Chapter 1285: France's Position (Second Update, Please Subscribe)
The intelligence was sent out by the Boers almost as soon as General Methuen led reinforcements to Kimberley.
Everything is going as planned!
However, only God knows who is behind this plan.
But one thing is certain: at the beginning of the war, the Boers who took the initiative to attack, relying on their superior military strength and excellent personal qualities, seized the initiative on the battlefield and inflicted heavy damage on the British in a short period of time.
Almost every day, battle reports from the front line would be sent from the Ming Empire's embassy in Pretoria to Zhongdu and delivered to the desk of Emperor Zhu as soon as possible.
It can even be said that Emperor Zhu was more concerned about the war in southern Africa than Queen Victoria of Britain.
When Emperor Zhu received the information that the Boers were attacking in three directions and using Kimberley to lure the British into attacking, he clapped his hands in delight.
"This is the right way to fight a war, right? We should surround the enemy and attack their reinforcements, turn passivity into initiative, and kill as many of the British's manpower as possible..."
While sighing, Emperor Zhu couldn't help but think that in another world, the Boers seemed to have adopted an active offensive strategy, but they cared too much about the seaport. Now the seaport is dispensable to them. With the empire behind them, what else do they have to worry about?
Perhaps it would be possible to deal a devastating blow to the British army at the beginning of the war, but to force Britain to withdraw from the war... this is almost impossible.
"The British Empire has already taken first blood..."
In addition to sighing, Emperor Zhu was in a proud mood. In addition to being proud, he talked to himself.
"The first step has been taken. Next, it is time to show the world the image of a responsible great power..."
Zhongdu is still as colorful as before. Flowers are in full bloom, and the air is filled with rich fragrance under the breeze.
It was at this time that the French Foreign Minister Emile arrived in Zhongdu by airship. He was invited to visit. As soon as he got off the airship, the French Foreign Minister was surrounded by reporters.
"Minister, sir, may I ask what is the position of the French Empire in the South African War?"
"Sir, may I ask what position the French Empire holds in the South African War..."
…
What people seem to be concerned about is still the war in South Africa. At this time, the French Foreign Minister visited. Facing reporters' questions, Emile said seriously.
"In this conflict, our position is consistent... We call on the UK and South Africa to return to the negotiating table and end the dispute between the two countries through negotiations. We believe that although a big country is big, it should not bully the weak..."
What he said were all diplomatic rhetoric. For Britain, this was a powerless protest, and for small countries, this was powerless support. Then, Emir changed the subject and spoke again.
"Out of humanitarian considerations, France will work with the Ming Empire to set up refugee camps in the border area between the Ming Empire's Bechuanaland Special District and the Republic of South Africa. The French Red Cross will work with the Ming Empire Charity Federation and the Red Swastika Society to provide refugees with all possible assistance - we believe that every life in war is worth saving."
This is also the image of a responsible major country!
It can be said that the French also know how to play the image card. Of course, this card was played together with the Ming Dynasty. As early as the day after the Republic of South Africa declared war on the British Empire, the Ming Dynasty opened the border of the Bechuanaland Special District to allow refugees to enter for asylum. It also set up refugee camps as soon as possible, provided tents to the refugees, and began to build simple wooden houses.
In a word, they regarded refugees as their relatives. Of course, these refugees were limited to the Boers. As for their black servants, they were not included in the scope...
Now France is just participating in it. Of course, in the eyes of the whole world, this kind of French statement is a typical French characteristic - as long as it can disgust Britain and cause trouble for Britain, they will definitely not mind. This is the usual character of the Gallic rooster.
Even this visit, in the eyes of the outside world, is also the usual style of the Gallic rooster - just to make trouble for the UK. No matter what the two countries talk about, it will always make the British worry. Of course, this is not the main purpose of this meeting.
The Emir and the French diplomatic mission were accommodated at the famous Peace Hotel. The empire attached great importance to the visit of the French Foreign Minister and made careful plans.
"My old friend, when I left Paris, I had just received an order from His Majesty that although Britain was determined to solve the Boer problem by force, under the current circumstances, France could do nothing but give the latter moral support."
At the very beginning of the talks, the Emir made his position clear.
Why does France have this attitude?
Because until now, the secret only exists among the royal families of the two countries. Before the time is right, neither Emperor Zhu the Great nor Napoleon V will leak the secret.
"Of course, our support to South Africa is moral support. Of course, this moral support is not limited to blankets and food."
Zhuge Jun said calmly, without a trace of disappointment on his face.
"Of course, France has always believed that the Boers... or South Africa is an independent country with complete sovereignty. It is precisely because of this that we have reason to coordinate diplomatically and give them a certain moral support."
Emile flashed a cunning look and answered the question irrelevantly.
But everyone can understand what he meant. In a word, they will not provide direct support, but they do not rule out material support.
A typical French characteristic - having the will but not the courage. Of course, this was definitely not the decision made by Napoleon V, but the decision made by the French top leaders.
"Of course, of course, we will all support them morally."
Zhuge Jun had already known the result. They would make money in this war through arms smuggling and other means, just like the Ming Dynasty.
For the French, nothing makes them happier than to make trouble for the British. In fact, in Dali, except for Britain's allies, the whole world has this attitude in Britain.
However, although everyone has this attitude, no one will take the initiative to challenge Britain. At least no country is willing to risk going to war to offend Britain.
Emile nodded slightly and smiled without saying anything.
"So this is France's commitment on the issue of South Africa?"
After thinking about it, Zhuge Jun said.
"Yes, we believe that the Boers are members of the civilized world after all. If the war continues, France, as a great power, requires Britain to abide by humanitarianism. Of course, our two countries should also reach an agreement on certain issues."
"Of course, this is also one of the reasons why I am visiting the Empire this time. Besides that, what else? According to the instructions of His Majesty the Emperor, we will cooperate with the Empire in more areas."
This is the real purpose of Emir's visit. The Ming Empire will carry out all-round cooperation with France, and this cooperation is of course also for preparation for war.
However, all this is unknown. Even if they knew, all they knew was that France imported a lot of good goods from the Ming Empire.
(End of this chapter)
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