Chapter 1629 Contact

When it comes to overseas interests, the United States and Britain are the main encroachers on Spain's overseas interests, especially the United States. The Spanish-American War in the late 19th century was a key war that led to the collapse of the Spanish colonial empire.

The loss of colonies such as Cuba and the Philippines meant that Spain had basically lost all of its overseas colonies with significant economic value.

…

The Canary Islands are a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean next to Morocco, only more than 100 kilometers away from the coast of Morocco and across the sea from Morocco. It is also Spanish territory, but more than 1,000 kilometers away from the mainland.

In other words, East Africa is closer to the Canary Islands than to Spain. Of course, the East Africa here mainly refers to the Dakhla Bay military base that East Africa previously purchased from Spain.

Although Dakhla is not a mainland East African territory, it is a clear overseas territory of East Africa, not a colony. Its nature is similar to that of the Lan Fang overseas province. Of course, Dakhla is mainly used for military purposes.

From Dakhla, it only takes more than 700 kilometers to reach the Canary Islands.

On May 2, 1936, an East African merchant ship passed through Dakhla and finally arrived in the Canary Islands, which did not attract people's attention.

Like Cape Verde, the Canary Islands are an important "transit station" between America, Africa and Europe, and the Canary Islands are also a military outpost of Europe.

In the past, the Canary Islands were an outpost for NATO and Spain to monitor the Atlantic sea lanes during the Cold War.

This channel has extremely high strategic, military, economic, and energy value. Strategically, the Canary Islands is one of the core hubs of the Atlantic Ocean. It is an important route for Europe to travel to Africa and America.

In 1492, during his first voyage to America, Columbus stopped and resupplied at La Gomera in the Canary Islands, which became an important outpost for his transoceanic voyage.

In the military field, occupying the Canary Islands can monitor maritime military activities between America, Africa and Europe, and use it as a springboard to reach hot spots in the three places.

Economically, many merchant ships heading from South America, the Caribbean, and Africa to Europe pass through here, bringing relatively considerable economic benefits to the Canary Islands.

As for the energy sector, the Atlantic sea route where the Canary Islands are located in the past was one of the important ways for Europe to obtain overseas energy. For example, a lot of oil from Nigeria and Angola was sold to Europe.

In addition, as the southwestern border of Spain and the European Union in the past, the Canary Islands is one of the main sea routes for African immigrants to Europe.

The fluctuation of immigration waves has made it a focal area for the implementation of EU border control and refugee policies. Many South American and African immigrants who smuggle into Europe choose to transit through the Canary Islands.

In short, the location of the Canary Islands is very important. Many merchant ships from the west coast of East Africa pass through here on their way to Europe, so it is not uncommon for East African merchant ships to dock in the Canary Islands.

However, this time, an important person came on board the East African merchant ship Cortler that docked at the Canary Islands, namely the East African secret envoy Tajian.

"The Canary Islands are truly the pearl of the North Atlantic. The scenery here is much better than Dakhla. It would have been even better if our navy had captured this place!"

Standing on the dock of Tenerife Port, Tajian sighed, "This small Spanish city of Tenerife has exceptionally beautiful scenery. Behind it is a towering and magnificent volcano, to the east is the Atlantic Ocean, and in the distance you can see the other islands of the Canary Islands."

Due to the influence of the ocean, the climate of the Canary Islands is very mild and diverse. The entire archipelago is like spring all year round, which is somewhat similar to the Mediterranean coastal areas. This is rare. After all, Morocco and Western Sahara, 100 kilometers to the east, are mainly desert terrain due to the lack of precipitation.

Tajian's assistant, William, said, "Sir, although it's very close to Morocco, the Canary Islands have a very favorable climate and the Spanish have developed it well. This is the best window for East Africa to understand Spanish culture."

"As far as I know, the Canary Islands are known as the 'miniature continent'. They have beaches, oceans, mountains, and forests. The landscape is very diverse. If possible, it is a great place for retirement and vacation."

Tajian smiled and said, "The Canary Islands are indeed a suitable place for retirement. The person we are going to meet this time was exiled here by the Spanish government to 'retire'."

"Although the environment in the Canary Islands is very good, it is very far from the Spanish mainland, so the Spanish government will send some political criminals or unwelcome people here."

Since the 15th century, the Canary Islands have been one of Spain's famous penal colonies. The Spanish government would exile criminals, political prisoners and dissidents from the Iberian Peninsula to this place, or pass through here and be exiled to distant South America.

However, today, the environment in the Canary Islands is obviously much better. Putting prisoners in this place is not a punishment, but a welfare.

Thanks to the development of the Canary Islands themselves and the development of South America and Africa, the economic value of the Canary Islands has been further explored. Instead, many Spaniards are rushing to work and live here.

Especially for the current Spaniards, the Canary Islands are simply a "paradise". The Spanish mainland is not a livable place because of political struggles, various chaos and economic decline.

William said, "Sir, although the Canary Islands is a very nice place, I think the person we are going to visit next will be very reluctant to stay here. After all, his future lies in mainland Spain, and it is impossible for him to realize his ambitions and aspirations in the Canary Islands."

Tajian nodded and said, "For ambitious people, the Canary Islands, no matter how beautiful and peaceful they are, are just a cage. However, I wonder if Franco is such a person."

The person that Tajian wanted to visit and contact was none other than Franco, the famous Spanish politician in his previous life. However, there was no doubt that Tajian did not know much about this Spanish politician who was not "very famous" now.

When people say that Franco is not famous, this is only true for ordinary people. He himself still has some reputation in the Spanish government and military.

To East Africans, Franco was just an important figure in the Spanish Nationalist Party, not to mention that the Republicans were now in power in Spain.

