British civil servant

You must know that this is what France has always done. The CFA franc is the foundation of the franc. In this way, there is no mainstream currency. All countries use their own resources to bind currencies, and the cost of international trade will increase.

"In this way, the Soviet Union, France, and us can use the resources under our control to designate areas to circulate our own currency." Pamela Mountbatten sighed quietly, "A good idea from the Americans."

"Well, there will be no world currency left." Alan Wilson said while thinking, "Of course we don't like that the dollar can buy all resources, but the even more terrifying thing is that the franc and the ruble have the same effect, so in my heart, the dollar Hegemony is better than franc and ruble hegemony. But it depends on how the Americans view the circulation of the pound. If the Americans don’t give us enough benefits, let us see if they can handle the franc. If they can’t handle the franc, Then what are you talking about?"

"Compared to the world of dollars, the world of francs is more terrifying." Pamela Mountbatten laughed straight, "To subdue the French, do Americans have the strength? Although the United States is strong, it is far away, and the United States is far away in the Arab world. We won’t help if we don’t give enough benefits.”

"If the United States agrees to a fixed exchange rate of [-] pound to [-] U.S. dollars, it can be exchanged for U.S. dollars in unlimited quantities at any time, and it is not impossible to discuss the idea of ​​​​giving up the idea of ​​​​improving the yen in international settlements. Of course, there are other things, such as military technology. The idea of ​​curbing the UK. Unconditionally transferring some military technology. Opening up domestic finance? Forget about this, and think about it.”

In short, Alan Wilson has countless ideas. The United States will definitely not be able to apply the conditions negotiated with Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is a rookie country, but the United Kingdom is not.

The United Kingdom and the United States can cooperate, but it is absolutely impossible to talk about who is giving alms to whom. Don't make it like the United States is giving grace to Britain.

Undoubtedly, this is not something that Rockefeller Jr. or Kissinger can settle in a single visit. It may be discussed for months or even years, depending on whether the United States can hold back.

"I think the worst is the worst. We should also establish a mechanism to reserve a quarter of the global trade settlement for the British pound, and hold an international meeting to confirm it." Pamela Mountbatten tilted his head and said, "The US dollar and The British pound is settled jointly, which is also worthy of the native British citizens. The population of the United States is four times that of the United Kingdom, and the convenience brought by it is distributed to everyone, and the United Kingdom also takes advantage of it.”

"Look again!" Alan Wilson still didn't think too much about this issue. "The United States should also reserve sterling. Otherwise, how can we help with peace of mind? Even if we sign a contract, we can tear up the contract at any time."

Alan Wilson calculated that the scope of circulation in the pound zone, and even the distribution of tax havens, if a quarter of the global settlement share can be fixed and a joint mechanism between the dollar and the pound can be established.The exchange rate of [-] pound to [-] dollars is not bad.

The yen issue is just one of the necessary conditions. If the United States is not even willing to take out this bargaining chip, there is no need to talk about it.

That is a matter in the national domain. As for the private domain, of course there is also the issue of cooperation between the Mountbatten Oil Company and Standard Oil. Rockefeller Jr. also talked about it. When the oil price rises, the two companies can make a lot of money from it. , this is not what he, a civil servant, can care about.

A day later, Rockefeller Jr. told Pamela Mountbatten that the yen problem is essentially that Japan’s production capacity has indeed surpassed that of any country other than the United States. Of course, this does not include the integration of the United Kingdom and Malaya, and the United States has already The statement that the ratio of the yen is increased has been released. If the promise must be invalidated, the UK must come out and be the villain.

"And the ratio of one-fourth is not, the UK only has 5000 million people." Rockefeller Jr. knew that this cannot be negotiated by two people, and there must be a special negotiating team to determine the details afterwards.Maybe it was the second Bretton Woods conference.

"Mr. Nelson, it's just a preliminary opinion. In fact, based on the image of the United States in the Arab world? And France's current strength, this is not easy." Pamela Mountbatten replied with a smile, "Now that everything is entangled, is it true that the United States Don’t you need the help of Britain? If France cannot be suppressed, it is still unknown who will have the final say in Europe.”

"If you mess up the French-speaking part of Africa, France's influence will be greatly reduced." Rockefeller Jr. replied without thinking, "Our two countries can cooperate on this."

