My Italian: Chapter 129 foreign aid
The Abyssinians are on the move, and Italy is not stupid, so how can they not feel sorry for it.
Don't think that the Abyssinians are so united, there are always some people who want to pull the emperor down through the hands of the Italians.
So Italy not only knew that Johannes IV was mobilizing for war, but also Britain and France who were doing small tricks behind their backs.
To come and not to be indecent, of course, Italy will not be polite, and it also has means of countermeasures.
The present Sudan is full of joy after independence. Although Mahdi, the savior who led them to independence, has returned to the embrace of God, the Sudan he created still stands on the land of Africa.
Omdurman, located in the middle reaches of the Nile, is the capital chosen by the Mahdi himself (in order to distinguish it from the previous British, the Sudanese founder did not choose Khartoum).
As the successor to Mahdi after his death, Caliph Abdullah is very busy.
After the founding of Sudan, its country was regarded as a waste of time because of the oppression of Egypt and the British. And Mahdi's sudden death has split the Sudanese leadership united by his side. They were split into three parts, led by three caliphs, Abdullah, Sharif, and Ali.
And among them, Abdullah has the most power. And this Abdullah also has the ability to defeat the other two caliphs one after another within a year, making him the only caliph in the Sultanate.
Now, apart from the secret objections of a small number of people, this Abdullah can be said to be in power.
And today, the ruler of the Sudan is meeting an envoy from Italy.
"Hello, Mr. Perez."
Abdullah shook hands with the visitors in a very Western style.
"Hello, respect for His Excellency the Caliph."
Abdullah was satisfied with Perez's attitude, which means that the newly established sultan has been recognized by other countries.
"We are very clear about the purpose of His Excellency the special envoy this time, but why do we want to help you. You must know that if you occupy Abyssinia, you will not be our neighbors. How can we trust you at that time, no Will be as ambitious of us as other Europeans."
Abdullah's speech was very direct, so direct that the ambassador was a little surprised.
But in the end, he came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Perez was not surprised by Abdullah's words.
"Your Excellency Caliph, we understand your concern very well. But I remember a saying in your country that a lion does not make friends with a sheep. This sentence is also very suitable for the current situation in your country."
Listening to the words of the Perest envoy, Abdullah stared at the other party. "Then who do you think is the lion and which is the sheep?"
"Our Italy is a lion, but your country is not a sheep, it can be regarded as a jackal."
The explanation given by Perez made Abdullah laugh.
"Does your Excellency Special Envoy think that you can impress me with this proverb?"
"Of course not. This is just to give His Excellency the Caliph a clear understanding of his own strength."
In the face of the Sultan's caliph, Perez continued to talk rhetorically. "As far as I know, your country has also had many disputes with Abyssinia. Union with our country can help your country to take back those areas occupied by Abyssinia."
The occupied areas that Perez referred to were Binis in the western part of the plateau and the Samir Valley in Kosoni. The Blue Nile and Lake Tana make these two areas lush with water and grass. From ancient times to the present, whether it is the Abyssinian tribe going west, or the Nubians (ancient Sudanese) going east, it is a must. road.
In addition, the religious factor must be added. Abyssinia believes in the Eastern Orthodox Church, while Sudan is the Green Church. These two major religions have been at odds with each other for nearly a thousand years. The combination of territory and religion has made the relationship between the two countries extremely poor.
So these two places can be said to be the ** of the two countries, and they will explode when they touch.
And now these two places are occupied by Abyssinia, it would be impossible for the Sudanese to have no idea.
Perez's words made Abdullah a little moved. But it is only limited to his heart. If he can't figure out the true thoughts of the Italians, it is impossible for him to join the war against Abyssinia.
"How do I know that this is not a poisonous apple that exudes a charming smell."
Facing Abdullah's question, Perez spread his hands. "I can't give you a guarantee about this, because all the guarantees I give need to be based on the condition that the difference between the strengths of the two sides is not large. But I can give you a message."
Perez's last sentence aroused the interest of the sultan's caliph. "Oh, let's hear some news."
"In preparing for this military operation against Abyssinia, we found that the British were behind this evil regime."
Seeing that Perez mentioned the British, Abdullah frowned. As for who he and the Sudanese executives are most worried about, it must be the British. Although he has never heard the saying that the enemy of the enemy is a friend, he has heard a lot of proverbs with similar meanings.
As for how to judge, this needs to test the judgment of the caliph.
The caliph was thinking about the pros and cons without moving, while Perez waited quietly, and the room fell silent for a while.
After a long time, the caliph opened his mouth. "If our country is willing to attack Abyssinia with your country, then in addition to Binis and Samir, we need compensation."
Thinking that the sultan's ruler wanted the lion to open his mouth, Perez had to warn him. "Your Excellency, ambition requires matching strength, otherwise it will only bring disaster to oneself."
"Don't worry, I'm very awake."
Facing Perez's admonition, Abdullah knew what he wanted. "Our request, in addition to the above two territories, your country needs to provide our country with 3,000 standard breech-loading guns of your country. In addition, the Abyssinian captured in battle As for the subhuman equipment, our country will also be divided into half, and the other half of our country has the right of first refusal."
Yes, Abdullah is very sober, he knows how to maximize the interests of Sudan in this battle. In addition to territory, he also considered enhancing his own strength. Those Abyssinian equipment, the Italians must not look down on it, just put forward this condition, just in line with their own use.
Facing Abdullah's request, Perez didn't think about it at all and said directly. "This is no problem, I can promise you. Next, let's discuss the issue of your country's sending troops."
In addition to the foreign aid of the Sultan, Italy also tried to divide the nobles and princes of Abyssinia. As the strongest person except Emperor Johannes IV, Menelik II also sent people to contact here in Italy.
"I'm sorry, I won't betray the emperor. Your Excellency should give up."
Looking at the visiting guests, Menelik II righteously refused Italy's wooing.
"Your Excellency, don't think about it. Our country would like to see someone like your Excellency become the new master of Abyssinia."
"I'm not going to do this, okay, that's it."
After a few words, the visiting guest was invited out.
But the guest wasn't angry at all, because the Shao A met him secretly, and he hadn't disturbed the others. This is enough to say that the Menelik II may be reluctant to confront his father-in-law directly.
Of course, his thoughts were nothing among the people who came into contact with Italy this time. This was the general attitude of the Abyssinian princes, and they were reluctant to bet too early.
But after waiting for the situation to become clear, the conditions will not be as generous as they are now.