Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 518 The Meeting of Three Monarchs (Part 2)
The Abbasid Palace in Baghdad, once the palace of the Abbasid Caliphs, has now been converted into a museum. Not far away, the new Abbasid Palace, built with royal funds, stands on the ground.

This architectural complex, blending Eastern and Western styles, became a landmark of Baghdad and a gathering place for many nobles. They could enter the palace as long as they had the Shah's permission.

To celebrate the completion of Baghdad, the Shah held a grand ball here, attended by hundreds of nobles and celebrities. It was quite a lively affair.

However, the three monarchs and their ministers were not present. They were discussing other matters two rooms away from the banquet hall.

"We believe that cooperation among the three countries can be further deepened, not only in the economic sphere, but also in the military, cultural, and educational fields."

Grand Vizier Musharraf first proposed a draft of trilateral cooperation, and there is still room for further development in various aspects. For example, Austria and Iran are only missing a formal anti-Russian treaty, and the three countries are awaiting an anti-Italian treaty.

Franz had a clear-headed view on the Italian issue. He believed that Italian unification was an inevitable trend, and even if it were blocked now, it would eventually be overthrown.

Instead of remaining enemies, let's try a different approach. Since Italian unification is already irreversible, let's make it the kind of unification they want. Wouldn't it be better to unify Sicily?
"That's right, the world situation is changing drastically right now. Only the alliance can withstand attacks from other places."

Newly appointed Austrian Chancellor Count Richard Belkreddy agrees with this statement, noting that Austria's economic projects are largely driven by Iranian investment. Hungary also sells grain to Iran, and both countries need Sicily's sulfur mines and ports. After all, given the power struggles in the Mediterranean, Sicily and Malta, straddling the middle, must be controlled.

Sicilian Prime Minister Francesco, on the other hand, didn't say much, because he was only there to make money. With Austria and Iran as his big brothers, he figured he could just be a bystander.

"To strengthen economic ties between our two countries, I believe that tariffs could be appropriately reduced from the current 15% to 6%, which would contribute to the economic development of both countries. Furthermore, we also..."

Count Belkreddi subsequently provided Iran with considerable facilitation in areas such as investment, education, cultural exchange, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. This was arguably the largest concession Austria could offer.

So after the count finished speaking, the Austrian delegation waited for Iran's reply.

"Your Excellency Belcredi, we appreciate Austria's sincerity, and our country naturally also very much wishes to establish a more comprehensive and friendly relationship with your country..."

The count held his breath, knowing that Iran's demands were far from low, but for the sake of the economy and diplomacy, he had to accept them.

The Austrians need Iran more than they need Iran, especially when they need to exert their influence in the Balkans. Without Iran's support, they are no match for the Russians.

Compared to the enormous interests in the Balkans and Italy, the costs with Iran are negligible. Besides, Austria has now begun colonizing the Congo; although the benefits haven't materialized yet, at least it's taken the first step. It's said that towns in the Congo colony are already taking shape, and the next step is to penetrate deeper into the Congo River basin and acquire more colonies.

Franz also tensed up; these conditions were the result of discussions with his cabinet members. While he possessed an exceptional memory and keen insight into people, his strategic and diplomatic abilities were not comparable to those of other outstanding figures of the time. His only redeeming quality was his meticulousness and dedication to duty—a commendable accolade for an official, but a failure for a monarch.

"However, the Ottoman Empire is also a problem that must be addressed. I wonder what your country's opinion is?" The Ottoman Empire? What can be said? They can just watch from the sidelines. They only need Bosnia and Serbia; swallowing the rest would be like an explosion.

"Haha, the Ottoman Empire is indeed a country with great potential. But our country is currently inclined to develop the colony of Congo."

This was practically saying, "Brother, the Ottoman Empire is yours, and I absolutely refuse to accept it." Naser al-Din nodded, and the rest was easy.

As for Sicily, Iran will provide a loan and kerosene, and in return, they will supply Sicilian wheat at a low price. Therefore, there are no obstacles to the alliance.

In the ensuing talks, the two countries reached an agreement primarily on military and diplomatic matters, ultimately agreeing on seven points, the main contents of which are as follows:

1. The contracting parties pledge to maintain peace and friendship with each other, not to participate in any alliance or agreement against either party, and to exchange views on general political and economic issues that may arise and to provide mutual support.

2. If Sicily is attacked by Italy, Austria must provide assistance with its entire army; if Austria is attacked by Italy, Sicily shall assume the same obligation. Iran will provide weapons and other support.

3. If Iran is attacked by Russia, Austria must provide assistance with its entire army; and vice versa.

4. If one or both contracting parties are attacked and are at war with two or more great powers that are not signatories to this Treaty, all contracting parties shall enter into the war simultaneously.

5. If a major power other than a signatory to this Treaty threatens the national security of one of the contracting parties and that contracting party is forced into war with it, the other contracting parties are obligated to remain neutral toward their allies and reserve the right to enter the war when appropriate.

6. If the peace of any of the Contracting Parties is threatened under the circumstances envisioned in the foregoing articles, the Contracting Parties shall consult on military measures to be taken with the ultimate aim of cooperation.

7. The contracting parties guarantee that, in the event of joint participation in the war, they will never enter into an armistice agreement, peace treaty or treaty unless they agree otherwise.

8. Iran, Austria, and Sicily agreed to reduce tariffs on each other to 6%. Iranian capital was allowed to move freely between the other two countries, and Austria agreed to expedite the construction of the Vienna-Tehran railway.

This newly concluded treaty was signed by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, King Maximilian I of the Two Sicilies, and Shah Nasser al-Din of Iran, and was made in triplicate, with each of the three countries retaining one copy. This also signified a closer economic and military ties between the three countries of Iran, Austria, and Sicily.

Following this was a more detailed economic exchange treaty among the three countries, stipulating provisions for education, study abroad, travel, and cultural and technological exchanges. The monarchs of all three countries signed the treaty. Hopefully, other European countries won't be intimidated. This is just a perfectly ordinary agreement.

(End of this chapter)