Chapter 682 The Biggest Misunderstanding of This Century

On April 19, 1880, the Austrian Central American colonial army encircled and suppressed the "tough bandits" in the territory and pursued them all the way to Panama.

Because of the fog, there was a misunderstanding with the Colombian defenders, and an armed conflict broke out, causing thousands of casualties.

Local people can testify that there was indeed heavy fog in Panama on April 19. Before the army entered the Panama area, the colonial government also sent people to communicate with the local government and decided to jointly send troops to exterminate this gang of "tough bandits" who did all kinds of evil.

However, someone inside the Colombian government colluded with the "robbers" and leaked the news. The "robbers" cut off the local telegraph and robbed and killed the messengers in the middle.

The defenders did not receive the news in time, the two sides failed to communicate effectively, and the foggy weather affected their sight line. Originally, they wanted to jointly suppress the bandits, but they mistook the other side for the enemy, resulting in an accidental exchange of fire.

This is the "truth" announced by the colonial government of Austrian Central America. Whether the Colombian government accepts it or not, their troops stationed in the Panama region are doomed.

After the "4.19 Incident" broke out, the colonial government of Austrian Central America immediately claimed responsibility for the incident. Apologize to the casualties caused by the accident, and express their willingness to pay casualty pensions.

Such a positive and responsible attitude, if it weren't for the Austrian army still staying in the local area, it is really nothing to say.

Of course, there was a reason for the Austrian army to stay in the local area. Although the main force of the "tough bandits" was encircled and wiped out, there were still many remnants floating around.

For the safety of the people of Panama, the Austrian army had to exterminate these rogues, or wait for the Colombian government army to come over before they could evacuate from the area.

...

After the news of the "4.19" accidental exchange of fire came to Colombia, the people of the capital Bogota were boiling, and they took to the streets to demonstrate and demand the government to send troops to retake the Panama region.

I have to say that President Rafael Nunes was really unlucky. He encountered so many troubles just after taking office.

The people asked to send troops, and President Rafael Nunez also wanted to send troops. He would take back the Panama area as soon as possible and carry out the aftermath. Unfortunately, no troops could take on this important task.

"Misunderstanding" this thing, can have the first time, also can have the second time. Whether there will continue to be "misunderstandings" is entirely based on Austria's integrity.

The Colombian military is very attentive. Anyway, the Austrians said that they misunderstood, and it is definitely impossible to occupy the Panama region for a long time. You can get it back sooner or later, so why risk it?

Anyone with a discerning eye knows that this is Austria's retaliation for the Colombian government's blockade of Peru, and the defenders in Panama happened to be cannon fodder.

Whoever caused the disaster should be responsible for it. As for revenge on Austria and justice for the innocent defenders, this is not something Colombia can do.

As a small country, the first thing to consider is to survive. As long as the territory is not lost, the core sovereignty can be taken back. A little grievance is nothing at all!

The issue of the aftermath, Rafael Nunes temporarily ignored, and now he is being questioned by members of Congress.

An opposition congressman sneered: "Mr. President, due to the government's wrong foreign policy, the Panama region has fallen. What do you want to say?"

Without pressure, there is no motivation. If Austria wants to forcibly occupy the Panama region, under external pressure, the Colombian parties may be able to unite.

Regrettably, this did not happen, and the colonial government of Austrian Central America has characterized this incident as a "misunderstanding".

Since it was just a misunderstanding, there was no reason for the Austrian army to occupy it for a long time. The Austrian ambassador has sent a diplomatic note asking them to send troops to defend them as soon as possible.

Sovereignty can be preserved, the only problem is that this beating was for nothing. Not to the point of life and death, taking the opportunity to attack competitors is normal.

The biggest advantage of politicians is their thick skin, Rafael Nunes said casually: "Panama did not fall, just a misunderstanding.

The Austrian government has claimed responsibility for the incident. We are negotiating with them about compensation, and soon the Austrian troops will be withdrawn from the area.

The main reason for this misunderstanding is that someone in the government colluded with gangsters, which has nothing to do with the government's foreign policy.

Colombia is an independent country and we have the right to conduct diplomacy freely without the need to be influenced by third parties. "

Since Austria said it was a "misunderstanding", let this "misunderstanding" continue!

Before there is no strength to retaliate, this kind of thing can only be a "misunderstanding".

Deep down, Rafael Nunes just hoped that things would end soon and that nothing would happen later.

A congressman questioned: "One misunderstanding is over, are our people dead in vain?"

Rafael Nunes waved his hand: "Of course not in vain. We will investigate to the end, find out the culprit that led to this conflict, and accept legal sanctions.

The deceased has passed away, and what we can do now is to let the deceased rest in peace and comfort their families.

The government will ensure that all those who died in this incident can receive pensions, please give us a little time..."

After speaking, Rafael Nunes bowed to everyone, as if to apologize.

