Chapter 940
With the start of the British action, the original secret war in Fao's diplomacy has been taken over by the British. It's not that I look down on the French, but the French government's diplomacy is really bad.
Of course, this is also directly related to the Bonaparte Dynasty's high hatred value in Europe. Napoleon III did ease relations with everyone for a time, but unfortunately, with the annexation of Italy by France, this loose international environment is gone forever.
In a sense, Napoleon III is also pitting his son. The annexation of the Italian region made itself, but left a crater that could not be filled.
No way, it's not the Middle Ages anymore. European nationalism has risen, it can be eaten but not digested, and it is full of hatred.
Especially for many small countries, in order to ensure their own security, they have to unite to exclude the French, in order to deter other European powers, lest everyone follow suit.
This is the main reason why the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot achieve results. It's not that the scumbags are firm-willed, it's that they have decided politically that they can't stand with France.
Small countries cannot win over, let alone big countries. There is only one overlord, everyone is a competitor, and even an alliance is only temporary.
Especially in the context of the long-standing alliance between Russia and Austria, there is only one Britain left for the French Foreign Ministry to play.
Originally surrounded by a group of enemies, coupled with a teammate who is a swindler, it is logical that France surpassed the Russians to become the first "villain" in the European continent.
Professional things are left to professionals. Although he was reluctant to admit it, Napoleon IV still knew very well that playing diplomacy was the king. As silver-level players, they really didn't need to go up and drag their feet.
...
The British-Austrian diplomatic game has begun, and the European continent has once again staged a turbulent situation. The Japanese government is busy attacking the Philippines, and he does not know that he has just stepped through the gate of hell.
If it weren't for Spain's failure to take a stand, the British felt they had value, and now the Royal Navy tells them what is socially sinister.
Colonization is not just about strength. Countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal can keep their overseas colonies and naturally have their own way of survival.
In terms of strength alone, all the colonies in the world have been carved up by Britain, France, and Austria, and where can small countries such as the Netherlands and Portugal be mixed in?
The big hooligans didn't grab it, not because there is no oil and water in these lands. In fact, the Philippines, Cuba, Indonesia and other regions are all rich places these days, and they are not robbed because of politics.
As a member of a vested interest group, big hooligans must also abide by the rules of the game. If you act recklessly, you will inevitably be backlashed by the rules.
So the challengers are generally emerging powers. Those who are barefoot are not afraid of wearing shoes, they are not in the system, and naturally they are not afraid of backlash from the rules.
Of course, challengers are also at risk. If the timing is not right, they may be shot to death as soon as they emerge.
General Ito Yuheng couldn't care about the risks here, and now he is still immersed in the joy of the successful sneak attack on Luzon Island.
Relying on a surprise attack + cooperation from inside and outside, the Japanese army not only successfully completed the landing, but also captured the three Spanish warships that were staying in the port.
Although these sailing warships have fallen behind the times and have withdrawn from the mainstream of the navy, and two of them were injured in the battle last night, Ito Yuheng did not dislike it at all.
Don't look at the three big hooligans of Britain, France and Austria who eliminated sailing warships, and even passed the ironclad era and entered the pre-dreadnought era, but the navies of most countries in the world are still dominated by sailing warships.
The Japanese Navy is no exception. Except for a few ironclad ships purchased from the British to support the facade, most of the warships are sail warships.
For no other reason, just one word - "poor". For the cost of building one ironclad, it is possible to build several sailing warships of the same tonnage.
As for the more advanced pre-dreadnoughts, not to mention. With the military expenditure of the Japanese Navy, it is simply not worth playing.
Looking at the fiscal revenue of the Japanese government, it seems that the fiscal revenue of 80 million yen is not low. In fact, it is the same. Converted to Aegis, it is more than 16 million, and when converted to British pounds, it is only more than eight million.
(Note: 1 yen is about 0.75 grams of gold, and the value of Aegis and yen is about 4.88:1)
The cost of a former dreadnought ship is as high as millions of pounds, and if it is exported, it is estimated to be doubled. After joining, the messy service fee will be even more. No matter how aggressive the Japanese government is, it is impossible to buy a boat with one-third of its fiscal revenue.
The landing is successful, and the work of the navy is basically completed. Next, it is only necessary to keep an eye on the remaining Spanish navy and ensure the smooth flow of the sea route.
The decisive battle at sea did not exist. In the battle of the sneak attack on Luzon, the Spanish Philippine fleet had lost one-third of its warships.
This made the already disadvantaged Philippine fleet even worse, not to mention the decisive battle with the Japanese army. Because of the speed, they could not even perform the task of breaking diplomatic relations.
A middle-aged officer at the headquarters of the Japanese Southbound Fleet reported in a helpless tone: "Your Excellency Commander, we have sent someone to inspect the captured Spanish battleship, the damage is not too serious, and it can be repaired in Luzon Island.
