British civil servant

"The country that can currently threaten overseas territories is not the tank army that is on the surface, but a country whose tonnage is still higher than the Royal Navy. Malaya guards the golden waterway and has its own resource accumulation, which is very important. "Norman Brook frowned, "Be good at taking advantage of the surrounding situation, think of a way in terms of diplomacy, and introduce the news in this regard."

"The aircraft carrier battleship formation base of the Royal Netherlands Navy has been transferred to Kalimantan Island. As for the most remote Dutch Guinea, the Netherlands has signed a mutual assistance treaty with Australia. The third party of this treaty is us, the United Kingdom, but we are in the Secretly. Australia is very satisfied with this treaty. Canberra is eagerly looking forward to helping the Netherlands stabilize its position in New Guinea." Gerald Edward immediately said, "The Netherlands is ready to lose control of Java Island and follow the example of India. Partition rule, cut off Kalimantan Island and Dutch Guinea, which got the cooperation of us and Australia."

"Before I came back, the Netherlands launched the second "police operation". The capital of the Republic of Indonesia, Yogyakarta, was occupied. Indonesian leaders such as Sukarno and Hatta were captured by the Dutch army. The territory and population of the Republic of Indonesia were greatly reduced. The Indonesian army once again retreated into the mountains, persisted in guerrilla warfare, and established guerrilla administrative areas throughout the country. The Dutch nationals have all evacuated to Kalimantan Island."

"We can't delay any longer. The United States has already begun to pay attention to the Dutch East Indies at the United Nations." Norman Brook turned to Ismay and asked, "Is the news in Alexander's telegram true?"

Seeing Ismay nodding, Norman Brooke immediately said, "Telegram Rotterdam to announce the partition of the Dutch East Indies immediately, and we will immediately join Australia to announce the recognition of partition. Alan, what do you think?"

Alan Wilson recalled the time when Indonesia appeared, probably when the Cannon Party was about to kneel, and said, "That's right, once the Americans really put pressure on us, it will be too late to do what we are doing. The police actions are futile, and we must It will be terminated immediately, together with the evacuation of the Belgian and Spanish troops to Kalimantan. With the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Royal Navy’s Pacific Fleet, it is completely possible to withdraw quickly.”

"For the United Nations, let Alexander do some work, and the United French representative will cause some procedural obstacles." Norman Brooke said, "That's it. I'll go to the Prime Minister after the meeting is over."

"Gentlemen, just like the conclusion just now, the current threat to overseas territories is that suspicious ally." Alan Wilson said slowly, "Once the Dutch East Indies collapses, Malaya will bear the brunt. Now we What I hope most is that the French will persist in Vietnam a little longer, and I don’t know how the situation of France in Vietnam is going.”

"It looks good so far!" Gerald Edward, as the chief executive of Malaya, still knew the war in France well.

"It's not a big problem for the French to deal with the Vietnamese, but we have to consider extraterritorial factors. In the current Chinese civil war, the balance is moving in the direction of pro-Soviet forces. Once the Chinese game comes to an end, it is difficult to guarantee that the French will still be able to fight like they are now." It’s so easy. If it’s not possible in Malaya, we will use the navy to threaten Java Island. Having said that, is there any captain in the Pacific Fleet who is about to retire? We will take an action to support the Netherlands, such as shelling Jakarta or something, It can also show the solidarity of the Brussels Treaty Organization."

Alan Wilson said in front of the Colonial Commissioners, "Sometimes there is a moral price to pay."

Norman Brook unhurriedly picked up a glass of water, his Adam's apple throbbing, "For the safety of British Malaya, of course we can't let the Netherlands leave like this. France and the Netherlands are Malaya's protective layer. There is no doubt, but bombarding Jakarta? Another way is to use bombers."

"Yes, Sir Norman!" All the Colonial Commissioners agreed in unison.

