Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 90: Chapter 86: The Headache-Inducing Conference

To the British Government, this was actually a good thing, a Queen who did not interfere much in political affairs was the kind of ruler every Prime Minister desired.

Upon learning of Spain’s invasion of Morocco, the Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone, immediately called a Cabinet meeting to discuss the resolution of the Moroccan War.

In fact, it was not about discussing a plan because for the British, there was only one solution: to force Spain not to claim land near Tétouan in Morocco, thereby preventing the expansion of Spanish influence in northern Morocco.

But the Spanish Government now is somewhat different from what it was ten years ago.

Ten years ago, the Spanish Government had few allies and the domestic situation was quite chaotic, naturally unable to withstand the pressure from the British Government.

Now, the Spanish Government has resolved its domestic troubles, and the Spanish Royal Family and the Italian Royal Family come from the same lineage, creating a possibility for an alliance between Spain and Italy.

Moreover, Germany’s recent victory over France has made the region’s situation even more chaotic compared to ten years ago.

“Gentlemen, let’s discuss now. How should we deal with the war between Spain and Morocco, and how can we prevent the Spaniards from expanding their influence on the opposite side of Gibraltar?” Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone first opened the inquiry.

“Prime Minister, I believe we should not concede when there might be a threat to Gibraltar,” the Secretary of State for the Colonies stood out first to offer their opinion:

“Gibraltar concerns our control over the Mediterranean; we cannot allow Gibraltar to return to the embrace of Spain.”

“No, sir, this might worsen the situation in the Western Mediterranean.” Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower also stood up, presenting a completely different viewpoint.

“The defeat of France, the unification of Italy, and the reforms in Spain are all influencing the Western Mediterranean situation; we must consider the balance of the Western Mediterranean comprehensively.

If we indiscriminately suppress Spain, could it deepen the animosity between us and Spain?

Of course, a small Spain would naturally have little impact on us. But what if Spain chooses to embrace Germany?

Gentlemen, when Germany forms an alliance with Italy and Spain, who then decides the situation in the Western Mediterranean?

Do not forget, we’re facing challenges from the Russians in Central Asia, and relentlessly suppressing the Spaniards might worsen the situation we confront.”

“Lord George, are you suggesting we tolerate Spain’s colonial occupation of Morocco? My God, how could you have such a crazy idea?

When the Spaniards completely occupy Morocco, are you sure they wouldn’t have designs on Gibraltar?

Damn it, if Gibraltar is reoccupied by the Spaniards, we will lose control over the Mediterranean altogether.” The Secretary of State for the Colonies voiced opposition again, revealing his radical stance.

“No, sir, we certainly can’t do nothing.” Foreign Secretary Granville George Leveson-Gower explained with a smile: “If Spain wants colonies, let them take them.

Isn’t there a large tract of land in southern Morocco? Let them claim it themselves. Our only demand is that the Spaniards not claim land in northern Morocco.

If the Spaniards are unwilling to relinquish land in northern Morocco, it proves they still have designs on Gibraltar, and it indicates that the Spaniards are destined to be our adversaries.

But if the Spaniards are willing to relinquish land in northern Morocco, it demonstrates that the Spaniards are at least sensible, and perhaps we can use Spain to achieve our objectives.”

Hearing Granville George Leveson-Gower’s complete explanation, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone nodded, somewhat satisfied: “Since that’s the case, then the task of contacting the Spanish Government will be handed over to you, Minister George.

If the Spaniards are sensible, that’s naturally best, but if the Spaniards are unwilling to give up land in northern Morocco, we’ll have no choice but to send our Royal Fleet to the Mediterranean.”

The British Empire was at the time the most powerful nation in the world, owning the strongest fleet globally, which was the reason that all British officials, including Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, possessed such great confidence.

Let alone a small Spain, even if the Spanish and Italian navies were combined, they would still be no match for the Royal Fleet.

In terms of Navy, the British at that time indeed had no rivals, watching the world and all nations with ease.

Minister Granville George Leveson-Gower nodded, accepting the task deployed by the Prime Minister.

For a seasoned diplomat like him, threatening Spain, a non-major power country, was a matter of ease.

On the afternoon of September 29, 1870, the British diplomatic ambassador stationed in Spain sought to see Prim, and presented the demands of the British Government.

Prime Minister Prim approached the British diplomatic ambassador in government and engaged in a private meeting.

The British diplomatic ambassador William first greeted Prime Minister Prim, and then laid out the demands of the British Government: “Respected Prime Minister Prim, our government has received a request from the Moroccan Government to mediate in the war between your government and Morocco.”