Chapter 680

In the game between Britain, France, and Austria, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia competed to win, and a fierce political struggle broke out within the Colombian government.

The 1880 presidential election became the focus of contention. Aware of the trouble, President Julian Trujillo Largacha resolutely chose to withdraw from the election.

Julian's withdrawal did not quell the dispute, but intensified.

After a series of struggles, the Anglophile leader Rafael Nunes was elected president of Colombia, and the situation began to develop in Chile's favor. (Note: the term of office is two years)

Vienna and Paris shook when the news reached Europe. The game between Britain, France and Austria is not only a battle of interests in South America, but also a battle for everyone's face.

It's okay to lose to the British in other places. After all, France and Austria are latecomers, and their influence cannot be compared with that of John Bull.

Colombia is different. The forces of France and Austria have penetrated deep into the past. Although they came later than the British, the two countries combined are no weaker than the British.

Election defeat is not surprising. Because of their interests, France and Austria have their own agents in Colombia.

Even if France and Austria choose to cooperate, the contradictions between these agents still exist, and sincere cooperation is impossible.

Power is scattered and cannot be concentrated, and it is normal to lose an election. High-level government can understand, but not everyone can understand.

In the eyes of the outside world, France and Austria once again lost to the British in the South American competition. This cognition will inevitably affect the choices of governments in other countries and regions.

If this concept is not broken, France and Austria will be at a disadvantage in the future international competition.

...

In this age of the weak, there is nothing that cannot be solved by force, and if there is, it must be that force is not strong enough.

France and Austria are not easy to provoke. Since the pro-British faction in Colombia came to power, the British should make concessions in other places, such as the South American war.

On April 1, 1880, Fao sent two cruisers to conduct the "April Fool's Day Military Exercise" in the Pacific Ocean, and visited Barranquilla by the way.

This day happened to be President Rafael Nunez's first day in office, and before he could celebrate the victory, he ushered in a blow.

Rafael Nunes tore up the telegram angrily and roared: "Damn, they are deliberately provocative, and they are trying to get along with me!"

"Send the order, and order the surrounding troops to strengthen their vigilance and strictly prevent the enemy from landing..."

Before President Rafael Nunez could finish speaking, Foreign Minister Francisco interrupted: "Your Excellency, Fao is just a diplomatic visit.

It's not polite, but it's normal diplomatic behavior. Taking rash action to provoke conflict is not something we can afford. "

There is nothing wrong, it is indeed a normal diplomatic activity. Although there was no notice in advance, and they came in a warship, but the weak country has no diplomacy, and the etiquette problem has passed.

This truth, Rafael Nunes naturally knows. Otherwise, instead of ordering the Army to be on alert, order the Navy to expel these uninvited guests.

Forcibly suppressing his anger, Rafael Nunes complained dissatisfiedly: "A normal diplomatic visit, is it difficult to notify in advance? A diplomatic visit that forcibly broke into the port is a miracle in the history of diplomacy!"

After pondering for a while, Foreign Minister Francisco Persuaded: "There are many miracles like this, you should get used to it, Your Excellency.

Now that we are the ruling party, we need to be responsible to this country. We can't be so radical when we encounter problems, otherwise problems will easily arise. "

As a qualified politician, Rafael Nunes naturally knows that "you should be counseled". As for "face", I can't get it back anyway, so it's better to put it down first.

"You convinced me. Then send someone to keep an eye on them and take action as soon as there is any sign of a landing."

The Fa-ao combined fleet is here to visit, and naturally it will not take the army with them. Landing is impossible. Given the ego of Rafael Nunes, Francisco naturally wouldn't break it down.

"These are all small issues. The key now is how to get rid of these bad guys. The purpose of the actions of France and Austria is very clear, that is, we want us to ensure the smooth flow of trade with Peru.

But before that, in order to win the support of the British, we made a promise to them: as long as we win the election, we will close the trade route with Peru. "

This question was considered by Rafael Nunes before the election, but he underestimated the determination of France and Austria.

After hesitating for a while, Rafael Nunes reluctantly made a decision: "Contact the British, this matter is because of them, so you can't just ignore it now!"

Francisco hesitated, although he knew it was "drinking poison to quench thirst", but there was no way.

