Whether the Moroccan government would seek help from the British Government was a question the Spanish Government had considered long ago. C
Whether the Moroccan government would seek help from the British Government was a question the Spanish Government had considered long ago. C
Whether the Moroccan government would seek help from the British Government was a question the Spanish Government had considered long ago.
Considering the previous war between Spain and Morocco, this was 100% bound to happen; it was just a matter of time.
However, it would take some time from when the British Government received the news to when they contacted the Spanish Government for mediation.
What Prime Minister Prim needed to do was create as much success as possible during this time, using it as an excuse to demand more land and reparations from Morocco.
As long as Spain gained a significant advantage in this war, even the British would not be able to let Spain return empty-handed.
Leading the Spanish army against Morocco was the current Minister of Defense, Duke Serrano. Knowing that the attack on Morocco was a war that could not fail, Carlo also directly included Andrew and Caman in this war, hoping they could earn some merit.
Andrew and Caman's capabilities were sufficient; what they currently lacked was experience and seniority in commanding troops.
Spain did not have many opportunities to participate in wars, so Carlo naturally could not miss this kind of 'large-scale' war involving tens of thousands of troops.
Fortunately, suppressing the rebellion in Cuba had proven their abilities, and Serrano also appreciated their military talent, agreeing without hesitation to Carlo's proposal to include them in the army fighting Morocco.
Speaking of which, Andrew and Caman's status and position were actually already quite high.
In terms of titles, they were newly appointed Barons.
Although such Baron titles were more honorary, they were hereditary noble titles recognized by the Spanish Kingdom, which was definitely an improvement in status compared to commoners.
In terms of military rank, both had been promoted to the level of major. Although each only commanded one battalion of troops, considering the overall size of the Spanish army was not large, battalion commanders were already considered middle to high-level.
Considering their age of just over 20, they were definitely two of the most promising new stars among the high-ranking officers of the Spanish army.
After this war with Morocco ends, Carlo does not plan to make an exception to promote them further. It is time for them to settle down in the army, accumulate seniority, and then climb higher.
On the morning of September 29, 1870, inside the Madrid Royal Palace.
Carlo looked at Prime Minister Prim, who walked into the office with a smile, and knew that the Spanish army's performance in Morocco was quite good.
"How is the war going? Is there any good news?" Carlo asked.
"Your Majesty, our army has reached Hassan and Wadi Lau south of Tetouan, and the troops are advancing in two directions towards Tangier and Larache. If all goes well, the victory should arrive tomorrow or the day after," Prime Minister Prim said with high spirits; the results achieved by the Spanish army seemed to have made him years younger.
"How is the situation on the southern front? Can we achieve the planned strategic objectives before the British interfere in the war?" Carlo continued to ask.
The Spanish Government had made two sets of preparations. Even if the land occupied in the north had to be returned to the Moroccan government eventually, the coastline occupied in the south would be enough to ensure Spain did not lose out.
If combined with the reparations 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 smoothly; we have already captured Miglif and Teraint," Prim said with a tone full of mockery towards the Moroccans, smiling as he added, "When our army arrived at Miglif, the Moroccans were still sleeping soundly.
Their army is no match for ours. If all goes well, our army should be able to launch an attack on Agadir within three days."
The comprehensive strength difference between African countries and European countries at this time was too great, which also led Europeans to generally look down on Africans.
Of course, in addition to the difference in strength, the difference in skin color was also a reason why Europeans looked down on Africans.
Although Morocco is a white country, due to its geographical location and religious beliefs, it was also regarded as an African native and an object of colonization by European countries.
Hearing Prim's report, Carlo nodded, quite satisfied with the progress of this war.
The war against Morocco is now completely profitable, which is why Carlo did not stop this war.
Even if not much land can be gained, the Moroccans' reparations will be enough for Spain to offset the war costs and still have some funds left for domestic Industry construction.
From this perspective, Morocco is more like a large blood bag; the Spanish Government can come and take a few sips of blood when they run out of money, as no one cares about the life and death of the Moroccans anyway.
