Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 130 Arrow from the Sky (Seeking monthly votes!)
Under the circumstances at the time, there was only one country in Western Europe that had trade relations with China.

That is France.

Despite France being a liberal country, the de Gaulle government tried its best to circumvent these trade restrictions under America's constraints.

This kind of bypassing has a long tradition. In 1958, when China held the China Export Commodities Fair in Guangzhou, which was the predecessor of the Canton Fair, France participated.

Therefore, on the last day of the Leipzig Trade Fair, French buyers placed an order for 500 units with the Chinese delegation.

Two of these five hundred units eventually ended up in the hands of Manager Feng.

Listening to the Peking Opera singing on the radio, Manager Feng and Sun Youyu seemed to have returned to their hometown, even though neither of them were from Yanjing.

One more thing to add: this radio station that broadcasts Peking Opera year-round is not from mainland China, but from the island.

Before Lin Ran proposed the concept of a culturally rich China, they were already broadcasting programs to overseas Chinese via shortwave through the China Broadcasting Corporation and Fuxing Broadcasting Station.

It broadcasts almost 24/7.

“This thing is really good, Manager Feng, name your price,” Sun Youyu said.

Manager Feng held up two fingers: "Two hundred marks."

Sun Youyu's expression immediately changed: "You might as well rob us! Two hundred marks are enough to buy America's most high-end radio."

Officially, the exchange rate between the West German mark and the East German mark was 1:1, but in reality, the West German mark was worth far more than the East German mark.

Shopkeeper Feng took a deep breath: "It's okay if you don't buy anything. Do you need anything else?"
These are only two of the latest models of radios from mainland China in the entire city of Hamburg.

As you just heard, the quality of this thing is no worse than the America goods you mentioned.

Two hundred marks? I still think that's too cheap.

Actually, Manager Feng wasn't wrong. His purchase price was 120 marks, and he sold it for 200 marks, which wasn't expensive for him at all.

The exchange rate between the West German mark and the US dollar was 4 to 1. This meant that the purchase price of $20 was equivalent to 80 West German marks, while his purchase price was 120 marks.

Sun Youyu gritted his teeth, "You have to guarantee there are only two here?"

Manager Feng held up three fingers: "Only two!"

Sun Youyu, trembling, pulled out two hundred marks from his chest and slammed them on the table: "Wrap it up for me!"

Back home, at 2 a.m., Sun Youyu discovered an entrance in the corner of the kitchen, revealing that there was another floor underground.

He found an old radio in the basement and began sending telegrams:
"Sent from: West Germany Station"

Received from: TaiPei Headquarters
Date: 1962/7/15

A transistor radio made in mainland China has been discovered in West Germany. Its technology rivals the latest American technology, and its performance is excellent. This is a major breakthrough, crucial for technological intelligence, and its purchase for research is urgently needed. A grant of 500 marks is requested; the amount is limited, and swift approval is imperative.

That's how money gets spent.

The reason Sun Youyu gritted his teeth and insisted on buying that equipment was because he was hoping someone would reimburse him.

This matter is related to the mainland, which is why I reported 500 marks.

Sun Youyu regretted sending the telegram immediately. He should have reported 800 marks. He lamented to himself that even though he was a seasoned veteran, he still didn't understand the precise amount for reimbursement.

If you don't take it and I don't take it, the funds will be wasted. How can I not take it?

Besides, this is indeed advanced equipment from China, involving a major breakthrough. I, Lao Sun, am not wrong!
"Professor, congratulations. I regret that I did not have time to attend the International Congress of Mathematicians and could not witness your award in person."

After Lin Ran, as a representative, finished reporting on NASA's work to Congress, McNamara approached him afterwards, looking quite regretful.

Lin Ran thought to himself, "You, the Minister of National Defense, still want to have time to attend the International Congress of Mathematicians? This is the most tense moment of the Cold War."

Moreover, the Cuban Crisis was about to begin.

