Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

The Kingdom of Siam's army also achieved good results with the support of the Netherlands and other European countries in their anti-French invasion that harmed the interests of all countries.

A considerable number of French troops were defeated, and even several mid-level commanders of the French army were killed. The most exciting thing is that in several wars, the French army and its servants lost 60,000 people, which was enough to subvert Europe's confidence in the French Empire. The impression of a powerful country even strengthened the Kingdom of Siam's confidence in resisting invasion.

This data news spread to the attention of all parties. With the momentum in Europe, it even gave the outside world the illusion that the victory of the Kingdom of Siam was in sight.

Everyone, but this is not the case. The results of the first phase of the French Imperial Army's campaign were not as good as expected. That was because the French Empire was too "polite" and first looked down on the small Far Eastern countries, thinking that they were just like the indigenous countries in Africa and could be easily obtained.

Therefore, it seems that the layout strategy has not been developed.

Second, the strong reactions from European countries made the French Empire somewhat tied up.

The military strength of the two countries is not equal. Even if the Kingdom of Siam has good results now, unless other European countries actually send troops to participate, it will eventually suffer. "

After William IV finished speaking, the entire Privy Council began to quickly digest the content of William IV's words.

Obviously their king does not believe that the Kingdom of Siam can ultimately withstand the invasion of the French Empire. If this is the case, then the Netherlands needs to carry out a countermeasure plan, otherwise, the Netherlands' many years of investment in the Kingdom of Siam will be wasted.

"Your Majesty, do you want to push forward the sanctions of the International Court of Justice in The Hague again?"

The speaker was Dutch Minister of Justice Ross.

"Yes, I also agree with what Minister Ross said. Now the number of countries that have sanctioned the French Empire has far exceeded even numbers. This has global influence, especially since the United Kingdom has obviously joined our ranks. If we raise this big threat again, Killer weapon, then we will make France even more fearful and difficult to proceed."

This time it was Education Minister Rudd Bales. Obviously, as an educator, he is famous for his attacks, which seems to be a more suitable choice for him. As the two finished speaking, almost everyone looked at William IV. Obviously, most people believe that it would be more appropriate to increase efforts at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Everyone understands from the bottom of their hearts that a military conflict is impossible, unless one day, the Netherlands is far away from the French Empire. However, such an idea is just a thought.

William IV understood their thoughts. A military conflict with France was definitely not something that could be done at present and was not in the interests of the Netherlands. Obviously Napoleon III knew this, so he unscrupulously conducted exercises on the border between the two countries last time to demonstrate to the Netherlands. .

"Support for direct military conflict is impossible. Sanctions from the International Court of Justice in The Hague?"

William IV said helplessly: "I don't want to use it anymore, because going too far is not enough. If it is used too many times, its international intimidation will weaken, and other countries will resent the Netherlands' dominant position. Therefore, I am prepared to file a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice in The Hague." Let’s go short for the time being and be quiet for a while.”

Finance Minister Jane von Capellor couldn't help but ask: "Your Majesty, in this case, how can we check and balance the French Empire? After all, we have just announced an agreement with the Kingdom of Siam to invest 1 million pounds. If Siam suddenly If the Luo Kingdom is gone, then the Netherlands may become an international laughing stock."

"Yes, the Kingdom of Siam, from a strategic position, is very important to the Far East policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Therefore, I feel that the Kingdom of Siam cannot be lost. This will be detrimental to the security and economic interests of the Netherlands in the Far East. That said, they are all good allies.”

After Chief of Naval Staff Joseph Karls and Chief of Army Staff Jop Il looked at each other, the former immediately said: "Especially when facing the British and French empires on the Southeast Asian peninsula, if the two countries are allowed to conquer Siam If the kingdom is encroached and decomposed, then the two countries may turn their guns and look towards the East Indies in the south. Even New Guinea and the Australian mainland are targets. This is not good for the Netherlands. I suggest the military They can provide appropriate support to the other party. For example, in terms of armaments, the Netherlands can provide more Mauser rifles to the Kingdom of Siam to arm the Kingdom of Siam and consume France's military strength."

William IV looked at the two of them, and then at the Dutch Minister of Arms Louis Bell next to him, connected this, and instantly understood that the key point was that these guys clearly promoted the latter suggestion.

As expected, the military is still the best partner to collude with arms suppliers. However, this is a chain of interests that currently exists in all countries in the world. It cannot be touched easily. I don’t care about others, but I also support it. After all, the financial resources of arms dealers plus the military’s Demand is the rationalization of supply and demand.

What's more, the largest arms group in the Netherlands is the Wilhelm Group, in which he is the largest shareholder, with a share of more than 35%.

So speaking of it, if the Kingdom of Siam can purchase more arms, he will also be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

However, he was not prepared to regard this as the only means.

As early as last year, he had prepared several new methods. The power of these methods may seem mild, but they are not at all as weak as the legal sanctions weapons of the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

So, he gave the Dutch Foreign Minister Heisbert von a wink.

The latter said knowingly: "Everyone, actually, I feel that we seem to have forgotten a person who is not here, but his influence is very important."

who?

Hesbert von has always been William IV's pet peeve. Many times, he acted as a mouthpiece for William IV in the Privy Council. The exchange of glances between the two just now was seen by everyone else.

However, looking at Prime Minister Tolbeck's appearance, it was obvious that these three people had communicated with each other, and this Privy Council meeting was only carried out under the influence of promulgation.

For this reason, although it is not a pleasant feeling, I have to admit that the "cooperation" of the three people has made the Privy Council more efficient and quarreled much less than during the previous period of His Majesty William III.

Of course, this also proves one thing from the side, that is, the authority of William IV as king has been confirmed by all members of the Privy Council, which is what William III lacked.

Hesbert von announced the answer: "Director General ElBaradei of the International Red Cross"

“The time has come for the International Committee of the Red Cross to play its role”

William IV said: "Wars cause civilian casualties. I call them collateral damage of war, which refers to innocent people who are accidentally killed or injured without the intention of the military. Wars occur frequently around the world, causing collateral damage. Very high. Take the Prussian-Danish War as an example. Denmark suffered more than 200,000 casualties among the poor. You must know that Denmark’s population is only about 2 million, which is one tenth, which is very scary.”

In recent years, the Tsarist Empire has invaded the Balkan Peninsula, the internal war in America, etc. These are actually the places where the International Red Cross should work.

Of course, its impartial and neutral status is internationally recognized.

In the current war between the Kingdom of Siam and the French Empire, civilian casualties are obviously calculated based on the Kingdom of Siam. As an invader, the French Empire is almost negligible. You say, if the compassionate International Red Cross Society joins in at this time, Data on rescued casualties and deaths are published every day, and telegrams are sent to newspapers and governments in various countries every day. So as the data changes, what will happen to the war? "

As William IV described it, the scene seemed to come to mind, and everyone present could not help but take a deep breath of air.

Among them, the first person who could not bear it was the Minister of the Navy, Jan. Peter. He exclaimed: "Then the whole world doesn't hate the French Empire. At that time, I am afraid that everyone in the world will regard the French Empire as a dehumanizing murderer." -The king hooked up”