I'm playing whack-a-mole in Siberia

Chapter 859 Sending France to the Altar
Baldwin knew who had the final say in Russia and who was easier to deal with, so he persevered and went straight to Alexandria.

Although George is known for being stubborn, he is easier to communicate with than Vasily. George will not refuse any suggestions that are truly beneficial to Russia.

Vasily would rather lose eight hundred of his own men than kill a thousand enemies. He would rather die than bend, and he is a typical person who sticks to one path until the end.

The British Prime Minister had to give Alexander some face when he caught up with him.

Baldwin was very smart. He came to meet George alone, without any entourage, as if he was going to the banquet alone.

George was still willing to accept such communication.

At least it won't waste time.

"George, long time no see—"

Baldwin took the initiative to reach out to George with a mature smile.

"Congratulations on your third term as British Prime Minister. What's your secret?"

George quipped, certainly not cheekily.

People like Baldwin can only be considered politicians at best, while people like Roosevelt, who can only be driven out of the White House by death, can be considered statesmen.

"If I could be like you, I wouldn't want to be caught up in the political whirlpool."

Baldwin’s candor set the tone for this exchange.

Since no one else was present, Baldwin and George's conversation would not be recorded. Some things that could not be said in formal occasions could still be communicated in private.

George just laughed it off. He still couldn't say things like "it's all your fault".

The main reason for Britain’s current predicament lies with Britain itself. Russia has at most played a role in fueling the situation, but it is not a decisive factor.

"No matter what, we all want lasting peace in Europe, and that's what we all want."

Baldwin hopes to reach a consensus with George as soon as possible.

"Is this why you are aiding Barakzai?"

George is indifferent and Barack Obama is not in Europe.

"When Britain was at war with the Barakzai dynasty, Russia was also helping the Barakzai dynasty. We just did the same thing as you, why should we be blamed?"

Baldwin did not accept George's accusation.

Britain's invasion was unjust, and Russia's invasion was equally unjust.

"So what you're saying is that we can work together to keep the peace in Europe, or we can continue to be hostile elsewhere—"

George really disliked the British logic.

If Russia is single-minded, Britain has a split personality and is always in an unstable state.

George could accept Britain playing it safe between the United States and Russia.

It is even acceptable for Britain to repeatedly jump over the wall.

But this marriage model, which was in name only, was beyond George's bottom line.

"No, no, no, you should realize that Britain is not Russia's enemy, we are just competitors."

Baldwin is being euphemistic; hostile is too strong a word.

Britain has always tried to avoid one-on-one fights and to engage in group fights as much as possible. Whether it is the Qing Empire or Russia, Britain will not fight alone.

The only time Britain faced a one-on-many situation was the Boer War. Although the Boer War ultimately ended with Britain's victory, Britain was forced to shift from strategic expansion to strategic contraction.

What made the British most uncomfortable was that the Boers were not completely conquered and now they have regained their independence. Britain not only lost Transvaal and Orange, but also lost the Cape Colony.

"Ever since the first day of Russia's birth, Britain has been full of malice towards Russia. You have encircled and intercepted Russia from land and sea, joined forces with France to directly participate in the war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, supported Japan in curbing Russia's expansion in the Far East, and finally killed the Russian Empire alive in the world war—"

George listed one by one the evil things Britain had done to Russia, which were too numerous to mention.

"Is this what you call competition?"

Baldwin probably didn't expect George's attack power to be so strong. He was silent for a long time before he spoke with difficulty.

"We are all staunch patriots, acting in each other's interests, and Russia has proven to be as deadly a threat to the British Empire as we feared."

Baldwin's words were a clarification, but they were also a compliment to Russia.

"Britain has a glorious history and amazing creativity. You have achieved unparalleled achievements beyond people's imagination. Even Britain cannot reproduce Britain's glory."

George also carries a gun and a stick.

The so-called glorious history should be a cruel colonial history.

Astonishing creativity means Britain is unworthy of its position.

As for the fact that it cannot be repeated, it means that Britain has become weak and should just accept its fate.

Stand up straight when you get beaten!
"You see, we can easily reach a consensus."

Baldwin was thicker-skinned than George imagined.

"This is not a consensus, and if you don't understand, I can put it more bluntly."

George exposed it to his face.

"Of course, that's exactly what I want. I hope we can have a more open communication."