"Speaking of which, because the environment in Indonesia is similar to that of Malaya, there are actually quite a few overlaps in products. I personally suggest burning the rubber plantations, blowing up the power plants, and demolishing all the railways. Let the Netherlands and Indonesia take this as a condition. The leaders of the independence movement negotiated conditions so that they could buy time for evacuation. After destroying these, the world’s demand for these resources is still there, and this is an opportunity for British Malaya, isn’t it?”

"Very good!" Norman Brook turned to Ismay and ordered, "I would like to have a chance encounter with the Dutch ambassador."

"After all, London is such a small place." Ismay said understandingly, "Fate is so wonderful."

"With the presence of French and Dutch people, the situation in Malaya is actually much better than that of British India." Sir Baron said with great satisfaction, "The French are not in Vietnam like they are in French India." If you don’t come back, it’s a pity that British India doesn’t have this kind of environment.”

Although Sir Baron was in the Persian Gulf, he still expressed concern about the place where he lived and fought in the past. In [-], France and India reached an agreement in which the people of French India voted on their future.

In fact, France has already let go of French India, and the remaining power in the subcontinent is Portugal, the weakest colonial country.

"If you want Malaya to be stable, the most important thing is to make Malaya a powerful supplement to the mainland, rather than a simple colony. After solving the basic security issues, the next step is to consider development issues. From the perspective of science and technology, The British Empire is no worse than the United States and the Soviet Union, but our local population is insufficient and cannot be converted into national strength. We can’t rely on our local population of 5000 million to produce three times the goods per capita of the United States and the Soviet Union, right?”

"If Malaya can assume the role of British India, we can say that we will not compromise with these two countries. Simply speaking, the remaining colonies in our hands can still support the development of a colony."

"But the population of Malaya is not large, and there is no market as big as the subcontinent." Ismay frowned.

"Dear Sir Ismay, what I'm talking about is not the market. We have a market, but what we lack is a production base." Alan Wilson shook his head slightly. "We all know that the textile industry is the industry that can solve the employment problem the most, but technology In progress, the textile industry has no added value, and we cannot buy clothes on an equal footing with the United States and the Soviet Union. After two world wars, technology has greatly improved, new industries have emerged, and some backward industries should be transferred.”

"The place to be transferred must be reliable." Norman Brook frowned, "All the commissioners here can talk about whether you can support a production base."

Commissioners from the Gold Coast, Sudan, Togo, and Rhodesia all spoke one after another, asking whether the resources in their jurisdictions could support the transformation of Malaya into a production base.

"I have an idea. I don't know if it's appropriate. It's just my personal idea." Allen Wilson said embarrassedly when he heard the commissioners from all over the place speak freely.

"If you have anything to say, you can say it at this meeting." Norman Brook's words set the tone.

"Why can't we set up nationalized enterprises in the colonies?" Alan Wilson rolled his eyes and swept over the faces of every colonial commissioner, "Especially in mineral resources, the gentlemen who are doing it can also be enterprises at the same time." managers."

4 Chapter Seventy Integration and Division of Labor

"Wow!" After a burst of meaningful and continuous responses, knowing smiles appeared on the faces of all the colonial commissioners, and the British commissioner Bennet lowered his voice, "In principle, there is still room for discussion on this matter. , but for the British Empire, I will never shrink back. You must know that we have been ready to give everything for the country from the first day we went overseas. It’s just that Bechuanaland can only sell diamonds, which is very Embarrassing."

"Like Togo, we only have some diamonds locally, and of course there are rumors of some gold mines. If I can get domestic support in some aspects, I am personally willing to work tirelessly to find gold mines for the British Empire that can help the country develop. "The commissioner of British Togo said with a reserved face, "In terms of diamonds, we have to admit that women really like them."

"Cameroon's resources are not rich, only grasslands and forests. I don't know what's their use?" The Commissioner of British Cameroon smiled wryly and shook his head.

"As long as it exists, it cannot be said to be useless. Any construction needs resources. Now the European reconstruction uses wood from Newfoundland, and once Malaya is transformed into a production base, the demand also exists. What's more, we all know , Australia’s environment is very harsh, the land is not fertile enough, and wood consumption needs to be provided elsewhere.”

