The sun never sets in America

Chapter 363 The Second Chinese-English Secret Agreement

The European continent is currently the continent with the highest level of human industry and even technology.

If from an industrial perspective, America is the second largest continent among the seven continents today, then Europe is the real "uncrowned king."

The industrial output value of the entire Europe, all countries combined, is four times that of the Americas. If assets are included, it is even more incomparable.

Since the Renaissance, Europe's science, technology, culture, and even economic level have been growing continuously, especially after the great voyage of discovery.

The silver from Spanish America not only promoted the flood of silver in China, but also promoted the economy and even the development of science and technology in Europe as a whole.

If Spain is the first generation of enlighteners in Europe, then the British Empire, which came from behind, is a real "teacher".

Since the first steam engine, this place has been a veritable center of science and technology, and even a center of civilization.

Although this civilization is bloody, it cannot be denied that a powerful world empire promotes world development.

Just like the United States in later generations, no matter how bad and asshole it is, "globalization" alone is nowhere better than the "colonial protection trade" under the British Empire.

Moreover, according to Britain's own internal assessment, it is open to question whether Han can defeat the United States.

Although the senior British officials in the Victorian era were arrogant, they were not fools. On the contrary, they were all human beings.

But the current situation in Europe makes even the most experienced British strategists "powerless" because Europe has been divided.

Although the current situation is difficult and dangerous, it has not yet reached the point where the British Empire is really "unable".

The British Empire is still like this, but the colonial economy has replaced "tolls".

The French were sharpening their swords, and Napoleon III's sword was aimed at Vienna.

Even if this bunch of rubbish were integrated into the Han Kingdom, it would be impossible within a few decades.

After all, with the exception of the United States and Han, most American countries, not even the third-rate European countries, are simply "waste."

Now, it's the same, a game, some people want to play it, some people don't want to play it.

Although in this time and space, due to the emergence of Han in America, Britain lost control of South America, this does not mean that Britain is weak. On the contrary, Britain is stronger.

Originally, according to the British plan, once France, Russia, Austria, Prussia and other ambitious countries made a "change", they could basically use Britain's ability to "stir up" and use diplomatic power to besiege it until it collapses. .

This is also the "selling beauty theory" that is very popular among senior British officials.

They could temporarily tolerate Han's control of the Americas, but they would never allow Napoleon III's France to control the European continent, or Nicholas's Russia to rule Asia Minor.

After much calculation, the British finally discovered that the most capable and useful people were the declining country Spain and those pagan Ottomans who looked down upon them! !

This made the entire British leadership anxious, so much so that a certain MP said: "The British Empire must not compromise until the last Indian is dead!!"

So what if the Han Dynasty rules the Americas? The Americas' weak population and foundation are destined to be a lame duck even if they are all unified.

However, France, which controlled Europe, and Russia, which inserted itself into West Asia, could destroy the maritime trade of the British Empire.

The British Empire controlled most of the markets in the world, and no country would be jealous of it.

The Nordic countries can contain Russia, but their industry is too weak and they need strong support from the United Kingdom.

Because facing such a powerful Britain, "marrying to please" is the choice of many countries.

However, due to the strong national power of the Victorian period, we could only "look at it". The final outcome was to fulfill the famous name of Queen Victoria, the grandmother of Europe for future generations.

At the very least, it appears to be a truly integrated market.

If you look at the map, you will know that the world's main trade occurs in Eurasia, and trade is along the coastline.

After all, the United States has a vast territory, rich resources, developed industry, and a large population. It is simply unrealistic for Han to defeat it in a short time.

At its peak, the Ottomans dominated the world for hundreds of years by monopolizing trade between the East and the West.

It is still possible to fight, but the question is, how? ?

Han, what country is that? ?

This is a trick that the British Empire has played for hundreds of years, and it is true for any country. Napoleon's French Empire was slowly killed in this way.

The Ottomans were restrained by the Russians, and Austria itself was in chaos, with the risk of collapse at any time.

Yes, compared to the European continent, the United States, or the entire America, is nothing.

Some people have wealth, and those with wealth have courage! !

Almost all of mankind's thousands of years of civilized history took place on the Eurasian continent, where the population accounts for more than 80% of the entire earth.

The Netherlands could barely serve as a bridgehead and barrier for Britain to enter the European continent.

Originally, the United Kingdom had to consume part of its resources to contain the United States, but now it can confidently and boldly deploy in Europe.

This is a very important issue. If this issue is not resolved, Britain will always be controlled by the European powers and will not be able to truly control its destiny.

However, Britain has so many colonies around the world, but only a few are truly valuable, among which India is the most "dazzling" one.

The Prussians "played both ways" and benefited from both sides, which made the British hate it but they were helpless.

Yes, compromise, not "surrender."

Although the United States itself does not want to play in this globalization, it does not mean that this thing is really bad. At least the cost has been reduced, the production efficiency has been improved many times, and the wealth created has been more than before.

