Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 235 Looking for foreign aid

"I say, Ambassador, our country has no interest in interfering in the affairs between your country and the Ottomans. Please leave."

Napoleon III, paintbrush in hand, was intently revising his masterpiece. He was also cultivating his artistic talent.

Of course, while he outwardly says he won't participate, he's actually quite concerned about the situation. France is currently discussing the canal with Egypt, and if war breaks out, it will certainly extend the process, at which point the British might get involved...

“Your Majesty, I am not here today for this matter, but to discuss a matter concerning Africa with you.”

Iranian Ambassador Jahangiri held a map of Africa, drawn by explorers from Iran and other countries, showing that the continent's coastlines had been largely explored. However, the inland regions remained shrouded in mystery.

What is in Africa?

Napoleon III knew that for France to rise again, it needed a vast colony. France was to Africa what Britain was to India. Although Africa was largely unknown, it was one of the few territories Britain hadn't yet penetrated. No matter the cost, they had to take it.

Following its meeting with the Shah of Iran, France established an African bank with offices in Paris and Algiers to finance the expansion of its colonies.

Meanwhile, the Shah provided funding, and France merged its previously established Senegalese, Guinean, and Saint-Domingue companies into a new African company. Taking advantage of Britain's focus on India, France aggressively expanded into Africa. Iran also acquired oil exploration rights on the African continent, but would have to jointly develop the discovered oil with France.

"It's not exactly news. It's already very good that you're exploring Africa with our country. Our explorers have discovered that there may be oil east of Lagos."

Napoleon III paused his paintbrush. Oil—that was quite good. With oil, he could attract French immigrants to settle there, and he wouldn't neglect Iran either.

"That's really good news, which shows that the exploration of Africa has taken another step forward through cooperation between the two countries."

"Shah was also pleased to hear this news and hopes it will promote cooperation between the two countries in the oil sector."

Jahangiri handed over a document stating that France and Iran had jointly established an oil company to be responsible for exploration and mining on the African continent. France would hold 55% of the shares with land and capital, while Iran would hold 45%.

Napoleon III was somewhat taken aback; this was indeed a bit too fast. But upon reflection, it made sense. Iranian kerosene accounted for a large share of the European market, and raw materials, regardless of their origin, needed to be controlled; otherwise, how could he withstand a price war?

"I believe your country's request can be fulfilled."

Who would turn down money, especially a continent with limitless potential? In comparison, the Ottoman Empire seemed rather small.

Moreover, it's unrealistic for France to send troops; the emperor is busy with his industrialization plans. Besides, sending troops costs money, and his treasury is currently empty. He might as well just watch the show.

As for Britain, its people realized after two wars that their army was not as strong as they had imagined, and any future military interventions would have to be carefully considered. Russia, even if it had such ideas, was forced to focus its attention on its domestic affairs and Central Asia.

However, this crisis presented an opportunity for others in Europe. In Varna, a port city on the Black Sea, a secret meeting was taking place. There were only seven people at the meeting, and the leader was explaining his ideas to the other six.

"The Ottomans' atrocities are outrageous; I never imagined they would even harm their own kin. We must launch a more vigorous resistance."

Georgy Rakovsky was attacking the Ottomans in the most vehement terms. As a Bulgarian, what he most wanted to see was Bulgaria's independence from the Ottomans.

During the Crimean War, Rakovsky organized a secret group and launched an armed uprising in Bulgaria. He was arrested by the Ottoman authorities and sentenced to death, but he managed to escape and went into exile in Serbia, Moldova and Russia, where he used his pen as a weapon to continue supporting the Bulgarian liberation struggle.

His works primarily celebrated the heroic deeds of the "Hajduk" and the revolutionary struggle of the Bulgarian people against Ottoman Turkish rule. He pointed out that the struggle against the Ottomans was not about avenging individual Ottoman oppressors, but a nationwide struggle to overthrow foreign rule! Therefore, he had a tremendous influence among young people.

In his diary, he wrote: "Others have taken away our freedom with swords, and we will take up swords to win our freedom! No one will help us break free from the shackles of generations; our freedom depends on ourselves! No one should expect to gain freedom without bloodshed, without taking up arms, and without paying the price of their lives!"

Seeing that the Ottoman Empire was already weakened, he united forces from within and outside Bulgaria to form a Central Committee. They were ready to launch an uprising at any time. Although the prospects were good, their size was far too small compared to the Ottoman Empire.

“Mr. Rakovsky, you are right. But I have another question. The Ottomans are dozens of times larger than us. With no reinforcements, how can we succeed?”

The speaker was Minoviev, a businessman from Sofia who had provided substantial funds to the organization. However, he didn't believe Bulgaria could go toe-to-toe with the Ottomans.

“You’re right, Minovev,” Rakovsky nodded. “We certainly can’t do it on our own, but what if there are other countries?”

"You mean, to emulate Greece?"

This is indeed the prevailing approach nowadays. Greece only gained Ottoman recognition of its independence after dragging Britain and Russia into the conflict. The two principalities of Wallachia in the north also gradually changed under the supervision of six states, but it's clear to everyone that independence was only a matter of time. Now, they're just waiting for an opportunity.

"That's right, and I have already found a sponsor for Bulgaria's independence cause."

As he spoke, a man stepped out from behind him. This man had a beard and was clearly from the east.

"This is Mr. Sadiq from Tehran, please welcome him."

Everyone was stunned; they never expected that Rakovsky would be able to bring the Iranians over.

"Hello everyone, I know you find it incredible to see me. But please don't worry, at least for now, we share a common goal, which is the Ottoman Empire."

Yes, besides preventing European countries from getting involved, the ethnic minorities within the Ottoman Empire are also important targets for Iran's courting. In the Balkans, a powder keg, Bulgarians, Serbs, and Greeks are clamoring to break away from the Ottoman Empire—aren't they potential allies?
Sadiq came here to try and win them over and draw the Ottomans' attention. After all, the Balkans and Iran are worlds apart; nobody would believe Iran wanted Balkan land.

(End of this chapter)