Chapter 590: The Turkish Visitor

As time entered the second month of 1924, Australasia also welcomed Arthur's unexpected guests, namely a diplomatic delegation from Turkey.

After becoming the first president of the Republic of Turkey, Kemal decided to conduct a comprehensive reform of the current Republic of Turkey to eliminate all the influence of the old Ottoman Empire and create a new country for the Turks.

Kemal thought carefully. If Turkey wants to develop, it must learn from Europe's more advanced systems and technologies and achieve full Europeanization.

This also means that the current Republic of Turkey must find a European power to learn from, and it is best to obtain a large amount of assistance from this power to help Turkey develop better.

At present, the most famous European powers are Britain and France, and Italy can also be counted.

But in the previous war, the Turkish Republic had already been at odds with Britain and France. Now it is rushing to learn from the British and French systems. To put it nicely, it is a sheep in the tiger's mouth, and to put it badly, it is seeking death.

Although Italy is also a European power, Italy obviously lacks prestige compared to other powers, and in Kemal's mind it is also a target not worth learning from.

As a result, there are only two targets left for Turkey to learn from, namely the United States in the Americas and Australasia in Australia.

Although I don’t know why Kemal chose Australasia as his target, Arthur still welcomed Turkey’s diplomatic visit.

It was Minister Daize who met the Turkish diplomatic team. At the same time, Arthur also agreed on a meeting time with the Turkish diplomatic team, which was set for February 4, three days later.

During these three days, Minister Daize also successfully inquired about the real purpose of the Turkish diplomatic mission, which was to seek help from Australasia and establish certain cooperation to help Turkey develop better.

February 4, 1924, in the conference room of Sydney Palace.

In the conference room, Arthur also successfully met Ali Eustafa Yusuf, the current Vice President of the Republic of Turkey, who is known as Kemal's biggest helper.

The Turkish Vice President personally led the team, which is enough to prove that Turkey attaches great importance to this diplomatic visit, and also proves Kemal's need and urgency for Turkey's modernization reforms.

After members of both parties said hello, Arthur smiled, looked at Ali Eustafa Yusuf, and asked: "I congratulate you on the founding of the Republic of Turkey. I don't know why you came to Australasia. ?”

Ali Eustafa Yusuf responded with a smile: “Your Majesty the King of Australasia, please allow me to express my high admiration to you.

You know, Türkiye was also once a great country like Australasia. However, due to the decadent rule of the Ottoman Empire, the country suffered from weakness and ruin for hundreds of years.

Now that Turkey has established a new country, it is time to break away from the Ottoman past and reform Turkey into a new, great modern country.

As one of the most powerful countries in the world today, we all agree that Australasia is the best example to follow, and we want to gain Australasian support to help Turkey modernize and become a member of the great European family . "

Arthur was noncommittal about the implicit praise in Ali Yustafa Yusuf's words. He also understood that Turkey's current intentions were very big. Kemal's purpose was definitely not just to remove the influence of the Ottoman Empire.

Judging from the size and population of Turkey, a Turkish Republic that has successfully reformed has a good chance of becoming one of the great powers.

After all, the Ottoman Empire was also a great power. However, because of the decadent rule of the Ottoman Empire for hundreds of years, the super empire that once spanned Europe, Asia and Africa was nicknamed the Sick Man of West Asia (Sick Man of Europe) by Europeans.

"But Australasia is not the most powerful one. There are many European powers close to Turkey. Vice President Ali, can I ask why you chose Australasia?" Regarding the Turkish requirements, Arthur He didn't speak directly, but changed the topic and asked with a smile.

"You know, Your Majesty. We had conflicts with Britain and France in previous wars, which prevented us from learning from Europe. Although there are still the United States and your country to choose from, the behavior of the United States is obviously not a good country. , this is also the reason why we chose your country.

We believe that powerful Australasia has much to learn from. Your country is a superpower that is not inferior to any other country and is also an example for us to learn from. "Ali Eustafa Yusuf was not surprised at all when he heard Arthur's question and replied.

