Chapter 1137: Fox's Frustration
Chapter 1137: Fox's Frustration
April 2, 1797.
After a brief negotiation, Count Floridablanca and Archbishop Brienne signed the supplementary clauses to the Treaty of Fez.
France gained ownership of the port of Ceuta, while granting Spanish vessels the right to enter the port for replenishment.
France and Spain would form a joint fleet, with each side contributing at least five third-rate ships of the line and ten fifth-rate warships. Additionally, France would provide twenty-five steam warships, while Spain would handle the fleet's logistics and supplies. Together, they would work to sever the British Navy's supply lines to Gibraltar from the sea.
In truth, while they claimed they would cut off the supplies, achieving it was nearly impossible.
In the narrow confines of the Strait of Gibraltar, the maneuverability advantage of the French steam warships could not be fully utilized. Meanwhile, the British Navy could rely on its numerical superiority in ships of the line to fight a war of position.
At most, the joint fleet could wait for opportunities to harass the transport ships.
However, Joseph knew that historically, the French and Spanish navies had cooperated poorly during the Battle of Trafalgar. His intention was to use the conflict at Gibraltar to allow the joint fleet a long period of coordination and practice, laying a solid foundation for a future decisive battle in the Atlantic.
The smoke of war was about to drift over the Mediterranean once again.
...
While Soult was busy helping the Spanish clean up the mess in Morocco, British Foreign Secretary Fox was experiencing the greatest setback of his diplomatic career in the grand hall of Gatchina Palace in Saint Petersburg.
"Do you truly understand what I am saying?" Fox stared at Count Ostermann with a look of suspicion and alarm. "I guarantee that I can persuade Austria and Prussia to deploy troops together. With each nation providing at least fifty thousand soldiers, the kind of mishap that occurred last time will not happen again.
"And after the war concludes, your country will receive all territories east of Warsaw. I also guarantee that Prussia and Austria will accept this condition."
The Russian Foreign Minister sighed somewhat helplessly. "I believe you have misunderstood. His Imperial Majesty's meaning is quite clear: our country will implement a policy of friendship toward Poland..."
Fox had clearly fallen into a state of agitation, his voice rising several decibels. "There is no one else here, so please, stop joking!
"You and Poland—what word did you use? 'Friendly'? The entire world knows that is absolutely impossible.
"Fine. If you accept my proposal, my country can provide you with another three hundred thousand pounds in low-interest loans."
Count Ostermann simply kept shaking his head. "I did not misspeak. It is 'friendly.' Or, to use your language, 'friendly.' In fact, we have already delivered a diplomatic note to Warsaw."
"And they rejected it! Twice!" Fox was nearly roaring.
"Please, calm yourself." Count Ostermann stood up. "It is almost time for the banquet. We can continue our discussion tomorrow."
He gestured toward the door, silently blaming Paul I for the thousandth time in his heart.
The Englishman was right. How could Russia possibly be friendly with Poland?
Poland was the land gateway to Central Europe, possessing the vast Eastern European plains and a population of over a million Eastern Orthodox believers. Russia had to have it!
In fact, because the special envoy sent to Poland had been expelled twice, voices had already appeared in Saint Petersburg calling for a military response to such an insult.
But the Tsar's attitude was extremely firm. He had even invited Württemberg to act as a mediator to convey his goodwill to Poland, hoping to reduce the garrisoned troops on both sides of the border by seventy percent.
On the other hand, the Tsar was constantly moving troops and supplies toward the Khiva region, preparing to execute his Indian strategy.
On the way to the banquet hall, Fox was still making an effort. "You know, the Greek independence uprising has recently achieved significant results. The Kleft militias have killed over a thousand Ottoman garrison troops.
"I can reveal some information to you: Austria is willing to accept your country's entry into Serbia. If the Ottomans send troops to interfere, my country will stand firmly on Russia's side!"
Count Ostermann's footsteps paused. He turned and asked, "And the conditions for this exchange?"
He naturally knew that the British wouldn't show such kindness for no reason.
One had to realize that Serbia was at the northwestern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. From there, one could reach the German and Italian states, which essentially gave Russia a land connection to Western Europe.
And once Greece became independent, the Ottomans would lose an important support pillar in the Balkans, leaving them unable to interfere in the situation in Serbia. Russia could even lay hands on Bosnia further to the west—if they could 'persuade' the Austrians, who also had an interest there.
Currently, Serbia, Bosnia, and Bulgaria were all Ottoman territories.
To gain such vast benefits, a corresponding price would certainly have to be paid.
Fox said hurriedly, "This is all for the sake of the traditional friendship between Britain and Russia. However, as you know, France has always held an opposing view toward your country's deep involvement in the Balkan Peninsula.
"So, we probably need to demonstrate some strength to make France accept this outcome."
He lowered his voice a bit more. "My country will also recognize His Imperial Majesty's rule over the Island of Malta. This also requires us to strengthen our influence in the Mediterranean, where the French currently intend to take control."
Count Ostermann couldn't help but reveal a smile, nodding as he said, "Fine. I will try once more to see if I can persuade His Majesty."
If there was anything that could move the Tsar right now, Malta was undoubtedly the top choice.
A month ago, the Roman Curia had suddenly announced that the Knights of Malta having an Eastern Orthodox believer as a protector was absolutely impermissible, declaring the protectorate status void.
It was said that if the French Chief Minister hadn't stepped in to plead for them, the Pope had almost imposed an excommunication on the high-ranking officials of the Order.
Well, Ostermann certainly didn't know that Pope Pius VI was merely following a script given to him by the French Archbishop Talleyrand when he announced how to handle the Knights of Malta.
He knew even less that in another history, Britain had also promised to give Malta to Paul I, but after the British Navy took control of the island, they never withdrew.
The next day.
In the Tsar's study, Paul I waved his hand at his Foreign Minister with some impatience. "The British? They are not worth trusting at all.
"If I need Serbia, I will send my own army to conquer it!
"As for Poland, have you forgotten how Austria and Prussia watched us fight bitter battles with the Poles a few years ago while they were constantly picking up easy gains on the Western Front?
"I will say it again: our current strategic direction is in the Far East."
Of course, it wasn't just because his mother, Catherine the Great, had decided to invade Poland that he felt he had to choose a different direction.
Count Ostermann sighed inwardly and had to bring out his trump card. "Your Majesty, the British have promised to help you obtain Malta."
Paul I smiled disdainfully. "Those traitors to Christianity? How could they possibly influence the matters of the Roman Curia?
"There is no need for them to worry about this. The French Crown Prince has already written to me, saying that he also dislikes the Roman Curia very much."
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