Holy Roman Empire

Chapter 677 - 250: Unlucky Egg

The competition among England, France, and Austria, the rush of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia to win over allies, and a fierce political struggle breaking out within the Colombian Government.

The presidential election of 1880 turned into a focal point of contention for all parties. President Julian Trujillo Largacha, realizing the trouble, resolutely chose to withdraw from the election.

Julian’s withdrawal did not quell the strife, but rather intensified it.

After a series of struggles, pro-British leader Rafael Núñez was elected as President of Colombia, and the situation began to shift in a direction favorable to Chile. (Note: Term of office two years)

When the news reached Europe, Vienna and Paris were shaken. The game between England, France, and Austria was not only about the competition for interests in South America but also a contest for prestige.

Losing to the British in other places could be accepted, after all, France and Austria were latecomers and could not compete with John Bull in terms of influence.

Colombia was different, for the influence of France and Austria had both extended deep into the past. Though later than the British, the combined strength of the two countries was anything but weak in comparison to the British.

It was not surprising that the election failed. Due to interests, both France and Austria had their own proxies in Colombia.

Even if France and Austria chose to cooperate, contradictions still existed between these proxies, and true collaboration was impossible.

Divided strength cannot be focused, and it is normal to lose in an election. The upper echelons of the government could understand, but that did not mean everyone else could.

In the eyes of outsiders, France and Austria had once again lost to the British in the competition in South America. This perception would undoubtedly affect the choices of other national and regional governments.

If this notion were not dispelled, France and Austria would be at a disadvantage in future international competitions.

…

In this era where the law of the jungle prevails, nothing is unsolvable by force; if there is, it just means the force is not strong enough.

France and Austria were not to be trifled with; since the pro-British faction had come to power in Colombia, the British should make concessions elsewhere, such as in the South American wars.

On April 1, 1880, France and Austria each sent two cruisers for an "April Fool’s Day" military exercise in the Pacific Ocean, conveniently visiting Barranquilla.

That very day happened to be Rafael Núñez’s first day in office as President; he had barely had time to celebrate his victory when he was delivered a heavy blow.

Rafael Núñez furiously tore up the telegram and roared, "Damn it, this is provocation on purpose, they are deliberately making trouble with me!"

"Send word down, order the troops nearby to strengthen their guard, and be on high alert for any enemy landings..."

Before President Rafael Núñez could finish, Foreign Minister Francisco interrupted, "Your Excellency the President, France and Austria are just here on a diplomatic visit.

Although it lacks courtesy, it is still a normal diplomatic act. Taking abrupt action to provoke conflict is a consequence we cannot afford."

It was certainly a normal diplomatic activity. Though there was no prior notice and they came with warships, a weak nation has no diplomacy, and ceremonial issues could be endured and would pass.

Rafael Núñez naturally understood this principle too. Otherwise, he would have ordered the navy to expel these uninvited guests instead of the army to be on alert.

Suppressing his anger, Rafael Núñez complained discontentedly, "A normal diplomatic visit, is it so hard to notify us in advance? A diplomatic visit by barging into our port, this really is a miracle of diplomatic history!"

After pondering for a moment, Foreign Minister Francisco advised, "There are many such ’miracles,’ Your Excellency should get used to it.

We are now the ruling party and need to take responsibility for this country. We cannot be as radical when facing problems; otherwise, it’s very easy for them to backfire."

As a qualified politician, Rafael Núñez naturally knew when to "back down." As for "face," since it could not be regained, it was better put aside for now.

"You have persuaded me. Then deploy someone to monitor them, and should there be any sign of landing, take immediate action."

The France-Austrian Joint Fleet was here for a visit and would naturally not proceed with the army; landing was out of the question. Considering Rafael Núñez’s pride, Francisco naturally did not disabuse him.

"These are minor issues, the key now is how to send off these unwelcome guests. The purpose of France and Austria’s actions is very clear, they want us to ensure that trade with Peru remains open.

But before this, in order to gain British support, we made them a promise: if we win the election, we will close the trade routes with Peru."

This issue had been considered by Rafael Núñez before the election, but he underestimated the determination of France and Austria.

After hesitating for a moment, Rafael Núñez reluctantly made a decision, "Contact the British. This matter started because of them, they can’t just ignore it now!"

Francisco held his tongue, knowing full well it was a "remedy worse than the disease," but there was no alternative.

