Chapter 88: A Headache-Inducing Negotiation (Please Subscribe!)

Whether the Moroccan government would seek aid from the British government was a question the Spanish government had long since considered.

Considering the previous war between Spain and Morocco, this was 100% certain to happen; it was merely a matter of time.

However, there would inevitably be a delay between the British government receiving the news and contacting the Spanish government to mediate.

What Primo needed to do was to create as great a military success as possible during this window, using it as a pretext to demand more land and reparations from Morocco.

As long as Spain achieved a significant advantage in this war, even the British would be unable to make Spain return empty-handed.

The person leading the Spanish army in the war against Morocco was none other than the current Minister of Defense, Grand Duke Serrano. Knowing that the invasion of Morocco was a war that could not be lost, Gao Da also inserted Andrew and Kaman into this conflict, hoping they could earn some merit.

Andrew and Kaman both possessed sufficient ability; what they currently lacked was the experience and seniority to command an army.

Spain rarely had opportunities to participate in wars, so Gao Da naturally could not let such a "large-scale" war involving tens of thousands of troops pass by.

Fortunately, the suppression of the rebellion in Cuba had already proven the two men's capabilities, and Serrano, who appreciated their military talents, agreed without hesitation to Gao Da's proposal to insert them into the army fighting in Morocco.

Come to think of it, the status and standing of Andrew and Kaman were already quite high.

In terms of nobility, they were newly created barons.

Although such baronial titles were more honorary in nature, they were hereditary noble titles recognized by the Kingdom of Spain, which was definitely an elevation in status compared to commoners.

As for their military rank, both had been promoted to the level of major. Although each commanded only one battalion, considering the overall size of the Spanish army was not large, a battalion commander was already considered mid-to-high level.

Furthermore, considering they were in their early twenties, they were definitely two of the most promising rising stars among the upper echelons of the Spanish military.

After this war with Morocco ended, Gao Da did not intend to promote them exceptionally again. It was time for them to settle down in the army and accumulate seniority before climbing further.

The morning of September 29, 1870, inside the Madrid Royal Palace.

Watching Prime Minister Primo walk into the office with a smile on his face, Gao Da knew that the Spanish army's performance in Morocco was quite good.

"How is the war situation? Any good news?" Gao Da asked.

"Your Majesty, our troops have already reached Hassan and Wadilao in the south of Tetouan, and the army is splitting into two routes, advancing toward Tangier and Larache. If all goes well, the victory report should arrive tomorrow or the day after." Prime Minister Primo was radiant; the results achieved by the Spanish army seemed to have made him several years younger.

"How is the situation on the southern front? Before the British intervene in the war, can we complete our planned strategic objectives?" Gao Da continued to ask.

The Spanish government had prepared for both eventualities. Even if the land occupied in the north eventually had to be returned to the Moroccan government, the coastline occupied in the south would be enough to ensure Spain did not lose out.

If one added the reparations from the Moroccan government and the series of treaties signed, this colonial operation by Spain was definitely profitable.

"The offensive on the southern front is also going smoothly; we have already captured Miglif and Teraint." Primo's words were filled with mockery toward the Moroccans, and he laughed, saying: "When our troops arrived at Miglif, the Moroccans were still fast asleep.

Their army was vulnerable before our troops; if things go smoothly, our army should be able to launch an attack on Agadir within three days."

In this era, the gap in comprehensive strength between African countries and European countries was too vast, which also led Europeans to generally look down upon Africans.

Of course, besides the gap in strength, the difference in skin color was also a reason why Europeans looked down upon Africans.

Although Morocco was a white nation, due to its geographical location and religious beliefs, it was also viewed as an indigenous African entity and a target for colonization by European nations.

Hearing Primo's report, Gao Da nodded, feeling quite satisfied with the progress of this war.

The current war against Morocco was fundamentally not a loss, which was the reason Gao Da did not stop it.

Even if they could not acquire too much land, the Moroccan reparations were enough for Spain to offset the war expenses while still having funds left over for domestic industrial construction.

Viewed in this light, Morocco was more like a large blood bag; the Spanish government could come and suck a few mouthfuls of blood whenever it was short on money, and in any case, no one cared whether the Moroccans lived or died.

Four hours after the Spanish army declared war on the Moroccan government, the British government finally received the news.

