Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 390 Negotiation
"Your Excellency Shah, our country expresses its concern regarding your country's actions in South America!"

Naserdin never expected that the British ambassador would actually come all the way to Mecca to see him. The British consul from Jeddah was also there; they were incredibly dedicated to matters of South America.

"Lord Stafford, please have a cup of tea!"

But he was in no mood for tea and had to politely decline Shah's offer.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Shah, but Her Majesty is very concerned about what is happening in Argentina and hopes it can be resolved properly."

Britain initially had little interest in Argentina, as the Monroe Doctrine of the United States meant they could only obtain economic benefits through government loans. However, now that the United States is facing financial difficulties, many in Britain are starting to consider getting involved.

In fact, Britain had already entered South America. In 1814, the Netherlands transferred part of its South American colonies to Britain, and the Guyana colony was officially established in 1831.

Meanwhile, London has already signed cooperation treaties with countries such as Colombia and Chile. However, they still believe that Brazil and Argentina are the future powers of South America, for a simple reason: their resources are too abundant.

Argentina boasts the most fertile plains in South America, the La Plata, while Brazil is home to the world's largest coffee and rubber producing regions. Like other countries, both rely heavily on exporting agricultural products and importing manufactured goods. As long as they export, they are guaranteed to make money.

"This matter is actually easy to resolve. It was Argentina that first harmed our people. This is a letter written by Ayatollah; please take a look."

Stafford glanced at it and sensed it was a tricky situation. It wasn't a huge problem, but it wasn't insignificant either. They had driven out the Native Americans before; otherwise, how come those Native Americans disappeared?

However, now that they have Iran backing them, that's the problem. Are they really going to throw away centuries of hope by waging war with Iran to reclaim these places?
Although there was less resistance to the war within Britain, the London government was unhappy because too much money was being spent. They needed to generate revenue, and I think Canada and the Confederate States of America are good options, so I'll invest in them.

Just one year after the war ended, Britain invested over £500 million in the Confederate States of America, mostly in railways. France also invested over 1 million francs, eager to be included.

The massive influx of capital accelerated the construction of the Confederate States of America. Large quantities of cotton were exported in exchange for imported goods, and with tariffs now eliminated, their trade flourished.

British capital poured into Richmond, Atlanta, and New Orleans, and the railway network expanded rapidly, connecting cotton plantations with ports. French bankers vied to lend to the southern government in exchange for preferential trading rights.

Ambassador Stafford put down the letter, his brow furrowed. He knew the Shah's intention—Iran's actions in Argentina were not simply about "protecting its citizens," but rather a deliberate attempt to expand its influence in South America.

“Your Majesty the Shah,” he said, choosing his words carefully, “the British Empire respects your country’s right to protect its citizens overseas, but the situation in Argentina involves many interests. If your country continues to do so, it may undermine local stability.”

Naserdin smiled slightly, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "Your Excellency is overthinking it. We are simply upholding justice, just as your country did in India back then."

Furthermore, if British citizens were massacred in a foreign land, would the Royal Navy stand idly by?

Indeed, in the past few decades, when has the British Empire not interfered in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of "protecting its citizens"? From Greece to the Far East, gunboat diplomacy has long been London's forte.

Stafford's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure: "Shah, times have changed. South American countries are seeking independent development, and excessive interference from external forces could trigger unnecessary conflicts." Shah put down his teacup, his fingertips lightly tapping the table: "Conflict? No, we're just doing business. Iranian merchant ships need safe routes, yet the Argentine government condones mobs attacking our merchants. Shouldn't this be corrected?"

"The problem in Argentina may be resolved through diplomatic channels. Her Majesty the Queen is willing to mediate and prevent the situation from escalating further."

Naserdin smiled slightly, his fingers lightly tapping the jewel-encrusted armrest.

"Mediation? Of course. But Argentina must recognize our legitimate rights and compensate them for their losses. Otherwise, the conflict will continue."

Stafford's heart sank. Iran's stance was tougher than expected, and Britain was not willing to commit too many military resources to South America—the situation in North America and Europe was already complex enough.

"But Argentina is not a barbaric country; they are a sovereign nation, and the issue can be resolved through diplomatic channels..."

“Diplomacy?” Shah chuckled. “We tried, but the Buenos Aires government refused to apologize and even expelled our diplomats.”

Stafford sighed inwardly. The Argentine government was indeed arrogant; relying on the influx of European immigrants and its economic prosperity, they didn't give way to foreign powers. But now the Iranians had effectively taken control of southern Patagonia and had even begun building ports and railways, clearly intending to establish a long-term presence.

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Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister, had finished reading the telegram from Argentina and scoffed, "The Iranians certainly know how to pick their moments."

At the cabinet meeting, the finance minister expressed his concern: "Our investments in South America are just getting started, and if Iran's influence continues to expand, the markets in Argentina and Brazil may be affected."

The Foreign Minister calmly analyzed the situation: "The most crucial issue right now is North America. The Confederate cotton industry has recovered, and our textile mills rely on their supplies. Rather than getting entangled in South America and Iran, it's better to concentrate resources on consolidating our influence in North America."

Ultimately, London decided on a compromise—to tacitly approve Iran's actions in Argentina, but demanding that Iran guarantee not to interfere with British commercial interests in Brazil. At the same time, Britain would accelerate its investment in the Confederate States of America, ensuring that North America would become a new economic pillar.

Lord Palmerston stood at the window of 10 Downing Street. Outside, the London fog, carrying the soot of the Industrial Revolution, blurred the outline of the Thames across the river.

“The Iranians think they’ve won this game,” he muttered to himself, a cold smile playing on his lips. “But they’ve forgotten that the British Empire’s chessboard has never had just one battlefield.”

He turned to face his cabinet colleagues, his voice steady yet sharp:
"Since they want South America, let them be smug for now. But we must make sure they pay the price elsewhere—especially in Central Asia."

The Foreign Minister immediately understood: "You mean... support for Russia's actions in Poland?"

“No, quite the opposite,” Palmerston shook his head. “Let the Tsar continue to struggle in the Polish quagmire. We should give the Persians some new trouble.”

(End of this chapter)