I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 511

< International Union (2) >

Reassured by Killian’s hospitality, Bakunin had his authority recognized by the British Empire on the condition that he join the International Union without arousing much suspicion.

In fact, Bakunin didn’t believe that Killian was being unconditionally nice to him without any ulterior motives.

How many unsavory things had he seen while doing politics in the South?

However, Bakunin already owed Killian twice, so he had to tread carefully.

He still felt a chill down his spine when he recalled the time he tried to undermine Engels by getting involved with him in the South, only to be outmaneuvered instead.

In addition, Killian had helped him safely seek asylum in Canada when he was about to be purged by Engels, despite his attempts to betray him.

Having received such favors, it was honestly not easy to blindly oppose what Killian was trying to do.

Of course, he wouldn’t just play along with Killian’s tune unilaterally.

He intended to bring Russia into the International Union to secure a stronger influence, but this wasn’t a bad thing for the newly formed Russia either.

Joining the International Union meant that the organization would guarantee Russia’s current system, territory, and diplomatic relations.

The position of permanent director was tempting, but pushing too hard from the beginning would only backfire.

Once inside, he could gradually secure allies and sway the vote.

For now, it was time to lie low and strengthen the internal structure.

They might think they were using him, but he was using them as well.

Who would have the last laugh was something that could only be known in the end.

And Bakunin was confident.

* * *

Americans originally favored isolationism.

The official diplomatic policy of the United States had adhered to this principle for nearly 100 years since its founding.

However, it wasn’t really about playing alone, but rather a kind of boundary-drawing that said, “America is our land, so leave it to us, and you Europeans play in Europe.”

However, after the Civil War, the United States could no longer maintain this stance.

The South had seceded, and British Canada was now essentially an extension of the British mainland, not just a territory.

In addition, Panama was amicably divided into three parts by France, Germany, and the British Empire.

Even if lands like the Bahamas were considered separate because they were so small, it was impossible to declare further isolationism with the European powers already penetrating to this extent.

Moreover, because the route to the Pacific was blocked by Canada and the South, the Panama Canal was a lifeline for the United States.

If relations with the British Empire soured and restrictions were placed on passage through the canal, it would directly harm the United States.

In this situation, pursuing an isolationist policy was tantamount to suicide, so Lincoln consistently moved towards strengthening ties with Europe.

Wellesley naturally sent a request to Lincoln to actively cooperate with the International Union.

Exactly one month before Killian’s birthday celebration.

Lincoln was furiously racking his brains on how to get on board with the new international order that was just around the corner.

“Your Excellency, Russia has also decided to join the International Union.”

“There must have been some kind of deal involved.”

“It’s a newly formed regime, after all. I don’t know if we should even call it a regime…”

“I’ve seen so many communists doing strange things in the South that I’m no longer surprised by their eccentricities. Bakunin was one of those who played around in the South anyway, so he probably has a similar way of thinking.”

Lincoln nodded, and Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, watching his expression, asked:

“Does Your Excellency also think that the United States should join the International Union?”

“Don’t we have little choice? Even if we exclude France and Prussia, if Russia joins, all the major countries in Europe will participate.”

If they remained idle, they would truly be isolated.

However, the United States wasn’t so desperate as to readily agree.

“Does Your Excellency think that the country could suffer international disadvantages if it does not participate in this trend?”

“If almost all countries except us join, wouldn’t that be highly likely? If that happens, the independent countries in Central and South America will especially welcome it.”

“That’s… true. But if the country continues to show a lukewarm attitude, the British Empire will also be in trouble. Prime Minister Wellesley is putting all his efforts into the creation of the Union.”

Prime Minister Wellesley, praised as the longest-serving and best prime minister in British Empire history, did not have eternal power.

Perhaps he had less than 10 years left at most, so Prime Minister Wellesley should slowly prepare for his retirement, shouldn’t he?

This International Union was the best piece to cap off Prime Minister Wellesley’s long political life.

At least, wouldn’t he want to make sure the International Union was running smoothly before he retired?

No one could help but feel that way.

“If we actively cooperate, the creation of the International Union will gain even more momentum. Perhaps we are the last key piece.”

“I agree with Your Excellency.”

“So, participate, but try to get as much as possible through behind-the-scenes negotiations.”

Since the Secretary of State was scheduled to go to London in person to celebrate Killian’s birthday, there was no better time to coordinate opinions.

Secretary Hamilton nodded resolutely, and Lincoln wrote a handwritten letter to Killian to celebrate his birthday, filling it with more sincerity than ever before.

If it was a real International Union, shouldn’t America be given at least one seat as a permanent director, instead of Europe monopolizing them?

If that was guaranteed, the United States was ready to participate in this new order.

* * *

The permanent director countries of the newly created International Union wield more power than the permanent members of the UN Security Council in the original timeline.

Because they have veto power like the original permanent members, they can ignore the resolutions of the International Union if they want to.

However, if the number of countries with such strong powers increases, it will only cause confusion in the organization’s operation, so France and Prussia have requested that the position of permanent director not be further expanded.

First, I have publicly stated the approximate conditions for permanent director countries so that there will be no more complaints.