It's just that the ship is a bit old, and the latest one was commissioned in 1875, and it will be retired in a few years.
I don't know what the Spaniards thought, but one of the warships didn't consider the steam engine when it was designed, and it was installed at the back, which was very incongruous. "
The fall of an empire is not
There is a reason, usually there are common problems with bureaucracy and serious corruption, and Spain is no exception.
Existence must have its rationale. The seemingly unreasonable and wonderful design actually contains official university questions behind it.
Of course, these questions are not something that Japan's fledgling Japanese naval officers can understand. They are fighting for the rise of Japan with full of enthusiasm, and they have not had time to fall.
General Ito Yuheng nodded thoughtfully: "Don't worry about these small issues, if the Spanish government is not corrupt, we have nothing to do.
It doesn't matter if the ship is old, the sailing battleship has become a foregone conclusion, and it is enough to make do with it for a few years.
The Philippine Islands are not small. If the Spaniards want to hide and hide with us, it is not so easy to find them out. In the next battle, we need more warships.
Immediately send someone to repair the damaged warship. I have sent someone to inform the country, they will send officers and soldiers to receive it as soon as possible, and strive to form combat effectiveness as soon as possible. "
Frankly speaking, the southern fleet should not stop in Luzon now, and it is the best choice to take advantage of the Philippine fleet to destroy Spain in one fell swoop.
But there is no way, the success of landing always has to gain benefits. The Army is making a fortune, and the Navy can't just watch it.
The Japanese army and navy are not harmonious. If the navy does not participate, the accumulation of the Spaniards in the Philippines for hundreds of years will all fall into the hands of the army.
This stuff was eaten, and it didn't come out. Don't expect the Army to budge, even if the case is brought before the Meiji Emperor.
The family is too thin, and the eyelids are so shallow. Compared with these benefits within reach, it is not so important to pursue and destroy the remnants of the enemy.
...
As Hongmen's base camp in Luzon Island, Chen's mansion was already crowded with people at the moment. Many people came here with their families, and from time to time there were children crying, which made Chen Tao, who was the leader, more upset, but he couldn't vent.
It was already in chaos outside. After the Japanese army drove away the Spaniards, they began to carry out unscrupulous looting. Everyone had to come over to report to the group to keep warm.
The gangs also need someone to support them, and these people who have gathered are the foundation of Hongmen in Luzon Island. It's not a younger brother, or a family member of a younger brother, or a clan that is close to him.
Looking at the chaotic scene, Chen Tao sighed more and more. There was no way, it happened so suddenly, there was no time to react at all.
Different from the previous anti-Chinese movement, there were signs in advance, and these well-informed guys were the masters who were ready to run.
Not only did I not have time to prepare, but I also received a large group of people, so I was always worried about the sudden arrival of the Japanese army.
"Master, the weapons are all ready, do you think they should be sent first?"
The butler's voice brought back Chen Taoyue's thoughts. Today is different from the past. With the Chinese headquarters in Lanfang Province, it is much easier for everyone to engage in arms.
As long as someone pays to buy it, Austrian arms dealers dare to sell it. If it wasn't for the fear of the Spaniards' reaction, the artillery could get it.
Originally, these weapons were intended to deal with the indigenous people in the future. Although the anti-China movement was planned by the colonial government, the executors who launched it were still the indigenous people. When they were almost done, they jumped out to pick peaches.
Times are developing, and the colonial government also has to consider the influence of public opinion. Besides, they always go into battle naked and scare all the sheep away. How can they shear their wool and eat mutton?
Chen Taoyue's leading position was also killed all the way. Since he has weapons, he is naturally not ready to sit still.
"Let's post it first, and then send someone to contact Mr. Honorino. Now we need his help."
It's not impossible to coordinate with the Japanese in person. With Hongmen's contacts in Nanyang, Chen Taoyue has also made friends with many Japanese people. These people may not be the masters of the Japanese army, but they can still do it.
If the Japanese want to capture the Philippines, they naturally need the cooperation of the local snakes. The local strength of the Japanese alone is not enough. If Hongmen is willing to rely on the past, the Japanese have no reason to refuse. The problem now is that he is not willing to have a relationship with the Japanese.
Like most Nanyang Chinese in this era, Chen Taoyue also has oceanophobia. Although the Japanese had the upper hand, he was more optimistic about the Spaniards.
There is no doubt that if the Spaniards win the war, there will definitely be a big purge of the guys who defected to the Japanese. Chen Taoyue doesn't want to stick to this kind of thing.
In this context, it is natural to let people who are not afraid of trouble help deal with it. Honorino, Austria's foreign minister in the Philippines, is one of those people who is not afraid of trouble.
Since the establishment of Lanfang Autonomous Province, he has encountered similar things many times every year. In the face of Aegis, Mr. Honorino has never refused to come.