"The United States doesn't want to do the same to the Commonwealth, does it?" Pamela Mountbatten asked back, and then remedied, "I'm just joking, but first, let's show our sincerity with the yen. In fact, the development of Japan and South Korea What's the use of it, as long as it's a little richer than its neighbors. It's a problem if it grows stronger. People who don't know think that the Pacific War was defeated by the United States. It just so happens that the British aircraft carrier battle group is also in the Far East, so we can talk to Japan together. talk."

Now is the time to show your sincerity. Pamela Mountbatten conveyed her husband's words to Rockefeller Jr. In the long run, the yen must be made a currency without influence, but now you can take some sincere actions, such as Conduct an anti-dumping investigation on Japan first, or directly conduct a trade war.

The defeat in the Vietnam War must be reconciled with the victory in another aspect. How can the followers of one's own camp be half-hearted?Should look for an opportunity to strike hard.

It just so happens that the conditions are good now. The military exercises of the Soviet Union in the Far East have caused the navies of the United Kingdom and the United States to be in Japan. The threats from the outside world have caused Japan to suffer and give the country an explanation.

At present, due to the two fields of steel and color TV, the trade friction between the United States and Japan is quite frequent. To ensure domestic employment, we should take decisive and bold actions against Japan.

The Far East is destined to be only a secondary direction. All of them are so poor, and the development is almost enough. Japan should also consider the overall situation. Once the free world is not good, Japan's prosperity will come to an abrupt end. When necessary, for the overall benefit, Japan should also make sacrifices.

Kissinger’s visit to London this time was not fruitless. Foreign Secretary Patrick mentioned the problem of Allende and gave Whitehall’s suggestion, “Now we should categorically disassociate ourselves from the Chilean military. If Germany is smashed, it will be meaningless if the hostility continues. This will only push Chile to the side of the Soviet Union and repeat the mistakes on the Cuban issue. Criticizing the Chilean military's coup and expressing appreciation for Allende's defense of democracy is the solution A good solution to a problem."

Kissinger felt as if someone had stabbed him in the heart, and now the Chilean issue is like Kennedy's Cuba issue has become a place that he cannot touch.

But as a realist, he also had to admit that what the British said was reasonable, and the top priority now is to persuade Allende not to change the system, as long as Chile does not become the Soviet system.After all, Allende's term of office is only six years, and after six years, he will be elected.

As if knowing what Kissinger was thinking, Foreign Secretary Patrick said, "We know Americans don't like Allende, but we will choose another one next time. Britain will also provide help within its capacity. Allende is a socialist, and The Labor Party belongs to the Socialist International and we can talk about this through the meetings of the Socialist International, which has its headquarters in London."

Even Patrick said that Britain could conduct a diplomatic visit to Chile to help improve relations between Chile and the United States, "It is very unreasonable to continue to maintain high pressure on Chile now that the coup d'etat has been crushed, Allen After all, Germany is an elected president. Once Chile changes the system, it cannot be changed back.”

"If London is willing to cooperate sincerely, we are of course very happy." Kissinger pointed to something. In a word, this kind of trick has stepped on the face of the United States.

"Of course it's sincere cooperation." Foreign Secretary Patrick said with a straight face, "This world should still be united by English-speaking people, and they should adopt a common position on most issues."

As for the Arab question?Doesn't it mean that on most issues, the Arab issue belongs to cooperation rather than differences among differences.

After the coup was shattered, Allende demonstrated unprecedented united front value. As for Japan, the value of the fart united front should be hit hard.

Rockefeller Jr., who came to London secretly, returned home first. He also agreed that it would be inappropriate for the Arab world to include the UK if prices were raised. After all, the UK is a friend of the Arab countries.

The current problem for the United States is that it must digest the hundreds of billions of dollars that have been issued, and only the rise in oil prices can digest this digital currency. The U.S. dollar is the currency of the United States, which is a problem for the whole world, but in terms of strength, the U.S. dollar may not On the issue of the United Kingdom, the two sides have reached a consensus on this point.

For the sake of the overall situation, after suffering from Japan, it is no big deal to suffer from American citizens. Anyway, Standard Oil will not suffer. The more the price rises, the stronger the Rockefeller family will be.

