"I don't know what Ambassador Foram is doing with this visit."

In the office, Carlo looked at the British ambassador in front of him with a smile on his face and asked.

In the face of the British in full swing, Carlo, as the king, also had to put on a friendly expression. No way, now the British are so powerful, no one dares to ignore their existence.

Especially for the current Italy, it is even more unbearable. Among other things, as long as the Suez Canal was closed to Italy, its army preparing for an expedition to Abyssinia would need to take a boat around Africa. The 200 million lira war bonds could not be sustained for even two months.

In the face of the polite Carlo, Ambassador Flam was not underestimated at all, he had been an ambassador in Rome for three years, and he had a good understanding of the king's abilities, and knew that he was not as kind as he appeared.

But this time he really had something to visit.

I saw him say with a smile on his face. "Your Majesty Carlo, I have come this time with a sense of goodwill."

Ambassador Fram's words made a shadow flash in Carlo's heart, and the ambassador's politeness meant that his visit was definitely not easy.

"Oh, I don't know what this kindness is, to have His Excellency the Ambassador come in person."

Sure enough, Fram's words immediately made Carlo feel unusual.

"Your Majesty, this time I have brought the goodwill of Emperor Johannes IV of Abyssinia, who is willing to make a gesture of goodwill to avoid the continuation of such disputes."

At this time, how could Carlo not understand that this Ambassador Fram, or the British behind it, wanted to be a peacemaker.

And Carlo's face immediately became gloomy.

"The relationship between our country and the Abyssinian Empire is not something that can be resolved by a single word of dispute."

Faced with Carlo's gloomy expression, Flam completely ignored and continued. "Your Majesty, let's listen to the kindness of Johannes IV."

Considering the importance of the British, Carlo could only listen to the ambassador.

"His Majesty Carlo, Emperor Johannes IV of Abyssinia, regrets the conflict between the two countries at Adiquara. In order to achieve peace between the two countries, Johannes IV decided to withdraw his troops 30 kilometers to avoid further misunderstandings between the two countries. For the Italian officers and soldiers who suffered losses in this conflict, Johannes IV gave 120,000 pounds sterling as financial compensation. In addition, Johannes IV decided that he would like to hand over Dallol to your country for management. ”

After Ambassador Foram had finished speaking, Carlo looked at him. "No more terms?"

"Not at the moment, but if you are not satisfied, you can discuss it again."

This land cession (less than 5,000 square kilometers) indemnity (only 120,000 pounds) is over?

In this case, Carlo has his opinion. "I have only two conditions, first, Johannes IV personally comes to Rome to apologize to the families of the killed officers and soldiers. Second, the Abyssinian Empire exempted Italian goods from tax. ”

Hearing Carlo say these two things, Fram immediately knew that this condition could not be negotiated. Because the first is to completely throw the face of Emperor Johannes IV on the ground, if he personally came from Rome to apologize, then this hard-won position of emperor will not be seated.

As for the second article, it is even more improbable, this is the dumping ground of Abyssinian for Italian goods, which is acceptable.

However, Flam still did not give up, because it was London's instigation to avoid a war between the two countries, which was related to Britain's layout in Africa. For the British, who had been expelled from Sudan, the Sultan was in their pockets and did not want to see the Italian occupation of Abyssinia peeping at the Sultan.

"Your Majesty Carlo, these two are too harsh, can you reconsider."

In the face of the words of the British ambassador, Carlo said without hesitation. "This is already the largest concession I have seen in your country. In a change of thinking, our country wants to bring Johannes IV to Rome for trial. ”

Now Ambassador Foram knew what the Italians were thinking, and he had no intention of making peace with Abyssinia.

"It's a pity that this will be a disaster for both countries."

Faced with the change in his tone, Ambassador Fram, Carlo also responded without showing weakness. "If such a situation is to be suffered by the British Empire, please inform me of your country's decision."

"These are two different things and cannot be confused."

Faced with such a double-standard performance by Ambassador Forham, Carlo couldn't help but ask. "I don't know if this visit is the idea of your government or the idea of His Excellency the Ambassador."

In response to Carlo's inquiry, Ambassador Forham spoke. "This is my idea, and my Government is willing to settle the dispute between your country and Abyssinia on the basis of the principle of peace."

Ambassador Fram's words mean that Britain will not embarrass Italy on the surface, as long as that is enough.

"Thank you for your kindness, but the gap between our country and Abyssinia is too great to negotiate."

Carlo's words represented Italy's rejection of British mediation.

"That's a shame."

Since there was nothing to talk about, there was nothing more to say, and Ambassador Foram then left the palace.

After the British ambassador had left, Carlo called the chief of the guard. "Send a message to the military and ask them to make another plan, because Britain and France are very likely to give Abyssinia military aid."

Hearing this, Felimich knew the seriousness of the matter and immediately replied. "I'll arrange for someone, or I'll personally send the news to the military."

Although Carlo's words were vague, he was sure that these two countries would definitely make small moves behind their backs.

Britain is because of the Sultan, and France, needless to say, Italy's performance in the Sino-French war, how can the Paris government forget.

As Carlo informed the military of his judgment, the original plan was immediately overturned, fearing a small move by Britain and France. This time, the military was rare and arrogant, and came up with a big deal.

The 3rd Army, which was stationed in the Alps all year round, was one of the core forces of the Italian defense against France, and this war against Abyssinia will be centered on this army. In addition, the 3rd Mountain Brigade, the 6th Mountain Brigade, the 7th Artillery Regiment, and the 6th Division, plus two regiments of the Guards, made the total strength of the war against Abyssinia as high as 53,000.

Of course, it takes time to transport these troops to the Eritrean front. Among other things, the volume of arms and ammunition transport alone is staggering. For this purpose, the military has set up a temporary transport department to manage all this.

Of course, for the general move of Italy, Britain and France informed the Abyssinian Emperor Johannes IV of the information through various channels.

Knowing that he had stabbed a basket of black emperors, of course he would not sit still.

As a result, the clouds of war hung over the land of East Africa.