v2 Chapter 397： : I am in charge of asking

How big are Penang and Malacca?

The main city of Penang is on the island, with a strait in the middle and a piece of land on the opposite side. The total area is 1,046 square kilometers, which is about the same size as Hong Kong. Malacca is slightly larger, with an area of ​​more than 1,700 square kilometers.

Two places are the size of a county in China.

Penang now has a population of more than 300,000, about half of which are Chinese, and the rest are Malays, Indians and so on.

Later Penang mainly developed the electronics industry, known as the little Silicon Valley. Hardy thought it would be good to build a chip production base here in the future.

And there is also a very good terminal here. Although not as unique as Singapore, it can still become a world-class transshipment port and promote local development.

There are only more than 200,000 people in Malacca. Forty percent of them are Chinese. Some have settled here for hundreds of years. The Ming Dynasty will stay here. The Ming Dynasty said it was full of spurs. When Zheng He went to the West Build a fleet base here.

These two places are actually not big, but in comparison, they are bigger than Singapore, which is only more than 700 square kilometers.

It also has an advantage over Singapore, that is, they are on land and have natural water sources. Singapore is an isolated island with extremely scarce water resources. They can only be purchased from Malaya and transported to Malacca through pipelines.

Singapore’s advantage is its excellent geographical location and it belongs to the world’s shipping throat. Future generations only rely on the shipping industry to make a lot of money. Singapore has become a developed country with an annual per capita income of more than 60,000 US dollars, ranking eighth in the world. .

Hardy was going to Penang and Malacca, but before going, Hardy asked the HD Defense Company to increase troops on the two military bases in Penang and Singapore.

At the same time, they dispatched two Fletcher-class destroyers, which were enough to buy last year, to Penang with full crew.

Thus,

The HD defense company’s base in Southeast Asia has a total number of more than 3,000 people. The warships include two destroyers, two frigates, four 600-ton patrol frigates, and twelve 80-ton torpedo boats.

Hardy took the team and flew to Singapore by private jet. This time, the Governor of Singapore Mountbatten personally came to pick up the plane.

"Baron Hardy, welcome to Singapore. Congratulations on your two fiefdoms. Penang and Malacca are two treasures." Mountbatten smiled.

Hardy's expression was a little helpless.

"It would be great if it is really a treasure land. In fact, at the beginning, I just wanted to buy a piece of land in Singapore and build a transshipment port. I didn't expect it to become like this in the end."

Mountbatten knew that Hardy had spent $400 million this time, and he was shocked to hear this value.

"Your Majesty the King and the Prime Minister will remember your contribution to the empire." Governor Mountbatten said with a smile.

"Go, let's go to the Governor's Mansion for a chat."

Then he invited Hardy to the Governor's Mansion.

After the two of them sat down, Hardy asked, "Governor Mountbatten, you were in charge of Penang and Malacca. I want to find out if there is any conflict between the two places. I don't want any trouble in taking over the fief? "

"Oh, there are indeed some minor issues. This should start with the preparation of the Malayan Union in the past few years."

Afterwards, Governor Mountbatten, after expelling the Japanese and re-taking Malaya, a series of British operations and what happened in the middle, told Hardy again.

In fact, Hardy had already clearly understood these conditions in the information provided by Henry's intelligence department.

Since India, Burma and other places became independent, Britain did not want to give up Malaya, the last colony, and was ready to rule directly, but the local sultan did not agree, and the Federation of Malaya, which had only been established for a few months, was dissolved.

In fact, the Chinese have not made trouble during this period.

Subsequently, in order to win over the Malays, the United Kingdom announced that it would grant privileges to the Sultans and Malays. In fact, this management method was a conspiracy of the British to create division. This management method has also been implemented in India, Africa and other countries. .

Split the two nations and let them oppose each other, so that British talents can rule this place with very few troops.

But in this way, the Chinese disagree, because the Malays gain privileges, which means that the Chinese are reduced to second-class citizens and lose many benefits and rights.

Immediately, the Chinese also established many organizations, such as the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the British Chinese Federation and other organizations, to oppose the privileges of the Malays and demand the restoration of normal rights and interests.

Some conflicts erupted afterwards, including arrests by the British police, forcible dissolution of the organization, and actions taken to avoid the Labor Party's influence here, and so on.

In short, the disputes never stop.

This is also one of the important reasons why many people think that Hardy's purchase of Penang and Malacca is a loss.

Even the Governor of Mountbatten in front of him is not optimistic about Hardy’s investment. It is estimated that Hardy will be involved in the whirlpool, and finally leave dingy. I am afraid that his 400 million US dollars can only leave Singapore’s 50 square meters. Kilometers of port land

In fact, when Hardy and Mountbatten were talking about Penang and Malacca, some people were discussing them.

In a Chinese-style courtyard in Penang, seven or eight Chinese are sitting together talking about Hardy. These people do not know whether it is good or bad for Britain's sudden grant of Penang as a fief, and they are discussing together.