"Perhaps you don't know that a few days ago, we reached a cooperation with Finland and loaned them a large amount of funds. I am happy to cooperate with your country, but as you know, Australasia's funds are We are limited and cannot continue to help you on the premise of helping Finland. "Although we understand why the Turks chose Australasia, this does not mean that Arthur will immediately agree to the Turks' request.

The most fundamental relationship between countries is interests, and it is impossible for Arthur to abandon the interests of Australasia to help Turkey develop.

Simply put, it is impossible for the Turks to gain the support of Australasia without cutting some flesh.

This also applies to other countries. No great power will help other countries in vain unless it is for its own strategic purposes.

For example, Britain helped European countries before in order to implement its own continental balance policy and find an opponent for the then European hegemon.

In addition, the British successively supported island countries and Australasia in the Pacific, also to achieve their own strategic goals.

Even if Australasia supports Russia, Finland and the Philippines, isn't it for its own purposes?

In this era of the survival of the fittest, it has become a routine for powerful countries to exploit small countries. If a country wants to gain support from other countries, it must first pay something.

Ali Yustafa Yusuf naturally understands this, but he also knows the importance of fighting for Turkey's interests.

After thinking for a while, Ali Yustafa Yusuf said: "Your Majesty, the King of Australasia, we come with sincerity. If your country is willing to support us, we can sign a 20-year peace trade order with your country.

In addition, we are willing to become an ally and friend of Australasia, learn more about Australasia's advanced level and technology, and establish close ties with Australasia.

We can sign a treaty, and Turkey can also help your country better rule the Persian Gulf territory."

Arthur smiled and shook his head, denying the conditions proposed by Ali Yustafa Yusuf.

Turkey paid almost nothing in such conditions, but it can get strong support from Australasia. Isn't this just a free gift?

Let's not talk about whether the so-called closer cooperation is true. Even if Turkey and Australasia signed a treaty, how can a powerful country be bound by a treaty?

As we all know, the biggest role of signing a treaty is to tear it up. European countries have done too much in this regard, and there are too many examples to list in a day.

If Arthur was fooled by the Turkish verbal promise, it would prove that Arthur's 20 years of rule were in vain, and his political and diplomatic experience did not grow at all.

As for the Turkish help Australasia to better control the Persian Gulf territory, there is no need for this, and Australasia does not need it at all.

First of all, there are not many indigenous people in the Persian Gulf territory of Australasia, so it is relatively simple to control.

What's more, there are only indigenous people around except British colonies. Australasia has a good relationship with the British, so there is no need to worry about the threat from the British.

As for those indigenous people, it is good enough for Australasia not to look for trouble with them. After all, the weapons and equipment of the two divisions stationed in the Persian Gulf territory are not in vain, and the powerful firepower is enough to make those indigenous people despair.

"Vice President Ali, if your country is really sincere, I hope to offer some attractive conditions." Arthur smiled and interrupted Ali Yustafa Yusuf who was about to speak, and said bluntly.

Under the premise of not attracting Australasia, it is almost impossible for the Turks to get help from Australasia.

Vice President Ali seemed to understand this, and after thinking for a while, he said: "Your Majesty, if your country is willing to express support for Turkey, we can provide the mining rights of some domestic minerals and the mortgage of some gold mines.

After the reform, we still have a railway construction plan, which can also be handed over to your country to undertake, allowing your country to have the right to collect railway fees within 30 years.

Your Majesty, we come with sincerity, please give Turkey a chance, all Turks are very grateful for your help."

Hearing that the Turks began to put forward real conditions, Arthur nodded and set a tone: "If this is the case, then I think there is a possibility of cooperation between us. However, the specific matters are the responsibility of the government. You can go to Minister Dazer and Prime Minister Roger to discuss. I believe they will not refuse to have one more friend."

After confirming that Turkey really cut its meat, Arthur shifted the focus of the negotiations to the government.

It is impossible for Arthur to negotiate in person. This kind of work of competing for interests should be left to the government. After all, these officials can wipe off their face.

All Arthur has to do is set a tone, such as the approximate needs of Australasia in this negotiation, and the extent of support for Turkey, etc.

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