Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 91: Chapter 86: A Headache-Inducing Negotiation

Prime Minister Prim smiled slightly and refuted, “Ambassador William, what is happening between Spain and Morocco is not a war, but an armed action to punish murderers.

You know, the Moroccans’ rebellion accidentally injured our civilians in Ceuta, but the Moroccan Government refuses to hand over the culprits.

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

“No, Your Excellency, this is indeed a war between your two countries.” The British Ambassador William shook his head, maintaining his initial stance, ”

We deeply regret the casualties among Spanish civilians, but continuing the war will only cause more casualties. Wouldn’t it be better if we sit down and negotiate a peace treaty?

On behalf of the British Government, I assure you, we will stand in a neutral position to ensure that your country and the Moroccan Government sign a fair peace agreement.”

Prime Minister Prim maintained a smile on the surface, but was quite displeased with the British ambassador internally.

Spain has gained the upper hand in this war and has invested a lot of manpower and resources. With such a costly war, how could it be stopped just by a word from the British Government? Do you really think you’re God?

“I’m sorry, Mr. Ambassador.” Prim shook his head, the smile on his face gradually cooling: “The front is still battling. If we stop the war rashly, it will cause great harm to our army.

Why not wait another half month? Once we have accounted for the weapons and the frontline troops have reached an actual ceasefire, we can then discuss the specific peace agreement?”

The British Ambassador William also shook his head. He was not foolish; if they really gave the Spaniards half a month, they might have already reached Morocco’s capital.

By then, it would be even harder to stop the war, and at least the Spaniards would obtain more land, which does not align with the British Government’s expectations.

In the eyes of the British Government, the sooner this war ends, the better. Ideally, a small piece of land in southern Morocco could be exchanged for the end of the war, preventing Spain from gaining too many benefits and avoiding possible dangers to Gibraltar.

“We have already been in contact with the Moroccan Government, and they can cease fire at any time. Your Excellency, our government is very sincere about negotiating with your country, and we hope your country will show the appropriate sincerity.” The British Ambassador William said with a look of displeasure.

“Ambassador William, if your so-called sincerity is merely demanding Spain’s ceasefire, then you may leave.” Coming from a military background, Prim was no weakling; otherwise, he wouldn’t risk offending various forces to promote reforms.

For Prime Minister Prim, the British threats weren’t all that serious. After all, the British couldn’t possibly interfere in this war; it was merely a diplomatic threat.

Even if the British really wanted to interfere in the war, Prime Minister Prim wasn’t afraid because the British had plenty of their own issues.

If the British truly wanted to fight Spain, there would definitely be more than one country tripping up the British behind the scenes. Spain might not be able to go abroad, but it’s no easy task for the British to invade and defeat Spain on its own soil.

Seeing Prime Minister Prim’s firm attitude, Ambassador William had no choice but to change his stance: “Prime Minister Prim, our country does not necessarily want this war to end peacefully.

Considering your country’s sacrifices in this war, we are willing for your country to occupy a portion of the land in southern Morocco as compensation, and additionally, the Moroccan Government could provide your country with compensation payments. How about it?

I know your country is undergoing reforms and industrialization, and this compensation could help your country expand its industry more quickly, serving as compensation for the casualties among Spanish civilians.”

Seeing the British finally change their attitude, Prime Minister Prim nodded in satisfaction and resumed negotiations with the British: “Our troops can withdraw from Hassan and Wadi Laou, but I hope we can obtain the triangular area between Ceuta, Tangier, and Tetouan.

Additionally, we hope to acquire the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni. We plan to build a fishing base there to increase fishermen’s income, compensating the civilians who suffered casualties in this conflict.”

Upon hearing Prime Minister Prim’s request, Ambassador William immediately stood up, repeatedly saying, “No, Prime Minister Prim, that is simply impossible.

Our government only agrees to your country occupying the coastline between Agadir and Sidi Ifni; the other lands are simply off the table.

If your country is willing, we can suggest to the Moroccan Government to increase the compensation payments to satisfy your country financially.”

Hearing Ambassador William’s words, Prime Minister Prim understood the British bottom line.

It seems the British indeed do not want the Spanish Government to obtain land in Northern Morocco, but are willing to accept the Spanish Government acquiring southern land, which is already good news.

Moreover, they are willing to ask the Moroccan Government to increase the compensation payments, which is something Prime Minister Prim values.

After all, expanding a colony is also for the sake of benefits. If they can directly get money, that’s the best outcome.

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

We can accept giving up claims to Northern Morocco’s land, with Northern Morocco’s borders reverting to pre-war status.