Compared to the Russians, the British were quite serious this time, and while the British issued a call for an end to the confrontation between France and Germany, they also said that Africa should "maintain the status quo". And the implication of this sentence expressed Britain's dissatisfaction with Germany's expansion of the colonies! Shortly after this statement was issued, the British envoy Chamberlain and his party arrived in Berlin. And Prince Ruprecht was responsible for receiving this group of "uninvited guests".

"On behalf of the British Empire, I deplore the recent armed conflict in Africa, where the limits of power were negotiated in 1885 and have been recognized by the European nations, and whose brazen war under the pretext of trade disputes is grossly ill-sighted. The British Empire hopes that you will return to the boundaries of the previous borders of the countries, and consult with the relevant responsible parties in order to properly resolve the aftermath, and if the matter is further expanded, then the British Empire reserves the right to take other action! ”

What is an empire? It's called Empire! Although there are many powerful countries in the world, in this era, only Britain can really not back down and not make concessions! The colonies all over the world are the flesh and blood of the British Empire. The shipping routes of the four oceans and bases around the world are the blood of the British Empire. And the mighty Royal Navy is an unrivaled sword in the hands of the British Empire! The British Navy in this era is really not a problem! Well, if it weren't for the Boer War, the British would have been a myth in this era.

"Can I see this as an ultimatum?" The prince looked at Chamberlain on the opposite side and sneered, and said in his heart, now the British really take themselves seriously, and the biggest backstage of your World War I has been pry me away! The First World War is already half won, and in 1914 I was not afraid of you, and now I will be afraid of a Britain caught in the quagmire of the Boer War? With the merchant nature of the British, will you really bleed to help the French before the "sincere agreement" is signed with the French? What are you kidding?

"This." Chamberlain was stunned at first, this statement is actually a statement, and there is really no ultimatum, after all, he came over to negotiate, and threats are needed, but Britain really has no intention of breaking with the Germans completely at this time!

Now Chamberlain is complaining a little about the hardliners at home, since the incident, both France and Germany have kept a low profile and have not made further moves, the two sides have only taken some preventive measures, and have not talked about this matter in public at all, and the Russians have only expressed their concern in private, and then continue to do business happily with the Germans. In this way, it seems that the British were pushed to the forefront. And in fact, what does this matter have to do with Britain?

"This is not an ultimatum, it just shows the attitude of the British Empire." Chamberlain said.

"Okay, I know your attitude." The prince said.

"And I need to know the attitude of your country. I must remind you that Germany's actions have seriously violated the consensus reached by all countries, and that the African question was decided 15 years ago, and that this unauthorized change of the regional situation has already met with the resentment of many countries, and you need to think about it yourself. Chamberlain said.

"Oh, are you talking about the partition of Africa by the European nations in 1885? I remember that after this incident, the Royal Navy seemed to send a fleet off the coast of Lisbon in 1891 to force the other side to withdraw its troops from Africa. If you can threaten a country without any reason, why can't Germany solve the problem by force when the same country has harmed the interests of the Reich? What can the UK do? Not in Germany? The prince asked rhetorically.

"There is no need to use force to solve economic problems, this is very uncivilized behavior." Chamberlain said with a frown.

"But the war between your country and the Netherlands was fought because of economic problems. If negotiations can solve all problems, then why would your country spend £20 million a year on its navy to maintain one of the world's most powerful naval forces? This is a unilateral hegemony. ”

"Of course, there is no point in talking about this question now, strength in this world is the last word, since you have come all the way to Germany and informed me of your country's opinion, then I can also tell you my country's opinion." The prince held up a finger and continued.

"Portugal must pay for its mistakes, we cannot withdraw from Angola and Mozambique. Second, France must make reparations for its wrongdoings, and the root cause of the conflict was the miscalculation of the French, whose attack caused great trouble for the Reich. ”

"That means that your country intends to ignore the advice of the British Empire and is ready to go its own way?" Chamberlain said angrily.

"It's hard for everyone to understand such empty words, so let's use more vivid words to explain the stakes between this matter and the British Empire."

"We have about 10,000 troops in German East Africa, and we have enough ammunition and equipment there to arm an army! If, I mean, if your country really decides to fight us for France, then imagine your country's situation in South Africa. ”

"Fewer than 30,000 Boers had taken the Eastern Cape, and the whole of eastern South Africa was brought under Boer control except for a few isolated strongholds, and they had launched blacks, and there had even been a massive rebellion in Rhodesia. The British Empire has invested 50,000 troops one after another, but what is the result? You are a colonial minister and you should know best. ”

"Think about it, the Boers, the blacks, plus our troops and equipment in German Africa, how many troops and pounds does the British Empire intend to fill this bottomless pit? Or are you ready to admit cowardice and recognize the independence of the Boers? The prince said with a smile.

"The British Empire will definitely not give in, absolutely not! We will fight until the last moment! Chamberlain said unusually firmly.

"Hehe, of course I believe in the heritage and strength of the British Empire, with the military strength of the British Empire, if you die to the death, it is indeed not a problem, but the premise is that you have money! Enough money! If I'm not mistaken, how many times did your country add up to £50 million? ”

"This is really a lot of money, how much money did the Japanese get after fighting with the Qing Kingdom for 1 year? And your country's army spends money like flowing water! That's pretty much the money, isn't it? And instead of being routed, the Boer army became stronger and stronger! I'd love to make a bet with you to see how much your country can throw in the quagmire of South Africa before the end of the Boer War! Is it 100 million? Or 200 million pounds? The prince leaned forward slightly, and said with some jokingness.

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