Allen Wilson said that this statement is wrong. Forests and pastures must not be said to be useless. As long as the demand exists, uselessness is a false proposition.In the same way, this is also an advice to the Commissioner of British Kenya who also thinks that he is not rich enough in managing the colony.

At present, the largest colony in British Africa, in terms of population, is Nigeria, with an estimated population of 3000 million.

Surrounded by French Africa, it can be said that as long as there are no problems in French Africa, Nigeria is very safe.

Alan Wilson remembered that Nigeria seemed to be a powerful country in Africa. Although it was largely supported by population, it also had the foundation of a strong country in terms of resources.

Later generations rely on the total population and resources in Africa, and the right to speak in Africa is very high, so it should be regarded as a ruthless character.

As for the visible problem, the population growth is too fast. At the time of Alan Wilson, the population of Nigeria had exceeded [-] million, and it was still rising at a rapid rate. If no measures were taken, Egypt would be the future of Nigeria.

A group of colonial commissioners also knew the situation in Nigeria and conducted a lot of discussions. Based on the experience of British India, if the population of a single colony exceeds that of the mainland, it must be split while the control is still there.

This has become the consensus of Whitehall. Nigeria, with a population of 3000 million, is still in a safe state.

From Uganda to Tanganyika, from Swaziland to Sudan, what is now discovered in each colony, and the resources that are rumored but not verified are discussed in the mouths of the commissioners of each colony.

"We'd better not compete with each other. Some colonies are big, and some don't have such rich resources. God is not so fair sometimes, so we, as part of the gentleman group, should discuss it. Don't form internal competition." Alan Wilson said He pondered for a while and added, "Of course, diamonds and gold are exceptions. I refer to general industrial resources. We should discuss it and give some colonies with inconvenient transportation a chance. After all, we all serve the same country, and we all serve the same country. An honorable gentleman, highly educated."

"It depends on which university you received your higher education in!" The Commissioner of British Sudan joked with a smile.

"Both universities count." Alan Wilson replied knowingly, "Oxford and Cambridge must remain united and serve the country together."

Obviously, the colonial commissioners did not reject the possibility of adding more burdens to them, and were even eager to try.They are all ready to go through fire and water for the British Empire.

This is also in response to the call of the Labor Party government. These civil servants are not opposed to the emergence of nationalized enterprises in the colonies.

"According to the Soviets, this can stimulate productivity. At present, a large amount of resources are needed in the local area, and at the same time, a large amount of resources can also make the pound more stable." Alan Wilson talked about the benefits of nationalized enterprises, "Minerals in Africa The resources definitely need the help of the local people, and we can use this to cultivate some pro-British forces.”

"Gentlemen, let us first imagine the worst possible possibility. As we all know, a large part of today's world order is still established by the United Kingdom. In the eyes of the United States and the Soviets, this is a remnant of the old order. From World War II still During the war, we were not ignorant of the purpose of the various words and deeds of the two countries, one wanted national self-determination, the other wanted to liberate the world, no matter which one they were, they were all aimed at the colonial country.”

"Then we will follow the example of the Soviet Union, carry out nationalization campaigns in the colonies, and cultivate pro-British forces at the same time. If, I say, if, one day we really can't stay in the colonies, we can also hand over the local government to trustworthy dismantle the nationalized enterprises, retain everyone’s shares, and cooperate with independent leaders.”

"So in the matter of nationalization, we don't take all of it. We must allocate a part to the local forces that are optimistic about the interests of the bundle. This is actually not a loss. If there is help from the local forces, the mining volume may explode. growth, we still make money."

"In terms of resource development, the major colonies cooperate with each other to ensure that once such a day, if the colonies become independent, only a single industry can rely on, so that we can still exert influence. We will adopt the international division of labor in the major colonies It can also be said to be a concretization of the imperial preferential system.”

"This can be regarded as an explanation to the Conservative MPs." Norman Brooke nodded while looking at Sir Ismay beside him.

The main content of the imperial preferential system is: mutual reduction or exemption of tax rates for imported goods among member countries; high tariffs are imposed on imported goods outside the member countries to prevent the United States and other countries from penetrating into the British Empire market.

