Chapter 984 OPEC Is Established

But that's fine. If the UK can't even withstand US$60 million in economic aid, then all the efforts will be unnecessary. This time the US does this, which can be regarded as a test for the UK.

Although this test came a little late, it must be experienced. Compared with the Suez Canal War, which was discredited once lost, the Iranian oil crisis can only be regarded as a one-month test.

Among the Gulf dignitaries who came to Basra were Iraq's Princess Badiya, Kuwait's Emir Abdullah Salim Al-Sabah, and the sheikhs of what became collectively known as the United Arab Emirates, but are now independent sheikhs, including Qatar and Bahrain. This is when the UK can still control the countries in the Persian Gulf, with Iraq being the most powerful.

Coming to meet these pro-British monarchs is the purpose of the Foreign Secretary's trip to the Middle East. The Iranian oil crisis was purely an unexpected event that caught the minister by surprise.

Alan Wilson knew that only one of these Gulf countries was more difficult to deal with, and that was Iraq.

For countries like Kuwait and Qatar, as long as Britain says a word, they can only obey and have no ability to resist. After all, Iraq is different and stronger.

However, since Princess Badiya is an old acquaintance, I believe that at least there will be no misunderstanding between the two parties. It depends on whether Alan Wilson can make the Iraqi royal family understand the current serious situation.

Just as Tehran was cheering and feeling that the United States had given a shot in the arm, this time the market and energy security conference opened in Basra, the important town in southern Iraq.

Alan Wilson, the richest man in the world, with a piece of cloth on his head and a light-colored Arab robe, appeared in front of the royal family of the Gulf countries. This surprised the Foreign Secretary Harold Wilson. Even if he had to do as the Romans do, it would be a bit too much. .

No matter how hard it is for the royal family, although these days the Gulf countries are not like those in later generations lying on oil depots, the royal family's pomp is still very shocking. There are not many big shots with some backgrounds, but there are many followers.

It is not difficult to determine the identity and status of a big man. It is obviously a very conspicuous target. He is wearing a decent Arab robe, and its texture is much better than that worn by ordinary people. The pleats were wide, but they were wrapped around his somewhat fat but still graceful body without appearing bulky.

There was very little about the visitor's face that suggested poverty and happiness, just as his clothes showed no signs of disdain for worldly glitz. His appearance could be considered decent, but there was always a faint glimmer of pleasure lurking in the corner of his eyes, which indicated that he harbored a carefully concealed desire for wine and sex.

In other respects, his position taught him to control his expression at any time, and he could suddenly turn serious into sanctimonious, although his face was naturally light-hearted and his temperament was fond of pleasure.

No religious precepts can restrain this noble man. His sleeves are turned up and down, and he holds a beautiful Damascus steel knife in his hand.

Although his entire attire is consistent with his beliefs, the exquisiteness of the clothes and the luxury of the accessories are clearly visible. Although he maintains a very ethnic style of clothing, the exquisite materials and workmanship can still add a sense of style to the simple clothing. Showing off means smelling too much of worldly vanity.

"The Emir of Kuwait, Abdullah Salem Al-Sabah." Dixon reminded in a low voice.

"I wonder why there is a kind of nobility rushing towards me." Alan Wilson decisively bowed his head to the supreme authority, took two steps forward, and greeted Princess Badia who appeared, "Dear Princess, I haven't seen you for such a long time. , you are still so charming. Looking back on the past and thinking about it carefully, you can never forget the princess's unparalleled elegance."

"Mr. Wilson is not like a gentleman at all. He is not afraid that Pamela will cause trouble for you." Princess Badia spoke with intention, using Pamela Mountbatten to scare the man in front of her.

"Dear princess, what Pamela appreciates most about me is that I am very honest and will never say anything against my will because of the other person's identity and status." Alan Wilson pretended to be serious,

"That's not what I'm after."

"I think she admires your mouth." Princess Badia covered her mouth and chuckled teasingly.

This is also a fact. Alan Wilson, who had no evidence of suspicion, opened a gap from Princess Badia, and then communicated with Kuwait Emir Sabah.

Not only was Dixon impressed, but Harold Wilson was also amazed. As expected, the Mountbatten son-in-law also had a wide range of friends.

With his best wishes for many monarchs, Alan Wilson introduced Harold Wilson, the current British Foreign Secretary, who was no longer there for some time, as the representative of these feudal reactionary forces.

Alan Wilson knew that the only difficult thing to deal with was Iraq. Kuwait and Qatar were helpless in the face of Britain. As long as Iraq is taken care of, things will be settled.

Historically, Britain lost control of Iraq just as the United States lost control of Iran, because of the Iraqi revolution.

When the Soviet Union was the most powerful in the Middle East, the major Arab countries excluded Saudi Arabia, which could not be fought.

