Ch.178The Strategy of the British Empire

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Honestly, even now I think this situation is like a windfall that came all at once.

It was merely an attempt to probe Communist Germany and the Baltics, but somehow Britain took the bait.

I wonder how much their honor must have been damaged for them to react this way, even at the risk of losing the Baltics.

“I understand. Then, please tell me what you want.”

“Hmm, it’s simple. Withdraw your support for the Huey Long government. And if civil war breaks out, your country must not intervene.”

In other words, he’s telling me to keep my hands off America.

Britain has no choice in this matter anyway.

They need to have something to offer before they can help the Huey Long government.

“Surely you don’t intend to intervene in the American civil war as well?”

“Thanks to whom do we now have to stop those red German forces? We need to increase our allies in advance, don’t we? Unlike your country, which can focus on homeland defense with your excellent navy, America can send a substantial army and become a steadfast ally to Russia if we commit to it.”

He’s implying that Britain will retreat to homeland defense whenever there’s a crisis.

That’s why he wants to secure America as a proper ally.

Britain won’t be able to protest against this.

And this man who has hit rock bottom in our era’s peace season surely understands this much.

Rather, he’s giving me a justifiable reason to withdraw my support for the Huey Long government, which I’m only backing out of pride.

Of course, Britain wouldn’t want Russian influence in North America, but they have no choice.

“I understand. We’ll work on that.”

Hoh? Looking at this man now, isn’t he a pushover?

I think I could just push through with whatever I want right now. When Britain takes a submissive stance, I should extract everything I can, shouldn’t I?

Later, a recovered Britain might become wary of Russia.

But by then, Russia will hold the reins of power in Europe, so it won’t matter.

The colonies that form the strength of the British Empire will inevitably gain independence anyway.

“And one more thing.”

“What else?”

“Don’t interfere when Western Ukraine requests annexation to Russia.”

In other words, I want to consume Western Ukraine right now!

The State Duma said we should wait for the right opportunity to pursue this.

But I just have this feeling right now.

‘Ah, this guy is a total pushover.’

If I push now, I can get more of what I want.

If not now, it won’t be easy to acquire Western Ukraine, you see.

“Western Ukraine? Ukraine is clearly an ally of our British Empire.”

With a dignified expression, he told the Tsar not to covet British Empire territory. A fitting display from the minister of a pirate nation.

Ohhh, the majesty of the British Foreign Secretary!

Did he think I would just back down if he said that?

“I suppose it’s a puppet state that can be handed over whenever it serves the British Empire’s interests. People from Western Ukraine are already coming over to Russia. I’ve learned that Western Ukraine seems unable to cope with the effects of the Great Depression. Shouldn’t we do what Western Ukraine wants?”

If Western Ukraine desires it, isn’t it the Tsar’s duty to incorporate it into Greater Russia rather than Little Russia?

Now is the opportunity, while everyone is distracted by the Great Depression.

“No, what on earth are you—”

By now, Chamberlain has realized how much the Tsar sees him as a pushover, and his eyes are trembling with anger.

“Western Ukraine will be too much for Britain to handle anyway, won’t it?”

“It seems I’m giving up too much just to protect the Baltics.”

Oh, it seems he can make that distinction.

“But the British mainland will be safe. Let me emphasize again, this is not Russia forcibly annexing Western Ukraine. It’s all about letting Western Ukraine decide based on its own will. In return, we will fight hard against them in Europe. It means Britain will be safe.”

I’m pushing this “peace of our era” aggressively right now.

Well, if I provoke this pushover a little more, we can get what we want.

But Britain must understand this much. They know it’s impossible to protect Western Ukraine. They’re also well aware that Western Ukraine is turning anti-British due to the Great Depression.

And geographically, it’s across the sea, a country that can only be reached by passing through East Prussia and Poland.

Unless Britain can bind it economically, which they can’t do in their current position, Britain has to make a choice.

If they can’t have it, they might as well let it go while gaining some practical benefits. They’ll endure and strike back later.

That’s what Britain will do.

“Hmm.”

“Let’s stop being stubborn. Wouldn’t it be better if we just give each other what we can?”

I get American non-intervention and Western Ukraine, while Britain protects the Baltics.

Ah, isn’t this a profitable deal for Britain?

This pushover might even see it as a profitable deal for Britain.

Seriously, apart from the British Empire’s pride, isn’t it beneficial for them if Russia, a military power, fights bloody battles with Communist Germany while they let go of Western Ukraine?

“You’ll protect the Baltics while firmly recognizing their independence, correct?”

