Chapter 168: Each with Their Own Agenda (Part 1) [Book Friends Who Voted for the Reward

Chapter 168: Each with His Own Motives (Part 1) [Additional chapter for book friends who voted for rewards]

"The Ottoman Empire has declined, and its territory has become a burden. Muhammad Ali is a civilized man in a barbaric world, and Egypt under his leadership can replace the Ottoman Empire."

The first speaker was the French representative Thiers. Someone once commented on Thiers as "his political activities are the chronicle of French political disasters" and "a dwarf monster trying to wield Napoleon's sword."

He suppressed the Lyon workers' uprising, advocated foreign wars, opposed Britain's interference in the European continent, and bloodily suppressed the Paris Commune. He was a spiritual Roman.

Palmerston habitually interrupted others' speeches. He never thought there was anything wrong with this. Britain's strong national strength was his reliance.

"What to become, a French colony? The Egyptians are unwilling to do business with us, and are only willing to talk to you French."

In fact, except for Britain and France, the powers participating in the meeting had very limited trade with the Ottoman Empire, especially Prussia, who exported the most military talents to the Ottoman Empire.

The border security between Austria and the Ottoman Empire is comparable to that of war-torn Afghanistan. The trade between the two sides mainly comes from the sea, and Austria has long been an importing country. As for the trade volume, it is only a few tens of percent of that of Britain and France.

Russia's trade is also hard to describe, so no one except Britain and France cares about trade with the Ottoman Empire, and of course no one stands up to oppose Palmerston, because it is meaningless and may be bitten by this madman.

"What a joke! Don't you British people believe in free trade? Who does Egypt do business with? Does it need your British consent? You British people are stretching your hands too long!" Thiers also retorted. He has always been very disgusted with Britain's policy of interfering in the European continent.

"Mr. Thiers, please shut up! We in Britain believe in free trade, and what we do is to maintain free trade. The Egyptian government cannot restrict Egyptian merchants from exporting, let alone restrict British merchants from entering!" Palmerston said.

"Free trade? Then why don't you British allow our wine to be sold in London, Portsmouth, and Birmingham? Why do you impose heavy taxes on Russian logs?"

At that time, Russia's exports were mainly agricultural products, most of which were sold to Britain, and the British imposed extremely heavy taxes on logs.

This immediately resonated with Russian Foreign Minister Nesherlov, a diplomat with a military background, and his mind was not as meticulous as those present.

"Yes! Mr. Palmerston, can you British reduce your tariffs? They are too high."

In fact, Austrian glass products were also sanctioned by Britain, and Metternich would naturally not miss this opportunity.

"Yes, and our glass products."

Lord Sewell, the Prussian Foreign Minister, was also racking his brains to think about what he should say, and finally blurted out a sentence.

"And our Prussian agricultural products."

Palmerston was a qualified diplomat. Seeing that things were developing in a direction that was not favorable to him, he immediately changed his words.

"We will consider the opinions of various countries. But shouldn't we discuss today how to safeguard the interests of European countries in the Ottoman Empire?"

"Why don't we continue to talk about free trade, I..."

Just when Thiers was about to pursue his victory, he was interrupted again, this time by Nesherlov.

"We in Russia hope that you can respect Russia's interests. If the Egyptians attack the Dardanelles, we in Russia are willing to send 150,000 troops to help the Ottoman Empire through this crisis."

This time Nesherlov immediately became the focus of the whole audience. Russia sent 150,000 troops to the south, which made everyone present feel that Russia was planning to continue to encroach on Ottoman territory.

This was obviously not in the interests of everyone, and Palmerston immediately expressed his opposition.

"No, the Russian army must not enter Anatolia!"

"Yes! The Russian army cannot go south, this is a civil war in the Ottoman Empire!"

Thiers also opposed the Russian army going south to fight Egypt. Although the Egyptians performed well in the battle against the Ottoman Empire, they were not qualified to fight against the real powers. And no country in the world can deal with the bear and Britain at the same time.

Historically, it was the strong opposition of Britain and France, coupled with the support of Prussia and Austria, that stopped the Russians from moving south.

But Prussia and Austria did not express their views at this time, and the Russians did not intend to retreat.

Palmerston immediately said anxiously.

"Shouldn't we maintain the status quo in the Near East? Mr. Metternich, don't you also support the rule of the Ottoman Sultan?"

"Yes, we support the Ottoman Sultan to continue to rule the Ottoman Empire, but why should we stop the Russians from moving south?"

Metternich certainly knew the purpose of Russia's southward movement, but what did that have to do with Austria. At this time, Austria hoped that Britain, France and Russia would become a mess, so that Austria could take the opportunity to make a fortune.

Prussia's opinion was not important to all countries, so Lord Sewell was ignored.

Britain, France and Russia had conflicts with each other, and Austria hoped to reap the benefits of the fishermen, waiting for other powers to win over itself, while Prussia was really powerless in the Near East and could only play soy sauce.

The result of the meeting, of course, was no result.

Britain, France and Russia all hoped to draw neutral Austria to their side.

Palmerston was the first to find Metternich, and he seemed very confident.

Palmerston believed that as long as he explained the current situation in the Near East to Metternich, the latter would immediately join the British side.

Egypt's strength means France's strength, and France's strength is obviously not in Austria's interests.

Because France will compete with Austria for Italy and the leadership of Germany.

And the Russians will inevitably strengthen their control over the Ottoman Empire when they go south. It will be difficult for Austria to move east again, and Russia will also prevent Austria from annexing Germany to the north, because the Tsar does not want to see a strong Austria.

Historically, Metternich followed this idea and always served as Palmerston's younger brother, but in the end he found that Britain was also an obstacle to Austria.

At this time, Austria already had the power to protect itself, coupled with Franz's analysis and the pitifully weak fleet sent by the British.

Metternich felt that this was Britain seeking help from allies, so the arrogant Palmerston came to the door.

Palmerston, who came empty-handed, seemed to have no sincerity, which made Metternich feel slighted.

"Lord Palmerston, your analysis is brilliant, but our Austrian Empire is not afraid of war. Any country that dares to infringe upon our interests will be met with a strong counterattack from our army.

You said that there are no eternal friends in this world, only eternal interests. We will only stand on the side that is in the interests of the Austrian Empire."

Metternich was playing Tai Chi, and Palmerston obviously didn't want to take the challenge. He was like a spoiled child who didn't get candy immediately. He left with a harsh word.

"Short-sighted! You will regret it!"