Wild North America 1846

Chapter 236 London Attitude
Nov. 1855, 3

Datang Kingdom "World Observer" reported;
An expedition team of the Royal Pacific Union Shipping Company recently landed on the deserted island of New Guinea for investigation and found that it is an unclaimed desert island.

According to the tradition originated from the era of great geographical discovery in the 15th century, the principle of "whoever discovers it first will belong to him", the Royal Pacific United Shipping Company claimed ownership of "New Guinea Island", and will celebrate the [-]th anniversary of the founding of the Datang Kingdom, Dedicate this island to the royal family of the Tang Dynasty as a special gift...

This report was quickly reprinted by the British "Times" with a keen sense of smell. In the comment, it said sourly; "In the process of the world's great geographical discovery, the Tang people caught the last train."

The focus of mainstream public opinion in Europe today is the sudden death of Tsar Nicholas I and the enthronement of the crown prince Alexander, known as "Alexander II" in history.

The shock it brought to the whole of Europe was huge, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the east, and they had no time to pay attention to such trivial matters.

It's just a desert island, what's so strange about it?

From the 15th century to the present, British, French and Spanish explorers in Europe have discovered more than 200 deserted islands instead of [-].
1768

In order to observe the transit of Venus and calculate the exact distance between the sun and the earth, Britain spent a huge amount of money to send astronomer Charles Green to the South Pacific Ocean for investigation. The accompanying captain was the famous geographer and ethnologist James Cook.

The expedition led by Cook laid the foundation for Britain to occupy and colonize the South Pacific, occupying a vast area of ​​the Australian mainland including Tasmania.Shortly after Cook's arrival, the aborigines of Australia and Tasmania were exterminated.

3/18

After a concise and grand donation ceremony, the Royal Pacific United Shipping Company dedicated the sovereignty of New Guinea Island to the Tang royal family as a gift with special significance for the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, expressing its admiration for the great king.

King Richard attended the donation ceremony and officially named the island "Paradise Island". He also praised Li Yuanqing, chairman of the Royal Pacific United Shipping Company, and awarded the title of Viscount to the Kingdom to show his honor.

This news spread widely in North America, and mainstream newspapers such as the Washington Post and New York Times published it one after another, and made different interpretations.

The "Washington Post" pointed out in a skeptical tone that the Spaniards had landed on the island in the 18s. The gold content of this first discovery is insufficient, and it may be questionable.

The "New York Times" focused on this new geographical discovery in the Pacific Ocean under the headline "The Bright Pearl on the King's Scepter", saying that "New Guinea Island (Paradise Island)" is one of the most important geographical discoveries in this century , enough to go down in history.

From a certain point of view, the "New York Times" is quite exaggerated, in order to win the attention of Europeans, but unfortunately they miscalculated.

The current situation in Europe is turbulent. The newly enthroned Tsar Alexander II recalled the Russian commander-in-chief, Prince Menshikov, and Prince Mikhail Gorchakov. reuse.

Every hour and every minute of the Tsarist Russian Empire's movements involved the sensitive nerves of Europeans. Given its terrifying military mobilization capabilities, no one dared to take it lightly.

Prince Mikhail Gorchakov has always been known for his tough style, and he publicly declared at the beginning of his tenure;
This war must be carried through to the end, and victory will eventually belong to His Majesty the Tsar. Tsarist Russia will once again carry out national military mobilization and organize an army of 160 million people...

These appalling news flooded the mainstream European public opinion. Across the vast Atlantic Ocean, the news from North America couldn’t reach the stage.

Downing Street, London

British Prime Minister's Office
On February 1855, 2, the British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston, who just came to power to form a cabinet, looked very good. He was walking around the office with a cigar in his mouth and his thumbs in the pockets of his tuxedo jacket. Take a few steps.

He said, "Guys, we did a good job. Tsar Alexander will not fight to the end with the coalition forces in Crimea. This is not in the fundamental interests of Russia. Sir Pasington, the foreign minister, should have some new news to share with you. .”

As a decision-maker capable of influencing the direction of the world, the source of news channels in London is not comparable to ordinary people, and can learn many secret information that the public cannot know.

Having said that, he made a gesture of please.

Several important staff members of the cabinet and the cabinet secretary Schmidt-Pierce are all sitting or standing in the prime minister's office, drinking coffee and smoking cigars, and the mood seems relatively relaxed.

