Empire Rise: Spain

Chapter 88: A Troublesome Meeting

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

Considering the previous war between Spain and Morocco, such a thing would 100% happen; it was merely a matter of time.

However, from the time the British Government received the news to contacting the Spanish Government for mediation, it would also take some time.

What Prime Minister Primó needed to do was to create greater war spoils during this period as much as possible, using it as an excuse to demand more land and indemnity from Morocco.

As long as Spain achieved a considerable advantage in this war, even the British could not let Spain return empty-handed.

Leading the Spanish Army in combat against Morocco was the current Minister of Defense Grand Duke Serrano. Knowing that attacking Morocco was a war that could not fail, Carlo directly inserted Andrew and Camann into this war as well, hoping to earn some merit.

Andrew and Camann’s abilities were sufficient; what they currently lacked was experience and seniority in commanding armies.

Spain originally had few opportunities to participate in wars, and Carlo naturally could not miss this “large-scale” war involving tens of thousands of troops.

Fortunately, suppressing the rebellion in Cuba had already proven the two men’s abilities, and Serrano appreciated their military talents, agreeing without hesitation to Carlo’s proposal to insert the two into the army fighting Morocco.

In fact, Andrew and Camann’s status and position were already quite high. In terms of nobility title, they were newly ennobled barons.

Although such a baron’s title was more honorary in nature, it was still a hereditary noble title recognized by the Kingdom of Spain, an absolute elevation in status compared to commoners.

In terms of military rank, both had been promoted to major. Although each commanded only one battalion, considering Spain’s overall army size was not large, battalion commander was already mid-to-high level.

Considering their age of just over 20, they were absolutely two of the most promising new stars among the high levels of the Spanish Army.

After this war with Morocco ended, Carlo did not plan to make an exception and promote them further. It was time for them to settle in the army, accumulate some seniority, and then climb higher.

Morning of September 29, 1870, Madrid Royal Palace.

Seeing Prime Minister Primó enter the office with a smile, Carlo knew the Spanish Army’s performance in Morocco was quite good.

“How is the battle situation? Any good news?” Carlo asked.

“Your Majesty, our army has reached Hassan and Wadi Lau in southern Tetuán, and the army is advancing in two directions toward Tangier and Larache. If nothing unexpected happens, the victory report should arrive tomorrow or the day after.” Prime Minister Primó was radiant, as if the war spoils achieved by the Spanish Army had made him several years younger.

“How is the situation on the southern front? Can we complete the planned strategic goals before the British intervene in the war?” Carlo asked next.

The Spanish Government had made two preparations. Even if the land occupied in the north ultimately had to be returned to the Moroccan Government, the coastline occupied in the south would be enough to ensure Spain did not lose.

If adding the indemnity from the Moroccan Government and a series of treaties signed, Spain’s colonial action this time would definitely be profitable.

“The offensive on the southern front is also going very smoothly; we have already conquered Mislí and Taelat.” Primó’s words were full of mockery toward the Moroccans, smiling as he said: “When our army arrived at Mislí, the Moroccans were still fast asleep.

Their army was no match for ours; if things go smoothly, our army should be able to launch an attack on Agadir within three days.”

In this era, the comprehensive strength gap between African countries and European countries was too great, which also made Europeans generally look down on Africans.

Of course, besides the strength gap, differences in skin color were also a reason Europeans looked down on Africans.

Although Morocco was a white country, due to its geographical position and religious faith, it was also regarded as African indigenous people, an object of colonization by European countries.

Hearing Primó’s report, Carlo nodded, quite satisfied with the progress of this war.

The current war against Morocco was fundamentally profitable, which was also why Carlo did not stop this war.

Even if not much land could be obtained, the Moroccans’ indemnity would be enough for Spain to offset the war expenditure and still have some funds left for domestic industrial construction.

In this light, Morocco was more like a large blood bag; whenever the Spanish Government ran out of money, it could come suck some blood—after all, no one cared about the Moroccans’ survival.