Without the introduction of British power to offset the political pressure from Fao, they simply cannot withstand the impact on their own.

...

The South American issue involves the relationship between Britain, France and Austria, and it is impossible to be too cautious.

After receiving a telegram from the Colombian government, Prime Minister Benjamin immediately convened a cabinet meeting.

Benjamin: "It's all here, let's get started! Sir Edward, you'll give a general introduction first."

"Okay, Prime Minister."

Foreign Secretary Edward: "In order to end the war in South America as soon as possible, with the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have successively attracted Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Ecuador to block the Peru-Bolivia United Nations supported by Fao.

Union.

The only foreign trade route left is Colombia. In order to cut off this trade line, our pro-British faction in Colombia won the general election not long ago.

The situation was developing for the better, and the two countries, France and Austria, who were unwilling to fail, suddenly overturned the table.

Three days ago, a joint fleet formed by France and Austria suddenly broke into the port of Barranquilla, the Republic of Colombia, in an attempt to use the threat of force to force the Colombian government to submit. "

It seemed that his tone was flat, but in fact Edward was full of anger.

Everyone used diplomatic means to compete, and it was when they showed their skills. As a result, at the last moment of picking the fruits of victory, the enemy suddenly stopped playing.

This is embarrassing, and most of the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been abolished at once. The achievements in hand suddenly flew away, and everyone would be angry if they changed it.

Seemingly aware of this, Prime Minister Benjamin reassured: "The efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are obvious to all, and being able to force France and Austria to break the rules is itself a great victory."

After speaking, he took the lead in applauding, and everyone followed suit. Even though this was just a situation, Edward's mood was relieved a lot.

Although I failed to do my best and achieve the greatest political achievements, it is not a small gain to be recognized by everyone.

"Thank you, this is the job of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs!"

...

Prime Minister Benjamin: "Things have been made clear, and now we need to make a decision. The Colombian government has asked us for help, hoping that we will send a fleet to visit and share their political pressure."

There is no problem in dispatching the fleet, and it was finally replaced by a pro-British government. Naturally, the London government could not give up like this. The question is how to deal with the relations with France and Austria?

When it comes to international relations, everyone turns their attention to Edward.

"Fao is our main competitor, and it is impossible to maintain a good relationship for a long time. In recent years, the conflict between us and Fao has increased, and the alliance will collapse sooner or later.

However, this is the future. Now we still need the alliance to exist, so the contradiction must be controlled within a certain range.

It is understandable that Fao took drastic action, most of the countries in South America have fallen to us, and if they do not fight back, there will be no chance.

It is impossible to expel France and Austria from South America at one time. The interests involved are too great, and they will certainly not give up.

Now that France and Austria have a tendency to move closer together, I suggest to close it as soon as possible, so as not to stimulate too much and cause unavoidable consequences. "

...

Invited by the Colombian government, on April 6, 1880, the British Royal Navy, which had blocked Peru, sent a squadron to visit Miquet.

The Colombian government is dumbfounded, the script is wrong! The British did show their support with action, but here's the thing: it's not what the Colombian government wants.

The British, French, and Austrian countries chose to visit very cleverly. They happened to be separated from the east and west Pacific Oceans. Even if the conflict escalated, the two sides would not be able to reach them.

There is no doubt that the Three Kingdoms have maintained rationality and deliberately controlled contradictions. Deliberately avoiding head-on conflict, leaving the pressure on the Colombian government.

This saddened Rafael Nunes. No matter how slow his reaction was, he knew that he was tricked by the British.

If you think about it carefully, it is not difficult to find the problem. These days, the regime of a small country without the support of international forces is very unstable.

There are two paths in front of Rafael Nunes, either offend the British to compromise with Fao and ensure the smooth flow of the trade line with Peru; or follow the pace of the British and break with Fao and Austria. .

In fact, Rafael Nunes had no choice. Fao has his own interest spokesperson in Colombia, and even if he wants to support it, it is not his turn.

It was not easy to follow the British. He had offended France and Austria severely, and he was bound to suffer revenge from both countries.

The foreign powers all want face, and Fao can't help the British, can't they look for their bad luck?

As for whether the British boss can be trusted, Rafael Nunes has experienced it himself.

...