The new foreign minister, Passington, gave a chest salute gracefully, and said in a proud and confident London accent; "After suffering the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Sevastopol, coupled with the sudden death of the Tsar, internal and external troubles, the Russians supported I can't stop. After Alexander II came to power, he found that what he took over was a mess. He is now facing a situation where many relatives are deserted and his finances are in a major crisis. So he authorized the Tsarist Russian ambassador in Vienna Alexander Mikhailovich Gorcha Kove is trying to start a peace process, our diplomats in Vienna have started negotiations with the Russians. Gentlemen, we are about to reap the fruits of victory."

As soon as he finished speaking, the room burst into applause.

Everyone's faces were full of joy. Contesting against a super heavyweight player like Tsarist Russia, neither Britain, nor France, nor the Ottoman Empire would feel at ease. The suffocating pressure was always there.

In the second year of the war, the huge casualties on the frontlines had already made the British overwhelmed.

this age
The population of the British mainland is just over 2000 million, and more than 7 troops have been lost in the war, which is by no means a small number.

As a result, the previous British Aberdeen government collapsed, and the new British Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, was very lucky. The Battle of Chenaya River launched at the beginning of his tenure was a complete victory, which established the victory of the entire war in one fell swoop.

As a result, Palmerston's cabinet has secured its position, gained widespread support in the country, and its reputation is growing day by day. How can it be unhappy to see victory in the entire war again?
"Oh, by the way, how is Lord Raglan's condition?"

"Unfortunately, the news from the front line is very pessimistic. I'm afraid it's just a week or two."

"My God, poor Lord Raglan..."

"There is no doubt that he is a hero of the British Empire. Being summoned by the Lord this time cannot obliterate the great achievements of His Majesty, and he will definitely be remembered by the people forever."

"Secondly, Lord Raglan led the heroic Continental Army to achieve a brilliant victory that is enough to shine in the annals of history. He should speak to Her Majesty the Queen and give enough glory."

"Second, this is what he deserves..."

"Second, may God bless, but Lord Raglan can't see the victory that he fought for. We should send the message of Russia's peace to the front line as soon as possible, so that Lord Raglan can rest in peace."

"Second proposal, it's just your lord's desire to form the British Overseas Corps..."

Amidst the voices of seconding, the cabinet proposal to honor Lord Raglan was passed. At this time, someone raised Lord Raglan's proposal to form the British Overseas Corps.

This time

Lord Raglan's final proposals have become extraordinarily sensitive, amounting to wills.

As an admirable English hero and noble nobleman, Lord Raglan led the British army to create great achievements and historical significance, no less than the Duke of Wellington who commanded the Seventh Anti-French Coalition to defeat the French Emperor Napoleon. Big book.

As for the Tang Expeditionary Army, which played a decisive role in the war, all the British gentlemen here tacitly ignored it.

British mercenaries are also part of the strength of the British Empire, and British dependent countries are also part of the strength of the British Empire, and there is nothing wrong with that.

All eyes are on the face of the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston. After all, a British foreign mercenary regiment with a population of 3 is also a major decision for the British Empire. It must be discussed by the Parliament and reported to the Queen. By His Majesty's Royal Assent.

With the rigidity, corruption and sluggish efficiency of the UK, it is not bad to be able to do well during the term of the current cabinet.

Only with the full promotion of the cabinet can it be finally implemented.

Among them, the attitude of Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, is very important. He pondered for a moment and replied solemnly; "This foreign mercenary group has demonstrated enough strength and deserves to be respected and taken seriously. This Cabinet will be committed to promoting the Foreign Legion Standing Appropriation Bill, God bless Great Britain."

"May God bless Great Britain." The crowd echoed in unison.

No one present raised any objections, and the proposal was approved by the cabinet. Afterwards, the specific proposal was drawn up and sent to the parliament for discussion. Naturally, the cabinet secretary arranged for subordinates to do it.

As for the parliamentary vote, there is no need to discuss the power game between the various parties for the time being. It is certainly not something that can be achieved this year, and it can be discussed in the long run.

"Master Prime Minister, I learned from the newspaper that the Tang Kingdom has discovered a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. Look..." Cabinet Secretary Schmidt-Pierce asked suddenly.

Some cabinet ministers knew about this, some didn't know and didn't care, and they just smiled lightly after hearing it.

In the middle of the 19th century, news was blocked, and almost no one in the British Empire knew what the island of New Guinea was?