After the war, as the United States forced the United Kingdom to relax restrictions, the scope and role of the system gradually diminished.Many of the newly independent member states of the Commonwealth withdrew the benefits previously granted to British goods.

At present, the UK has no plans to kneel down, and the 12 billion pounds raised in the emergency raid, although it has caused a lot of trouble to the major colonies, but as long as the mainland recovers, it can continue to compete with the United States.It's just that the entire British India is lost on the books.

Earlier, the United States had been targeting Britain on the issue of World War I debts.Even the Axis countries like Italy have received half of the debt relief from the United States, Germany has even received tens of billions of dollars in investment, and France has also received a substantial debt relief. Only the United Kingdom is extraordinarily stingy.

"The large-scale establishment of nationalized enterprises in the colonies, I think the Americans will definitely put pressure on them once they find out." After hearing this, Sir Ismay said with a wry smile, "I hope to keep it as long as possible."

"There is no way. The Americans want to dismantle the Imperial System of Preferences immediately, but we cannot let it disappear for the time being, because we do not have the strength to resist the industrial scale of the United States, unless Malaya reaches the day when it can share the pressure."

Alan Wilson said flatly, "Nationalization will cause inefficiency, but it has to be divided into any industry. For example, the mining industry should be the easiest industry to take advantage of nationalization and avoid the disadvantages of nationalization. We started from Start with the most basic raw materials, provide British companies with the most cost-effective raw materials, and improve the competitiveness of British private enterprises. For the Labor Party government, it can be explained by nationalization; .”

"At present, we are the only lowly social institutions who suffer, isn't it?" A smile appeared on the corner of Norman Brook's mouth, "But there is no way, who made us, born to serve the empire? These grievances are also It can’t be publicized everywhere, so it’s decided.”

"Yes, sir!" replied nearly twenty Colonial Commissioners in unison.

"Ismay, keep the minutes of the meeting. Let's talk about the layout of British Africa first." Norman Brook raised his wrist to check the time. He was about to have a chance encounter with the Dutch ambassador. Getting ready for a delightful briefing to Prime Minister Attlee.

This meeting looks very long, but in fact it only talked about the problems of Africa, to be precise, the problems of black Africa.Has there been much discussion on the issues of the Persian Gulf and the Suez Canal? Malaya's plan has also been discussed within a safe range.

After the meeting adjourned, the colonial commissioners left the Foreign Office building after the necessary checks which could not be called a body search.

Of course, every commissioner who walked out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building had a smile on his face. Although the burden on his body was heavier, everyone accepted it happily under the inspiration of the glory of the British Empire.

Alan Wilson also walked with the wind. After thinking about whether he had enough time, he went to Hepburn. He also had something to talk about. Her serious attitude made him very happy. He began to summarize the British literary world and history.

Hepburn's uneasiness disappeared after a few minutes.As if she was sitting alone in the whole world, he spoke English literature to Hepburn's bright black eyes.And the eyes brooded, smiled, and blinked appreciatively.

Alan Wilson remembers throwing teachers aside during his short studies at Oxford, and this time he threw everything aside.

Alan Wilson considered whether to plan for the candlelight dinner today, or wait until all the colonial issues are settled, and there is enough time to talk about it, but finally decided to postpone it, and now is not the time.

Chapter 471 The Arms Race

Audrey Hepburn said to Alan Wilson's eyes with longing: "You are very good at giving lectures and telling interesting things about the author's life. You seem to be very happy."

"Every writer and that period of history are alive." Allen Wilson said about him, "Every short poem and every piece is a small autobiography, which is the charm of literature."

Audrey Hepburn tilted her head, faced his gaze and said, "That's a very good statement! Very insightful!"

Alan Wilson smiled: "I'm quoting someone else, but when will you show me your artistic life?"

"Why? Do you want to see me clearly, or do you want me to see you clearly?" Her tone was provocative.

