I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 144

British Canada

In the original timeline, by the time the Mexican-American War erupted, the dictator Santa Anna had already been ousted from power.

Santa Anna’s attempts to reclaim the Republic of Texas were met with defeat, and his subsequent imposition of unreasonable taxes to compensate led to his downfall.

However, in this altered reality, the war ignited prematurely, leaving Santa Anna firmly entrenched in his position.

In fact, he might even perceive the war’s timing as fortuitous, averting a series of blunders that could have cost him his authority.

Ordinarily, war serves as a potent catalyst for consolidating a leader’s power and unifying disparate public sentiments.

However, this holds true only if the conflict culminates in a modicum of success; repeated defeats would undermine his position.

Santa Anna, while a deficient administrator, was undeniably among Mexico’s most capable military figures at the time.

Having directly engaged in combat against the United States, he was acutely aware that a protracted war would inevitably lead to their ruin.

The dictator’s primary objective was to secure an unconditional end to the war, provided it could be achieved without tarnishing their reputation.

Mexican Ambassador Cuevas deemed the proposed conditions excessively stringent, which was indeed the case, but his opinion held little sway.

Regardless of the ambassador’s pronouncements, the ultimate decisions rested with the dictator at the helm.

As anticipated, with the gradual arrival of the Royal Navy from England in Canada, Cuevas, bearing Santa Anna’s response, bowed deeply before me.

“The President has consented to the British Empire’s mediation. However, the stipulation is that the territory be sold, and the British Empire must guarantee that Mexico has not been defeated by the United States in this war.”

“That presents no difficulty. The President has demonstrated remarkable wisdom. Unlike the tumultuous landscape of Europe, the New World boasts a limited number of nations, rendering amicable relations far more attainable. I trust that we can foster friendship and avert future conflicts.”

“We remain perpetually prepared to coexist harmoniously with our neighbors, provided those United States fellows refrain from instigating trouble.”

“Hahaha, it appears the United States is currently undergoing a period of profound introspection, and they will furnish a satisfactory response imminently. Subsequently, the armistice agreement will be a trilateral endeavor. I shall apprise you as soon as I receive word from the United States.”

Cuevas appeared uncertain about the sagacity of Santa Anna’s decision, but irrespective of his dictatorial tendencies, he remained the president representing them, leaving Cuevas with limited recourse despite his reservations.

In essence, a subordinate is bound to adhere to directives, compelling Cuevas to concede to the most favorable terms within the parameters I had established.

However, given the conspicuous revelation of Santa Anna’s paramount desire to salvage face, they found themselves in a position devoid of any negotiating leverage.

Should circumstances deteriorate, we retained the capacity to overturn the situation and orchestrate a display of force with the Royal Navy, thereby expediting the demise of the dictatorial regime.

Approximately three days after Cuevas’s disoriented departure, United States Ambassador Everett arrived, bearing a countenance mirroring Cuevas’s.

“The Congress and the Administration have resolved to proceed with negotiations based on the conditions Your Highness has articulated. Secretary Webster will return forthwith.”

“That transpires with greater alacrity than anticipated. I had anticipated a delay of several days.”

The Royal Navy’s deployment exerted a tremendous influence!

Operating a fleet entails considerable expenditure, yet it was not the entirety of the fleet that was deployed; merely a contingent arrived in Canada for a show of force.

With this singular maneuver, we secured territory equivalent to the combined expanse of Upper and Lower Canada, rendering it virtually cost-free.

“The President has requested that I convey that, notwithstanding the deterioration of relations to their nadir, he harbored no intention of offending Your Majesty and Your Highness.”

“I comprehend. Will the President retain his position in the foreseeable future?”

“…I surmise not. As Your Highness is aware, there are vociferous calls across the nation for the President’s removal.”

“Indeed, he has engendered considerable turmoil. Is the Congress poised to initiate impeachment proceedings?”

