Chapter 389: Nanhua is also a great power (third update, please subscribe)
So why do we have to avoid it?
Edward's voice seemed not loud, but it made Zuo Zongtang's heart beat faster!
What does this mean?
Did the British not only give up Argentina, but also Uruguay?
"I think that the relationship between Britain and South China should focus on the future, not just the past. London believes that the situation in the La Plata region and the adjustment of the border line have no direct relationship with London. We do not oppose any actions of South China in this region. Of course, we hope that you can fully take care of the interests of British expatriates here. At the same time, for the sake of our future friendship, I think we need to discuss some topics!"
Although Edward did not say it explicitly, the meaning of his words was clear - they were determined to sacrifice Uruguay!
In the game of international politics, the interests of weak countries have always been abandoned and sacrificed. In this regard, the British have an old tradition. For the interests of Britain, they can sacrifice any country at any time. It is normal to trade the territory and interests of weak countries.
Now, they have only sacrificed tiny Uruguay, a country few in London have probably heard of.
"Do you mean that Britain can accept Nanhua entering Uruguay?"
In response to Zuo Zongtang's question, Edward was silent for a moment, then strengthened his tone meaningfully and said.
"London believes that the situation in the La Plata region and the adjustment of the border line have no direct relationship with London. Therefore, your entry into Uruguay does not directly conflict with London's interests, and London will certainly not stop your actions."
When saying this, Edward couldn't help but mourn for Uruguay. Without the support of Britain, it is unknown how long Uruguay can exist.
South China's desire for expansion will drive them to attack Uruguay, and their war machine will destroy all who try to stand in their way.
What would Britain gain by sacrificing Uruguay?
"So is there anything I can do?"
Zuo Zongtang asked directly.
In the game of international politics, nothing comes without a price. The change in the British attitude must be because they have plans for South China.
"airship!"
Taking a puff of his cigar, Edward looked at Zuo Zongtang and said.
"Britain needs your airships. Of course, we will offer you a price that will satisfy you!"
Just as expected!
Zuo Zongtang couldn't help but sigh in his heart. In fact, when Edward came to Nanhua, Zhu Xianhai had already given him a telegram, telling him about the British plan - airship!
He was definitely surprised that the British would sell out Uruguay for an airship.
"Of course, in return, we support any action you take in the Rio de la Plata basin!"
Edward had a smile on his face and he looked at Zuo Zongtang and said.
"I believe that we can reach a consensus on this issue. If we do, both our countries will benefit. Don't you think it is natural that cooperation between Britain and South China will bring great benefits to our people in the future?"
When he said these words, Edward remembered the confidential instructions he had received from the Foreign Office in London. The contents of the instructions included the following point - at all costs, to stir up hostility among South American countries towards South China, and if necessary, to sacrifice some countries to stimulate South China's desire for expansion.
Desire for expansion!
Once Nanhua enjoys the food greedily like a gluttonous jackal, it will inevitably arouse the hostility of South American countries!
This is what Britain needs!
And now he is just throwing out the British license as a negotiating tool.
So Edward Thornton smiled again and looked at Zuo Zongtang, who had now opened his chips.
Exchange airship for license!
For Nanhua, this business is worth it!
"Um……"
Zuo Zongtang fell silent. He didn't say anything. He just moved his shoulders casually, picked up the cigar and took a puff. Then he put the cigar into the crystal glass ashtray, thought for a while, and said.
"The cooperation between Britain and South China will indeed bring extremely rich benefits to our people. The British market is also needed by South China, and our wheat and beef are also needed by Britain. I believe that in this regard, Britain is also happy to cooperate with South China..."
Zuo Zongtang said this while thinking,
"In the final analysis, there is no actual conflict of interest between South China and the UK. In this case, cooperation between us is justified."
In Edward Thornton's eyes, Zuo Zongtang's words were nothing but excuses. In fact, "secret diplomacy" was all about this: everyone would find a seemingly appropriate reason and then start negotiations. During the negotiations, the interests of some small countries would be directly sacrificed, or the fate of the small countries would be directly decided. "Secret diplomacy" has always been the patent of the strong.
As for the weak ones like Uruguay, they are the ones that will be sacrificed.
"I think,"
Zuo Zongtang said,
"We should sign a treaty, a treaty of friendly trade, what do you think, Mr. Ambassador?"
What kind of commercial trade treaty is this!
This is clearly a treaty that betrays Uruguay!
What is the biggest problem with “secret diplomacy”?
It's just a secret and it's just a verbal agreement. How can you convince the other party to believe it?
It is for this reason that they need a suitable excuse to sign the treaty, and in addition to the treaty, they must sign a secret treaty of additional agreement to stipulate the interests of both parties.
In other words, it is written in black and white so that neither party will regret the agreement. Of course, writing in black and white can also be a handle.
It is to give the other party a handle, and of course it is also to restrain each other's behavior.
But in this era, not every country is qualified to conduct this kind of secret diplomacy. Only the strong can become the protagonist of secret diplomacy.
And what about the weak?
Just like Uruguay. But it was just a sacrifice. In this era, it is so naked, there has never been any so-called international justice. As for the so-called Wan Guo Gong Fa, it is just a joke.
For the great powers, as long as they want, they can attack a weak country at any time, occupy their land and plunder their wealth, and this is why the great powers are called great powers.
Zuo Zhongtang was of course very aware of all of this. He learned this time and again during his inspections in Europe and the United States.
Now what?
Nanhua is finally qualified to stand on this stage and participate in the division...
Does this mean that South China has also become a great power?
(End of this chapter)
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