Chapter 645： Behind the scenes (1/2)

After waiting for European countries to take a stand, the situation in South America has changed again. Under the pressure of dying lips, Peru chose to ally with Bolivia, and the Pacific War broke out.

With the participation of Peru, the situation in South America has become more complicated. Originally Chile was fighting Bolivia, and the situation changed after Peru joined the war. The two sides seemed to be evenly matched.

As military strength approaches, diplomacy will be tested. The powers of speech of the powers these years are very heavy, especially when they are evenly matched, whoever gets the support of the powers gets the last straw that crushes the camel.

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Downing Street, London

Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward: ”The situation in South America has not been very good. In addition to competing for minerals in the desert of Atacama, this war between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru was more about transferring internal conflicts.

Nearly all South American countries and neighboring countries have territorial disputes, and most of these countries have serious internal contradictions, and there are demands to transfer internal contradictions.

If we do not intervene in time, more countries will be involved in this war. Once the full-scale war broke out in South America, it will be a new round of shuffling, which is not in our interest.

Both warring parties are now seeking our help. Considering traditional friendship, I suggest supporting Chile to win this war. ”

It seems that the South American countries have become independent, but in fact they are still economic colonies of European countries, but they are framed a bit and the food is not so ugly.

There is no doubt that Britain has taken the largest share. As described in the British newspaper: ”Argentina is our ranch, Peru is our silver mine, Chile is our mine ...”

As the biggest vested interests, the British naturally do not want to break the situation.

Just the war between Chile and Peru and Bolivia, the British still have the power to control the situation. If the full-scale war in South America isn't the case, then, the London government will be fine.

Today, unlike in the past, France and Austria have been relatively busy lately, and have long regarded the interests of the British in South America.

Once reshuffled, the three countries will inevitably start a new round of competition. Can the British still have the advantages they have now?

This is a question worth thinking about.

Economic competition is also a war, and nothing more than smoke can be seen.

If you use statistics, you will find that nearly 60% of the foreign trade of South American countries is conducted with the British, and the rest is divided up by other European and American countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin: ”The Chileans agreed to our terms?”

In Britain, ”traditional friendship” and ”benefits” are usually equal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advocates support for Chile, and there is only one explanation-Chileans bid higher.

As for the relationship between the two countries, that is secondary. There are many younger brothers in Britain. If the younger brothers have to support, then the London government has nothing to do.

Foreign Minister Edward: ”Of course, in addition to linking the peso to the pound, the Chileans also promised that if we help them win this war, we will get mineral development rights in the Atacama Desert.

The Atacama Desert has the world's most saltpeter mines. Mastering this, we control the saltpeter market.

Both strategic value and economic value are worth our shot. ”

After hesitating for a moment, Prime Minister Benjamin made a decision: ”Try again, to see if you can get an exclusive license, and when you least likely to grant it to a third party, we must first obtain our consent.”

Promoting currency hegemony is the core, and controlling the saltpeter market is incidental. The importance of this is clearly understood by Prime Minister Benjamin.

”No problem!” Edward said confidently.

With the world's No. 1 Royal Navy, Britain's right to speak abroad has always been heavy. Even if France and Austria combined, there was no way to compete with them in South America.

From the perspective of strength, whoever won the support of the British had an advantage in the war.