Chapter 405 The future of the princely state (fourth update, please subscribe)
The British Empire was very poor, but the Indian princes were very rich!
Sitting in the car, Berlin looked through the information in his hand from time to time. If he was shocked at this time, he was already frightened by the wealth of the Indian princes.
"The local tycoons, they are really a group of local tycoons!"
Any normal European can hardly imagine how much wealth those princes have, not just astronomical figures, it is... basically Wealth unimaginable to man.
"Perhaps, they own all the wealth in India..."
While thinking this, the car was already driving into the presidential residence, and then Berlin got out of the car.
"...Neacham of Hyderabad was the only monarch in India to enjoy the title of "His Royal Highness the Fanatic". During the First World War, he donated a huge sum of 500 million pounds to the British. The British Later, this title was specially awarded as a token of gratitude."
When referring to this donation, Berlin emphasized.
“At the exchange rate at the time, this donation was almost US$2.4 billion!”
Taking a deep breath, Berlin couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva. This saliva was greedy and eager.
One-time donation of US$2.4 billion!
"Well, this is almost equivalent to one percent of the GDP of the United States! How about it? Isn't it very rich!"
While sighing, Li Yian added.
“They are too rich. Junagadh is a tiny fiefdom located in the north of Mumbai. The local prince Nawab is obsessed with dogs. In order to hold a “marriage” ceremony for his dog, he invited princes from all Indian states. and celebrities, including the Vice-President of India. Of course, the Vice-President certainly did not attend, but there were still 150,000 guests crowded into the "marriage" ceremony. This celebration cost one million pounds and was held in Zhuzhou. In Nagad, a man is not as happy as a dog.”
In fact, this kind of thing is also very common in later generations!
While sighing, Li Yian continued.
“The common characteristic of these princes is that they have accumulated huge wealth in the past few hundred years. Just like Nicham, even if he donated 2.4 billion US dollars, he still remained One of the richest people in the world, the financial resources possessed by the princes of Liol, Cooch Behar, Badialala, Hyderabad, Kashmir, Mysore, Gwalior and Baroda were Astonishing, 20 billion? 30 billion? Maybe more..."
How much wealth do those princes have?
No one knows, but one thing is for sure, they are very rich. Although he was a little jealous, Li Yian did not focus on their money, but hoped that they would use their money in the right place.
"So, you hope they use money to buy independence?"
Berlin looked at Li Yian and smiled.
“Can money buy independence?”
“Money can buy everything. Under certain circumstances, Britain is very poor now. Last year, in order to survive the financial crisis, they even They had to borrow US$1.4 billion from Canada. In order to win over the people and gain their support, Attlee's Labor Party could even dismantle the Royal Navy. What else could they not do? "< br>
It’s not that it can’t be done, it’s that it can’t be done!
"Attlee's cabinet did everything they could to win the support of the people. Faced with the situation in India, the former Governor-General Wavell asked London for help - 200,000 British troops and 500 million pounds were needed. The situation in India can be ensured.
After calculating an account, Attlee and others refused. They believed that by withdrawing troops from India and giving India freedom, Britain could save 200 million pounds a year, and 200 million pounds could be provided. 100,000 housing units. So... give it up!"
Shrugging his shoulders, Li Yi'an didn't even bother to complain about Attlee, what are they doing? Do you want to tear down the foundations of the British Empire yourself?
On the surface it seems to be for the benefit of the British people, but in reality?
Behind the sanctimony, it is all business. Don’t they know the importance of India’s existence to the British economy and future? Of course they know, but they need to choose whoring,
"They can give up India for 200 million pounds, then they can support the independence of the independent states for the interest-free loan of 5 billion US dollars!"
When mentioning "independence of the independent states", Li Yi'an's tone was slightly clear Somewhat proudly, using an "interest-free loan" or even a donation in exchange for the Attlee cabinet's support for "principal independence" is definitely a very cost-effective investment. Of course, the money came from the princes.
Myself, no, it should be said that "Hydra" is just planning all this from behind the scenes.
"The British are indeed very poor, and they are very likely to accept the conditions proposed by the princes. Just like yours, the Labor cabinet needs a large amount of money to win over the people, but, sir, there are A question, have you considered it? ”
Berlin thought for a moment and said.
“In this process, one of the problems we have to face is that most of these princely states are countries within states. They have no outlet to the sea and are surrounded by India. Even their princely states There are also internal instability factors. For example, the Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir is a Hindu, and of the four million subjects under his jurisdiction, three-quarters are Muslims, while the Nicham of Hyderabad is a Hindu. , he is a Muslim, but there are 20 million Hindus and 3 million Muslims in his state."
After pointing out the problems within the state, Berlin said.
"This means the possibility of future turmoil. Without British support, their rule is likely to be overthrown, and even India or Pakistan are likely to occupy their country. Their independence is It can’t last long.”
Faced with Berlin’s reminder, Li Yian smiled.
"There's no problem!"
"What?"
Berlin was stunned and didn't even react.
“No problem? In that case, why do we have to work so hard to do this?”
“Because if it is done, the independence of those feudal states will mean nothing to us. An unexpected gain, even if it fails, well, that is natural, but it leaves a problem - the independence of those countries is recognized by the international community, and India's annexation of those countries will, to a large extent, Divert the world’s attention from us ”
In fact, supporting the independence of the independent states is a very profitable thing in Li Yi'an's view. No, it is even a business without capital. If the independent states can become independent and persist, then India will be fragmented. In this way, not only Nanyang With one less opponent in the Indian Ocean, Tangshan's threat to the west will be greatly reduced.
As for India's occupation of those princely states that have gained de facto independence, a series of chain reactions will also occur - such as United Nations intervention, such as sanctions within the Commonwealth in the days to come. In a word, India Don't think about being the backbone between the British Commonwealth and the Soviet Union and the United States like in history.
“For a long time in the future, there will always be people mentioning our purchase of the three eastern districts, but the purchase is at least somewhat reasonable, but what about India’s military invasion? If the United Nations If they have nothing to do, then we will help them find something to do.”
To make trouble, you don’t have to be in Berlin. You can also make trouble in the South Asian subcontinent. Nehru would tolerate a few people inside. A country within a country?
"Uh..."
Berlin couldn't help but fell silent, and after a moment, he said.
“Based on the military strength of the princely states, it is almost difficult for them to resist the invasion of the Indian army or Pakistan.”
“That’s why we should encourage them to strengthen their armaments!”
Li Yian smiled.
“If necessary, we can set up a mercenary company to help them fight. Since they have no shortage of money, we can just take the opportunity to start business, don’t you think?”
Looking at Berlin in front of him, Li Yian smiled.
"Hydra... can first use India as a training ground and conduct some exercises, what do you think?"
(End of this chapter)