Chapter 396 British Newfoundland
"But that place is now regarded as a burden by the whole of London." Norman Brook said with a wry smile, "Such a cold place has a small population, and there is also huge financial pressure. From previous reports, we know that Allen is responsible for the major colonies. We all understand, and anyway, even if I go, there is nothing I can do except apply for assistance from London."
"That's why we let him retreat before the difficulties!" Old God Edward Bridges said, "The location of British Malaya is so important. The coast of Malacca is no less important than the Suez Canal. How can such an important place be so important? Shouldn't he just go and find a place to prove his ability?"
"Edward, you also know that as the Cabinet Secretary, I have a lot of things to do, so it is up to you to communicate with him personally on this matter." After Norman Brook finished his polite words, his speaking speed suddenly increased, and he turned around as soon as he finished speaking, " I’m going back first, and I’ll be here if you encounter any difficulties.”
Alan Wilson, who still knew nothing about his future destiny, had just crossed the English Channel and set foot on British land. He said boldly, "Let's build the Hoxon Manor first. Once we have the house, we can have a lively house." Wedding, construction of the manor will begin when spring comes.”
"Actually, I don't want a manor." Pamela Mountbatten couldn't hide the smile on her face after hearing the heart-warming words. "The main thing is that we want to have a home of our own, just for the two of us."
"My dear, we are still very similar in some ways." Alan Wilson praised with a smile. For example, this mentality of standing and begging is exactly the same.
From the time he returned to Europe to now, Alan Wilson believes that although he has not completed the tasks assigned to him 100%, at least there are no major mistakes. Now he wants a free place to show his talents. This requirement is not too much. point.
In the plan of the two heads of civil servants, there does exist a place of freedom, but it conflicts with the freedom understood by Alan Wilson. At the same time that Alan Wilson returned to his homeland, Governor Mountbatten, who was far away in New Delhi, officially announced The time of transfer of power.
At the same time, Mountbatten's plan has been sent to London and handed over to Prime Minister Attlee for approval. At first, Mountbatten specifically asked the cabinet for full power in order not to go to British India to take office, but now, Mountbatten still thinks about it. You must not just do whatever you say. The cabinet must approve it.
On January 10, the plan for the partition of India and Pakistan was officially delivered to London. The main purpose of this plan is: after the independence of the subcontinent, two independent countries will be formed - India and Pakistan; Bangladesh and Punjab can be separated and merged. It can be added to India and Pakistan, or it can be added to India and Pakistan as two entities, or it can exist independently.
Regarding the status of princes and states, the plan was very vague, implying that they would determine their own future. Mountbatten asked the cabinet to consider and adopt this plan within days no matter what.
The Labor cabinet responded within a week. The amendments to the plan were made at the request of the British Parliament, which wanted to clarify several ambiguities.
The revised plan more explicitly states that India's various regions can determine their own destiny. Apart from this, no new content is added to the plan.
Mountbatten believed that the only new issue that would cause confusion in the plan was the suggestion that the northwest should also have the freedom to choose independence. However, he believed that this must be the case and that there must always be some hidden dangers left for the former colonies. Otherwise, the development would be too good and would definitely not be in line with Britain. Interests.
Governor Mountbatten in New Delhi,
Waiting for a reply from London, Mountbatten said to Commissioner Barron and Secretary-General Ismay, "I have a hunch that Nehru will go crazy."
"Actually, he should have been mentally prepared." Sir Barron said calmly, "Ali Jinnah will not compromise. By the way, we had a record before, that is, to distribute money before leaving, and now it has been implemented It’s time.”
"Send money?" Governor Mountbatten was stunned. He seemed to have heard similar words several times, but now British India is financially empty, where is the money?
"The new banknotes have just come off the production line and the ink has not yet dried." Sir Barron said without changing his expression. "The main purpose of this issue is to give one hundred rupees to every resident of British India, regardless of his religion, caste, or Everyone has a share.”
As for Governor Mountbatten's desire to communicate with Nehru first, the two strongly opposed disclosing the plan to one party in advance. They said it was unfair to give the plan to only one party but not the other.
"The plan is of such great importance that we cannot be picky about the procedural details. In any case, it is the Congress Party, which is committed to the subcontinent as a country, and not Jinnah's Muslim League who may oppose the plan. Do you think so!"
"That's right!" Barron and Ismay nodded. "The bubble is destined to burst. It's good for the Congress Party to wake up."
