Start 1861: I just inherited the Dutch throne

Chapter 691 Germany and France want to annex Paraguay

“Brazil will not regard the Kingdom of the Netherlands as a competitor, but as a strategic partner that can achieve a win-win situation.”

On November 1878, 11, Brazilian Emperor Pedro II accepted an exclusive interview with the Australian Daily in Sao Paulo, the capital of Brazil. He said that the main goal of Brazil in its later years is to develop the Brazilian economy and society. Therefore, in addition to attracting the Commonwealth of America and the In addition to targeting Portuguese capital, another goal of our investment promotion is naturally to invite the world's most advanced technological and industrial technology companies from the Netherlands to invest in Brazil.

"We are paying attention to global development trends, especially when we see the economic, military, or political competition between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. We have now made the United Kingdom the third largest investor after the United States and Portugal, but Will not be satisfied with this.

Most of the foreign direct investment comes from agriculture and estates, and Dutch investors are also interested in these areas, so we hope that while the Netherlands will invest capital in Brazil's agricultural planting, we also hope that the Netherlands can promote Brazil's industrial development. You know, Brazil does not object to the Dutch capital competition with America, Portugal, and the United Kingdom in Brazil. "

As if to prevent Pedro II from being preoccupied with his own beauty, Prime Minister Fonseca, his opponent in Brazilian politics, also said in an interview with the European Times on November 11 that the channel for cooperation between the Brazilian cabinet government and the Brazilian royal family and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is Smooth; fluent.

"We don't have any unnecessary conflicts. Like the royal family, we have a cooperative attitude towards the Netherlands. We are currently negotiating with the Netherlands on food supply security, which is the best example."

The Brazilian Prime Minister said in detail that Brazil is the largest producer of grain in South America after Argentina. The Brazilian government is cooperating with the Dutch government on food supply and is preparing to use the Netherlands' world-leading transportation team to transport Brazilian grain out of Brazil. Sold around the world, other areas where Brazil and the Netherlands can work together include transportation, with Dutch investment helping Brazil develop its railways, and commerce.

One of the advantages he asked you to attract investment to Brazil is that Brazil is located in the middle of South America, connecting the south and the north. When the Netherlands and other countries need to further expand and need partners, Brazil often occupies a favorable location. Convenience.

He pointed out that the relationship between the Brazilian government and the Dutch government is very good. He was very happy to accept the invitation to go to the Dutch South American territory of Suriname to meet with the former Prime Minister Tolbeck, and this year he met with the current Prime Minister Gerrit. Suriname held another meeting.

He said that he would bring together Prime Minister Gerrit's Office and many Dutch cabinet ministers at that time.

Finally, the Brazilian Prime Minister expressed his willingness to work with the royal family to promote the development of comprehensive relations with the Netherlands.

When asked whether the relationship between the Netherlands and Argentina would be an opportunity for Brazil to develop relations with the Netherlands this time, Fonseca and Pedro II both denied it.

“The relationship between Argentina and the Netherlands has indeed deteriorated at present, but the relationship between Brazil and the Netherlands was very close in the past few years, so if anyone suspects that we are taking advantage of the deterioration in relations between the Netherlands and Argentina to advance relations with the Netherlands, then think twice. "

Pedro II said again: "We will not comment too much on the relationship between Argentina and the Netherlands, because Argentina is a strong neighbor of Brazil and to avoid misunderstandings, we choose to only do things but not say them."

Pedro II's words were supported by aristocratic forces in Brazil.

Prime Minister Fonseca: "We will not get too involved in the affairs of the Netherlands and Argentina, but we will support peace in South America."

But Fonseca has the support of capitalists and people at the bottom of society.

On November 1878, 11, Crown Prince Eugene of France of the Second Empire, who arrived in Paraguay for a visit on the 5rd, held a meeting between the two countries on behalf of Napoleon III with President Pelos of Paraguay. The two countries announced that in order to restart the friendship between the two countries, Paraguay More French active weapons will be purchased from France and preparations will be made for President Pelos's visit to Paris in the first half of next year.

Obviously, with the visit of Crown Prince Eugene, the relationship between France and Paraguay has been restored, especially the arms transaction will return to previous levels.However, coincidentally, on the second day when Crown Prince Eugene met with President Peros of Paraguay, he faced Crown Prince Frederick of the German Empire, an old rival from Europe.

The Crown Prince of the German Empire waved his sleeves and reached a series of agreements with President Pelos.

The arrival of the German Crown Prince allowed Paraguay to balance France's strength against Paraguay.

Germany and France moved from European competition to South America, making South America the focus of the world for the first time.

Kingdom of the Netherlands, mainland Australia, Melbourne.

William IV summoned the relevant leaders of the three major parties in the Netherlands: Gerrit de Vries, leader of the ruling Liberal Party, Theo von Linden, leader of the Christian Party, and Jules Danetang, leader of the Socialist Party.

Prime Minister Gerrit de Vries said: "Anyone with a discerning eye can see that this time Paraguay no longer relies solely on France, but chooses a two-way choice. It does not want to be France's follower anymore. Perros wants to take advantage of Germany and France." Fight to gain benefits for yourself."

Theo von Linden sneered and said, "Humanity is old but it is a woman who does it! This man is only 51 years old now, and he is so cunning as a woman, which can be said to be unique in South America."

Pelos had already fought many small wars with Argentina and Brazil as early as 1864, but in the end he chose to retreat because he was weak.

Especially after the backing France lost the war with the Prussian German Empire in 1869, it completely gave up all occupied territories in southwestern Brazil in 1870.Obviously, this old guy is planning to expand the size of his backers this time.”

Jules Danetang did not deny the two people’s views. Instead, he nodded in agreement and said: “Peros inherited his father’s position as president in Paraguay, so he is very arrogant, which can be taken advantage of.

Secondly, this person is obsessed with Uruguay, and his purpose is naturally to have an outlet for Paraguay, and Uruguay, located at the mouth of the Uruguay River, has naturally become a thorn in Peros' side.

Third, and most importantly, Pelos hastily introduced the power of the two European powers, Germany and France, to Paraguay. The current purpose is already obvious, that is, to balance the power of Britain and the Netherlands in the current situation around Paraguay. At present, The competition between our kingdom and the United Kingdom in South America has stirred up the surrounding situation. On the Brazilian side, Pedro II currently seems to support the Netherlands and Brazil. However, with Portugal's support and balance with the United Kingdom, the most we can achieve is with America. The level of influence there.

But they still support us so clearly in antagonizing Argentina, and their motives are obviously not pure.”

William IV smiled and said nothing, and his eyes fell on Theo von Linden.

Question: "What is the ethnicity of Argentina?"

The latter hurriedly said: "At present, Argentina is mainly Spanish and Italian, with a few other ethnic groups, but more than 90% are Catholics."

(End of this chapter)