In 1959, America reached agreements with Turkey and Italy to deploy Jupiter-2000 intermediate-range tactical nuclear missiles with a range of 2400 to 3000 kilometers in those two locations.

From last year to the first half of this year, America has completed its deployment. At this point, you should be busy putting all these missiles into operational status and posing a further threat to the Russians. Where do you find the time?

In August, the International Congress of Mathematicians was held in Stockholm, Sweden. There was no controversy regarding the Fields Medal awarded at this Congress before it was held.

Even on the selection committee, the other mathematicians were just there to make up the numbers, while Lin Ran received all the votes.

Therefore, before the awards ceremony even began, academic journals like "New Advances in Mathematics," which had close collaborations with Lin Ran, had already started reviewing Lin Ran's academic achievements before the awards were presented. They even publicly declared that Lin Ran was the most prolific award winner in history.

Given this view in academia, it's perfectly normal for McNamara to tacitly accept Lin Ran's award.

However, before attending the International Congress of Mathematicians, Lin Ran needs to travel to London first.

In July, typical late English summer weather: damp air, pedestrians on the streets of London carrying black umbrellas, and fog shrouding the Thames.

Jenny complained, “The weather in London is terrible, Professor. Why does Downing Street insist that you come in person to discuss cooperation on space affairs?”

Jenny, a journalist, came to London to cover Lin Ran's Fields Medal win.

Lin Ran looked at the raindrops falling outside the window. "I don't know. Maybe they think I have a say in things?"

Jenny shook her head: "No, I suspect Downing Street has some other purpose."

Otherwise, if it's just about expanding the space tracking network and coordinating the sharing of Soviet/Russian space intelligence and radar facilities, you're completely unnecessary; any NASA administrative officer would suffice.

The above information comes from public statements made by Downing Street in interviews with reporters, indicating their desire to reach a new agreement with NASA.

Privately, however, they requested that Randolph Linnen, the White House Special Assistant for Space Affairs, act as their representative in the negotiations.

Since you're coming to Europe in August to attend the International Congress of Mathematicians and receive an award anyway, why not come to London first?

“But Professor, we can go see Dr. No, which just started showing tonight,” Jenny said excitedly. “I heard the villain in it is based on your image.”

Lin Ran agreed.

But I regretted it after watching the movie.

The name "Dr. No" was completely unfamiliar to Lin Ran; he thought it was some kind of science fiction film.

When he entered the movie theater and saw the main character appear, he realized that it was James Bond.

That's right, this is not only James Bond, but also the first film in the 007 series.

The story primarily revolves around James Bond, codenamed 007, who is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of an English intelligence agent and ultimately uncovers and thwarts a conspiracy by an evil scientist, Dr. No, to sabotage America's space program.

One of them, Dr. Joseph Wiseman, was a scientist of half-German and half-Chinese descent who lost both hands in a radiation accident and was fitted with metal prosthetics.

He was a member of Spectre and planned to interfere with America's space program using nuclear-powered radio waves, specifically targeting the upcoming launch of the Project Mercury rocket.

In the movie, Dr. No is a cold-blooded and intelligent villain.

That was the original plot of the movie, and in the movie they were watching, Dr. Noh even said Lin Ran's classic line: "I'm not talking about anyone in particular, I'm talking about everyone here, you're all trash."

This kind of statement is practically accusing Dr. Nuo of being Lin Ran.

“Jenny, from Fu Manchu to Dr. No, I’m fed up with the stereotypes about Chinese people in England, and they’re continuing to reinforce those stereotypes in this way.”

"I'm going to write an article to refute that viewpoint. Do you have any newspapers in England where I can publish it?" Lin Ran asked. Jenny nodded and said, "No problem, just give it to me."

From Fu Manchu to Dr. Nobel: The Yellow Peril Dream of the British Empire and the Pale Reality of Downing Street
Westerners' imagination of the Chinese is limited to this. From rice farmers to a global threat, their transformation has been faster than the British Empire's fall from grace as a second-rate island nation.

