Chapter 329 New Situation and Old Rivals

The first day's meeting was held in this happy atmosphere. The whole process reflected the British Empire's reluctance to leave the subcontinent, especially the safety of these small countries after leaving, which was a top priority.

Perhaps it was too harmonious, and not even a representative of the Congress Party could intervene. By the time I thought of what to say, time had already passed.

The noise rose in the streets of Delhi, growing stronger and more numerous. Various noises were heard from all sides.

The rhythmic cries of merchants, the barking of dogs, and distant calls. With this vital voice, the streets of Delhi are filled with dark clouds and the light turns livid. Not a breath of wind.

For most people, national affairs are still too far away. It’s not that they don’t care, but that they have to solve the problem of having enough to eat before they have time to care.

The air of the Governor's Palace is filled with the fragrance of hay, verbena and osmanthus. On the table in the hall, there was a transparent bowl and cup, with several large straw molds floating in it, which looked so bright red against the backdrop of a few mint leaves.

Governor Mountbatten also began to do as the Romans did, and was no longer anxious to solve the problems of British India in a short time.

I began to enjoy my life in British India. At the reception, I showed my good coordination work and got along well with the representatives from various countries.

This scene made Sir Barron very happy. Now, General Mountbatten has finally entered the role of the Governor-General of British India. "Actually, the days of British India are not bad, aren't they?"

"Of course, but the Congress Party may not think so. Looking back now, should I give the Congress Party some opportunities to speak?" After Alan Wilson finished pretending, he remembered that the Congress Party should not be put aside. , I couldn’t help but feel a little regretful.

"Actually, this is not bad." Sir Barron didn't think this was a problem. "This is how diplomacy has always been done."

"When?" Alan Wilson grimaced. His immediate boss wouldn't look for an opportunity to beat his subordinates, would he? Alan Wilson was very unjust and he shed his blood for the Empire...

"The latest one was the Munich Conference." Sir Barron thought for a moment with a serious face and gave an accurate answer.

Alan Wilson raised his eyebrows. If his immediate boss said so, he would not be sleepy. As a witness of the Potsdam Conference, he must show his sense of existence at this time. It was he who betrayed Poland with his own hands...

"The pound issue has always been the most concerning thing in the country. Prime Minister Attlee has been facing the pressure of free convertibility." Sir Barron said holding a wine glass, "So there is one thing that the country has always insisted on, and that is to conquer India after independence. International trade must be settled in pounds sterling."

"This is for sure. If India does not agree, we would rather the subcontinent turns into a sea of ​​corpses and blood." Alan Wilson knew without thinking that the demand for free convertibility of the pound must come from the rebellious United States, whose blood is thicker than water.

But obviously, Prime Minister Attlee does not want to give in to this pressure and make the pound freely convertible once foreign exchange controls are lifted.

Not surprisingly, the United States, which has completely dominated Britain through World War II, will definitely turn the pound into a flood.

It seems that the Cold War was only a matter between the United States and the Soviet Union, but in fact, in the 1950s, the United States also attacked the United Kingdom. It's just not so obvious to the Soviet Union.

The US dollar, which has just knocked the British pound off the world currency position, has been wary of the British pound's resurgence. But there is really no good way now. After all, the economic power is very different, and Britain still owes the Americans a lot of money.

Although foreign exchange control is always used in connotations by Americans, there is no solution for the current British.

But there is no chance, but when the opportunity comes, two conditions must be met. The first condition is that the Americans made their own mistakes, and the second condition is that Britain has got rid of the sequelae of the war.

If there is a third rule, it is to let the Germans and French rush to the front. If the Americans can resist, Britain will not take action. If the United States shows weakness, Britain will never be polite.

Alan Wilson remembers that starting in 1968, the Braston Woods system had made the United States somewhat unable to withstand it, causing European countries to run on the United States' gold reserves. Of course, the trigger was actually earlier. It can be said that it has been brewing since de Gaulle came to power and sent warships to transport France's gold reserves back from the United States.

That time, Britain came to an end only after France first attacked the Breston Woods system.

But it was too late. There was almost nothing left in Britain in the original time and space of 1968. The colonies had already become independent when they were supposed to be independent, but they only gained short-term benefits and then died down.

The British thought they were behind, but in fact it was the Germans who ended the Breston Woods system. After Britain and France launched attacks on the Braston Woods system, Germany entered the market with huge funds, indicating the end of the concept that the dollar is equal to gold.

