The Rise of Australasia
Chapter 776: The British Reaction and Decision {1)"Indeed, there is no shadow of any other country," said Foreign Minister Dai Ze. "However, looking at the British reaction, they seem very interested in intervening in the Nicaraguan Civil War and might even take action soon."
Arthur understood the British impatience completely. At the moment, the British Empire’s position as the world’s leading power was very stable, with its greatest competitor, the United States, facing continuous weakening.
The United States was undergoing such a significant crisis due to many events that had British involvement.
If they could deal another heavy blow to the Americans by taking advantage of the Nicaraguan Civil War, or even directly take control of the Panama Canal, it would be crucial for any possible future British-American power struggle.
Once they controlled the Panama Canal, the United States’ Pacific Fleet and Atlantic Fleet would be split into two, significantly reducing the threat from the United States Navy. Explore hidden tales at
The British Empire’s native fleet could easily handle the United States’ Atlantic Fleet, and the Indian Ocean Fleet combined with Australasia’s Persian Gulf Fleet could easily manage the United States’ Pacific Fleet.
An America that has lost its naval threat poses even less of a military threat than Italy. One cannot expect those American soldiers to accomplish much, can they?
Let alone the combat prowess of the United States Army, a United States blockaded at sea would lose its threat to any region outside of North America.
However, this is in an ideal scenario, after all, the United States still has an ally Island Nation. United, America and the Island Nation are worth the full effort of Britain and Australasia.
"Tell the British that Australasia supports their actions in Central America, but Australasia should also receive its due benefits," Arthur nodded, giving his response.Supporting the British actions is necessary because weakening the United States is also something Arthur and Australasia desire to see.
Britain’s strength is beneficial for Australasia, as there is no significant conflict of interest between the two countries; they are natural allies.
But the United States is different; without any constraints on the United States, and Europe undergoing another round of weakening, the throne of world supremacy is destined to be America’s.
Britain’s power and America’s power have two distinct features; Britain’s strength in Europe comes with many enemies, but the United States has no enemies in the Americas, with its more distant enemy being Australasia’s Australia.
The United States’ strength offers no benefit to Australasia, unless Australasia desires to shrink to a country hiding in Oceania.
But is that possible? Looking at Australasia’s current actions and strategic national policy, it’s simply not possible.
The reason these Powerful Nations are Powerful Nations is not just their inherent land area and population advantages, but also their great ambitions that make them the Powers.
Upon examining all the Powerful Nations, which one does not have ambition?
Even Italy, which does not have a strong presence, has initiated many wars and plundered quite a sizeable Colony.
It is no exaggeration to say that even medium-sized countries have extraordinary ambitions. In this era of survival of the fittest, only those with extraordinary ambitions can lead their countries to strength.
Those content with maintaining the status quo have no place in this era, for if you lack the ambition, then some ambitious country will overtake you and then covet your position and resources.
"Your Majesty, which demands should we strive for?" Foreign Minister Daize Taylor asked tentatively.
This sort of matter, concerning the national interest, called for Arthur’s opinion as the final decision. Even Foreign Minister Daize Taylor could not make decisions for Arthur on his own.
"El Salvador or more Territory in the Persian Gulf," Arthur said with a smile. "Australasia should not only focus on Oceania, but our goal should be the wider world."
El Salvador is also a Central American country but is rather far from the Panama Canal and situated along the Pacific coast, surrounded by Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Compared with other Central American countries, El Salvador has a smaller land area and does not seem as important.
Australasia’s pursuit of this region would not infringe upon British interests and could also secure a military base and a sphere of influence in the Central American region for Australasia.
The significance of a military base, especially an overseas one, needs no explanation, as it can greatly enhance influence abroad and control over a region. ṝAƝỗ₿ΕŞ
If Australasia has a military base in Central America, it could directly threaten the United States, especially when possessing the atomic bomb, which would be fatal to the United States.
The Persian Gulf region goes without saying, the petroleum of the Persian Gulf is a vital energy source, and occupying more of the Persian Gulf region would equate to creating additional revenue for Australasia.
"I understand, Your Majesty. Please rest assured that I will seek as many benefits for our country as possible," Minister Daize nodded his head seriously as he spoke.
London.
Since the outbreak of the Nicaraguan Civil War, the London government had immediately become busy, seeking opinions from other nations.
Luckily, there are not many influential Powers currently with enough sway, and the British mainly sought the views of France and Australasia.
