A new day has begun, but the Italian delegation temporarily staying at Charlottenburg Palace did not feel the new beginning.
Yesterday, the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Despretis and the Minister of Foreign Affairs lasted until late at night, but the discussion for a long time failed to reach a result. All the methods that can be thought of have been thought of long ago, and now that everyone is gathered together, they can still think of it.
What can be done?
But having said that, everyone can only do what the leader asks, and no one dares to complain. Everyone is not stupid. Now the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister are in a quarrel. Anyone who dares to complain may be angered, so I just
Being able to go through hardships with two big men.
Fortunately, the two big shots finally lost their temper and they were able to go back to the house to rest. Otherwise, they would have had panda eyes today.
Therefore, the attachés following the two adults today are not in high spirits. After all, they have been talking for so many days and they still can't see Germany's attitude. However, despite this, they still have to make a final effort.
In the second carriage, Foreign Minister Bacona and Prime Minister Despretis, who was sitting in the same car next to him, complained. "Such negotiations will hurt everyone's morale. It seems that the Germans are not going to let go."
It seems that His Excellency Bacona has also been affected. Even this person who has worked in diplomacy for many years is somewhat affected by pessimism. As Prime Minister, Despretis is no exception.
"Work hard, at least we have to try our best."
Well, what Despretis said didn't sound like words of encouragement at all. Instead, it seemed like he was seeking relief.
It's just that fate played a big joke on them at this time. The imaginary enemy in St. Petersburg, the French delegation, gave them an invisible assist.
"Huh?" When the carriage arrived at the Prime Minister's Office where the negotiations were taking place, Despretis immediately felt something different. The same feeling was shared by Foreign Minister Bacona beside him.
"His Excellency the Earl came out to greet us personally, which made us even more frightened."
In line with the principle of diplomatic reciprocity, Bacona immediately stepped forward to greet them, and with a smile on his face, he thanked German Foreign Minister Weizsäcker who greeted his group.
You must know that in previous negotiations, this person had never waited for them at the door, which made the two people obviously feel different.
"Where, as your country is a friend of Germany, I, the foreign minister, should welcome you."
Weizsäcker also smiled and casually characterized Italy as a friend of Germany.
The two foreign ministers chatted casually like they had been friends for many years. After the Italian negotiating delegation had all got off the bus, they walked to the conference room of the Prime Minister's Office under the leadership of Count Weizsäcker.
When they arrived at the conference room, Despretis and Bismarck exchanged a few pleasantries and then started negotiating again.
"Everyone, we in Italy are sincere enough to discuss with you this time. In order to show our goodwill, let us first state the conditions."
Although he felt that Germany's attitude was different, in order to avoid possible misjudgments, Depretis planned to test Germany's attitude first. So he took the documents he had prepared and began to report Italy's conditions.
"In order to strengthen economic exchanges between the two countries, I think the tariffs between the two countries can be appropriately reduced, from the current 25% to 18%. This will help the economic development of our two countries. In addition, we also..."
Depretis then also gave Germany considerable convenience in investment, education, cultural exchanges, tourism and personnel exchanges. It can be said that this is basically the biggest concession that Italy can give. If Germany still does not agree, then
It doesn’t matter if this alliance is not concluded.
So after Depretis finished speaking, the Italian delegation was waiting for Germany's reply.
"Your Excellency Depretis, we feel Italy's sincerity, and our country naturally wants to achieve a more comprehensive and friendly relationship with your country..."
When Bismarck said this, the Italian delegation present felt a thump in their hearts, and there was a hidden secret.
"However, the issues between your country and Austria need to be resolved. We don't want to see the two allies quarrel over this, leading to an irreversible situation."
Yes, the German Prime Minister said before that it was over here, which made many people in the Italian delegation feel weak and felt that the negotiations with Germany had not progressed at all. But what Prime Minister Bismarck said next surprised them.
"So I think that mediating the issues between your country and Austria can better promote the relations between the three countries. Therefore, our country intends to act as an intermediary to help your country and Austria reach a result that is acceptable to both parties."
Well, Bismarck's explanation of Germany's previous behavior shocked many people, but the meaning he expressed made the delegation ecstatic. Although they didn't know what happened, at least it was beneficial to Italy, and even
The smile on Prime Minister Depretis' face is more sincere.
"Thank you for your country's willingness to be the intermediary to mediate the dispute between our country and Austria. This is really very good news."
Facing the gratitude of the Italians, Prime Minister Bismarck did not say much and went straight to the topic. "Well, let's talk about cooperation between your two countries first, and then Count Weizsäcker will take you to Vienna to discuss with Austria
negotiation."
"No problem, let's thank Mr. Earl first."
"It's okay, this is what I should do."
Well, after first clearing out Austria, which was stuck between the two countries, the alliance negotiations between Germany and Italy went smoothly. One was willing to accept it, and the other was eager to find an ally, so nothing stood in the way.
So in the next three days, the two countries reached an agreement mainly on military diplomacy, and finally reached a total of eight articles, the main contents of which are:
1. The contracting parties undertake to maintain peace and friendship with each other, not to join alliances or agreements against any of them, and to exchange views on general political and economic issues that may arise and to provide support to each other.
2 If Italy is attacked by France, Germany must assist Italy with all its troops; if Germany is attacked by France, Italy must bear the same obligation.
3. If one or both of the Contracting Parties are attacked and engage in war with two or more major powers that are not signatories to this Treaty, all Contracting Parties shall enter into the war at the same time.
4. When a major power not a signatory to this treaty threatens the national security of one of the contracting parties and that contracting state is forced to engage in war with it, the other contracting parties are obliged to remain neutral towards their allies and reserve the right to enter the war when appropriate.
5. If the peace of any of the High Contracting Parties is threatened in the circumstances envisaged in the preceding Articles, the High Contracting Parties shall consult on military measures to be adopted with a view to eventual cooperation.
6. The High Contracting Parties undertake not to conclude an armistice, peace or treaty without their unanimous consent while participating in the war together.
This fresh treaty was signed by Kaiser Wilhelm I and Carlo who rushed back in a hurry. It was made in triplicate, with Germany and Italy each keeping one copy. As for the extra copy, it was left to Austria.
people.
I believe that with the persuasion of Germany, His Majesty Franz Joseph will make a wise choice to sign his name.
