Chapter 991 The End of the British Empire (First update, please subscribe)
July, midsummer in London, is the most pleasant time of the year. The blue sky is clear and the sun shines on the ancient streets, giving the city a golden glow.
On the morning of Sunday, July 22, London’s major parks were as lively as ever, with people strolling leisurely or sitting around on the grass enjoying a picnic.
In this season, picnics and play have become people’s daily routine. Men were fishing by the river, while women were playing in the park with their children. Such weekends seem to be no different than usual, full of comfort and harmony in life.
Johnson walked alone on the streets of the city, his steps light and casual, as if he was looking for something. As he stepped into the park and sat on a bench, an abandoned newspaper caught his eye. In the newspapers, the speeches of Egyptian President Nasser appeared vividly on the paper. Those words about colonialism, free choice and the abolition of unequal treaties exploded in his heart like a bombshell.
“…Colonialism has always been the source of instability in the world and must be eradicated… All countries have the right to freely choose their political and economic systems… All countries have the right to abrogate all unequal treaties signed with colonialist countries !”
After reading these words, Johnson felt an indescribable emotion in his heart.
Although many people in this world will be excited and excited by his words, in fact, politicians all know that everything he says is just rhetoric.
He stood up slowly, left the park and walked into the bustling street.
This news is no longer new. Yesterday it swept the whole world like a violent storm. As the largest shareholder of the Suez Canal, the UK was naturally shocked by this sudden news. Yet, in shock, people were watching Britain, waiting for their response.
However, not everyone is immersed in this tension and anxiety. People in the park are still enjoying the summer sunshine and delicious food, as if the world's major events have nothing to do with them. The happy smiles on their faces were in sharp contrast to the heaviness in Johnson's heart.
Johnson's thoughts drifted back to before the war. At that time, when the German army crossed the Polish border, people in the park gathered together and shouted loudly to defend the allies and the glory of the British Empire. Their cries were like thunder, moving men, women and children. However, all this has only happened more than ten years ago, and now few people pay attention to all this. Even now, few people care that Britain's interests have been harmed.
The glory of the empire seems to have been forgotten in the corner of history, replaced by the pursuit and enjoyment of a better life.
This is Britain now!
Johnson shook his head helplessly, his heart full of emotion. He understands that times are changing and people's ideas are also changing. However, only in the hearts of the older generation, the glory and faith of the past are difficult to let go.
He stood on the roadside, staring at Downing Street in the distance. It is the center of power and where big events are about to happen.
Reporters have gathered there, looking expectantly at the iconic black door.
Johnson knew that a world-changing storm was brewing there.
He lit a cigarette and took a deep breath. Smoke filled the air, bringing him a sense of peace. In the distance, the newspaper seller's voice came to his ears again:
"Look at Mr. Eden's speech - Nasser is declaring war on the British Empire!"
>
...the British Empire.
The word echoed in Johnson's ears. He sneered, but his heart was filled with helplessness. In this day and age, some people still mention this term.
However, he soon felt relieved. He understood that people used this word because it once represented a kind of glory and faith. Even though it has become a part of history, its status in people's hearts will never change. When facing a crisis, people will always think of that word.
British Empire!
This word belongs to history and has been buried long ago. But in special times, people will always pick it up.
It seems that it can always inject some power into people, if those who are enjoying the holidays and sunshine still care about the British Empire.
Johnson took a deep drag on the cigarette to bring his thoughts back to reality, and then after finishing the cigarette two or three times in succession, he threw the cigarette butt on the ground, stamped it out with his foot, and headed towards the Prime Minister's Office. He walked over and soon, he walked into the office under everyone's gaze.
Johnson, who has worked in the Prime Minister's Office for ten years, is a senior secretary in the office. He has worked for Churchill, Attlee and others, and now he is working for Eden.
Prime ministers will change, but civil servants will not.
He asked after entering the office.
"The Prime Minister is still in the office?"
"Yes, they have been discussing."
What are they discussing? Of course, we are discussing how to deal with this emergency.
"Johnson, what decision do you think the Prime Minister will make?"
Facing the question from his colleagues, Johnson thought for a moment and said.
"The British Empire... will never be silent!"
Almost at the same time, in the office upstairs, Eden said to his cabinet colleagues.
"Well, gentlemen, we have to make a decision - let Nasser take away our canal, or defend British interests!"
As Prime Minister, Eden said As he asked the question, he felt more helpless. Although he had already anticipated this before the incident happened, he never thought that Nasser would really do that - forcibly take back the Suez Canal.
This is a clear violation of the agreement they had reached with him before this.
"Mr. Prime Minister, we all know how important the Suez Canal is to Britain. If they are allowed to take away the canal, then all our interests east of Suez will have to be given up. By then, we will We will even lose all the East African colonies..."
After Lloyd finished his words, Colonial Secretary John Hale emphasized from the side.
"Mr. Prime Minister, our colonies in East Africa have basically achieved balance of payments. Maintaining the colonies in East Africa is extremely important to the British economy. Thanks to Nanyang's investment, that colony has become more and more prosperous. It’s getting richer.”
As the Colonial Secretary, John has witnessed the changes in the East African colonies in the past few years. In the past, those colonies were just a waste of money, but what about now? With the help of Nanyang Capital, many places, including Kenya, have become cows! Cows that could benefit the UK!
Because of this, John is very clear about the significance of the Suez Canal to Britain.
“So, we must take back the Suez Canal!”
John’s suggestion made Aiden think for a while, and he already had the answer in his heart. After all, they had already done this before Everything has been planned, and Nanyang...has already joined in!
“However, we must also consider the international response,”
Sued said from the sidelines.
"I think we need to make some diplomatic efforts first, at least to let the outside world believe that we are trying this before we consider the next step."
Sued's reminder made Aiden think for a moment. Finally, he said.
"Okay, let's coordinate with the French first. They will definitely be waiting for our statement."
Soon, the meeting ended just like before - Britain will never compromise. Just when the press officer announced this decision to the outside world,
As Prime Minister, Eden stood by the window and stared out the window. He knew that no matter what happened in the future, he They will all face it firmly. Because he was a member of the British Empire, his persistent pursuit of glory and faith was always burning in his heart.
As the Prime Minister of the British Empire, he must defend the British Empire. This is what he deserves, whether outsiders can understand it or not.
Just like Churchill, he always tried his best to safeguard the interests of the British Empire. Although in front of the Labor Party, they only defended the British Empire, but in many cases they ignored the interests of the British Empire. people.
But those young politicians never know that the British Empire and the British people are themselves a whole. When you sacrifice the interests of the British Empire, you also sacrifice the interests of the British people.
In fact, this is the saddest thing about politicians... What they are dedicated to maintaining is precisely what the people cannot understand.
But on the contrary, when the Labor Party told them, I will give you bread, I will give you houses, and I will give you medical care, those people chose them instead.
Those people will never understand all this, all this they got. Where do you come from? Instead, they will deny many things in a condescending manner.
Just like they accuse the Conservative Party now, they accuse the Conservative Party of being outdated and backward, but they ignore that everything they have comes from...a kind of decadence that belongs to the old era. of—the welfare of the British Empire.
(End of this chapter)