The sitting Prime Minister of Britain was Baldwin, surrounded by Britain’s new Cabinet.
"Gentlemen, this is a crucial moment for the British Empire. We must do our utmost to gain control of the Panama Canal and neutralize the United States, this potential greatest threat," Prime Minister Baldwin eagerly looked at his subordinates, somewhat impatient to speak.
If he could resolve the currrent greatest adversary of Britain during his term, then his achievements would not be any less significant than those of Prime Minister Raul George who won World War I.
More importantly, thereafter, the British Empire would face no rivals worldwide, and even during his term, there might be a chance to rebuild the glory of the Victorian Era.
"Your Excellency, what is our goal? Are we to intervene in this Civil War with force, or simply to cause trouble for the Americans?" The Minister of Foreign Affairs asked, looking towards Baldwin for guidance.
The Prime Minister’s attitude was crucial as it not only determined Britain’s strong stance in this event but also whether the British Empire would intervene militarily in this Civil War.
"What is the view from the Australasian side?" Prime Minister Baldwin did not respond directly, but instead asked a question that he was very concerned with.
"The Australasian Foreign Affairs Department has responded. If we support their expansion in the Persian Gulf region and allow them to occupy El Salvador, then they will agree to any actions we take in Central America," the Minister of Foreign Affairs replied fluently.
"Expansion into the Persian Gulf and occupation of El Salvador? Good heavens, how can they be so greedy?" Prime Minister Baldwin asked with surprise, clearly taken aback.
"Their Foreign Affairs Department has already said that this is the opinion of His Majesty Arthur, and they have no power to change it," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, shrugging his shoulders, expressing a sense of helplessness.
As two countries with close relations, they naturally had a good understanding of the politics of Australasia.
Compared to King George V of Britain, who had already lost power, Arthur’s position in Australasia was unquestionable and cannot be challenged by anyone.
"Tell them we do not oppose their occupation of El Salvador and we don’t oppose their encroachment into the inland of the Persian Gulf either. But we can do nothing about the opposition from other countries, for the British Empire cannot represent the entire world," Prime Minister Baldwin thought carefully for a while before giving his response.
"This... I am afraid that the Australasian side may not agree," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs hesitantly, as this differed greatly from what Australasia had requested and the British Empire had not even conveyed a supportive stance.
The sitting Minister of Finance was Chamberlain, not the one from basketball scoring 100 points, but the famous Prime Minister Chamberlain.
Speaking of Prime Minister Chamberlain’s early political career, it was not all smooth sailing either.
Especially in recent times, there had been quite rapid changes in British politics.
In 1922, Raul George became the new Prime Minister, and Chamberlain assumed the office of Postmaster General, and a few months later, he successfully joined the British Cabinet as the Minister of Health.
But soon after, due to various reasons, Baldwin again took over as the new Prime Minister and appointed the then Minister of Health Chamberlain as the Minister of Finance, ending the history of the Prime Minister also serving as the Minister of Finance.
But this does not mean Chamberlain’s career path was easy. If Arthur remembered correctly, historically, the Baldwin Cabinet did not last a year before collapsing, and Chamberlain passed through the positions of Minister of Health and Minister of Finance before finally becoming Britain’s Prime Minister in 1937.
Although his political path was not smooth, Chamberlain, having just become the Minister of Finance, was still very adept at expressing his opinions.
"Your Excellency, I think we should duly respect the interests of our ally, Australasia. Between the Persian Gulf and El Salvador, we must choose one to give solid support to Australasia. It’s not only about our actions in Nicaragua but also concerns the stability of the British-Australian Alliance.
With Russia’s revolution, the British-Australian Alliance is our most important alliance, far outweighing the Allies and the World Alliance. Please think carefully about your decision and consider our ally’s interests," Minister of Finance Chamberlain spoke with a grave expression.
"Buddy, you may be right. Here’s what we’ll do, we support the Australasian expansion into the inland Persian Gulf, but we’ll leave the matter of El Salvador to Australasia to sort out on their own. We won’t offer support, but we won’t oppose Australasia’s actions either," even Prime Minister Baldwin had to heed the joint advice of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance.
Of course, the fact that the two men were making sense was also an essential reason, given that the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Foreign Affairs both held significant power, with the Minister of Finance having previously been a role combined with the Prime Minister, demonstrating the considerable power of the Ministry of Finance.
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