Reborn as King of South America

Chapter 514 Panama Canal Crisis

There were a few people sitting scattered in the spacious government hall. As soon as Zhou Changling and the German minister walked into the hall, they heard the sharp defense voice of the American minister William Eaton Chandler.

"According to the agreement signed between the United States and Colombia in 1869, the right to build the Panama Canal belonged to the United States. Colombia unilaterally tore up the agreement and transferred the right to build the canal to a French company. The United States did not pursue responsibility out of consideration for good neighborliness. Now that the French company has gone bankrupt and liquidated, the United States should take back the right to build the Panama Canal."

"The Isthmus of Panama is more than 60 kilometers long, and it needs to go through several mountains. It is difficult to dig and requires high technical standards. It is normal to encounter temporary difficulties and obstacles during the digging process. France is confident that it can complete the canal digging work, so there is no need to trouble your government."

The French envoy responded, "Moreover, led by the French government, four consortiums are willing to invest and restructure the canal company. Once the restructuring of the canal company is completed and the funds of the four consortiums are in place, the construction of the Panama Canal will resume."

"Excuse me, sir, for being blunt, but I don't think the French company is qualified to undertake the construction of the canal, either from a technical or moral point of view."

The American minister showed no mercy to the other party and directly questioned: "

On the technical level, the general manager of your country's Canal Company, Mr. Lesseps, copied the experience of the Suez Canal and adopted a sea-level method to dig the canal, which resulted in four years of construction, a huge waste of manpower, material resources and funds, but no progress.

On the character level, Mr. Lesseps, the general manager of the Canal Company, knowing full well that the canal construction work could not continue, joined hands with the company's senior management to embezzle funds from the publicly issued canal stocks, issued additional bonds to cover up the truth, and used the remaining funds in the Canal Company's account to bribe relevant officials and transfer benefits to them. According to public information, the total number of officials who accepted bribes in France exceeded 100, including several ministerial-level officials.

Mr. Minister, I think it is a wrong decision to give the power of canal construction to the French Canal Company. I hope you will consider it carefully and resume cooperation with the United States. "

The American minister said, then turned to look at Colombian Foreign Minister Mariano Ospina Perez and suggested.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Minister. The canal company does have loopholes in its management. The French government has learned its lesson. After the company is reorganized, it will strengthen management and supervision of its senior management. The senior management involved, including Lesseps, will also be tried in accordance with French law."

The French envoy bowed to the Colombian Foreign Minister and said sincerely: "In terms of technology, after demonstration and field survey, the canal company has drawn up a new excavation plan, which can ensure the smooth progress of the canal excavation work."

Colombian Foreign Minister Mariano Ospina Perez watched the argument between the French and American envoys quietly and did not dare to make a decision easily.

"Mr. Eaton Chandler, in response to your unreasonable accusations, I need to clarify and prove that the main reason why the construction of the Panama Canal has not made progress is not only due to technical reasons, but also due to your country's interference and sabotage! There is reason to believe that there are sinister intentions behind your country's interference and sabotage!"

"Minister Eaton Chandler, you need to give a reasonable explanation for the new agreement. The new agreement on the Panama Canal that you submitted to the Colombian government seriously violates the provisions of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, undermines the neutrality and independence of the canal, and also infringes on the interests of Colombia and the British Empire."

After the French Minister spoke, the British Minister also stood up and questioned the American Minister.

"The United States of America has always recognized the right of the British Empire and European countries to free navigation in the Panama Canal, but the right to build and manage the canal belongs to the United States, which is indisputable."

“The Republic of Colombia will never accept such harsh and unequal conditions from your country!”

Seeing that the American minister still had no intention of giving in under the questioning of the French and British ministers,

Colombian Foreign Minister Mariano Ospina Perez stood up angrily and retorted: "The Colombian government will never succumb to the military coercion of a powerful country and sell out national interests. The Isthmus of Panama belongs to all Colombian citizens. No powerful country has the right to forcibly monopolize the management and operation rights of the canal."

"The French Republic firmly supports Colombia's just actions to safeguard its national interests!" "The German Empire will not sit idly by and watch the unreasonable provocations of barbaric countries. Any attempt to monopolize the free navigation rights of the Panama Canal will be opposed by the German Empire! Any attempt to undermine the overseas interests of the German Empire will also be counterattacked by the German Empire's military forces!"

The French and German ministers spoke out one after another and clearly expressed their support for the Colombian government.

"Mr. Minister, it will take some time for the canal company to reorganize, invest funds, and restart the construction. I hope your government can extend the completion time of the canal by four years. To make up for the losses caused to your country by the delay of the canal, the French government is willing to pay you 4 million francs as compensation."

After denouncing the American minister, the French minister made a sincere request to the Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"The Colombian government understands and supports the difficulties and setbacks encountered by your company during the construction of the canal. The Colombian government also sympathizes with the difficulties of your canal company. The completion time of the canal can be extended. As for the financial compensation, 2000 million francs is not required. 500 million francs will be enough."

The Colombian Foreign Minister did not blame the French government for the mistakes in canal construction and the misappropriation of funds by senior management of the canal company. Instead, he was very tolerant.

"The extension of the canal completion time can be discussed in detail. If difficulties are encountered again during the construction process, the construction period can be further extended."

"I object! Mr. Minister, the right to build the Panama Canal belongs to the United States of America! Your decision is a huge harm to the interests of the United States of America! I will lodge a formal protest with your government! The United States government has the right to take all measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the United States!"

"Your protest has absolutely no legal basis! Colombia is an independent country. The construction of the Panama Canal is an internal affair of the Republic of Colombia and does not require your consent at all!"

With the support of France and Germany, the Colombian Foreign Minister feels more confident.

"The independence and neutrality of the Panama Canal are protected and guaranteed by the British Empire. Any attempt to monopolize the Panama Canal will be regarded as an infringement on Colombia's sovereignty and damage to the interests of the British Empire, and will be punished accordingly!"

The British Minister spoke last and also sided with Colombia.

"The Isthmus of Panama belongs not only to the people of Colombia, but also to the people of Panama. The United States respects the will of the people of Panama for independence and autonomy, and will provide full support for the Panamanian people's pursuit of independence and autonomy!"

The American minister threatened coldly: "The United States also obtains the right to build a canal in Nicaragua. There are more options for a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans than just Panama. I hope the Colombian government will not regret its choice today!"

The American minister made some harsh remarks, turned around and left!

"An uneducated upstart!"

Looking at the American minister who left without even saying hello and disregarding diplomatic etiquette, the French minister loudly rebuked him.

"Mr. Minister, France cherishes its friendship with your country and is determined to safeguard its national interests. On behalf of the French Republic, I promise you that if your country is threatened or invaded by a powerful country because of the Panama Canal, the Caribbean Fleet of the French Republic and the army and navy stationed in Guyana will provide support and assistance to your country."

"Thanks to your country's kindness and support, the Colombian people will also stand with the French people to jointly deal with the threats of powerful countries!"
(End of this chapter)