In the long run... if separatism becomes contagious, will those old ghosts of Corsica, Brittany, and even Alsace-Lorraine awaken?
More dangerous is the man sitting in Mexico City. Victor Reyes. He proved that the Old Empire can be dismantled at a relatively low cost.
"Mr. President." The secretary knocked and entered, "The British Ambassador requests an urgent meeting."
"Tell him... I have an important meeting in half an hour." Jiang Zemin said, "Schedule it for tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow? But the Ambassador said it's very urgent—"
"Then let him be urgent." Jiang Zemin turned, "Tell him France is also facing 'complex domestic situations,' we need time to 'evaluate.'"
After the secretary left, Jiang Zemin dialed another number.
"Connect me to the Director of External Security (DGSE). I want the latest intelligence assessment from Mexico. Especially the degree of their 'Spring Planting' plan's penetration in Europe."
March 1, 1997, England, Birmingham