The British Prime Minister at this time was William Ewart Gladstone, who would later be hailed as one of the greatest prime ministers in British history.

However, Prime Minister Gladstone had only been in office for two years at this time, and the reforms and decrees he pushed had not yet achieved corresponding results; he was just one of many ordinary politicians who had ascended to the prime ministerial throne.

Yet, the British Prime Minister at this time had an advantage compared to other European countries: the Prime Minister's own power was quite vast, making them the head of state in the true sense.

Although Queen Victoria was still at the top, she rarely appeared in public after the death of her husband, Prince Albert.

For the British government, this was actually a good thing; a queen who did not interfere much in political affairs was the kind of ruler all prime ministers wanted.

Upon learning of Spain's invasion of Morocco, British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone immediately convened a cabinet meeting to discuss solutions for the Moroccan war.

In fact, it was not so much discussing solutions, because for the British, there was only one solution: to force Spain not to demand land near Tetouan, preventing the expansion of Spanish influence in northern Morocco.

But the Spanish government at this time was somewhat different from the Spanish government of ten years ago.

The Spanish government of ten years ago had no allies, and the domestic situation was quite chaotic, so it naturally could not withstand the pressure from the British government.

But the current Spanish government had already resolved its domestic troubles, and the Spanish royal family and the Italian royal family came from the same family, which made a union between Spain and Italy possible.

Moreover, the Germans had recently defeated the French, making the situation in this region even more chaotic than it was ten years ago.

"Gentlemen, let's hear your thoughts. How should we handle the war between Spain and Morocco, and how can we prevent the Spanish from having a larger sphere of influence across from Gibraltar?" Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone asked first.

"Mr. Prime Minister, I believe we should not yield regarding the potential threat to Gibraltar." The British Colonial Secretary stood up first and put forward his opinion: "

Gibraltar concerns our control of the Mediterranean; we must never let Gibraltar return to the embrace of Spain."

"No, sir, this might make the situation in the Western Mediterranean even worse." Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower also stood up and proposed a completely different opinion.

"The defeat of the French, the unification of Italy, and the reforms in Spain are all affecting the situation in the Western Mediterranean, and we must also consider the balance of the Western Mediterranean as a whole.

If we blindly suppress Spain, will it deepen the hatred between us and Spain?

Of course, a small Spain naturally cannot affect us. But what if Spain chooses to join the embrace of Germany?

Gentlemen, when the Germans form an alliance with Italy and Spain, who will call the shots in the Western Mediterranean?

Do not forget, we are still facing challenges from the Russians in Central Asia; blindly suppressing the Spanish is not a good thing, and it might make the situation we face even worse."

"Lord George, do you mean we should let Spain colonize and occupy Morocco? My God, how could you have such a crazy idea?

When the Spanish fully occupy Morocco, are you sure they won't have ideas about Gibraltar?

Damn it, if Gibraltar is re-occupied by the Spanish, we will completely lose control of the Mediterranean." The Colonial Secretary again raised an objection, revealing his radical attitude.

"No, sir, we naturally cannot do nothing." Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower explained with a smile: "Since Spain wants colonies, let them take them.

Isn't there a vast amount of land in southern Morocco? Let them go take it themselves. We have only one demand: that the Spanish must not demand land in northern Morocco.

If the Spanish are unwilling to give up the land in northern Morocco, it proves they still have thoughts of reclaiming Gibraltar, which means the Spanish are destined to be our enemies.

But if the Spanish are willing to give up the land in northern Morocco, it proves that the Spanish are at least sensible, and perhaps we can also use Spain to achieve our goals."

Hearing the complete explanation from Granville George Leveson-Gower, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone nodded, quite satisfied, and said: "In that case, the matter of contacting the Spanish government is left to you, Minister George.

If the Spanish are sensible, that is of course best, but if the Spanish are unwilling to give up the land in northern Morocco, we will have no choice but to have our Royal Navy make a trip to the Mediterranean."

The British Empire was the most powerful country in the world at this time and possessed the most powerful navy in the world, which was the reason why all British officials, including Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, had such great confidence.

Never mind a small Spain; even if the navies of Spain and Italy were combined, they would still be no match for the Royal Navy.

In terms of naval power, the British at this time truly had no rivals and could look down upon all countries in the world.

