My Italian: Chapter 204 allies in the balkans

To say what is the most noteworthy event in Europe recently, it is the dispute between Italy and the Ottomans. In the face of disputes related to neighboring countries, Bulgaria is very concerned about it, because it is very important to Bulgaria.

The same goes for Stefan Stambolov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria. But today, the industrious Prime Minister did not go to work in the Prime Minister's Office, but took a day off at home on the grounds that he was a little tired.

Bulgarian officials didn't think much about the Prime Minister's rest. No one is made by machines. As long as they add power, they can work all the time.

But this time, Prime Minister Stambolov's rest was fake, because a very important guest came to his residence, and because of this guest's arrival, he prudently chose to rest for a day as a cover up.

Which guest is so important that Stambolov, the prime minister, needs to cover for it?

The guest, accompanied by Italian Ambassador to Bulgaria Toledo, once again came to the Prime Minister's home.

"Hello, Mr. Mayer."

This time Stamboroff was not mistaken, and then he greeted Ambassador Toledo again.

After the greeting, the two sides took their seats, which also announced the beginning of the negotiation.

"I didn't expect Mr. Mayer to hide it so deeply that I didn't see it at the last visit."

Facing Stambolov's words, Mayer said with a hint of apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, I have to do this because of the importance of the relationship, and I hope Prime Minister Stambolov will not blame. Now I solemnly introduce myself, the Italian secret envoy Yassini Mayer."

"Then what is the mission of the special envoy?"

"Look for allies who can help each other."

Although there had been speculation before, Mayer's answer still made Stambolov feel a little excited. He is all too clear about the current dispute between Italy and the Ottomans. Italy is obviously trying to find fault. Since Italy dares to do this, it shows that it is well prepared. And this time the Italians found Bulgaria, it must be about this. Sure enough, he guessed right.

"I wonder if your country thinks our country can be an ally?"

Facing the words of the Bulgarian Prime Minister in front of him, Mayer said with a smile. "It requires a consensus between our two countries."

Mayer's words are obvious, whether the cooperation can be achieved this time depends on whether the two countries can negotiate. Of course, Stambolov also knows that Italy is currently in a strong position in the negotiations between the two countries, which can also be seen from the status and national strength of the two countries.

Even so, Stambolov was not in a hurry. Since the Italians found Bulgaria, it means that he must have something the other party likes.

Without making him wait any longer, Mayer continued to speak. "Ottoman is an opponent for our two countries. I wonder if your Excellency agrees with this sentence?"

Although Stambolov is currently implementing a pro-Ottoman policy, he also knows that this is just a stopgap measure for Bulgaria. If it weren't to ward off Russian pressure, who would come close to a country that has dominated the Bulgarians for hundreds of years.

You must know that the Great Bulgaria claimed by Bulgaria includes all of Macedonia and most of Thrace. If you want Bulgaria to give up its dream, it will not work even if God comes.

"Yes, Ottoman is a strong opponent for both of us."

At this time, Stambolov had already left behind the friendship he had been promoting, because he knew that the Italians would definitely pay handsomely to win over Bulgaria.

Sure enough, he was right. After hearing his words, the Italian envoy Mayer continued. "Since we have a common enemy, then we can cooperate sincerely and make the Ottomans pay the price for their hubris. I wonder if Prime Minister Stambolov agrees with this?"

Facing Mayer's question, Stambolov nodded and answered. "I totally agree with that. But the Bulgarian people also agree that they have to see something real. Your Excellency Mayer, you know what I'm talking about."

Obviously, Stambolov is also a master of hawks and rabbits, and he wants to see the conditions in Italy first. It's no wonder he is stingy. Unlike Italy, Bulgaria has a small family background. If it turns against the Ottoman Empire this time and cannot get enough benefits, Bulgaria's situation will be even more difficult, so it is normal to be cautious.

In the face of Stambolov's careful thinking, Mayer did not care, but took out a map of the Balkans and spread it out in front of the three of them.

"How many areas can be taken depends on the scale of your country's troops. If your country can send 100,000 troops, then our country can help your country to obtain North Macedonia. Of course, if the troops can reach 150,000, then the Central Macedonia area, It's not that you can't fight for your country."

