Chapter 0881: The First Strike
"Your Excellency, Gibraltar is an inherent territory of the Kingdom of Spain. Therefore, the Kingdom of Spain's reclamation of Gibraltar is a matter of right. No nation has the authority to criticize or coerce the Kingdom of Spain on this issue. As for your nation's request to lease Gibraltar, regrettably, the Kingdom of Spain cannot accept it. Gibraltar holds immense strategic value for the Kingdom of Spain, and we intend to utilize it ourselves," King Alfonso XIII declared.
The German Ambassador seemed momentarily stunned, unable to believe that the Spaniards would dare reject the demands of the German Empire. After all, the German Empire had just emerged victorious from the World War, making it the world's foremost power, while Spain was a once-great but now diminished nation—barely a second-rate power. Such a nation, the Germans thought, could be easily crushed under their might. In the face of the powerful German Empire, Spain had no hope of resistance.
Yet, to everyone's surprise, Spain had defied the German Empire's demands. This was utterly unexpected.
After a brief pause, the German Ambassador regained his composure. "Very well, Your Majesty, since you have made your choice, I hope you and your nation can endure the wrath of the German Empire. May God bless you and your country. I trust that when we meet again, Your Majesty will still have the courage to maintain this stance," the German Ambassador said, before turning to leave.
King Alfonso XIII's face turned ashen. The Ambassador's attitude was unbearably arrogant, igniting a deep fury within him.
"Order our finest troops to occupy Gibraltar. If the Germans launch an attack, we must resist them at all costs!" commanded King Alfonso XIII.
The German stance had enraged him, to the point of nearly clouding his judgment. If the conflict were limited to Gibraltar, Alfonso XIII felt confident he could face Germany head-on. After all, British and American ambassadors had assured him that they would mediate if the conflict expanded beyond Gibraltar's confines. While Britain and Germany were still at war, Britain would not intervene. However, America was a different matter—they were the second greatest power after Germany, and Germany would have to give them some respect.
If defeat became inevitable, he could simply surrender and accede to Germany's demands, leasing Gibraltar to them. This would provide him with an explanation both domestically and internationally.
Thus, Alfonso XIII believed he had the upper hand.
Of course, this was merely his belief. Whether events would unfold as he anticipated remained uncertain.
In Berlin, the Imperial Palace, Qin Tian and the German military and political leaders were all left speechless.
"My God! What are the Spaniards thinking? Has their king and his ministers been struck senseless? How could they possibly reject the Empire's goodwill?" exclaimed Imperial Chancellor Bismarck in astonishment.
Initially, the senior leaders of the German Empire had been certain that under pressure, the Kingdom of Spain would relent, agreeing to Germany's request to lease Gibraltar. This would provide a face-saving resolution for both sides, and the matter could be wrapped up smoothly.
However, what no one had foreseen was Spain's audacity. They had refused Germany's demands in no uncertain terms, making the situation far more complicated. The issue was no longer just about Germany's strategic interests—it now involved national pride. The Spaniards' behavior was nothing less than a slap in the face to Germany.
"It seems we were too optimistic. We thought that being the world's dominant power would allow us to command the world, yet right on the Iberian Peninsula, there are those who dare to disregard the Empire!" Qin Tian's expression was equally grim. The Spaniards' actions were, in his view, a direct provocation to the German Empire—and to him as emperor.
"Your Majesty, the Spaniards' boldness may be due to outside influence. Our intelligence reports indicate that both the British and American ambassadors to Spain have secretly visited the royal palace. We do not yet know what they discussed," reported the Director of Intelligence.
"It is now clear that the British and Americans are backing the Spaniards, which emboldens their insolence," said Foreign Minister Wahit.
"Your Majesty, given this, there is no need to rely on diplomatic negotiations. We should take direct action against Spain," suggested Marshal von Falkenhayn, Minister of the Army and Chief of Staff.
Although the Great War had only recently ended, and the German military was undergoing reforms, that did not mean they lacked the capacity to strike. Against a nation like Spain, Germany still had the upper hand.
Qin Tian nodded. At this point, other methods were clearly ineffective. Mobilizing the military and securing a swift victory would be the most practical solution.
"Army and Navy, prepare for joint operations. Our objectives are twofold: to capture Gibraltar, and to humiliate Spain. Unless absolutely necessary, we must avoid escalating the war," Qin Tian directed.
While Germany certainly had the ability to defeat Spain and occupy its entire territory, Qin Tian did not want to ignite another war so soon after the world war's end. Such an act could severely affect Germany's stability and bring about unnecessary global tensions. What Germany needed now was peace, to consolidate the gains from the war.
"Yes, Your Majesty," responded Marshal von Falkenhayn and Marshal Reinhard Scheer.
"Your Majesty, if the goal is merely to take Gibraltar, a Marine Division and the Mediterranean Fleet will suffice. However, if the Spaniards do not yield, we may need to mobilize additional forces—perhaps for show, to exert military pressure," said Marshal von Falkenhayn.
"Hmm, do as you see fit," Qin Tian replied.
As for dealing with Spain, a small nation like that posed no real challenge to Germany. Qin Tian was confident that, with Germany's military strength, this issue would be resolved effortlessly. If they couldn't handle Spain, then the German military's might would be in vain.