"I'm sorry, Your Excellency Foreign Minister. After discussions with our government, we decided not to sell or lease Azores to your country. Portugal was a neutral country in the last World War. The international situation is getting more and more tense now, and we are not willing to get involved in the confrontation between major powers. We hope to continue to remain neutral." Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Castro said apologetically.
Wachth was not surprised by this, or in other words, he had already expected such a result from the moment he realized that Portugal people were stalling for time. However, Wachth does not agree with Portugal's choice. Portugal people are too stupid and naive to want to remain neutral and not get involved in the confrontation between major powers.
If Portugal does not have Azores and they want to remain neutral, perhaps no one will pay attention to them. However, if you still want to remain neutral when you have Azores, that would be fanciful. Azores's important strategic position makes Germany or other big countries try their best to keep it in their hands. If Portugal refuses Germany's request, he is actually becoming an enemy of Germany.
German Navy has decided that Azores must be won. Originally, they hoped to buy or rent Azores in a peaceful way. However, this was rejected by the Portugal government. Then, Germany will use any means necessary to capture Azores. This is definitely not a good thing for Portugal.
"Your Excellency, Mr. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you are rejecting German Empire's goodwill!" Wachth said.
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, Portuguese Republic has no such intention. We just want to remain neutral." Castro said.
However, Wachth didn't waste any more time. He left Kingdom of Portugal directly, took a warship of Atlantic Fleet, and returned to Germany.
"Your Excellency, German Foreign Minister has left. However, it can be seen that he is very angry. I think this time we have completely offended the Germany people. This may cause trouble for us." Castro looked worried.
"Don't worry, even if the Germany people are dissatisfied, they will not use force against us. In that case, their desire to maintain world peace will become a lie. The whole world will accuse them." President Sidonio Pais said.
"I hope so!" Castro said. He always thought that things would not be that simple. Germany people are obviously determined to win Azores this time, how could they back down like this? In that case, it would be too inconsistent with the behavior of Germany people.
When Germany Foreign Minister Wachth reported the news that Portugal refused to sell or lease Azores to Germany, Emperor Qin Tian of the Empire immediately summoned the Military and Political Ministerss of the Empire.
"Everyone, the rulers of Portugal finally made a stupid decision. They rejected the Empire's Demand and ignored Empire's goodwill. This is absolutely unacceptable to the Empire!" Oscar said.
"Your Majesty, we must capture Azores. The reason why the Portugal people dare to reject us must be that Americans is supporting them. This makes us have to worry about whether Azores will Fall into the hands of Americans. If Americans takes control of Azores, then we will be under great threat," Imperial Navy Minister Reinhard? Admiral Scheer said.
Oscar nodded, Empire Intelligence Bureau had already reported the secret meeting between United States Ambassador to Portugal and Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It's just that I don't know what they talked about specifically. However, what is certain is that what they are talking about must be related to Germany wanting to buy or rent Azores. Otherwise, Portugal would not have made a choice immediately after that meeting.
"Everyone, since the Portugal people have rejected us this time, it means that our plan to get Azores through peaceful means has completely failed. For Imperial Navy, Azores is an indispensable and important base that we must get. So, what method should we use next?" Oscar asked.
No matter what, in order for German Navy to gain an advantage over Atlantic Ocean, Germany must hold Azores in its hands.
"Your Majesty, we should rule out the use of force against Portugal. In the previous Arms Control Conference, we advertised to the world that we love peace and are willing to work for world peace. If we invade in the blink of an eye, If Portugal, this will probably lead to criticism from all over the world. The image that Empire has finally re-established will suffer a devastating blow," Imperial Prime Minister Bülow reminded.
"This may be the reason why the Portugal government is so confident." Imperial Navy Minister Reinhard? Admiral Scheer said.
"Besides using force, what other options do we have?" Oscar asked.
"Your Majesty, in addition to force, we have no other choice but to overthrow the current Portuguese government. Since this Portuguese government is unwilling to accept the empire's good intentions, then we have to find a way to change an obedient Portuguese government. A few years ago, they launched a revolution and overthrew the Portuguese royal family. This has made the political situation in Portugal relatively turbulent over the years. Various factions are rising. If we support a certain faction and let them launch a coup, it is entirely possible that the new Portuguese government supported by the empire will sell the Azores to the empire at a low price, or use this as a condition when supporting them." said Marshal Von Falkenhayn, the Imperial Army Minister and Chief of General Staff.
Oscar nodded, this is undoubtedly the most appropriate method now. Germany only supported some Portugal people to launch a coup and did not send troops to invade Portugal. Other countries cannot accuse Germany.
"So, is there a suitable support candidate?" Oscar asked.
"According to the information we received, Portugal War Minister, Army Chief of Staff and a Colonel named Carmona, They are all objects of support. They control most of Portugal's military, and we can fully support them in launching a military coup and establishing a military dictatorship," said Feng Field Marshal Falkenhayn.
"Then send someone to contact them!" Oscar said.