Mayer's words made Stamblov's breathing worse, because this condition is really rich. You must know that Bulgaria currently only has an area of ​​more than 90,000 square kilometers, while the northern Macedonia area alone has more than 15,000. Square kilometers, if the Central Macedonia region is added, then it is enough for 30,000 square kilometers.

Of course, you need to listen to everything. What Mayer said about fighting means that you may not get it. Of course, you can't get it all. You can also divide it in half. This will not only expand Bulgaria's territory by one-third, but also enhance Bulgaria's national strength.

Of course, to get such a good return, it will also mean that Bulgaria needs to use all its strength. Now Bulgaria has only 3.3 million people, mobilizing 150,000 people to fight, which will mean that Bulgaria needs a national mobilization. Because sending 150,000 troops is just a mandatory requirement, and Bulgaria also needs to keep people to protect their homes.

In addition, in terms of logistics, transportation and other aspects, Bulgaria is basically a national mobilization. Of course, for such a big contribution, it is also necessary to obtain such a return.

Although Stambolov was very satisfied with the conditions offered by the Italians, people's desires are endless, so he still wants to fight for it. "Your country's return on my Bulgarian dispatch of 150,000 troops is somewhat vague, which makes it difficult for our country to accept."

It is clear that Prime Minister Stambolov wants to have access to Central Macedonia.

In the face of Bulgarian appetite, Mayer smiled slightly. "Sorry, this is already the greatest reward that our country can give. Considering your country's reputation for being brave and fighting in the Balkans, it will give so much. If your country is not satisfied, then our country will consider other options. You know There are a lot of people who want to benefit from the Ottomans."

"My country has considered it clearly. Your country's suggestion is very pertinent, and my country is very satisfied."

In the face of Mayer's verbal threats, Stambolov immediately changed his attitude by 180 degrees, because he did not dare to gamble. As far as he knows, not too many people are currently eyeing the Ottoman territory. Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro (Montenegro) all have ideas about the Ottoman territory.

As long as Italy offers similar conditions, except for Austria-Hungary, other countries will have to steal their heads. How dare he bet on this, if Italy turns around and leaves, he will become a sinner in Bulgaria through the ages.

Well, the conditions offered by Italy this time are indeed very generous. There are people who don't know about it in Italy, and there is criticism about it, because it seems to show the generosity of Italy in any way.

It's just that these people didn't dare to say it, because it was the wise King Carlo who made this plan. Why His Majesty Carlo wants to offer such a generous return depends on what he thinks. But no matter how you think about it, this does not affect Carlo's status at all. Of course, there are other things in this, which only Carlo knows.

But thanks to His Majesty Carlo's decision, Mayer has enough confidence to make Bulgaria obey, otherwise he will find someone else.

That's why Stambolov took a test and immediately retracted what he said, and didn't dare to make a mistake.

Now that Stambolov has agreed, the next step is to talk about the issue of Bulgarian troops.

I saw Mayer pointed at the map and said.

"According to our country's plan, our country will launch a landing operation in the Albania region to attract the Ottoman army. At that time, your country sent troops to the Macedonia region behind it, and after it was annihilated. Your two countries' armies threatened Istanbul. , let the Ottoman Empire accept our terms."

The plan mentioned by Mayer is the basic plan made by the Italian Army to fight in the Balkans, of course, including Bulgaria. In addition, the Italian Army has also made corresponding combat plans including Greece, Serbia and other countries participating in the war.

So Italy is not a non-Bulgarian, any other country can. Just pull on Bulgaria and defeat the Ottoman army will be faster.

After hearing Mayer's plan, Stambolov looked at the map thoughtfully. At first glance, this plan knew that it was a surprise. Of course, he had to admit that the battle plan was very good. If I were an Ottoman, when I was fighting the Italian army, I suddenly encountered an attack from behind, and the ending was doomed.

Since the plan was good, there was nothing to hesitate, and Stambolov immediately planned to agree. It's just that he suddenly thought of one thing, and if he wanted to agree, he swallowed it again.

