Reborn as King of South America

Chapter 478 Conspiracy
In Rio de Janeiro, an elegantly and magnificently decorated carriage drove out of the Presidential Palace and headed towards the embassy district in the west of the city.

Sitting in the carriage were Brazilian Foreign Minister Hernandez and his assistant, with seven or eight cavalrymen escorting on each side of the carriage. During the war, the seemingly calm situation in the Brazilian Republic was turbulent. In order to guard against the royalists, Han infiltrators, and those who were dissatisfied with the Republican government, President Fonseca specifically stipulated that officials of a certain level should be equipped with guards to ensure their safety.

"Sir, we have arrived at the British Legation."

The carriage stopped and the accompanying assistant reminded.

"Come on, let's visit Mr. Williams together."

After the British embassy staff informed them, Hernandez and his assistant walked in together.

"Your Excellency, the British Empire respects your choice, but in order to restore peace and stability in the Paraguayan region as soon as possible, I suggest that you give up your unrealistic territorial claims."

British Minister Williams took a sip of tea, put down the cup, and said seriously: "The British Empire agrees with your just action to recover Mato Grosso do Sul. However, it is recommended that the territorial dispute in the northeastern border area of ​​Paraguay be resolved through coordination after the establishment of the new Paraguayan government. The disputed territory in the northeastern area is not suitable for discussion in the peace talks."

"The Republic has indisputable sovereignty over the Northeast region. Since 1800, the Republic has exercised administrative sovereignty over the region. There is no so-called sovereignty dispute in the region."

"Mr. Hernandez, the British Empire's attitude towards peace talks is clear and unequivocal. It guarantees the integrity and independence of Paraguay's territory. Any use of war to change Paraguay's inherent territory is unacceptable."

"If this is the official position of the British Empire, then I will convey your Excellency's views to the President."

"Mr. Minister, the decision on the Paraguayan War lies in your hands. If you give up your unreasonable territorial claims and are willing to withdraw your troops from Paraguay, the British Empire will give you its full support."

The British envoy softened his attitude and smiled. "Sir, there is one thing I need to discuss with you in advance. Due to some uncontrollable factors, the three consortiums of Lloyds Bank, Compass Group, and Barclays Bank have decided to end their investment in your country and suspend the issuance of subsequent loans. At the same time, the seven mines and three branch railways under the names of the three consortiums are also ready to be sold. From a private perspective, it is recommended that the industrialists and businessmen of your country take over the relevant industries. The seven mines and three branch railways under the names of the three consortiums are all high-quality industries. After the industrialists and businessmen of your country take over, they can obtain considerable profits every year. It is definitely a cost-effective deal."

"The Republic has always supported your country's businessmen's investment and operation in the country. Why did the three consortiums give up their investment in the country? Is it political factors?"

Hernandez's face tightened and he said anxiously.

“Your Excellency has misunderstood. The suspension of investment is purely a corporate behavior of the three consortiums and has nothing to do with the British government. The British Empire’s friendship and support for your country will not change. Your Excellency does not need to worry.

The British envoy explained, “Lloyds Bank, Compass Group, and Barclays Bank are short of liquidity. Their business has changed and they need to gather funds. Then, based on the direction of their company development, the three consortiums decided to stop investing in and operating traditional minerals and railways in South America and shift their focus to emerging fields such as chemicals, electricity, and machinery. This is purely a private capital behavior and has nothing to do with the situation in your country.”

"We respect and understand the business behavior of Lloyds Bank, Compass Group, and Barclays Bank in suspending investment cooperation. However, from a rational and objective perspective, the Republic is an economic powerhouse and a resource powerhouse in the Americas. The subsequent returns from investing and building in the Republic will definitely be stable and amazing. I hope that the Minister can convey the Republic's willingness to develop the economy and support investment to the three consortiums. If the three consortiums decide to give up investment due to some non-economic factors, they can also directly raise this issue, and the Republic government will definitely provide assistance."

"Don't worry, sir. I will definitely convey your words to the three financial groups."

"I won't disturb the Minister's rest. See you next time."…

After walking out of the British Embassy and getting on the tricycle, Hernandez's face instantly turned gloomy.

"Colombia, turn around and go to the American Legation."

"Sir, taking back Mato Grosso do Sul and shelving the territorial sovereignty of the disputed northeastern region are not too harsh conditions. Why don't you go back to the presidential palace and report to the president first?"

The assistant asked cautiously.

"No, you have been deceived. The British are not sincere. Even if the Republic agrees to these conditions, Britain will not really contribute to the mediation of the Paraguayan War. It will only favor the Orientals and deliberately delay time."

With constant contact and testing, Hernandez saw
The real purpose of British Minister Williams was that from the beginning of the war, the British had never thought of sincerely helping the Republic of Brazil to win. As for the British's early support, it was just a cunning balance and exploitation. They used Paraguay to lure the Republic to send troops, and then used Paraguay and even the Republic as bargaining chips to drive the Orientals to act as thugs, intensify the contradictions between the Orientals and the United States, and then adjust and balance it to maintain the so-called balance in South America.

