Chapter 340: Discussions on Demands
Originally, Prime Minister Kent planned to prepare a welcome banquet for Minister Grey and the British visiting delegation, but Minister Grey declined, citing the exhaustion from the long journey.
In fact, this was true. Even though the British visiting delegation traveled on the most luxurious British cruise liner, accompanied by British warships for protection, it still took them more than a month to reach Australasia. During the journey, the delegation made stops at the Suez Canal and India, further extending the travel time.
After spending over a month aboard the cruise liner, even someone as seasoned as Minister Grey, who considered himself accustomed to travel, couldn't help but feel tired and worn out. After giving a few brief orders to his subordinates, Minister Grey laid down on the large bed at the Victoria Royal Hotel and quickly fell into a deep, comfortable sleep.
The next day, February 22, 1913, Arthur met with the British delegation at the Sydney Palace. The cabinet government, led by Prime Minister Kent, accompanied him.
After the delegation had exchanged pleasantries and greetings, Arthur smiled and turned to Minister Grey, asking, "Minister Grey, how was your rest yesterday?"
"It was very good, Your Majesty. Sydney's environment is far better than London's. The air quality is much better here," Minister Grey replied with a smile, nodding respectfully.
Minister Grey's name was well-known throughout Europe. This was due to the firm stance he took during his tenure as British Foreign Secretary, particularly in regard to his policy towards Germany. Minister Grey was one of the most ardent advocates within the British cabinet for a hardline approach to Germany.
During his tenure, Britain signed agreements with France and Russia, which significantly contributed to the division into two major military blocs in Europe.
The arrival of such a prominent figure in Australasia not only signaled a desire to strengthen ties between the two nations but also sent a message to the outside world that Australasia was aligning more closely with Britain. This would naturally break the neutrality that Australasia had maintained, even if the country did not formally announce its stance.
Arthur, however, was not hesitant. Though joining the Entente Powers and opposing Germany would undoubtedly harm his relationship with Kaiser Wilhelm II and the German people, Arthur understood that national interests must outweigh personal feelings. He hoped that Kaiser Wilhelm II would not fall victim to the fate of losing his power later in the war and see the fall of the Hohenzollern family, which would be a tragedy.
Indeed, the monarchs and aristocrats were the class most affected by World War I. The Russian, German, and Austro-Hungarian royal families lost their thrones, while other monarchs lost some, if not all, of their power. The weakening of monarchies worldwide would not be beneficial to Arthur, as stronger European monarchies worked in his favor. Therefore, preserving as many royal families as possible during the war was one of Arthur's goals.
Minister Grey began his speech by saying, "Your Majesty, on behalf of the British government and royal family, I extend my greetings to you, the Australasia royal family, the government, and all the people of Australasia. We look forward to further cooperation between our two nations. We are natural allies and closer kin."
The relationship between Australasia and Britain was one of the main reasons why it would be impossible for Australasia to take a stand opposite Britain. Out of Australasia's 12 million population, nearly half, about 8 million, were of British descent. This meant that British-descended immigrants were the foundation of Australasia. The government and royal family had to consider the opinions of these immigrants.
Arthur, with his great prestige and popularity, could potentially go against the public's will and ally with Germany, but that would harm the sentiments of the British immigrants and negatively affect his rule.
Under these circumstances, Minister Grey believed that Australasia would, at the very least, maintain strict neutrality. It was impossible for the country to join the Central Powers, i.e., Germany's side.
Although Australasia's geographical location was highly important, posing a potential threat to Britain's colonies in India and Africa, Minister Grey was confident that Australasia would remain an ally of Britain, and that these regions would remain secure.
Arthur nodded naturally in agreement, replying, "That is of course true. Although Australasia is far from the British Empire, our blood ties will never change."
The reason the British had provided so much assistance to Australasia was largely due to the close relationship between the two nations. Additionally, Australasia's distance from Europe meant that it would not threaten the British Empire's position in Europe. Even if it only concerned the sentiments of the population, it was impossible for Australasia to directly oppose Britain.
This meant that Australasia could never stand against Britain, given the deep-rooted ties between them. Unless there were a drastic change in Australasia's immigration structure, where British-descended immigrants made up a smaller portion of the population, this relationship would not be easily altered.
Minister Grey then continued, "Your Majesty, I have come to discuss a plan that will bring our two nations closer. Frankly, besides Germany, I believe the British Empire and your country also share a common enemy—the United States on the other side of your Pacific Ocean."
Minister Grey explained that while Germany was the immediate enemy, the rise of the United States was also a growing concern. Due to its unique geographical position, the U.S. was gradually becoming an adversary. "Although the U.S. is on the other side of the Atlantic from Britain and on the other side of the Pacific from your country, their expansion in the Pacific is inevitable. If your nation wants to continue expanding north, you will eventually collide with them," he said.
From Minister Grey's words, Arthur deduced that the British government was not opposed to Australasia expanding further northward. This also hinted that, in an effort to win Australasia over, the British might be willing to concede the Dutch East Indies to Australasia.
Seeing Arthur nod in agreement, Minister Grey seized the opportunity and continued, "Your Majesty, if you agree, the British government is willing to sign an agreement with your government—a mutual defense pact against the U.S. If you agree, the British Empire will support your expansion in the Dutch East Indies. Additionally, should a conflict arise between your country and the U.S. in Southeast Asia, the British Empire will offer immediate assistance and stand firmly behind Australasia."
The British government placed great importance on allies like Australasia. After the policy of countering the U.S. with Australasia's help was established, the Empire regarded Australasia as its third most important ally, after France and Russia.
Minister Grey continued, "Of course, if you are willing, we would also be very pleased to see Australasia join the Entente Powers. If Australasia joins, we will have the four major powers—Britain, France, Russia, and Australasia—whose combined military strength and influence far exceed that of the Central Powers."
The notion of Australasia being the "eighth great power" in Europe, a rumor circulating in both public and governmental circles, was something Grey felt would appeal to the Australasia government and royal family. Becoming a major power was seen as a significant step toward achieving global prominence.
Arthur, hearing this, acknowledged the proposition and agreed that for Australasia to continue developing quickly, the support of Britain would be essential.
In just a few minutes, the cabinet ministers eagerly presented their demands regarding talent, technology, equipment, and other aspects. Their requests were substantial, even surprising Minister Grey.
From their descriptions, it seemed that Australasia, like an infant, was in desperate need of talent, technology, and equipment in various fields. However, this view was somewhat at odds with Minister Grey's understanding of the country's situation. While Australasia had some weaknesses, it had already developed some advanced technologies and industries that could rival lower-tier powers like Italy.
Given the importance of these negotiations, they turned into a protracted discussion. Arthur was happy with the progress, as securing more assistance for Australasia was crucial for the nation's development.
(End of Chapter)
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