Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

British Empire, inside Buckingham Palace.

Conversations between the respective teams of William IV of the Netherlands and Queen Victoria of England continued.

"The purpose of coming to Great Britain this time is to meet with colleagues in the UK, and at the same time to lay a foundation of trust between the two countries and to engage in some constructive cooperation with the British Empire."

“Under the current situation, Dutch-British relations, Dutch-Prussian relations, Dutch-French relations, Dutch-Russian relations, British-French relations, British-Russian relations, British-Prussian relations, etc., there are also some situations that are not so harmonious and pleasant. There is a lot of interaction between the British and British people, such as the common hobbies of the Dutch and British people just mentioned, which proves that the two countries have many things in common."

Dutch Foreign Minister Hesbert von said, "I think their story of mutual trust, mutual support, and mutual achievements is a very rare and precious warm current and positive energy in Anglo-Dutch relations. I especially hope that in the future There are more stories like this between the Netherlands and the UK that bring the two countries closer, warm people's hearts and promote people-to-people exchanges between the two peoples, and they can be reported and spread by newspapers and media in both countries."

Proposing the commonalities between the Netherlands and Britain, and at the same time highlighting the differences and differences between Britain and the Netherlands and other countries such as Prussia, France and Russia, the chief diplomat of the Netherlands deliberately brought the relationship between the two countries closer. Although it was a bit artificial, Queen Victoria and Disraeli The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Russell had to admit that this gave them a step to go down in the conversation they were waiting for.

Although everyone originally knew that this meeting was a step towards the relaxation of Anglo-Dutch relations and a further step toward restructuring the relationship. From the moment Queen Victoria invited William IV to visit Britain and William IV accepted the invitation, the relationship had already become somewhat tense. Everything fell into place.

However, the Anglo-Dutch tensions caused by the British push for Belgium to become a country on its own have eliminated the possibility of an alliance. Therefore, the invitation and invitation of the King of England and the Netherlands attracted the attention of the entire world.

The most powerful country in the world, a new first-class power recognized by many world leaders: Although the country is only a second-rate country, its strength in Africa and the Far East is not weaker than that of the country, and even the potential created by its depth makes it The Netherlands is actually stronger overseas than at home. One plus one is greater than two, and the Netherlands has an influence that is no weaker than that of a first-class power, and is even stronger than Prussia's influence overseas.

Therefore, the meeting between William IV and Queen Victoria has been speculated by various countries to have a profound impact on the pattern of Europe and even the world, and bring about earth-shaking changes to the pattern of Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and North America.

Soldiers faced soldiers against generals, and the Dutch Foreign Minister stood up. Naturally, Russell, the British Empire's Foreign Minister, would not rely on his old age.

Although Russell's qualifications are there, Europe has never been a position that only focuses on qualifications. Real interests are the focus.

"What you said is good, but as the most powerful country in the world, the British Empire's strengthened relationship with the Netherlands is just the icing on the cake. Although it is necessary to reset our relationship with the Netherlands, but at present, it seems that the Netherlands is more powerful than us. "More urgent"

Hesbert Feng showed a gentlemanly smile on his face: "Although that is true, Mr. Russell seems to have forgotten one thing. Diplomacy, to put it bluntly, is just a skill of communication, which changes rapidly. Today's bad relationship can actually be improved in the future. It just depends on how the interests are divided and how appropriate it is."

Although Hesbert Feng's words were rude and easy to understand, those present, including Queen Victoria, were not newcomers to the political arena and would feel uncomfortable.

On the contrary, such a conversation is more likely to produce results.

Seeing this, Disraeli already understood that the easing of relations between Britain and the Netherlands was inevitable. He understood that Crown Prince Edward's anti-Dutch feelings could only be temporarily suppressed. After all, the Queen's attitude had left Crown Prince Edward with nothing to do. .

Disraeli felt relieved after thinking this, so he focused his energy on how to speak later to let Britain get some benefits from the Netherlands to whitewash his performance under the cabinet government composed of him as prime minister.

Russell heard Hesbert von's explanation. Although it was a bit far-fetched, he had to say that what the Dutch Foreign Minister said made sense.

Benefits are distributed to everyone. The key is to see how much the score is. The Dutch Foreign Minister’s meaning is very obvious. I cooperate with you, the UK, just to share less benefits. If this is not the case, then it is not Why bother to come all the way to the UK to see your face if you give it to other countries?

Thinking of this, Russell put down this issue, otherwise it would seem that he was clinging to Holland's weakness, which would only cause William IV and Queen Victoria, who were quietly listening to their negotiations, to step down.

Russell said seriously: "The British Empire is willing to have good relations with the Netherlands. This is why Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom invited His Majesty William IV of the Netherlands to visit this time. The key is that the United Kingdom needs to ease its relationship with the Netherlands. Of course, The specific regulations are what we want to talk about now. I don’t know what the Netherlands thinks the UK can get from them, and what the Netherlands wants to get from the UK.”

This is the focus of the negotiations and the highlight of this visit.

Rose's words made both William IV and Queen Victoria stop drinking tea, even though the Dahongpao tea from the Far East was the top quality tea.

Haysbet Feng paused, raised his head and asked William IV. William IV nodded slowly towards him under the gazes of several people.

Hesbert Feng received the signal, looked at Russell sharply, and said: "The Netherlands feels that Britain is currently a little unharmonious in its relations with North America, so the Netherlands is willing to help Britain ease the relationship with the Commonwealth of America."

Queen Victoria's heart moved and she looked at William IV curiously.

Russell immediately asked her doubts.

"However, although the Netherlands has gained control of the Federal Assembly of the United States, it seems difficult to influence the overall diplomatic situation between Britain and the United States."

Disraeli also said at this time: "Although you Dutch people have a huge influence in the Commonwealth of America, don't forget that there are also restrictions from other people. President Lincoln and Secretary of State Seward will not agree easily. Could it be that the Netherlands Want to trade legislative and personnel rights to help Britain ease its relationship with the Commonwealth of America? That’s not right. I think if the Netherlands does this, it will cause dissatisfaction with the Netherlands’ influence in the Commonwealth of America, those anti-British people. Many people will side with the Irish and Germans, which will be detrimental to the Dutch in the next mid-term election and the general election at the end of this year.”

That's right, several people in the UK are all seasoned. After thinking about it all at once, they don't think that the Netherlands' help in easing relations with the Commonwealth of America will do more good than harm. Said: "The Netherlands has its own way to help the UK. Of course, the premise is that the UK can lend a helping hand to the Netherlands on European issues."

"How can I help?" Russell asked.

"We have recently organized the Nordic Alliance of the Three Kingdoms of Holland to hold exercises in the Norwegian Sea and the Baltic Sea. We have already invited the Russian Empire to become an observer state, so His Majesty's visit to the UK this time comes with sincerity. We want to invite the UK to also become an observer state. Observer states for the exercise”