Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

Chapter 55 The establishment of 2+2 Hope strategic dialogue (asking for votes)

Just when Bismarck was preparing to wait for the other party to speak rudely again and insult William I and Prussia, he was already ready to fight back.

Unexpectedly, Pearson deviated from his plan again. Instead of pursuing the victory against Prussia, he

"Today, as the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Prussia, I can be invited to this beautiful and majestic palace in Prussia to attend the invitation of His Majesty and the Prime Minister. Although I have only had some snacks until now, I feel a little flattered, but just like just now As I said, the Netherlands and Prussia are actually grasshoppers on the same rope. We should not lament our differences, but we forget that we are now unified allies on the policy towards Britain."

Pearson acted as if our relationship should be the most harmonious, and said intimately: "I am here today to discuss the end of unnecessary competition for the Netherlands and Prussia, to work together for the harmonious development of Holland and Prussia, and even to jointly prosper the economic and industrial development of the two countries. What a blessing.”

“As a representative of the Netherlands, I not only hope that our two countries will avoid unnecessary waste of resources on our own two countries, but also hope that His Majesty and the Prime Minister will work with the Netherlands to put aside differences and past grudges, seek development together, and achieve a comprehensive integration of the two countries. Comprehensive development and growth of strength”

"I am very grateful that both sides can now sit down and talk calmly about sincere cooperation between the Netherlands and Prussia, ending the conflict, talking about development, and not talking about the disputes between the two countries. This is the best thing for all of us. Beneficial, for now, it should be like this.

Pearson can really talk.

Basically, he spoke continuously for 5 minutes by himself. Yes, he just talked and answered by himself.

If his direct boss, Dutch Foreign Minister Hesbert von were here, he would have jumped up in surprise. Why?

Because Pearson's current state seems to be similar to what William IV preached in the foreign teacher's class at the Netherlands Diplomatic Academy some time ago on how to be a diplomat, if he were here.

You will definitely be amazed, because Pearson's current style and methods of doing things are fully qualified for all the things that a real diplomatic envoy should have. The rest is personal talent, and no one dares to deny Pearson's achievements over the years. Natural talent.

This time, William I and Bismarck also gave face, and they all nodded.

After Bismarck nodded, he looked at William I. He saw the kindness in William I's expression, but more familiarly, he noticed the fear in his eyes.

As the three people frankly and directly discussed various matters related to the two countries in a tug-of-war, in the end, even King William I of Prussia had to admit that the current Dutch ambassador to Prussia is really a person worthy of admiration. diplomatic strongman.

An hour later, at 22:00 on the evening of February 19, 1862.

After listening to the attendant confirming that Pearson had left the palace in a carriage specially designed for the Dutch Embassy, ​​William I said with some envy:

"William IV has found a treasure. I think this Pearson, in terms of ability, can definitely enter the top five in the history of European diplomacy. After all, you are also Bismarck."

Bismarck saw that he did not speak completely, but he smiled rudely and continued: "Am I frustrated too? Your Majesty, the diplomatic community always pays attention to the general trend and the small trend. In diplomacy in today's world, when it comes to reaching the general trend, There is only this guy Palmerston, the others can only be regarded as small forces at best. Even me, at best, can be regarded as the top of the small forces, and there is still a long way to go before reaching the big trend."

Speaking of this, he had to lament that Prussia's current national strength was still far behind the British Empire. However, it was under Palmerston's hands that the British Empire grew to such power. Therefore, Palmerston's position in Europe In people's hearts, it is equivalent to the history of Britain's diplomatic growth. He alone is the background of Britain.

As for his position in Prussia, he was still in the exploratory stage, and although he was famous, his status in Prussia, except for the upper echelons including William I, was still not stable in the hearts of ordinary Prussians.

Of course, he was also confident that if the plans in his mind were implemented, his position in Prussia's history would be unprecedented. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel proud.

"Your Majesty, the Netherlands currently does not have much conflict with us. We can even use the Netherlands' influence in the German Confederation to unite more allies within the Confederation for us."

"You mean?"

"Your Majesty, don't forget that Luxembourg and Württemberg are friendly with us. Saxony is a grand duchy that has close relations with Austria. Pearson also said just now that if Prussia can make some concessions to Saxony on some issues, Saxony will The Principality of Saxony is willing to fall to Prussia when Prussia needs it."

Speaking of this, Bismarck was still sighing in his heart. The Netherlands had unknowingly exerted such influence on Saxony?

In addition to Luxembourg, Württemberg, Saxony, and Hanover, whose relations are said to be not bad, the Netherlands has 28 kingdoms and principalities in the German Confederation. The Netherlands has actually reached this point in its relations with four of them, and has the diplomatic influence to change these four principalities. Even Prussia does not have this ability, and it is terrifying to think about it carefully.

William I was also amazed, but he was more grateful that he had not really turned against the other party just now. The benefits of making friends with the Netherlands were too great.

He is confident in the next challenge to Austria's German Confederation status, because this meeting has increased his chances of winning.

And when he thought about the agreement just now, William I was very excited.