Those who enter Congress are all political old fritters. It’s okay to take the opportunity to make things difficult for Rafael Nunes, and it’s true that you want to bring him down.

However, no one was ready to go to war with Austria. So some things, you can only selectively pretend to be confused.

While pacifying the country,

Rafael Nunes did not forget to ask the British boss for help.

With such a big thing happening, if John Bull doesn't start again, he can't talk about it. In any case, the Colombian government is also doing things for them, and it has brought disaster.

Downing Street, inside the Prime Minister's Residence. Prime Minister Benjamin breathed in smoke while watching a telegram for help from the Colombian government.

On the opposite side sat a middle-aged man dressed in fancy clothes, stirring coffee in one hand and a spoon in the other, staring straight ahead, as if he was wandering in the sky, it was Edward, the British Foreign Secretary.

After half a cup of tea, Prime Minister Benjamin put down the telegram, snuffed out the cigarette butt on the ashtray, and exhaled the last puff of smoke.

"Sir Edward, what the hell do you think the Austrians are up to? It can't be really just to beat up Columbia, right?"

Like Britain, Austria is a country with interests as its core, and every move revolves around national interests.

Although the Colombian government's actions have greatly damaged the Vienna government's face, it is inevitable to take retaliatory actions, but this has not reached the point where it is necessary to send troops to fight.

Don't look at the smooth military operations in Panama. That is because the Austrian government disclosed the "truth" in time to let everyone know that they are only staying temporarily and will leave soon.

Otherwise, the Colombian government called on the local people to rise up against the aggression, and the situation would not be so optimistic.

The fact that South American countries can exist independently is not because the European powers cannot occupy them, but mainly because the cost of domination is too high, and the benefits are not proportional to the costs.

Edward put down the coffee in his hand and replied slowly: "Of course not. According to the information collected, it is preliminarily judged that Austria is planning to attack the Panama region.

It's just that the Vienna government took into account its own reputation and felt that the impact of directly invading an independent country was too bad and the cost was too high, so it deliberately created this "misunderstanding".

After killing the defenders in the Panama area, the independent organization they supported can succeed. It is estimated that after the withdrawal of Austrian troops, it will not be long before the Panama region becomes independent. "

With such a big movement, it is impossible to keep it completely secret. Austria's approach may be able to deceive ordinary people, but it cannot deceive the British who are also big hooligans.

Similar things have been done by John Bull for a long time, and he has very rich practical experience. Just from the clues on the surface, they can make a lot of guesses.

Prime Minister Benjamin nodded: "It seems that we are going to observe a moment of silence for the Colombians. Until now, they don't know what kind of enemy they have encountered, at least it is not reflected in this telegram for help."

"Allies" is a false proposition for Britain.

On the bright side, the British Olympics are the allies who have signed a covenant, and Colombia is not yet qualified to form an alliance with Britain.

In fact, the British Olympics, which are allies, are the biggest rivals. The weak Colombian government is the newly acquired younger brother of the British, and the degree of closeness is completely reversed.

Foreign Secretary Edward shook his head: "Sometimes ignorance is a blessing, and if the truth is known, Rafael Nunez's life will not be over.

Of course, he may also be pretending to be confused. It was easier to deal with the Panamanian rebels than the Austrians.

This time the Austrians have already committed a foul. With Franz the Great's style of cherishing feathers, it is impossible for the same "misunderstanding" to appear twice.

As long as the Colombian government can suppress the rebels in the Panama region, this time will pass.

For the Republic of Colombia, there is still a chance to win if the lid is not lifted; if it turns its face now, it will immediately lose the Panama region. "

Benjamin smiled slightly, lit a cigarette again, took a deep breath, and exhaled a light puff of smoke.

"You're right, sometimes it's necessary to pretend to be confused. Since the Colombian government doesn't mention it, then we don't know.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should act as soon as possible, send the Austrians away as soon as possible, and let the Colombian government feel our sincerity. "

Parts need to serve the whole. The land blockade network for Peru and Bolivia has been established, and it is almost a foregone conclusion that Chile will win the war.

Britain has the absolute upper hand in the competition in South America, and the influence of France and Austria has been compressed to a corner, and it is no longer necessary to continue to persecute.

The Panama incident became Austria's last counter-attack. In addition to forcing Fao to move closer to the hard top, Britain could not gain more benefits.

After thinking for a while, Edward showed a smile: "Of course, we never treat friends badly. But before that, we need to cause the Austrians a little trouble.

Such a big "misunderstanding" must be made known to more people. Presumably the media would be happy to add more news to increase newspaper sales. "

Without direct confrontation, it is because the British have limited power in the Panama region. Even if they want to intervene in Austria's next actions, they are too weak to do so.

The inability to intervene directly does not mean that they will not take action. The offensive of public opinion, which tarnishes Austria's reputation, is also an offensive method.