Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 161: Chapter 136: Under Someone Else’s Control (Double-Length Chapter)

However, in terms of basic industries, Austria-Hungary has already given us significant assistance. If possible, we hope to import production technology for heavy industry and chemicals from your country. Could your country sell it to us?

Originally, our plan was to go to Germany to purchase technology. If we could import some technology from your country, it would naturally be the best outcome.”

Although Prime Minister Prim’s words expressed delight at the French willingness to provide technical assistance, to President Thiers, it was actually an open reminder that if France is unwilling to aid Spain, the Germans would also be happy to get involved.

“Of course, there’s no problem.” President Thiers’s smile was somewhat strained, but it quickly changed to a very amiable smile: ”

As nations on the European Continent, we should naturally help each other. Prime Minister Prim, we are certainly willing to provide your country with the technical data for heavy industry and chemical industry to help your country better build its industrial system.

But you know, government approval alone is not enough; Congress’s approval is also required.

If possible, I hope we can sign an alliance treaty, through which we can provide this assistance to your country in the form of an alliance.

I believe Congress will not oppose an alliance between France and Spain. We are natural allies, and we are also partners fighting alongside each other.”

President Thiers’s meaning was also clear. Assistance could be given; after all, the French are wealthy. But the money and technical data from the French are not given for free. The Spanish Government needs to provide a clear guarantee, to bind Spain to France’s chariot through a military alliance.

As for whether Spain would later break this military alliance, President Thiers is not too worried.

First of all, his presidential term is only five years, and a bit more than half of it has already passed. After his term ends, the development of Spain and France’s relationship will have nothing to do with him.

Secondly, France can also bind Spain to itself by providing large amounts of loans, industrial equipment, and technical data to Spain.

The more Spain adopts French technology and equipment, the deeper its ties with France. When the economic exchanges between the two countries become increasingly close, it will not be that simple for Spain to cut ties with France.

After all, Spain’s industry was built on the large-scale assistance from France. If they were to cut ties, where would Spain find replacements for the French industrial equipment used in those industrial systems?

“This might be very difficult, President Thiers.” Prime Minister Prim showed an expression of difficulty and explained: “You know, Spain is a peace-loving country.

We are unwilling to participate in military competition among European countries; we are more inclined towards a stable and peaceful environment.

Therefore, we do not intend to join military alliances with any country. If possible, Spain is willing to sign an economic cooperation treaty and a tariff union treaty with France to strengthen the economic ties between our two countries.”

The alliance mentioned by the French is a military alliance, which is what Prime Minister Prim wants to avoid vigorously.

For Spain, it is indeed more profitable to use its advantageous geographical position to benefit from being courted by various countries.

But the problem is, a military treaty would completely bind Spain to France, making it very difficult for Spain to receive assistance from Germany in the future.

Frankly, for Spain to develop better now, it’s undoubtedly more advantageous to be a playboy.

Such a military alliance is more like a marriage contract, tightly binding Spain to France’s chariot. Countries like Germany, which oppose France, would then distance themselves from Spain, not benefiting Spain’s future plans.

Upon hearing that Prime Minister Prim stated the Spanish Government could only sign documents related to economic cooperation treaties and tariff unions, President Thiers was somewhat annoyed.

In simple terms, the attitude of the Spanish Government is not to intend close cooperation with France, more like wanting to freeload off French assistance.

If Spain freeloaded this assistance and then turned around to join an alliance with Germany, wouldn’t President Thiers be made a fool?

This matter truly concerns his own interests, so there is no way President Thiers could easily agree: “Prime Minister Prim, merely an economic cooperation treaty and tariff union cannot persuade the French Congress.

If your country wants to cooperate with France, a military alliance is a more stable guarantee of relations. What do you think?”

“No, President Thiers.” Prime Minister Prim still shook his head, sticking to his opinion: “Spain will not join a military alliance with any country; we only accept economic alliance treaties.

However, I can assure your country that Spain has no intention of being an enemy to France. As long as your country does not view Spain as an enemy, Spain will not actively join in any blockade against your country.

We require a peaceful development environment and are not interested in any conflict or competition. Rest assured, Spain will not join a military alliance with any country, be it France or Germany.”

Although France’s assistance is tempting, it would be a poor deal to fully commit to France’s chariot for the sake of French industrial aid.