1. Be a leading power in the world.

2. All permanent director countries must unanimously agree.

Condition 1 is very ambiguous, but I plan to agree with France and Prussia later to set a specific line.

And the most important thing was number 2, so in fact, number 1 doesn’t matter how the conditions are set.

Because even if one of the three countries casts a veto, a new permanent director country cannot be created.

Moreover, that is just the superficial standard, and I had set a separate, unofficial standard.

-Unofficial essential conditions for permanent director countries

1. Be a powerful country that is beneficial to bring to our side.

2. Be pro-British.

If number 2 is not met, any country will be eliminated by any means.

To that end, let’s agree to set official disqualifications.

1. Dictatorship

2. History of war crimes on a global scale

Of course, this is just an excuse to get rid of those who are anti-British Empire.

Any superpower that could threaten the position of the British Empire or a powerful country where anti-British factions are gaining power will be eliminated unconditionally.

Applying these criteria, unfortunately, Hamilton, the Secretary of State’s hometown, the United States, who is passionately arguing in front of me, was unable to join the permanent director countries.

Although they are much weaker than in the original timeline, if they re-merge with the South, they have the potential to become a superpower that threatens us at any time.

“Your Majesty, the President sincerely hopes that the new International Union will become the guardian of world peace.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

“To do so, shouldn’t the International Union maintain a fair and just image? I am hesitant to say that other countries besides Europe may be a little uneasy.”

“Is that so? Why?”

“I think it was an excellent choice to grant the position of permanent director to encourage the participation of powerful countries. But since only European countries have that position, other continents may see it as just a party for European countries.”

Was he suggesting that there should be a continental quota so that other countries don’t feel left out?

This was like distributing World Cup tickets, but it made sense in terms of fairness.

“So you’re saying that countries in the Americas or Asia should also be included in the permanent director countries.”

“…I’m just saying this to eliminate unease.”

“As for me, I don’t really have a reason not to do that. But most countries have already expressed their intention to participate and have signed. Strictly speaking, the foundation of the International Union has already been created.”

“…I see.”

“So, in order to add a new permanent director country, not only us but also France and Prussia must agree.”

Secretary Hamilton’s face darkened for a moment as he understood the meaning of my words.

France and Prussia had a war with the North in the past.

In addition, Prussia has recently made several remarks openly wary of the growth of the United States.

There was no way that such a country would vote in favor of the United States becoming a permanent director country.

I smiled and added a word.

“There is no problem for the country to recommend the United States as a candidate for permanent director and enter the vote. But I wonder if we should do something that is sure to be rejected and the ending is obvious. Of course, this is beneficial to us, so we can try it if we want.”

“…Yes? What do you mean that it is beneficial to the British Empire…?”

“That’s because it will be recorded as a very good example that the country cannot shake the system of the International Union at will. If a candidate recommended by the country is shot down by a veto, wouldn’t people recognize that even the British Empire cannot control the decisions of the International Union at will?”

Even though it was a prearranged show, the optics were perfect, so I was tempted to try it.

“If Your Majesty or the Prime Minister could persuade France or Prussia…”

“I’m sorry to say this, but I don’t think we have the obligation to do that. And I don’t think they would listen even if we tried to persuade them.”

“That’s true.”

“Rather, there seems to be a more constructive and realistic direction.”

I pointed to the abnormally jagged border between the North and the South and continued.

“Isn’t that a border that makes you angry every time you see it? Ah, come to think of it, this was also the work of France and Prussia.”

“……..”

In the past, France and Prussia, who had tasted the potential of the North in the Civil War, agreed that they had to block the North’s path to the Pacific at all costs.

The ridiculous gerrymandering that was created in this way made the path to the Sea of Cortez the territory of the South, and suddenly the North completely lost its path to the Pacific.

“Even if the South collapses in the future, will the United States be able to occupy that area? Absolutely not. At that time, the International Union will be operating normally, and France and Prussia will wield the power of the permanent director countries to their heart’s content.”

“If that happens, the country may withdraw from the Union.”

“Then France and Prussia will become even more emboldened. Don’t do that, and negotiate with us. If the South collapses, we will take responsibility and give you the Sea of Cortez that you want so much.”

Since I don’t want to border Mexico anyway, I don’t care if I give that tiny place that I can’t even protect to the United States.

Of course, that alone would be greatly appreciated for the United States, so they would have no choice but to gratefully accept.

“Is that true?”

“We are also a permanent director country, so there is no problem in exercising our veto power. However, if the South really collapses, the country also needs a way to protect the Panama Canal and the Bahamas. I hope you can guarantee that.”

The South collapsing is virtually a predetermined future, and it is more important for us to take as much pie as possible than to prevent the North from swallowing the South at all.

And fortunately, the South and the North currently vehemently hate each other, so there will be no problem even if we play both sides.

“How can we guarantee the safety of the Bahamas?”

“Let’s discuss that from now on.”

I parried Hamilton’s words and looked closely at the map.

A small island nestled between Cuba and the South.

To protect this place, we need to build a naval base, and there was a perfect peninsula next to it.

Yes, Florida is the perfect place to build a naval base.