The primary issue now is that Nixon should be allowed to shoulder the responsibilities that should be borne, solve the problem of the Middle East war, and step down from the position of the talker, so that Rockefeller can go into battle lightly.

Two days later, Kissinger also returned to the United States. On the same day, the United States held a United Nations meeting on the Middle East issue and called for a ceasefire between the two sides. If the fight continues like this, both sides will suffer. Britain, France, China and the Soviet Union also agreed. Who would disagree with calling for peace? Even if they disagree, they will not speak out at the UN venue.

At the same time, the United States stated that it had nothing to do with the attempted coup in Chile, criticized the military's attempted coup, and expressed appreciation for President Allende's defense of democracy.

Because of the convening of the United Nations Conference on the Middle East, this statement was not noticed by most people.

The first thousand and 470 chapters three oil crisis

,!

While the United Nations meeting was discussing the Middle East issue, Kissinger secretly visited Saudi Arabia and met King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, talking about the current golden opportunity to balance the unfair trade with imperialist powers, which is actually to deal with oil Make a price increase.

"You can directly initiate an embargo and then provide a list of pardons." Kissinger urged the start of the oil embargo to digest all the excess currency issued by the United States.This is what Rockefeller meant.

To say that Standard Oil and Saudi Arabia are old friends, and they are not unfamiliar with each other at all. The discovery of Saudi oil has a great relationship with the exploration of Standard Oil.

In fact, the Middle East at that time was the sphere of influence of Britain, and Britain discovered oil in Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran.

Of course, Britain will not miss Saudi Arabia, but oil was far less widely used than it is today. After Britain controlled the above-mentioned oil producing areas, it did not want to explore Saudi Arabia, because too much cheap oil may lead to a drop in oil prices. Harm the interests of BP.

After Saudi Arabia found Britain, Britain rejected the proposal to explore for oil in Saudi Arabia to protect oil prices.But unexpectedly, Saudi Arabia, which the United Kingdom missed, is precisely the lowest-cost oil-producing region.

After being rejected by the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia turned to cooperate with the United States. At that time, the main body of American oil exploration was Standard Oil Company of California. Standard Oil was the main industry of the Rockefeller family, but after being split by the old Roosevelt, it became more dispersion.

After World War II, two American oil companies took a stake in Standard Oil of California and changed its name to Arabian American Oil Company, which became Aramco.It can be said that the Saudi royal family has been acquainted with the Rockefeller family since the beginning, and has developed step by step to today.

"Other countries are easy to say, but the United Kingdom?" King Faisal certainly hopes that the interests of oil-producing countries will be higher, and he understands the purpose of the United States.

Hope to increase the influence of the United States in the Middle East. Traditionally, the main player in the Middle East is the United Kingdom. The United States has three fulcrums in the Middle East. Israel and Iran play the role of police in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia is an ally that stabilizes the US economy.

In fact, Saudi Arabia’s oil has already been settled in US dollars, but as early as many years ago, the United Kingdom united some oil-producing countries to form a cartel alliance.King Faisal couldn't help it either, he even felt like he was living in the shadow of the British.

An oil embargo and then announcing an increase in oil prices is of course in the interests of oil-producing countries. King Faisal believes that other oil-producing countries will side with Saudi Arabia, but what if the UK is included?It may cause a backlash. Among other things, a bunch of emirates next to Saudi Arabia have British troops stationed there. The British army has also set up a military base in Musandam Province, which guards the Strait of Hormuz.

Not to mention this Middle East war, the United Kingdom is a weapon provider for at least three participating countries, and of course France is also. In addition to providing weapons for the Egyptian Air Force, France is also a supporter of Lebanon.It cannot be said that it has no influence at all in the Middle East.

In fact, in the eyes of many countries, Britain is still a well-known world power. In the eyes of King Feisal, even if Britain cannot be on an equal footing with the United States and the Soviet Union, it is not too far behind.

On the contrary, the United States, after losing to North Korea and Vietnam, will stand on Israel's side this time?Even if there is no loss at present, there is no tendency to win. It is very doubtful how much national strength it has.