"I heard that Baron Hardy was originally an American. What kind of rules do you think he will make for Penang and Malacca?"

Someone said: "Didn't the newspapers say that this will be an autonomous territory in the future, and Governor Hardy will be fully responsible. From now on, he will be equivalent to the emperor."

Someone next to him said: "I don't know if he is willing to give us Chinese citizenship rights. In fact, as long as we let us live a good life, who wants to make trouble?"

"Some people are too radical. We are so many. We have no independent strength and soil at all. It is the best result to be able to fight for equal rights."

"Can you contact us in advance and talk about our demands?"

"I remember that Hongmen has business dealings with the other side. Can you contact me?"

"Try it."

"By the way, we can get in touch with Malacca and Singapore, so that the power will be even greater."

After talking with the Governor of Singapore Mountbatten, Hardy took a day off. The next day he did not go directly to Malacca and Penang to receive sites, but flew to Hong Kong by private jet.

When getting off the plane, Hardy did not leave in a low-key manner. He deliberately accepted an interview with the reporter. The reporter asked a lot of questions.

One of the reporters asked: "First of all congratulations to Baron Hardy who is going to be promoted to Viscount and he won the Malayan Penang and Malacca fiefs. May I ask Mr. Hardy, how do you plan to build those two fiefdoms?"

Hardy smiled, "The geographical location over there is no worse than Hong Kong. I hope they can develop into Hong Kong in the future and make achievements in finance, manufacturing, processing, and shipping."

Hardy was interviewed,

It’s actually a signal to the outside world,

I am in Hong Kong

Luxury mansion in mid-levels in Hong Kong.

Hardy is holding his eight-month-old son.

The little guy was chubby, with shiny black eyes and thick hair. He was looking at Hardy curiously, and his mouth kept yelling.

Han Yezhen smiled and said, "Born may have eaten it. He is so strong that he can already crawl."

Hardy played with the little guy for a long time, and the little guy got acquainted with Hardy. After all, he was connected by blood, and the little guy seemed to know that this was his father, and he became very close to Hardy because of his future dependence.

The next day.

Victor and the presidents of HSBC and Wells Fargo successively came over to report to Hardy on the development during this period.

Although the embargo has had a certain impact on Hong Kong, it is a business opportunity for the Hardy Group. During this period, the profitability of the Hardy Group is much higher than before. Because of the presence of Hardy as a middleman, the overall impact on Hong Kong is not significant. .

The most influential ones are the foreign firms in Britain.

night.

John Wick came to Mid-Levels Villa and reported to Hardy: "Boss, I have been in contact with the Malayan organization before. They sent someone to contact me just now, and their person in charge hopes to see you."

Hardy said,

You are waiting.

"Is there only one person?" Hardy asked.

"A total of three people, including representatives of Chinese organizations in Penang, Malacca and Singapore." Wake said.

"Where are they?"

"I have arrived in Hong Kong."

Hardy thought for a while, "Let them meet me at the manor tomorrow afternoon."

When several representatives were notified that Hardy was willing to meet them, they were a little excited and gathered in one room for another half of the night to discuss.

The next day they packed up early and were going to see Hardy. The car came to the manor. The three got off and found a young man standing in the yard with his child, looking at the Victoria Bay in the distance.

After reading Hardy's report, the three of them recognized at a glance that this is the famous Baron Jon Hardy, the new governor of Penang and Malacca.

Hardy turned to look at the three of them, nodded slightly, and brought the baby over, the baby in Hardy's arms yelled.

"Are you from Penang, Malacca and Singapore?" Hardy walked up to the three of them and said in Mandarin.

The three of them were taken aback for a moment, but they didn't expect Hardy to speak Mandarin so well.

"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Hardy, I'm Pan Xingchen from Penang, this is Tong Jiayuan from Malacca, and this is Xu Shaoxiong from Singapore."

Hardy nodded.

Just then Han Yezhen walked out of the house and smiled and said, "You have a guest, let me give it to the kid."

Han Yezhen also speaks Mandarin.

Pan Xingchen looked at Han Yezhen and all nodded and smiled. They knew before they came that Hadi had a wife here who was of Chinese American descent. The first relationship with Hadi was through Han Yizhen.

Hardy smiled and handed the child over. The little guy was still unwilling to go, his little hand gripped Hardy's clothes hard.

"Play with mom first, wait until dad finishes talking about things, and then accompany you." Hardy persuaded with a smile.

I don't know if I really understood it, the little guy really let go of his hand and reached his mother's arms.

Hardy brought three people to the study, the servant brought tea and left, Pan Xingchen spoke: "Your Excellency Hardy, our intention this time is"

Before Pan Xingchen finished speaking, Hardy raised his hand to interrupt them.

"I can guess what you are here. Singapore's affairs are not in my control. Penang and Malacca are my fiefs. I agree with you today. I want to express my opinions through you."