And if the British end the war faster than the Han at this time, it will also mean the failure of the Han. The British Empire, which has recovered, will never let go of this opportunity to consume both Han and the United States and regain control of the Americas. .

In the eyes of those Victorian aristocrats, it couldn't be easier for Britain to concentrate the power of its global colonies to deal with the "bastards" in Europe, recuperate for a few years, and then go back to rectify the Han Dynasty.

This is a fundamental issue that cannot be compromised.

And India is in Eurasia! !

Not to mention the invisible income and regional influence that the British Empire gained every year by monopolizing ocean navigation.

If this were not the case, how could those people playing in the sand in West Asia get involved with the British?

It is obvious that if you control trade, you can control Europe.

Therefore, for countries that want to break the situation in Europe, the British Empire is the "stumbling block" they must face, and it is also the biggest one! !

And now this roadblock is about to make an important decision that will affect future generations! !

…………

Nanyang, Malaya, Penang.

A typical Nanyang city, in summer, coconut trees and durians are the biggest scenery here.

But now, a deal is going on here that affects the fate of two continents.

Director: Liu Peng, Queen Victoria.

Execution: Hu Jun, Liu Yu, the Han Cabinet, Russell, the House of Lords, and a group of people hiding in the dark.

Actors: Wan Xiong, Governor-General of Lanfang, Bolton, Governor-General of British India.

"Governor Wan, I don't think your so-called claim that America belongs to American countries is legal."

"Yes, in the previous Four Powers Treaty, America did belong to the Americans, but not to one country!!"

Bolton is a typical British aristocrat, with a thick mustache and a bulging military uniform. He does not look like a civilian official, but an officer who has fought in the war.

In fact, Bolton is really a soldier. He first served in West Asia and was later transferred to India. He accumulated a lot of merit in suppressing the uprising. Coupled with the promotion of the aristocratic forces behind it, the Governor of India, among all British overseas colonies, The most important governor.

If he didn't have two brushes, even if his family was an earl, he wouldn't be able to "blatantly" do such things as forming gangs and recommending himself.

"No, what we do is in line with America, because other countries in America will also agree with this!!"

Wan Xiong was the son of Wan Fang, the first foreign minister of the Han Dynasty. He ascended to the throne of Lanfang Governor before he was forty. In addition to his own efforts, it also had a lot to do with Liu Peng's promotion.

“American countries, are there still pure American countries now??”

"I'm afraid that after the war ends, the so-called American countries are just your colonies!!"

Bolton was very disdainful of what Wan Xiong just said. In his opinion, if Han really won the war, would there really be a so-called "American country"? ?

"But it's better for him. It's better for us to directly claim to rule the Americas!!"

Wan Xiong responded unceremoniously and lifted off the last "fig leaf".

Bolton's expression was "dull", and then he said angrily:

"If you think you rule America, then do it!!"

"I hope you won't break your teeth in the Americans!!"

Wan Xiong replied immediately:

"I hope the British Empire can also end things in Europe as soon as possible!!"

"Humph!!"

Bolton believed that he could not gain the upper hand in words, and then said:

"The situation in Europe has reached a critical moment. As a prerequisite for negotiations, you cannot provide weapons, ammunition, logistical supplies, or even economic assistance to any party in Europe..."

Bolton mentioned a bunch of "sanctions subjects" that are about to be introduced by the British cabinet. "Weapons are OK, but economy is not!!"

Wan Xiong shook his head. Are you kidding? If you really do this, France and Russia won't rebel after they find out? ?

"Why, you can't even give us weapons, why not money??"

Bolton asked Wan Xiong urgently.

"Because this is the principle!!"

Wan Xiong gave a decisive answer.

"What??"

Bolton even suspected that he had heard wrongly, until he saw Wan Xiong's determined expression, he almost went crazy.

Do you want to listen to what you are saying? ?

To an Englishman, principle, that simply does not exist.

In the eyes of the British, the cunning Han people are obviously the same kind. It is also because of this that the British are willing to negotiate with the Han people.

But now that he heard that "principle", Bolton even wondered whether the Han people were crazy.

At this time, they actually talk about such a principle, and sell it for something that is not worth "a few shillings". Isn't it funny? !

But Wan Xiong said:

"We must show the French and Russians that we are in the same trench with them, so that they can fight on instead of compromising with you when they encounter difficulties!!"

Bolton, who had a somewhat "sarcastic" expression just now, was momentarily stunned.

Then Wan Fang said:

"If I'm not mistaken, you also signed such an agreement with Prussia, right?"

Bolton's expression was a little unnatural, and he retorted in a quibbling manner:

"No, the British Empire is a glorious country and we do not ally with despicable countries like Prussia!!"

"Glorious", what a huge joke! !

The corners of Wan Xiong's mouth were raised, with a slight arc, as if he was scorning what Bolton just said.

