"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, Azores is the inherent territory of Portuguese Republic, and the people will not accept the government selling Azores. If the government makes the decision without authorization and sells Azores, it will definitely cause strong dissatisfaction among the people. In that case, the government will be under great pressure." President Sidonio Pais said.
He obviously didn't want to sell Azores, but in order to avoid angering Germany, he had no choice but to shift the responsibility to Portugal's public opinion.
Wachth frowned, and then said, "German Empire is very sincere about this. We can buy Azores for 300 million Mark. The current Azores has almost no development potential. This price is already very fair."
President Sidonio Pais admitted that Portugal is now short of money and under great financial pressure. Three hundred million Mark is already a huge sum of money for Portugal. Moreover, he also believed that if Portugal really planned to sell Azores, he could further discuss it with Germany. In that case, the price can be further raised on this basis.
However, Sidonio Pais really doesn't want to sell Azores! This will involve Portugal in future wars. Once Germany also wins the war in the future, it is good to say that Portugal can get certain benefits from it. But what if Germany loses the war? Portugal, who is tied to Germany's tank, will definitely become the target of liquidation by United States and other countries. When the time comes, Portugal will pay a heavy price. Sidonio Pais still hopes that Portugal can continue to remain neutral. Azores is in their hands and can be sold at a price, or even become a bargaining chip to please the victorious country after the war situation becomes clear.
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, I need to discuss with Cabinet. However, I believe that most people will not agree to sell Azores. Azores is an indivisible territory for us." Sidonio Pais said.
Wachth nodded, Portugal people were unwilling to sell Azores, which was not beyond their expectations.
"Your Excellency, if your country is really unwilling to sell Azores, then we have another plan, that is, your country will lease Azores to us. We are willing to lease Azores from your country at a price of six million Mark per year for a ninety-nine-year lease period." Wachth continued.
Germany For Azores, two plans have been prepared for a long time. If you can buy it at once, that would be the best thing. If you can't buy it, rent it. Anyway, as long as Azores can be in the hands of Germany and can be used as the base of German Atlantic Fleet.
Sidonio Pais couldn't help but become more worried. Wachth proposed a second plan. Although it was a loan, he felt that Germany was determined to win Azores. If Portugal really refuses, then this will definitely anger Germany. Sidonio Pais simply couldn't imagine what consequences this would have.
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, I will discuss it carefully with Cabinet and will definitely give you an answer as soon as possible!" President Sidonio Pais said.
Wachth nodded, he also knew that such a major matter, even if Sidonio Pais held the positions of president and prime minister, could not be decided by one person. Wachth believes that under the strong pressure from Germany, Portugal will definitely make the right choice. If they refuse, the consequences will be dire. Although Germany is unlikely to directly use force against Portugal for this, the use of other suppression methods is enough to make Portugal unable to bear it.
Next, Wachth, led by officials sent by the Portugal government, visited and played around Lisbon. The Portugal government conducted emergency consultations on the Germany people's requests.
"Gentlemen, the Germany people are here for Azores this time. They hope to buy Azores or rent Azores. What should we do about this?" President Sidonio Pais's face was filled with sadness.
The other senior officials of the Portugal government all looked unhappy. Germany is the world's hegemon, and it's very close at hand. Now, Germany has officially made a request to buy or rent Azores, which undoubtedly puts great pressure on the Portugal government. If possible, Portugal certainly does not want to sell Azores to Germany or lease it to Germany. But can they say no? Once he refuses, it will probably bring a disaster to Portugal.
"Your Excellency, the geographical location of Azores is so good that it has been coveted by other countries for many years. When British Empire dominated the world, the Britain people wanted to take Azores away from us. If it weren't for our close relationship with Britain, maybe They have done this for a long time. Now, Germany has replaced British Empire and has once again set his sights on Azores. Our strength is too small and we may not be able to defend Azores!" said Foreign Minister Castro.
"Yes, Mr. President. The confrontation between Germany and United States is getting more and more intense. The Germany people want to take advantage of the confrontation. So, they want to build a military base on Azores. In this way, they can build a military base on Atlantic Ocean By gaining an important forward base, we can expand our power to the middle of Atlantic Ocean. By then, Americans will be at a disadvantage. This time, since the Germany people have made a request, it will be difficult for them to give up this request," said Secretary of the Navy.
"However, if we really sell or lease Azores to the Germany people, it will be equivalent to boarding the Germany people's ship. Although Germany is very powerful now, United States's strength is not weak either. In the future war, it may be difficult for who can win. "If we agree to the Germany people's request and they win the future war, we can still maintain our close relationship with Germany. But what if the Germany people lose the war? Americans will never let us go," War Minister said.
President Sidonio Pais could not help but frown tightly. Obviously, this is a dilemma for him and the Portugal government, which is directly related to the future of Portugal! A little carelessness may bring disaster to Portugal.