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"Prime Minister, I think we should not give up Thailand. We should take this opportunity to return to the South Ocean. After losing the Straits Colony, our influence on the South Ocean and the Far East has dropped to a freezing point, which seriously affected the interests of the British Empire. If we can use Thailand as a base, we will re-establish the empire's influence on the South Ocean and the entire Far East, which is very necessary to curb the development of the Chinese Empire." British Foreign Minister Viscount Henry Temple explained his views to Prime Minister Sir John Russell.

Sir John Russell nodded. He did not deny that this time Thailand took the initiative to demand an alliance with Britain, which was a rare opportunity for Britain. However, the risks cannot be ignored. If this triggered a full-scale war between the British Empire and the Chinese Empire, it would conflict with the current strategy of the British Empire.

"His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs, I know that Thailand's geographical location is very important. If the British Empire can control Thailand, it will be of great benefit. However, you cannot deny that if the Chinese Empire still launches war against Thailand after we form an alliance with Thailand, why don't we implement the treaty and declare war on the Chinese Empire?" Sir John Russell asked back.

"Prime Minister, I don't think that the Chinese Empire will continue to launch wars alone under such circumstances. They will retreat. Just like on the Hong Kong issue, as long as the empire remains tough, the Chinese will retreat. With the first retreat, there will be a second or even a third time!" said Viscount Henry Temple.

"His Excellency Foreign Minister, these are all your guesses, but we cannot take this risk. Last time we forced the Chinese Empire to make concessions. But this time, it is hard to say whether they will make concessions. I think we should be more cautious. The military strength of the British Empire is recovering rapidly. At this time, we cannot start a war with the Chinese Empire." John Russell reiterated. He hopes to be more stable in the last two years of his term and then seek the next re-election.

"Prime Minister, I have different opinions on this. This opportunity is very good. If you let it go, it will be difficult to have such an opportunity again in the future. We should not miss this opportunity. I ask the Prime Minister to summon other important officials of the cabinet to discuss the matter." Henry Temple himself still insisted on his opinion. He believes that other ministers of the cabinet will agree with his point of view.

A hint of anger flashed in Sir John Russell's eyes. He felt that Viscount Henry Temple was challenging him. The reason why Viscount Henry Temple was brought closer to the cabinet was to use his strong influence among the British nobles. But now, Viscount Henry Temple seems to have his own ideas. This made Sir John Russell feel dangerous. Although Sir John Russell is the prime minister, he still has to refer to the suggestions of other cabinet ministers on many major issues. In this way, the cabinet will be stable and can ensure rule.

"Well, Mr. Foreign Minister. I will immediately call on other important officials of the cabinet to discuss this proposal!" said Sir John Russell.

"Thank you, Prime Minister." Viscount Henry Temple did not see Sir John Russell's somewhat ugly face, and his face was still full of smiles. There is no doubt that Viscount Henry Temple was not willing to be a foreign minister, and he wanted to reach a higher position. However, this required him to make greater political achievements. Now, what can be more profitable than curbing the Chinese Empire? If it can successfully block the expansion of the Chinese Empire and even let Britain return to Southeast Asia, Viscount Henry Temple would definitely receive support from many people. In this way, he will likely defeat Sir John Russell and become the new Prime Minister of the Cabinet in the next election.

Now the British Empire has been in a stable state, and there is no other important matter for the important officials of the cabinet. After Prime Minister John Russell issued the order, these cabinet ministers rushed to the Prime Minister's Mansion in just twenty minutes.

"Gentlemen, there is something to discuss with you today. Under the threat of the Chinese Empire, Thailand has taken the initiative to make an alliance request to us. So, should we agree with the Thai people's request and form an alliance with them? Please express our opinions!" said Prime Minister Sir John Russell.

"Dear ministers, I think this is an excellent opportunity for us. If we can form an alliance with Thailand, we can station troops in Thailand and redeploy all the troops and navy to the South China Sea, which is very helpful for increasing the influence of the empire in the South China Sea. In addition, more importantly, we can more fully curb China and once again dominate the competition with China. Therefore, I agree with the alliance with Thailand. I hope everyone can consider it carefully. Such a good opportunity is not always available for the British Empire." After Viscount Henry Temple finished his words, he couldn't wait to jump out and express his opinions.