Hardy's words are very domineering.

But he is the governor,

Now Penang and Malacca belong to him, and he must also be the leader. When the other party sees himself, he just wants to fight for his rights.

They may want some rights or even independence.

Hardy does not plan to negotiate with them, but prepares what I say, what you listen to, I am in charge of my territory. As for the differences, you can overcome them by yourself.

Pan Xingchen and the others looked terrified, and said that Mr. Hardy might be difficult to speak, and the result of this meeting might not be very good.

Hardy watched all three of them shut up and looked at him, before continuing:

"In the future, Penang and Malacca will not be independent, they will only be my fief, the British territorial dominion."

"In a few days, I will go to take over Penang and Malacca, and the Governor's Mansion will be located in Penang. From now on, my fief policy will be implemented."

Hearing these words, the three of them all looked at Hardy attentively, because the next words of the governor-sir will determine the future of the Chinese.

"First, the autonomous territory adheres to the principle of equality for everyone. No one is superior, everyone will be granted the rights of a territorial citizen."

"Second, freedom of religion."

"Third, there is freedom of language and writing. English is the official language, but learning Chinese and other languages ​​is not prohibited. Schools opened can have bilingual or even trilingual teaching."

"Fourth, you can keep your own national habits."

"Fifth, protect private property and implement the British legal system."

"Sixth, the political constitution of the dominions of Penang and Malacca is the governor's responsibility system. The governor represents the queen, is appointed by the queen, and has internal affairs, foreign affairs, defense, public security and public service rights."

"Seventh, the dominion will establish a parliament. Everyone has the right to participate in and discuss politics. The appointment of officials at all levels will also solicit opinions from the parliament. The parliament has certain powers over the dominion's economic construction and administrative management."

"Eighth, the judicial power of the dominion, the Governor is responsible for appointing the chief of police, the chief prosecutor and the justices."

"Ninth, the power of the dominion is entirely the responsibility of the governor, and the parliament has no jurisdiction."

The three of them were actually very happy after hearing what Hardy had said, because they came here to seek equal rights.

As for thinking about independence.

They knew that the possibility was unlikely, and the conditions given by Hardy were very reasonable and reasonable, and they also agreed to establish a parliament, where members have some rights.

Hardy didn't mean to discuss with them. He just informed that people's desires are endless. No matter how good the conditions are given by Hardy, some people will be dissatisfied.

It is impossible for him to satisfy everyone's requirements.

Then just listen to me.

You are convinced and live here.

Not convinced, moved away by himself.

The three did not stay too much. After leaving Hadi, there was not much delay in returning to Malaya. On the way, Tong Jiayuan of Malacca said: "I think the conditions given by the new governor are acceptable, at least better than The British are much stronger."

Penang's Pan Xingchen said: "The British conspiracy is actually not difficult to guess. To divide us and the Malays, divide and conquer. They can reap the benefits of the fishermen and continue to maintain the colonial rule. Originally, I did not want to make trouble, as long as there is stability. The living environment is fine, not to mention that we have lived like this for hundreds of years, but the British deceived people too much."

"Speaking of which, Governor Hardy's conditions are indeed within the acceptable range negotiated before we came."

Singapore's Xu Shaoxiong frowned and said, "To be honest, if Governor Hardy also gave Singapore such a condition, I can accept it, but he doesn't want to talk about Singapore. Singapore's future is still uncertain. "

In fact, Hardy finally gave up Singapore and had his own plan.

There are always people who are thinking about fulfilling certain ideals and pursuing certain ideals. It's better to avoid blocking. As for where to go, it is naturally to go to Singapore, and Singapore is also the seat of the British governor.

After Penang and Malacca became the dominions, it is estimated that those who are rioting will gradually lose their living soil and popular foundation, because after continuous wars, the people are determined, and people don't want to toss anymore.

If Hardy takes all three places, there will definitely be some people who disagree, and it will evolve into Hardy's face.

to be honest,

It is impossible for Hardy to slaughter them, simply abandon Singapore and make Singapore a depression.

The three returned to the local to explain the situation to the chamber of commerce and organization to which they belonged.

People in Penang and Malacca heard about Hadi’s conditions, and many people thought it was okay. After all, they lived like that before. They can be equal to the Malays. They are completely acceptable, and they also heard that this Hadi The Governor's wife is a Chinese descent who has also given birth to a child. I think he will not be too bad for the Chinese.

As for what the Malays think, they don't care.

A few days later,

Hardy received the notice,

The two warships have successfully arrived in Penang and Singapore, and the increase in troops has been completed. The intelligence department has also conducted intelligence collection on Penang and Malacca.

After the representatives who met with Hardy returned to the local area to talk about the policies that Hardy was going to implement, the vast majority of the people felt willing to accept it, and the people were emotionally stable.

But Singapore is different.

They have obtained information that Singapore is preparing to organize a general strike, which may exceed tens of thousands of people.