"Your Excellency, the German ambassador seeks an audience." Within the office of Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prieto, his secretary reported with measured formality.
"The German ambassador? It seems what's inevitable has finally arrived. Let him in," Prieto replied, his tone resigned yet composed. He was fully aware that evasion was futile. The Germans had undoubtedly come to hold Spain accountable, and any misstep in handling the matter could provoke their ire—a perilous outcome. Yet, having accepted Britain's monetary persuasion and pledged a firm stance, Prieto found himself in a delicate predicament.
Moments later, the German ambassador was escorted into Prieto's office by the secretary.
"Good morning, Your Excellency," the ambassador greeted with polite deference, though the underlying pride of a diplomat representing the world's foremost power was unmistakable.
"Good morning, Ambassador. Please, bring us two cups of coffee," Prieto instructed, addressing his secretary.
"Yes, Your Excellency." The coffee arrived promptly, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, the conversation turned to the pressing matter.
"Your Excellency, the sudden reclamation of Gibraltar by your nation has come as a great shock to us. This action poses a serious disruption to the peace and stability of the Mediterranean," the German ambassador remarked.
Prieto frowned. The German's reasoning was difficult for him to accept.
"Ambassador, Gibraltar has always been the rightful territory of the Kingdom of Spain. Our reclamation of it is entirely legitimate and above reproach," Prieto responded firmly. His stance grew more resolute, partly due to Britain's financial incentives and partly due to the German envoy's provocatively condescending tone.
"Claiming Gibraltar as Spanish territory is merely a unilateral assertion. Historically, Gibraltar was originally a settlement of the North African Phoenicians, conquered by the Roman Empire in the second century BC, then seized by the Arabs in the eighth century. It wasn't until 1501 that it came under Spanish rule. However, in 1704, the British seized it, and they have held it ever since. To call Gibraltar Spanish territory is far from accurate," the ambassador retorted, armed with meticulously researched historical evidence.
Prieto's expression darkened. The ambassador's detailed rhetoric betrayed Germany's unmistakable ambitions regarding Gibraltar. Why else would they have delved so deeply into its history?
"Ambassador, Gibraltar is now unequivocally the territory of the Kingdom of Spain—a fact that no one can alter," Prieto declared.
"Is that so, Your Excellency? You must be aware that Gibraltar was originally a British colony. Just as the Empire was preparing to launch an offensive, the British abruptly handed Gibraltar over to Spain. This compels us to suspect some clandestine collusion between your nation and the British. The Empire has every reason to believe you've aligned with Britain, and perhaps even joined the Entente. The Empire's war with Britain is far from over. Should Spain have indeed sided with the Entente, then a war with Spain is inevitable," the ambassador intoned ominously, his words laden with veiled threats.
Prieto's face paled instantly. No fool, he fully grasped the gravity of the German threat. It was an ultimatum: yield or face war. Could Spain possibly stand against Germany? The answer was painfully clear.
"Ambassador, your accusations are baseless! Spain has no secret dealings with Britain, nor have we joined the Entente," Prieto protested hurriedly.
"Indeed? Then why would the British cede Gibraltar to you? Such an act defies belief without ulterior motives," the ambassador sneered dismissively.
"Ambassador, should Germany invade Spain based on such groundless accusations, the entire international community will condemn you," Prieto countered.
"Whether our justification is groundless is not for you to decide, Your Excellency. Convey this to your king: the Empire's patience has its limits. By this time tomorrow, I expect a satisfactory response. Good day." With that, the ambassador turned on his heel and departed.
Prieto's face was ashen. Once the ambassador had left, he erupted in fury. "This is intolerable! The Germans are utterly overbearing. Do they truly believe that as the dominant global power, they can trample over other nations at will? Spain will not capitulate!"
Yet, even as he vented, Prieto wasted no time in summoning his car. He had to report this matter to King Alfonso XIII immediately. Germany's official pressure on the Spanish government was no trivial matter—it was a spark that could ignite a catastrophic war.
Prieto was acutely aware that should war break out, the Kingdom of Spain would undoubtedly face defeat, with no chance of victory.
"Your Majesty, the Germans are pushing us too far. Their ambassador has just issued a formal threat of war. If we fail to comply and back down, Germany may well attack us!" Prieto reported urgently.
"What? What are we to do? Perhaps we should withdraw from Gibraltar," King Alfonso XIII suggested anxiously. He had no desire for war with Germany, knowing full well that such a conflict would spell certain defeat for Spain—and ruin for himself as king. Better to preserve his throne and current prosperity than risk all for a doomed endeavor.
"Your Majesty, the Germans may not actually dare to attack. This could merely be an attempt to intimidate us. If we yield Gibraltar now, we will utterly forfeit the kingdom's dignity," countered Count Romanones, the Prime Minister.
"Intimidation? What if they're serious? No, the risk is far too great," Alfonso XIII said, shaking his head resolutely.
Prieto gritted his teeth. To capitulate now, as Alfonso suggested, would undoubtedly incur Britain's displeasure—and the promised eight million marks would vanish.
"Your Majesty, I also believe the Germans are bluffing. Had they intended to act, they would have done so already. Their fleet near Gibraltar is no mere display; it even includes transport ships, likely carrying troops or marines. Germany's designs on Gibraltar are long-standing, but they never anticipated Britain returning it to us," Prieto explained.