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, later 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 some of the reforms and laws he promoted had not yet achieved the desired results; he was just one of many ordinary politicians who had ascended to the Prime Minister's seat.
But the British Prime Minister at this time had an advantage compared to other European countries, which was that the Prime Minister's own power was quite large; he was the head of state in a true sense.
Although Queen Victoria was still above him, Queen Victoria rarely appeared in public after the death of her husband, Prince Albert.
This was actually a good thing for the British Government; a Queen who did not interfere much in political affairs was the ruler all Prime Ministers wanted.
Upon learning of Spain's invasion of Morocco, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone immediately convened a Cabinet meeting to discuss a solution to the Moroccan war.
In fact, it was not really discussing a solution, because for the British, there was only one solution: to force Spain not to demand land near Tetouan from Morocco, thus preventing Spain's influence from expanding in northern Morocco.
But the Spanish Government at this time was somewhat different from the Spanish Government of ten years ago.
Ten years ago, the Spanish Government had no allies, and the domestic situation was quite chaotic, so it naturally could not withstand the pressure from the British Government.
The current Spanish Government has resolved its domestic troubles, and the Spanish Royal Family and the Italian Royal Family are from the same family, which makes a union between Spain and Italy possible.
Furthermore, Germany had recently defeated the French, making the situation in this area more chaotic compared to ten years ago.
"Gentlemen, let's discuss. 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 was the first to ask.
"Lord Prime Minister, I believe we should not back down on the potential threat to Gibraltar." The British Colonial Secretary was the first to stand up and offer his opinion: "
Gibraltar is crucial to our control of the Mediterranean, and we must not allow Gibraltar to return to Spain's embrace."
"No, sir, this could make the situation in the Western Mediterranean even worse." Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower also stood up and presented his 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 consider the balance of the Western Mediterranean as a whole.
If we constantly 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 Germany's embrace?
Gentlemen, when the Germans form an alliance with Italy and Spain, who will have the final say in the situation in the Western Mediterranean?
Let's not forget, we are still facing challenges from the Russians in Central Asia. Constantly suppressing the Spanish is not a good thing; it could make the situation we face even worse."
"Lord George, are you suggesting we allow Spain to colonize Morocco? Good god, how can you have such a crazy idea?
When the Spanish completely occupy Morocco, are you sure they won't have ideas about Gibraltar?
Damn it, if Gibraltar is reoccupied by the Spanish, we will completely lose control of the Mediterranean." The Colonial Secretary raised his objection again, fully 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 large area of land in southern Morocco? Let them take it themselves. Our only demand is 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 that they still have ideas about 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 Granville George Leveson-Gower's complete explanation, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone finally nodded and said with some satisfaction, "In that case, the matter of contacting the Spanish Government will be left to you, Minister George.
If the Spanish are sensible, that is certainly best, but if the Spanish are unwilling to give up the land in northern Morocco, we will have no choice but to send our Royal Fleet to the Mediterranean."
Great Britain was the most powerful country in the world at this time and also possessed the most powerful fleet in the world, which was why all British officials, including Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, had such great confidence.
Let alone a small Spain, even the combined navies of Spain and Italy were completely incomparable to the Royal Fleet.
In terms of the navy, the British at this time indeed had no rivals and could look down upon all countries in the world.
Minister Granville George Leveson-Gower nodded, accepting the task assigned by the Prime Minister.
For a skilled diplomat like him, threatening a non-Great Power country like Spain was as easy as lifting a hand.
On the afternoon of September 29, 1870, the British Ambassador to Spain requested a meeting with Prime Minister Prim and presented the British Government's demands.
Prime Minister Prim met with the British Ambassador at the Government building and held a private conversation with him.
British Ambassador William first greeted Prime Minister Prim, then presented the British Government's demands: "Esteemed Lord Prime Minister, my Government has received a request from the Moroccan government to mediate the war between your Government and Morocco."