Minister Granville George Leveson-Gower nodded and accepted the task deployed by the Prime Minister.

For a skilled diplomat like him, threatening a non-great power like Spain was a simple task.

On the afternoon of September 29, 1870, the British Ambassador to Spain requested an audience with Primo and put forward the demands of the British government.

Prime Minister Primo met the British Ambassador in the government building and held a private talk with him.

The British Ambassador, William, first greeted Prime Minister Primo, and then put forward the demands of the British government: "Respected Prime Minister Primo, our government has received a request from the Moroccan government to mediate the war between your government and Morocco."

Prime Minister Primo smiled slightly and retorted: "Ambassador William, what Spain and Morocco are currently engaged in is not a war, but an armed operation to punish murderers.

You know, the Moroccan rebellion accidentally harmed our civilians in Ceuta, but the Moroccan government is unwilling to hand over the murderers.

Once we have punished all the murderers who harmed Spanish citizens, our troops will naturally withdraw."

"No, Mr. Prime Minister, this is a war between your two countries." British Ambassador William shook his head, firm in his initial stance: "

Our country deeply regrets the casualties of Spanish civilians, but letting the war continue will only result in more casualties. Why don't we sit down together and negotiate a peace treaty?

I represent the British government in guaranteeing that we will remain neutral and ensure that your country and the Moroccan government sign a fair peace agreement."

Prime Minister Primo maintained a smile on the surface, but inwardly he was already quite dissatisfied with the British Ambassador.

Spain had already gained the advantage in this war and had invested a large amount of manpower and material resources. Why should a war that cost so much stop just because of a word from your British government? Do you really think you are God?

"I am very sorry, Mr. Ambassador." Prime Minister Primo shook his head, the smile on his face gradually cooling: "The front line is still engaged in battle; if we stop the war rashly, it will cause greater losses to our army.

Why not wait another half a month? After we have taken stock of our weapons and equipment and the front-line troops have achieved an actual ceasefire, shall we then discuss a specific peace agreement?"

British Ambassador William also shook his head. He was not stupid; if he really gave the Spanish half a month, they would probably have already reached the capital of Morocco.

By then, it would be even harder to stop the war; at the very least, the Spanish would have acquired more land, which did not align with the expectations of the British government.

In the heart of the British government, the earlier this war stopped, the better. It would be best to use a small portion of land in southern Morocco to exchange for the end of the war, which would neither allow Spain to gain too many benefits nor avoid the danger that Gibraltar might face.

"We have already contacted the Moroccan government, and they can stop the war at any time. Mr. Prime Minister, our government is very sincere about negotiating with your country, and we hope your country can also show the necessary sincerity." British Ambassador William said with a look of dissatisfaction.

"Ambassador William, if what you call sincerity is just blindly demanding that Spain stop the war, then please return." Primo, who came from the military, was not a weakling; otherwise, he could not have pushed for reforms while risking offending multiple factions.

For Prime Minister Primo, the British threat was really not that serious. Because it was impossible for the British to truly intervene in this war; it was nothing more than diplomatic threats.

Even if the British really wanted to intervene in this war, Prime Minister Primo was not afraid, because the British had many problems of their own.

If Britain really wanted to fight Spain, there would definitely be more than one country behind the scenes tripping them up. Although Spain could not get out of its own territory, it would not be an easy task for the British to invade Spanish territory and defeat Spain.

Seeing Primo's tough attitude, Ambassador William had to change his own attitude: "Prime Minister Primo, our country does not want this war to end peacefully either.

Considering your country's efforts in this war, we are willing to let your country occupy a portion of land in southern Morocco as compensation; in addition, how about the Moroccan government paying your country a sum of reparations?

I know your country is undergoing reforms and industrialization; this sum of reparations can help your country expand its industry faster, which can be considered compensation from Morocco for the casualties of Spanish civilians."

Seeing that the British had finally changed their attitude, Prime Minister Primo nodded with satisfaction and restarted negotiations with the British: "Our army can withdraw from Hassan and Wadilao, but I hope we can acquire the triangular area between Ceuta, Tangier, and Tetouan.

In addition, we also hope to acquire the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni; we will build fishing bases here to increase the income of fishermen and compensate the civilians who suffered casualties in this conflict."

