Empire Rising: Spain

To put it bluntly, France indeed has the power to simultaneously challenge both Spain and Italy. The question is, for the sake of Tunisia, what benefits does launching a major war against two great powers bring to France?

Provoking Spain and Italy to the point of no return will only make France’s diplomatic situation worse. As long as the French Government exercises some wisdom, war with Italy and Spain is impossible.

Of course, unexpected incidents might occur too.

However, this war is destined not to be a full-scale war. If necessary, letting Spanish soldiers see some blood could be beneficial.

Even if a war breaks out, the great powers are sure to mediate at an appropriate time. After all, for the British, whether it is France or Italy that wins, it would impact their regional balance policy in Europe.

With the support of Spain, the Italian Government is in high spirits, and they have decided to indulge domestic public opinion, letting the demonstrations unfold freely.

At this moment, on the streets of Rome, angry Italians gather, shouting slogans like ”French out of Tunisia!” while holding banners reading ”The government must stop this evil war!” as they march in a grand parade through the streets of Rome.

It started as just a protest, but when the procession passed through the embassy district and saw the French flag fluttering on top of a certain embassy, someone incited the crowd, and the furious mob charged towards the French Embassy.

If not for the guards protecting the embassy, this once grandeur-building might have been thoroughly destroyed by the angry Italians in no time.

Inside the embassy, the complexion of the French Ambassador was alternating between green and purple. The French never imagined that the Italians would react so strongly; Tunisia isn’t even part of Italy. Where does all this Italian anger come from?

Surprised as he was, being a dignified Frenchman, the French Ambassador certainly understood the exaggerated destructiveness of this mob of angry Italians.

If this incident is not handled well, regardless of the relationship between France and Italy, he, as the French Ambassador, certainly would not be able to exit the embassy intact.

”Quickly telegraph the Italian Government, how can they condone these citizens attacking the embassy district? Damn it, do the Italians want to start a war?” The French Ambassador first trembled as he peered out the window to check the situation outside, found the guards could hold on for a while longer, and then hurriedly gave orders to his subordinates.

Amidst the sound of clattering, a series of telegrams were sent to the Italian Government.

”Ha, the French are finally anxious.” After reading all the telegrams, Prime Minister Benedetto Caroli first handed the original telegrams to Umberto I, then laughed as he spoke to the Cabinet members.

”Prime Minister, it seems our assumptions were correct. The French don’t have the guts to fight us to the death; they are also worried about the threat from the Germans.

If that’s the case, I suggest we could ask Spain to act as a mediator and request the French Government to negotiate with us.

Unless France is willing to go to war, I believe the Tunisia issue could be resolved well,” the Italian Foreign Secretary said to Prime Minister Benedetto Caroli with a smile.

The act of inciting citizens to storm the French Embassy was precisely part of the Italian Government’s strategy, to test France’s stance.

France naturally understands Italy’s attachment to Tunisia. If they dare to invade Tunisia, they must have anticipated Italy’s reaction and be fully prepared.

If France is unwilling to pay the price of war, the French Ambassador to Italy would undoubtedly receive related messages and might even deliver a declaration of war at a critical moment.

This would mean the French Ambassador would act very tough, without any care about falling out with Italy.

Of course, to prevent things from getting out of hand, the Italian Government has also prepared a portion of the guards in advance. As long as the guards at the French Embassy cannot hold out, these guards will swoop in to ensure the safety of the French Embassy.

After all, the embassy represents national dignity and face externally; it is inviolable. If the Italian Government allows Italians to destroy the French Embassy, and even if the French Ambassador cannot escape, France, no matter how unwilling to start a war, would have to be accountable to the French people.

From the telegram sent by the French Ambassador to the Italian Government, it is evident that the French Government’s stance is not that tough.

This also indicates that the Tunisian invasion by France is negotiable. As long as Italy stands firm, France should consider the cost of completely falling out.

”Increase manpower to ensure the security of the embassy, and simultaneously deploy police to disperse the protestors as much as possible. Be careful not to use force; if the crowd cannot be peacefully dispersed, let them stay there for now.

This also serves to show the French that it’s not only the Italian Government that is angry; the Italian public is even angrier at their unprovoked invasion of Tunisia.” After laughing for a while, Prime Minister Benedetto Caroli issued the order.

Protecting the French Embassy is a must; if the embassy is damaged, it would be akin to slapping the French Government in the face.

As long as the French Government still cares about its image and international standing, it cannot possibly remain indifferent to such actions.