"Don't worry about this. We understand the traditional relationship between Britain and Arabia." Of course, Kissinger would like to do something with Britain, but the matter is urgent now. The share will be destroyed once, and the United States will be submerged at the same time. It is necessary to find a place to digest the dollars in the international market.

Of course, Kissinger could not have known that the original historical Britain has been completely wiped out by this time, and it has no current power at all, and it is still the backing of half of the Arab countries participating in the war?

Since he didn’t know, Kissinger can only lament that the empire on which the sun never sets has such a rich heritage. Even without the Soviet Union, the United States would have needed decades to completely bring down the United Kingdom. , I can only think about it in my heart, unite all positions that can be united, and suppress the Soviet Union first.

The fierce battle between Israel and the Arab League was in full swing, and Saudi Arabia fired the first shot in the Arab world's counterattack, announcing an oil embargo on the grounds that Europe and the United States secretly supported Israel's war.

King Faisal declared that if Europe and the United States did not change their attitude of secretly supporting Israel, they would not get oil from the Arab world. As soon as the news came out, European and American countries were shocked. The next day, Arab oil-producing countries in the Middle East decided to reduce their oil production and An oil embargo was imposed on developed capitalist countries in Europe and America.

Most of the oil used by major capitalist countries, especially Western Europe and Japan, comes from the Middle East, and a large part of the oil used by the United States also comes from the Middle East.The increase in oil prices and the embargo immediately brought chaos to the economies of Western countries.Before the price increase, the price of oil was only three dollars per barrel.

The embargoed countries of course include the United States, as well as Japan and South Korea in East Asia, but they do not include the UK in Europe, because the UK has indeed done what it can, and no one can say that the UK belongs to Israel, Europe and the United States. There was unprecedented chaos in society on this day.

The next day, exhausted and haggard, Nixon reappeared on television screens after a long absence.The nation watched as the historic figure offered his views on national affairs at a time when the world was going through a tragedy.Everyone feels devastated, yet they don't quite understand the enormity of this worldwide tragedy.

"United States of America," Nixon began to read the speech, stuttering a little because he couldn't concentrate.He continued: "America is going to have to impose the strictest restrictions on energy. It's never been done before. It didn't do that even during the world wars."

He outlined a series of proposed measures that will be brought before Congress: limiting the speed of vehicles on public roads to [-] kilometers an hour, reducing the heating temperature in all buildings, establishing a gasoline rationing plan, and so on.

In the chamber of "the most important parliament in the world," William Fulbright, the most popular senator in the United States Senate and chairman of the foreign affairs committee, asked to speak first.

Fulbright said something unusual in a dull voice at the meeting: "Dear colleagues, I should speak directly to you about my deepest thoughts. In today's world, the Arab oil-producing countries So little military power. They are like some timid duikers in a jungle infested with wild beasts. As friends we should remind them of that.

"If they do threaten the economic and social balance of the big industrial countries, especially the United States, they must take dire risks. Before it is too late, they must wake up to what their actions will bring to them Such a danger."

"The acting is quite similar." Alan Wilson put his arms around Pamela Mountbatten's delicate body, and sneered at the news of the oil embargo on TV and the statements of the US Congress, "Honey, it's outrageous, you know."

Looking at historical materials is completely different from experiencing historical events in person. Alan Wilson feels this way now. If the Arab League imposed an oil embargo on the United States in the Middle East war, that is nothing to say.

The United States is indeed standing firmly behind Israel. There have been rumors that Israeli-American pilots appeared on the battlefield and were shot down, but the United States did not admit it.

But why embargo Europe and China?Is it because European countries do not firmly support the Arab League?

This is outrageous, isn't it even neutral?Although European countries did not support the Arab League, they did not support Israel either. Why should they be embargoed by Arab oil-producing countries?People who don't know think that the United States or the Soviet Union are scaring European countries, but in fact it is Saudi Arabia that has embargoed Europe. Saudi Arabia is considered a weak country among Arab countries. It dares to threaten anyone.

Since it lost another man in Vietnam, it is definitely impossible for the United States to organize hundreds of thousands of troops to fight across the ocean. Even the conscription system has been changed.But dealing with a Saudi Arabia is still not beyond the capabilities of the United States.

