Transmigrated as the Crown Prince

As early as 1835, Venezuela and the United States established diplomatic relations. Since then, Venezuela and the United States have had close economic and trade ties. For a long time, the United States has been Venezuela's largest export market. Especially after the discovery of large oil fields in Venezuela's Maracaibo Basin, most of the oil was exported to the United States. During the booming business years, Venezuelan oil companies even invested in tens of thousands of gas stations in the United States.

As the United States becomes stronger and stronger, it regards the entire Latin American region as its strategic backyard and economic vassals. The economic plunder and political control of American capital are almost everywhere in Latin America. This point makes the local people quite disgusted, resulting in left-wing ideas that have always been very popular in Latin America. Opposing the economic exploitation and political control of the United States is the basic policy of almost any Latin American left-wing party that wants to come to power. However, after the left came to power, it may not be able to improve the economy and get rid of the control of the United States. In the end, it provided opportunities for the right, and there was even a situation where right-wing soldiers were in power for a long time. President Isaias Medina Angarita is also a soldier.

However, the Venezuelan people still have a good impression of Germany, and this favorable impression largely stems from Alexander von Humboldt.

In 1799, the famous German natural scientist and social activist Alexander von Humboldt went to South America for a scientific expedition.

During his expedition to South America, Humboldt penetrated into the dense rainforests of Venezuela, crossed the long Andes Mountains, and met Simon Bolivar. Simon Bolivar was one of the most outstanding leaders of the Latin American independence movement in the early 19th century. He led the independence wars in Venezuela, Colombia and other places from 1810 to 1826, and established the Republic of Gran Colombia, which unites today's Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, and is known as the "Father of the Founding of Venezuela".

The "Father of the Founding of Venezuela" had a high opinion of Humboldt. He once said: "Baron Humboldt is the true discoverer of the New World. His knowledge has contributed more to America than all the conquerors combined." Humboldt's appreciation of Latin The encouragement of the American liberators and his assistance to countless subsequent explorers have also been recorded in the history of South American countries. Afterwards, many German scientists visited Venezuela for scientific inspections, and German missionaries also established many German schools there.

President Angarita is a soldier, but he is also a politician. Although he does not like the United States, he also knows that Germany is not a good person. Compared with the United States, it is just a wolf and a tiger, and has no good intentions.

After hesitating for a long time, President Angarita spoke carefully. "Your Excellency Ambassador Frank, we prefer to remain neutral."

"Neutral?" Ambassador Frank lit up a cigar and blew out a puff of smoke. "Your Excellency, neutrality also requires strength. Neutrality without strength is just wishful thinking." As the saying goes, only those who can fight can stop wars, and those who dare to fight can make peace. If you want to obtain a neutral position, maintain it. In the final analysis, our own peace and stability still need the support of hard power. For example, Sweden, in addition to flirting with Germany and having an ambiguous relationship, its own strength should not be underestimated. Although Sweden has a small population, it has a strong military. The equipment and combat effectiveness of the Swedish army are world-class. No country dares to underestimate Sweden's military power. Before World War II, Sweden maintained a standing force of 500,000 troops and millions of reserve troops. Once the war started, Germany would have to lose a few teeth even if it could win.

Obviously, Venezuela does not have such hard power. "I received news before I came here that our fleet has arrived in the waters of French Guyana and has launched an attack. I don't know how long that idiot de Gaulle can hold on?" That guy de Gaulle is simply a model of seeking death. If he surrenders, If you put in a good word, you might be able to make him the governor of French Guyana or something, but he is clamoring for a counterattack on the European continent. Do you have the strength? !

Seeing President Angarita take out a handkerchief and wipe the sweat from his face, Ambassador Frank smiled. "And our Highness has promised to invest heavily in your country's oil industry. To be honest, you should know very well what kind of oil you produce."

Many oil resources can basically be sold and used once they are dug up. This is the case in Saudi Arabia and Russia, because these are light oils, which are very convenient, practical and effortless. However, most of Venezuela's oil is heavy oil. This kind of oil cannot be used directly after being mined. It also needs to go through a series of blending, processing, refining and other links.

Venezuela does not have these technologies and equipment, so it can only export heavy oil. Importing countries need to buy it back and process it themselves, which is very troublesome in itself, and many importing countries also do not have this technology.

Moreover, Venezuela’s geographical location is also very awkward. From a global perspective, the main oil demand is actually in Asia, Europe, and North America. However, Asia and Europe are too far away from Venezuela, especially Asia. If you want to buy oil, you have to cross the entire Pacific and pass through the Panama Canal. The distance is too long and the freight is too high. The first choice for buyers must be the Middle East, which has a moderate geographical location. In North America, the United States itself is rich in oil and Canada also produces oil, so the demand is even smaller.

However, Yannick felt that it would be a good idea not to waste so much oil and make an investment. After all, Germany will definitely have the final say in the international oil price in the future. Even if you invest in Venezuela, you will not lose money.

"Nowadays, the oil production in the Middle East is gradually increasing. Once the war is over, the price of oil will plummet. By then, your country may not be able to sell even a barrel of oil. I don't need to say more about the consequences of that, right?" Venezuela It is a country with a single economy, and its economic development relies entirely on crude oil. Once crude oil cannot be sold, it will be almost destroyed by then.

After smoking a cigar and not seeing any clear statement from President Angarita, Ambassador Frank stood up and prepared to leave. "Since President Angarita is not willing, I won't force him. I wish you a pleasant afternoon." He muttered to this ungrateful guy in his heart. Fortunately, he had prepared a plan B.

That night, a coup broke out in Venezuela. The Minister of Defense personally led troops into the presidential palace, arrested President Angarita, and announced the establishment of a military commission to manage the country, headed by Romulo Ernesto Betan Cortebello. Chairman of the military junta.

The next day, Chairman Bello went to the German Embassy in person. The two sides held secret talks for more than an hour. After returning to the presidential palace, Chairman Bello announced that he would launch a series of trade and military cooperation with Germany and lease the Paraguana Peninsula to Germany for 50 years. Year.