I'm playing whack-a-mole in Siberia

Chapter 759 Siege
Although Russia does not classify its allies, there is still a difference between internal and external allies.

Bulgaria and East India are about the same level of intimacy as Romania and Montenegro, both in the first group, following closely in the footsteps of Russia.

Next are peripheral countries such as Greece and Goryeo, which had frictions with Russia in the past but ultimately had to become dependent on Russia.

Next are Britain, France, the United States and Italy, Russia's allies during the world wars. The relationship between them is rather special and may change at any time.

East India is far away from the European continent and is less threatened by war, so it can focus more on economic development.

Alexander was also ambitious and hoped to develop East India into at least a regional power in 20 years.

This is not difficult to do, or it is already done in East India.

Around East India, the Philippines was a colony of the United States, the Malay Peninsula was a colony of Britain, Annan was a colony of France, and Australia was a British overseas dominion.

Whether it is overseas dominions or colonies, they are highly dependent on the mother country economically and can only develop a single colonial economy. Not to mention that they are completely uncompetitive, they do not pose much of a threat either.

Take the Philippines as an example. The Philippines has now completely become a dumping market for American goods and a source of raw materials. Sugar, hemp and tobacco exported to the United States account for 90 percent of its total exports.

In 1909, the United States and the Philippines signed the Payne-Aldridge Act, which stipulated that American goods entering the Philippines were completely duty-free, while Philippine goods entering the United States were subject to tax, which dealt a devastating blow to the Philippines' local manufacturing industry.

The situation in the Malay Peninsula, Annam, and even Australia is similar to that in the Philippines.

This situation has changed in the last year.

The interruption of the Suez Canal had a serious impact on trade between East Asia and Europe. Compared with Malay and Annan, Australia had greater autonomy. Since the interruption of the canal, trade between Australia and East India has become more and more frequent.

Australia's agriculture and animal husbandry are very developed, and its main export commodities are wool and beef. Since the interruption of the Suez Canal, Australia's wool exports to East India have accounted for about 10% of its total exports.

"I have sent people to Australia to buy land. I will buy the land first and then look for another one slowly."

Alexander did not forget the tips George gave him.

The relationship between Australia and East India is quite good. This is because in the whole of East Asia, Australia and East India are the only two countries with a predominantly white population.

Australia's situation is more special than that of East India. It has a territory of nearly 770 million square kilometers and a population of only 550 million, which is similar to that of East India.

Alexander purchased land in Australia under the guise of buying a farm.

East India not only needs Australian wool, but also Australian wheat and beef. The economies between the two countries can also form an effective complement.

Unfortunately, Australia is still a Commonwealth country with its own market. If East Indian goods want to enter Australia, they must first pass through the UK.

There is never a shortage of smart people in this world. You have your own plans and I have my own ways.

Just as the French packaged wine as juice and sold it to America during Prohibition, smuggling was widespread and rampant between Australia and the East Indies.

Before the World War, Australia's imports from East India were mainly light industrial products such as cosmetics, food, and clothing.

Australia now prefers to import cars and motorcycles, as well as household appliances, from Russia through the East Indies.

"Australia's livestock industry still has great potential, and it's a good idea to buy a lot of land for farm development."

When George was looking for a way out, his first choice was actually Australia.

"Uncle Joseph is buying a lot of land in the United States. Sooner or later, our family will become the largest landowner in the world."

Polis had little interest in land.

During the economic crisis, major American financial groups gathered their funds and prepared to start bottom fishing after the economic crisis ended.

Only the Dolgorukov family took the opportunity to acquire land and became what Wall Street financiers called country bumpkins.

Not only was Joseph not angry, but he was very happy and was proud of being a "country bumpkin".

The Russians' greed for land is deeply rooted, and the Tsar was once the largest landowner in the world.

Alexander is also proud to be a "country bumpkin."

Alexander wanted to use the land in East India to develop plantations and grow cash crops, such as palm trees, rubber trees, etc., to consolidate East India's advantages in palm oil and natural rubber.

Compared to Australia, which is less than 100 kilometers away, Vladivostok is still a bit far, and it is not cost-effective to import agricultural products from Vladivostok.

Therefore, it is most cost-effective to import things like beef, mutton, and wool from Australia.

This is also in line with Alexander's overall economic strategy. East India can import primary agricultural products from Australia, process them deeply in East India, and then sell them to Europe.

On January 1, Alexander ascended the throne in Coconut City and officially became the King of the Grand Principality of Yuriev, becoming the second monarch of the Yuriev family.

This is not the scariest thing.