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 was later praised as one of the greatest prime ministers in British history.

However, Prime Minister Gladstone had been in office for only two years at this time; some reforms and decrees he promoted had not yet achieved corresponding effectiveness, and he was just one of the many ordinary politicians who had ascended to the prime minister’s seat.

But compared to other European countries, the British Prime Minister at this time had an advantage: the prime minister’s own power was quite enormous, truly the head of state in the real sense.

Although there was still Queen Victoria above him, Queen Victoria had rarely appeared in public since her husband Prince Albert passed away.

This was actually a good thing for the British Government; a queen who did not interfere much in politics was the ruler all prime ministers wanted.

After learning of Spain’s invasion of Morocco, British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone immediately convened a cabinet meeting to discuss solutions to the Moroccan War.

It was not really discussing solutions, because for the British, there was only one solution: force Spain not to demand land near Tetuán from Morocco, avoiding Spanish expansion of influence in northern Morocco.

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

Ten years ago, the Spanish Government had no allies, and the domestic situation was quite chaotic, naturally unable to withstand pressure from the British Government.

The current Spanish Government had resolved its domestic troubles, and the Spanish Royal Family and Italian Royal Family came from the same family, giving Spain and Italy the possibility of uniting.

Moreover, Germany had just defeated the French not long ago, making the situation in this area more chaotic than ten years ago.

“Gentlemen, speak up. How should we handle the war between Spain and Morocco, and how to prevent the Spaniards from having greater sphere of influence across from Gibraltar?” Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone took the lead in asking.

“Prime Minister, I believe we should not yield on the potential threat to Gibraltar,” the British Colonial Secretary stood up first and offered his opinion: “

Gibraltar concerns our control over the Mediterranean Sea; it absolutely cannot return to Spain’s embrace.”

“No, sir, this might make the situation in the Western Mediterranean even worse.” Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower also stood up, offering his completely different opinion.

“The French defeat, Italy’s unification, and Spain’s reform are all affecting the situation in the Western Mediterranean; we must also consider the balance in the Western Mediterranean comprehensively.

If we blindly suppress Spain, will it not deepen the hatred between us and Spain?

Of course, a small Spain naturally cannot affect us. What if Spain chooses to join Germany’s embrace?

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

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

“Lord George, do you mean we allow Spain’s colonial occupation of Morocco? My God, how can you have such a crazy idea?

When the Spaniards fully occupy Morocco, are you sure they will not have ideas about Gibraltar?

Damn it, if Gibraltar is reoccupied by the Spaniards, we will completely lose control over the Mediterranean Sea.” The Colonial Secretary raised his opposing opinion again, revealing his radical attitude without reservation.

“No, sir, we naturally cannot do nothing.” Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower smiled and explained: “Since Spain wants colonies, let them take them.

Doesn’t Morocco’s south have vast lands? Let them take them themselves. Our only demand is that the Spaniards not demand land in northern Morocco.

If the Spaniards are unwilling to abandon land in northern Morocco, it proves they still have ideas of recapturing Gibraltar, meaning the Spaniards are destined to be our enemies.

But if the Spaniards are willing to abandon land in northern Morocco, it proves they are at least sensible, and perhaps we can use Spain to achieve our purposes.”

Hearing Granville George Leveson-Gower’s complete explanation, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone nodded, somewhat satisfied, and said: “In that case, contacting the Spanish Government is entrusted to you, Minister George.

If the Spaniards are sensible, that is of course best, but if they are unwilling to abandon land in northern Morocco, we can only send our Royal Fleet to the Mediterranean.”

The British Empire was the most powerful country in the world at this time and possessed the world’s most powerful fleet, which was why all British officials, including Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, had immense confidence.

Not to mention a small Spain; even the combined navies of Spain and Italy could not compare to the Royal Fleet.

In terms of navy, the British at this time truly had no opponents and could look down on all countries in the world.

Minister Granville George Leveson-Gower nodded and accepted the prime minister’s deployment task.

For an experienced diplomat like him, threatening a non-great power country like Spain was effortless.

Afternoon of September 29, 1870, the British Diplomatic Ambassador to Spain requested to see Primó and presented the British Government’s demands.

Prime Minister Primó met with the British Diplomatic Ambassador in the government building and held a private meeting with him.

British Diplomatic Ambassador William first greeted Prime Minister Primó, then presented the British Government’s demands: “Respected Prime Minister Primó, our government has received a request from the Moroccan Government to mediate the war between your government and Morocco.”

Prime Minister Primó smiled slightly and retorted: “Ambassador William, what Spain and Morocco are conducting is not a war, but an armed action to punish the culprits.

As you know, the Moroccan rebellion accidentally injured our civilians in Ceuta, but the Moroccan Government is unwilling to hand over the culprits.

Once we have punished all the culprits who harmed Spanish citizens, our army will naturally withdraw.”

“No, 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 produce more casualties. Why not sit down together and negotiate a peace treaty?

I represent the British Government in guaranteeing that we will stand in a neutral position to ensure your country and the Moroccan Government sign a fair peace agreement.”

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

Spain had already gained an advantage in this war and invested massive manpower and resources. Why should a war costing such a price stop just because of one sentence from your British Government? Do you really think you are God?

“I am sorry, Ambassador.” Prime Minister Primó shook his head, the smile on his face gradually cooling: “The frontline is still engaged in combat; a rash ceasefire would cause significant damage to our army.

How about waiting another half month? Once we have inventoried weapons and equipment and the frontline armies have achieved an actual ceasefire, we can then discuss a specific peace agreement?”

British Ambassador William also shook his head. He was not foolish; if given half a month to the Spaniards, they would probably have reached Morocco’s capital by then.

It would be even harder to ceasefire at that point; at least the Spaniards would gain more land, which did not align with the British Government’s expectations.

In the British Government’s view, of course, the earlier the ceasefire in this war, the better. Ideally, use a small part of Morocco’s southern land to exchange for the war’s end, neither giving Spain too many benefits nor risking Gibraltar.

“We have already contacted the Moroccan Government; they can ceasefire at any time. Prime Minister, our government is very sincere in negotiating with your country and hopes your country will also show due sincerity.” British Ambassador William said with dissatisfaction.

“Ambassador William, if your so-called sincerity is just demanding Spain ceasefire unilaterally, then please leave.” Coming from the military, Primó was no pushover; otherwise, he could not have pushed reforms at the risk of offending multiple forces.

For Prime Minister Primó, the British threat was not that serious. Because the British could not really intervene in this war; it was merely diplomatic threats.

Even if the British really intervened, Prime Minister Primó was not afraid, because the British had many problems themselves.

If Britain really fought Spain, there would be more than one country tripping Britain from behind. Spain might not leave its homeland, but for the British to invade Spain’s homeland and defeat it would not be easy.

Seeing Primó’s such tough attitude, Ambassador William had to change his approach: “Prime Minister Primó, our country does not want this war to end peacefully either.

Considering your country’s investment in this war, we are willing for your country to occupy a portion of land in southern Morocco as compensation, and additionally, the Moroccan Government to pay your country an indemnity. How about that?

I know your country is undergoing reform and industrialization; this indemnity can help your country expand industry faster, serving as compensation for the casualties of Spanish civilians in this conflict.”

Seeing the British finally change their attitude, Prime Minister Primó nodded satisfactorily and resumed negotiations with the British: “Our army can withdraw from Hassan and Wadi Lau, but I hope we can obtain the triangular region between Ceuta, Tangier, and Tetuán.

Additionally, we also hope to obtain the coastline from Agadir to Sidi Ifni; we will build fishing bases here to increase fishermen’s income and compensate civilians who suffered casualties in this conflict.”

Hearing Prime Minister Primó’s demands, Ambassador William stood up directly, repeatedly saying: “No, Prime Minister Primó, this is simply impossible.

