British civil servant

"Are you going to Whitehall? The war is over, and our family will return safely soon." I don't know if it is a common problem in the world, but the drivers are very talkative, just like the taxi driver who pulled Alan Wilson .

"Most people should come back to live a peaceful life. Although the war in the Far East is not over yet. But there is mainly relying on the expeditionary force and the Indian Army to recover the lost ground. I believe there will be good news in a few months. It's coming." Alan Wilson replied politely, looking at the cheering crowd outside.

What is there to be happy about?Happily waiting for her husband to come back, and then happily accepting the expedition for two years, has a big fat boy been born?Only God knows how many soldiers who went out will choose to divorce when they come back.

After recent activities, he was already familiar with the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Indian Affairs. The final written instruction was just a routine. The reception staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not use any reason to express the urgency and importance of going to Europe.

Needless to say, Alan Wilson understands these truths better than anyone else, and he is even more concerned than other colleagues. When he returns to London, he still receives the salary of the Hyderabad commissioner from Ali Khan. It is not easy to get money for nothing.

Because there is no complete peace in Germany at present, before the necessary restoration of order, Alan Wilson, the diplomats representing the United Kingdom to form the order in the British-occupied area, the first stop is not any city in Germany, but the French capital Paris.

Judging from the divisions of the Yalta Conference, the British Empire, relying on 3000 million square kilometers of colonies, is relatively on an equal footing with the United States and the Soviet Union. It consists of the state of Tyne and southern Austria, including important cities such as Bonn, Hamburg, Cologne, and Kiel.

The Ruhr area is an industrial area in Germany, Bonn is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Hamburg and Kiel are important ports.A large part of the essence of German industry is in the British-occupied area.

It must be admitted that people are born in a powerful country, and there are always certain advantages. When you arrive at Alan Wilson in the British-occupied area, you can search for what you want in the elite industrial area of ​​the Germans.

The matter was not urgent. Ali Khan's London steward also came to the port to see him off and waited for the ship to start. Before boarding the ship, Alan Wilson ordered, "Alim, I will contact you when I arrive in Paris to guide you. Things are coming, if the food from British India arrives, you can go to Burgess, he used to work for the BBC, reporting the Maharaja's kindness to the current devastation in Europe, the BBC is the most suitable."

At this time, Alan Wilson didn't mind borrowing the connections of members of the Cambridge Five, just to make money, not to shiver.

After chatting casually, Alan Wilson was informed that the ship was about to weigh anchor, and he bid farewell to Ali Khan's London butler.

The ship set off for the other side of the English Channel, and the complaints came immediately. Many members who came to take up the post complained, why did they send them there by plane, can they be shot down in France now?

"Maybe the Minister of Foreign Affairs wants us to see the real situation in France now, so that we can cherish peace more and express enthusiasm for work?" Alan Wilson whistled, knowing the situation in France without thinking. It's just better than the territory of Germany where the war has not yet ended, and it may not be much better.

"Oh, Alan, maybe what you said makes sense." Eifel, a foreign representative who was traveling with him, nodded with deep approval and said exaggeratedly, "As we all know, the French have always been the embodiment of bravery."

"Of course, I'm sure they won't surrender a second time." Another foreign representative also joined in, and it seemed that the topic of France always excited the British.

"Maybe the French will say that because they surrendered to the Germans, they didn't lose much in the war. Instead of surrendering to reduce losses, why resist?"

"It seems very reasonable for you to say that, or the French are smart."

Everyone talked to each other, the air was full of joy, and bursts of laughter broke out from time to time.Alan Wilson couldn't help laughing, did he enter the part of today's insulting the law so soon?

How can you slander the innocence of the French out of thin air?Alan Wilson thought so, and happily joined the discussion. It must be admitted that this is a good way to kill time.As soon as we talk about the French, everyone is immediately relieved. As for not arranging a plane for them to do, small things, small things!

Crossing the sea and traveling to Paris by land at this time is far from an easy journey.After landing, everyone hoped to go directly to Paris by rail, but they had to give up this idea.