Without the intervention of British strength to offset the political pressure from France and Austria, relying solely on their own capabilities, they simply could not withstand the onslaught.

…

South American issues involved the relations between England, France, and Austria, and caution could never be overstated.

Upon receiving the distress telegram from the Colombian Government, Prime Minister Benjamin immediately called a Cabinet meeting.

Benjamin: "Everyone is here, so let’s get started! Sir Edward, please begin by outlining the situation."

"Certainly, Prime Minister."

Foreign Minister Edward: "In an effort to swiftly conclude the war in South America, through the efforts of the Foreign Office, we successively coaxed Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Ecuador to blockade the Peru-Bolivia Alliance supported by France and Austria.

"This left only Colombia as an open trade route. To sever this trade link, we recently supported the victory of the Pro-British Faction in the Colombian elections.

Everything was progressing favourably when France and Austria, unwilling to concede defeat, suddenly upset the game board.

Three days ago, a joint fleet comprising France and Austria forces made a sudden incursion into the port of Barranquilla in the Republic of Colombia, attempting to use force as a threat to coerce the Colombian Government into submission."

Though his tone seemed calm, Edward was already seething with anger.

It was their moment to shine in diplomatic manoeuvres, yet at the final juncture of harvesting victory, the enemy had abruptly withdrawn from the game.

This was embarrassing as the efforts of the Foreign Office were squandered instantly. Achievements within grasp had suddenly slipped away, a frustration anyone would share.

Prime Minister Benjamin, sensing this, soothed the atmosphere: "The efforts of the Foreign Office are clearly evident; to force France and Austria to break the rules is a victory in itself."

After concluding, he led a round of applause, which everyone else followed. Although it was just a formality, Edward’s mood was considerably eased.

Though they hadn’t accomplished everything, obtaining recognition from their peers was no small feat.

"Thank you, it’s our duty at the Foreign Office!"

...

Prime Minister Benjamin: "The situation is now clear, and it’s time for us to make a decision. The Colombian Government has requested our aid, hoping that we will dispatch a fleet to visit and alleviate their political pressure."

Sending a fleet was not an issue; the London Government would naturally not abandon the effort after finally having a Pro-British Government in place. The question was how to manage the relationship with France and Austria?

As the matter involved international relations, all eyes turned to Edward.

"France and Austria are our primary competitors; it is improbable to maintain a good relationship with them long-term. In recent years, our conflicts with France and Austria have constantly increased, and the breakdown of the Alliance is inevitable.

However, that’s in the future. We still need the Alliance now, so the conflict must be kept within certain bounds.

Their taking drastic actions is understandable; with most South American countries leaning toward us, they would have no chance left if they didn’t strike back.

Expelling France and Austria from South America in one fell swoop is impossible; the stakes are too high, and they will not cease their efforts.

Now that France and Austria are beginning to converge, I suggest we quit while we’re ahead to avoid undue provocation, leading to inevitable consequences."

...

At the invitation of the Colombian Government, on April 6, 1880, the British Royal Navy, blockading Peru, sent a detachment for a visit to Minka.

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The Colombian Government was dumbfounded; the script had gone awry! Indeed, the British had shown support through their actions, but it wasn’t what the Colombian Government wanted.

The visiting locations chosen by England, France, and Austria were very clever, positioned neatly between the East and West Pacific, so even if the conflict escalated, neither side could actually confront the other.

Doubtless, all three powers retained their rationality, intentionally controlling the conflict. By deliberately avoiding direct confrontation, they shifted the pressure onto the Colombian Government.

Rafael Núñez was distressed; even with a slow reaction, he realized he had been outplayed by the British.

Upon closer consideration, it was evident that small governments without international backing were incredibly unstable in those times.

Directly before Rafael Núñez lay two choices: either offend the British and compromise with France and Austria to ensure the trade routes with Peru remained open or closely follow the British lead and completely break with France and Austria.

In reality, Rafael Núñez had no choice. France and Austria each had their own lobbyists in Colombia, so even if support was extended, it wouldn’t be to him.

Following the British was no easy path either; deeply offending France and Austria would inevitably lead to retaliation from both countries.

Great powers have their pride; if France and Austria couldn’t trouble the British, could they not cause mischief?

As for whether the British could be relied upon, Rafael Núñez had already experienced this firsthand.

...