Chapter 85: Non-Aggression Treaty (Please Subscribe!)

Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Non-Aggression Treaty (Please Subscribe!)

Translator: 549690339 |

Arthur and all the Australian officials fell silent. They didn’t expect that during the negotiation on purchasing Indigenous Peoples, which should have been the most controversial topic, the Dutch government would compromise so easily.

This means that the most difficult part of buying Indigenous Peoples, specifically suppressing their resistance, will be undertaken by the Dutch government.

There was even a brief moment of silence in the room, only broken when Arthur coughed softly and the conversation gradually resumed.

Prime Minister Evan asked in disbelief, “Minister Herbert, are you sure the Dutch government will undertake all the work of capturing and transporting Indigenous Peoples?”

An Indigenous Person is not worth much money, and even if there are thousands of them, their value will not exceed 100,000 pounds.

What is the benefit for the Netherlands to deploy its military to capture and transport Indigenous Peoples for just tens of thousands of pounds? Even if each Indigenous Person could get ten pounds in funds, it would not be a loss for the Dutch government, but it seems unlikely that they would earn substantial funds from this trade, considering the expenses of deploying the military and the fleet.

“Of course, Minister Evan. We are very sincere in our cooperation with Australia. If your government is not reassured, we can sign a treaty with explicit clauses to solidify this collaboration,” Minister Herbert nodded naturally, smiling.

Seeing Minister Herbert speak so confidently, although everyone still felt it was somewhat strange, they were reassured.

After signing the treaty, even if the Kingdom of the Netherlands wants to back out in the future, it would depend on whether the Australian government agrees or not.

Moreover, if the Kingdom of the Netherlands wants to renege in the future, they would provide Australia with an excuse to seek more islands in Southeast Asia and even meddle in the Dutch East Indies, occupying some areas of significant interest.

Additionally, Australia has a deep relationship with the British Empire, and Australia’s monarch Arthur was favored by the former Queen Victoria of the British Empire.

Australia also has a good relationship with the German Empire, and there were even rumors that the two countries had reached a support treaty.

Under these factors, the Dutch government generally believes that they must proactively sign a non-aggression treaty with Australia to better ensure the safety of the Dutch East Indies.

The status of the Dutch East Indies can be compared to that of British India in the British Empire.

If the loss of India means the British Empire cannot maintain the world’s first power, then the loss of the Dutch East Indies would turn the Netherlands into a third-rate or even non-mainstream European country.

Hearing Minister Herbert speak, Prime Minister Evan looked at Arthur.

He knew very well that the signing of treaties between nations was not something he could decide on his own.

Only after Arthur nods can he express his opinion. Or rather, relay Arthur’s thoughts.

Seeing Arthur nod slightly, Prime Minister Evan turned around and addressed Minister Herbert and Governor William, “Australia is an emerging country, and the defense forces we have are not enough to fully protect our territory, but we also have beautiful hopes for peaceful development. Australia is willing to sign a non-aggression treaty with the Dutch government, which can extend to the colonies we each have. We are willing to maintain a peaceful development situation in Southeast Asia and will make efforts to maintain the current peaceful status.”

Minister Herbert did not believe Prime Minister Evan’s rhetoric.

Still, he was pleased to see Australia willing to sign the treaty.

“That’s great news, Prime Minister Evan. If possible, we would also like to invite your government to send a diplomatic delegation to the Netherlands and appoint ambassadors to each other. At that time, under the joint witness of the monarchs of both parties, we will sign a meaningful non-aggression treaty for both countries,” Minister Herbert said with a smile.