Bolton had a complicated expression and then said:

"Okay, since you think that economic assistance is the capital to support the French and Russians in fighting!!"

"Then let this matter be put on hold for now!!"

Wan Xiong nodded, which was regarded as acquiescence.

Bolton looked at Wan Xiong's expression, and then said: "Then it is the British assets in the United States. This part is worth about 250 million pounds!!"

"You must exchange this money and pay it to us after the war."

Even Wan Xiong, who had been mentally prepared, did not expect that the British had so many assets in the United States.

"No wonder His Majesty always calls the United Kingdom and the United States together as Britain and the United States. It turns out that this is the reason."

What Liu Peng once said about "British and American" flashed in Wan Xiong's mind.

Britain has a long history of investing in the United States. Until now, Britain has been the largest foreign investor in the United States, owning a large number of American company stocks, real estate, and even steel companies, railways, ships and other areas involving national security.

Although the British mock the United States every day as "dirty cowboys" and "rats" in the sewers.

But this did not prevent British funds from flowing to the United States. American finance during this period was itself part of British finance.

Most are controlled by the British.

Wan Xiong frowned and then said:

"The losses of the war do not count!!"

"No, it must be counted!!"

Bolton objected directly.

Are you kidding? If you deliberately destroy or loot, then whose fault is it?

Wan Xiong didn't say anything, just remained silent, leaving Bolton on the opposite side a little confused as to what to say.

Finally, Wan Xiong spoke:

"If it is a company, then it is allowed to retain some shares, and we will redeem the remaining shares at the original price."

"As for infrastructure such as railways, many of them cannot be estimated, so we can only compensate based on the approximate cost."

Bolton shook his head without even thinking about it. Good guy, according to the cost, they would have to suffer a loss.

When was it created? What time is it now? In some places, the number has increased more than ten times.

"Then add another part of the value added, but it cannot exceed 50%!!"

Wan Xiong told Han's bottom line.

Bolton went through it many times in his mind before he "reluctantly" agreed, but in fact he was already extremely happy.

Why, because there is also water-mixed data in it.

For the Han State, it would be great to be able to resolve the economic conflict with the British in the Americas in this way.

It would be troublesome to settle accounts after the war! !

"Okay, now that the money problem is solved, let's talk about you and the Americans again!!"

Wan Xiong's words made Bolton's face change greatly, and then he quibbled that they "didn't" have anything.

Wan Xiong smiled and said:

"It's impossible that the British Empire doesn't have contact with the United States. Let me guess, what did you talk about with them? Oh, it couldn't be the same thing as just now, right??"

"If we lose the war, we will probably sell the things in Han to the Americans, right?"

Wan Xiong's words left Bolton completely speechless.

The real situation is that the United States has guaranteed them so-called "security" and "support."

Then Britain responded with "security" and "support" in equal measure.

As for what is inside the support, look at the British cargo ships in New York Harbor, the machine tools and steam engines on them, it explains everything.

Wan Xiong then said:

"I don't care what the Americans say or what you do, I just want one promise, that is, the British Empire will withdraw its fleet in the Atlantic and close to the Americas."

"After all, Europe is the most important!!"

Bolton wanted to refute, but after remembering Downing Street's instructions, he remained silent and finally agreed.

Wan Xiong then began to discuss issues in other places: "Considering the British Empire's colonies around the world, after the war, except for the American colonies, which need to be sold to us, the rest are not allowed to attack Han passenger ships during the war. , merchant ship..."

“American Colonies??”

Forgive Bolton, it was a small place like British Guia and Jamaica that he really couldn't remember.

After explanation, I finally understood, but soon hesitated again, and then asked to contact the country.

Wan Xiong also took the opportunity to adjourn the meeting.

The next day, same place.

This time the preparations were much better, and both parties prepared a large amount of documents.

“America can do it, but Jamaica must be kept!!”

“If you can, then sign it!!”

Bolton made the final offer.

Wan Xiong looked at the British man who still didn't give up, thought for a while, and nodded slowly.

Later, the two sides began to discuss other issues.

At 3:21 in Malaya, that is, on the afternoon of July 4, the 21st year of Longwu, the British and Chinese signed a secret agreement.

The secret treaty stipulated that the spheres of influence between Han and Britain were basically divided into areas where America was in Han and Europe was in Britain.

The second is the withdrawal of the British Atlantic Squadron from the Americas.

Third, Han guaranteed Britain's economic interests and paid a certain amount of specific compensation.

Fourth, Britain allowed Han to provide economic assistance to hostile European countries during wartime, but this did not include military weapons or other supplies.

Similarly, Britain also needs to comply with Han.

In addition to these, there are more than a dozen various clauses, large and small, that are so complex that even the best lawyers in the world may not be able to explain them clearly.

This treaty was called the "Malay Treaty", also known as the "Second Anglo-Chinese Secret Treaty".

(End of this chapter)