Ah, look at this.

This pushover. He’s accepting it again.

At this point, he must have been given full authority. Plus, he’s taking the fall.

The British government at 10 Downing Street must have already decided to give up what’s necessary to make Russia a meat shield against Communist Germany.

In that case, they would want a scapegoat.

That scapegoat is Austin Chamberlain, who scored zero in this era’s peace.

He’s the very person who committed the diplomatic blunder of supporting Communist Germany, resulting in Communist Germany rearming and growing stronger.

They’re planning to sell him out while accepting Russia for now.

“Let’s do that. After all, Russia no longer wishes to cling to the outdated ideology of imperialism and oppress neighboring countries.”

“Ahem. Then I will convey this well to my country.”

Despite my provocations, there’s hardly any reaction.

I think the British Empire of old would have said, “Let’s fight!”

Indeed, today’s Britain has become too weak.

Well, if you think about it, Communist Germany is also just putting on a brave face. They’re in a position where they need to gamble much better than the Nazi Germany of actual history.

Right now, we’re all in the preparation stage.

The British Empire will want Russia to draw aggression until they recover their strength.

For that to happen, they’ll do a little of what Russia asks now, making Russia fight Germany and drain its power.

As always, the British Empire is hesitating momentarily to engage in backstabbing.

Then, in the final stages, they’ll try to subdue both Germany and Russia with the recovered strength of the British Empire.

That’s what Churchill would do.

Even if it’s not Churchill, the British Empire will try to make up for their current mistakes.

So now they’re making Austin Chamberlain the scapegoat and planning to use Russia. That’s how it would connect.

They’ve simply tossed away Western Ukraine, which they couldn’t keep anyway.

As for the Baltics, if we really pressed the issue, there’s no reason to protect them, but Russian forces will have to fight there.

Personally, I think Britain has made a wise decision.

If I were Britain, I would have made the same judgment.

Having seen how well Russia fought in the Spanish Civil War, they would prefer Russia to drain Germany’s power rather than trust France, which could turn red at any moment.

“Well, then I’ll consider our discussion successful. Please rest well in Moscow today before you return.”

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s consideration.”

What is there to be grateful for? I just wanted to take care of him on his final journey because I felt sorry for him taking the fall.

It might sound like I’m being roundabout.

Now, the problem is me again.

Since I made decisions on my own, won’t the Duma be angry?

I did everything in the excitement of meeting a pushover, but the Duma’s reaction will be an issue.

So I went to the State Duma to explain the situation.

“Are you saying you secured American non-intervention in their civil war and Western Ukraine in exchange for defending the Baltics?”

“Western Ukraine will be decided by a vote, to be precise. Um, I’m sorry for making the decision without consulting the Duma.”

I was pleased at catching a pushover, but I wonder if the grading emperor was too unilateral in making this decision.

However, the Duma’s reaction seemed pleased.

“Not at all. Wasn’t defending the Baltics our original goal? Since Britain has come begging to us, this can be considered a diplomatic victory.”

“Is that how it works? But I’m also curious why they came directly to me without going through the Duma.”

You didn’t dump this on me, did you?

“The Duma deliberately withheld an answer to make Britain anxious. That’s probably why they sought an audience with Your Majesty.”

“Hmm. I see.”

Why are these British fellows bothering to seek me out?

This should have been settled at the Duma.

Well, since the Duma’s position was “let’s eat Western Ukraine later,” they might not have brought up the Western Ukraine issue.

“However, Your Majesty.”

“Minister of Defense, do you have something to say?”

“If, as Your Majesty says, Britain wants us to fight hard with them, wouldn’t Communist Germany also get some benefits?”

That’s right.

Those British fellows would try to harm us behind our backs even if we were allies.

For instance, they might interfere if we attacked somewhere, but the current Russia is only legitimately taking what it wants, so Britain has had no opportunity to interfere.

They might secretly provide more support to Germany.

“Hmm. That could be the case. What does Communist Germany lack the most right now?”

“Oil is what they lack the most.”

Ah, that’s right. Nazi Germany in the original history had the same problem.

At least Nazi Germany had Romania as an oil supply source for a while, didn’t they? What about here?

Then they might be able to open an oil route.

For example, they might have asked for an oil route on the condition of not attacking the Low Countries.

What if France also turns red and Germany’s oil problem is solved?

There’s no Anschluss or Munich Agreement, so Germany is lower-ranked, but at that point, we’d have to defeat them with military quality.

