Berlin, Germany – The Imperial Palace, Office of Kaiser Wilhelm II
The atmosphere in the office was heavy with tension. Qin Tian sat grimly behind his desk, his expression dark. Arrayed on the sofas were the ministers of the empire's military and government, their faces equally grim and full of unease.
Qin Tian had made it abundantly clear that capturing Gibraltar was imperative, and the Mediterranean Fleet had already mobilized for action. Yet, at this critical juncture, an unforeseen development had thrown the plan into disarray. Qin Tian's fury was, therefore, entirely understandable.
"Your Majesty, we must admit our failure to fully anticipate this situation. We grossly underestimated the Spaniards' audacity and never imagined they would dare to interfere," Chancellor Bülow said with a wry smile.
Indeed, Spain's bold move to reclaim Gibraltar at this moment had caught everyone off guard. Spain, a long-declined power, had for years been led by a king and ministers devoid of ambition. During the last world war, they didn't even muster the courage to participate. But now, they had the audacity to snatch the prey from the lion's mouth. Were they courting their own destruction? The German Empire was, after all, the preeminent global power. If provoked, it could obliterate Spain with ease. Such recklessness from the Spaniards led many to wonder if their leaders had collectively lost their minds.
"Your Majesty, the Spaniards likely believe that the Empire would not go to war over Gibraltar. This emboldened them to act so brazenly. Moreover, Spain has long claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar, a stance recognized by several other nations. This might be the foundation of their confidence," remarked Foreign Minister Vassilt.
"Hmph! Why should their proclamations concern us? If mere declarations were enough, the Empire could just as well announce that the entire world belongs to us!" Marshal Falkenhayn, Minister of War and Chief of General Staff, scoffed disdainfully.
"Haha! That's quite the idea. We could indeed declare the whole world as ours," Bülow quipped with a chuckle.
"But such a claim would need others' recognition to hold any weight. Otherwise, it would make the Empire the target of universal condemnation," Vassilt countered.
"We're already besieged by other nations; our current predicament isn't much different," Admiral Reinhardt Scheer, Minister of the Navy, noted matter-of-factly.
"Enough of this idle talk," Qin Tian interjected sternly. "What matters now is how we deal with Spain. That is the pressing issue at hand."
Germany's ultimate ambition to dominate the world was no secret, not even to its adversaries, who had united to counter it. Still, proclaiming such aims openly would make Germany the outright enemy of all nations. Qin Tian was not so foolish as to invite such unnecessary trouble.
"Your Majesty, Spain has already announced to the world that it has reclaimed Gibraltar. Continuing with our usual methods may not be appropriate. While the Empire is indeed the foremost global power, Spain remains a neutral nation. An outright invasion might draw international condemnation, tarnishing the Empire's reputation and hindering our future leadership aspirations," Bülow cautioned.
"Are we to simply let this matter rest? If so, we can forget about securing Gibraltar," Qin Tian frowned. Without Gibraltar, the Empire's global strategy would suffer a significant blow. The growing trade and communication between East and West had made the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal increasingly vital. Moreover, the Mediterranean region was home to several nations that Germany needed to block and suppress.
"Your Majesty, perhaps we could explore alternative solutions—such as negotiating with the Spaniards to lease Gibraltar as a military base. This could resolve the issue amicably," Vassilt suggested.
"Lease it? Do you think the Spaniards would agree?" Qin Tian furrowed his brows. Leasing would involve payment, whereas direct military occupation would make Gibraltar wholly German territory.
"Your Majesty, Spain is but a small, militarily weak nation. Gibraltar holds little real value for them. If we propose leasing it, they might agree, especially if we negotiate favorable terms—perhaps a token payment as rent," Vassilt replied.
Qin Tian nodded thoughtfully. "If that's the case, it might work. If the Spaniards have any sense, they will lease Gibraltar to us. Offer them symbolic rent, no more than one mark. The lease term shall be ninety-nine years. It may seem disadvantageous to Spain, but the Empire will remember their cooperation."
The ministers exchanged glances, some rendered speechless by the paltriness of the offer. A single mark for a ninety-nine-year lease? It was nothing short of miserly. Yet, if Spain agreed, it would be a coup for the Empire.
Foreign Minister Vassilt, however, looked skeptical. He doubted Spain would accept such a lopsided deal unless its leaders were utterly senseless.
"If diplomacy fails, we must be prepared to resort to military action. Regardless of the cost, Gibraltar is of paramount importance to the Empire. We can fabricate any pretext we need and then seize Gibraltar with force. Against our overwhelming military might, the Spaniards will capitulate," Qin Tian declared resolutely.
Though Qin Tian's words sounded like the logic of a bandit, the ministers nodded in agreement. Such was the reality of the age: might made right. Weak nations could only survive under the shadow of great powers.