Holy Roman Empire

Chapter 642 - 215: Behind the Scenes

Before the nations of Europe had declared their positions, the situation in South America had changed again. Under the pressure of mutual dependence, Peru chose to ally with Bolivia, and the Pacific War broke out in full scale.

With the entry of Peru into the war, the situation in South America became even more complicated. Initially, Chile had the upper hand against Bolivia, but with Peru’s involvement, the situation changed and it appeared that the opposing forces were now evenly matched.

When military strengths are comparable, diplomacy is put to the test. In those days, the influence of the great powers was considerable, especially when the contenders were evenly matched. Whoever gained the support of the great powers could obtain the proverbial last straw that broke the camel’s back.

…

London, Downing Street

Foreign Minister Edward: "The situation in the countries of South America has always been problematic. The war between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, aside from being about the mineral disputes in the Atacama Desert, is more about diverting internal conflicts.

Nearly all South American countries have territorial disputes with their neighbors, and most of these countries have serious internal strife and the need to divert internal conflicts.

If we do not intervene in time, more countries will be drawn into this war. Once a full-scale war breaks out in South America, a new reshuffle will take place, which is not in our interest.

At present, both warring parties are seeking our help. Considering traditional friendships, I suggest we support Chile in winning this war."

South American countries seem to be independent, but in reality, they are still economic colonies of European nations, just disguised in a somewhat more palatable form.

Without question, the United Kingdom took the largest share. As described in British newspapers: "Argentina is our ranch, Peru is our silver mine, Chile is our mine…"

As the greatest beneficiary, the British naturally do not want to upset the status quo.

As long as it is just a war between Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, the British have the power to control the situation. If a full-scale war breaks out in South America, it will no longer be up to the London Government to decide.

Times have changed; recently France and Austria have been relatively idle and have long been coveting the British interests in South America.

Once the cards are reshuffled, the three nations will inevitably engage in a new round of competition. Can the British maintain their current advantages?

This is a question worth pondering.

Economic competition is also a war, just without the smoke of gunfire.

If we let the data speak, we’ll find that nearly sixty percent of South American foreign trade is with the British, with the remainder shared among other European and American countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin: "Have the Chileans agreed to our terms?"

In Britain, "traditional friendship" and "interest" are usually equivalent. If the Foreign Office advocates supporting Chile, there is only one explanation—the Chileans offered a higher price.

As for the relationship between the two countries, that is secondary. Britain has many underlings, and if they had to support every underling, the London Government would have nothing else to do.

Foreign Minister Edward: "Of course, in addition to pegging the Peso to the British Pound, the Chileans have also promised that if we help them win this war, we will obtain the rights to develop the mineral resources in the Atacama Desert.

The Atacama Desert has the world’s largest deposits of saltpeter. By controlling this, we would control the saltpeter market.

Whether for strategic value or economic value, it’s worth our intervention."

After a moment’s hesitation, Prime Minister Benjamin made a decision: "Try again to see if we can obtain exclusive rights, or at the very least, ensure that third-party authorizations require our approval first."

Promoting currency hegemony is the core objective, while controlling the saltpeter market is incidental. Prime Minister Benjamin is clear about the priorities.

"No problem!" Edward said confidently.

Thanks to the world’s foremost Royal Navy, the United Kingdom’s voice overseas has always been strong. Even France and Austria combined have no way to compete with them in South America.

From a power perspective, whoever gains the support of the British will have the advantage in the war.

...

Inside the Presidential Palace in Santiago, President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia was meeting with a group of special guests.

"Your Excellency, we have finished our part, and now it’s time for you to fulfill your promise," said a middle-aged man clothed in luxurious attire, his smile unable to conceal the pride in his eyes. What seemed like a calm conversation was actually laden with warnings.

The frown on President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia’s brow revealed his discomfort with the middle-aged man’s attitude. However, as a politician, he managed to control his emotions.

He replied cheerily, "Rest assured, Sir Locks. As long as we win this war, the rights to mine the Atacama Desert will be yours.

Since the war is still ongoing, even if I wanted to fulfill my promise now, it’s impossible to execute!"

There was no choice; the British had always been low on integrity. If they got everything they wanted beforehand, who knew whether they would just sell it off?

President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia did not have the power to influence the London Government and had to resort to indirect tactics, trying to influence the London Government through British capitalists.

Behind the scenes, this war was also instigated by British capital. The core objective was to monopolize the nitrate trade and to promote the hegemony of the British Pound.

Compared to Bolivia, which brought in the powers of England, France, and Austria for a balance of power, Chile was much simpler, always clinging to the coattails of Britannia.

Locks shook his head, "No matter, we can sign a treaty first. Fulfilling the treaty can wait until after the war; I have plenty of patience."

President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia was worried, and equally, Locks himself was very concerned. One should not assume that just because he was British there wouldn’t be any unexpected developments; in fact, there was plenty of competition within Britain itself.

If they did not sign a contract early, other domestic forces might snatch the opportunity. The capitalist had no integrity when it came to their interests.

For the London Government, it didn’t matter who was in control as long as the meat was in the pot. Locks certainly didn’t want to work hard only to make a bridal dress for someone else in the end.

After a short pause, Locks added, "Your Excellency, I heard that Your country’s newly formed troops are lacking weapons, and I am willing to personally sponsor a battalion’s equipment."

Seeing that President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia was tempted, Locks continued to raise the stakes, "All equipment currently in use by the British Army, plus an extra one million rounds of ammunition and five thousand artillery shells."

After much hesitation, President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia shook his head. He wanted the weapons and equipment, but it was problematic to accept them.

Locks’s face fell, "Equipment for two battalions!"

President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia seemed lost in inner turmoil, struggling to decide.

Locks: "Three battalions’ worth of equipment!"

"That’s my final offer. If Your Excellency still can’t accept, then I’ll have to seek collaboration elsewhere."

"Deal," President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia answered with difficulty.

It was once again proven that there’s nothing military equipment can’t solve—if it doesn’t work, it’s because there wasn’t enough equipment.

The countries of South America were unstable, and Chile was no exception. Election wasn’t the only way to presidency, but military support was indispensable.

In such circumstances, no matter who became president, it was imperative to maintain the interests of the supporters behind the scenes.

Military equipment was undoubtedly the best bribe for the army, and even if President Aníbal Pinto Garmendia wanted to refuse, the people behind him would not allow it.