Chapter 451 Submit Plan
Alan Wilson was also well prepared and raised several issues that are of great concern to the citizens of Newfoundland. The current world, not counting the civil war in a certain big country and the two wars between India and Pakistan, Israel and the Arabs, is of course also Something else happened.
That is, the Italian election results have come out. The Catholic Democratic Party has suppressed the Italian Communist Party through a series of mergers and became the ruling party in Italy. It has now joined the Marshall Plan.
“My fellow members, no matter what state Newfoundland will be in in the future, as the current Chief Executive of Newfoundland, I have the responsibility to remind you that Europe, as the world center of modern society, will never fall into poverty for a long time. , although it was hit hard because of the war, the destruction also brought demand." Alan Wilson tapped the table lightly, "In the next three to five years, Europe will undergo a lot of reconstruction work, and Newfoundland should seize it. This opportunity. Blood is thicker than water, and the local market will help you open up the European market."
"Of course, Chief Allen, your plan for Newfoundland's work is seen by every citizen." Some members spoke one after another, saying that Newfoundland would not let go of the opportunity to rebuild Europe.
"In this case, it is reassuring. There are corporate tax factors, the import of European raw materials, and Newfoundland's rich fishing grounds. These three factors will form the future economic foundation of Newfoundland. As a former chief executive, I am very optimistic about This is a great honor.”
Alan Wilson paused after saying this, "I hope that the majority of the committee members will not criticize Mr. Joy. Everyone has the right to express their opinions. Although the statement of merging Canada may be controversial again, we should not betray ourselves because of it." , the vocabulary of conspiracy to make accusations.”
"The future of Newfoundland is ultimately in the hands of the citizens themselves." Alan Wilson lied with a red face. Although he despised such a referendum in his heart, he still gave it a superficial respect, " I need some representatives to follow me to London and demand a referendum to decide the future of Newfoundland. Restoration of the Dominion, or becoming a Crown Domain, and annexation to Canada could be an option."
Alan Wilson has always had the habit of talking loudly. Although there are a total of forty-seven people in the Parliament, his own words account for one-third. Especially when the voices of annexing Canada and opposing the annexation of Canada are directed at each other, he Started a long argument, but in the end no one was right.
The resolution to apply for a referendum in London was the outcome of this meeting between Alan Wilson and these Newfoundland representatives, and then the broadcast ended and the rest was left to the citizens to discuss.
After the meeting, Alan Wilson called Savejevic and said, "I took some committee members to London to discuss the referendum. What Newfoundland needs most during this period is stability. You and some Chinese labor leaders After careful discussion, it is best not to leave the logging area.
It shouldn't be a problem, everyone is a reasonable person. "
"I have met both Su and Tian. They are both good communicators. Mr. Allen's request should not be a problem. I personally have a problem." Savievich said.
"If you have any questions, just ask." Alan Wilson put his hands in his pockets and smiled, "You are not an outsider. I sent you to Africa."
"If London doesn't want Newfoundland to be independent, just say so. Why does it still allow a referendum?" Savievich shook his head and said, "What's the point of doing this?"
"There are so many meanings, it's hard to explain to you. But I also happen to hate the tradition of referendums in British politics." Alan Wilson said with a helpless smile, "In other countries, this problem would be really easy to solve. .The United States may not even exist."
If it were any other country, it would basically be repression. The further east the country goes, the less willing it is to let go. It just so happens that the UK is lacking in this regard.
"Boris, you also have your job." Alan Wilson looked at Boris, who has been quite progressive recently, and said, "Newfoundland's referendum will definitely cause widespread debate, whether it is to join Canada, maintain the Dominion, or A very small number of people want to join the United States, but many citizens will join the discussion. Please pay attention to this situation!"
Seeing Boris nod, Alan Wilson looked at the time and said, "Tomorrow we will go to the military base in the north, where we will take a plane to London. The work of maintaining stability in Newfoundland will be left to you."
On October 4th, Alan Wilson had arrived in London. He also took the Newfoundland delegation to London for the second time. He walked out of the airport and took a deep breath of smog. Hmm! It’s still the familiar taste of London.
The last time the Newfoundland delegation came to London, they were quite neglected. This time it was different. With Alan Wilson, who was well-connected in Whitehall, the previous unpleasantness would never happen again.
Alan Wilson brought forward four options for Newfoundland after the referendum, including maintaining colonial status, annexing to Canada, restoring the Dominion and converting it into a crown territory. There is actually a fifth, but this needs to be discussed with the head of cabinet.