“Given the absence of precedent for impeaching a president, there appears to have been substantial deliberation within both parties. Presently, our policy is to avert impeachment if he voluntarily relinquishes his position in a manner that preserves a semblance of honor.”

Ambassador Everett cast a furtive glance in my direction after delivering his statement.

He appeared apprehensive that, given the direct involvement of the British Empire in this matter, there would be criticism regarding the rationale for safeguarding the honor of such a leader, thereby subtly diluting responsibility.

However, I harbored no animosity towards Tyler, and I remained indifferent to whether he faced impeachment or resigned voluntarily.

In fact, I was appreciative of his role in escalating the situation to its current juncture; there existed no grounds for animosity.

“Even in the commission of egregious errors, he remains the president of a nation. It appears inappropriate to compel his resignation in a manner that is excessively humiliating. Such an action would not be conducive to the relationship between the British Empire and the United States. I believe the Congress has rendered a judicious decision.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“Then, let us proceed with negotiations upon Secretary Webster’s arrival. The Mexican delegation has affirmed its readiness.”

“…Yes.”

Everett appeared disquieted by the prospect of forging an agreement with Mexico, but even absent my mediation, the United States was presently incapable of decisively overpowering Mexico.

Regardless of the disparity in national power, war necessitates a modicum of justification.

When conflict ensues, casualties are inevitable, necessitating a rationale or sense of pride to endure such losses.

However, in the absence of any justification, and with the perception that this side is unjustly blaming a weak and powerless country for initiating a war, how would the soldiers’ morale be?

Following the US Congress’s declaration that this was a fabricated war, protests demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities are simultaneously erupting in the North.

In the South, they are grappling with the mass exodus and unrest among black people, fostering a prevailing sentiment to prioritize the cessation of war and address the security concerns of the South.

Given the prevailing circumstances, irrespective of governmental directives to persist in combat, there exists no prospect of compliance from the military.

Rather, should the situation persist, the soldiers might redirect their armaments.

“Then, please avail yourself of comfortable repose until the Secretary arrives. I am encumbered with preparations for the talks, precluding the allocation of substantial time to your disposal.”

“…Yes. Thank you for your time.”

Excellent. It appears that both Mexico and the United States comprehend the prevailing circumstances, wherein they are constrained from actively demanding or rejecting anything.

Therefore, refrain from engaging in idle chatter and adhere to our directives diligently in the future. In doing so, bloodshed shall be averted.

* * *

“…Hello.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Enemies converging on a narrow precipice. The initial greetings between Cuevas, representing Mexico, and Secretary Webster, representing the United States, exuded a palpable coldness, inadequately masked by insincere smiles.

From Mexico’s vantage point, they were abruptly assaulted and deprived of their territory, engendering profound resentment.

The United States, ostensibly, should extend apologies to Mexico, but mirroring the British Empire, they harbor no genuine remorse.

Instead, they inwardly lament, ‘The situation has deteriorated to the point where we must negotiate with these individuals on equal terms. How distasteful.’

“Well, it is propitious that a path to peace has emerged before the war escalates further. As you are aware, the impetus for convening you both is the intricate entanglement of our British Canada, the United States, and Mexico within the disputed area. I trust you concur that this necessitates a clear demarcation [정리해 둬야 – jeongrihae dwoya: Korean for ‘arrangement’ or ‘settlement’] to forestall future conflicts.”

“I concur.”

“I also concur. However, I harbor reservations regarding the United States’ adherence to its commitments.”

“The United States places paramount importance on trust and contractual obligations. We shall, without fail, uphold any treaty we enter into.”

Cuevas emitted a hollow laugh and diverted his gaze to the map, while Secretary Webster addressed me as if nothing were amiss.

“The United States has acceded to the inclusion of the majority of the Oregon area within British Canada. However, the specific delineation of territory remains undefined. What boundary do you envision?”

