My Italian

In the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Depretis and Carlo are listening to Foreign Secretary Barcona describe the results of today's negotiations.

"It seems that there is no better way between France and Germany for the UK's decision to support us."

After Bakona finished speaking, Prime Minister Depretis spoke his judgment.

"Yes, Your Excellency. As long as the Dutch can't find the support of other countries, then they can't compete with our country at all, and they can only obey our country's conditions."

In the face of the Prime Minister's words, the Foreign Secretary spoke his own judgment.

At this time, Carlo, the king, couldn't help but ask. "So do you think France and Germany will provide enough protection to the Dutch?"

Facing Carlo's question, Bakona, the foreign minister, thought about it carefully and replied. "It's not impossible, but the chance is too low, because first of all, the relationship between the Netherlands and France is not particularly good, and France's strength in the Far East cannot prevent my country from taking Lanfang and other places unless France sends troops again, but this Time is too late. In addition, in Germany, although the Netherlands has a good relationship with it, my country is its ally no matter what, and Germany will not suppress its allies and help the Netherlands.”

Bacona's brief analysis reassured Carlo. As long as the Netherlands cannot get enough support from Germany and France, it will sooner or later succumb to the pressure from Italy.

When Carlo and the others were talking about the Netherlands, Becchio, the plenipotentiary representative of the Netherlands, was in the embassy watching a telegram just sent from Amsterdam.

"Damn it, this is not what I need, the help I need, the help from the country. This makes me look at the deal, what the **** is going on."

Although Beckio was complaining in his mouth, he knew in his heart that he had no choice but to handle it himself.

This made Bekio pessimistic about the negotiation in his heart. Originally, the Netherlands was not strong enough, so he could only bring in other countries to support the situation, but now the people who support the situation stand on the other side, which makes him not feel discouraged.

It's just that, knowing this, Bequio couldn't just surrender and admit defeat. No matter what, he still needs to work hard.

Thinking of this, Beckio opened the door and called the secretary. "Prepare the carriage, let's go to the French embassy."

That's right, Bequiao's first hope is France. The reason is very simple, that is, France has a certain strength in the South China Sea. In addition, in the previous Sino-French war, Italy swindled France. I believe that the French will be happy to add to Italy this time.

Sure enough, Becchio's idea was correct. He came to the French embassy and immediately met the French representative this time, its ambassador to Italy, Goodwin.

"Your Excellency Becchio, our government is very indignant about Italy's barbaric occupation of your territory."

Goodwin's words ignited a spark of hope in Beckio's heart.

"Thank you for your country's support to our country. I wonder if your country can give more support during the negotiation."

Facing Becchio's request, Goodwin nodded and replied. "This is no problem, our country will show its attitude."

Before Becchio was happy, Goodwin changed his words. "However, I am angered and bluntly say whether His Excellency Becchio is too persistent in placing his hopes on the support of our country and the Germans."

Hearing Goodwin's words, Beckio was a little puzzled. "What do you mean by Your Excellency?"

"I think your country needs to strengthen itself and let the Italians see your country's determination to defend the colonies."

Ambassador Goodwin's words gave Beckio a bad hunch, but to confirm, he continued to ask. "I don't know how to increase the power?"

"At present, Italy relies on the fleet in his hands, so your country needs some warships to strengthen its strength. It does not require to win the opponent, but it must be able to harass the opponent's supply line. In addition, your country's army in the colony also needs to strengthen its strength, If the ordnance is not enough, our country can sell part of it and get the goods directly from our colony in Indochina.”

Goodwin's words made Becchio a little moved, but he continued to ask. "If our country is in conflict with Italy, will your country be able to help?"

This is already very clear. Being able to help in a conflict will inevitably involve the intervention of military forces. And because he knew this was very important, Becchio stared at the French ambassador after speaking.

"Well..."

Facing Goodwin's inquiry, Goodwin couldn't answer, because he did not have this authorization from Paris.

Ambassador Goodwin's hesitant words dashed the hope in Bequiao's heart. He already knew the attitude of France.

He wanted the Netherlands to play a match with Italy, and then the French would take advantage of it. He saw through it at a glance.

After talking for a while, I felt that the French couldn't get the results they wanted, so Becchio quickly left the French embassy.

"Go to the German embassy."

As soon as he got into the carriage, Beckio urged the driver.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Obert is currently ill and needs to rest, so I can't see you."

The words of the German embassy staff made Beckio's heart sink to the bottom.

The ambassador was still alive and kicking in the morning, but in the afternoon he was so sick that he couldn't see guests?

Although he knew that the other party was an excuse, Becchio still held the attitude of giving it a try.

"I have a very urgent matter to find Lord Aubert."

"I'm sorry, Your Excellency Obote really can't be a director at the moment."

Disappointed, Beckio had to leave the German embassy.

In a hidden window on the second floor of the embassy, ​​the sick Lord Obote had a panoramic view of everything.

"Your Excellency, you really don't want to see him?"

The secretary beside him looked at the lost Dutch foreign minister and couldn't help but ask.

"Seeing what he is doing, can I change Berlin's decision at will? In that case, it's better to not see him, at least it can make both parties feel embarrassed."

When Aubert said this, he thought about it and continued. "By the way, in the next few days, on the grounds that I am sick and need to recuperate, I will push back all outings, including negotiations between Italy and Netherlands."

"Understood, Your Excellency."

Obert understands Berlin's decision very well. One is an ally and the other is a friendly country. It is difficult for Berlin to be in the middle. Being able to participate in the negotiations as a middleman is already the limit of what Germany can do.

In one case of evasion, and another under the circumstances, Becchio's visit ended in vain.

So in the next negotiation, Becchio, who was alone, was unable to resist the aggressive attitude of Italy. In the end, he could only accept Italy's blackmail, and the Dutch army withdrew from the Lanfang sphere of influence delimited by Italy.

The result of this negotiation was a big loss for the Netherlands. Not only did they lose Lanfang as a vassal, but the essence of Borneo was also seized by Italy.

Of course, this is a brilliant diplomatic victory for Italy. I finally have my first colony. (It's a shame, but I'm too embarrassed to call myself a great power)

And this is still a colony that has been developed for the most part. Faced with this kind of good thing, everyone in Italy is very satisfied.

Of course, this is not without sequelae. First of all, the Netherlands immediately decided to allocate 40 million guilders for the purchase of ships to strengthen its maritime power in the Far East. Another 5,000 troops were dispatched to their colonies in Southeast Asia.

Of course what the Dutch did had nothing to do with Italy, because they were busy carving up the interests of the colony.