novelhk Chapter 277
Chapter 277
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So when Mussolini faced Mainz’s question, he could only grit his teeth and nod:”Well, of course it’s true. We made such a difficult decision out of our friendship with Hans!”
Mussolini was still trying to play the emotional card, hoping that his efforts would get the biggest reward.
But Mainz didn’t have time to play with him:”In that case, let’s finalize this matter first!”
Mainz said with a smile, and while he was talking, he called Secretary Bauman and asked him to prepare the materials, as if he was going to clearly define the border between the two countries right now!
“Uh, this, this is not too……”
Mussolini was dumbfounded. He did not expect Mainz to be so urgent. He did not even listen to his instructions and began to draw the border in a hurry!
If the border was drawn at this time and South Tyrol was handed over to Hans, what would they have to negotiate with Hans?
The biggest capital in their hands was gone!
So Mussolini began to regret it. He felt that he should not have listened to Bilucius’s advice. At present, this advice might lead to them losing more than they gained!
However, how could the words of a head of state be so frivolous?
“”Prime Minister Mussolini, you are not going to go back on your word, are you?”
Mainz looked at Mussolini with suspicion, his eyes were filled with three parts of doubt and three parts of contempt.
Mussolini was stimulated by Mainz’s eyes. He realized his identity. He represented the head of state of Italy. If he, as the head of state, went back on his words and didn’t keep his word, he would lose all face if it got out! Moreover
, the Hans had not mentioned the matter of South Tyrol. Now the Italians took the initiative to mention it, but went back on their word and took it back. Then Hans… What would people think?
They would probably think that the Italians were deliberately coming to expose their scars and deliberately provoke them!
Italy’s international situation at this time was not optimistic. They urgently needed Hans’ help. It would not be good for them to offend Hans and provoke conflicts with Hans at this time.
If Hans reached an agreement with the British Empire and Gaul, then Italy would most likely be conspired and divided up by the three countries! Mussolini shuddered at the thought of this terrible consequence!
“No, no, no, of course I won’t regret it, and what I said will count!”
Seeing Mussolini’s anxious explanation because he was afraid of offending Hans, Mainz suddenly felt relieved, he knew that he had taken the initiative!
“”Very good, in that case, please sign this!”
Mainz took out a document from Secretary Baumann and handed it to Mussolini.
Mussolini was stunned for a moment, subconsciously took the document and took a look, and was immediately dumbfounded!
The title of the document in his hand was: Agreement between Hans and Italy on the ownership of South Tyrol and the division of border areas between the two countries!
How did the Hans know that he was going to negotiate the ownership of South Tyrol?
Why did they prepare this thing in advance?
Mussolini was shocked. When he opened the document, the date of the signature in the document shocked him even more: November 11, 1923!
Isn’t this today?
Did the Hans guess that he would come today, and predicted that he would hand over South Tyrol to them?
Mussolini’s first reaction was that he was betrayed. There must be spies from Hans around him. Otherwise, why was Hans so clear about his purpose?
“Mr. Mussolini, are you looking for a pen? Here, the pen is here, give it to me!”
Secretary Baumann on the side saw that Mussolini had not signed the document for a long time, so he urged him.
Mussolini had no choice now. Both of them were staring at him, and Mainz’s secretary had handed the pen to him. If he didn’t sign it, it would be unreasonable!
Besides, he had already made a big promise before. If he went back on his word at this time, it would be too embarrassing. He couldn’t do such a thing!
So, although he was very reluctant in his heart, Mussolini still signed his name on the document.
Secretary Baumann took the document with a smile, and respectfully placed it in front of Mainz for him to review.
Mainz took a look and signed his name after making sure there was no problem.
“Okay, there are two copies of this document. Mr. Mussolini, remember to take the one belonging to Italy when you leave later!”
Mainz did not forget to remind Mussolini after signing his name. Mussolini’s expression was stiff. He wanted to laugh but couldn’t, and wanted to cry but didn’t dare to. He was a grown man. If he cried here, it would be too embarrassing!
However, if he didn’t cry, the psychological grievance would be too uncomfortable, and he couldn’t hold it back!
Seeing Mussolini’s aggrieved look, Mainz was a little happy. He waved to Secretary Baumann, motioning him to leave.
Then he looked Mussolini up and down and said,”What kind of help does your country want from us? As long as we don’t send troops directly, I think other assistance can be negotiated!”
Mainz’s words made Mussolini’s eyes light up, and the grievances in his heart were swept away!
He was greatly encouraged, with a strange light flashing in his eyes, and asked excitedly:”We want to form a military alliance with your country, I wonder what you think?””Alliance with Hans is what Mussolini wants to do most at the moment. As long as he forms an alliance with Hans, Italy will have a powerful ally to rely on. If they take action on the Balkan Peninsula, Hans can also lend a helping hand to them from Central Europe.
Moreover, the existence of Hans will also make the British Empire and the Gauls afraid to act rashly, which will greatly help improve Italy’s external environment!
If it weren’t for the purpose of hooking Hans to form an alliance with himself, Mussolini would be reluctant to return South Tyrol to Hans!
“I can’t make the decision on this, so tell me what I can decide!”
Whether to form an alliance with another country is indeed beyond Mainz’s authority, which belongs to President Hindenburg.
However, Mainz did not say this to let Mussolini go to President Hindenburg to discuss the matter, but to tell the other party tactfully that Hans had no intention of forming an alliance with Italy at this time, so he could give up this idea as soon as possible!
“Then, can you sell us some equipment, and then send some officers with rich practical experience to our army to help us train?”
Since this request was not met, Mussolini would not continue to waste time on the matter. He wisely chose to ask for benefits in other directions!
“As for weapons and equipment, I can make a list for you. You can choose from them. In principle, all the weapons and equipment on the list can be sold, but the price you buy must be settled according to the market price. We don’t accept lira!”
Lira is the currency of Italy. This currency has fluctuated greatly in recent years and its value is very unstable, so Mainz is unwilling to accept this currency. Mussolini knows his own business. He doesn’t even think highly of lira. It’s unlikely that he can use it to get something for nothing. Hans is not a fool!
“Of course, as long as your weapons are reasonably priced and of good quality, we can’t use the best silk to trade with your country!”Italy’s textile industry is very developed. They used various means to steal sericulture and spinning technology from the Celestial Empire a long time ago and started the silk industry in their own country.
Italian silk and silk fabrics are also popular in Europe at this time. Because the textile industry in the north is very developed, Italy also has an annual fashion industry, which is used to show the new fashions of major domestic brands.
Silk is also a hard currency, at least more useful than gold. Mainz can accept it in exchange._Feilu reminds you: Three things to do when reading-