My Italy

There is still a bit of cold wind in London in March, but the breath of spring is already strong. A large number of Londoners go out for an outing and enjoy the charming scenery of spring.

But all this was too luxurious for Robert Gascoigne-Cecil, the British Prime Minister. He didn't have the time to waste time on such things.

For Prime Minister Cecil, who is already forming a cabinet for the second time, his numerous government affairs leave him no time, because he has his own big moves both internally and externally. Internally, he adopted a high-pressure policy towards Ireland and opposed William Ewart Gladstone's Irish Home Rule policy. Last year, he reformed local self-government institutions to create county councils elected by taxpayers.

Externally, he focused on plundering colonies. In Asia, capture Burma; in West Africa, conquer Nigeria, capture Kenya, and enter Uganda; and in South Africa, capture Rhodesia.

He was an imperialist who believed that the progress of backward races must go through the stage of European rule, especially the British, and that this stage must be maintained by force. His mission was to expand and defend the British Empire.

In these respects, he is a chauvinist. However, when it comes to European affairs, he has adopted a model of staying away from bystanders and arbitration, and continues to maintain Britain's independence in Europe.

Of course, this has also been the policy of the United Kingdom. It has stayed away from European affairs, which can benefit the United Kingdom a lot.

Prime Minister Cecil is currently in the Prime Minister's Office at No. 10 Downing Street, busy handling affairs, when there is a knock on the door.

"What's up?"

Cecil put down his pen and asked.

The secretary's voice came from outside the door. "Prime Minister, Italian Foreign Minister Bacona has arrived."

"I'll be right away."

After answering the secretary, Cecil closed a document he had just signed, took his coat off the hanger and put it on.

"Hello, Lord Bacona, welcome to London."

In the reception room, the slightly fat Prime Minister Cecil greeted the visiting Bacona.

After both of them were seated, the Prime Minister of the British Empire continued. "The main thing I want to discuss with you here is that your country's colonial actions in East Africa have threatened the Berlin Conference. The part that should not be obtained by your country has appeared in the middle reaches of the Tana River (Tana in Kenya). River), and your country’s affiliated Ethiopian troops also appeared near Garissa upstream. Does this mean that your country intends to not abide by the agreements between various countries?”

Faced with Prime Minister Cecil's immediate questioning, Bacona, as the Foreign Minister, complained a little that the East African Governor-General always caused trouble for him.

Yes, it is the energetic Governor Antonio who is expanding his colonial scope in East Africa, and his current main direction of expansion is the interior of Kenya that has not yet been occupied by the British.

Due to the expansion of the British around the world, the current colonial pace in Africa is not as good as other countries. However, with hundreds of years of accumulation, the British colony in Africa is still the largest.

Of course, countries are now accelerating their march into the interior, and this time Prime Minister Cecil summoned the Italian Foreign Minister and also had the idea of ​​​​opening the way for the Double C Plan. From Cairo to Cape Town, just thinking about it is so exciting.

"Prime Minister Cecil, our country has no plans in this regard. This may be caused by the lost colonial team using the wrong map. Please also believe that Italy has no intention of peeking into your country's Southwest Africa. At most, our country can only When you reach the Tana River, you will never cross it.”

It was obvious that although Bacona was complaining, it was unlikely that Italy would retreat. Because this is not only related to Italy's interests, but also to issues of prestige.

A country like this is not worthy of being called a great power. At least there must be enough benefits to make Italy spit out the meat it eats.

"But you have crossed the line. According to the requirements of the Berlin Conference, you should not appear there. Don't forget that our country has withdrawn from Berbera in East Africa. You should keep this in mind."

It was clear that Prime Minister Cecil didn't accept this, he continued. "In addition, we discovered that the Sudanese rebels suddenly had a batch of weapons. At this point, I hope you understand that the British Empire will not tolerate those rebels."

Well, Prime Minister Cecil said another thing that made Bacona even more unable to face it. Needless to say, it goes without saying who did it.

"Prime Minister Cecil, please believe that our country does not have any ideas about your country's sphere of influence. At present, our colonies in Africa have met our needs. I can give a written guarantee on this."

These words gave Prime Minister Cecil a hint of sincerity, and taking advantage of this momentum, Bacona continued to strike while the railroad was hot. "In fact, since our country's war with Ethiopia, our country has felt that its colonization in East Africa has reached its limit. Our country's financial and national strength do not support continued expansion into the interior of Africa."

Okay, this is half true and half false. It is true that we are unwilling to continue to expand colonization, but it is too much to reach the limit. If a borderless land like Lanfang appeared, Italy would run faster than anyone else.

When faced with Bacona, Cecil, as the British Prime Minister, reluctantly agreed. Of course, if the Italians are still making small moves in private, then don't blame him for letting them know how powerful the British Empire is. Although Italy's performance on weekdays is pretty good, its actions in Africa have made his senses worse.

After seeing Prime Minister Cecil's acquiescent attitude, Bacona began to consider how to stop talking about the Ottoman issue.

After some consideration, Bacona decided to start with Russia. "Your Excellency Prime Minister, although our country may have a small misunderstanding with your country on African issues, Italy has always regarded your country as a true friend."

Bacona himself didn't believe what he said, but in order to achieve his goal, there was nothing to care about. "But our country is currently discovering a problem. France and Russia are rapidly approaching each other, which makes our country very worried."

Bacona's words made Cecil and other British Prime Ministers look unhappy. There is nothing to say about Britain's attitude towards France. If it is not a friend, it is half an enemy. Although the two countries fought the Crimean War together, France has always been the focus of the British attention. Among other things, its navy, ranked second in the world, is what the British Empire must guard against.

As for Russia, let alone the whole world surrounding Russia. The ambition of polar bears can be smelled halfway across Europe.

The two countries were mixed together, and the British Empire had to be prepared.

Let me add that at present in London, His Excellency Joseph Chamberlain is proposing an alliance with Germany. It was Arthur Neville Chamberlain who proposed the Commonwealth and would implement the policy of appeasement in the future, and he was his son. This is a star politician in the UK, and he has countless controversies.

Of course, the most important thing is that his thoughts have influenced many people in later generations. In addition to his son and nephew, well-known politicians such as Churchill have learned a lot from him.

Bacona's words made Prime Minister Cecil think for a while, and then he asked.

"I wonder where your country got the news?"

Cecil's question let Bacona know that this was the British Prime Minister and he believed it.

"Your Excellency Cecil, this is the news that our country learned from secret channels. As you know, our country's relationship with France is not very good, so we are more concerned about France's trends."

Speaking of this, the figure of his own monarch appeared in Bakona's mind. Yes, this is again the work of someone. As for the secret diplomacy conducted by various countries now, no matter how much it is kept secret, it will be revealed in later generations, let alone such a major event as the Franco-Russian alliance.

Of course, when needed, using this as a bargaining chip can still contribute to Italy.

No, as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, His Excellency Cecil is thinking about the impact of this on the United Kingdom.

I think Joseph Chamberlain was definitely the best statesman in the late Victorian period. If he were to lead the government, it would be possible for the British Empire to become the Commonwealth instead of becoming an empty title.