"I'm sorry, Your Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After the discussion of our government, we have decided not to sell or lease the Azores to your country. Portugal was a neutral country in the last world war. The international situation is becoming more and more tense now. We We are also unwilling to get involved in the confrontation between major powers. We hope to continue to remain neutral." Portuguese Foreign Minister Castro said apologetically.

Wacht was not surprised by this, or in other words, since he realized that the Portuguese began to delay time, he had already expected such a result. However, Wahit did not agree with the Portuguese choice. The idea that the Portuguese want to remain neutral and not get involved in the confrontation between major powers is really stupid and naive.

If Portugal does not have the Azores and they want to remain neutral, maybe no one will bother with them. However, it would be fanciful to want to remain neutral while owning the Azores. The important strategic position of the Azores makes Germany or other major powers try their best to hold it in their hands. Portugal's rejection of Germany's request is actually an enemy of Germany.

The German Navy has decided that it must take the Azores. Originally, they hoped to buy or lease the Azores in a peaceful manner. However, this was rejected by the Portuguese government. Then, Germany will do whatever it takes to capture the Azores. This will definitely not be a good thing for Portugal.

"His Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, you are rejecting the goodwill of the German Empire!" Wachter said.

"Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Portuguese Republic does not mean that. We just want to remain neutral." Castro said.

However, Wahit did not waste any more words. He left the Kingdom of Portugal directly and returned to Germany in a ship of the Atlantic Fleet.

"Your Excellency, the German Foreign Minister has left. However, it can be seen that he is very angry. I think this time we have completely offended the Germans. This may cause trouble for us. Yes." Castro looked worried.

"Don't worry, even if the Germans are dissatisfied, they will not use force against us. In that case, their desire to maintain world peace will become a lie. The whole world will blame them." Sidonio Pais said the president.

"I hope so!" Castro said. He always thought that things would not be so simple. The Germans are clearly determined to win the Azores this time, how could they back down like this? In that case, it would be too inconsistent with the German behavior style.

When German Foreign Minister Vachter reported to China the news that Portugal refused to sell or lease the Azores to Germany, Emperor Qin Tian immediately summoned the military and political ministers of the empire.

"Everyone, the rulers of Portugal finally made a stupid decision. They rejected the request of the empire and ignored the goodwill of the empire. This is absolutely unacceptable to the empire!" Qin Tian said.

"Your Majesty, we must seize the Azores. The reason why the Portuguese dared to reject us must be the Americans supporting them. This makes us have to worry about whether the Azores will fall into the hands of the Americans. If the Americans take control of the Azores, then we will be greatly threatened," said Marshal Reinhard Scheer, Minister of the Navy.

Qin Tian nodded. The Imperial Intelligence Bureau had already reported the secret meeting between the American ambassador to Portugal and the Portuguese foreign minister. It's just that I don't know exactly what they talked about. However, what is certain is that what they are talking about must have something to do with Germany's desire to buy or lease the Azores. Otherwise, Portugal would not have made a choice immediately after that meeting.

"Everyone, since the Portuguese rejected us this time, the canal means that our plan to obtain the Azores through peaceful means has completely failed. For the Imperial Navy, the Azores The Sore Islands are an indispensable and important base, and we must obtain them. Then, what method should we adopt next?" Qin Tian asked.

No matter what, in order for the German navy to gain an advantage in the Atlantic confrontation, Germany must hold the Azores in its hands.

"Your Majesty, we should exclude the use of force against Portugal. In the previous arms control meeting, we advertised to the world that we love peace and are willing to work hard for world peace. If we invade Portugal in a blink of an eye, it may cause the whole world to The image of the empire that has finally been re-established will suffer a devastating blow." Imperial Prime Minister Bi Luo reminded.historical

"This may be the reason why the Portuguese government has no fear." Marshal Reinhard Scheer, Minister of the Imperial Navy, said.

"Aside from using force, what else can we do?" Qin Tian asked.

"Your Majesty, apart from force, we have no choice but to overthrow the current Portuguese government. Since this Portuguese government is unwilling to accept the good intentions of the empire, then we have no choice but to find a way to change to an obedient Portuguese government. Years ago, they launched a revolution and overthrew the Portuguese royal family. This has made the political situation in Portugal relatively turbulent over the years. All factions are making waves and wanting to gain greater benefits. If we support a certain faction, let If they launch a coup, it is entirely possible. In this case, the new Portuguese government supported by the empire will definitely sell the Azores to the empire at a low price. In other words, when supporting them, they will use this As a condition." Marshal von Falkenhain, Minister of the Imperial Army and Chief of the General Staff, said.

Qin Tian nodded, this is undoubtedly the most suitable method now. Germany just supported some Portuguese coups and did not send troops to invade Portugal, so other countries could not blame Germany.

"So, is there a suitable support candidate?" Qin Tian asked.

"According to the information we have received, the Minister of the Portuguese Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and a colonel named Carmona are all candidates for support. They control most of the Portuguese army. We can fully support them in launching a military coup and establishing a military coup. Military dictatorship," said Marshal von Falkenhain.

"Then send someone to contact them!" Qin Tian said.