Because many railways have not yet resumed their ability to open to traffic, they had to stop after traveling for a while. We quickly got the help of the British army in the northern port, so that the appointment did not become a forced march of hunger and cold.

Looking around, there are very few people, and the traces of the war can still be seen. Just after leaving the port, you can see the fortress set up by the German army. Although the French people are not as shocked as before, they are also in a hurry. Not good either.

The situation in France may be better than that in Germany, but there should be no famine.You must know that France is a big agricultural country in Europe, and it also has a place in the world agricultural hegemony of later generations. It should not be a problem to fill your stomach.

It is the Germans who are facing the situation of not having enough to eat now!Stopping and stopping, this impressive journey to the post came to an end when we arrived in Paris.

Chapter 37 British and French Friendship

Arriving in Paris, the first job of Alan Wilson and his foreign representatives was to face the problem of dividing the occupied areas.During the Yalta Conference, the occupation of the future Germany was divided into the three countries of the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union.However, in the ensuing discussion, given that France still had huge colonies as support, the Soviet Union did not insist too much on the French-occupied area.

Alan Wilson, these foreign representatives, the first thing to do now is to talk to the United States and France to discuss the details of the establishment of the French-occupied area, and when exactly, the time when the occupying forces will officially enter.

Although I believe that the negotiations between the Allied Forces and the remaining German armed forces will soon produce results, and the surrender of Germany is just a few days away, but there are still big problems in Germany, not to mention that some die-hard armed forces are still resisting .The severely damaged country alone cannot sustain the expenses of the occupying army.

It can be seen from the statistical data fed back by the front-line soldiers. Alan Wilson and other representatives abroad couldn't help but take a breath when they saw the cold data.

60.00% of houses in Cologne were completely destroyed; 90.00% of houses in Düsseldorf were uninhabitable; 18 out of [-] houses in Frankfurt were destroyed.

在英占区的550万套住宅中有350万套或完全被毁或严重损坏。德国领土范围内，原有一千600万套住宅，其中有230四万套被毁，还有400多万套至少损坏了20.00%五。

Allied personnel who had heard reports of the destruction of houses, when they first entered Germany, were amazed to see how many buildings were still standing.In fact, most of them only have a shell left.Very few buildings in big cities are unscarred, and in Hannover, less than one percent of buildings are undamaged.

"According to the statistics of the commander of the expeditionary force, 90.00% of the railways in the British-occupied area assigned to us by the Yalta Conference have been damaged. The railways that can be opened to traffic are less than [-] kilometers, and they are not connected to each other. It is almost completely unusable. .” Ai Fuer raised the document in Yang’s hand, and then placed it in front of Alan Wilson.

"The destruction has become like this. You must know that the Ruhr area is the heart of German industry." Another foreign representative glanced at the statistics and sighed, "It's good if it doesn't become a huge burden."

"This is what the Germans asked for." Alan Wilson didn't change his face, he didn't have much sympathy for the Germans.If people insist on supporting the great head of state to fight for the country, they should be psychologically prepared for the current result.

He might have been influenced by Germany's handsome uniforms and radical slogans during his second year of middle school.Now?Save it.

Even from the basic perspective of being beaten and standing firm, the Germans have nothing to complain about.They are all mature industrial powers, and they should be responsible for their own choices.

"It is undeniable that even for the convenience of the occupying army, we have to repair the railways, bridges and infrastructure in the occupied area." Alan Wilson put the statistical data file aside, "Our British-occupied area is a German industrial area. Part of the essence, the advantage is that there are many remaining crafts and machines, which may be helpful to the homeland, but the disadvantage is that the British-occupied area should be the most tragic air raid by the Allies, which is both wealth and trouble.”

"Well, Allen, I think the most important reason for the serious damage in the British-occupied area is the deep damage ordered by Hitler and the German High Command. This actually has little to do with our Allied air strikes." Eifel calmly Correcting Alan Wilson, "We have evidence of reorganization that the German Army is the source of all difficulties now."

