On April 19, 1880, the Austrian Central American colonial army encircled the "bandits" in the territory and chased them all the way to Panama.
Because of the fog, there was a misunderstanding with the Colombian garrison and an armed conflict broke out, causing thousands of casualties.
The local people could testify that there was indeed fog in the Panama area on April 19. Before the army entered the Panama area, the colonial government also sent people to communicate with the local government and decided to send troops to eliminate the "bandits."
However, someone in the Colombian government colluded with the "bandits" and leaked the news. The "bandits" cut off the local telegraph and killed the messenger midway.
The garrison didn't receive the news in time, and the two sides couldn't communicate effectively. Because of the fog, their line of sight was affected. They originally agreed to work together to suppress the bandits, but they mistakenly thought the other side was the enemy and caused an accidental exchange of fire.
This was the "truth" announced by the Austrian Central American colonial government. Whether the Colombian government could accept it or not, their troops stationed in Panama were finished.
After the "April 19 incident" broke out, the Austrian Central American colonial government immediately announced responsibility for the incident. They apologized to the victims of the accident and expressed their willingness to pay compensation for the casualties.
Such a positive and responsible attitude, if it weren't for the Austrian army still staying in the area, it would be really speechless.
Of course, there was a reason why the Austrian army stayed in the area. Although the main force of the "bandits" was encircled, there were still many remnants wandering around.
For the safety of the Panamanian people, the Austrian army must eliminate these bandits or wait for the Colombian government army to arrive before they could evacuate.
…
After the news of the "April 19" accidental exchange of fire reached Colombia, the people in the capital, Bogota, were excited. They took to the streets to demonstrate and asked the government to send troops to recover the Panama area.
It had to be said that President Rafael Nuñez's luck was really bad. He encountered so much trouble right after he took office.
The people asked for troops, and President Rafael Nuñez also wanted to send troops to recover the Panama area as soon as possible and deal with the aftermath. Unfortunately, no troops could take on this heavy responsibility.
"Misunderstanding" could happen once, but it could also happen a second time. Whether or not there would continue to be "misunderstandings" was completely based on Austria's moral integrity.
The Colombian military was very sincere. Since the Austrians said it was a misunderstanding, it was certainly impossible to occupy the Panama area for a long time. They could get it back sooner or later, so why take the risk?
Anyone with a discerning eye knew that this was Austria's retaliation against the Colombian government's blockade of Peru. The Panamanian garrison happened to be the cannon fodder.
Whoever caused the trouble should be the one to bear the consequences. As for taking revenge on Austria and seeking justice for the innocent soldiers, that wasn't something Colombia could do.
As a small country, the first thing they had to consider was survival. As long as they did not lose any territory, they would be able to reclaim their core sovereignty. A little grievance was nothing!
Rafael Nuñez could not care about the aftermath for the time being. He was now being questioned by members of Congress.
An opposition MP ridiculed, "Mr. President, the government's wrong foreign policy has led to the fall of Panama. Do you have anything to say?"
Without pressure, there would be no motivation. If Austria wanted to occupy Panama, under external pressure, the Colombian parties might be able to unite.
Unfortunately, such a thing did not happen. The Austrian Central American colonial government had already classified this incident as a "misunderstanding."
Since it was just a misunderstanding, the Austrians had no reason to occupy it for long. The Austrian Minister had already sent a diplomatic note, asking them to send troops as soon as possible.
The only problem was that he had suffered this beating for nothing. As long as it wasn't a matter of life and death, it was normal for them to take the opportunity to attack their competitors.
The biggest advantage of politicians was that they were thick-skinned. Rafael Nuñez said nonchalantly, "Panama did not fall. It was just a misunderstanding.
The Government of Austria has claimed responsibility for the incident. We are discussing compensation with them. It won't be long before the Austrian troops will withdraw from the area.
The main reason for this misunderstanding was that someone in the government colluded with the bandits. It has nothing to do with the government's foreign policy.
Colombia is an independent country. We have the right to conduct diplomacy freely. We don't need to be influenced by a third party. "
Since Austria said it was a "misunderstanding," then let this "misunderstanding" continue!
Before they had the strength to retaliate, this kind of thing could only be a "misunderstanding."
Deep down, Rafael Nuñez just hoped that things would end quickly and that there would be no more problems later.
One of the councilors questioned, "Just a misunderstanding and it's over? Are our people dying in vain?"
Rafael Nuñez waved his hand, "Of course they can't die in vain. We will investigate to the end, find the culprit who caused this conflict, and face legal sanctions.
The dead are gone. Now what we can do now is to let the dead rest in peace and comfort their families.
The government will ensure that the victims of this incident can receive compensation. Please give us a little time … "
After that, Rafael Nuñez bowed to the crowd as if to express his apology.
