Chapter 113: Alliance or Merger (Please Subscribe!)
"Oh?" Arthur became interested and looked at Grant Wilson, asking, "Why?"
Why? Grant Wilson was stunned, but quickly replied, "In essence, New Zealand once belonged to Australia. Both regions have the same immigrant sources and culture, and are not far apart."
"More importantly, both Australia and New Zealand are too fragile when facing the world alone. New Zealanders currently have a high sentiment for independence, but I think even if New Zealand succeeds in independence, it cannot stand in the world on its own. If you want to truly build a strong country, only New Zealand and Australia can unite to see it." Grant Wilson said solemnly.
Grant Wilson did not oppose New Zealand's independence, and even supported it quite a bit.
Because only after New Zealand became an independent country, local New Zealand forces and officials like Grant Wilson could get the opportunity to be promoted, instead of being suppressed by the British.
But after independence, New Zealand not only did not have sufficient armed forces, but also did not have enough funds to develop itself.
Under this premise, the union of two very similar countries, Australia and New Zealand, is the most correct choice in Grant Wilson's opinion.
New Zealand is not far from Australia, and the union can also completely control Oceania and then seek more land.
Grant Wilson's idea is similar to Arthur's, but Arthur cannot accept that New Zealand and Australia are just a simple union.
For New Zealand, which is not only close to Australia, but also has extremely similar population composition and cultural origins, or even completely the same, Arthur has no reason to let it go.
Although Australians and New Zealanders sound like two nations, in fact, they are just new names given to themselves and their partners by British immigrants based on their current hometowns.
Whether in terms of culture or blood, the vast majority of Australians and New Zealanders are pure British.
"The union of Australia and New Zealand is indeed a good idea. Australia is willing to work with New Zealanders to jointly develop Australia and New Zealand by forming a federation." Arthur spoke slowly.
Grant Wilson's heart skipped a beat, but he nodded calmly on the surface.
Forming a federation with Australia is Grant Wilson's most helpless choice for New Zealand.
Judging from the current size of New Zealand and Australia, Australia will definitely have the most say after forming a federation.
This is not so friendly to Grant Wilson, and Australia will not let New Zealand's power continue to expand, thereby threatening Australia's dominance.
"How many members does the Coalition have now? How much can the Coalition achieve in the next election?" Arthur asked.
Individuals can also participate in New Zealand's elections, but political parties have a great advantage over individuals.
If the Coalition can rely on the advantage of being the largest party in New Zealand to obtain more positions in the next election, or strive for more city mayor positions, it will have a good driving effect on inciting New Zealand public opinion and even New Zealand's joining Australia in the future.
"The Coalition currently has more than 60 members, Your Highness. The next election will be in May next year, and we are making an impact on more positions." Grant Wilson answered in detail.
Arthur nodded, and then said: "I will set up a senator group in New Zealand as the governor-general, and the members of the senator group will be elected by the people of New Zealand. I hope that the Alliance Party can obtain most of the seats in the senator group, and I will also give you some support in secret."
Senator group? Grant Wilson was stunned. Just by the name, it is an institution with considerable power, not to mention that it was set up by Arthur, the governor-general of New Zealand?
After learning that Arthur's real purpose was to annex New Zealand, Grant Wilson understood that no one could stop New Zealand from joining Australia, unless the British government personally refused.
But is it possible for the British government? You know, the position of Governor Arthur was personally appointed by Queen Victoria before her death, and she specifically ordered that no one could revoke his position for any reason.
Unless Arthur declared war on the British Empire in New Zealand, even Edward VII could not revoke Arthur's position at will.
"Your Highness, what should we do then?" Grant Wilson asked tentatively.
He knew that Arthur would never give him benefits for no reason. The price for the Alliance Party to obtain most of the seats in the Political Consultative Conference might be New Zealand.
"Mayor Grant, I believe you are a smart man. From now on, the Alliance Party will vigorously promote the benefits of merging with Australia. I will let the Relief Association cooperate with you to gain as much recognition as possible from New Zealanders." Arthur looked at Grant Wilson with a hint of meaning and stated his request.
Grant Wilson was silent for a long time, and then nodded with difficulty.
He knew very well in his heart that even if he shook his head and refused now, New Zealand's annexation by Australia was not something he could stop.
Rather than resisting now and making the future New Zealand ruler dissatisfied, it is better to go with the flow and gain the favor of the future ruler, which can also make his official career go further.
Of course, Arthur's promise to let the Alliance Party obtain most of the seats in the Political Consultative Conference is also a very important factor.
"Very good." Arthur smiled and said with satisfaction: "Mayor Grant is indeed a smart man. I like smart people like you, Mayor Grant. If New Zealand's plan to join Australia is successful, I can recommend you to become the new governor of New Zealand. Of course, if Mayor Grant wants to continue to lead the Alliance Party and fight in the political field of Australia, it is also a good choice."
For smart people like Grant Wilson who know the times, Arthur doesn't mind giving them more power.
Whether he will be the governor of New Zealand in the future or continue to participate in the Australian election as the leader of the Alliance Party, it is a good opportunity for Grant Wilson to enter a larger political field.
The reason why Arthur promised Grant Wilson so many benefits is that he can ensure that Grant Wilson is always under his control.
Whether he is the governor or continues to be the leader of a political party, it is impossible to cause an impact on Arthur's royal power in Australia.
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