This can also be regarded as legal extra money. When an intermediary helps others, or simply accepts an entrusted-agent negotiation, it is allowed by the Vienna government on the premise that it does not harm Austria's interests.
In fact, he did not harm Austria's interests. This kind of foreign affairs officer sounds very cool, but in fact, his power is very small, and he can't represent Austria at all. The real representatives are the ministers or ambassadors from various places.
The setting up of foreign affairs officers is, on the one hand, for the convenience of business and to resolve some commercial disputes;
Going to set up an embassy in someone else's colony is obviously unreasonable, the status of the two sides is completely unequal.
Said Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrived. Not waiting for stewards to take action
, a burly white man walked in.
"Don't bother Chen, I came as soon as I received the news, enough friends!"
The person who came was Honorino. Chen Tao didn't have a cold for this guy who was familiar with him, but now he suddenly found that this guy was cute too.
Although I know that the people who come here are only for the shield, but if they can stand up to help in a crisis, then most of my friends are reliable.
"Of course, you are the best friend. Now I need your help to get rid of the Japanese. As long as the Japanese do not enter Chinatown to loot, I am willing to pay them no more than 200,000 Aegis."
At the juncture of crisis, Chen Taoyue couldn't care about money anymore. Moreover, the money was not paid by him alone, but shared by everyone.
Everyone knows that if there is no bleeding at this time, after the Japanese army rushes in, it will be empty.
Hearing this number, Honorino only sighed: "I can't see that you are so rich!"
After a pause, he added: "Chen, are you sure you want to pay the money? You must know that you gave the Japanese money. If the Spaniards win the war, it will bring you a lot of trouble in the future."
Everyone looked sad, this amount of money is almost the limit that everyone can bear, if it is not a last resort, no one is willing to spend money to buy peace.
The trouble is twofold, one is the greed that might spark the Japanese; the other is the Spaniards coming back and reaching out to them.
Chen Taoyue asked back: "Mr. Honorino, if you don't have any money, what can you do to prevent the Japanese army from looting?"
Honorino waved his hand and said, "No! However, if you are willing to pay, I have a solution.
Anyway, they are all spending money to buy peace. Instead of giving it to the Japanese, it is better to give it to us. A price of 350,000 Aegis, I will settle the troubles on both sides of the Japanese and Spaniards for you. "
Looking at Honorino, who was doing everything, Chen Tao frowned, saying it was too full of words. If the promises made by a big figure in Austria are still similar, a foreign minister may not have such a big face.
It seems that he noticed something from the eyes of everyone, and Honorino continued to add: "Don't worry, this money is not what I want, I don't have such a big appetite.
The money is for the Vienna government. As long as you are willing to pay, I will authorize you to fly the flag of the Holy Roman Empire on behalf of the Vienna government.
And come forward to communicate with the Japanese to prove that you are citizens of the Empire. I've been in Japan and I know what the Japanese government is, they don't dare to challenge the Empire.
Even if these guys don't follow the rules and enter Chinatown to rob, the Future Empire will double their claims for you.
Of course, this citizenship is only temporary. When the crisis is over, it will disappear with it.
In order to show our sincerity, we can sign the contract first, and then pay after the matter is over. Anyway, everyone is a friend, and I am not afraid that you will default on your debt. "
In order to get promoted, Honorino also fought hard. Although foreign affairs officials are easy to obtain oil and water, they are difficult to achieve political achievements. What's more troublesome is that the achievements are not visible in the country.
If you want to go further, you must have outstanding achievements and prove your ability to the country.
A mere hundreds of thousands of Aegis is naturally nothing to the Vienna government, but if you get this money for the empire without any effort, it will be enough to prove Honorino's ability.
Perhaps it was the post-payment that moved people's hearts. The original skeptical gaze no longer existed. An old man asked in a deep voice, "Mr. Honorino, if we want to obtain permanent citizenship, how much will we have to pay?"
The more you experience, the more you know the value of safety. It's not that no one in the audience has obtained the nationality of other European countries. The problem is that the effect of skin color is greatly reduced.
It’s good to say that the small problems can be opened with money, but when they encounter such big troubles now, no one will stand up for them at all.
In contrast, Austria is much better. At least in the Southeast Asia region, it is treated equally. Regardless of skin color, the nationality will be protected.
Honorino shook his head: "This is not a question of money, the key to getting Austrian citizenship depends on the degree of contribution, and what are the specific requirements, you can go to the colonial government for consultation.
Anyway, it is very difficult, I personally suggest that you can go to Lanfang Autonomous Province. Compared with other places in Nanyang, it is more suitable for you to survive. "
Hearing this explanation, many people sighed. Everyone knows the situation in Lanfang Autonomous Province. If it weren't for the fact that the plantations and mines could not be moved, everyone would have moved there long ago.
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