My Italy

"An overture from the French?"

In the palace, Carlo looked at the confidential telegram sent back from Madrid by Foreign Minister Bacona and fell into deep thought.

As for the French's purpose, Bacona had also expressed his speculation in the telegram. And Carlo agrees very much with this.

"How does your government view this?"

Carlo looked at the Prime Minister in front of him and asked for his opinion.

"Your Majesty, I think we can try to talk about the friendship extended by France at the moment."

Obviously, in the Prime Minister's mind, it's about talking first. Let's talk if things come together, and break up if things don't work out. This is also in line with the philosophy of a qualified politician.

"We can talk to the French, but our demands must be clear, that is, our country, Tunisia, must be given before we can continue the talks, otherwise we will not make changes."

Even if they want to talk, Carlo sets the tone first, and his requirements have also increased a lot.

"Isn't this a bit too tough?"

After listening to Carlo's words, Prime Minister Antonio felt that this was too tough.

"If we want us to change our attitude, we must show enough sincerity, otherwise a friendship that is too cheap will not be cherished."

It was clear that Carlo did not want to give the impression that Italy could be bribed. Tunisia is indeed very important, but this is not enough for Italy to make an immediate change. Besides, Italy and Germany and Austria are also engaged in technical cooperation, as well as some other cooperation, which is very important to Italy.

Besides, in the image of a country, being fast and hasty is the most offensive thing. Before, you could use Italy as being too poor as an excuse, but if you do this, no one will believe Italy. Sometimes the first impression is very important, and so is the country.

Faced with Carlo's words, Antonio opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing. He had already figured out the monarch's temperament, so it was best not to raise any opinions at this time.

"By the way, how is your government doing with the double-tracking of the Sesu Railway?"

Carlo suddenly asked about another thing at this time. The Sesu Railway is related to the expansion of Italian iron ore production capacity and the development of Italian heavy industry, so Carlo asked.

"The Sesu Double Track Railway Company has already prepared a plan and has submitted it to the Ministry of Transport and is waiting for approval."

Antonio then reported to Carlo some information about the re-tracking of the Sesu Railway. The total investment in this railway is 117 million lire, and the construction is expected to be completed in two years. After the construction of the double track, the annual transportation volume of the Sesu Railway is expected to reach 14-16 million tons. It is enough to guarantee Italy’s domestic iron ore demand.

Carlo then asked about some other matters in the country, and the Prime Minister answered them one by one.

Of course, Bacona's instructions were sent back to Madrid that night. So after the meeting ended the next day, it was still in a cafe, still in that relatively hidden room, and the diplomatic leaders of Italy and France met again.

"Mr. Delcasse, our country believes that if we want your country to bury the hatchet and reconcile as before, then our country hopes that your country will give up the protection rights of Tunisia to our country."

Bacona laid out his conditions directly, and after speaking, he looked at the other party with a coffee cup in hand. This time they didn't drink wine, and finally drank coffee in the cafe.

Delcasse looked at the Italian Foreign Minister in front of him and said. "Your Excellency Bacona, is your country's condition too unbelievable? Our country is only trying to eliminate the conflicts between your two countries and bring a peaceful and peaceful living environment to the people of both countries. Your country is a bit greedy to put forward such high demands. .”

Facing the slightly sarcastic words of the French Foreign Minister in front of him, Bacona spread his hands and said. "Whatever you think, but if Tunisia doesn't get it, then our country will suffer. I don't think your country is willing to watch, and countries that are interested in having good relations with your country will suffer."

Baccona's words gave Delcasse a flash of doubt. He didn't know how deeply Italy and Germany were involved. If Tunisia was really needed as compensation according to what this person said, it would explain a lot. Of course, this does not rule out the possibility of exaggeration.

"Your Excellency Bacona, what you said is too low-level. Using Tunisia as compensation is too much for your country."

Faced with Delcasse's rebuttal, Bacona shook his head and said. "Whether your country believes it or not, it is actually very reasonable for our country to ask for the protection of Tunisia at this time. I think as the head of French diplomacy, you are not unaware of the current situation."

Bacona's words confirmed Delcasse's inner speculation. At this time, his heart was beating hard because he discovered a very fatal possibility.

Delcasse resisted the urge to ask directly and continued. "Your Excellency Bacona, you don't say anything and directly ask for Tunisia like this. I don't think a normal person can agree to it."

Regarding Delcasse's words, Bacona spread his hands. "I know, but there are some things that cannot be revealed until you get paid."

"Then I'm sorry. Your country's requirements are too high and our country is completely unacceptable. Farewell!"

Delcasse stood up, took his coat and hat and left, but this time Baccona sat here steadily and did not leave until he finished his coffee.

Delcasse, who left first, walked quickly to his car as soon as he left the cafe, opened the door, got in and spoke to the driver. "Quickly, go back to the embassy, ​​I have something urgent."

Under Delcasse's order, the driver immediately hit the accelerator and rushed towards the French Embassy in Madrid.

In the car, Delcasse muttered quietly. "I hope this isn't true, but don't be true."

What put this outstanding French diplomat at risk was a bad guess by Delcasse. Because he came up with this guess from the Bakona language. This time Germany suddenly started a fight with France over the Moroccan issue, and even the somewhat reckless Kaiser personally took part. Perhaps this was all intentional.

Deliberately intensifying the conflict between the two countries, taking advantage of the fact that ally Russia had just been defeated and unable to take action, and then let France face a war between three countries. If not three countries, at least it was a war against Germany.

Although Delcasse was a German hater, he also knew that with the strength of France alone, the war with Germany would be at a disadvantage. If he were the leader of Germany, now would be a really good time to deal with France. Because France lacked allies at this time, while Germany had three allies. Even if Austria-Hungary keeps Russia in check, Germany and Italy alone will be enough for France to struggle with. This is likely to be another replica of the Franco-Prussian War.

And if it fails now, the spirit of the French people will be greatly destroyed. He couldn't let this happen for the sake of the French people, so he had to think of a solution. And the way he can think of now is to win over the British. Presumably the British do not want to see the mainland dominated by Germany.