The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1622 Inviting Guests for a Beheading, Accepting Them as Dogs (Part 2)

Although the other party didn't say a word, Potatou felt as if he had been seen through.

"We pledged allegiance in the Treaty of Waitangi, but you have taken our land, polluted our rivers, driven us to the edge of the world, and made our children sick!"

In fact, in the eyes of the New Zealand natives at that time, New Zealand was the so-called world, and the strange diseases that the wizards could not cure were the work of the British.

Although the reasoning process is somewhat far-fetched, the conclusion is not wrong. The British did indeed bring many diseases that were not present in New Zealand, and their wastewater did indeed affect the health of the Maori people.

"You pledged loyalty, and then what? You didn't keep your word. Instead, you launched a high-profile attack on the citizens of the British Empire. Do you know that this is a breach of faith?"

Palmerston said coldly that he didn't like such superficial negotiations.

“Potato, you are a smart man. Faced with the absolute force of Britain, you will either submit or be forced to submit.”

If you are willing to abandon that unrealistic plan now, I can guarantee your existing land and, under that, do everything possible to secure your rights and protect your culture.

But if you continue to choose armed confrontation, or choose to ally with those tribes that oppose the British Empire, then we will destroy you.

Faced with this blatant threat, Potatou wished he could immediately draw his dagger and stab the old man to death. However, he knew that the other party was no ordinary person. If he killed him, not only would he not be able to escape, but he would also implicate the entire tribe.

Before Potatau could answer, Palmerston prepared to leave. In his eyes, these natives were trash and not worth mentioning. Continuing to talk would be a complete waste of time. He had no intention of empathizing with the weak.

After Palmerston left, he began to build a stronger militia force. He also wrote to the British Parliament requesting that regular troops be stationed in New Zealand to protect British immigrants and suppress rebellions.

In his letter, he wrote: "Land is the foundation of everything. Without land, there is no immigration; without immigration, there is no wealth; without wealth, there is no supply for the army; and without supplies, we cannot fight our enemies."

Those indigenous people shouldn't be our focus. Tigers, lions, and wolves can all eat people. Should we give in to those wild beasts?

Governor George Gray's approach was too lukewarm. What is needed to deal with wild beasts is strength. Only strong and powerful actions can make those Maori people understand their position.

This land belongs to Britain!

A week later, in Auckland.

Governor George Gray felt no joy when he saw Palmerston; he only had a headache, because he knew Palmerston's ways very well.

"Viscount Palmerston, what brings you to my governor's residence? Didn't the Prime Minister send you here to retire?"

Palmerston snorted coldly.

"Are you talking about John Russell? I guess he's a former prime minister now."

Palmerston paused for a moment before speaking.

"Is the reason I'm here because you can't solve the problem at hand?"

George Gray quickly said.

"I have already sent people to negotiate with them."

"Negotiation, you are the Governor-General of New Zealand, right? You should be responsible to the British government, shouldn't you?"
"You should be issuing a governor's decree to protect our nationals and punish those indigenous people who have crossed the border. Why are you seeking to negotiate with them?"

In response to Palmerston's questioning, Governor George Gray replied with great displeasure.

"My duty is to protect and govern the New Zealand colonies."

"Then you should issue the governor's decree now:"
First, it reaffirms British sovereignty and the Crown's right of first refusal to purchase land, as established by the Treaty of Waitangi. No tribe or individual may, for any reason, prevent the Crown-authorized land purchaser from performing his or her duties!
Second, any threat or obstruction against officials, law-abiding immigrants, and soldiers should be considered rebellion!
"Your Excellency should not hesitate to mobilize all resources to ensure order in the colonies and the dignity of the British Empire on these two grounds!" "Are you ordering me around?"

Governor George Gray was already somewhat angry. He had little personal relationship with Palmerston, and given Palmerston's tarnished reputation and demotion, he couldn't accept the man's disrespect.

“I’m not giving you orders, but telling you how to be a competent governor.”

"Viscount Palmerston! Your barbaric actions are driving New Zealand to the brink of war!"

Governor George Gray roared.

"Governor, it is your weakness that is the problem!"

Palmerston didn't hesitate to retort.

"The Treaty of Waitangi is in our hands, it's there in black and white. The Maori's delay and obstruction are a challenge to the authority of the British Empire."

If they can so easily change the content of a treaty, then can't other countries do the same? After all, there are plenty of countries with culturally different backgrounds from Britain! Are you going to compromise on every single one of them?

Governor George Gray did not intend to compromise; he simply felt the time was not right. However, before he knew it, too many Maori had joined the land movement, and he felt that the best opportunity had been missed and that he should admit that there was no way to reverse the situation.

However, Palmerston taught him a lesson, but fortunately George Gray wasn't stubborn, and he immediately changed his mind and asked a different question.

"Then what do you think we should do?"

Palmerston smiled without saying a word, and George Gray understood that the other party wanted to show some sincerity, so he immediately spoke.

"If we can successfully resolve this crisis, I am willing to personally give you £50,000."

Palmerston still sneered.

"Then I can give you 10,000 hectares of land, the whole of New Zealand is yours to choose from!"

Palmerston shook his head.

"Then what do you want?"

"I want you to add my name."

George Gray suddenly realized what was going on, but he really couldn't understand why Palmerston, who was already so old, would go back to London to fight those politicians. To him, it was a trivial matter.

"Okay, it's a deal. As long as you can do it."

Palmerston nodded.

“Those Maori are not a monolithic group. I have convinced the Potatau tribe, the initiators of this movement, that you can learn from the Americans and give them some private plots to divide and weaken the Maori tribes.”

The rest of those who can't see reality will need the Governor to use force to bring them to their senses.

Governor George Gray was greatly shocked to hear that the Potatau tribe had been persuaded, after all, they were an extremely stubborn people and the tribe that started the movement first.

If Potatau is willing to give up, then things will be much easier.

Palmerston's methods weren't particularly sophisticated; to put it simply, it was nothing more than "treating guests, beheading, and having his men act like dogs."

Countless facts have proven that this old trick is indeed effective, but the most crucial element is the control of timing and situation.