Chapter 262： Suez canal (1/2)
The plan will never catch up with changes. The main purpose of the Vienna government was to create conflict, use military threats to the Egyptian government, and force them to sign treaties.
Anyway, the Sinai Peninsula is not valued, and its only role is to serve as a buffer with the Ottoman Empire. The local indigenous tribes also accept the leadership of two governments at the same time.
As a result, conflict was created, but the operation was too fierce and the place was occupied. The Egyptians did not act aggressively, they just ran over to protest.
If possible, Franz would rather the Egyptians call him regardless, then the latter thing is easy to handle, anyway, singled out Egypt he did not have any pressure.
Obviously, the Egyptian government was not stupid and did not recklessly send people to reason. Military threats are no longer appropriate at this time.
Franz has always paid attention to eating, creating an excuse to come to find trouble, has refreshed his lower limit, his conscience is very unsatisfactory.
Now that they have occupied the place where they are considered a city, it is too much trouble to find another person.
The cause and effect of the matter, the Egyptian government did not care, no matter who is at fault, anyway, the parties involved are dead, and people die. Now the Austrians are evacuating, and no compensation has been claimed.
Franz asked with a headache: ”What do you think of this problem?”
He acknowledged that he was not dark enough, so he could not do such a domineering thing. If possible, he is more willing to solve problems peacefully.
Unfortunately, Austria's influence in Egypt is not strong enough to compete with Britain and France, and it is compelled to make such a decision and seek a breakthrough in the Sinai region.
Metternich calmly replied: ”His Majesty, the Sinai Peninsula itself is not of much value. Our occupation here is mainly to seize the opportunity to be able to step in when the Suez Canal is dug.
Now that the Egyptian government wants to negotiate, let's talk to them. It's a big deal to pay for these areas, anyway, it's sand that is worth a few bucks.
Now Britain and France do not know our purpose. Even if they interfere, they are only worried that we will continue to expand their forces in Egypt and affect their interests.
At best we assure them that we will not continue to seek expansion in Egypt. As for the issue of the Sinai Peninsula, we, the powers, also need face! ”
Although the approach is a bit excessive, it is indeed very powerful. Right or wrong, everyone was very domineering during overseas colonization.
The Vienna government is willing to spend a nominal amount of money, that is to give the Egyptian government a step down. If the Egyptian government does not agree, I will take up the space anyway and see what you can do?
Is it possible to fight Austria over Sinai for a desert that has nothing? It is estimated that the Egyptian government does not have the courage. If it loses and loses to the family, wait for it to be divided up!
Don't look at the Egyptian government's preparations for modernization. It seems to be a bit rich and powerful. In fact, they recognized their strength after losing to the Ottoman Empire in the last war.
The Prime Minister Felix reminded: ”The French have already obtained the right to dig the Suez Canal. Is this a hindrance?”
Metternich explained: ”Don't worry, we need to pay attention to the Sinai Peninsula, and we don't need to occupy the entire Sinai Peninsula, as long as we get a foothold on it.
The Suez Canal has not yet started, and it is unknown whether the future can be navigable. Now we are just planning ahead.
As far as I know, the British strongly opposed the excavation of the Suez Canal. They are strategically located to enter the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope and do not need this Grand Canal. ”
The attitude of the British towards the Suez Canal was so indifferent in this era. Many British people thought that the navigation of the Suez Canal would weaken their advantage in sea trade.
After all, from a distance perspective, the navigation of the Suez Canal is more beneficial to Mediterranean countries, and France, Austria, Spain and other countries have become closer to the Indian Ocean.
They had recently been on the shortest route and suddenly became farther than their competitors. This will undoubtedly make the cost of maritime cargo transportation in the UK exceed its competitors and reduce market competitiveness.
Whether it is worrying or not, this sense of crisis is always right. It is this sense of crisis that has brought the British Empire to where it is today.
Whether the Suez Canal is navigable is not only doubted by the British, but also by many people in the Austrian government.
The European Grand Canal has never seen such a long canal. The total length of 190 kilometers exceeds the affordability of everyone.
Franz has no way to convince everyone that the Suez Canal must be navigable. Even if this cargo capacity is navigable, it is also a test.
If you can only pass a few boats, then it also fails. For strategic considerations, the Suez Canal, which Austria needs, can handle at least 40,000 tons of ships.
Otherwise, in the era of the fearless ship, this canal will be abandoned. At that time, if the British want to continue to expand the canal, the British must hinder construction and allow Austrian warships to navigate only from the Strait of Gibraltar, thereby establishing a strategic advantage.
Franz said with confidence: ”Don't worry about the navigation problem. Historical records record that in the 6th century AD, a great empire of the Sui Dynasty in the East dug a north-south canal with a total length of more than 2,700 kilometers.
Even after the change of geography, and later the diversion, the new Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is 1797 kilometers, and now it can sail 500 tons of ships normally.
With ancient technology, people can dig such a long canal without using any machinery. Can't we dig a canal less than 200 kilometers in current technology?
From the topographical point of view, the construction difficulty of the Suez Canal is far inferior to that of the Grand Canal. ”
Prime Minister Felix exclaimed: ”Sir, are you sure there is such a long canal in the East?”
Franz replied affirmatively: ”Of course, do you think I can't lie? The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is still operating normally, just in that decaying Manchu empire, you can check the information and know.
Felix quickly explained, ”No, I didn't doubt you.
It just felt that it was incredible. Some 1,300 years ago, someone dug a canal of more than 2,700 kilometers.
If true, then this should be the greatest project in human history. That great empire must be very powerful, and it can actually complete such a huge project. ”
Franz didn't say a word, he couldn't explain that the excavation of the Grand Canal had consumed too much of the people's power. The empire died directly, right?
Then everyone wants to ...
Oh, no need to worry at all. Digging the Suez Canal does not require labor to be transferred from Austria, as long as money is available.
It is even possible to provide food directly. In addition to the technical and management personnel who need to pay salaries, ordinary workers can manage the food.