Chapter 645

Without waiting for European countries to express their positions, the situation in South America has changed again. Under the pressure of death, Peru chose to ally with Bolivia, and the Pacific War broke out.

The situation in South America became more complicated with Peru's entry into the war. Originally, Chile was fighting Bolivia, but the situation changed after Peru entered the war. The two sides seemed to be evenly matched.

When the military strength is close, diplomacy will be tested. These years, the powers have a very strong voice, especially when they are evenly matched, whoever gets the support of the powers will get the last straw that breaks the camel's back.

...

London, Downing Street

Foreign Secretary Edward: "The situation in South American countries has not been very good. The war between Chile and Bolivia and Peru, in addition to competing for minerals in the Atacama desert, is more about diverting internal conflicts.

Almost all South American countries have territorial disputes with their neighbors, and most of these countries have serious internal conflicts and appeal to transfer internal conflicts.

If we do not intervene in time, many more countries will be involved in this war. Once a full-scale war breaks out in South America, another round of reshuffle is not in our interest.

Both warring parties are now seeking our help, and considering traditional friendship, I recommend supporting Chile to win this war. "

South American countries seem to have become independent, but in fact they are still economic colonies of European countries, but they are framed, and the food is not so ugly.

There is no doubt that Britain has taken the biggest share. As described in a British newspaper: "Argentina is our ranch, Peru is our silver mine, Chile is our mine..."

As the biggest vested interests, the British naturally do not want to break the situation.

Just the war between Chile and Peru and Bolivia, the British still have the strength to control the situation. If there is a total war in South America, it is not the London government's business.

Today is different from the past. France and Austria have been relatively idle recently, and they have long been eyeing the interests of the British in South America.

Once the cards are reshuffled, the Three Kingdoms are bound to launch a new round of competition. Can the British still have the advantage they have now?

This is a question worth thinking about.

Economic competition is also a war, and it is nothing but the smoke of gunpowder.

If we use data to speak, we will find that nearly 60% of the foreign trade of South American countries is carried out with the British, and the rest is divided up by other European and American countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin: "Chileans agree to our terms?"

In Britain, "traditional friendship" and "interest" are usually synonymous, and the Foreign Office advocates supporting Chile, and there is only one explanation for that - the Chileans bid more.

As for the relationship between the two countries, that is secondary. There are many younger brothers in Britain. If all the younger brothers have to support them, then the London government does not have to do anything.

Foreign Secretary Edward: "Of course, in addition to the peso and the pound, the Chileans have promised: If we help them win this war, we will get mineral rights in the Atacama Desert.

The Atacama Desert has the largest saltpeter mine in the world, and if we master it, we will control the saltpeter market.

Whether it is strategic value or economic value, it is worth our shot. "

After hesitating for a while, Prime Minister Benjamin made a decision: "Try it again to see if you can get an exclusive license. In the worst case, when you license it to a third party, you must first obtain our consent."

The promotion of currency hegemony is the core, and the control of the saltpeter market is incidental. Prime Minister Benjamin can still distinguish the importance of this.

"No problem!" Edward said confidently

With the world's No. 1 Royal Navy, Britain has always had a strong voice overseas. Even if France and Austria combined, there is no way to compete with them in South America.

In terms of strength, whoever gets the support of the British has an advantage in the war.

...

Inside the Presidential Residence in Santiago, President Anibal Pinto Gamondia is approaching a special group of guests.

"Your Excellency, our business is done, and now it's your turn to fulfill your promise."

The person who spoke was a middle-aged man dressed in fancy clothes. Although he had a smile on his face, it was still difficult to conceal the arrogance between his brows. The seemingly peaceful conversation is actually full of warnings.

President Anibal Pinto Gamondia frowned, apparently the middle-aged man's behavior made him very uncomfortable. However, as a political figure, he was able to restrain his emotions.

He smiled and replied: "Don't worry, Sir Rox. As long as we win this war, the mining rights of the Atacama Desert will belong to you.

Now that the war is still going on, even if the promise is fulfilled immediately, it cannot be fulfilled at this time! "

There is no way, the integrity of the British has always been very low. If they get everything they want in advance, who knows if they will sell it?

President Anibal Pinto Gamondia was incapable of influencing the London government and could only take roundabout measures to influence the London government through British capitalists.

In fact, this war was also the result of the British capital behind it. The core goal is to monopolize the saltpeter trade and promote the hegemony of the pound by the way.

Compared with Bolivia's introduction of Britain, France, and Austria to check and balance each other, Chile is much simpler, and has always been holding Britain's thighs.

Rocks shook his head: "It doesn't matter, we can sign the treaty first. We can wait until after the war to fulfill the treaty. I have enough patience."

President Anibal Pinto Gamondia was worried, and so was Rox. Don't think that because he is British, there will be no change. In fact, Britain is also full of competition.

If you don't sign the contract sooner, you might be cut off by other forces in the country, and the capitalists have no integrity in the face of interests.

For the London government, as long as the meat is in the pot, it doesn't matter who is in control. Locks didn't want to be lucky to work hard for so long and finally make wedding dresses for others.

After a pause, Rox added: "Your Excellency, I heard that your country's new troops still lack weapons. I am willing to personally sponsor the equipment of a regiment."

Seeing President Anibal Pinto Gamondia's move, Rox continued to add: "It's all British Army active duty equipment, plus one million rounds of ammunition and 5,000 rounds of artillery shells."

After some hesitation, President Anibal Pinto Gamondia shook his head. Weapons and equipment he wanted, but these equipments were tricky to get.

Rox's face sank: "The equipment of the two regiments!"

President Anibal Pinto Gamondia was in a trance, as if he was in a fierce inner struggle, unable to make a choice.

Rox: "The equipment of the three regiments!"

"This is the bottom line. If Your Excellency the President is still unacceptable, then I can only find others to cooperate."

"Deal!" said President Anibal Pinto Gamondia with difficulty

Facts have once again proved that there is nothing that weapons and equipment cannot solve. If not, it must be that there are not enough weapons and equipment.

South American countries are not peaceful, and Chile is no exception. The presidency does not necessarily depend on elections, but it must be supported by the military.

In this case, no matter who is the president, he must protect the interests of the supporters behind the scenes.

Weapons and equipment are undoubtedly the best weapon to buy the military. Even if President Anibal Pinto Gamondia wants to refuse, the people behind the scenes will not let him refuse.