Germany, which was the last to die, reaped the biggest gains. In the 1960s, the pound still accounted for a quarter of the world's transactions. By the 1980s, the German mark had become the world's second largest reserve currency, replacing the pound's status.

With his heart relieved, Governor Mountbatten was extremely happy. Although he temporarily left the navy, he still maintained his navy style and handsome face, which was absolutely like the faces of those so-called sculptures. He wore black leather shoes, a gold watch, and dazzling teeth, all of which made him look like he was commanding a warship.

After chatting with Sir Barron for a while, Alan Wilson went to find Pamela Mountbatten. The two were playing in the corner of the hall. For the first time, Mountbatten didn't show any anger this time. Maybe he had understood. , Female students are not allowed to stay in college.

"How's the scenery in Ceylon?" Alan Wilson stood by the window with his hands on the edge of the window. He was like a licking dog. He couldn't be like this unless he was played with.

"To be honest?" Pamela Mountbatten smiled broadly, "It's much better than British India, and the locals are in better condition."

"Before Ceylon becomes independent, I want to try to sign a treaty with Ceylon on the use of naval bases." Alan Wilson nodded and said, "People say that Ceylon is the tears left by India. I like this metaphor very much. For Indians no longer cry, it would be better for us, the British Empire, to keep these tears away."

Ceylon is to India what Swindle Island is to a big country, at least that's what Alan Wilson thinks.

Later Ceylon had a population similar to that of Swindle Island, but its area was twice as large. The only disadvantage is that the straits between Ceylon and India are indeed not wide enough, which is a disadvantage compared to Swindle Island.

But there are also benefits. Although the dreamers of the Greater Indian Federation have always emphasized the close relationship between Ceylon and India, the main religions of the two are indeed different, and Ceylonese do not recognize it. Indians call Buddhism It is said that it is a branch of Hinduism. The headquarters of Theravada Buddhism is doing well, so why should it be a branch of Hinduism?

The narrow strait is not a problem for the current British Royal Navy. Besides, the strength of the Indian navy cannot be compared with that of a major country, so there is no problem in teasing India with Ceylon.

As an honest person, Alan Wilson did not deny that while he was serious now, he was still thinking about what time it would be to make Pamela shed tears of happiness.

Perhaps the role of the Congress Party was too transparent on the first day. On the second day, the Government House welcomed a real big shot, Patel, one of the three giants of the Congress Party and the leader of the conservatives.

However, Alan Wilson would not do anything just because of the opponent's name. The world is not black and white. Although Patel's political philosophy may intensify the situation in the subcontinent, he is also very hostile to the Soviet Union and devoted to freedom. Trade is a natural comprador leader.

I just don’t know whether this arrival will be beneficial or detrimental to Britain.

"After independence, India, as the largest country in the subcontinent, should naturally play a greater role." The giants of the Congress Party are here. Unlike yesterday, the representatives of the Congress Party also have a backbone and start to speak out.

Alan Wilson's expression froze slightly, and he squinted his eyes and asked, "I wonder where this greater role is reflected? It's a little too vague, not very clear."

"We believe that after India becomes independent, it will naturally inherit all the rights and interests of the British in the subcontinent." The representative of the Congress Party glanced at Patel, who nodded before continuing, "This meeting should also take into account India's interests are not just a British problem."

"Heh..." Alan Wilson chuckled, "What does this have to do with this meeting?"

"We hope that Mr. Allen can fully consider India's interests and make trade-offs. Otherwise, it is likely to affect the future relationship between Britain and India."

Alan Wilson stood up slowly with his hands on the table, chirped, and confirmed again, "Did I hear you correctly?"

"No, the Governor General has always avoided talking about the rights and interests that India should have after independence." Patel said, "Britain must make it clear that India is the successor of the subcontinent."

"Come here, please ask Mr. Patel to go back and wait for news." Alan Wilson said with a cold face, "We are all adults. We should know how to think with our heads when talking, instead of just saying what we think."

"Uh!" Edel came in just in time to see the stalemate. He didn't know what to do, and Patel remained motionless.

"Please go back, Mr. Patel." Alan Wilson frowned and repeated, and then said, "Forget it, I will personally send Mr. Patel away."

If I remember correctly, this should be the second time the two of them had a conflict. Last time, one of his subordinates was defeated, and this time again, do you really think he has a good temper?

The day's negotiations ended without any resolution, and Alan Wilson plunged into the telegraph room and began to hesitate on the issue between Aden and Mauritius.