Let's start with Fu Manchu. When Sax Rohmer wrote this stuff, the British Empire was still vying for territory around the world. And what happened? They couldn't even protect India, the jewel in the Queen's crown, and they still had the nerve to use the Yellow Peril to scare people? The once-mighty British Empire is now so powerless that even the sun doesn't bother with them anymore. They can only find some sense of existence by making up jokes like this.

Then look at *Dr. No*. This villain, of half-Chinese descent, might be the last stand of the English. The director and screenwriter clearly felt that using only a Soviet Russian as a villain wasn't exciting enough; they had to pull out another freak from the East. However, in reality, it was the Chinese who helped America achieve her moon landing; the English, on their own, couldn't even launch a single satellite into space, let alone land on the moon.

"Jenny, take a look." Lin Ran handed the completed article to Jenny.

In short, they keep saying that the British Empire is a bunch of useless people, that it has declined from being the only place where the sun never sets to now being able to huddle on the British Isles.

The main focus is on the two villainous characters, Fu Manchu and Dr. Noh, created by the English, and it is said to be a cultural celebration of England in response to the Cold War.

Because Dr. No is portrayed as an evil doctor who prevents NASA from launching.

Lin Ran took the opportunity to mock England, saying that they hadn't even successfully launched a single satellite, so what right did they have to ridicule the Chinese?

After reading it, Jenny reminded her, "Professor, if you publish this article, it will definitely hit the sore spot for the English."

But you will also be besieged by the English newspapers.

If you don't mind this happening, I can send it for you.

Furthermore, I want to remind you that, given your position, publishing such an article is essentially giving them free publicity.

This is correct, just like the later film's publicity stunts.

Lin Ran thought about it and felt that arguing was pointless. Instead of arguing with these Englishmen who were full of stereotypes, he should inflict some real damage on them. There would be plenty of opportunities anyway.

He had countless opportunities, both in Hong Kong and in England.

Being in the White House means having too many opportunities to access the inner circle of the White House and to cause trouble for the British Empire.

Furthermore, during the Cold War, America targeted not only Russia but also Europe, constantly trying to weaken England's influence. Given Lin Ran's status and position, it would have been incredibly easy for him to add fuel to the fire for Britain.

For Lin Ran, there was no need to wait at all; the opportunity came the very next day.

Negotiations with Downing Street took place in a conference room on the second floor of 10 Downing Street.

The room was small but quite elegantly decorated, with dark oak panels on the walls and a Victorian-era painting hanging on the wall.

A rectangular mahogany conference table occupies the center of the room, with the flags of England and America displayed on it.

On the table were a folder, a teacup, and a pot of freshly brewed Earl Grey tea.

Outside the window, raindrops gently tapped against the heavy glass, and the faint sounds of London's streets drifted from afar.

Although the fireplace was not lit, it added a touch of warmth to the room.

In the meeting room, Alec Douglas Holm, England's Foreign Secretary, was seated at one side of the table. He would become England's Prime Minister next year.

Holm, around 60 years old, wore a dark blue three-piece suit, had gray hair, and appeared very amiable. Beside him was Margaret Jones, a technical advisor from the Ministry of Defence, wearing a dark green suit, with short, neat hair. She had served in the Royal Air Force and was familiar with England's radar network.

Each side had a junior assistant responsible for taking notes and providing documents, sitting silently on either side of the conference table.

Lin Ran pushed open the door and entered. Water droplets from his umbrella fell onto the carpet. He took off his wet coat and hung it on a hanger, then shook hands with Holm. Steam rose from the teapot in the room, and his assistant handed him a cup of tea.

Holm smiled and said, “Sir, congratulations in advance on winning the Fields Medal, and welcome to London. The weather isn’t very friendly, but I hope our discussion will bring some warmth. Please have a seat.”

Lin Ran nodded and sat down, adjusting the position of his notebook on the table. "Thank you, Foreign Minister. I bring greetings from Washington. The President has high hopes for cooperation between our two countries, especially at this crucial time."

