My Italy

Chapter 30 Lies

After the French government forced Sadiq III to sign a treaty, its attitude towards Italy immediately changed drastically.

Its Foreign Minister Gambetta publicly stated that Tunisia has voluntarily become a protected country of France and that France's interests cannot be violated.

France's rapid change of attitude frightened everyone in Italy. Of course, Tunisia was forced to sign the Bardo Treaty with France, and Italy was naturally informed of it.

Faced with the French doing one thing in front of others and another behind their backs, the kind-hearted Italian people were completely angry. They broke out into a larger-scale demonstration game, and more than 100,000 people surrounded the French Embassy in the capital Rome. Had it not been for the police's efforts to keep the demonstrators at bay, considering the diplomatic implications, no one would have made it out alive from the French Embassy.

Of course, it’s not like they haven’t done anything. At least the French embassy’s outer wall should be renovated.

Of course, people's anger alone cannot accomplish anything, and the Italian government also knows this, so the previously slowed response plan immediately accelerated, and as if to give itself a voice, its speed was much faster than before.

Among them, the Italian military was the fastest. The Italian troops of the two armies in the north quickly moved from Venice, stationed on the border with Austria, to Turin, the important town against France, through the basically completed Northern Railway.

The two armies moved 500 kilometers in four days, which was also a new high in the history of Italian army marches. And such a result is enough to make the army proud. Although these are all reasons for using the railway, the army's efforts are also inseparable.

Apart from anything else, just look at how many trains were mobilized from Venice to Turin and how many trains were delayed because they needed to avoid military transportation lines. Although it is normal for Italian trains to be delayed, there is still a huge difference between being one or two hours late and half a day late.

At the same time, Garibaldi, a national hero, also stood up.

He rushed to Palermo to attend a rally on May 8. : As a friend of France, I will try my best to maintain our friendship with it. But I am first of all an Italian, and I will devote my life so that Italy will not be insulted by anyone. If France is allowed to occupy Tunisia, Italy will not only be humiliated, but its interests and security will also be threatened.

It is a great shame for a great republic to send troops to occupy a brother country...The Italian fleet should immediately go to the Gulf of Tunis to protect the 5,000 Italian soldiers there. The two major islands in our south and coastal areas should immediately carry out combat readiness mobilization to prevent unexpected events. "

The five thousand soldiers Garibaldi mentioned were the troops that were rushed over from Sicily after learning that France had invaded Tunisia. They used the pretext of protecting expatriates to prevent France from taking drastic actions. It is currently stationed in Arous, southeast of Tunisia, where they, together with emergency armed Italian expatriates, defend Italian interests in Tunisia.

Faced with Italy's series of actions, France gave a warning. As French Prime Minister, Juffelli spoke publicly to warn Italy about its behavior. "Tunisia is not an Italian colony, and France's actions in Tunisia do not require Italian approval. So Italians had better recognize the facts and not make moves that would embarrass others and themselves."

In addition, the French military also warned Italy about adding two more troops to the border. General Laurent, who is the Minister of War, spoke publicly. "Italy had better think carefully before making a decision. If Italy makes a substantial move, the French army will not mind a military parade in Rome."

Although both parties are saying harsh words, they are actually cautious. The French army in Tunisia maintained restraint. Although they were sending troops to various cities in Tunisia to declare their sovereignty, they did not send a single soldier to Arous, where the Italian army was stationed, as if this city was not important.

Moreover, Italian industries in Tunisia have not suffered losses, and France has acquiesced that Italy's previous assets are not infringed.

Of course, France had no intention of taking action against Italy, and Italy did not dare to provoke the other party. The two armies that arrived in Turin were not sent to the border. They still stopped in Turin.

To be fair, neither side wants to trigger a war, so they can only sit down and negotiate to find a solution.

In fact, although Italy was at a disadvantage at this time, it could not just give up on Tunisia. However, at this time, Italy was dealt a heavy blow diplomatically.

Both Britain and Germany refused to support Italy. Instead, they persuaded Italy to recognize the facts and that it was best not to get too entangled in Tunisia.

Britain and Germany's statements made Italy desperate, because Britain and Germany are currently the only people Italy can seek support from. It should be noted here that Italy's current foreign policy is isolationism. This not only reduces Italy's involvement in European disputes, but it also leaves Italy with few substantial allies.

As for Britain and Germany, they are the only support Italy can seek when its relations with neighboring France and Austria are not very harmonious. (Austria has always had poor relations due to territorial disputes, while France has been involved in the Italian unification war, which has harmed France’s interests. German capital has a high proportion of investment in Italy, and Italy’s shipbuilding strength is supported by the United Kingdom. Its goal is to currently occupy the second place in the world. French Navy.)

Facing the fact that Britain and Germany did not support itself on the Tunisia issue, Italy was extremely disappointed. If Italy is disappointed, then for Prime Minister Cairoli, it is death, political death.

Cairoli is very aware of the consequences of losing Tunisia. If there is no other way, then someone needs to calm the people's anger, and there is no more suitable candidate than the prime minister, so he is the most anxious at this time.

Of course, just being anxious can't change the outcome. He needs to find another way, but first he needs to boost the morale of his own people.

After Britain and Germany did not support Italy on the Tunisia issue, there was a cry within the government. Such an atmosphere cannot solve any problems.

So Cairoli held another cabinet meeting to boost morale.

"uh-huh."

Cairoli coughed and asked everyone to pay attention to him before he spoke. "I know that everyone is a little desperate about the current situation, but please believe that we must have a way to solve this problem, at least to give us a foothold in Tunisia."

Cairoli's words did not inspire everyone's morale, because no one is stupid. Anyone can see the current situation. Italy is already isolated and helpless when it comes to the Tunisian issue.

Cairoli also knew this. If he didn't give them a little hope, it would really be irreversible, so he continued. "Please believe that I have a plan. Although it may not necessarily allow France to withdraw from Tunisia, it can at least ensure that our interests are not harmed. However, this plan needs to be kept secret, so I cannot say it now."

Cairoli's words finally gave the venue a boost, and many people saw a glimmer of hope.

"Is this true?"

"Yes, please believe me, but to avoid being leaked, please forgive me for not being able to say it."

After receiving the Prime Minister's personal answer, more people were moved, and most people in the venue were willing to believe him. As for why the Prime Minister can't say that, no one will ask this idiot question.

"Okay, that's all I can say for now. I hope everyone can do their part well in the future. I alone can't make the French agree to our request."

After boosting everyone's morale, Cairoli left the venue. Only then did he feel his back was soaked. Yes he was lying, he didn't have a plan right now, but if morale stayed like this there was no chance.

Maybe he should pray to God for a miracle.

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