At the same time, Spain itself is not very eye-catching. As a world power in East Africa, there are too many countries to keep an eye on, including Britain, the United States, Germany, the Soviet Union, etc. For a Spanish "opposition party" or a military figure to understand something, it naturally takes some effort.

Even so, East Africa did not obtain much intelligence about Franco. Tajian only knew that this man was now one of the main leaders of the National Party, but he could not easily draw conclusions about his personality and values.

William said, "From the limited intelligence we have, Franco is a rather contradictory person. He only has a certain influence within the Nationalists, and he is mainly active in the military. Unlike those politicians who appear more frequently in Spain, he is not as prominent."

Tajian said, "Whether this man is a dragon or a tiger, we'll know the answer once we meet him. Now let's go and see these hidden dragons of Spain!"

Tenerife is not very big, just the size of a small town, and Franco's residence is easy to find because Franco is now the supreme military commander of the Canary Islands.

Tajian and his assistant were easily received by Franco because Franco usually didn't have much to do here.

Although the strategic value of the Canary Islands is very prominent, not many countries are interested in it, so the garrison here is relatively relaxed.

At this time, Franco was sitting in his office, wiping his pistol and waiting for the two men to arrive.

"Hello, General Franco, it seems that you are having a good time in the Canary Islands?" Tajian said directly after coming in.

Franco glanced at the visitor and asked with narrowed eyes, "It seems that Mr. Tajian is not an ordinary person. I thought you were just an ordinary businessman looking for me!"

As secret envoys, Tajian and his assistant did come here as East African merchants, so Franco had previously thought that the two were seeking help from him. Now, as soon as Tajian opened his mouth, Franco felt that "they had bad intentions."

The Tajian envoy was quite relaxed. He said to Franco, "General, you have a keen eye. I am not a so-called businessman."

Franco asked slowly, "Who are you, what is your purpose in coming here, and why are you looking for me?"

In fact, through Tajian's identity as an East African "merchant" and his Spanish with an East African accent, Franco already had some guesses in his mind.

East Africans are very common in the Canary Islands, so Franco, who has lived here for some time, can easily tell the difference between East Africans and South Americans.

Why South Americans? This is also a rather interesting topic, because people from some South American countries look almost the same as East Africans. The most typical examples are Paraguayans and Bolivians.

The Spanish descendants of South Americans have more or less yellow race characteristics because of their mixed blood with Indians.

Therefore, for some South American countries, it is difficult to completely distinguish them from East Africans in terms of appearance. Of course, East Africans also have some more special characteristics, such as their clothing, accent, and mental outlook, which are obviously much more prominent than those of South American countries.

After all, East Africa is one of the few superpowers in the world, and the quality of life is relatively high, so East Africans overseas have a sense of superiority. Tajian and his assistant William clearly exude this sense of superiority and are quite dignified.

Tajian leaned back on the sofa calmly and said, "General, there's no need to guess. I'm indeed contacting you on behalf of the Empire this time."

"As for why we want to meet with you, it's because we have high hopes for you as a person, not for the faction behind you."

Hearing Tajian's direct disclosure of his identity, Franco sat up a little straighter. He looked at Tajian and asked, "Mr. Tajian, when you say the imperial government, do you mean the East African government?"

Even though Tajian had already pointed out the identity, Franco still wanted to confirm it again. After all, from the 19th to the 20th century, there were indeed many clever con men who disguised themselves as bigwigs to seek benefits.

For Franco, a very cautious person, he had to be even more careful about these details. After all, what he was going to do was inherently risky, and one careless move could lead to eternal damnation.

Tajian nodded and said, "Of course. I'm here on behalf of the East African government, and I've been personally sent by Crown Prince Friedrich to contact you."

Franco's heartbeat was beating faster, but his expression remained calm: "Is there any evidence?"

Tajian gestured, and then William took out two identification documents and a letter from his briefcase and handed them to Franco's desk.

Franco took these things and examined them carefully. The clear official seals and fine workmanship on them made it almost certain that these two people were official figures in East Africa.

Then he looked at the letter again and asked, "Can I open this letter?"

Tajian said, "Of course, but General Franco, after you read it, please destroy it."

Franco nodded and agreed to Tajian's request. He opened the letter and read it. The letter was actually written by Crown Prince Friedrich himself. It expressed his intention to cooperate with Franco and authorized Tajian to negotiate and communicate with Franco on relevant matters.

After reading the contents of the letter, Franco burned it with a lighter under the watchful eyes of Tajian and the other man.

He sat back on the sofa and said, "Mr. Tajian, what is your purpose in interfering in our Spanish affairs this time?"

Tajian said with a smile: "General Franco is worrying too much. We in East Africa have no bad thoughts towards Spain."

"After all, historically, the relationship between East Africa and Spain has always been good. As for why we seek cooperation with you, you can view it as an investment. After all, compared to the Labour Party, the Nationalists themselves are more worthy of the Empire's trust."

"As an important figure in the National Party, we in East Africa are even more optimistic about your potential to become the leader of Spain. Therefore, it is better to establish good relations with you in advance and lay a solid foundation for the future development of relations between Spain and East Africa."

Franco asked, "Is that why you think so highly of me and not others?"

Tajian explained, "The reason is simple. Given the current situation in Spain, almost everyone knows that a war is inevitable. In the next war, whoever performs better will rise faster."

"The Empire is very optimistic about your military talents. We believe that General Franco, as the former Spanish Chief of Staff and with great influence in the elite African Legion, your chances of success in the war are over 80%."

"If there is also external support, the probability of General Franco eventually ascending the throne of Spain is also very high."

After hearing this, Franco basically confirmed that the East Africans were interested in his influence in the army, including, of course, Franco's military talents. Franco himself was also convinced that he would be able to unite the military forces controlled by the Nationalists in the future.

(End of this chapter)