Chapter 303 The Governor Arrives in New Delhi

This meant that the Governor-General of British India, who had been vacant for several months, was finally going to take office. General Mountbatten's long-term struggle finally came to no result. Pamela Mountbatten had already packed her bags and was waiting to set off.

Good news about U.S. Steel finally came after the merger was successful. This was priceless information in the eyes of sources. On the one hand, post-war reconstruction led to a surge in demand for steel. On the other hand, this meant that U.S.-funded companies penetrated into British India. milestone, with great symbolic significance.

Encouraged by the good news, U.S. Steel's stock price soared, seemingly returning to its peak overnight, almost comparable to the grand occasion when old Morgan founded U.S. Steel.

Edwina Ashley also made money on the rise in U.S. Steel stock on the good news. Now she believes that the family's fortune will definitely be very good in the new year.

The sequelae was that her youngest daughter mentioned Allen more and more often. Pamela Mountbatten did not dare to waste words in front of General Mountbatten. Instead, she acted as a good daughter and tried to reduce her sense of presence.

But in front of her mother, she didn’t care so much, not to mention that Alan Wilson had not forgotten the Mountbatten family and leaked the news at the critical moment, so that Edwina Ashley had the opportunity to experience the feeling of a sudden increase in wealth.

Mountbatten didn't say much after returning home, and directly revealed the news that he was going to take office, "Pack your things and get ready to set off."

"Okay!" As the wife, Edwina Ashley nodded, she was able to make it clear that her husband really didn't want to go.

Mountbatten's greatest ideal was to be Sea Secretary, just like his father, but in order for Mountbatten to accept the position of Governor-General of British India, Prime Minister Tory proposed to the British King that he be named "Earl Mountbatten of Burma".

King George was particularly pleased that a member of the royal family had received this honor through his own merit. Since Mountbatten had no sons, the British King also made an unusual decision to allow Mountbatten's daughters to inherit the title so as not to interrupt this honor after Mountbatten's death.

After Mountbatten heard the good news, he was happy but also a little sad. He has a lifelong nostalgia for the title "Lord Lewis" he inherited from his father, and has an almost superstitious feeling, believing that it has brought him a lot of good luck.

However, he did not care about those when receiving higher honors, and accepted the title of Earl Mountbatten of Burma without hesitation.

If you accept it, you must go to the post. Even General Mountbatten tried hard to fight and took action, but it was of no use. In the end, he still went to British India.

"Pamela, aren't you happy?" Seeing his unusually quiet little daughter, Mountbatten asked proactively, "Hasn't my daughter always wanted to return to New Delhi?"

"I have to consider my father's feelings. Allen also advised me to leave British India at that time and not be too selfish and mess around with my family." Pamela Mountbatten replied obediently, "Although I really want to stay in That."

Mountbatten, who failed after fighting fate, felt a little relieved at this time. This may be God's arrangement. "This time you can see your sweetheart again. I am not against you two. He is too young for his age." Sophisticated, but surprisingly courageous, my father is mainly afraid that you will be saddened by something in the future."

"But this is your choice. I also said that if I return to British India, I will never interfere in your affairs."

A few days after the New Year, London was still shrouded in smoke, showing the majesty of the foggy city. The newly appointed Governor-General of British India and his family packed their bags and prepared to go to New Delhi to take up their posts. Although this was not Mountbatten’s own dream, he also understood the job. It is difficult, but since you accept it, you must make relevant preparations.

At least in the eyes of others, the Mountbatten family went to their posts with joy, heading towards a powder keg that was about to explode at any time.

"A little higher, a little bigger, this sign needs to be updated every day." On the avenue between New Delhi and Delhi, a countdown to the independence of British India sign is being erected under the personal care of Alan Wilson.

This was not a secret operation, it was done openly and openly. Naturally, it attracted many Delhi citizens to watch and whisper to each other as they watched this scene.

Even in Delhi, not everyone understands the meaning of these numbers, even though Arabic numerals were invented in ancient India.

After hearing the explanation from a knowledgeable person who was actually just a literate person, everyone cheered and looked at the huge sign with hopeful eyes. Every day that passed meant that the time for the British to leave was one day closer.

For many people, the current suffering is just the darkness before dawn. Everyone can see the day when India regains its freedom, but they have to endure it for now.

"Look at those Indians. Ordinary Indians have very good personalities. It's okay to get in touch with them individually." Alan Wilson was right opposite the Indian onlookers, commenting with a telescope in his hand, but then the conversation started. He changed his mind and said, "But as a group, they are simply unreasonable."

