In the palace, Carlo looked at the confidential telegram sent back from Madrid by Foreign Minister Bacona and fell into deep thought.
Bacona had also expressed his speculation on the French's purpose in the telegram. Carlo also agreed with this.
“How does your government view this?”
Carlo looked at the Prime Minister in front of him and asked for his opinion.
"Your Majesty, I think we can try to talk about the friendship extended by France at the moment."
Obviously, according to the Prime Minister's idea, this is to talk first. If the talks are agreed, then talk, and if the talks are not reached, then break up. This is also in line with the concept of a qualified politician.
"We can talk to the French, but our demands must be clear, that is, our country, Tunisia, must be given before we can continue the talks, otherwise we will not make changes."
Even if they want to talk, Carlo sets the tone first, and his requirements have also increased a lot.
"Isn't this a bit too tough?"
After listening to Carlo's words, Prime Minister Antonio felt that this was too tough.
"If we want to change our attitude, we must show enough sincerity, otherwise a friendship that is too cheap will not be cherished."
Obviously, Carlo does not want to give people the impression that Italy can be bribed at will. Tunisia is indeed very important, but this is not enough for Italy to make an immediate change. Besides, Italy and Germany and Austria are also engaged in technical cooperation.
There are also other cooperations that are very important for Italy.
Besides, in the image of a country, being fast and hasty is the most disgusting thing. Before, you could use Italy as too poor as an excuse, but if you do this, no one will believe Italy. Sometimes the first impression is very important.
, the same is true for countries.
Faced with Carlo's words, Antonio opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing. He had already figured out the monarch's temperament, so it was better not to raise any opinions at this time.
"By the way, how is your government doing with the double-tracking of the Sesu Railway?"
Carlo suddenly asked about another matter at this time. The Sesu Railway is related to the expansion of Italian iron ore production capacity and the development of Italian heavy industry, so Carlo asked.
"The Sesu Double Track Railway Company has already prepared a plan and has submitted it to the Ministry of Transport and is waiting for approval."
Antonio then reported to Carlo some information about the double-tracking of the Sesu Railway. The total investment for this railway is 117 million lire, and the construction is expected to be completed in two years. After the double-track construction is completed, the annual transportation volume of the Sesu Railway is expected to reach 1,400
-The level of 16 million tons is enough to meet Italy’s domestic iron ore demand.
Carlo then asked about some other matters in the country, and the Prime Minister answered them one by one.
Of course, Bacona's instructions were sent back to Madrid that night. So after the meeting the next day, it was still in a cafe, still in that relatively hidden room, where the diplomatic heads of Italy and France
We met again.
"Mr. Delcasse, our country believes that if we want your country to bury the hatchet and make peace as before, then our country hopes that you can give up the protection rights of Tunisia to our country."
Bacona directly laid out his conditions, and after speaking, he looked at each other with a coffee cup. This time they did not drink wine, and finally drank coffee in the cafe.
Delcasse looked at the Italian Foreign Minister in front of him and said, "Your Excellency Bacona, is this condition of your country too unbelievable? Our country is just trying to eliminate the conflicts between your two countries and bring a peaceful and peaceful life to the people of both countries."
Regarding the environment, your country has such high demands, which is a bit greedy."
Facing the slightly sarcastic words of the French Foreign Minister in front of him, Bacona spread his hands and said. "Whatever you think, but if Tunisia does not get it, then this will cause our country to suffer. I don't think your country is willing to watch.
The country that has good relations with your country will suffer."
Baccona's words gave Delcasse a flash of doubt. He didn't know how deeply Italy and Germany were involved. If Tunisia was really needed as compensation according to what this person said, it would explain a lot.
Of course, this does not exclude the possibility that this is an exaggeration.
"Your Excellency Bacona, what you said is very poor. Using Tunisia as compensation is too much for your country."
Faced with Delcasse's rebuttal, Bacona shook his head and said. "Whether you believe it or not, it is actually very reasonable for our country to ask for the protection of Tunisia at this time. I think your Excellency, as the head of French diplomacy, will not know this."
That’s the current situation.”
Bacona's words confirmed Delcasse's inner speculation. At this time, his heart was beating hard because he discovered a very fatal possibility.
Delcasse resisted the urge to ask directly and continued. "Your Excellency Bacona, you don't say anything and directly ask for Tunisia. I don't think a normal person can agree to it."
In response to Delcasse's words, Bacona spread his hands and said, "I know, but there are some things that cannot be announced until they are paid."
"Then I'm sorry, your country's requirements are too high, and our country is completely unacceptable. Farewell!"
Delcasse stood up, took his coat and hat and left, but this time Baccon sat here steadily and did not leave until he finished his coffee.
Delcasse, who left first, walked quickly to his car as soon as he left the cafe, opened the door, got in and said to the driver, "Quick, go back to the embassy, I have something urgent."
Under Delcasse's order, the driver immediately hit the accelerator and rushed towards the French Embassy in Madrid.
In the car, Delcasse muttered softly, "I hope this isn't true, but it must not be true."
What made this outstanding French diplomat feel like he was facing a formidable enemy was a bad guess by Delcasse, because he came up with this guess from the language of Bacona. This time Germany suddenly attacked France on the Moroccan issue.
Even the somewhat reckless Kaiser played in person, perhaps all this was intentional.
Deliberately intensifying the conflict between the two countries, taking advantage of the fact that its ally Russia has just been defeated and unable to take action, and then let France face a war between three countries. If not three countries, at least it is a war against Germany.
Although Delcasse was a German hater, he also knew that with the strength of France alone, the war with Germany would be at a disadvantage. If he were the leader of Germany, then now would be a good time to deal with France. Because at this time
France lacks allies, while Germany has three allies. Even if Austria-Hungary looks after Russia, Germany and Italy alone will be enough for France to struggle with, and this will most likely be a replica of the Franco-Prussian War.
And if he fails again now, the spirit of the French people will be greatly destroyed. For the sake of the French people, he cannot let this happen, so he must think of a solution. And the way he can think of now is that the British must be
To win over, Britain must not want to see the mainland dominated by Germany.
