Chapter 40： Snap up cheap Alaska with America?

The three looked at William IV face to face, not understanding why he mentioned the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

Also, how can you help?

They didn't believe that William IV had such kindness to help them.

But this didn't stop them from being surprised, but they were a little surprised by this proposal, because the Tsarist Empire had only two severely marginalized seaports in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

One is that it must pass through the northern part of Norway, in the naval port in the northwestern part of Tsarist Russia in the Barents Sea. Any ship here intending to move south will be quickly known by the old enemy Sweden, and the British Empire is also firmly watching in the south.

And the port of St. Petersburg is even more tasteless. There are Sweden, Prussia, Denmark, etc. scattered along the way. If there is a little trouble, all Europe knows it.

And Vladivostok on the far east side is too far away, and there is a Japanese ben and a huge Qing Dynasty in front of them, although the former is only a backward country now, I heard that the king there is called Meiji Emperor or something, it seems to be ready to start. Reform and reform, and pursue the bicameral state management model introduced by the European government.

And most importantly, the temperature in Vladivostok is too cold, making it difficult for people from the Tsarist Empire to immigrate there.

As we all know, the colonies of the Netherlands in the Pacific Ocean, or, according to the new term claimed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, are territories. The territories of the Netherlands are basically in the Western Pacific and the South Pacific. The cooperation of William IV is a little exciting.

Wait, what he just said was the Indian Ocean, could he be mistaken?

So, they looked at William IV eagerly.

William IV, however, did not answer directly, but looked at Heisbet Feng, the Minister of Foreign Affairs next to him.

The latter took out a somewhat rough map, spread it out, and hung it on the wall beside it, exposing it in front of the three of them.

William IV approached at this time and pointed his finger at the northernmost part of the North American continent in the Pacific Ocean, and said, "I heard that because some time ago, in order to quell the righteousness of Poland, the financial resources of the Tsarist Russia Empire have been hurt, and I just heard that? , U.S. Secretary of State Seward is now negotiating with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. about buying the island, is it true?"

"Since Your Majesty knows everything, let's talk frankly and honestly, Your Majesty, how are you going to deal?"

"Haha, it should be said that I asked you how you plan to trade." William IV snorted and said:

"I am willing to offer two options, the first one is that I know that the United States has offered a high price of 7.5 million US dollars, which in total is 1.5 million pounds.

They want to take the Alaska Peninsula and the Alexander Islands.

And I am willing to buy them at the same price of 1.5 million pounds and sign the contract and pay the bill immediately. Of course, as I said just now, the friendship between the two countries is not comparable to that of the United States. I am willing to give us another gift in the Western Pacific. A small island on the tsarist Russia"

Suck! "

There is also a gift from the island!

The three of them all took a deep breath.

The sincerity of the Netherlands must not be lacking. Although the United States gave the same US$7.5 million worth 1.5 million pounds, it chose to pay in installments. From the signing of the contract, only half of the 5-year installment was paid, that is, it was completed in 1862. Money won't come until 1872.

This made many Tsarist Russians scold the Americans for being unhappy, and it was precisely because of this that Alexander II hesitated and did not sign it immediately.

It’s still the family of William IV of the Netherlands who is refreshing and will receive the account immediately. What’s more, he is still heart-warming, and there is also a small island to send him off. I just don’t know that this small island, the Pacific island, is full of stars, and William IV. Which one are you going to send?

They knew it was time to negotiate.

They glanced at each other, and in the end it was the Foreign Minister Gorchakov who was pushed out. Among the three, he was the more professional.

William IV didn't seem to be in the past at all, and smiled at him friendly.

Gorchakov also smiled back and said, "Your Majesty, 1.5 million pounds is not a small amount."

Hesbet Feng naturally stood up at this time. After all, Europe is also the hardest hit area of ​​severe grading. After all, even until the 21st century, the British Empire still used the state where the House of Lords belonged to traditional forces such as nobles, and it changed a little. mean nothing.

William IV sits on the top, and the first on the left is Prime Minister Tolbeck, and the second is Hesbet Feng. The seats opposite them are arranged according to their status. The first is naturally Crown Prince Nicholas, and the second is The first is Prince Alexander, and the third is their Foreign Minister Gorchakov.

Hesbet Feng said with gleaming eyes: "Our Holland made a deal with the Tsarist Russia this time with sincerity.

Moreover, our two countries have been in good relationship for generations, and the funds will be credited quickly. Every day, the replenishment of the Russian Empire will recover faster, and we can prepare for all kinds of unknown accidents earlier.

Three, I think the Netherlands is the natural ally of the Tsarist Russia, and it is also the fairest trade ally with the Tsarist Russia for hundreds of years.”

"Your Excellency is right." Gorchakov first praised, and then said:

"However, as His Majesty William said, friendship generally needs to be topped up, and compared with other countries, we have received the sincerity of the Netherlands, but we don't know if this extra topping will make our guests happy."

"Guaranteed to be satisfied, how about the South Bird Island in the southeast of Riben?" Haysbet Feng said bluntly.

But when he finished speaking, when no one saw under the table, his hands trembled, and he secretly said: They won't really agree directly, then say thank you!

