Faced with the conditions given by Edel, Mussolini and Ciano finally moved.
There was no way, although this also entailed risks, but the two of them believed that Italy and Romania needed Germany to restrain Britain and France, so there was no chance.
Moreover, Mussolini was also obsessed with the New Roman Empire. He strived to restore the power of ancient Rome and saw this as an opportunity. However, the division of power in the future was the focus.
He looked at the location of Greece on the map and asked, "So what should we do with Greece in the future?"
Edel pointed to the map and said, "I think the Ionian Islands and the Epirus region, plus the East Thessaly region, should be the territory of the Kingdom of Albania. As for our country, Greek Macedonia and the Western Thessaly region
, and the islands on the Sea of Love will be owned by our country.”
When Mussolini saw the area drawn by Eder's hand, he felt a little nervous. "Your Majesty Eder, it would be inappropriate to add Crete to Romania."
That’s right, Mussolini had no objection at all to Eder’s restoration of Greek territory to the state of independence in 1830, and he didn’t even have any objection to the fact that there were two less affiliated islands than at the time of independence (Cyclades Islands and Northern Sporadze).
The two islands consolidate the shipping channel of the Aegean Sea).
But, but, Crete is very important to Italy. The island is large enough (the largest island in Greece, with an area of 8,236 square kilometers), and its location is also extremely important. It guards the exit of the Aegean Sea, and is only more than 300 kilometers away from Tobruk, Africa.
Deploying military power on the island can pose a threat to the entire Eastern Mediterranean.
So it's clear that Italy is not going to make concessions here.
Ciano also spoke. "Your Majesty Edel, Crete is also very important to our country. I think we need to be cautious about the ownership of the island."
It was clear that Italy wanted to gain some territory from Crete.
Why is it part of it?
If you open the map, you will know that if Italy completely obtains the island, it will completely block the Aegean Sea, which will make Romania crazy.
Faced with Italy's request for Crete, Edel rejected it outright. "You already have Rhodes. Wouldn't it be too much to ask for Crete again?"
Edel said that near Rhodes, Turkey, it holds the Karathos Strait and is the main shipping channel of the Aegean Sea. It is also the main shipping route of Syria and Lebanon to the Black Sea.
In response to Edel's remarks, Ciano, the Italian Foreign Minister, said, "But Crete is also very important to our country and can help our country to ensure a clampdown on the British troops in Egypt."
What I'm afraid of is that you will exert a stranglehold on Egypt.
Faced with Ciano's words, Eder immediately said in a very serious tone. "As for Crete, our country does not intend to share it with others. At most, it will provide compensation on the Yugoslav issue."
Edel's topic brought up Yugoslavia, and the two men's expressions immediately became more serious. Mussolini asked, "So how do you plan to compensate our country?"
Fortunately, the map was large enough, and Edel pointed to the location of Yugoslavia and said, "The Dalmatia region along its coastline can be taken over by your country, and the Banja region can also be managed by your country.
"
What Eder said was basically the result that Italy had been striving for during World War I. At that time, Britain and France offered the same price to get Italy on board.
However, although this price was more than enough to impress the Italian Kingdom during the First World War, it is obvious that Italy is not what it used to be. At least that is what Mussolini thought.
He glanced casually at Edel's conditions, but his trembling hands betrayed him.
"This condition cannot satisfy our country?"
"So what do you think should be done?"
I saw Mussolini staring at Bosnia and Herzegovina and saying, "At least Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to be added. Our country will take care of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia can become independent."
Edel didn't expect Mussolini to have such a good appetite. The ethnic issue in this place will be a constant problem in the 21st century. He didn't expect the Italians to take the initiative to get involved. But if others insist on challenging themselves, it's hard to stop them. It's hard to say.
And it's your fault.
But what needs to be fought for still needs to be fought for. Although Croatia only has half of its territory left, it still needs to give the other side a chance.
I saw Edel continue to say, "In addition to the Kingdom of Serbia, the regions of Podlavina and Slavonia should also be formed into an independent kingdom in the future."
What Edel is talking about is Croatia, but it is Croatia that lacks half of its land.
Of course, Mussolini also knew Eder's intention of supporting a new kingdom, which was to further dismember the kingdom and return its territory to the pattern before the outbreak of World War I.
So he also said, "I think the Kingdom of Montenegro should also be independent."
So in the words of the two people, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was immediately divided into three kingdoms. As for the Slovenia and Macedonia regions that were not discussed, it was obvious that they knew who should belong to them.
After resolving the division of interests between Yugoslavia and Greece, the two countries have become much closer. Because the division of interests has been completed, both parties have achieved the results they want.
At this time, Eder suddenly mentioned Libyan oil. "If there is a conflict between our two countries and Britain and France, I am not worried about other aspects. The only thing I cannot worry about is Libyan oil. I am afraid that Britain and France will cause damage to it."
There is no way. Currently, Libya's annual oil production of 20 million tons is very important to the three countries. Although Romania also produces oil every year, its annual output is only 11 million tons, and can only export a small amount. Because there are too many places where oil is used in Romania.
If there are too many, only a small amount can be provided to other countries.
Facing Edel's words, Mussolini patted his chest and replied. "Don't worry, our country also attaches great importance to Libya's oil. There are currently 180,000 heroic and capable Italian troops in Libya, and in order to prevent possible air strikes, our country
Many air defense facilities have been deployed in the area, as well as an air force dedicated to protecting the oil area. It is impossible for Britain and France to cause any damage to it."
After hearing Mussolini's assurance, Edel wanted to say something more, but after thinking about it, he decided to forget it. If he cared too much, Italy might think that Romania had other thoughts about him.
Nowadays, Libyan oil is a precious commodity for Italy, which is short of resources. Its annual income reaches one-tenth of the Italian finance, so it cannot be ignored.