The others were either pro-Soviet or neutral. After the revolution in Iraq, it was considered neutral and pro-Soviet, unlike Syria and Egypt. Saddam only visited the Soviet Union in his life.

Faced with the request to talk alone, Princess Badia, who left the home court to the men, accepted Alan Wilson's invitation.

"Mr. Wilson, although we have a good relationship with Mountbatten Oil Company, if we turn against our neighboring countries, we still need to think more carefully." Since Princess Badia has come to Basra, she naturally knows what the British purpose is.

"That's right." Alan Wilson calmly looked away from the guard chewing leaves.

Khat? It's an effect of drugs. He had seen the locals in Aden acting like zombies. I didn’t expect to see him on such a solemn occasion. Could this be Princess Badia’s lover?

"Mr. Wilson, you don't seem to be as sharp as before." Princess Badia interrupted Alan Wilson's thoughts.

She didn't know that the man in front of her was thinking about drugs and wanted to know if this stuff was widespread in the Arab region. Maybe it's the genes in your bones that play a role.

"Oh, Your Highness, I'm sorry that I was thinking about how to answer you just now." Alan Wilson shook off the chaotic thoughts. Now is not the time to think blindly. He used the question just now and said, "In the Middle East, except for Turkey, which has long been decadent, The Arabs also have two major enemies, the Jews and the Persians, and the Persians and Arabs have been neighbors for a thousand years.”

"Yes, we are good neighbors." Princess Badia nodded, "more than a thousand years of friendly relations."

"Yes, more than a thousand years of friendly relations." Alan Wilson saw through it and changed the topic, "Well, most of the people in Iraq are Shia, but what a coincidence, the royal family is Sunni." To be honest, under the influence of religion, if Iraq and Iran are hostile, who will they support? No Christians can be trusted. After all, Christians are a minority. As long as they have tendentious support, they can easily become supporters of the royal family. This is true of Pakistan. What does Princess Dia think? Since the establishment of the royal guard, has the security of the royal family been greatly improved?"

Even the escort chewing khat stopped moving because of the fact that Alan Wilson said. The dominance of Shias was not brought about by British colonists, but a legacy of Sasanian Persia that has been left to this day.

These words spoke to the heart of Princess Badiya. Christians have become royal guards. Has there been less mutiny in the Kingdom of Iraq? Are the links between Shias and Iran a fact?

Egypt, the most powerful country in the Arab world, has a smaller population than Iran, not to mention Iraq, which has a population of only a few million. Facing a heretical country with a population of more than 20 million, is it really like a thousand-year friendly relationship?

While Princess Badia was thinking, Alan Wilson showed his sincerity, "The United Kingdom has just passed the decision to establish a 180-day national oil reserve. Of course, this can be achieved with North Sea oil, but this decision is actually used to Give profits to oil-producing countries that are friendly to the UK. This includes, of course, Iraq."

"We support the strength of the Kingdom of Iraq, can open a series of arms purchases, and support the national development of Iraq. It will be easier for the United Kingdom to help Iran because the United States still has half of Africa in its hands. Iraq's needs , regardless of the technology market or raw materials, the UK can solve it."

"Maybe we should talk." The guard chewing khat said, "Father is also thinking about how to face Iran. Let me introduce myself. My father is Regent Said, the brother of Princess Badia. .”

"It turns out he is a prince, no wonder he looks unusual." Alan Wilson modified his look at a drug addict into an explanation that only those who catch swords are the real heroes.

The result of this exchange is very good. After all, Britain still has influence on Iraq. As a few people returned to the crowd, Alan Wilson gave the Foreign Secretary a victory sign.

Harold Wilson was relieved and equally at ease, and kept in mind the traditional relationship between Britain and Afghanistan. and a willingness to help the development of Gulf countries.

“We can even say that with the lead of the United Kingdom, many countries in Europe may try to establish national oil reserves, and the demand for oil will usher in a surge.” Alan Wilson added, “This is very important to the countries of the monarchs here. It will be an opportunity to take off, and we can guarantee that our territory will definitely develop faster than Iran."

"This is beyond doubt." Harold Wilson's answer was even more categorical. The two Wilsons worked well together.

After taking care of Iraq, the remaining countries had no difficulty for the UK. Three days later, the market and energy cooperation agreements were signed between the European Community, represented by the UK, and the European Community, including Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, as well as Bahrain and Qatar. Eleven emirates officially signed it for both parties.

Subsequently, these countries, led by Iraq, Kuwait, and Oman, announced the establishment of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, claiming to protect their national interests and reach a fairer agreement with Europe.

Even before he left Basra, Foreign Secretary Harold Wilson hailed the agreement as a great example of cooperation.