Carlo was still waiting for the exploration team to be assembled, trying to secretly explore the Congo River Basin while the Government was
Carlo was still waiting for the exploration team to be assembled, trying to secretly explore the Congo River Basin while the Government was planning to colonize Morocco.
But Carlo clearly underestimated the Government's ambition to colonize Morocco.
After Serrano and Prim returned from the Royal Family, they immediately drafted an action plan for Morocco overnight and set the time for the operation.
It is now 1870, September 21, and the time set by Prim and Serrano for the operation is one week later, on September 28.
One week is just enough time to mobilize the army to ensure sufficient troops are available for military action against Morocco in the initial stage of the operation.
Ceuta is located at the northernmost tip of Moroccan territory, facing Gibraltar across the sea, which is why the British are unwilling for Spain to occupy too much territory near Ceuta.
It is precisely for this reason that Prime Minister Prim specifically divided the action against Morocco into two parts. The main army will depart from Ceuta, head south to Tetouan, and west to Tangier, completely occupying the small northern tip of Moroccan territory.
There is also a small protruding tip in southern Spain, which, together with the small protruding tip in northern Morocco, forms the gateway to the western Mediterranean.
Because of this, the British are highly unlikely to agree to Spain occupying this area. Therefore, in Prime Minister Prim's plan, another army will expand northward along the coast from the Ifni fishing base previously occupied by Spain, occupying the southern Moroccan city of Agadir.
Even if the first plan fails due to British intervention, as long as the second plan is completed and Agadir is occupied, it will not be a loss for the Spanish Government.
For European countries of this era, finding an excuse to attack native African countries was simply too easy.
Sometimes, no excuse was even needed; colonial expansion was the best excuse.
Having learned from the previous lesson, Prime Minister Prim decided to prepare in secret and deliver a sudden blow to the Moroccan government.
It would be best to complete the strategic objective before the European powers could react; only then could they gain the initiative in subsequent negotiations.
On September 28, 1870, the Spanish army assembled in Ceuta and launched a fierce attack on the surrounding Moroccan native tribes without any warning.
And 12 hours later, the Spanish Government declared war on the Moroccan government, citing an attack orchestrated by Moroccans that resulted in the deaths of at least 5 Spanish in Ceuta as the reason for the declaration.
One hour before declaring war on the Moroccan government, Prime Minister Prim sent a telegram to the Italian Prime Minister, Giovanni, requesting the Italian Government to express support for the Spanish Government in this war.
In return, the Spanish Government would also provide strong support for Italy's colonial actions in Tunisia and Libya, and the two sides would conclude a military alliance regarding North Africa colonization.
The alliance between Spain and Italy was something that the two governments had been constantly negotiating. Considering the relationship between Carlo and Emanuele, it was normal for the Spanish and Italian governments to gradually grow closer under their influence.
The interests of Spain and Italy would not conflict. Spain wanted Morocco, Italy wanted Tunisia and Libya, and between them was the French colony of Algeria.
With France, a strong enemy bordering both countries, the relationship between Spain and Italy was actually quite friendly, at least in certain aspects, such as colonization, where cooperation was possible.
However, compared to Prime Minister Prim, Prime Minister Giovanni did not have as much power. Although the Kingdom of Italy was also a constitutional monarchy, who could ignore the influence of King Victor Emmanuel II?
After receiving the telegram from the Spanish Government, Prime Minister Giovanni immediately requested an audience with King Victor Emmanuel II to inquire about the King's attitude.
"What does the Prime Minister think of this matter?" Victor Emmanuel II did not give his own opinion but asked for Prime Minister Giovanni's thoughts.
Although the Royal Family of the two kingdoms was one family, it did not mean their governments were one family.
This matter concerned the interests of the Italian and Spanish governments, so naturally, the Royal Family could not have the final say.
Victor Emmanuel II naturally understood this. Although he was a good Father, he was also a good King.
If doing so would harm the interests of the Italian Government, then Victor would have to carefully consider the relationship between the two governments.
"Your Majesty, I believe there is some truth in what Prim said," Prime Minister Giovanni replied after thinking carefully for a moment. "Spain's colonial demands do not conflict with ours, and this will not harm Italy's interests.
Secondly, France has colonial activities in both Morocco and Tunisia and can be seen as a common enemy for Spain and Italy in colonizing Africa.
If we rely solely on ourselves to confront France, we are bound to fail against the French. If we do not want to see France occupy large areas of North Africa from Morocco to Libya, the best option is to cooperate with the Spanish."
"So, the Prime Minister's opinion is to agree to cooperate with the Spanish Government?" Victor Emmanuel II asked with a smile.
Whether or not to cooperate with the Spanish Government was acceptable to him, but if he could take the opportunity to help the Spanish Government, Victor Emmanuel II was naturally willing to see it.
The stronger Spain became, the more benefits Carlo would gain. Without affecting Italy's interests, Victor Emmanuel II naturally hoped that his son could rule a stronger country.
"Your Majesty, the previous war between Spain and Morocco led to British intervention, and I fear this time will be the same.
Spain's biggest enemy in colonizing Morocco is not France, but England, which is thousands of miles away from Spain. If it were just dealing with France, it would be fine, but if England is added, I fear our support will not be of much use," Prime Minister Giovanni mustered his courage and stated his speculation.
"The British?" Victor Emmanuel II nodded, thinking Prime Minister Giovanni's speculation was quite reasonable.
Since becoming powerful, England had become a notorious troublemaker in Europe. The British would interfere in any major international event to ensure that no situation emerged in Europe that would disrupt the balance.
If the British set their sights on Spain's invasion of Morocco, it would indeed be unlikely to complete the colonization of Morocco against British opposition.
Victor Emmanuel II sighed and looked at Prime Minister Giovanni, who was waiting for his orders, and instructed, "Provide diplomatic support to the Spanish Government according to our previous support. At the same time, inform the Spanish Government that if this colonial action attracts intervention from other Great Powers, Italy will be unable to intervene."