Those who entered the Congress were all political veterans. It was possible to take the opportunity to make things difficult for Rafael Nuñez, but it was also true that they wanted to pull him down.
However, no one was ready to go to war with Austria. Therefore, some things could only be selectively pretended to be confused.
While appeasing the country, Rafael Nuñez did not forget to ask for help from the British boss.
With such a big incident, it would be inexcusable if John Bull didn't step up. In any case, the Colombian government was doing things for them, which led to the unexpected disaster.
Downing Street, inside the Prime Minister's residence. Prime Minister Benjamin exhaled smoke and looked at the Colombian government's telegram for help.
Sitting opposite him was a middle-aged man in fine clothes. He was holding a coffee in one hand and stirring a spoon in the other. His eyes were staring ahead as if he was in a daze. It was the Foreign Minister of Britannia, Edward.
After half a cup of tea, Prime Minister Benjamin put down the telegram, stubbed out the cigarette on the ashtray, and exhaled the last light smoke.
"Sir Edward, what do you think the Austrians are doing? It can't really be just to vent their anger on Colombia, right?"
Like Britannia, Austria was a country with interests as its core. Every move was carried out around national interests.
The Colombian government's actions made the Government of Vienna lose face. Retaliation was inevitable, but it was not to the point where it was necessary to send troops to fight.
The military operation in Panama was smooth, but that was because the Government of Austria disclosed the "truth" in time, letting everyone know that they were only temporarily staying and would soon leave.
Otherwise, the Colombian government would have called on the locals to resist the invasion.
The South American countries could exist independently, not because the European powers couldn't occupy them, but mainly because the cost of ruling was too high, and the benefits were not proportional to the costs.
Edward put down the coffee in his hand and slowly replied, "Of course not. According to the information collected, the preliminary judgment is that Austria is thinking about Panama.
It's just that the Government of Vienna cares about their own reputation. They feel that the impact of directly invading an independent country is too bad, and the cost is too high, so they deliberately created this "misunderstanding."
The independent organization they support can only succeed after the Panamanian garrison is killed. It is estimated that after Austria withdraws, it won't be long before Panama becomes independent. "
It was impossible to completely keep such a big movement secret. Austria's approach might be able to deceive ordinary people, but it couldn't be hidden from the British, who were also big hooligans.
John Bull had already done similar things, and he had a lot of practical experience. Just by looking at the clues on the surface, they were able to deduce most of it.
Prime Minister Benjamin nodded, "It seems that we have to mourn for the Colombians. Until now, they still don't know what kind of enemy they encountered, at least not reflected in this telegram for help."
"Allies" was a false proposition for Britannia.
On the surface, Britain and Austria were allies who had signed an alliance, and Colombia was not qualified to form an alliance with Britannia.
In fact, as an ally, Britain and Austria were the biggest competitors. The weak Colombian government was the new underling of the British, and the degree of closeness was completely reversed.
Foreign Minister Edward shook his head, "Sometimes ignorance is a blessing. If he knew the truth, Rafael Núñez's life would not be able to continue.
Of course, he could also be pretending to be ignorant. Dealing with the Panamanian rebels was easier than dealing with the Austrians.
This time, the Austrians have already violated the rules. With Emperor Franz's style of cherishing his reputation, the same "misunderstanding" can't happen twice.
As long as the Colombian government can suppress the rebels in the Panamanian region, this matter will be over.
For the Republic of Colombia, there is still a chance to win if we don't open this cover. If we turn against them now, we will immediately lose the Panamanian region. "
Benjamin smiled slightly, lit another cigarette, took a deep breath, and exhaled a wisp of smoke.
"You are right, sometimes we need to pretend to be ignorant. Since the Colombian government doesn't mention it, then we will pretend not to know.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should act as soon as possible and send the Austrians away as soon as possible. Let the Colombian government feel our sincerity. "
The part needed to serve the whole. The land blockade against Peru and Bolivia had been established, and Chile's victory in the war was almost a foregone conclusion.
Britannia had the absolute upper hand in the competition in South America, and the influence of the Fao and Austria had been reduced to a corner. There was no need to continue to force them.
The Panamanian incident became Austria's final counterattack. Other than forcing the Fao to move closer, Britannia could not gain any more benefits.
After thinking for a while, Edward smiled, "Of course, we never treat our friends badly. But before that, we need to give the Austrians some trouble.
Such a big "misunderstanding" must be made known to more people. I'm sure the media will be happy to have more news to increase newspaper sales. "
They didn't confront directly because Britannia's power in the Panamanian region was limited. Even if they wanted to intervene in Austria's next action, they were powerless.
Not being able to intervene directly didn't mean they wouldn't take action. Using public opinion to ruin Austria's reputation was also a way to attack.
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