In Russia, the Yuriev family even has an uncrowned tsar.

It was very lively when George came, but when he left, only Leonid was with him. Anne and Alexandra had to wait until Shen Jun gave birth before returning to Russia.

George has been busy with work in recent years and has paid less attention to Leonid.

Fortunately, Anne has always been very strict with her children. Leonid did not live a life of debauchery like a playboy, nor did he flirt with women like a Russian grand duke. During his four years at Vladivostok University, Leonid studied economics and law and obtained bachelor's degrees in both. Leonid is currently studying for a master's degree in economics. If he can graduate successfully, Leonid will become the first doctor in the Yuriev family.

Leonid's current official job is George's secretary. George plans to let Leonid gradually participate in the management of the family business and prepare for taking over the family business in the future.

The Yuriev family has already produced two kings. If there is another one, George will have the chance to become the next European grandfather.

"When a company develops to a certain level, making money is no longer the top priority; social responsibility is more important."

George doesn't want Leonid to become a mercenary person.

“I want to try to start an insurance business to provide protection for more people.”

Leonid has his own ideals.

The insurance business has a long history. The world's first insurance policy appeared in Pisa, Italy in 1384, and the modern insurance system was born.

The United Kingdom, which currently has the most developed insurance business, has more than 600 insurance companies.

Russia also had a large number of insurance companies before the outbreak of the world war.

The civil war dealt a devastating blow to the Russian insurance industry. Almost all insurance companies went bankrupt. Now there are only two insurance companies in Russia, belonging to the Yusupov family and the Dolgorukov family.

"Just do it if you want to. The insurance industry has a bright future."

George supported Leonid's attempt, and the Yuriev family could afford the compensation.

The Yuriev family has so many businesses, and it would be difficult to lose money just by doing the Yuriev family's business.

If Bulgaria and East India were added, the insurance company founded by Leonid could easily develop into a multinational enterprise.

This is what it means to sit under a big tree and enjoy the shade.

On February 2, George received news while on his journey that former US President Woodrow Wilson had passed away.

At the same time, Italy seized a batch of weapons from Russia in its North African colonies, which aroused strong dissatisfaction in the Kingdom of Italy.

Little Nicholas, who had been looking for trouble with Britain and France every day, finally became the target of blame.

"What's the big deal? Don't you sell arms to other countries?"

Little Nicholas was confident that this batch of weapons could not prove anything.

After the end of World War II, many countries carried out large-scale disarmament. Subsequently, they lost orders due to industrial transformation, causing a large number of military-industrial enterprises to go bankrupt, and those that survived are struggling.

Russia has cut its military by 300 million. If the weapons in stock cannot be converted into cash, the maintenance costs will increase. Therefore, Russia has started to sell off its weapons at a loss since the end of the world war.

"As allies, we cannot do anything that goes against moral bottom line. This is the most basic requirement."

Vittorio Tonali, the Italian representative to the League of Nations, was furious. The Italian colonies in North Africa had always been unstable, and now they were even worse.

It has been 12 years since the Italo-Turkish War, and Italy's rule over its North African colonies is still limited to the coastal areas. The inland tribes have not surrendered and have been resisting.

The poor performance of the Italian army during the World War gave great confidence to the people of the North African colonies. The uprisings against Italian colonial rule became more and more intense, causing the Italian government to be extremely troubled.

The Ottoman Empire took the initiative to seek peace during the Italo-Turkish War, not because of Italy's fighting ability, but because of the Balkan War that was going on at the same time.

Compared with the North African colonies, access to the Black Sea was the core interest of the Ottoman Empire.

“Is it a violation of moral standards to instigate an ally to launch a rebellion?”

The Bulgarian ambassador to the League of Nations would not sit idly by and watch little Nicholas fight alone.

"Don't look askance at other people's kvass."

The Greek ambassador remained in line, and Italy and Greece also have territorial disputes.

“Why don’t you respect the choices of local people when it comes to your own interests?”

The Romanian ambassador made the final move.

"You are collectively bullying. Isn't the original intention of the League of Nations to guarantee the independence of each member country?"

Tonali showed no fear in the face of siege.

"If there is no alliance, you have no chance to speak out."

Little Nicola reminded Tonali that the significance of the League of Nations is only to provide a platform for communication among countries, and it cannot really solve the problem.

To solve the problem, it still depends on your own strength.

Clemenceau was filled with worry as he looked at the chaotic situation before him. France and Italy were in a similar situation in the League of Nations, isolated and helpless.

At this time, if Clemenceau dared to say one more word, he would become the target of siege.

(End of this chapter)