Chapter 1165 Reinforcements (Part 1)
London, England.
There were mixed reactions in the UK to the construction of the Suez Canal.
There are equally strong voices for and against. Some people think that shortening the voyage is a good thing, while others are afraid that shortening the voyage will reduce Britain's status.
However, there were huge differences in the British Parliament over whether to control the Suez Canal Company.
Both sides agree on the strategic position of the Suez Canal in the future, but Britain is farther away. At the same time, the previous fiasco in the Mediterranean also cast a shadow on the British confidence.
If the British navy cannot hold the Suez Canal, is there any point in controlling the Suez Canal Company?
The Earl of Aberdeen was obviously very unconvinced by this view. Not only was he the entire British naval community, but also all aspects of shipbuilding, metallurgy, and military industry.
They felt that blocking the Suez Canal was as important as controlling the Strait of Gibraltar, all to maintain Britain's world hegemony.
Another point of view of the opponents is that the economic situation in the UK is not good at this time, and the national treasury should not spend money on fighting for foreign resources. It should first solve the domestic crisis in the UK and provide loans to those companies in need.
Supporters feel that it is precisely because of the poor economy that we need to find a more stable economic growth point, and the Suez Canal is that stable and profitable growth point.
At this time, British Prime Minister Edward Smith-Stanley felt that he should take control of the Suez Canal in one fell swoop, because this would give Britain the initiative.
Whether it is used as a strategic point after its opening or as a national investment, the Suez Canal project will not cause the UK to lose money.
Even if it is abandoned after taking it, it is not actually a loss. After all, ten million pounds can hold back the entire Europe for more than ten years, or even decades, which is definitely a great value.
But after all, the Earl of Derby was one of the weakest prime ministers in British history. It was strange that he could really convince Parliament.
The Earl of Derby could not get the support of more than half of the MPs, so he began to consider whether he could use some special means.
Buckingham Palace.
"Your Excellency, the future of Britain lies in one fell swoop! As long as the Suez Canal is in our hands, we in the UK hold the future of Europe!
And its price is only 10 million pounds! "
The Earl of Derby seemed very excited, and he eagerly hoped that Prince Albert would take action again.
But what he didn't know was that at this time, Prince Albert was focusing on the first World's Fair in order to repair the image of the royal family.
"Prime Minister, don't be ridiculous. I think you are right. The royal family should not interfere in national politics."
Prince Albert still maintained a polite smile, but there was always a lingering sense of exhaustion in it.
That feeling of exhaustion cannot be faked, mainly because Prince Albert had tried his best before, but always missed a move, which not only wasted a lot of resources, but also missed the best opportunity, resulting in the final decision. A situation of surrender.
This is a shame for Britain and a heavy blow to the British royal family.
A series of decision-making mistakes have brought the royal family into disrepute. Coupled with the deliberate guidance of some people, the public's distrust of the royal family has reached its peak.
If Prince Albert intervenes in politics again but fails to achieve the desired results, it will most likely lead to a disaster.
Maybe by then he will be labeled as the "deficit husband" and then be sent to the guillotine together with his beloved Victoria.
"Your Royal Highness! I'm not kidding! Once the Suez Canal is opened, our British strategy will also change!
A new, shortened Empire's golden route to India and the Far East must be in our British hands! Only in this way can we ensure our British maritime supremacy! "
The Earl of Derby had firm eyes and a sincere tone. But it made Prince Albert feel very uncomfortable. He finally understood why the prime minister was not well-liked by others. It turned out that he could not observe what was happening.
“Your Majesty Prime Minister, I believe you should know that our country’s laws stipulate that the royal family is not allowed to interfere in politics, and the royal family must maintain an objective and neutral attitude.
It is your job and that of Parliament to keep Britain prosperous and strong, but we have ours too, which is to reshape Britain into a smart and civilized country. "
At this point, the Earl of Derby could only sigh helplessly. He knew that Prince Albert had made up his mind, but he still made a last attempt.
"Your Excellency, I can understand your concerns. But I hope you can think more about the future of Britain and the royal family. At this time, some short-sighted people are leading Britain into the abyss."
"I will take your opinion seriously, but now I want to make the first World's Fair the best in history!
If Congress can't come up with the money and can't make up its mind, you might consider listening to the Barings and Rothschilds. "
How could Prince Albert not know the importance of the Suez Canal? However, due to his identity and the situation, he could only choose to make innuendoes.
"Your Highness, I understand! Thank you for your advice."
Prince Albert did not speak, but nodded.
After the Earl of Derby left, Queen Victoria walked in quietly, hugged Prince Albert's neck from behind and whispered.
"My dear, don't you plan to get involved in politics anymore?"
Prince Albert squinted his eyes and patted his wife's arm.
"The Suez Canal is indeed too important. I just hope those bankers will not be too short-sighted."
Barings Bank, VIP room.
Francis Barings, the head of Barings Bank at this time, had not run like this for many years.
For such a "business wizard" and "one of the two kings of London's financial world", such a gaffe could not help but attract people's attention. Everyone knew that something big was going to happen.
But no one can tell whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. After all, the tricks played by the Rothschild family back then deceived investors in London.
Who knows if the Bahrain family will come too? No one dares to bet!
So Francis Baring's trot inadvertently caused a sizable earthquake in the City of London.
A personal visit by the Prime Minister is a top priority for any banker, but Francis Baring, who has been ups and downs in the business world for many years and has such great energy, should not be so rude.
In fact, unlike the Rothschild family's strategy, the Baring family has always been very interested in politics. The latter wants not only to be rich, but also to be expensive.
At this time, another important member of the Bahrain family is looking for an opportunity to enter politics, and the Prime Minister's personal visit is undoubtedly the best opportunity for the Bahrain family.