"But, Mr. Foreign Minister, the Chinese Empire has clearly shown its ambitions for Thailand. If we form an alliance with Thailand at this time, wouldn't it be clear that we want to confront China? This is not a good thing. I don't think we can further plan the conflicts between us and the Chinese Empire for a better sake of Thailand." Sir Charles Wood, Secretary of the Finance Minister, expressed his point of view.

"Hmph! I believe that as long as we form an alliance with Thailand, the Chinese Empire will not launch an attack on Thailand. Otherwise, it will trigger a full-scale war with the British Empire, which will not be of any benefit to the Chinese Empire. The Chinese are not fools, and they have seen this, so they will choose to compromise and give in on the Hong Kong issue." Henry Temple himself retorted.

"His Army Secretary, what about your opinion?" Sir John Russell asked. Sir John Russell. Whether to form an alliance with Thailand and whether it would trigger a war with the Chinese Empire, Sir Thomas Grosvenor and Sir William Parker, the Secretary of the Navy, had a great say.

"Prince, if we want to form an alliance with Thailand, we must be prepared to go to war with the Chinese Empire. Once a war breaks out, we can only protect the interests of the empire by defending Thailand. Otherwise, the empire will not only not get any benefits, but will also suffer heavy losses. However, we must clearly know that in the South China Sea, the Chinese Empire has an absolute military advantage. If we want to defend Thailand, we initially estimate that at least 200,000 elite troops must be deployed in Thailand!" said Sir Thomas Grosvenor.

"Two hundred thousand elite army? So many?" Sir John Russell and others exclaimed.

"Prime Minister, 200,000 elite troops are just the most basic number. If the Chinese Empire attacks Thailand with all its might, 200,000 people may not be enough." Sir Thomas Grosvenor said. After all, Britain has to send troops all the way to Thailand, and the Chinese Empire is much more convenient. Moreover, once the war breaks out, the Chinese Empire can cut off the Strait of Malacca, causing the British troops deployed in Thailand to be surrounded. Sir Thomas Grosvenor did not say this. He is very optimistic about forming an alliance with Thailand. If it is not done well, it will bring disaster to the British Empire.

"But if we threaten to cut off the trade channels between the Chinese Empire and Europe, the Chinese would not turn against us." said Viscount Henry Temple.

"His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs, we cannot use the same method continuously. The Chinese Empire is a powerful country. If we stimulate them again and again, the Chinese Empire will definitely fight to the death with us. This is not a good thing for the British Empire. In addition, the Royal Navy's dressing has just begun, and our first steam warship has just begun mass production. Therefore, in this period, it is better for us to try not to stimulate the Chinese Empire. We cannot conflict with the Chinese Empire just because of a small Thailand." Navy Secretary Sir William Parker tree hole.

Viscount Henry Temple was a little depressed. Among several important officials in the cabinet, no one supported him, which made him just want to challenge Sir John Russell and was strangled into the cradle.

"Gentlemen, since that's the case, then we will reply to Sir Henry Harding, the Governor of India, and refuse to form an alliance with Thailand!" said Sir John Russell. He was in a better mood and defeated Viscount Henry Temple's provocation, which made his position much more stable.

"Prime Minister, I think that even if we cannot form an alliance with Thailand, we can still give them some help within our ability, such as supporting some weapons and equipment in Thailand. Only by enhancing Thailand's strength can they hold back China and consume the strength of the Chinese!" said Sir Thomas Grosvenor, Secretary of the Army.

"This is a good idea. After the Army Department formulates a plan, it will be implemented!" said Sir John Russell.

"His Excellency Prime Minister, in addition, the Army Department has a plan that, if successful, will have a great improvement in India's security," said Sir Thomas Grosvenor.

"Oh? What's the plan?" asked Sir John Russell.
Chapter completed!