The war between Germany and Spain in Gibraltar attracted the attention of the whole world. Of course, no one would think that Spain would be able to turn the tables and beat Germany. Rather, they were arguing about how long Spain would be able to hold out under German attack.

Because both Germany and Spain kept the war situation secret, it was difficult for other countries to know the specific situation for a while. But that didn't stop them from guessing about the situation.

However, contrary to the expectations of other countries, just the day after the start of the fighting, the Spanish government requested mediation from the United States through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This surprised the U.S. government, has Spain been unable to hold out in just one day? This was not what they expected. Originally, they thought that Spain would be able to hold out for a few more days, and even turn into a full-scale war between Spain and Germany.

But alas, the Spaniards are not fools after all. They won't be looking for death. After discovering that the difference in strength between the two sides was too great, the Spaniards immediately conceded. They know that if they continue to fight, they will only pay a greater price. Finding a way to end the war now is undoubtedly the best option. After all, if it turned into a full-scale war, they could be wiped out by Germany outright.

"Let the ambassador to Germany inform the Germans of our request! Mediate this conflict! "U.S. President Woodrow? Wilson said. Although, the scale of the war did not meet expectations. But since the Spaniards don't want to fight anymore, let it be as they wish! Otherwise, the Spaniards would be forced to be in a hurry, and if they made it clear what Britain and the United States were doing behind their backs, the consequences would be very serious.

Although Germany must be clear about the good things that the British and Americans are doing behind their backs. However, knowing and picking on it are two different things.

"Yes, Your Excellency." Secretary of State Brian nodded.

On 1 February, the U.S. ambassador to Germany formally submitted to the German Foreign Office a request from the United States to mediate the conflict between Germany and Spain. The reason why this incident was designated as a conflict rather than a war is obviously to give both sides a step down. In this way, the problem is relatively easier to solve.

Both Germany and Spain gladly accepted the mediation of the Americans.

Spain didn't want to fight, and they were afraid to keep fighting. Germany's aim was not to destroy Spain, but to take Gibraltar from Spain. Now that the Spaniards have taken the initiative to intercede, it is highly likely that Germany's will be achieved. Under such circumstances, there is naturally no need to continue the war.

The venue for mediation was the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, where German Foreign Minister Washitt and the Spanish ambassador to Germany became representatives of both sides to formally engage on ending the conflict.

Before the representatives of the two sides formally responded, German Foreign Minister Vahit asked Emperor Qin Tian what conditions to put forward in the negotiations. Qin Tian's answer was also very simple.

"First, Spain was to cede Gibraltar to the German Empire. It was a lease before, and since they didn't want to, now they should cede it directly to the German Empire.

Second, the Spaniards were to compensate the German Empire for the war of one billion marks as compensation for the losses in the conflict.

Thirdly, Spain had to cede the Balearic Islands to the German Empire! ”

There are only three conditions proposed by Qin Tian. The first two did not surprise Wahit. Spain had lost the war and was now going to relent, making reparations to the Reich and ceding Gibraltar to the German Reich, which was a matter of course. As for Qin Tian's sudden offer to claim the Balearic Islands from Spain, this was beyond Washit's expectations. Moreover, he thinks that it is very unlikely that the Spaniards will agree to this article. After all, it was an archipelago with an area of more than five thousand square kilometers. This is already a lot of territory for Spain. After losing almost all of their overseas colonies, the Spaniards attached great importance to their territory.

"Your Majesty, the first two conditions, the Spaniards are very likely to agree. However, the third condition, I am afraid that they will not be so easy to agree. Vahit said with some concern.

"As long as the Empire takes a tougher attitude, I think they will agree. After all, this is nothing more than an archipelago outside of Spain proper. There is not much economic value and it is not of much use to Spain. But if the Empire can get here, then our territory in the Mediterranean will be expanded once again. The Balearic Islands, Corsica and Sicily, the territories of the three empires could support each other. In the future, we will build airfields and ports on these islands, deploy aircraft and fleets. This will further secure the interests of the Empire in the Mediterranean! Qin Tian said.

Germany was not originally a coastal country in the Mediterranean, although almost all of the colonies in North Africa belonged to Germany. However, the fact that the mainland is not bordered by the Mediterranean Sea makes these German territories insecure. In the event of war, these territories will become the focus of the enemy's attack. Even if Germany had to mobilize troops from its home territory for reinforcements, it would take a lot of time.

In peacetime, it may not take much time to get from Germany to the Mediterranean. However, once war breaks out, the time it takes will probably increase exponentially. Therefore, the idea of trying to increase the power of the empire in the Mediterranean is the most important thing.

Qin Tian even had an idea, that is, to slowly get all the larger islands in the Mediterranean. In this way, Germany has a real foothold in the Mediterranean. In addition to Sicily, Corsica and the upcoming Balearic Islands, which are now under German control, there are also Sardinia, Crete and the islands of Cyprus that are not in German hands. Qin Tian had already made up his mind, and he must plan carefully to ensure that his plan could succeed.

"Well, Your Majesty, I know what to do!" Vahit nodded. Now that Qin Tian has clearly put forward his requirements, then, those of them who are courtiers, can only fulfill Qin Tian's requirements as much as possible. What's more, if the Balearic Islands can be occupied, this will indeed be of great benefit to Germany.

Therefore, at the beginning of the negotiations, German Foreign Minister Vahit directly put these demands on the table, so that the American ambassador and the Spanish ambassador were stunned.