without any sacrifice. How could this be possible?
He immediately took the document and opened it. The document contained France's requirements. However, the terms contained in it made even the mentally prepared His Highness Bey feel dizzy.
The conditions above are not too complicated, but in order to avoid the current situation between the two countries, France wants to station troops in Tunisia. In addition, in view of Tunisia's poor financial situation, France helps Tunisia manage its finances. In addition, in order to avoid Tunisia getting into complicated diplomatic problems,
France reluctantly helps Tunisia handle its foreign affairs. Of course, it respects the terms Tunisia has signed with various countries before, but France will take care of it in the future.
It can be said that this condition will hand over Tunisia's military, financial and diplomacy to France, and Sadiq III will become France's puppet in Tunisia.
Faced with such a result, Sadiq's face turned red. "Your Majesty General, is this condition too much for our country?"
When Sadiq wanted to bargain, Perissier refused directly. "Your Highness, this is not much at all. It is all for the sake of Tunisia's security and interests."
"But……"
"No but, I already said this is for the sake of Tunisia."
Seeing that Sadiq was not interested, Perissier scolded him directly. Only by letting him know that France's will cannot be changed can he be given enough care.
Faced with such scolding, Bey Sadiq's face turned even redder.
"Your Highness doesn't want to regret it."
Pelissier looked at the other party with interest, and as his words fell, the French soldiers he brought looked at the Tunisians in front of them with expressions of confusion.
"No problem, I'll sign."
Seeing that the situation was heading towards the worst outcome, Sadiq III quickly agreed.
"This is how we can ensure peace in Tunisia."
After the bey finished signing, Pelissier took the still-undried treaty and casually tried to persuade the lost Sadiq III.
Then he led the French soldiers away, leaving only a group of Tunisians with bitter faces.
