Chapter 3030
It was obviously a military operation unilaterally led by Haihan, but when facing the Siamese envoy, Roger claimed that it was a joint operation of the three countries. Lopez was just stunned for a moment before he understood the reason why Roger made such a statement.
This is to use Portugal and Aceh as props!
The three countries are acting jointly, and they are the three most powerful countries in the Strait of Malacca. This is undoubtedly putting pressure on Siam. If Siam is dissatisfied with the "coalition forces" stationed in Phuket, then it must challenge these three countries at the same time. country.
Of course, Pashan immediately realized this situation, but he was not intimidated by Roger's words and still acted very tough: "Even if there are pirates here, it should be handled by our country. You must evacuate this island immediately. ! ”
But in Roger's eyes, this response was nothing more than a sign of fierceness. He smiled and responded: "We will not consider evacuating Phuket until our actions achieve our goals. If your country believes that it is necessary to prevent the coalition forces from combating piracy, , then maybe war is the best way to resolve disputes! ”
Roger's words were very simple. He wanted to forcibly link Siam's attitude to the pirates and ignore the issue of Phuket's territorial ownership. Siam's failure to cooperate with the coalition forces would be equivalent to preventing the coalition forces from attacking pirates. Then the coalition forces would occupy a moral high point. Even if armed conflicts or even wars broke out, the coalition forces would still be the righteous party.
Of course, the coalition does not actually exist. At least at this stage, there is no coalition on Phuket as advertised by Roger. But he was also sure that neither Kaza nor Lopez would clarify it out loud, because even if they denied it on the spot, Pashan would not believe their statement.
Although there is an old grudge between Portugal and Aceh, the close relationship between the two countries and Haihan is not a secret internationally. It is not impossible for Haihan to take the lead in forming a coalition.
What's more, if Haihan's dispatch of troops has nothing to do with these two countries, then what's going on with a member of the Acehnese royal family and a Portuguese governor-designate present?
These two families used to be at odds with each other. They were either at war or negotiating. If Haihan hadn't taken the lead, how could they have appeared on this remote island at the same time? If they claim to be here to watch the excitement, Pashan will only suspect that they are trying to conceal the true purpose of sending troops.
The negotiations between the two parties broke up unhappily and did not achieve any substantive results. However, Pashan did not leave here, but chose to camp not far from Haihan Camp.
Such behavior is of course not difficult to understand. Phasian's intention was to safeguard Siam's sovereignty over Phuket Island. If he left like this, wouldn't it be a disguised recognition of the control of Phuket Island by Haihan and other countries. So he decided to stay and continue to deal with Haihan to see if there was any solution other than war.
But Pashan left, Kaza and Lopez did not follow him. Roger didn't say hello beforehand, but just used them to deal with the Siamese army. Naturally, he had to ask Roger for an explanation.
Kaza took the lead in attacking: "Our country has no intention of becoming an enemy of Siam. Lord Roger's behavior is really disgraceful."
Lopez immediately followed the rhythm: "Does the coalition that Sir Roger mentioned really exist? How come I followed the fleet all the way here and didn't know anything about it?"
Faced with the aggressive questioning, Roger seemed very calm: "You two, I, Haihan, take on the dirty work of fighting pirates, but the external publicity is that the Three Kingdoms Alliance, Aceh and Portugal also benefited from this. Wouldn’t it help enhance your international reputation? ”
Kaza snorted coldly and said: "But our country has not yet enjoyed what you call your international reputation, but it has to bear the risk of war with Siam first, and our country has not received any of the benefits of occupying Phuket Island! Lopez's rhetoric was even more explicit: "I think the so-called suppression of pirates is the second priority. In the name of this, sending troops to occupy key areas near the strait is your country's real purpose, right?"
Roger naturally would not admit this: "I reiterate once again that the purpose of our country's sending troops is to maintain regional stability and combat pirate armed forces."
"I hope you two can take a longer-term view. The northern waters of the Malacca Strait have never been very peaceful, but if our navy and Han army maintain daily patrols in this sea area, the safety of the waterway will be more guaranteed. Your two countries will even Including Siam, Kedah, and every merchant ship passing through this place will benefit from it.”
Lopez finally understood. What Roger meant was that the Haihan Army would not leave once it arrived. His previous statement to Pashan that he would only consider evacuating after the purpose of the operation was achieved was obviously just a perfunctory statement to the other party.
Phuket Island, as well as Langkawi Island and Penang Island, which Haihan also previously occupied in the name of combating piracy, obviously have no intention of returning them to their original owners.
Lopez couldn't help but regret. When the news of pirate activities spread earlier, Malacca City should take decisive measures to seize the opportunity. Even if they did not send troops, they should make a strong statement to the outside world. In this way, when Haihan announced the dispatch of troops, Malacca City You can also follow the trend and not become passive.
Now the Haihan army has captured three islands in a row without any effort. If Portugal had time to send troops together, it would at least be able to get a share of the pie now, and Haihan would not monopolize the benefits.
Kaza's thoughts were similar to Lopez's. He regretted that Aceh's measures after the emergence of pirates were too conservative and only sent warships to patrol the Sumatra side.
If someone had the courage of Haihan to directly send troops in the name of arresting pirates, not to mention capturing Phuket Island, they could at least station troops on Penang and Langkawi Islands to put pressure on Kedah, which has recently been trying to break away from control.
Of course, everyone can be wise after the fact, but when faced with decisions beforehand, few people can make such determination.
If Haihan hadn't taken the lead in this matter and scripted and acted the entire process, Roger would probably also have doubts about the plan to send troops. To fight against pirates in waters two thousand miles away, the amount of troops and resources that need to be mobilized will require astronomical expenditures.
Moreover, Roger had no intention of taking these two families to play together from the beginning, so naturally he would not give them enough time to prepare for the battle. Now it is too late to get on board halfway. All they can do is to see if they can take advantage of the current situation and try their best to gain some benefits for their country.
"Our country has always been happy to cooperate with its allies, and this time is certainly no exception. Instead of arguing with me here, you two should think carefully about what your country can gain from the current situation. When will you figure it out, when will you come back? It’s not too late to talk to me.”
(End of chapter)