My Italian: Chapter 400 Spanish Italian Fleet

After Germany and Spain made public the sale of the Philippines, it caused an uproar in the world. Among them, the United States, which already regards the Philippines as its own, reacted the most violently.

The New York Times published a long commentary on this, saying that this is a very bad agreement. The corrupt Spanish settler sold one of the only two chairs, but it was bought by the rich German fool who wanted to decorate. The boy became a treasure, and the two countries staged a farce.

Of course, no matter how ironic the New York Times is, it still cannot change the fact that Germany has purchased the Philippines.

Of course, for the U.S. government preparing for war, they also feel the urgency. This time can no longer be delayed. They continue to wait for all aspects to be ready, and they don't know what will happen.

So on July 14, 12 days after the explosion of the USS Maine, the US Navy investigation team announced the results of the investigation. The USS Maine encountered a mine that exploded from the outside, triggering the explosion of the battleship's ammunition depot, which caused the tragedy of the USS Maine.

The U.S. Navy's investigation report was rushed to be reported by newspapers all over the United States. This attitude of blatantly pointing at Spain as the murderer made the American people hate Spain to the highest level. The slogan of revenge resounded even more across the earth.

Subsequently, the U.S. Congress directly passed an emergency bill requiring Spain to stop its counter-insurgency war in Cuba within a week.

Such a direct request for a truce from other countries can also be seen that the United States is eager to go to war. Perhaps in the eyes of the masters of the US Congress, his ultimatum will make the Spanish dog jump over the wall and do something out of embarrassment.

But it is a pity that the gentlemen of Congress were disappointed. On the fifth day, the Spanish government issued a statement accepting the proposal of the United States and agreeing to stop fighting the rebels in Cuba.

In order to buy time to prepare for the battle, Spanish officials also don't care about face.

Of course, the reason for Spain to lower its profile so much is naturally because the purchase of the ship has not yet been finished.

For the purchase of warships negotiated with Italy, for Prime Minister Castillo and others, this is really a long time coming. Because the original talks were almost over, at this time Italy suddenly appeared willing to sell two Venetian-class cruisers to Spain.

This sudden increase made Spain a little unprepared, because these two Venetian-class ships are no longer considered advanced, and they have both been in service for more than ten years. Admiral Shirvila didn't want these two cruisers, but when he wanted to refuse, he was stopped by the prime minister. The reason is very simple. At this time, only Italy can purchase warships with combat effectiveness on a large scale.

Although Spain can also buy warships from other countries, they will not sell ships and send mercenaries who can operate them, so Spain can only continue to negotiate with Italy about the purchase of ships.

In the Prime Minister's Palace in Madrid, Prime Minister Castillo, Foreign Minister Gibbs who just rushed back, and Navy Minister Sierra Vera are negotiating with the Italian ambassador to Madrid, Nicol.

"Ambassador Nigel, our country has offered 120 million lire for your country's three Turin-class battleships and two Venetian-class cruisers, which is not low. Although they are all warships that have been in service for seven, eight or even ten years, we Considering the good relationship with your country, the price is still not much different from the construction cost, I think this is enough to reflect the good relationship between your country and our country.”

Gibbs talked a lot about the relationship between Italy and Spain as soon as he opened his mouth. Of course, there is nothing wrong with what he said. The price for selling old ships to new ones is indeed very high. Unfortunately, Nigel didn't think the price was too high.

"Your Excellency, Gibbs, you are right. I shouldn't be concerned about this, but you also know that the sale of warships is different. Your country bought our warships because it can directly exert its full combat power and come to war. It is the most outstanding point of our country's ship sales. Therefore, this point must also be reflected in the price."

Nigel's still dissatisfied words drew rebuttals from Prime Minister Castillo. "Ambassador Nigel, our country has already shown enough sincerity to your country. If your country wants to obtain a higher quotation, it is simply impossible. Our country has limited funds and time, and cannot fall into unlimited disputes. "

In the face of Prime Minister Castillo’s threats, how can it be difficult to beat Nigel? At this time, the Spanish government, which has sold the Philippines, is actually on the verge of riding a tiger, unless they find another company that is willing to sell warships and retired officers and soldiers like Italy. A naval power that helps it fight wars.

At present, how many European countries can be called naval powers, aren't they the five countries of Britain, France, Italy, Russia and Germany? Except for poor and crazy Italy, other countries will not do this.

However, considering time and other reasons, Nigel decided to give Spain a little step down. "Of course, if your country can change the purchase method, then I think this negotiation should reach an agreement soon."

Unexpectedly, the Italian ambassador suddenly changed his tone, which surprised the three of them. Of course, it is best to have a breakthrough.

"In what way?"

Nicole explained. "It's like this. These warships are the main battleships of our navy, and the money after the sale is mainly for our navy to build new ships. Therefore, the opinion of our navy is very important in terms of selling price."

"Our country will not raise the price again, the price is already very expensive."

"Please listen to me first."

"The selling price may not be able to be increased, but it is also possible to transfer the cost from other places to the selling price."

The three senior Spanish officials in the office still couldn't understand such an obvious hint.

Then why did Nigel propose to embezzle other expenses into the cost of ship sales? You can only acquiesce to find a way for yourself. However, after Spain killed the price of 120 million lire, the high-level navy came up with the idea of ​​the salary and even the pension.

In order to build a ship, it is almost like drinking blood. This also shows how hungry and thirsty the Italian navy has become. Of course, they also know that this kind of thing is not visible, and they can't even make suggestions, they can only give hints that it was suggested by Spain~www.mtlnovel.com~ They pretended not to see it.

"I understand what your Excellency means. Let's do this. In view of the relationship between your country and our country, we can increase the price of purchasing warships to 140 million lire. However, the cost of purchasing warships is too much. It is a waste of money to hire officers and soldiers from your country." It’s not a little lower, I think twice the salary is very reasonable, and the pension is also doubled, what do you think?”

"It is indeed difficult to handle, but I believe that our government will consider your country's difficulties, and I believe there will be good news within three days."

After giving an apparently suggestive answer, Nichol then left the Spanish Prime Minister's office.

In less than three days, Italy and Spain signed an agreement on the sale of warships on the second day. In the agreement, Italy sold three Turin-class battleships and two Venetian-class cruisers for a total of 140 million lire. In addition, there was a secret agreement. The officers and soldiers of the five warships also retired on the day the agreement was signed and were hired by the Royal Spanish Navy.

Three Turin-class battleships, two Garibaldi-class cruisers, and two Venice-class cruisers, these seven battleships are enough for the Americans to drink a pot, but I don't know if they like such a surprise.

Please remember the first domain name of this book: . :