"Prime Minister, the agreement reached with the Netherlands this time will change the rules of Prussia's foreign exchanges in the future, and its influence is even difficult to estimate. We need to make corresponding strategies to deal with possible spillover effects, but the benefits are also proportional to the Netherlands. The alliance allowed us to finally make the opponent compromise in an overwhelming way when dealing with Hanover. Unfortunately, around Hanover, in addition to the possible support from the British Empire at sea, Denmark in the north is a factor that has to be considered. "

When talking about Denmark, William I's ambitions were revealed. Denmark has always been a hedgehog for Prussia's expansion, unable to fight or kick.

"Because Denmark's position is too important. It guards the Baltic customs card throat, and the Kalmar Union formed with Sweden and Norway was to deal with the German Confederation. Although the relationship between the two countries has weakened over the years, the bond is still there. , Prussia cannot act too hastily, lest it cannot win Denmark, but it will harm Sweden first."

Bismarck said slowly: "And in the Baltic Sea, besides Sweden and us, don't forget that the Tsarist Russian Empire is also the most important factor here. Although the Tsarist Russian Empire has a close relationship with us, once it involves key strategic issues, it will Just like the last Austro-Prussian leadership dispute, which ended in Austria’s defeat and Prussia’s defeat, we cannot underestimate the reaction of this largest factor that dominates the situation in Central Europe.”

"And your Majesty, don't forget that the British Empire has always had a close relationship with Denmark, and the idea of ​​establishing a naval base in Denmark has been leaked from Denmark many times. Unfortunately, Denmark's Frederick VII was worried about his own sovereignty. We were damaged, and Sweden and we, as well as the Netherlands and Tsarist Russia, were strongly opposed, so we just let it go. Therefore, if we take too big actions at this time, be careful that the British Empire takes the opportunity to find an excuse to come in, and the series of subsequent plans for us will be It will cause great changes. Therefore, making good friends with the Netherlands has become our current diplomatic national policy, and it has become the cheapest and most profitable option."

Afterwards, Bismarck continued: "Especially in terms of connectivity in the Indian Ocean, if the relationship between the Netherlands and us goes further, I am curious, will the tripartite agreement between the Netherlands, France and us be considered abnormal?"

On the other side, Pearson, who was sitting in the carriage, was also quickly calculating the gains and losses of tonight's meeting.

Just now, on behalf of His Majesty William IV, he discussed with William I and Bismarck how to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Expressed its stance on further developing the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between the two countries.

And next month, we will choose an opportunity to launch the "2+2" strategic dialogue between the foreign ministers of the Netherlands and Prussia and the chiefs of general staff, which will be held once a quarter to benchmark the diplomatic strategy dialogue between the two countries.

Agreeing to strengthen cooperation and coordination on bilateral and multilateral relations, the two countries signed 20 cooperation agreements.

Pearson was also very moved by the power delegated to him by His Majesty. A soldier dies for his confidant. This is the pattern between William IV and him now.

This round of interaction and coordination between Hope and Portugal is rich in content and is conducive to the formulation of a common strategic stability for Europe between the two countries.

Moreover, the two sides have also reached an agreement that the first strategic dialogue will be held early next month before the 10th of next month.

In just two weeks, the top leaders of the two countries will have such an interaction, which will send a signal to Europe that the relationship between the Netherlands and Poland is more special than before.

From the performance of William I and Bismarck just now, Pearson knew that the Hope strategy was taking advantage of the general trend. Prussia was eager to increase its bargaining chip to compete with Austria, and the Netherlands was also willing to become such a bargaining chip. To combine the comprehensive strength of Prussia and take advantage of the situation to increase the influence of the Netherlands in Europe.

"After all, the Netherlands is still a little weak at the moment. If the Netherlands now has the strength of Prussia, it will not need to care about their likes and dislikes in front of William I and Bismarck to instigate them to agree on the benefits of having a good relationship with the Netherlands. I want to come to them. You two must also know the reason."

The alliance was formed so quickly, which not only showed that the alliance between the Netherlands and Prussia brought tangible benefits to Prussia, but also showed that in the hearts of the two most powerful politicians in Prussia, the Netherlands did not threaten Prussia's status, so it was Would they be so eager to form an alliance with the Netherlands?

To put it simply, people underestimate the future potential of the Netherlands. A small fish, whether it is on the sea or in a freshwater lake, is still a small fish after all!

However, when he thought of the dream that His Majesty once talked to him about and the blueprint for domination that he drew, he couldn't help but sneer, and at the same time he was full of energy.

The Netherlands will definitely shock the world!

Just today, not only Pierson, who is stationed in Prussia, launched an attack on Prussia, but also the Dutch Ambassador to Portugal Mackay, the Ambassador to Belgium John Carr, the Ambassador to France Jefferson Blingon, the Ambassador to the United States Al Gore, and the Ambassador to the Russian Empire. Calvin Colin, Ambassador to the UK Mike Davis, etc. all launched relevant activities in their respective countries today.

The discussion and momentum campaign secretly launched by the Netherlands has finally spread to the whole world. The purpose is for William IV to prepare to push his father William III, now the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, to the position of King of the Kingdom of Greece to replace the now unpopular King Otto began to seek support from various countries.

The camera returned to the Dutch Privy Council, where it was the turn of Finance Minister Jan von Capello to make a report.