Baldwin still achieved his goal.

"Since you will not stop aiding Barakzai, Russia will not stop cooperating with Germany." Old man George was acting like a young man. Come on, let's hurt each other.

"If you also stop your operations in Africa, we will end our support for Barakzai."

Baldwin made the conditions.

That's right, instead of talking nonsense, it's better to get straight to the point.

“The two are not equivalent.”

George smiled. Britain's support for Barakzai really made Russia uncomfortable.

Russia's support for Germany and its exports to Africa make things even more uncomfortable for Britain.

Baldwin wished.

Russia's reduction of cooperation with Germany is tantamount to pushing Germany towards the Anglo-French alliance.

Only Germany, with its level of strength, is qualified to play wall jumping.

A small country with few people trying to jump over the wall is courting death.

"It seems that the differences between us are very serious-"

The disappointment in Baldwin's eyes was hard to conceal.

Even the most reasonable Russians are so difficult to communicate with; there will eventually be a war between Britain and Russia.

George hadn't had any hope.

It is impossible for Britain and Russia to trust each other

Russia can only gain Britain's trust if it is completely divided and no longer has the strength to threaten Britain.

Baldwin has been up and down for so many years, but he still has some ability.

Soon after Baldwin returned to Britain after his visit to Russia, he introduced a new shipbuilding plan.

This is a very ominous sign.

The Royal Navy was already strong, and Baldwin continued to strengthen the navy and expand its naval advantage. His purpose was clear: to sacrifice France.

As long as the German army could not cross the English Channel, Britain would be invincible.

George's response was also simple. He just called French Defense Minister Pétain directly.

George merely reminded Pétain of the British shipbuilding plan, and Pétain flew to Alexandria as quickly as possible, hoping to rebuild the Russo-French alliance.

France was not unaware of Britain's sinister intentions, which was the main reason why France only resisted for 38 days in World War II.

The French did not expect the Germans to be so fast. They wanted to hold out for a while longer, but they did not expect the German army to take Paris at lightning speed, so the French stopped resisting.

If France fights to the end like it did in World War I, it will not be as simple as losing a generation, but the country may be destroyed.

The French still had a trick up their sleeve and sent Charles de Gaulle to North Africa to continue the resistance, which was even more ruthless than Italy.

Italy is just a fence-sitter.

The French simply bet on both sides, no matter who wins in the end, France will be the winner.

France has not yet reached the most critical moment. Pétain still wanted to bargain with George, but was completely exposed by George.

"France has been out of the race since it started building the Maginot Line."

Georges reminded Pétain that France had lost its bargaining power.

"George, don't be alarmist. France will fight to the end no matter what the circumstances."

Pétain's face turned pale. He didn't expect George to be so ruthless.

"We all know that once Germany regains its strength, it will seek revenge on France. How will you respond then? The Maginot Line?"

George sneered. He had reminded the French long ago, but France did not repair the hidden dangers of the Maginot Line. This was enough to show France's attitude.

Pétain had an ugly expression and was in an even more embarrassed mood.

"The British are not reliable allies, otherwise they should be building more armored fighting vehicles instead of battleships."

George's goal is to see both France and Germany suffer heavy losses, so that Russia can take control of the entire Europe without bloodshed.

"Russia has never really helped France. What qualifications do you have to say that—"

Pétain is still more pure than Baldwin. At least he did not deceive George under the slogan of honesty.

"Whether you like it or not, it was Russia, not Britain, that saved France in the world wars at least twice."

George spread his hands and said, France is in such a mess, how can we blame Russia?

ps: Another year has passed unknowingly, and I just noticed that it has been 3033 days since I uploaded the first chapter.

My gratitude to my brothers cannot be expressed with just a simple "thank you". I have been busy with mundane affairs in the past two years and have not updated often. I know that many brothers are dissatisfied.

Due to family reasons, this account can no longer sign contracts, so the new book has been opened on a new account. The title of the book is "North American Survival Diary". The link cannot be added, so brothers need to search for it.

Siberia will continue to update and try to tell this story in its entirety. I don't want to upset my brothers during the New Year.

Yutou kowtows to his brothers first, wishing them a happy new year in advance, and wishing everyone a happy new year, a harmonious family, prosperity, happiness and good luck.

(End of this chapter)