He couldn't help thinking of the stingy Chancellor of the Exchequer Jane von Capell's bitter face, as well as the anger of the navy minister Jan Peter and the war minister Pete de Jong who were dissatisfied with the anger of the soldiers who were given away by the territory. .

In my heart, I just hope that the Russian foreign minister in front of me will quickly veto this plan.

Although I was worried in my heart, it was too difficult to pretend to be bold on my face.

However, his directness made Gorchakov a little suspicious, especially seeing that William IV and Tolbek did not change their emotions, so he did not immediately agree and let the deal be concluded. Instead, he asked Something went wrong.

"I don't know, what is the second plan?"

As these words came, Hesbet Feng breathed a sigh of relief, secretly saying that it was dangerous!

At the same time, he realized that there was a cool wind blowing from his back. It was a bit chilly, and he realized that he was sweating from fear.

But that's not what he thinks about now. He put on the elegant image that a foreign minister of a big country should have, and continued to say gently:

"The Netherlands is also willing to help buy the Alaska Peninsula and the Alexandria Islands, but the Netherlands is not ready to trade money with the Tsarist Russia this time."

"Then what deal are you going to take?"

As soon as he heard that he didn't take the money to trade, Gorchakov's mood instantly fell, and the two princes also instantly raised the idea of ​​rejecting the second plan, because they knew that Alexander II, who was waiting in St. Petersburg, is now What a lack of money.

The expressions of the three people on the opposite side fell into the eyes of the three of William IV. They looked at each other a few times. After hesitating, William IV continued to hand over the power of negotiation to Haysbert Feng. The latter said knowingly:

"We are willing to bring the Netherlands to Kalimantan Island in the East Indies, North Kalimantan Province in the part of the Netherlands, to complete the transaction with Alaska and the Alexandria Islands."

what!

Kalimantan!

North Kalimantan!

It turned out to be there!

This time, even Gorchakov couldn't help but look at Crown Prince Nikolai. Obviously, in this matter, the final caller is still a member of the royal family.

After all, in the final analysis, the Tsarist royal family is always the master of the Tsarist Russian Empire, and it is the master who has the final say when it comes to territorial issues.

What's more, Gorchakov, who is old and sophisticated, is also unwilling to run away foolishly to take on this responsibility.

But to be honest, he still agrees with the second option.

Because Kalimantan Island is a territory with a tropical climate with a large population. If it succeeds, it will also be the first territory of the Russian Empire in this dimension.

For the Russian Empire, this will be a leap-forward territorial expansion in the tropics for hundreds of years.

Moreover, he looked at the area that Haysbert Feng said just now. Although that place is only about 70,000 kilometers, it is far less than Alaska's territory of more than one million square kilometers. Just like walking in the desert, a box of gold coins at that time was more precious than a small bottle of fresh water.

The status of North Kalimantan Province in the eyes of the Russian Empire is just like that, not to mention, everyone knows that the Alaska Peninsula is not necessarily the box of gold in the eyes of the pressure mountain II.

"Your Majesty, I think we have agreed to the second plan in principle," Crown Prince Nicholas said.

However, the contract still needs us, Your Majesty, after seeing it in person, we will decide whether to choose another option.”

"Yes, we are waiting for a reply at any time."

But no matter which plan, in fact, I will send Nan Bird Island to the Tsarist Russian Empire, which is my respect for the Tsarist Empire's willingness to continue to maintain allies with us."

William IV followed up: "It's not enough, I have a small request, I hope the Russian Empire can help."

Unexpected joy suddenly got South Bird Island, UU reading made Crown Prince Nicholas unconcerned: "I think it's not a big problem."

Even Gorchakov felt that he had made a profit at this moment, and had the idea of ​​​​wanting to compensate William IV, so he did not stop Crown Prince Nikolai.

Sure enough.

Haysbert Feng was once again nervous because he knew that although the Alaska Peninsula and the Alexander Islands were important, only he and Prime Minister Tolbeck knew about William IV's plan. The goal that traverses the original heart of the entire marriage conference.

"Otto I of the Greek Kingdom seems to have lost the popular support, so I think it may be necessary to change someone else to sit down."

"Who to replace?"

"How about my father, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the former King William III of the Netherlands?"

what!

Well, it's a little busy!

Is this a little help?

The three of Gorchakov twitched involuntarily. If changing the king of another country is considered a small help, then what does the world need to use to be a big help?

Without waiting for them to shirk, William IV showed his cards and said, "Actually, before you, I had already obtained the approval of Napoleon III, and the Viscount Palmerston, the next person I want to meet is him."

The three took a deep look at William IV, as if they had gotten to know him again. After that, Crown Prince Nicholas stood up and said, "I think Tsarist Russia has an obligation to help the Netherlands. His Majesty William III is indeed a very suitable place to sit. in that position"

Done!

Hesbet Feng breathed a sigh of relief.

However, when he thought that His Majesty actually said that Napoleon III had agreed, his ability to lie is truly heavenly, but when he thought that he had to persuade these three parties, he felt overwhelmed, what should he do?