Hearing Prime Minister Primo's request, Ambassador William stood up directly, saying repeatedly: "No, Prime Minister Primo, this is simply impossible.

Our government only accepts your country occupying the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni; other land is simply impossible.

If your country is willing, we can remind the Moroccan government to increase the share of reparations to satisfy your country in terms of funds."

Hearing Ambassador William say this, Prime Minister Primo finally understood the British bottom line.

It seems the British are indeed unwilling to let the Spanish government acquire land in northern Morocco, but they are willing to accept the Spanish government acquiring land in the south, which is also good news.

And they are also willing to let the Moroccan government increase the share of reparations, which is something Prime Minister Primo values more.

After all, expanding colonies is also for the sake of profit; if one can directly obtain money, that is of course even better.

"Ambassador William, our country has already paid too, too much for the war with Morocco."

"We can accept abandoning our claims to the land in northern Morocco, and the border in northern Morocco can be restored to its pre-war state."

"But we wish to occupy all Moroccan land south of Agadir, and the Moroccan government should pay our government an indemnity of at least 500 million pesetas." Prime Minister Primo feigned a thoughtful expression, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

"500 million pesetas, Prime Minister Primo, why don't you just rob them? This is too much; it is simply not an indemnity the Moroccan government can afford."

"Pardon my bluntness, Prime Minister Primo, but looking at the economic situation of the Moroccan government, they can accept an indemnity of at most 20 million pesetas," Ambassador William said, somewhat breaking his composure and acting out of character toward Primo.

The French had only managed to come up with an indemnity of 5 billion francs; how could you, Primo, have the confidence to make the Moroccan government come up with 500 million francs?

The look Ambassador William gave Primo was full of disbelief; wasn't this clearly extortion?

Robbery? Prime Minister Primo smiled slightly in his heart and answered himself: Isn't this exactly what robbery is?

However, such words were clearly not suitable to be spoken aloud. Prime Minister Primo feigned a pained expression and said with some helplessness: "Then let us reduce it to 300 million pesetas, Ambassador William."

"You don't know, we have already spent at least 200 million pesetas for this war. Added to the casualties among civilians and the military, I believe an indemnity of 300 million pesetas is very reasonable."

Ambassador William almost sneered. This war cost 200 million pesetas? I'm afraid it wasn't even one-tenth of that.

The war had only been going on for a few days, and the Spanish army used nothing more than rifles and artillery.

Currently, the rate of fire for both rifles and artillery was relatively slow, and since the Moroccan army's equipment was very poor, there was no need for fire suppression.

Under such circumstances, how much ammunition could the Spanish army have consumed?

A reasonable estimate was that the Spanish government had consumed less than 10 million pesetas in this war that had only lasted a few days. Turning around to demand an indemnity of 300 million pesetas—wasn't this treating the British government like a fool?

"Prime Minister Primo, the amount of the indemnity can be discussed in detail during the peace talks," Ambassador William reminded him. "I, representing the British government, agree to your country's demand for land in southern Morocco, and I also agree to the Moroccan government paying an indemnity to your country."

"In this way, is your government willing to cease hostilities and conduct peace negotiations with Morocco?"

Prime Minister Primo nodded, the smile on his face no longer hidden: "Of course, Ambassador William. Honestly, the Spanish government does not wish to see war either; we also yearn for the arrival of peace."

"As long as the Moroccan government can agree to our two demands, we can cease hostilities at any time, and I, representing the Spanish government, guarantee that the Spanish army will absolutely never set foot on Moroccan territory again."

Having received Primo's nod of agreement, Ambassador William finally breathed a sigh of relief. This meeting had been more physically and mentally exhausting than the battle he had fought with two noblewomen last night.

However, fortunately, the final result was satisfactory. The Spanish were willing to abandon their territorial demands on northern Morocco, which was the most important thing for the British government.

As for the Moroccan government's indemnity to Spain, was that important? Actually, it was not important at all.

The British would not care whether the Moroccan government could afford to pay this indemnity or not; at worst, the British government could lend the money to the Moroccan government.

In any case, they could set a high interest rate and some additional conditions for the indemnity. Even if the Moroccan government could not repay the loan in the end, relying on those additional conditions would be enough for the British government to ensure its interests would not suffer a loss.

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(End of chapter)