"Indeed, the United States wants to use force, but Saudi Arabia really can't stand it." Pamela Mountbatten nodded, knowing that the United States' speech full of war threats would really be followed by action, Saudi Arabia would not dare to act like this, "What is Whitehall's response? Is it?"

"What should we do? The UK is an oil-producing country. Is North Sea Petroleum worth watching? It turns out that the cost of oil in the Middle East is low, so North Sea Petroleum has not increased its production capacity. Besides, the UK is not on the list of oil embargoes. We are from the Arab side. " Ellen Wilson pursed her lips, Pamela Mountbatten gave her husband a blank look, and leaned over to offer her red lips to the supreme authority.

After a lot of rhetoric, Alan Wilson continued, "It's really unlucky for Japan and South Korea, Europe and France should be fine, and other countries will definitely be in chaos for a while."

Even France should thank him for his contributions to France over the years, otherwise France will also be in a hurry this time around the oil embargo.

Soon, the oil embargo imposed by the Arab oil-producing countries showed its power, and the Japanese government responded first.It announced an "immediate [-] percent reduction in the supply of oil to the following industries: automobile manufacturing, iron and steel industry, electromechanical industry, aluminum smelting industry, cement industry, tire manufacturing, synthetic fibers, paper making, and petrochemicals."To deal with the oil crisis by means of quantitative oil supply.

Germany also responded quickly.Since the last weekend in October, the highway, which is usually notoriously crowded and busy, has become deserted because the government has banned vehicles from driving there.

The first thousand and 470 four chapters are tough and appeasement

"Secretary-General, the European Community has informed us to attend a meeting on dealing with the oil crisis." Wick was already waiting for work the next day, "Just now the Prime Minister's private secretary called, and the Prime Minister also wanted to hear what Whitehall had to say. Oil Shock Preparedness Report.”

"Understood, Wick, take it easy." Alan Wilson replied with a smile, "The European Community meeting is indeed very important, but for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the world is becoming more and more chaotic, but it is an opportunity to reflect the value of work. We The relationship with the Arab countries is okay, although not all of them are okay."

Before going to work, Alan Wilson also talked about Europe's countermeasures against the oil crisis with his wife, who was about to meet with representatives of the four major grain merchants.

Most European countries have no resistance. This is for sure. Even if Europe is at the level of a certain big country in terms of resource reserves, it will not always be taken advantage of in terms of energy.

But the problem is, let alone Europe is at the level of a certain big country, on the contrary, it is very similar to some famous big country.

Can we fight this oil crisis from the position of strength?It can only be said that France can do it, but other countries are enough.

Don't look at the Gulf of Guinea in Africa, it seems that several former colonial countries seem to have a layout, which is useless at all. Except for Portugal, the African colonies of other countries have already become independent. Even Portugal may not be able to persist anytime soon. Angola And Mozambique, these Portuguese colonies are all in guerrilla warfare.

Energy countries that have become independent will not stop raising prices because of a word from European countries. This involves the issue of additional money.Because you want to have a good relationship with Europe, you want to lower the price and sell it at the cost price?

Just like the recent Libya, Italy can't let the Kingdom of Libya take care of Italy's interests. In the face of money, who will maintain a traditional friendly relationship with you.

Only when they are truly in control of their own country can their own resources be used. North Sea oil and Algerian oil belong to this category. As for the oil in the Gulf of Guinea, Portugal is probably not enough. The Lisbon government is already very reluctant to deal with the guerrillas. If the price of oil rises However, the Portuguese army will not become the hope of Europe. It is very possible to follow Saudi Arabia to increase prices to balance military expenditures and ease financial pressure.

The problem that Britain and France can solve is a part of the oil embargo. As for the increase in oil prices, any united Europe is bullshit. It is the result of the market economy.

"The spring of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary-General, but there are too many things." Wick shook his head and smiled bitterly. The supreme authority has always been so calm, which is really enviable.

"There can be more things, before and after attending the European Community's meeting to deal with the oil crisis, as well as the visit to Chile, and maybe we can also represent Europe and have a good talk with the Arab world." Alan Wilson raised his eyebrows, "British After all, the Empire is the leader of Europe, and there may be many countries that have placed their hopes on us."

The Glorious Age is back, Alan Wilson said sternly, entered his office, and then came out a second later, showing that he was not late, and then walked to No. [-] Downing Street.