"Envoy Mayer, your plan is perfect, and our country is very willing to join, but our country has a little difficulty, and I hope to get help from your country."

The Bulgarian Prime Minister suddenly had something to do, and Mayer was not impatient at all, he asked politely. "Prime Minister Stambolov, what is it, if our country can help you, you may as well say it directly."

In response to Mayer's inquiry, Stambolov immediately opened his mouth. "That's right, our country's armaments are somewhat insufficient. If you want to mobilize 150,000 troops to fight, you need some help from your country."

For Stambolov's idea of ​​letting Italy give some equipment, Mayer did not refuse, because helping Bulgaria at this time is helping Italy.

"Please rest assured, Your Excellency Prime Minister, our country will not be stingy with its allies. I don't know how much ordnance your country wants?"

In the face of Mayer's inquiry, Stambolov broke a number. "Our country needs 80,000 weapons and equipment, because at present, our country can only equip 100,000 people with weapons in stock."

"what?"

Hearing Stambolov's words, Mayer cried out in surprise. Because the weapons equipped with 80,000 people are not a small number, if Italy produces so many, it will definitely affect its domestic preparations.

Seeing Mayer's surprised expression, Stambolov didn't want it either. It's just that Bulgaria can only come up with equipment to arm 100,000 people. If there are more, it will only be a front-loading gun for pressing the warehouse. This thing will definitely not be used to deal with the Ottoman army.

"Sorry, I also know that our country's requirements are a bit excessive, but our country's equipment gap is too large, and we can only ask your country for it."

Facing Stambolov's almost pleading gesture, Mayer replied after thinking about it. "I need to send a telegram to Rome, I believe that our country will give your country a batch of weapons. As for how much, it is up to Rome to decide. You are asking too much, and I can't make the decision at all."

In Mayer's words, Stambolov also knows that this matter is not so easy to decide. "It's okay, we can wait, but our country doesn't want to change the previously negotiated conditions."

"Don't worry about this, as long as your country does not refuse, then we are the same in dealing with the Ottomans."

Then the two skipped the topic of ordnance, and then talked about how E should command, communicate, and coordinate. With the single-minded idea of ​​cutting flesh from Ottoman, the proposal in this regard quickly reached a consensus.

The talks between the two parties continued until late into the night, and the negotiations were basically settled in the end.

After the negotiation, Mayer and Ambassador Toledo rushed back to the embassy overnight.

As soon as he returned to the embassy, ​​he sent the Bulgarians' request for arms back to Rome.

Then they each dragged their tired bodies back to their rooms and waited for Rome's reply.

And when they waited for the news from Rome, a negotiated agreement was also sent back to Rome. That's right, in addition to Bulgaria, Italy also found an ally, Montenegro.

Don't be surprised that Italy is looking for Montenegrins as allies. Although this small country is less than 10,000 square kilometers, it doesn't look like much. But its people have a deep hatred of the Ottomans. The country was originally a **** country, and the monarch was a Catholic bishop who combined political and religious rights. After 1851 ~www.mtlnovel.com~ transformed into a secular country.

From a religious point of view, the Montenegrins are very unfriendly to the Ottomans, and they are also the only country in the Balkans that has not been conquered by the Ottomans. Although it occupies a dangerous terrain, it is also one of the reasons why it is brave and good in the face of the Ottomans.

In addition, one more thing, every time the Negro of Men fights against the Ottomans, he can benefit from it. From the beginning, its territory was less than 2,000 square kilometers, and it has expanded to nearly 10,000 square kilometers. It also gives people a feeling of being a little strong who can't be beaten to death.

And this time Italy won over the Montenegrins because of their hatred of the Ottomans and made them play a pioneering role.

So in the face of Italy's olive branch, how could Negro of Men be unwilling to accept it. Its monarch, Grand Duke Nicholas I, negotiated the terms with Italy immediately. So Negro of the door also got on the Italian chariot.

With Bulgaria and Negro, Italy is at least no weaker than the Ottoman Empire in terms of military strength in the Balkans. Coupled with factors such as equipment, training, and morale, it can be said that Italy has already had the upper hand.

Next, the performance of the two countries on the battlefield is required.