Chapter 2279： The British Transition

"Yes, as long as the Germans are smart enough, then we have a chance." Prime Minister Asquith said after a moment of thought.

"The compensation that the Germans demanded could not be lower than before, and the war also cost them huge losses. And the British Empire would not choose to submit completely like France. The French can continue to be a second-rate power, but the British Empire as an island nation , As the world's largest colonial empire, we either climb to the top or watch the empire collapse." George V sighed.

The words of King George V are very reasonable. France can completely surrender to Germany, because France itself does not have the ability to become the world's top power. First of all, the native French population is too small, only more than 40 million, so low. The population of China simply cannot support the ambitions of a big country. Secondly, although France has a large number of colonies, Africa alone has more than tens of millions of square kilometers of land, but unfortunately, most of the French colonies are very barren. After all, North Africa has the world's largest Sahara Desert... ... Therefore, the seemingly huge colonies are actually of average value.

But the UK is different! Even though it has experienced an unprecedented defeat, how can the wealth of the British Empire be wiped out in a world war? In terms of population, the local population of the United Kingdom is much larger than that of France. In this era, whether it is Australia or Canada, their loyalty to the British Empire is still very high. It can be said that the Dominion Corps has supported half of the British Army! Therefore, after counting the human potential that the colonies can mobilize, Britain's human resources will be greatly enriched!

In terms of resources, India, Southeast Asia, or the two vast dominations do not lack resources at all! In terms of industry, Canada also has a considerable foundation. As long as the two dominions of Australia and Canada still obey the British government, then the United Kingdom may become a superpower at any time!

France is a country with certain strength but not capable of contending for hegemony. Britain is a country with strength and ambition to contend for hegemony. Although it has fallen, neither Germany nor the United States dare to underestimate this hegemony. A country that has been on the earth for hundreds of years! This is the fate of Britain! Before he completely declines, no one will relax their vigilance against Britain, whether it is an enemy or a potential ally!

So does the UK have a chance to become a second-rate power? Naturally, it is possible to turn your own into a country like France? Just like Britain after the end of the Second World War in history, the dominions gave up all, and the colonies were thrown away at odds and ends. In this case, the powerful country is naturally willing to accept you as a little brother! But now the UK will not do this. They are far from the point of collapse. They still want to fight to the death. This is something that any country at sunset will inevitably do. No country is willing to easily surrender its hegemony! Therefore, from this point of view, it is impossible for Americans who are asking too much to negotiate with the hegemonic Britain!

"Smart enough? This word is not used on William II anyway." George V said.

"Yes, some things are useless to talk to him. At this time, we have to discuss this matter with our most terrible enemy. We have already lost. Therefore, in this race for world hegemony, we have been Marginalized, the German Empire is about to face a new opponent, he is stronger than us and more difficult to deal with. And we can compromise with the German Empire in some aspects, to weaken this opponent together, and at the same time get the opportunity to make the Empire come back! "Prime Minister Asquith said.

"However, the Germans will not reduce the indemnity of a pound because of this cooperation. Nor will it take a square mile of land! And our relationship with the United States will worsen! Germany once again gains an advantage, the United States is weakened, then We will continue to be suppressed by Germany, this idea seems a bit absurd." George V frowned and said.

"The Germans will not lower their requirements, but they can open an opening in other areas, such as the sale of excess military supplies." Asquith said.

"Hehe, I didn't expect that at this time you are still thinking about the worst ally in the history of the British Empire. I really don't understand what role it is for the empire to maintain the Anglo-Japanese alliance! And the Germans will also At war with Japan, why should they tolerate our support for Japan?" George V asked rhetorically.

"There are only interests and no friendship between countries. Just because Japan is about to face war, we can sell war materials that we don’t need to Japan at a very high price, and it can bring huge profits. Then we should continue to maintain Britain and Japan. Relationship, after all, the Americans will not provide us with as much help, and the only way to find funds for the restoration of the empire is Japan!"

"As for why the Germans are willing? If they do not want to bankrupt the empire, and only receive a pile of worthless banknotes, then we must not block our channels of income. And for the Germans, the US-Japan War The longer it lasts, the more benefits they can get. Of course, this is the same for us We can sell weapons not only to the Japanese, but also to the Americans! Especially aero engines!"

"It is true that the Germans will also participate in this war, but they must mainly send navy and air force, and the number will not be large. The Germans are just to keep their promises, and they may not even want the United States to completely overthrow Japan. . Therefore, in the face of big strategic interests, some small conflicts can be ignored." Asquith said.

"So, our trade with the Japanese is actually to help the Germans make money. As an ally of the United States, Germany helps the Americans in wars while at the same time condoning us to stumble upon the Americans? This is really a wonderful thing." Said George V.

"Yes, it is amazing. Your Majesty." Asquith said.

"Does this alone enable us to tide over the immediate crisis?" George V asked.

"The cooperation with the Japanese is just one aspect. To ensure the safety of the British Empire, we need to have strong allies in Europe. This country cannot be France." Asquith said.

"You mean Russia?" George V laughed. "God, this is the most interesting joke we heard during this time. You amused me. Please, my Prime Minister, we don’t know who will rule Russia in the future. It’s Bolsheviks, yes Denikin or Kolchak? You tell me that Russia will be our firm ally in the future?"

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