“Is it not customary to delineate borders utilizing mountains or rivers? Therefore, should we not adhere to this precedent? We shall designate the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River as the boundary between the British Empire, the United States, and Mexico.”

“…So, you assert that the British Empire shall annex all territory west of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River?”

“Your comprehension is accurate. Given our acquisition of the Oregon area, we are compelled to establish the boundary in such a manner.”

Examining the map, based on the 21st century, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho would be annexed by our side, while the United States would retain the northwest portions of Montana and Wyoming.

Undeniably, the treaty is egregiously skewed, yet where else would they relinquish even a modicum of land?

Will they engage in a two-front war amidst unrest in the South, or will they cede some territory and ratify the agreement? They are left with no alternative but to opt for the latter.

“But what is the significance of utilizing the Colorado River as a boundary? The territory west of the Colorado River is already under Mexican jurisdiction.”

“Ah, that aspect necessitates further deliberation with Ambassador Cuevas. As I elucidated, the area we seek to acquire from the Alta California region encompasses the territory west of the Colorado River.”

“The area west of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River…”

In contemporary parlance, should we approximate that it encompasses California, Nevada, and Utah?

I harbored aspirations for the more southerly region, but even this constituted a considerable degree of avarice, prompting me to exercise restraint, lest I succumb to indigestion.

“Of course, it is not gratuitous, as stipulated. We have conducted meticulous calculations, and I posit that approximately 2.5 million pounds would be commensurate.”

The United States, in its original history, acquired an area twice the size for 15 million dollars, and the prevailing exchange rate between dollars and pounds approximates 5:1.

However, I am disinclined to engage in such unscrupulous pricing as the United States, and I have proposed a marginally more generous sum.

“T, two and a half million pounds?”

“Indeed. And should you require it, we can utilize those funds to construct railroads, so please do not hesitate to solicit our assistance.”

“No… how expansive is that land…”

“But I dispatched a letter in advance, and your President appeared exceedingly gratified.”

In any event, there are scarcely any Mexicans residing in California, Nevada, or Utah.

It signifies that the land is destined for inevitable annexation, with the British Empire to the north and the United States adjacent.

Webster interjected with haste, cognizant that the United States’ access to the Pacific Ocean could be entirely obstructed for a mere 2.5 million dollars.

“Ambassador, are you genuinely relinquishing that entire land to the British Empire? We are prepared to remit twice the amount. Nay, even thrice…”

However, whether Webster’s intervention proved detrimental, Cuevas’s expression hardened, and he shook his head.

“The President’s resolve is unwavering; we shall cede the territory to the British Empire. 2.5 million pounds… I accept.”

“Wait, wait, reconsider…”

“Nay. We must uphold our commitment.”

Indeed. If the territory is destined for relinquishment, it is far more advantageous to cede it to this side than to have it seized by the United States, correct?

Mexico already possesses maritime access to the west, rendering access to the Pacific Ocean inconsequential.

If they can cede the territory to the British Empire, even at a bargain price, and impede the United States’ advance into the Pacific, how gratifying would that be?

As anticipated, Cuevas cast a furtive glance at Webster’s contorted visage and inadvertently twitched his lips.

Mexico’s prevailing sentiment towards the United States is that if they can precipitate that nation’s failure, even at the cost of their own, they are willing to incur the loss.

At this juncture, I can assert that the objective of orchestrating a trilateral meeting has been more than fulfilled.

Subsequently, as we engaged in trivial discourse, the documents prepared in advance were placed upon the table.

Now, with my signature, British Canada shall be completed in the form I have envisioned for years.

How much effort have I invested thus far to effectuate this signature?

As I grasped the pen, Secretary Webster sighed and followed suit, while Ambassador Cuevas affixed his hand to the paper with a considerably lighter countenance.

Soon, the names of the three individuals were inscribed in black ink upon the white parchment.

Finally, the brief yet intense war in the New World drew to a close.