# # #

10 Downing Street, London

Austin Chamberlain, who had become a hero in Russia by giving away everything to Russia and securing a diplomatic victory for them, returned proudly to London.

“As expected, the Tsarina of Russia accepted Baltic defense in exchange for non-intervention in America and Western Ukraine.”

“Well done. With this, we can only hope that Russia and Communist Germany will destroy each other.”

Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin patted the slumped shoulders of Austin Chamberlain, comforting him.

Sadly, Austin Chamberlain would step away from politics after this incident.

In the original history, Anthony Eden was the Foreign Secretary, but Austin Chamberlain, who had made a blunder, went to Russia as Foreign Secretary because, as Anastasia predicted, he was taking all the responsibility.

“How does our esteemed Prime Minister plan to make those two destroy each other?”

Churchill, who was watching the scene of Austin Chamberlain being made a scapegoat in real-time, almost mockingly jabbed at Stanley Baldwin.

“I plan to open an oil import route for Communist Germany. That way, Communist Germany will easily fight with Russia, and Russia will be too busy dealing with Germany to pay attention to us.”

“And in the meantime, we’ll recover our strength, is that it? Then, will you abandon Poland?”

From what he’s saying, it sounds like he’s planning to sacrifice Poland.

If that’s the case, why not just hand Poland over to Russia too?

“Of course, when the German-Russian war breaks out, we will declare war together. We’ll just delay our participation.”

Churchill doesn’t actually oppose this point that much.

For the British Empire to stand tall again, they need to weaken Russia too. He thinks it would be good if Communist Germany and Russia fight each other, with the British Empire delivering the final blow.

But here’s the thing.

That’s only possible when the British Empire maintains its dignity and has the upper hand in its relationship with Communist Germany.

It’s only feasible when they show diplomatic success by holding Communist Germany’s leash and making it fight Russia.

But is this possible right now?

Rather, isn’t the British Empire being pushed around by those Reds?

“Look here, Prime Minister. It’s all well and good. Let’s say we make those Russian fellows and those Reds kill each other. But that doesn’t mean the British Empire will be able to control them.”

“What do you mean?”

“We can only control them when we hold their leash. Do you think it’s possible when those red Germans and those Russians, who are so white they look black, look down on the British Empire due to diplomatic failures?”

“Ahem. Diplomatic failure and war are different.”

“Yes, they are different. And the Tsarina will grandly bestow all sorts of favors on that MacArthur regime in North America, having secured British non-intervention, and after ending the civil war, she’ll have them participate in the war and cross the Atlantic!”

“Nothing is decided yet. History will record the victory of Britain, not Germany or Russia!”

Why is he shouting so confidently? Aren’t these actions themselves proof that Britain is not what it used to be?

Churchill was utterly frustrated.

But these days won’t last much longer.

Once the Prince of Wales, Edward, who is already causing a stir with his relationship with Mrs. Simpson, ascends to the throne, they’ll push for a marriage between nobility and commoner.

“Winston, how long do you intend to leave the cabinet alone?”

On the way out of 10 Downing Street, Oswald Mosley, who in the original history led the British Union of Fascists but is now a member of the King’s Party, asked with a frustrated expression.

In this altered history, he founded the King’s Party with Churchill and has been actively expanding its influence.

The cabinet is already aware of the King’s Party’s existence.

After all, they’re openly criticizing the current cabinet’s mistakes while expanding the King’s Party, so how could they not know?

“Wait. The Russian Tsar said the time will come soon.”

“Can we trust that woman in Moscow?”

“I don’t know about anything else, but she recognized me, Winston Churchill.”

Didn’t she even offer bribes, seeing him as a future hero of the British Empire?

That alone makes her one of the wisest Tsars in Russian history.

She’s even famous for seeing the future, isn’t she? The world knows the Russian Tsarina as a true saint who predicted the Great Depression.

Such a saint supports him.

The answer is already clear.

That great Tsar will cling to Churchill’s trouser leg, desperately hoping for the British Empire to help Russia.

Then, as always, the British Empire will intervene for the sake of European peace, beat up Communist Germany, and reorganize the European order.

“Then first, the Prince of Wales, Edward, must ascend to the throne.”

“Indeed.”

If the day comes when the cabinet resigns en masse, as predicted in the letter about prophecies sent by the Tsar through the Okhrana, then they can fill the positions with the King’s Party.

After that, with the support of the Tsar and countries under the Tsar’s influence—Finland, East Prussia (German Empire), Austria, and the Balkan states—they will rise as the legitimate government of Britain.

That day is not far off.