Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

The Spanish Ministry of Defense released this year's defense report, focusing on the French Empire's invasion of the Kingdom of Siam, the British Empire's threat to Spain, France's penetration of Spain, the close cooperation between the British Empire and France, Spain's rule in the Philippines in the Far East and Spain's rule in Cuba in the Gulf of Mexico. expressed concern about threatened issues.

Brown, the chief researcher and director of the Amsterdam Peace Research Institute consulted by "European Times", pointed out that the Spanish government intends to use "military threat escalation" to pave the way for a substantial increase in defense spending.

Spain approved the 1869 "Spanish Defense White Paper" at its cabinet meeting on February 6, 1869.

This time the white paper opens a chapter on "the French Empire's invasion of Siam," saying that the French Empire's actions have seriously damaged the international order. It says that the French Empire's invasion of Siam may send a wrong message, that is, "the use of force to unilaterally change the international order." The intentions of the status quo in the sphere of influence are acceptable”, which raised concerns about the national security of Spain, which was adjacent to the French Empire.

This Spanish defense white paper also warns that Paris may increasingly rely on Paris's self-described strong military power to play a deterrent role, which means that around Spain, whether it is the Atlantic side, the Mediterranean side, or even the land border between the two countries, , there may be risks of disputes, and this white paper also mentioned that the French Empire’s navy is currently very active in the waters around Spain.

Spain continues to emphasize the "threat theory of the French Empire" and the "threat theory of the British Empire", saying that it must pay close attention to the unilateral actions of the French Empire and the British Empire, as well as the military and political cooperation between the two countries, because this will lead to a military balance in the surrounding areas of Spain. Changes occur.

Media from various European countries have reported on this.

Among them, Brown, chief researcher and director of the Amsterdam Peace Institute, told the European Times that he analyzed that this white paper is more wary of the French Empire's strengthening of its military power than before.

Crim, director and chief researcher of the Australia Institute, also pointed out to the Australian Daily that Spain’s white paper follows the traditional expression of “strong security concerns”, but emphasized that “this trend has become stronger in recent years”, Ream said that this shows that Spain is very wary of the French Empire, and it can be seen how distrustful Spain is of the French Empire.

The white paper report also mentioned the British Empire and said: "The military power of the British Empire's navy and army is the core, and its military power is rapidly increasing in quality and quantity." In addition, the British Empire uses the most advanced and largest naval power to build a world-class troops, trying to suppress other emerging countries, with the intention of continuing to dominate the five oceans of the world. Spain should be wary of this ambition of the United Kingdom. Spain needs to cooperate more with partners and allies.

Regarding the Far East, the length of this white paper has doubled compared to previous years, and a special chapter has been dedicated to discuss it. It analyzes that the British Empire has an advantageous position in the confrontation with the Dutch navy, and the reason why Spain has such a large colony in the Far East is the Philippines. It does not want to see one dominant country, so it is necessary for Spain to actively move closer to the Netherlands and support the Netherlands to obtain a balance in the confrontation. This part of the conclusion says: "The situation around the Far East is related to the security of Spain's largest colony, the Philippines, and the stability of the social situation in the Far East. It is also very important. Regarding the Far East issue, Spain hopes that Britain and the Netherlands will resolve it through dialogue. Of course, the French Empire in the north should also immediately cease fire in the Cambodian area where South Vietnam invaded the Kingdom of Siam and negotiate a ceasefire."

This Spanish white paper report caused a backlash from the French Empire and the British Empire. Napoleon III of the French Empire even criticized it directly in Paris. "The tone of this Spanish defense white paper is negative and negative, maliciously smearing the French Empire, and is crude, violent and dry." I am very dissatisfied with the military power of the French Empire and its 'teaching' intervention in the government decisions of the French Empire. When did Spain actually stand on the head of the French Empire and shit-pee. I will reserve my right to Spain takes further action in response to this report”

Obviously, Napoleon III was extremely angry at Spain's actions. Spain was originally a die-hard ally of France, but now because of the rise of Isabel II and Prime Minister Ramon Narvaez, the French Empire and Spain completely fell out. Not only did he lose his helper, but he also became an enemy and didn't even have to be a friend. How could the French Empire not be angry?

Therefore, the words of Napoleon III clearly agreed that the relationship between France and Spain would be difficult to ease at least in the near future, and there would be no improvement at least while Prime Minister Ramon Narvaez was in office.

Prussia, Berlin.

King William I of Prussia, Prime Minister Bismarck, and Chief of General Staff Moltke sat across from each other. After Crown Prince Frederick finished analyzing the Spanish defense white paper, the three of them looked at each other and saw the fear in each other's eyes. .

After Crown Prince Frederick finally finished analyzing the newspaper, he raised his head and looked at the three of them, and said excitedly: "Spain actually fell out with the French Empire, and it's still like this. God is helping Prussia this time."

Mao Qi pretended to cough, and then said: "The Crown Prince seems to have thanked the wrong person."

The excitement on Crown Prince Frederick's face suddenly stopped, and he looked at Moltke confused, but from the corner of his eye, he saw that his father, William I, and Bismarck did not object, "What do you mean, Chief of General Staff?"

Moltke said awkwardly: "When I met Martinas, the Dutch Deputy Minister of Defense and Army, a few days ago, the other party mentioned that the military cooperation between the Netherlands and Spain has reached an extremely high level. The two countries are in the Philippines and Trade and military cooperation among the Dutch East Indies reached the level of alliance."

Seeing that Crown Prince Frederick still understood what he meant, he said with some embarrassment: "Yesterday, I learned from the Prime Minister that when Nicholas Pearson was talking to Prime Minister Bismarck, he mentioned that in order to help Prussia deal with the French Empire, the Netherlands is willing to first Take a step"

Moltke saw Crown Prince Frederick's surprised expression. Apparently the latter had thought of what he wanted to say.

Crown Prince Frederick asked with a surprised expression: "Does the Chief of General Staff mean that Spain's action was ordered by the Netherlands?"

How can it be?

A huge wave surged in Crown Prince Frederick's heart. If this was the case, then the influence of the Netherlands must be too great. No wonder he just saw the fear of William I and others. Unfortunately, he thought it was for Spain or the French Empire. Let them do this, it turns out that after a long time, the target turned out to be the Netherlands.

Bismarck said at this time: "The Netherlands has given us a good gift. In this case, we should think carefully about our return gift."