How big is it?How many resources are there?
Even if they know it, they only know a little, and only know that it is a deserted island without human civilization, inhabited by some cannibal tribes who are still in a primitive state, that's all.

Lord Palmerston didn't care, and replied casually; "Oh, there seems to be such a thing. I have the impression that the discoverer has dedicated the island to the Tang royal family, so I will send a congratulatory message in the name of the British cabinet. Congratulations. After all, King Richard has brought us an excellent army, so we should express our blessings.”

"As you wish, Honorable Prime Minister, I will arrange to send this congratulatory message soon." Cabinet Secretary Schmidt Pierce replied respectfully.

This is not a simple congratulatory message. It represents the official attitude of the British government. Recognition of New Guinea as the sovereign territory of the Tang Kingdom can affect the official attitude of most European countries.

Such was Britain's powerful influence as the "arbiter of Europe", a position of authority further strengthened by the crucial victory in the Crimean War.

Similarly, the influence of the Tsarist Russian Empire, the former "European steam roller", has declined sharply, and the fear of European countries has gradually faded away, and various sarcasm and hostile remarks have increased.

This is an unimaginable blatant offense in the "Three Emperors Alliance Era" when the Tsarist Russian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Kingdom of Prussia formed good friends.

In a few words, Britain's attitude towards New Guinea was determined. This neglect made the British extremely regretful decades later.

But at this time, no one realizes the significance of a huge island with an area of ​​78.6 square kilometers.

This second largest island in the world will form the cornerstone of the Tang Empire's solid Pacific hegemony, and will serve as a springboard for expansion to the Philippines and other regions, turning the Pacific Ocean into a small pond for the Tang Kingdom.

That's another story.

"Sir Pasington, are there any new developments in the Kingdom of Sardinia?" Prime Minister Lord Palmerston asked.

He meant that as a speculative country, the Kingdom of Sardinia ushered in a decisive victory in the war against Russia just after it declared war on Russia and sent 1.5 troops to join the war.

The British don't mind the Kingdom of Sardinia taking advantage, but what is their asking price?
Sir Pasington, the Foreign Secretary, smiled slightly, with a disdainful and haughty expression on his face, and said in a joking tone;

"The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Cavour, has a lot of ideas, and he is indeed full of enthusiasm and fantasy characteristics of southern Europeans.

Unfortunately, he might be disappointed.

The Kingdom of Sardinia is a bit late in betting, but it wants to win a huge chip that is not commensurate with its investment, and all the gentlemen here must know;
Prime Minister Cavour had always dreamed of unifying the Italian peninsula with the Kingdom of Sardinia and establishing a powerful kingdom that could compete with France and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

They first faced two huge obstacles. One was the tendency of Emperor Napoleon III of France. Would he be willing to sleep with a hairy and restless southern European strong man next to him?

The other is the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Is it willing to give up the Austrian Italy region and let Prime Minister Cavour realize his dream?

on this issue

The Kingdom of Sardinia hopes to get the full support of the British Empire and use the influence of the empire to help the Kingdom of Sardinia realize its dream of unifying the Italian peninsula. "

Speaking of here
Sir Pasington, the foreign secretary, shrugged helplessly, regretting that the Italian lions opened their mouths.

Some people are always confused about their importance. Prime Minister Cavour of the Kingdom of Sardinia is the most vivid example. He only puts out one point of effort and hopes to get ten points in return. How can there be such a good thing in the world?
"How did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs respond?"

"Our side clearly replied to the Kingdom of Sardinia; London expresses its understanding of your country's appeal, and is willing to see the beautiful vision of the unification of the Italian peninsula, and is willing to provide some diplomatic assistance when necessary, specifically involving France and Austria. The country should negotiate with the relevant countries in detail, and I wish the Kingdom of Sardinia good luck."

"Hahaha...the Italian idiot."

Hearing Sir Passington's answer, everyone present laughed at the same time.

This kind of diplomatic rhetoric, which is empty and lacks substance, actually says nothing.

The only decent sentence is; "willing to provide certain diplomatic assistance when necessary", with two additional conditions of "when necessary" and "certainly", so when is "when necessary"?

How strong is the "certain diplomatic assistance"?

The power of interpretation rests entirely with the British Foreign Office. When you have time, you can help me out and pass the time.

Throw it aside when you have no free time, the British Empire is not the father of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and it is purely a pain in the ass to drag these junk things on you.

(End of this chapter)