Chapter 404: The world where the strong prey on the weak (first update, please subscribe)
How to fundamentally ensure peace in the La Plata River Basin!
Although Zuo Zongtang did not say it so directly, Count Joseph Parajos, a veteran diplomat, understood the meaning of his words in an instant.
What peace does he mean?
It is not peace at all, but a potential fuse for war.
There are four countries in the La Plata River Basin, two large countries, Brazil and Argentina, and two small countries, Paraguay and Uruguay. All the problems here, on the surface, are between the four countries, but in fact, they are problems between the two large countries, Brazil and Argentina. As for Paraguay and Uruguay, Paraguay could still jump around in the past, but now? It's all over. And Uruguay has always been supported by Brazil.
International politics has been like this for hundreds of years and is essentially still a political game among major powers.
"We have all seen the damage the Paraguayan War has brought to the people. The five-year war destroyed Paraguay's economy and claimed the lives of two-thirds of the country's population. The entire country has become a ruin, leaving only a group of orphans and widows. The war also claimed the lives of nearly 100,000 Brazilian soldiers. We believe that for the future of the La Plata River Basin and for the friendship between South China and Brazil, we must fundamentally solve this problem and prevent the entire continent from sinking into a chaotic war. What do you think, Your Excellency?"
After saying these compassionate words, Zuo Zongtang picked up his cigar again, took a puff, and waited for the other party's answer.
"Um……"
Count Joseph Parajos groaned calmly.
What is for peace?
What is to avoid war?
All excuses!
What price did the other party offer?
Turning all the problems into those between Brazil and South China directly excludes Paraguay and Uruguay. How to exclude them?
Need I ask?
Of course it was directly annexed!
In the past, there had been no wars of annexation between countries in South America, but South China had already set a precedent - it annexed Argentina!
Now it's your turn!
While smoking a cigar, Zuo Zongtang thought silently:
"Faced with such bait, can you still resist?"
The thought of bringing Brazil into the picture brought him a sense of relief, and he was convinced that a treaty could be reached.
In fact, from the beginning of the negotiations, both sides knew that the other side hoped to resolve the issue through negotiations. The Brazilians had exhausted their wealth in the Paraguayan War, while the South China wanted to digest the occupied land as soon as possible.
According to the Marshal, not to mention Argentina, even Chile has not digested it yet!
If you eat any more, you’ll die of overeating!
However, considering the future expansion of territory, it is always very pleasant. So it is very pleasant because: in these negotiations, South China will get what South China needs. Not only in the present, but also in the future!
"There is a tradition in Europe where Britain and France, and of course Russia and Austria-Hungary, would negotiate to demarcate their spheres of influence for the sake of lasting peace."
Count Joseph Parajos continued to test.
"That's right. Time and again, wars have made us bleed. Now this moment has come. Now we have to determine our own interests. According to our intentions,
He emphasized the words "our side".
"Our problems may have been caused by Paraguay as well as Uruguay, and we are bound to have some misunderstandings because of them in the future. We want to hear what Brazil is going to do and how to fundamentally avoid misunderstandings from happening again,"
Zuo Zongtang paused slightly, followed by a long pause, and now it was Brazil's turn.
However, Count Jose Parajos was a little surprised. In fact, when he came here, Brazil's upper limit was - the two countries divide Paraguay, and the bottom line was to force Paraguay to cede the territory of the disputed area in accordance with the terms of the treaty.
But now Nanhua has directly put forward a new condition - to eliminate the two small countries of Paraguay and Uruguay, which also serve as a buffer between them.
This is simply... unexpected!
But I have to say, it’s quite tempting!
Divide Paraguay and Uruguay together!
This is definitely a good thing for Brazil! In fact, Brazil had invaded Uruguay almost half a century ago. But in the end, their invasion was thwarted due to the resistance of the Uruguayans and the assistance of the Argentines to Uruguay.
The conditions offered by South China now really hit the spot for the Brazilians, and they have been coveted by Uruguay for a long time.
Besides, there is one more Paraguay. Even if they just divide it together, it’s an extra bite of meat. Who would refuse that?
After a moment's silence, Count Joseph Parajos spoke in a meaningful tone.
"They exist as a buffer between the two countries. Any unilateral action against them by either side will be opposed by the other side."
The reason why they were defeated in Uruguay was ultimately because of Argentina's opposition. This has always been the situation in the La Plata River Basin. Either side opposes the other side's changes to the situation.
"That's in the past!"
Zuo Tangtang continued:
"We do not think there is any need for a buffer now. We believe that we can resolve our differences with Brazil through negotiations. Therefore, no matter what actions Brazil takes in Uruguay, we support it..."
"Uruguay?"
Count Joseph Parajos unexpectedly interrupted Zuo Zongtang's words, his tone sounding a little anxious.
“And what about Paraguay?”
"That's our problem!"
Zuo Zongtang's answer made Jose Parajos raise his eyebrows slightly in astonishment, as if to ask, "Don't you watch the news?" In order to defeat that madman in Paraguay, Brazil spent hundreds of millions of military expenses, and nearly 100,000 people died. Even though most of those people were black, people died anyway!
Don't you guys understand reason?
"Your Excellency should know that Brazil spent 614 million reales in Paraguay, incurred an additional foreign debt of more than 56 million pounds, and lost nearly 100,000 soldiers in the war! We paid such a heavy price, how can Paraguay become your problem?"
Fighting a war... it costs so much!
There is actually no need to change to silver dollars. In the entire Americas, everyone used the silver peso which originated from Spain. When it arrived in Brazil, it became the "rial", and when it arrived in South China, it became the "yuan". The same is true in the United States.
614 million riyals, equivalent to more than 400 million taels of silver!
Coupled with the loss of 100,000 people and such a heavy price to pay, the Brazilians will definitely not sit idly by and watch South China take over Paraguay alone.
Even if it has to be divided, it should be divided together, with everyone coming together.
"Sir, although Paraguay is our problem, we do not object to your negotiation with the Paraguayan government for compensation and for ceding territory not exceeding that agreed in the Tripartite Treaty!"
Zuo Zhongtang smiled and took out his conditions.
"What?"
Count Joseph Parajos looked at Zuo Zongtang with doubt.
Aren't they going to annex Paraguay?
What does this mean?
"Please believe that we are sincere about peaceful coexistence with Brazil. We support your demands on Paraguay and respect your right to freedom of movement in Uruguay. Of course, in return, you should also support our right to freedom of movement in Paraguay."
puppet!
All they want is to install a puppet regime in Paraguay that is loyal to them, just like what Brazil is doing there now.
The so-called free action is actually a disguised form of occupation.
With a cigar between his fingers, Zuo Zongtang said,
"If we can reach this historic treaty, both South China and Brazil will benefit. This region will surely maintain long-term peace in the future, and our cooperation will surely bring benefits to our people. What do you think?"
I have set up a book club: 335260551. Everyone is welcome to join and discuss and deduce the plot together.
(End of this chapter)
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