"Perhaps they are all waiting for the dawn to come. Everyone wants to witness that day." Commissioner Secretary Edel shrugged, "Actually, it is not incomprehensible, but our position is inconsistent with theirs."

"We are all people with modern education. The so-called darkness before dawn does not exist. Because day and night alternate, all religions call for the world to be filled with truth, goodness and beauty, but which religion has done this for thousands of years?"

Alan Wilson put down the telescope and shook his head slightly and said, "If the Indians want to see it, just keep looking. It's just a sign. We have to go back. Although the winter in India is short, it is not weak."

Alan Wilson remembers the news that Thailand encountered a cold wave one year, and dozens of people froze to death. When he checked the temperature, it was five degrees above zero! The temperature in New Delhi in January is a little higher than this, but for many Indians who are close to the proletariat, the temperature is not very friendly.

The last thing the new Governor did before he took office was for the Government House to remind British expatriates in various cities to open up the free buying and selling of real estate and allow Indians to purchase properties in British communities.

Out of prudence, the pilot city began with Calcutta, which was Alan Wilson's last escape opportunity for British expatriates to cash out and leave British India.

Different from the same period in history, as the fighting between the Congress Party and the Muslim League became more and more fierce, the expatriates in British India conducted an emergency evacuation.

Although this saved the lives of the expatriates, it can also be said that apart from their lives, all the wealth of the expatriates in British India was lost.

Now Alan Wilson gave these expatriates a choice, either to return to England with the end of British India or to continue living in independent India, the choice was in their hands.

At the same time, Alan Wilson is still drafting press releases to prove that India is about to move from one victory to another through countdown signs and open real estate for free sale and purchase.

In fact, even if he does nothing, I believe the Indians will interpret it this way. However, the Indian interpretation is not as professional as his executor. Alan Wilson can casually interpret it. India is bound to win and the British Empire is bound to lose. reasons. It is more comprehensive than what Indian newspapers interpreted.

In the Governor's Palace, Sir Barron, the British Commissioner for India, chatted with Alan Wilson, "Our Governor is already on his way. He actually has many advantages, but newspapers only pay attention to eye-catching jokes, right, Alan."

"He is generous, loyal and reliable, and goes out of his way to solve people's problems. He is kind-hearted and likes everyone he meets. He is polite, thoughtful and considerate. He has amazing endurance and is always ready to listen to the opinions of others. .”

Sir Barron nodded in approval, "Leaving complex government affairs into the hands of professionals is the greatest advantage."

"I approve very much!" Alan Wilson nodded, quoting the Cabinet Secretary's words in the telegram, "The train is also an independent entity, but the rails allow it to move along its established route."

For Mountbatten, the needs of the British Empire led him to aspire to become Britain's First Sea Lord, like his father.

The ideal sailing is not so smooth, but he remains true to his original intention.

The governorship of British India was met with minor ups and downs, but he believed that as long as it took a year and a half to resolve the matter, he could return to his beloved navy.

General Mountbatten and his family are constantly changing their fortunes. Now that they have decided to take office, there is no need to use the method of taking a boat to delay time. London, Rome, Cairo, Aden, New Delhi.

A few days later, the military plane of the new Governor-General of British India landed at the New Delhi Airport. The door opened, and Sir Barron came with people from the Governor's Palace to welcome General Mountbatten.

Lord Barron carefully prepared the salute and red carpet to maintain the last dignity of the British Empire in British India. Mountbatten himself walked down with his wife Edwina Ashley, followed by Pamelamon dragging his suitcase. Barton.

"Mr. Vice-President, we have been waiting for you to arrive in New Delhi for a long time." With a sincere smile on his face, Sir Barron greeted General Mountbatten, followed by his wife Edwina Ashley, and finally Pamela Mountbatten said, "Oh, Pamela, welcome back."

"It's been a long time, Sir Barron. I didn't expect that we would have a chance to work together. Well..." Mountbatten was speechless and looked at the other side helplessly.

"It's so heavy." Pamela Mountbatten pouted, and Alan Wilson understood. He took a step forward to take the suitcase away from the crowd, and replied dumbfounded, "This is also called heavy. It's not like you haven't seen me before. suitcases, none of which is heavier than this one."

The exchange between the two of them as if no one was around directly broke General Mountbatten's defense. Boy, please tell me clearly why my daughter has seen your suitcase...

"The Governor's Palace has prepared a dinner for the distinguished deputy prince and his wife to relieve their fatigue." Sir Barron spoke promptly and made a gesture of invitation to remind the deputy prince not to care about those details.