"Gentlemen, what should we do now? Should we agree to the Germans' demands or not?" President Sidónio Pais asked.
"Your Excellency, this is indeed an extremely difficult choice. If we choose wrongly, Portugal will be finished," Foreign Minister Castro said.
"If only the Azores were not our territory!" the Secretary of the Treasury sighed.
The other senior Portuguese officials all shook their heads with bitter smiles. Perhaps this was the helplessness of a small nation. The Azores occupied an extremely important geographical position. In the hands of a great power, they would become an important base. But for a small country like Portugal to possess such a vital strategic location as the Azores was not good fortune—it was a disaster instead.
"Your Excellency, could we find a way to stall them for now, then see how things develop after some time?" Castro suggested.
President Sidónio Pais's eyes lit up. This was indeed a good idea. Of course, it was also the best they could do under the circumstances.
"Then we will begin negotiations with the Germans. Their offer is three hundred million marks if they purchase them. If they lease them, it will be six million marks a year for a ninety-nine-year lease. We will negotiate with the Germans over these two proposals and delay for time!" President Sidónio Pais said.
"Yes, Your Excellency," the Portuguese officials replied. Yet the worry on everyone's faces did not fade. After all, even if they adopted delaying tactics, they could not drag things out forever. Once the Germans' patience had been worn away, the Kingdom of Portugal would inevitably be forced to make a choice. By then, they would no longer be able to delay.
The next day, Portuguese Foreign Minister Castro formally began talks with German Foreign Minister Wachth.
"Your Excellency, Foreign