2277 Negotiation Breakdown 1
"This is impossible." Lanxin decisively interrupted Lloyd George's speech. He believed that the British envoy was sincere when he said this. He also knew that there was something in these words. But even if it was not considered the difficulty of the United States persuading Germany to give up these rights, from the perspective of an American, especially an American who had experienced the Philippine War that year, Lloyd George's request could not be agreed! Because he believed that such punishment was far from enough for the British!
Let the British only bear 2 billion pounds of compensation and save southern Africa? Haha, what did Britain lose in this war? It was just the barren area of northern Africa! The 2 billion pounds of compensation would definitely not hurt the British. The rich output of the colonies can quickly make up for these expenses. The British still have the potential to become the world's first-class power!
Why do Americans support Germany? Isn’t it just to bring down Britain? Why do Americans now extend an olive branch to the British? Isn’t it just because they are worried that Germany is doing too big? Americans weakening Germany does not mean that they are willing to give the British a chance to rise!
"As far as I know, before the Norwegian Sea Battle, your country had already had relevant contacts with the German government. Is that true?" Lan Xin asked.
"Yes, contact was indeed made, and the initial conditions were also raised at that time." Lloyd George nodded and admitted.
"In fact, a week after your country and Germany contacted, we received a note from Germany on the outcome of the negotiation. The above mentioned what the Germans wanted and the Germans' attitude." Lanxin paused for a moment and then continued: "We have contacted the Germans, and their attitude is very firm. They have repeatedly stated that unless the war has a reversal situation that is not conducive to the Germans, the compensation can only be high or low!"
"So your country agrees with the Germans' compensation claim, or is it willing to watch Germany completely dismember the British Empire before dealing with the United States?" asked Lloyd George.
"To be honest, the Germans' demands are not excessive. Your country still retains three important autonomous territories, namely South Asian subcontinent, Southeast Asia's large colonies, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The Germans have very much restricted their sphere of influence."
"Dear Envoy, how about we discuss another thing?" Looking at Lloyd George, who was already pale, Lan Xin didn't want to worry about this issue anymore, so she decided to change the topic: "In the next five years, we will order a large amount of military equipment and various resources from the UK, with a total value of no less than 5 billion US dollars! These huge orders can help your country recover very quickly. We can also persuade the Germans to make adjustments in repayment period and method."
"Is there a $5 billion order?" Lloyd George rekindled his spirits. $5 billion is equal to 2 billion pounds! This is very important for the recovery of the UK. After all, although the United States has strong industry and abundant materials, it is far away from the ocean and consumes a lot. Some important materials, such as rubber, and tropical diseases such as quinine used to treat malaria, can only be imported from Southeast Asia controlled by the UK. Therefore, although $5 billion may be a bit exaggerated, if the Americans are willing, then this will be very supportive for the UK! Moreover, the number of orders is limited. With more British people, fewer Germans will be.
"If you are willing to accept our conditions, we can even sign the first contract worth $500 million within one month. We will acquire useful war materials in your country, such as various aircraft. In this way, we can completely offset the impact of the German price increase. We will also try our best to persuade Germany to reduce some of the compensation." Robert Lanxin said.
"Okay, then what are the conditions for your country?" Lan Xin's words really made Lloyd George excited. If such a generous order was just trade rights and mining rights, or even some islands and colonies, then the British could agree. If the Americans wanted to sell Guinea Island and Sarawak to the United States after the war! These places could be discussed! At this moment, Lloyd George felt that the British-American alliance was so close!
"Allow Canada to withdraw from the Commonwealth," Lanxin said.
"Are Americans crazy?" The moment after hearing Lan Xin's words, Lloyd George even wanted to smash the cup in his hand directly on the other party's face!
"Canada is the dominant of the British Empire, so I want to know if Canada has a relationship with your country? Or is your country ready to let the British Empire give up its rights and obligations to Canada and then let your country replace it? Just like when your country bought Louisiana from the French and subsequent invasion of Mexico?" Lloyd George said sternly!
"The United States does not have territorial requirements for Canada," Lanxin explained hurriedly. "We just think that the Canadian people should enjoy the right to independence."
"We believe that American Indians should also have complete independence." On this issue, Lloyd George had no intention of giving in! He even did not hesitate to get completely ripped off with the Americans!
"We cede land from the Germans, and the compensation is because we were defeated! As losers, this is a price that must be paid, but we have absolutely no reason to surrender to the United States and abandon the people of the British Empire in order to please a country that did not participate in the war at all! As long as the British Empire lasts for one day, Canada will be under the illumination of the rice flag!"
"In my opinion, your demands are more shameless and disgusting than those of the Germans! The damage caused to the British Empire is greater than that of the German guns! The Germans have paid millions of casualties and hundreds of billions of marks for today! So good, tell me, Mr. Lanxin, what price does the United States want to pay to make Britain give up its most important domination?" Lloyd George's angrily roared throughout the venue!
"Mr. Special Envoy, please face the reality! Your country cannot even pass this difficulty without the support of the United States of America!" Lan Xin said loudly. "The dispute of intention cannot solve the problem!"
"Then we would rather choose to surrender to Germany in exchange for German forgiveness than give up Canada!" Lloyd George confronted him. In the British, there was nothing he could do with the Germans robbing the interests of the British with their ability, but why should the Americans? Because Britain fell, Americans thought they could throw some dollars at will and divide the British Empire? What were they thinking?!
Chapter completed!