In Athens in June, the temperature gradually increased, with the maximum temperature of 32 degrees, which was relatively hot even near the sea. Especially for Prime Minister Petkov who was used to the pleasant climate of Sofia, it was still a bit annoying.
However, for Petkov, the hot weather in Athens is still bearable. Besides, he is not here for vacation, but for a friendly visit to his neighboring country.
"Ivanchev, do you think the Greeks will agree to our request this time?"
At this time, Prime Minister Petkov was sitting on the sofa, unbuttoning his collar to let out the heat, and asked Foreign Minister Ivanchev, who looked the same as him. They had just visited King George I of Greece before, and the conversation was still going on.
Consider it a success.
"Prime Minister, it depends on what the Greeks think about this issue. We have talked to them many times, and every time we can't discuss it because of the ownership of Thessaloniki." Regarding the topic of the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Ivanjov felt a little headache.
.
Faced with the words of the Foreign Minister, Petkov smiled and said, "So this time I am here."
Of course, the Prime Minister also knows why the two countries cannot agree on an alliance regarding the ownership of Salonika. Because Salonika is so important that no one is willing to let it go.
Thessaloniki is the largest port city in Macedonia and the most populous and economically developed city in the region. It is also an important trade and transportation hub in the region. This factor is enough for both countries to compete for, let alone Salonika.
Lonika still has many factors combined, and it is an impossible goal for both countries to let go.
Therefore, in recent years, although Greece and Bulgaria have been willing to form an alliance, when it comes to the ownership of Salonika, this willingness can only end in vain due to the trend of interests.
Petkov's confident words aroused Ivanjov's curiosity. He didn't know what magic bullet the prime minister had to appease the ambitions of the Greeks.
Just when he wanted to ask, he heard a knock on the door. The voice of the Bulgarian Ambassador to Greece came from outside the door.
"The Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, His Excellencies Theotokis and Chaimis are here to visit."
The sound outside the door immediately cheered up the two people in the room. They looked at each other and quickly arranged their clothes. "Please, your Excellencies, come in."
"Good day both of you!"
Greek Prime Minister Theotokis came in and greeted the two.
"Good day, Your Excellencies Theotokis and Chaymis!"
After the guest of honor took his seat, the visiting Greek Prime Minister Theotokis said. "I bring greetings from His Majesty the King of our country. He is very grateful to your country for this friendly visit and wishes that our two countries can sincerely unite and have a prosperous future."
A better future.”
"Thank you for the greetings from your king, and please bring back my greetings to King George. As long as our interests are consistent, our two countries will be invincible if we unite sincerely." Petkov replied in the same friendly manner.
Well, the two prime ministers were playing charades, one was talking about dividing the spoils after the fight, and the other was talking about dividing the spoils after talking.
It can be seen from the riddles of these two people that the differences between the two countries have still not been resolved.
Grain capsules
Seeing that the Bulgarians were still fighting to death and needed to distribute the benefits first, Teotokis said helplessly. "Your Excellency Petkov, there is a deadlock in talking about the distribution of benefits. There are a large number of people from our country living in Salonika.
It is impossible to abandon the city."
Faced with the remarks of the Greek Prime Minister, Petkov said with a serious face. "Your Excellency Teotokis, you should also know our country's demand for Mediterranean ports. I cannot convince the people to accept an alliance that cannot get Thessaloniki."
condition."
Well, now everyone is no longer polite and is basically going into battle shirtless.
"You see, our two countries have never been able to reach an agreement regarding the ownership of Salonika. This is actually not good news for our two countries. You must know that the Turks are not easy to deal with. If we
If the two countries do not unite, no one will be able to regain the territory occupied by the Turks."
Petkov also agreed with what Theotokis said. Although Bulgaria pretends to be Balkan Prussia all day long, they are unwilling to let it face the Turks alone. Nothing else.
It is said that Turkey has a population of over 30 million, Bulgaria has only over 4 million, and Greece has just 2 million. The population of the two countries is far inferior to that of the Turks.
Of course, war is not only about population, but also about the number of troops, weapons and equipment, training levels, personnel morale, etc. In comparison of these aspects, the training level and personnel morale of the two countries are better than the Turkish army, but the
The degree is limited and far from being able to withstand the gap in the number of personnel.
Although the two countries have a much higher number of artillery, machine guns and other technical weapons per capita than the Turks, there is a big gap in the number of troops. Currently, Greece has more than 50,000 troops, while Bulgaria has more than 70,000 troops.
, as their potential opponent, the Ottomans have 340,000 troops, of which 180,000 are elite troops trained by German consultants. Their equipment and training level are no worse than those of the two countries.
Therefore, even if the two countries unite, they may not be able to defeat each other without risking their lives.
However, although he is aware of this problem, Petkov believes that this cannot be a reason for Bulgaria to abandon Salonika.
"Your Excellency Teotokis, in fact, your country has already made money. Your country mainly uses its navy to occupy its islands in the Aegean Sea. The total area of those islands has exceeded 10,000, plus the land west of the Vardar River in South Macedonia.
, at least more than 20,000 new territories have been added. And our country currently
The only things that can be occupied are South Macedonia to the east of the Vardar River, plus most of Thrace, the total area is only a little over 30,000. Moreover, it is impossible for our country to obtain Constantinople, or even Thrace on one side of the strait.
It is very likely that the territory cannot be taken, so our country is not much better than your country."
Petkov rationally analyzed the issue of distribution of interests between the two parties.
However, Petkov's analysis did not impress the Greek side. Theotokis retorted, "Have you carefully calculated the gains and losses of our two countries? The land to the west of the Vardar River is completely inferior to that to the east."
, the west is mainly hilly and mountainous, and the population is not as good as the east, which is simply unreasonable."
Faced with Teotokis's rebuttal, Petkov certainly knew the gap between the two, and he answered with confidence. "You are right, it is indeed the case. But have you ever considered it,
If your country does not cooperate with our country, we will not be able to get any land west of the Vardar River.
You must know that our country does not necessarily have to cooperate with your country. Serbia or Romania may become potential cooperation partners. As long as our country is willing to pay the price of part of its territory, I believe that the other country will be willing to join this just war to drive out the Turks. No big deal
Our country does not consider the issue of Turkish islands, but only South Macedonia and Thrace."
Petkov's words directly made Teotokis choked up and speechless. Yes, it is really possible for Bulgaria to give up cooperation with Greece. As for Greece, there is no way around Bulgaria unless it can cooperate with the great powers.
Cooperation. But which great power is willing to help the Greeks take grain from the fire and fight against the Ottoman Empire?
The fault lies with the Italians. Why did they not choose Greece but instead let Bulgaria take advantage?
Teotokis was a little confused at this time. He stood up and said, "Sorry, this issue is too difficult to choose. We need to go back and discuss it."
"It doesn't matter. Anyway, I still have three days to go back and wait for the good news from you two."
