My Italy

“Prime Minister Depretis, our country attaches great importance to its relations with your country. Our country unanimously believes that relations with your country will become the main direction of Bulgaria’s future diplomacy, and for this reason our country is willing to form a stronger relationship with your country. "

Bulgarian Prime Minister Stambolov in the Prime Minister's Office is hyping the close relationship between the two countries to Italian Prime Minister Depretis. The sentiment is so profound that people who don't know it would think that the two countries are as good as wearing a pair of trousers.

Depretis looked at the Bulgarian Prime Minister in front of him and felt that this scene was so familiar. This was not the same situation when he went to Berlin to seek alliances a few years ago.

However, this trick did not work at all against Prime Minister Bismarck, who had already left office. If it hadn't been for the sudden change in Russia, his humiliation would have been in vain.

Unexpectedly, things turned around and it was Italy's turn to enjoy this treatment.

However, unlike Germany, Bulgaria does significantly help Italy expand its influence in the Balkans. Unlike King Carlo, Italian officials headed by Depretis are indeed interested in the Balkans, but Bulgaria's wish to gain Italy's friendship with empty words is too wishful thinking.

So Depretis waited for the Bulgarian Prime Minister to finish speaking before speaking slowly. "Your Excellency Stambolov, our country also has a good impression of Bulgaria. However, if we want to push the relationship between the two countries to a higher level, there are too many things that need to be taken into consideration, which involves all aspects. Do you understand? ?”

Depretis is completely ignoring the rabbit and not letting the eagle fly. What he said is all nonsense. How could Stambolov, as the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, not understand that he is waiting for Bulgaria to make an offer.

Although he didn't expect to achieve his goal with a few kind words, it still made him feel the attitude of the Italians. This can be discussed, but a sufficient price must be paid.

It is much easier to just talk about interests this time. Stambolov believes that the interests Bulgaria has come up with this time are enough to make Italians excited.

He then smiled and said. "Of course we will not forget the help we have given to your country. For this reason, our country believes that economic and trade exchanges between the two countries should be increased to make the relationship between the two countries closer. We believe that reducing the import and export tariffs between the two countries will increase the Developing economic flows can bring substantial improvements to both countries.”

The conditions in Bulgaria seem to be pretty good, but why does Depretis feel so familiar? Isn't this a trick he used in Germany?

Since he failed to impress the Germans with this condition at that time, it will be equally difficult for the Bulgarians to impress him this time.

He asked with a smile. "So how much does your country think should be lowered?"

"Our country believes that it is reasonable and reasonable to reduce the current 25% tariff between the two countries to 20%."

Stambolov, who failed to understand Depretis's inner thoughts, immediately told Bulgaria's conditions, but he did not know that this condition did not meet the expectations of the Italian Prime Minister.

"Your Excellency Stambolov, your country's proposal is very beneficial to increasing economic and trade exchanges between your country and our country. I believe it will greatly promote the economies of both countries."

Although Depretis expressed his thanks, Stambolov, who was familiar with diplomatic rules, was not happy in his heart because the Italian Prime Minister in front of him did not give the answer he wanted.

It seemed that this condition did not satisfy the Italians. Thinking of this, Stambolov glanced at the Foreign Minister Popkov beside him, and saw an unpleasant look in his eyes.

It seems that we need to come up with the final conditions.

"Actually, in addition to believing that lowering tariffs can promote the development of our two countries, we actually have another request for our visit this time."

Stambolov's words made Prime Minister Despretis and Foreign Minister Bacona feel a little confused. What else can Bulgaria do?

Soon, Stambolov solved the mystery. "Actually, we have another purpose for coming here this time, which is to hope to raise funds in your country..."

"Financing?"

Faced with the financing words of the Bulgarian Prime Minister in front of him, Depretis showed a puzzled expression. As we all know, Italy itself is not a country suitable for financing. Domestic capital is not enough for itself, so how can it provide financing for others?

However, Depretis' doubts were soon relieved by Stambolov's words.

"It's like this. Your country also knows that although our country has gained a large territory in this war, our current financial situation is not good. With the end of the war, our country's main energy needs to be transferred to the Macedonian region. In terms of development. Among them, the railway from Sofia through Skopje to Saloniga is particularly important to our country. However, given our country’s current financial revenue, it is very difficult for our country to build this railway alone. Hope to be able to finance in your country.”

Hearing this, Depretis couldn't help but interject. "Does your country plan to use equity financing or debt financing?"

"Share."

"So how much does your country plan to raise?"

"40% share of the total share capital."

Speaking of this, Stambolov added another layer of price tag. "In addition, our country plans to expand the Saloniga Port to facilitate our country's use of this port to expand exports, which also requires 40% financing."

At this point, Depretis still doesn’t understand. Maybe Bulgaria is indeed short of funds, but projects related to national strategy, such as the expansion of the Saloniga port and the railway linking to Sofia, do not need to give up shares at all, because this is A profitable business.

As long as Bulgaria places these two projects in Paris or London and publicly issues debt, there will be many people willing to invest. There is no need to take out shares, such a sensitive thing.

This is the Bulgarians giving up their interests in Macedonia, and their purpose is very obvious, which is to protect Saloniga, Macedonia's largest port.

Don't blame the Bulgarians for wanting to protect this port. This port is too important to them. As long as Bulgaria can retain this port, it will no longer be locked up in the Black Sea. This will be of huge benefit to Bulgaria's strategic situation. Whether it is military, economic, or even political, the endless benefits are visible to the naked eye.

Faced with such a generous offer from the Bulgarian Prime Minister in front of him, Despretis was really moved. Not only him, but also Foreign Minister Bakona beside him was even more moved.

If they hadn't considered that such a major matter needed to be reported to the king, they would have almost agreed on the spot.

But in the end, DePretis endured it. "I personally agree with Bakona about your country's request. I also believe that your country's performance and sacrifices in this war, and the Macedonian region as compensation is a very reasonable request."

Although this is only the private attitude of the Italian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, it still makes the Bulgarians happy. Such generous conditions finally stunned them.

However, in order to avoid long nights and dreams, Stambolov still asked with concern. "I would like to ask, how long will it take for your country to give an official reply?"

"It won't take too long. I will go to the palace immediately and report your country's requirements to Your Majesty."

Depretis' answer made Stambolov feel at ease when he arrived. If he gets the full support of the Italians, I believe it will at least reduce Bulgaria's pressure by half on the issue of Macedonia's ownership.