Audrey Hepburn responded quickly, and he felt extremely refreshed talking to her.She smiled, "Just don't always stare at my face when you're showing off..." Before he could answer, she added another sentence.But she turned around suddenly, blushing obviously, stepped up a stone step, said goodbye, but didn't look back at him.

Allen Wilson put his hands in his pockets, but held his head high.The sun is just beginning to swirl out behind the thin clouds.He closed his eyes, and in the dazzle of gold, there were Hepburn's smiles all over.

"Why can't I control myself, and always think about these stumbling blocks on the road to success?" He forced himself to calm down. The British Empire still needs him, but he still couldn't help following Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn came home.

Although the candlelight dinner plan is temporarily postponed, it is also possible to find a restaurant for a preview first, let's strike while the iron is hot.The two entered the dining room and found a place to sit; Alan Wilson pointed to a table with one index finger and sat down.

Hepburn has bright eyes and a charming smile, while Alan Wilson shuts his mouth solemnly and looks slightly shy, which is very cute.The table in the corner of the restaurant smacks of privilege, as if the big shots dined here.

This hypnotic atmosphere made Hepburn very happy. The waiter was wearing long cowhide trousers of a shepherd boy in the American West. He was thin and full of respect.

"I won't ask about your job. Maybe you will disappear just like last time." Hepburn smiled and said, "The world is so big, I don't even know where to find you."

"I have some freshwater dolphins in Malaya!" Alan Wilson sighed, "but I haven't seen them yet."

"Where is Malaya? Is it a place where black people live?" Hepburn was confused, "What is the local culture like?"

"There are two main ethnic groups in the local area. The most obvious culture is that local men can marry many wives." Alan Wilson said with an apologetic smile, "Sorry, men only pay attention to these things."

"Do you also want to marry a lot of wives? I saw it right away." Hepburn said sarcastically, "I didn't expect you to think so, I thought you would be very special."

"If most men think this way, but I don't think so, doesn't that mean that I have a problem?" Alan Wilson said with a helpless smile, "Don't talk about this problem, Audrey, let's settle the meal first question."

After eating, Hepburn walked home.She walked quickly, but not too much; she walked easily and freely, with her head held high, and she had a woman's demeanor, knowing that she was graceful, so she hoped but not afraid that people would distinguish her from others.However, under that calm appearance, he kept paying attention to the man behind him.

Until standing at the door of the house, Hepburn turned around, and Alan Wilson, who usually followed, bowed his head slightly to express his gratitude.

Alan Wilson nodded slightly, watched Hepburn open the door and enter, then stood at the door for a while before returning the same way.

"Mother!" Hepburn, who watched Alan Wilson leave through the cat's eyes, turned around and whispered, "Alan seems to be very worried. I don't know what's going on, but I can feel it."

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on the second day, not only were all the colonial commissioners not tired at all, but they were full of energy.Those who didn't know thought they had encountered three great happy events in their lives, but for their status as commissioners, this was more gratifying than anything else.

I don't know if I dreamed of the dawn of getting rich when I went back to sleep, but in short, after a day of meetings, no one felt tired and was full of energy.

A relaxed mood is contagious, even today's topic is not easy.

Maintaining the connection with overseas territories essentially relies on the Suez Canal. After all, today’s colonies, except Nigeria, which is surrounded by French Africa, all other territories are connected by the Suez Canal.

In essence, the outbreak of the Suez Canal War was inexplicable. In fact, even if Nasser took back the Suez Canal, it would not cause any economic losses to Britain. It was nothing more than the loss of the privilege of the Suez Canal.

I don't know why the prime minister at that time suddenly felt the glory of the British Empire, and he insisted on using Egypt to make an example of the monkeys. In the end, he became a chicken that was killed by the United States and the Soviet Union.

"We still have places in our hands that are missed by the Americans, that is, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca. There are currently the Netherlands and France near the Strait of Malacca, so don't worry about it for the time being. But we are not completely in control of the situation near the Suez Canal. Greece and In Turkey, the influence of the British Empire has been replaced by the United States. And beside the Suez Canal, there is Israel, which was founded with the support of the United States."