First, Alan Wilson found Michael Edison, the permanent undersecretary of the Colonial Department, and explained the purpose of his visit, "Michael, this time I have brought a Newfoundland representative to London to discuss the referendum."
"The minister's suggestion is that, except for joining the United States, you can decide everything else by yourself." Michael Edison repeated his previous attitude.
"Then I really made my own decision. Will London accept it after I decide?" Seeing the change in Michael Edison's eyes, Alan Wilson also discovered his slip of the tongue and explained, "Don't worry, I didn't let it happen either. The idea of annexing Newfoundland to the United States, I mean the trade-offs in the scheme.”
"Alan, it's better not to make such a joke." Michael Edison seemed to be startled and said, "Then let's talk about the current plan for Newfoundland. I will hand the plan to the minister."
"Direct independence, annexation of Canada, and the latter two are the restoration of the Dominion and the transformation into a royal territory." Alan Wilson said while introducing the pros and cons of each plan, and time passed little by little.
Of course, he did not forget to tell Michael Edison that there were indeed a very small number of voices in Newfoundland who wanted to join the United States and become a state, but he had already refuted such remarks.
"How do you retort?" Michael Edison was curious and asked, "Americans look down on Newfoundland."
"No, as we all know that the United States is about to have an election. You must know that there are currently fifty states in the United States that adopt the Electoral College system. This election model has been finalized, and the addition of Newfoundland will destroy the balance." Alan Wilson shrugged, "Michael, you have to know that countries with electoral systems all have this common shortcoming. Nothing is more important than elections."
"I very much agree. Because of the factors of the Italian Communist Party, the country was also very concerned about the Italian elections some time ago. Sometimes watching foreign elections can also be used as a pastime after dinner." Michael Edison smiled and said, "Okay, I Four options will be handed over to the minister.”
"Thank you very much!" After finishing the matter, Alan Wilson stood up happily and said, "It's all up to you."
Alan Wilson was going to meet with two heads of civil servants to discuss matters in Newfoundland. Michael Edison stopped Alan Wilson and said softly, "The relationship between Sir Edward and Sir Norman is quite delicate now. You should pay attention to it. "
"I understand, thank you for reminding me." Alan Wilson was stunned for a moment, then nodded solemnly.
Norman Brooke and Edward Bridges were actually different. Norman Brooke maintained close personal relationships with ministers from all major parties, while Edward Bridges tended to maintain a distance from politicians.
The difference doesn't stop there. The reason why Norman Brooke maintains friendly relations with politicians is to establish the authority of the Cabinet Office. In other words, Norman Brooke values power more.
The civil service under Norman Brooke will enter the most powerful period since the emergence of the Cabinet Office. For this reason, Norman Brooke has already had tit-for-tat confrontations with the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
It seems that the relationship with Edward Bridges, who has always maintained a sense of neutrality and distance, is not as close as it was at the beginning.
However, as an expatriate civil servant, after thinking about it, Alan Wilson felt that it would not involve the issue of his own side. This is the advantage of not being in the country, and there is always some freedom.
Therefore, the original plan is maintained. Both leaders must meet. Edward Bridges cannot be neglected just because he is not as powerful as before. There is nothing to hide.
After debriefing with Edward Bridges, Alan Wilson went to Norman Brooke, the cabinet secretary who was committed to expanding the powers of the civil service.
Arriving at the Cabinet Secretary's Office, Alan Wilson explained his purpose. On the surface, it looked the same as before. However, as his position became more stable, Norman Brooke also experienced a slight change, "Alan, from our interests Think about which option you think is most suitable."
"The Crown Territory Plan, the Dominion Plan, the mainland cannot intervene, annex the mainland? Citizens of Newfoundland may not be willing, and the same is true for merging Canada. In fact, there are only two options that are feasible, one is to restore the Dominion, and the other is the Crown Territory." Allen Wilson said calmly, "I personally think the royal territory plan is more practical."
"His Majesty the King's territory? It sounds good." Norman Brook thought for a while and said, "The ministers understand politics, but they are not good at economic issues. They often make decisions in luxurious residences. , participated in a political rally organized by the hostess, and it was done under these circumstances.”
Alan Wilson opened his mouth wide and looked at the cabinet secretary in front of him in shock. Such words would never be said by a former cabinet secretary. It was too belittling the role of the minister.