Prime Minister Prim smiled slightly and retorted, "Ambassador William, what is happening between Spain and Morocco is not a war, but an armed action to punish the perpetrators.
As you know, the rebellion of the Moroccans accidentally injured our civilians in Ceuta, but the Moroccan government is unwilling to hand over the perpetrators.
Once we have punished all those who harmed Spanish citizens, our army will naturally withdraw."
"No, Lord Prime Minister, this is a war between your two countries." British Ambassador William shook his head, firm in his initial stance:
My country deeply regrets the casualties among Spanish civilians, but allowing the war to continue will only result in more casualties. How about we sit down and discuss a peace treaty?
On behalf of the British Government, I guarantee that we will remain neutral and ensure that your country signs a fair peace agreement with the Moroccan government."
Prime Minister Prim still maintained a smile on the surface, but inwardly, he was quite displeased with the British Ambassador.
Spain had already gained the upper hand in this war and had invested a large amount of manpower and resources. Why should a war that cost so much be stopped just because the British Government said so? Did you really think you were god?
"I'm sorry, Ambassador." Prime Minister Prim shook his hand, the smile on his face gradually cooling: "The front line is still engaged in combat, and a hasty ceasefire would cause significant losses to our army.
How about we wait another half a month? After we have inventoried our weapons and equipment, and the front-line army has reached a de facto ceasefire, then we can discuss the specific peace agreement."
British Ambassador William also shook his head. He wasn't stupid either; if the Spanish were given half a month, they would probably have reached the capital of Morocco by then.
It would be even more difficult to achieve a ceasefire at that point, and at the very least, the Spanish would acquire more land, which did not align with the British Government's expectations.
In the British Government's view, the sooner this war ended, the better. Ideally, a small portion of southern Morocco could be exchanged for the end of the war, which would prevent Spain from gaining too much advantage and avoid the potential danger to Gibraltar.
"We have already contacted the Moroccan government, and they are ready for a ceasefire at any time. Lord Prime Minister, my Government is very sincere in negotiating with your country, and we hope your country will also show due sincerity," British Ambassador William said with dissatisfaction.
"Ambassador William, if your so-called sincerity is merely to demand that Spain cease fire, then please leave." Prime Minister Prim, who came from a military background, was not weak; otherwise, he wouldn't have risked offending multiple powers to push for reforms.
For Prime Minister Prim, the threat from the British was not that serious. This was because the British were unlikely to truly intervene in this war; it was merely diplomatic intimidation.
Even if the British really intended to intervene in this war, Prime Minister Prim was not afraid, because the British themselves had many problems.
If England were to truly fight Spain, there would definitely be more than one country hindering England from behind. Although Spain could not leave its homeland, it would not be easy for the British to invade and defeat Spain on its home ground.
Seeing Prim's tough attitude, Ambassador William had no choice but to change his approach: "Prime Minister Prim, my country does not necessarily want this war to end peacefully.
Considering your country's efforts in this war, we are willing for your country to occupy a portion of land in southern Morocco as compensation, and how about the Moroccan government also pay your country a sum of indemnity?
I know your country is undergoing reforms and industrialization, and this indemnity can help your country expand Industry faster, serving as compensation from Morocco for the casualties among Spanish civilians."
Seeing that the British had finally changed their attitude, Prime Minister Prim nodded with satisfaction and resumed negotiations with the British: "Our army can withdraw from Hassan and Wadi Law, but I hope we can obtain the triangular area between Ceuta, Tangier, and Tetouan.
In addition, we also hope to acquire the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni, where we will build fishing bases to increase the income of fishermen and compensate the civilians who suffered casualties in this conflict."
Hearing Prime Minister Prim's demands, Ambassador William immediately stood up and repeatedly said, "No, Prime Minister Prim, this is absolutely impossible.
My Government only accepts your country occupying the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni; other lands are absolutely out of the question.
If your country is willing, we can remind the Moroccan government to increase the amount of indemnity to satisfy your country financially."
Hearing Ambassador William say this, Prime Minister Prim understood the British bottom line.
It seems the British were indeed unwilling to let the Spanish Government acquire land in northern Morocco, but they were willing to accept the Spanish Government acquiring land in the south, which was good news.
Furthermore, they were willing to let the Moroccan government increase the amount of indemnity, which was also something Prime Minister Prim valued.
After all, expanding colonies was for profit, and if money could be obtained directly, that would be even better.
"Ambassador William, my country has paid too much for the war with Morocco.
We can agree to abandon our claim to the land in northern Morocco, and the border line in northern Morocco will return to the pre-war state.
But we hope to occupy all Moroccan land south of Agadir, and the Moroccan government should pay my Government at least 500 million pesetas." Prime Minister Prim pretended to be in thought, pondering for a moment before speaking.
"500 million pesetas, Prime Minister Prim, why don't you just rob them? That's too much, completely beyond what the Moroccan government can afford.
With all due respect, Prime Minister Prim, given the economic situation of the Moroccan government, they can at most accept an indemnity of 20 million pesetas." Ambassador William was somewhat flustered, speaking to Prim with some loss of composure.
500 million pesetas was not a small sum. The value of the peseta was similar to that of the franc, so this amount of money was also equivalent to 500 million francs, one-tenth of the indemnity paid by the French to Germany in the Franco-Prussian War.
The French only paid 5 billion francs in indemnity, How could you, Prim, be confident in getting the Moroccan government to pay 500 million francs?
Ambassador William looked at Prim with eyes full of disbelief; wasn't this clearly extortion?
Robbery? Prime Minister Prim smiled slightly inwardly, answering silently: Isn't this exactly robbery?
However, such words were obviously not suitable to be spoken aloud. Prime Minister Prim pretended to look pained and said somewhat helplessly, "Then reduce it to 300 million pesetas, Ambassador William.
You don't know, we have already spent at least 200 million pesetas on this war. Coupled with the casualties among civilians and the army, I think an indemnity of 300 million pesetas is very reasonable."
Ambassador William almost scoffed. Spent 200 million pesetas on this war? It was probably less than one-tenth of that.
The war had only been going on for a few days, and the Spanish army's weapons were essentially only rifles and artillery.
Currently, the rate of fire for rifles and artillery was relatively slow, and coupled with the poor equipment of the Moroccan army, there was no need for suppressive fire.
Under such circumstances, how much ammunition could the Spanish army possibly consume?
Based on a reasonable estimate, the Spanish Government's expenditure in this war that had only lasted for a few days was probably less than 10 million pesetas, and then they turned around and demanded an indemnity of 300 million pesetas. Wasn't this treating the British Government like a fool?
"Prime Minister Prim, the amount of indemnity can be discussed in detail at the peace conference," Ambassador William reminded him: "On behalf of the British Government, I agree to your country's claim to the southern Moroccan land, and I also agree to the Moroccan government paying your country an indemnity.
So, is your Government willing to cease fire and engage in peace negotiations with Morocco?"
Prime Minister Prim nodded, the smile on his face no longer hidden: "Of course, Ambassador William. The Spanish Government also does not wish to see war; we too yearn for the arrival of peace.
As long as the Moroccan government can agree to our two demands, we can cease fire at any time, and on behalf of the Spanish Government, I guarantee that the Spanish army will never again set foot on Moroccan territory."
Ambassador William, having received Prim's nod of agreement, finally breathed a sigh of relief. This meeting felt more physically and mentally exhausting than his battle with two noblewomen last night.
However, the final result was satisfactory. The Spanish were willing to abandon their territorial claims in northern Morocco, which was the most important thing for the British Government.
As for the Moroccan government's indemnity to Spain, was that important? In fact, it was not important at all.
The British would not care whether the Moroccan government could afford this indemnity or not; the British Government could even lend money to the Moroccan government.
Anyway, they could set high interest rates and some attached conditions for the indemnity. Even if the Moroccan government ultimately could not repay the loan, those attached conditions would be enough for the British Government to ensure its interests were not lost.