Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 443 Changes in the Situation

Chile's sudden attack on Patagonia was beyond expectations, prompting Iran to urgently summon the Chilean ambassador, who then claimed it was an accident.

An accident? The siege of Kerman has lasted for many days and it's an accident? Can't you come up with a better excuse?

Relations between Iran and Chile have reached a freezing point, and Chile seems determined to achieve its goals. Besides its stable political foundation, its rapidly developing economy and strong diplomacy also provide it with confidence.

Compared to other South American countries, Chile achieved political stability relatively early, which facilitated the country's economic development. The 40s and 50s marked Chile's early economic development, which relied primarily on mining and agriculture.

采矿业主要集中在东北地区，白银产量从20年代的每年大约2万公斤增加到现在的大约12.7万公斤；铜的产量同期从每年平均2725吨增加到35600吨；但黄金产量逐年下降，同期从每年平均生产1200公斤下降到现在的270公斤。

Meanwhile, the demand for grain from gold mines in California and Australia opened up markets for Chilean wheat exports. Thanks to improved transportation conditions, Chile also sold large quantities of wheat and barley to Britain, reaching 150 million quintals in 1862, the highest export record.

Thanks to the growth of trade, government revenue generally exceeded expenditures during the eight years from 1855 to 1863, resulting in a substantial surplus. This money was used to reorganize the army and purchase weapons, with arms deals from Britain alone amounting to £200 million, including the order for two warships.

By this time, Chile had mobilized 1.2 troops, and despite repeated artillery bombardment, Kerman had not been captured.

To defend against a Chilean attack, Kerman had undertaken unprecedented expansions in the preceding years. He fortified the walls, dug deep moats, placed cannons at every breach in the walls, dug wells to prevent the enemy from cutting off water, and stored enough food to last a year.

Moreover, the Kermans were highly united, comparing this siege to the Siege of Toledo eight hundred years earlier. Alfonso VI of Castile besieged Toledo for two months, forcing its surrender; this time, they would not let their opponent succeed so easily.

Shells rained down on the city walls, and Iranian artillery returned fire. The Chilean army remained locked in a stalemate, while the navy repeatedly harassed Iranian merchant ships, cutting off their supplies.

On February 28, the Chilean Navy warship Santiago shelled an Iranian merchant ship, killing six and injuring twenty-two, shocking Iran. Chile sent its ambassador to express its apologies, stating that Chile had no intention of shelling, but the Iranian side insisted on attacking, leaving them with no choice but to make the decision.

"Shameless!"

Nasserdin knew this was Chile's excuse; they just thought Iran was too far away and wanted to take it all in one fell swoop. He wouldn't let them succeed.

Cinistan's fleet was to proceed to Chile to protect Iranian merchant ships. At the same time, Iran was declared on high alert, though Chile was prepared, but Britain was terrified.

Britain has nearly £12 million in investments and loans in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, accounting for half of its investments in South America. In the event of war, this would be a complete loss. Furthermore, there are another £8 million invested in Brazil, which would suffer losses should a war break out in Paraguay.

At this time, Prime Minister Palmerston was also embroiled in a struggle with his colleague Gladstone. Although Palmerston and William Gladstone maintained a gentlemanly demeanor towards each other, they had fundamental differences on religion, diplomacy, defense, and reform.

To defend against France, Palmerston established a Royal Defence Committee, which recommended building numerous fortifications to protect British shipyards. The Prime Minister strongly supported this recommendation. Gladstone, however, opposed it due to its enormous cost, threatening to resign as Chancellor of the Exchequer if the recommendation was accepted. Ultimately, both sides compromised, resolving the issue. Meanwhile, the situation in Afghanistan exhausted the former Prime Minister. Britain was still recovering from the financial crisis, and other events led to another sell-off on the British Stock Exchange. Years of hard work forced him to resign on March 12th. Foreign Secretary Lord Russell took office and formed a government.

Russell's most important tasks upon taking office were resolving the issues in South America and Afghanistan—one involving vast economic interests, the other concerning India's security. Neither could be taken lightly. Iran, their old adversary, was even more troublesome than France. The cabinet had already concluded that military intervention was a last resort. Peace was the primary objective; otherwise, given Iran's capabilities, they would have to spend at least £3000 million.

Such a scenario is impossible; Britain wouldn't spend tens of millions of pounds to attack Iran. Iran has already stirred up local sentiment, and if Britain were to invade, there's no guarantee the locals wouldn't take up arms against them. The Iranians aren't Indians; it's more like a Persian lion is eyeing this British lion.

Meanwhile, the situation in Argentina continued to deteriorate. On March 16, the Argentine army attempted to retake Rosario, but 6000 Argentine troops were repelled by 4000 Patagonian troops. A naval attack on Blanca was also launched, but was repelled by coastal defense artillery.

"President, urgent telegram from the front!"

Inside the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, a staff officer rushed into Mitre's office, looking flustered.

"what happened?"

"Our attack on Rosario has failed again; General Sanchez has been killed by artillery fire!"

Mitre couldn't take it and fainted. When he woke up, cabinet members were all around him.

"Now, we need to overcome these difficult times together. Paraguay is not our main adversary; Iran is."

"Mr. President, should we contact Britain?"

Mitre suddenly exclaimed, "Of course, Chile too, let's go find them together."

Without the incentive of mutual benefit, countries like Britain and Chile would not help Argentina overcome its current difficulties. Therefore, in order to safeguard national security, Mitre is prepared to sacrifice some of his interests.

The Patagonian wilderness is a disputed territory between Chile and Argentina. If Chile is willing to send troops to its aid, Mitre is willing to cede Patagonia to Chile. Similarly, if the Patagonian attack is repelled, Mitre is willing to recognize Uruguay as part of the Brazilian Empire. Argentina will no longer interfere in the merger of Brazil and Uruguay and will persuade Britain to help. After resolving the crisis facing Argentina, Mitre is not unwilling to fully open the domestic market to Britain. After all, although commercial interests are important, they are not as important as the survival of the nation.

Mitre kept his plans hidden from other officials, only sharing them with the envoys who were about to travel to both countries to seek help. This was a choice he had to make; if there had been an alternative, he wouldn't have done it this way.

(End of this chapter)