Holm said, "Let's get straight to the point, starting with space cooperation."

NASA is expanding its tracking network to support the Apollo program and satellite missions.

Lin Ran nodded and said, "That's right. England's geographical location is crucial to us. We hope to establish new ground stations in the British Isles or your overseas territories."

Margaret Jones asked, “Which facilities specifically? Judelbank is already operating at full capacity tracking Soviet spacecraft and missiles. We need more resources to support additional missions.”

Lin Ran said, "NASA is willing to provide equipment and funding. The initial plan is to build a small station in northern Scotland to receive satellite signals and conduct deep space communications. What do you think?"

Holm replied, “In principle, no problem, but it requires parliamentary approval. After all, the Soviets wouldn’t like us getting further involved in America’s space program; they’re already resentful of Turkey’s missiles.”

Before the Cuban crisis even began, England would certainly not have dared to agree so easily once it did.

Lin Ran chuckled and said, "We've seen Nikita's discontent many times, but his discontent is just that—discontent. It won't change our strategy."

Holm cautioned, “Speaking of the Soviet Union, we have reason to believe they have big plans in the Caribbean. Intelligence in early August indicated that cargo ships were frequently entering and leaving Cuba, possibly related to missile or space facilities.”

"Margaret, what has our radar network found?"

Margaret Jones said, "Our listening stations have picked up some unusual signals, but we can't confirm them. The Soviet Union's Vostok 3 and 4 were launched just the day before yesterday, which could be a cover operation. We can adjust our radar in the North Sea to focus on monitoring the Atlantic shipping lanes."

Holm asked, "If it really is a missile, we need more evidence. What are your U-2 reconnaissance aircraft's plans?"

Lin Ran shook his head and said, "I can help you report this information to the Ministry of National Defense and ask them to increase the flight frequency."

I have never participated in military operations.

However, I suspect that intelligence support from England might be needed, especially for observing the other side's launch activities from a European perspective.

Margaret Jones glanced at Holm and then said, “We can share Judeellbank’s data to piece together a more complete picture. But we want the U.S. to share photos of the U-2 as well. Intelligence is a two-way street.”

Lin Ran nodded: "No problem. I will report to the president and inform McNamara to make arrangements as soon as possible."

The rain outside the window was getting heavier, and the meeting was drawing to a close.

Holm then revealed his true intentions: "Sir, today's discussion was very fruitful. In addition, we hope that Washington can clarify the future of Sky Arrow as soon as possible, so that we can be at ease."

Downing Street insisted on seeing Lin Ran because of the Arrow in the Sky.

This term might sound unfamiliar. To put it simply, Sky Arrow is a ballistic missile launched from an aircraft, involving complex guidance and propulsion technologies, which overlap with those of space launch systems.

This system was primarily designed to counter the Soviet/Russian SA-2 surface-to-air missile, with the aim of giving England's bombers a nuclear deterrent capability.

Currently, the Royal Air Force's V-bombers (including the Victor, Valiant, and Vulcan) form the core of its nuclear deterrent, but these aircraft are aging and unable to penetrate the Soviet Union's new air defense network.

The Sky Arrow was born as a result.

But now America is ready to give up. Downing Street has had multiple rounds of communication with America, both publicly and privately.

Although America didn't say it explicitly, their information indicated that there was strong internal opposition within America, and they didn't want to waste resources on enhancing England's nuclear deterrent capabilities.

After all, America's medium-range intercontinental ballistic missiles have already been deployed to Turkey and Italy, so England doesn't need them and can simply cut the project.

This was a bolt from the blue for England.

America's nuclear deterrent capability has indeed not weakened, but England's nuclear deterrent capability is gone.

What if the Russians want to bomb us?
This is related to England's strategic security.

Downing Street then thought of Lin Ran, believing that as an English knight and a rising star in the White House, he might be able to play an unexpected role.

　Waaaaah, here are two chapters, a total of 10,000 words, please give me a monthly vote!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)