Fed up with the hypocrisy, treachery and cold-bloodedness of the British, Hernandez completely lost the desire to tangle with the British and went straight to the American embassy. "Sir, I am sorry to disturb your rest. I am visiting you because I have something good to tell you. The President agrees to increase economic cooperation with your country and is willing to further open up the fields of finance, industry and mineral development. We welcome more industrialists and businessmen from your country to invest and operate in the Republic. In order to show our respect for your country and our sincerity in cooperation, the Republic will take the lead in persuading the three British consortiums, Lloyds Bank, Compass Group and Barclays Bank, to sell their high-quality assets of seven mines and three branch railways to industrialists and businessmen from your country."

"Thank you, Mr. Secretary. The United States is happy to establish a closer cooperative relationship with your country, not just in the economic field. If your country needs cooperation in other areas, you can directly raise it."

The American Minister was roughly aware of the reasons why the three British consortiums sold their assets, but he did not intend to expose it. Deepening cooperation with the Republic of Brazil and strengthening influence, infiltration and control over all aspects of Brazil are the core tasks of the Chinese Embassy in Brazil. If during this period, the British forces can be squeezed out of the Republic of Brazil, it would be even better.

The American public spoke straightforwardly, and Hernandez did not beat around the bush. He asked his assistant to hand over a bill and said directly: "This is the weapons procurement list that has been slightly adjusted after the last discussion. Please take a look."

"No problem. The United States is fully capable of supplying all the weapons and equipment on the list."

After a cursory glance, the American envoy gave a clear response.

"In the purchase list, the prices of various weapons and ammunition need to be reduced by another 20%. If you agree, we can sign a formal purchase agreement tonight."

"How have you considered the proposal for exploration rights for copper resources in Mato Grosso do Sul?"

"Mr. Minister, let me be frank. The purpose of my visit this time is to establish a solid and comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship with your country and jointly deal with the barbaric regime of the Orientals!"

Hernandez said solemnly: "The Han Kingdom established by the Orientals is a more barbaric and evil country than the Lopez regime. Its strength and destructive power are far greater than the Lopez regime. After the establishment of the Han Kingdom, it has continuously launched wars of aggression against neighboring countries. Now, it has extended its claws of aggression to Paraguay. In order to help the Paraguayan people get rid of the barbaric rule of the Lopez regime and defend the freedom and independence of the Americans, the Republic’s army entered Paraguay and fought on the front line with the evil Orientals.

It must be admitted that the Orientals' strength has surpassed that of the Republic. Now its army has not only illegally occupied Paraguay, but has also been stockpiled on the southern border of the Republic. It may cross the border defenses and enter the Republic at any time.

The Republic and your country have close cooperation. If the Orientals enter the territory, not only will the citizens of the Republic suffer cruel oppression and harm, but your country's investments and factories in Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Ghicas and other places will also be destroyed.

The Republic and your country have the same interests, and resisting and curbing the barbaric expansion of the Orientals is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries. "

As Hernandez spoke, he observed the reaction of the American minister. Seeing that the other party looked solemn, he continued, "The speed of the barbaric development of the Han Kingdom is too alarming. Since they illegally occupied the two southern states of the Republic, in just 20 years, their population has doubled several times, and their industrial and military strength has also rapidly developed to the forefront of the Americas. Although the current comprehensive strength of the Han Kingdom is not as good as your country, if it is not curbed and allowed to develop for ten or twenty years, the Han Kingdom will definitely become a great enemy of your country."

"For the sake of peace in your country, the United States, and even the entire American civilized world, the Republic needs your strong help!"

"The speed of the Han Empire's development is truly astonishing. Their desire for expansion is like the sea, which can never be filled."

The American minister nodded in agreement and changed the subject, "However, the gap in strength between the United States and the Orientals cannot be made up by time alone. Even after another ten or twenty years, or even longer, the United States has the confidence to resolve the threat from the Orientals, just like it defeated the British and gained national independence."

"Your Excellency, I have not exaggerated the threat from the Orientals. We must promptly curb the barbaric expansion of the Han Kingdom. Otherwise, we will pay a heavier price in the future. This time, on behalf of Your Excellency the President, I sincerely discuss with your country the issue of a comprehensive confrontation with the Han Kingdom."

"Isn't your country afraid of incurring British interference?"

"The Republic is a sovereign state and a powerful and influential South American country. This strategic choice that determines the rise and fall of a country will not be affected by other countries, nor will it be afraid of interference from other countries! Your country is also a powerful and influential American country. In terms of safeguarding the country's long-term interests and upholding justice for all countries in the Americas, I believe that your country will not worry about the military intimidation and political threats from certain major powers."

"From a personal perspective, I fully agree with your views and am optimistic about the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. After summarizing the content of today's talks with you, I will report to the country as soon as possible. I believe that the country will also agree with your views."

"I will wait for your good news. I won't bother you anymore. See you next time."

"Goodbye, Mr. Minister."

(End of this chapter)