"Our current plans are all based on the fact that the Suez Canal is still open." Alan Wilson frowned, "If one day, the United States, whose strength has surpassed the Royal Navy, puts pressure on us to abandon the canal What about control? Do we have a record?"

In fact, Alan Wilson has a way to prevent Prime Minister Aiden from making a mess, as long as Aiden loses the election and cannot become prime minister.

Aiden had a routine gallstone operation, but he did not expect it to be a turning point in his life.Due to a mistake, the doctor cut off his bile duct. In order to stop the severe pain, the doctor used a new special drug - amphetamine, which is called ice in later generations.Drugs are not only highly addictive, but also debilitating.Of course, this matter was kept strictly confidential, and two years later, Eden successfully became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

If Aiden is addicted, when the time comes when Aiden is campaigning, just let the news out.In this day and age of Britain, there is no idea of ​​being happy and letting things go. Most people can forgive it. It is absolutely impossible for the Prime Minister to win the election if he contracted this problem.

But what if Aiden wins the election if nothing happens?I began to feel that the British Empire was okay, but if I had to shake off the prestige of imperialism, then the problem would be very big.

The old boss, Sir Barron, is now the commissioner of the Persian Gulf. In fact, he is also very clear about the Suez Canal problem.The Suez Canal, the throat of the Mediterranean Sea, the lifeline of the British Empire, the main international shipping channel connecting the three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, is one of the most important waterways in the world.

Once something happens to the Suez Canal, for Britain, the control of the entire colony will be greatly reduced.Existing colonies will be affected, with the exception of Nigeria which will not be affected.

Whether it is the Persian Gulf, Malaya, or the major colonies of British Africa, this shock will be felt.

"Alan's worries are very reasonable. In fact, the Foreign Minister is also very worried. The importance of the Suez Canal to the British Empire is self-evident. The relevant preparations cannot be overstated." Norman Brooke heard this Questions, and the expression became obviously serious, "Egypt is not without the voice of getting rid of Britain. Once there is a problem here, everything talked about yesterday is just fantasy."

Don't think about it!Many colonial commissioners were too happy to fall asleep, so today's meeting has become a fantasy?

In order not to dream about it, many colonial officials expressed their opinions and proposed ways to strengthen the supervision of the Suez Cloud Canal.

"I also have an idea, but it may be politically incorrect to say it, because the Jews should be used as tricks." Alan Wilson said with some hesitation, "Egypt and Middle Eastern countries are similar to Britain in one way, that is, the local monarchs The thinking is still strong, in fact, in terms of national attributes, it should become an ally of the United Kingdom."

"Of course, and the Arab world is vast, no country will offend too much, even the United States." Sir Ismay nodded in approval, "This time the Palestine-Israel war can prove this, whether it is the United States or the Soviet Union , are unwilling to offend the Arab world too much.”

"But the U.S. sent troops in the end!" Alan Wilson laughed and said, "Do we remember the speech that Churchill made in the U.S. after he lost the election?"

"Of course!" The colonial commissioners, including Sir Barron, all leaned back, waiting for Alan Wilson's next words.

"Member Churchill's idea is to carry out an all-round confrontation involving politics, military affairs and diplomacy, but not to fight the real war, but to drag down the opponent. Prime Minister Attlee believes that this is not good for the United Kingdom. In fact, it is very bad Well, the United States is across the Atlantic Ocean, and we are the ones who really fight against it and pay the price. Even if we pay the same price, the United States still has the power to attack our colonies, but we have no spare power to protect those territories."

Speaking of this, Alan Wilson suddenly changed the subject, "The confrontation must wait until the mainland is not affected. But if it is not in Europe? Isn't it impossible to use similar operations? We mediate in the middle and gather all the monarchies of the Arab countries to deal with Israel. Launching a blockade and an arms race, and then pushing the Sultan of Egypt to the position of leader, will it change the situation a little bit?"

What Alan Wilson meant was that the Cold War could start in the Middle East, and the time is right now.Britain can export military equipment and use the power of the Arabs to divert conflicts.