Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 668 German Ambassador
Naser al-Din was not idle in Constantinople either; he personally went to Senica to promote Topz to lieutenant general and to award medals to all the surviving citizens in recognition of their loyalty to the Empire.

This action was once again widely publicized in the newspapers, with the Sultan personally going to the front lines to award medals. Meanwhile, the Russian Tsar only allowed Russian soldiers to die in St. Petersburg.

At that time, the newspaper industry was quite powerful. With government funding and an endless supply of topics, each issue sold out quickly.

In the three months since the start of the war, the Ottomans and Iran have repelled multiple Russian attacks, exceeding most people's expectations. Other countries have also begun to take their own actions.

German Ambassador Baslöber arrived at Topkapi Palace, and Bismarck realized that this was an opportunity to put his hostile enemy, France, under heavy pressure.

Following his victory in the Franco-Prussian War, Bismarck recognized that France harbored deep-seated revanchist sentiments due to Germany's annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, making it an irreconcilable and long-term enemy of Germany. Therefore, the primary objective of all his foreign policy was to ensure that France found no allies in Europe.

Therefore, he began a series of diplomatic actions. In Austria, he signed an alliance agreement between the two countries to maintain relations. In Russia, Germany also maintained relations with Russia by strengthening its control over the Polish region.

Bismarck also carefully avoided direct conflict with Britain, especially on the issue of naval power. As long as Germany did not challenge British maritime hegemony, Britain was happy to see a balance of power on the European continent and tacitly accepted Germany's containment of France.

This time, Iran's challenge to both Russia and France made Bismarck realize that a Franco-Russian alliance was inevitable. No amount of effort could change that, so finding new allies was necessary.

“Your Excellency Amir,” Ambassador Baslob bowed slightly, his tone respectful and direct, “please allow me, on behalf of His Majesty Emperor Wilhelm I of the German Empire and Chancellor Bismarck, to express my sincere admiration for the extraordinary courage and outstanding combat power displayed by your country’s army in the battle to defend its homeland.”

Amir looked at him calmly, his mind racing as he considered the German's intentions. "Thank you for the compliments, Your Majesty the Emperor and the Prime Minister, Your Excellency Ambassador. We are merely fighting for survival. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"

Baslob didn't beat around the bush: "Your Excellency, the German Empire has always advocated for the maintenance of peace and stability in Europe and the Near East. This unnecessary war is not only bringing suffering to your people, but also seriously disrupting the regional balance of power, especially... the ambitions of certain countries are expanding uncontrollably."

His Majesty and the Prime Minister both consider your country a crucial cornerstone for maintaining stability in the East. Therefore, at a time when your country faces unjust aggression, the German Empire is willing to provide assistance—to the best of its ability—that does not directly violate the principle of neutrality.

A glint flashed in Amir's eyes, but his face remained calm and composed. He gestured for Ambassador Baslob to sit down, personally poured him a cup of black tea, and said unhurriedly, "Your Excellency flatters me. The struggle for survival was hardly remarkable; it was merely an instinctive reaction when cornered. As for maintaining stability, I'm afraid some countries are using 'stability' as a pretext to carve up the country." He gently set down the teapot, looking directly at Baslob: "We are deeply grateful for the German Empire's willingness to lend a helping hand at this moment. However, I am curious why Berlin would take such a huge risk to curry favor with our seemingly precarious alliance, especially given that the three major powers of Britain, France, and Russia have all clearly stated their positions? As far as I know, Chancellor Bismarck has always been known for his caution and his commitment to maintaining the balance of power in Europe."

Baslob smiled slightly; he knew the real game had begun. He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice: “Your Excellency is a discerning man, so I will speak frankly. Your Excellency believes that the current ‘balance of power’ is being brutally broken. The combination of French revanchism and Russian insatiable territorial ambitions is an extremely dangerous sign for all of Europe, especially for the German Empire in Central Europe. We do not want to see a new, exclusive order dominated by Paris and St. Petersburg emerge in the Mediterranean and the Near East.”

"That's a very apt description. So, how does your country plan to provide this aid without violating the principle of neutrality?"

Baslob knew it was time to make his offer, and he was prepared: "We can provide your country with a substantial loan at a preferential interest rate through a third country's bank, specifically for the purchase of war materials. At the same time, some of our important industrial products, such as special steel, precision machine tools, chemical raw materials, and even some ship engines, can be supplied to your country with priority."

"Of course, this is based on cooperation," Baslöber stated frankly. "We hope to obtain long-term, priority mining rights to some of your country's mineral resources. For example, chromium mines in Anatolia, and exploration rights elsewhere. Furthermore, after the war, German companies wish to obtain equal participation rights with your domestic companies in the construction of your country's infrastructure, such as railways and ports."

Amir thought for a moment before replying. “A very reasonable business proposal. Iran and the Ottoman Empire welcome business cooperation from other countries on the basis of mutual respect. If your country is willing to abide by its own laws, then we can cooperate very well.”

Baslob decided to increase the stakes: "In addition, we can share some of our non-core but very practical technologies in areas such as artillery observation, railway scheduling, and codebreaking with your country. We can even arrange for your country's officer corps to visit our military academies and arsenals for exchange and learning."

“I am deeply impressed by your country’s sincerity and foresight. These proposals are indeed of great importance to us. However, such a significant matter cannot be decided by me alone. I need to inform His Majesty the Sultan and hold urgent consultations with the Baghdad side.”

“That’s natural,” Baslob nodded understandingly. “We look forward to your positive response. Please believe that the German Empire sincerely hopes to establish a long-term, stable, and mutually beneficial cooperative relationship with your country. This is not only about the current war, but also about postwar peace and prosperity.”

He stood up, preparing to take his leave, and added a final, seemingly casual, yet weighty remark: "Oh, by the way, His Excellency the Prime Minister also asked me to convey his personal assessment: His Majesty Nasser al-Din Shah is a monarch who is even more resilient and wiser than he imagined. Perhaps it is time for Europe to make some changes."

(End of this chapter)