"Dear Prime Minister, you look good." Arriving at No. [-] Downing Street, Alan Wilson greeted refreshedly, expressing his respect for the current Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

"Alan, you can be joking." Harold Wilson whispered, "The Arab League announced an oil embargo. You act as if nothing happened for such a big event. Do you have any suggestions from Whitehall?"

"No." Alan Wilson replied bluntly, and then explained, "The oil crisis may be the first time other countries have seen it, but the United Kingdom is an exception. During the time of Prime Minister Attlee, the United Kingdom once fought against Iran. After the oil war, India was embargoed because of the India-Pakistan war, and we helped. All the preparations were also pre-planned, and we have completed them many years ago."

Alan Wilson sat down with a smile, looking like an ordinary man who was determined to win thousands of miles away, and quickly moved the oil gun 20 meters with a halo of ambition, "It will take time to increase oil production in the North Sea, but it just so happens that after the Iranian oil crisis, The United Kingdom has established a 180-day oil reserve system, which can completely survive the oil embargo, not to mention that the United Kingdom is not included in the list of oil embargoes."

"It seems that there is no problem." Harold Wilson suddenly became relaxed, and seemed to have thought of the bright future of his own approval rating.

"It's not just that there is no problem, the problem is actually the price increase, not the embargo. Oil-producing countries have always believed that precious oil resources are being used cheaply by industrial countries."

Alan Wilson shrugged and said, "Actually, on the issue of oil prices, the Middle East, including Iran, has a delicate relationship with Europe and the United States. Even without this Middle East war, sooner or later the two sides will have a showdown because of energy prices. Fortunately, No matter when the showdown comes, the UK will definitely be the least affected European country, because the showdown in the Middle East war is better, and the UK will not be affected."

"But there are many countries in Europe? You know, Alan, energy is a big problem in Europe." Harold Wilson said that even if the UK is not affected, other countries will be affected and have an economic recession, and the UK will inevitably not be affected. The economies of various countries are inextricably linked.

"The Prime Minister means that we sell North Sea oil to European countries at cost price in exchange for praise from all countries?" Alan Wilson asked with a half-smile, "It's a very bold idea."

"Of course not." Harold Wilson shook his head directly when he heard it. "Although European unity is very important, countries must pay for their own actions."

"That is to follow the price increase, so that the government's expenditure can be balanced, and the oil company can also make money." Alan Wilson nodded, "Adopt a price that balances the interests of all parties, and fully allow Europe and the Arab League to understand Britain's position. It looks like the department will be very busy for some time to come.”

How easy is it to raise the price of oil? It can either play a leading role in favor of the European Community with its material strength, and be grateful for all the interests of the European Community countries.

Either it’s a matter of business, selling oil to European countries after the price rises. The embargo problem cannot be resolved by the UK, but it can be sold after giving money.

"It depends on what France thinks. Algeria also produces oil." Alan Wilson still reminded the Prime Minister to be careful of the French. Judging from common sense, France will not sacrifice itself to stabilize Europe. Why?But there is also a slight possibility that the French are really stupid.

Alan Wilson thinks that this possibility is still small. Collectivism has always been lacking in Europe. There is no such thing as profit sharing. Otherwise, will there be two world wars?

Although the slogan of European unity after the war was loud, but it really involves interests, which can be called huge interests. Are you really sacrificing yourself for the unity of Europe?

"This matter, I can ask Total through Pamela and find out the news."

"There is no doubt that this oil embargo is a feast for oil companies." Harold Wilson lamented that if it weren't for Britain's North Sea oil, he would even want to rob the rich and give to the poor.

Even if the head of the civil service now says that the UK will not be affected, he can't help but be envious of the huge profits of several British oil companies.

Alan Wilson understood the Prime Minister's mood very well, and the Sleeping King also accused the US energy giant of taking the opportunity to make money, earning more than God.

This is very normal. If Britain is also troubled by inflation, it is estimated that Harold Wilson will not think about it, but will take action.

"I will arrange a diplomatic itinerary right away, and I will send it to the Prime Minister." Alan Wilson nodded to the Prime Minister, preparing to leave a strong mark on the glory days of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.