"Dear Carlo, I didn't know that Italy was talking to Spain about the Philippine territory deal before, but when I learned the news, I was surprised. I really want Germany to withdraw from this territory deal, but I
The officials and businessmen are simply unwilling to withdraw. It is impossible for me to change the minds of most people, and I also do not want to affect the feelings between you and me, as well as the long-term friendship between Germany and Italy. I hope Carlo can understand that you
My most sincere friend, William."
Carlo put down the letter in his hand, raised his head and said to the German Ambassador Pearson who was waiting for him. "I have read the letter from your emperor, and I also asked William to bring a reply to thank him for his sincerity. Our friendship will not change.
The friendship between Italy and Germany will not be the same."
Facing Carlo's words, Ambassador Pearson bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, I will send this reply to His Majesty the Emperor immediately. Please allow me to retire."
"Please, Ambassador Pearson."
After waiting for Ambassador Pearson to leave, Carlo touched his head with one hand and sighed.
Germany suddenly intervened to purchase the Philippines. How could this not affect the relationship between the two countries, and how could it not affect his relationship with William? As long as there is a conflict of interest, it will inevitably lead to damage to the relationship between the two parties.
Besides, his relationship with the Kaiser was also about interests rather than personal matters. In fact, both parties knew this. But having said that, the Philippines alone was not enough to worsen the relationship between Germany and Italy. At most, there seemed to be one
There are twists and turns in it.
In the final analysis, the connection between the two sides is driven by interests. The two countries are very complementary. For example, Italy has a large demand for German chemical technology, military technology, etc., and Germany also needs Italy in shipbuilding technology, power transmission, etc.
It is precisely because both parties have a lot of needs that the Kaiser's letter was written. This is a step forward for Italy. Of course Carlo does not really think that Germany did contact Spain without knowing it. This is completely
It's impossible. Of course, when the ladder comes, Carlo will definitely have to step down. After all, Italy's demand for Germany is higher than Germany's demand for Italy. It's impossible not to give.
Now that Germany has intervened, Carlo doesn't want to think about the dispensable Philippines.
Yes, in Carlo's view, the Philippines is useless for three reasons. First, the Philippines has awakened its national ideology. Even if the rebels are suppressed, there will be no peace. Unless Germany intends to transform the national composition of the Philippines, it must
Otherwise, security operations would consume the colonial government's energy.
Second, based on the first point, the price is too high. Now it basically costs 50 to 60 million U.S. dollars just to buy the Philippines. Next, we need to exterminate the rebels, and then we need to build and transform. This cost is less than
150 million U.S. dollars is simply impossible. With such a large amount of money, the Philippines must earn at least 15 million U.S. dollars for Germany every year. This requirement is not low at all.
You must know that when Spain had the most profits, it only made 3 million US dollars in profit from the Philippines. Although Spain's colonial management level is terrible, how good is Germany? If you want to get high returns, then Germany needs high investment. This is the problem.
.
Some people may say, why do we have to earn so much every year, why not less? It is indeed not possible, because it is already 1898. If the world war still started according to the original history, it would only be 16 years, which would not even be enough for a baby to grow to adulthood.
Of course, who can say for sure about these things now? It is still uncertain whether history will continue to develop in this way.
But now, Carlo has come up with the idea that Spain has not yet received funds. "Invite Foreign Minister Bacona here. I have something to ask him."
…………
"I have met His Majesty."
Without keeping Carlo waiting, Bacona arrived at the palace within half an hour.
"Your Excellency Bacona, the terms of our negotiations with Spain can be changed. You tell them that our two Venetian-class ships can also be sold, also with retired officers and soldiers. Let the ambassador in Madrid tell the Spanish Foreign Minister,
It seems to be called Gibbs?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the Foreign Secretary is indeed named Gibbs, but it was his Prime Minister Castillo who recently discussed with our ambassador in Madrid."
"Wait a minute, you mean the person was changed midway through the negotiation, and the foreign minister is not here?"
"I don't know if he is here or not, but the substitution is certain."
People were replaced mid-negotiation, so where is Gibbs?
In a room in the Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, the much-remembered Mr. Gibbs was here, and with him was the German Foreign Minister Bernhard von Bülow.
That's right, the two are having a secret negotiation, a secret negotiation without the presence of a third person, and the content of the negotiation is the Philippine Colony. Both of them have received sufficient authorization, and of course the confidentiality factor has been taken into account (both parties need it), so the negotiation
The fewer people there are, the better.
"Mr. Gibbs, we in Germany have given us the greatest sincerity. The price of 230 million marks is already the limit we can afford to buy your country's Philippines and Pacific Islands, which are occupied by rebels. Most of the territory is occupied by rebels."
The value is limited, and if it is worth 5 million marks, we are generous. As for the Philippines, we still need to consider counter-insurgency and other expenses when buying it, so this price is also our final offer."
Gibbs would definitely sneer at the final quotation claimed by Bülow. The final quotation has increased from 200 million marks to 230 million marks. Can this be believed?
"Your Excellency Bilo, I admit that the price of your country is quite high, but please note that what we are about to sell is a vast colony with a population of tens of millions and an area of 300,000 square kilometers. It is rich in products, whether it is cash crops or not.
, it also has a high output of grain, and it also has a lot of minerals. For such an excellent colony, although there are a few rebels, 230 million marks is indeed not a gratifying price."
Hearing Gibbs' cliche words, Biro felt a little depressed, but fortunately he had a trump card.
"Mr. Gibbs, I admit what you said, but there is one thing I need to state in advance. If the United States takes the lead in seizing the Philippines, then our country will not pay for the colonies that were taken away from you."
Bilo's words made Gibbs a little confused, and a bad thought emerged in his mind. "Sir Bilo, I don't know what you mean by this?"
"Nothing, I just want to tell you something. The Acting Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, sent a telegram to Commodore Dewey, the commander of the Asiatic Fleet, saying that the Asiatic Fleet can prepare for battle in advance."
"What?"
Gibbs was frightened by Biro's words. Of course he knew what it meant at this time. If it was true, then he could not dwell on these issues at this time. The only way to give up his illusions and prepare for war was to sell the Philippine Colony.
We can't drag it out any longer.
"I'm sorry, can I send a telegram to China first?"
"No problem, please do."
The next day, Germany and Spain reached an agreement on the sale of the Philippines and the Pacific Islands. Germany provided Spain with 230 million marks in emergency loan funds for one year, and Spain used the Philippines and the Pacific Islands as collateral. It cannot be returned when it expires.
If the principal and interest are 350 million marks, then Germany will have the right to confiscate the Philippines and the Pacific Islands. In addition, in order to ensure that the loan can be repaid, Germany has the right to station troops in the Philippines and even collect taxes and manage things from the date of signing the treaty.
Well, this is actually the sale of the Philippines and the colonies of the Pacific Islands. It is just to make Spain look better, so it is used as an excuse to use loans and mortgages.
On the second day after the treaty was signed, Germany formed a government team for the German Philippines. It seemed that Germany could not wait to take over the Philippines.
