War Palace and Knee Pillow, Austria’s Destiny

Chapter 168 Everyone has their own agenda (Part 1) [Added update for book friends who voted for rewards]

"The Ottoman Empire has declined and its territory has become a burden to it. Muhammad Ali, a civilized man in a barbaric world, under his leadership Egypt can become the Ottoman one."

The first person to speak was French representative Thiers. Someone once said of Thiers that "his political activities are the chronicle of French political disasters" and "a dwarf monster trying to wield Napoleon's sword."

Suppressing the workers' uprising in Lyon, advocating foreign wars, opposing British intervention in the European continent, and bloody suppressing the Paris Commune, he was considered a spiritual Roman.

Palmerston habitually interrupted others' speeches. He never thought there was anything wrong with this. Britain's strong national power was what he relied on.

"For what, to become a French colony? The Egyptians are unwilling to do business with us and only want to talk to you French people."

In fact, except for Britain and France, the participating powers had very limited trade relations with the Ottomans, especially Prussia, who exported the most military talents to the Ottomans.

The border security between Austria and the Ottomans is comparable to that of war-torn Afghanistan. The trade between the two sides mainly comes from the sea, and Austria has long been an importing country. As for the trade volume, it is only a few tenths of that of Britain and France.

Russia's trade is also difficult to describe, so no one except Britain and France cares about trade with the Ottoman Empire. Of course, no one stands up to oppose Palmerston, because it is meaningless and there is a possibility of being bitten by this madman. .

"Joke! Don't you British believe in free trade? Who does Egypt do business with? Does it still need your British consent? You British people have stretched their hands too long!" Thiers also retorted, he kept saying Very disgusted with Britain's policy of interfering in continental Europe.

"Mr. Thiers, please shut up! We in the UK believe in free trade, and what we do is to safeguard free trade. The Egyptian government cannot restrict the exports of Egyptian businessmen, let alone the entry of British businessmen!" Palmerston said.

"Free trade? Then why do you, the British, not allow our wine to be sold to London, Portsmouth, and Birmingham? Why do you impose heavy taxes on Russian logs?"

At that time, Russia mainly exported agricultural products, most of which were sold to the United Kingdom, and the logs were heavily taxed by the British.

This immediately aroused the resonance of Russian Foreign Minister Neserlov. He is a diplomat with a military background and his thoughts are not as thoughtful as those present here.

"Yes! Mr. Palmerston, can you, the UK, reduce your tariffs? They are too high."

In fact, Austrian glass products were also sanctioned by the United Kingdom, so Metternich naturally would not miss this opportunity.

"Yes, there are also glass products from our country."

Prussia's Foreign Secretary, Lord Sewell, was also thinking hard about what he should say, and finally came up with something.

"And our Prussian produce."

Palmerston was a qualified diplomat. When he saw that things were developing against him, he immediately changed his tune.

"We will consider the opinions of various countries. But shouldn't we discuss today how to safeguard the interests of European countries in the Ottoman Empire?"

"Why don't we continue talking about free trade, I."

Just when Thiers was about to pursue the victory, his words were interrupted again, this time by Neserlov.

"We in Russia hope that you can respect Russia's interests. If the Egyptians attack the Dardanelles, we in Russia are willing to send 150,000 troops to help the Ottoman Empire tide over this crisis."

Neserlov immediately became the focus of the audience. Russia sent 150,000 troops south, which made everyone present feel that Russia planned to continue to encroach on Ottoman territory.

This was clearly not in everyone's interests, and Palmerston immediately objected.

"No, the Russian army must not enter Anatolia!"

"Yes! The Russian army cannot go south, this is a civil war in the Ottoman Empire!"

Thiers also opposed the Russian army going south to fight Egypt. Although the Egyptians performed well in the Ottoman battles, they were not qualified to fight the real powers. And no country in the world can do it to deal with both the Mao Xiong and Britain at the same time.

Historically, it was the strong opposition from Britain and France, as well as the support from Prussia and Austria, that prevented the bear from going south.

However, Prussia and Austria did not express their position at this time, and the Russians had no intention of retreating.

Palmerston said immediately.

"Shouldn't we maintain the status quo in the Near East? Mr. Metternich, don't you also support the rule of the Ottoman Sultan?"

"Yes, we support the Ottoman Sultan to continue to rule the Ottomans, but why should we prevent the Russians from going south?"

Of course Metternich knew Russia's purpose of going south, but what did that have to do with Austria. At this time, Austria hopes that Britain, France and Russia will become one pot of porridge, so that Austria can take the opportunity to quietly make a fortune.

Prussia's opinion was of little importance to the nations, so Lord Sewell was ignored.

Britain, France, and Russia are in conflict with each other. Austria hopes to reap the benefits of others and waits for other powers to win over it. Prussia is really powerless in the Near East and can only play soy sauce.

The result of the meeting was, of course, inconclusive.

Britain, France, and Russia all hope to pull Austria, which is in a neutral position, towards their side.

The first person to find Metternich was Palmerston, who seemed very confident.

Palmerston believed that as long as he explained the current situation in the Near East to Metternich, the latter would immediately join the British side.

The strength of Egypt means the strength of France, and France's strength is obviously not in Austria's interests.

Because France will compete with Austria for the leadership of Italy and Germany.

As the Russians move south, they will inevitably strengthen their control over the Ottoman Empire. It will be very difficult for Austria to move eastward, and Russia will also prevent Austria from annexing Germany to the north, because the Tsar does not want to see a powerful Austria.

Historically, Metternich followed this idea and served as Palmerston's younger brother. But in the end, he discovered that Britain was also an obstacle to Austria.

At this time, Austria already had the power to protect itself, coupled with Franz's analysis and the pitifully weak fleet sent by the British.

Metternich felt that this was Britain seeking help from its allies, so the arrogant Palmerston came to visit.

Palmerston, who came empty-handed, seemed insincere, which made Metternich feel slighted.

"Lord Palmerston, your analysis is very wonderful, but our Austrian Empire is not afraid of war. Any country that dares to infringe on our interests will be met with a powerful counterattack by our army.

You said that there are no permanent friends in this world, only eternal interests, and we will only stand on the side that is in line with the interests of the Austrian Empire. "

Metternich was doing Tai Chi, but Palmerston obviously didn't want to take the action. He was like a spoiled child who didn't get candy right away, so he left with a harsh word.

"Short-sighted! You will regret it!"