Regarding the exact news of the partition of India and Pakistan, Ali Jinnah knew before Nehru. This is very normal. After all, Pakistan’s good friend Alan Wilson was there. He also stated in the telegram that Pakistan should prepare for the worst. .
Not only was he a good friend of Pakistan, he also had an unbreakable friendship with the Maharaja of Hyderabad, Ali Khan, and naturally, the ruler of Hyderabad also knew about it.
At this time, Alan Wilson was carrying out activities for his future, inquiring about information to see if he could successfully complete the two tasks of the engine and the Paris Conference, and an opportunity to benefit the public would come to him.
"Alan, both Norman and I have noticed your work ability. To be fair, there are not many young civil servants who are as open-minded, upright, and know how to share, especially reliable, like you."
Edward Bridges met Alan Wilson in his office and directly stated that he had always been very optimistic about his development. He even said that his support was personal and he also paid a meager salary for this. , subscribed to Pamela Mountbatten's exploration company shares, which is enough to show his love as a boss.
Alan Wilson looked stunned and said to himself, "You've made a lot of money. No matter whether you subscribed for London or Paris, the future will be an opportunity for you to bow down if you have money in the underground."
"Alan, you know, in a place as important as Malaya, your qualifications are still very problematic. Although Norman and I are very optimistic about you, there are some things that cannot be decided by being optimistic." Edward Bridges pondered for a moment and said, "In view of this, in fact, from a future perspective, you should settle down for a period of time, so that you can better benefit the public in the future. As for Malaya, the cabinet now has all the local colonies The plan to merge and implement unified management, you have to know that once merged, it will be a large colony with an area more than twice that of the UK. If you want to go, there will be many competitors."
"Dear Sir Edward, but what I have learned is that I am definitely good at dealing with the Chinese. I have also lived in Hong Kong." Alan Wilson is still fighting in vain to show that he has an advantage and can definitely do something for the British Empire. contribute.
He is not bragging, there is no one in Malaya and the whole of Britain who is more suitable than him. If the colony cannot be maintained by itself, it will be in vain for others and it will be lost sooner or later.
Looking at Alan Wilson who looked like he wanted to make progress too much, Edward Bridges said noncommittally, "As for your arrangement, the White House still attaches great importance to it. There are currently two options. One is to make arrangements for Europe. Deputy Secretary-General, responsible for follow-up to the Marshall Plan.”
It's still in London. To put it nicely, it's the hosting job. There are so many giant Buddhas in London, so he has to make the decision in that round.
Alan Wilson tactfully stated that diplomatic work was not very compatible with his own personality. After all, he had just made a mistake at the Paris Conference, publicly blaming the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries, and talking about Finlandization, which even led to Prime Minister Attlee Being personally friendly to Moscow and now in charge of European affairs is slightly detrimental to European unity.
"That's true." Edward Bridges nodded in approval. If it hadn't been for this, this arrangement would have been a sure thing, but now Alan Wilson has indeed just scolded half of Europe as not worth a penny.
If Alan Wilson was put in charge of Britain's European affairs when the person involved was still in the limelight, it would indeed easily arouse the hostility of the Soviet Union. After all, Edward Bridges did not want his promising juniors to take such a big risk.
After coughing softly, Edward Bridges said slowly, "There is currently another position, which is similar to colonial work. It can be said that it is actually colonial work, but the conditions are a little more difficult. If you can prove this A job that combines diplomacy and administration, prove your own abilities, and I believe your colleagues will have a new evaluation of your work ability.”
"Sir Edward, just say that's where it is." Alan Wilson patted his chest. As long as he can be the leader, not the deputy secretary-general in charge of European affairs, and asking for instructions from a group of giant Buddhas above every day, he can do it anywhere.
"That's what you said!" Edward Bridges leaned back tactically, indicating that it had nothing to do with him. "Why don't General Mountbatten come back and make it difficult for us?"
"Then where is it?" When Alan Wilson saw Edward Bridges's attitude, he felt a little unsure, and his momentum dropped a lot.
"First of all, the area is not smaller than Malaya. If you can manage such a large place, I believe you can adapt to it if you go to Malaya to work one day." Edward Bridges made a high-profile evaluation, "In fact, the British Empire has a good foundation in the local area, and there are no cultural barriers."
So where is it? Alan Wilson waited silently. Finally, after Edward Bridges mentioned many advantages, he finally said, "Newfoundland lacks a governor, if you don't mind? Huh?"
It takes a genius to remember the address of this website in one second:. Mobile version reading URL: