"Gentlemen, what should we do now? Should we agree to the Germany people's request?" President Sidonio Pais asked.
"Your Excellency, this is indeed a very difficult choice. If you make the wrong choice, then Portugal will be doomed." Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Castro said.
"How great it would be if Azores was not our territory!" Secretary of the Treasury sighed.
Other Portugal senior government officials also shook their heads and smiled bitterly. Perhaps this is the helplessness of small countries. The geographical location of Azores is very important. If it is in the hands of a big country, it will be an important base. However, for a small country like Portugal to have such an important strategic location as Azores, it is not lucky, but a disaster.
"Your Excellency, can we find a way to delay it for a while and then see the situation?" Castro suggested.
President Sidonio Pais couldn't help but his eyes lit up. This was a good idea. Of course, there is no other way.
"Then we will start talks with the Germany people. The price they gave us is to pay us 300 million Mark if we buy it. If it is a lease, it will be six million Mark a year for ninety-nine years. We will negotiate with the Germany people on these two plans to delay time!" President Sidonio Pais said.
"Yes, Your Excellency, President." Portugal's senior officials replied. However, the sadness on everyone's faces did not disappear. After all, even if you use delaying tactics to delay time, it cannot be delayed indefinitely. Once the Germany person's patience is worn away, the Germany person will inevitably force Kingdom of Portugal to make a choice. At that time, they will have no way to delay it any longer.
The next day, Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs looked after Castro and formally started talks with Germany Foreign Minister Wachth.
"Mr. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wonder what your country is thinking about? For the safety and peace of Europe, Portugal will sell or lease Azores to the German Empire, this is also very beneficial to you. For Kingdom of Portugal, 300 million Mark is enough to improve Kingdom of Portugal's poor financial situation," Wachth said.
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, three hundred million Mark is indeed a lot. However, the important strategic position of Azores is obvious. We believe that if Azores is to be sold, three hundred million Mark is far from enough." Castro said.
Wachth felt happy. Although Portugal people seemed to want to take the opportunity to increase the price, as long as they were willing to negotiate, this was a good thing. It's better than Portugal people rejecting it directly and unwilling to continue talking.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if you feel that the price of 300 million Mark is not suitable, then the price can be increased a little further. In this way, we can increase it by another 50 million Mark. What do you think? German Empire is very sincere about this!" Wachth said with a smile.
Although, Germany was very happy, which made Castro not sure how to continue the conversation. However, the Portugal government's original intention is not to really reach this deal, but to use this to delay time!
The two parties continued to bargain on the issue of price. In the end, Wachth raised the price to 500 million Mark. However, Castro still did not let go. This made Wachth a little dissatisfied. After all, the highest price offered by Germany is 500 million Mark. If the price exceeds this price, Germany will not accept it.
Although, 500 million Mark is nothing to the wealthy Germany. But German government doesn't want to be taken advantage of and allowed to be slaughtered by Portugal people.
Castro just took this opportunity and suggested that we simply discuss the lease term and rent if we rent Azores.
For several days, Wachth and Castro discussed this aspect. However, even if Wachth kept making concessions, Portugal also did not agree.
Wachth is naturally not a fool. He also realizes that the Portugal government is not sincere at all. They are just delaying time.
German Foreign Minister visited Portugal, which originally attracted the attention of other countries. Especially United States on the other side of the ocean pays special attention to this. The embassy of United States in Portugal and the embassy of Britain in Portugal took action to actively explore the intentions of Germany people.
The current Portugal government has no awareness of confidentiality at all. It is like a sieve, and Americans and British easily obtained relevant information.
United States and Britain were shocked to learn that Germany actually wanted to buy or rent Azores from Portugal. You know, if Germany really builds Azores into a military base. Then, German Navy will be able to have a solid bridgehead on Atlantic Ocean. German Navy's power can easily expand to the middle of Atlantic Ocean. Even, as long as German Navy is willing, he can set off from Azores at any time and arrive at United States East Coast within a few days. This is too great a threat to United States and Britain.
"Gentlemen, it is obvious that the Germany people have not given up oppressing us. They have begun to threaten Portugal and sell or lease Azores to them. If their purpose If this happens, it will not be a good thing for us. We must try our best to prevent Germany people from occupying Azores!" said Woodrow President Wilson.
"Your Excellency, judging from the Portugal government's response, they do not want to sell or lease Azores to Germany people. However, in the face of Germany is under strong pressure, and they may eventually have to compromise. By then, Germany people will be able to legitimately occupy Azores," Secretary of State Bryan said.
Woodrow President Wilson nodded, this is indeed a very difficult question. Portugal is just a small Europe country, but Germany is already the overlord that dominates the world. Faced with Germany's request, Portugal would find it difficult to say no, and would not dare to say no. In that case, Portugal may have to compromise in the end.
"Your Excellency, didn't the Germany people just tell the world that they are working for peace? Therefore, on the issue of Portugal, I'm afraid they have no intention of using force. If we can give Portugal some support, maybe we can strengthen their confidence." First Sea Lord Daniels said.
President Wilson's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked the embassy in Portugal to take immediate action to express their support to the Portugal government on behalf of United States.