Our government only accepts your country occupying the coastline from Agadir to Sidi Ifni; other lands are out of the question.

If your country is willing, we can remind the Moroccan Government to increase the indemnity amount to satisfy your country financially.”

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

It seemed the British truly did not want the Spanish Government to obtain land in northern Morocco but were willing to accept the Spanish Government obtaining southern land; this was also good news.

Moreover, they were willing to have the Moroccan Government increase the indemnity amount, which was something Prime Minister Primó valued.

After all, colonial expansion was for interests; if money could be obtained directly, that was even better.

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

We can accept abandoning demands for northern Morocco land, restoring the northern Morocco borderline to pre-war status.

But we hope to occupy all Moroccan land south of Agadir, and the Moroccan Government should compensate our government with at least 500 million pesetas.” Prime Minister Primó pretended to ponder, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

“500 million pesetas, Prime Minister Primó, why not go rob instead? That’s too much; it is not an indemnity the Moroccan Government can bear.

To be frank, Prime Minister Primó, given the Moroccan Government’s economic situation, they can accept at most 20 million pesetas in indemnity.” Ambassador William was somewhat breaking down, agitatedly saying to Primó.

500 million pesetas was no small sum. The peseta’s value was similar to the franc; this amount was equivalent to 500 million francs, one-tenth of what the French paid Germany in the Franco-Prussian War.

The French only paid 5 billion francs in indemnity; how did you, Primó, have the confidence to make the Moroccan Government pay 500 million francs?

Ambassador William looked at Primó with disbelief; was this not blatant extortion?

Robbery? Prime Minister Primó smiled inwardly, thinking: Is this not robbery?

Of course, such words were not suitable to say aloud. Prime Minister Primó pretended to be pained, somewhat helplessly saying: “Then reduce it to 300 million pesetas, Ambassador William.

You do not know; we have already spent at least 200 million pesetas on this war. Plus the casualties among civilians and the army, I believe 300 million pesetas in indemnity is very reasonable.”

Ambassador William was on the verge of sneering. This war cost 200 million pesetas? Probably not even a tenth of that.

The war had only lasted a few days; the Spanish Army used only rifles and cannons.

Currently, the rate of fire of rifles and cannons was relatively slow, and with the Moroccan Army’s poor equipment, there was no need for fire suppression.

Under such circumstances, how much weapons and ammunition could the Spanish Army have consumed?

A reasonable estimate: in this war that had only lasted a few days, the Spanish Government’s consumption was probably less than 10 million pesetas, yet turning around to demand 300 million pesetas in indemnity—was this not treating the British Government as fools?

“Prime Minister Primó, the indemnity amount can be specifically negotiated at the peace talks.” Ambassador William reminded: “I represent the British Government in agreeing to your country’s demands for southern Morocco land and the Moroccan Government’s indemnity to your country.

So, is your government willing to ceasefire and conduct peace negotiations with Morocco?”

Prime Minister Primó nodded, unable to hide the smile on his face: “Of course, Ambassador William. To be honest, the Spanish Government does not want to see war either; we also yearn for peace.

As long as the Moroccan Government agrees to our two demands, we can ceasefire at any time, and I represent the Spanish Government in guaranteeing that the Spanish Army will absolutely not set foot on Moroccan territory again.”

Finally getting Primó’s nod of agreement, Ambassador William breathed a sigh of relief; this meeting was more exhausting than his wild night with two noblewomen last night.

But fortunately, the final result was satisfactory; the Spaniards were willing to abandon territorial demands in northern Morocco, which was most important for the British Government.

As for the Moroccan Government’s indemnity to Spain, was that important? Actually, not at all.

The British did not care whether the Moroccan Government could afford the indemnity; worst case, the British Government could loan it to the Moroccan Government.

They could set high interest and some additional conditions on the loan; even if the Moroccan Government ultimately could not repay, with those additional conditions, it would be enough for the British Government to ensure its interests were not lost.

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