"That's right, that's right. The Germans themselves did it, and it has nothing to do with the Allies in the civilized world." Reaching out and patting his head, Alan Wilson changed his attitude instantly, regretting his wrong views with a direct apology, which of course It was the result of the Germans' own scorched-earth policy.

The great allied army strictly enforced iron-like discipline in the war, and under no circumstances did it commit any crimes against ordinary citizens. Even if there were a very small number of scum, it would not damage the image of the allied army's stalwart.

Boom boom boom!With a knock on the door, a soldier pushed in and reported, "Mr. Allen, Mr. Eifel, the French liaison officer has arrived and wants to talk to the foreign representative who just arrived in Paris."

"We'll be right there!" Eifel responded, and his face changed when the soldiers left. "It must be to communicate with the French occupation area. These French people are always making trouble for us. We haven't even had a rest yet. Both of us and Charles de Gaulle Similarly, it is really disgusting to maintain the dignity of the so-called French people one-sidedly with insufficient strength.”

"But we have no choice but to talk to them. The current situation is rather strange, especially in this kind of aftermath negotiation, the role of our allies may not be so fixed." Alan Wilson shrugged and also felt this He said helplessly, "Unless we are ready to talk to other people without de Gaulle, I think Stalin will be happy about it."

With the current situation in France, apart from de Gaulle, who else can we talk to?Of course it is currently the largest party in France, the French Communist Party!

Now in France, apart from de Gaulle, there is no one who can suppress the French Communist Party, so even if de Gaulle and his supporters show rebelliousness again, Alan Wilson has to endure it, let alone those who came to France. Representatives, even Roosevelt and Churchill, have to pinch their noses and respect de Gaulle, unless they want to talk to Red France.

When facing de Gaulle and his supporters, Britain and the United States have different views. Compared with the Americans, the British really want to help the French, and they are more sincere when dealing with the French.

In the final analysis, Britain and France still hold huge colonies in their hands. In name, the British Empire still has colonies of 1000 square kilometers all over the world, and France also has colonies with an area of ​​more than [-] million square kilometers.

In the face of the Soviet Union, which clearly wants to liberate the world, or the United States, which is holding the banner of national self-determination, the two overlords of the previous generation should stand on the same front.

"Over the past 900 years, we have fought many wars with France, but now we are sitting together again." Leaving the office, Alan Wilson and Eifel walked side by side, and when they walked outside the building, their faces were covered with With a smile, he stretched out his hand and shook hands with the French representative who came over, and said, "You're very polite, we just arrived."

"The great ally came to Paris. If we don't hurry up, won't the gentlemen be unhappy?" The visitors also responded enthusiastically. The two groups greeted each other, and then returned to the building with their shoulders linked.

Chapter 38 The Saarland Problem

The emergence of the French-occupied area was something that Britain vigorously promoted, and the war has not yet officially ended.However, the United States, which is currently the most powerful, is not as prepared as the future world hegemony.

As for how much interest it will occupy from the world in the future, it is still in the stage of blind eyes. Even Alan Wilson can guess whether the United States is planning to prepare for the former world hegemony, the British Empire, or aiming at engulfing Eastern Europe with a big victory. The book USSR?It's hard to tell.

Given that both Britain and France still have a large number of colonies, such hesitation within the US decision-making circle is also very normal.After all, no one can see what the world will look like decades from now, and making policies is a matter of taking one step at a time.

This is why Churchill vigorously improved the status of France, and even urged France to enter the United Nations as a permanent member.To say that they are very optimistic about de Gaulle, neither the United Kingdom nor the United States have this idea, but as I said before, if they are not optimistic about de Gaulle, no one will be able to suppress the French Communist Party.

The Communist Party of France has nearly one million members and spreads in every corner of society, making it the undisputed largest party.Together with their family and friends, their potential power is a huge force in France with a population of just over 4000 million.

As a representative of France, what he first discussed with Allen Wilson was the expected division of the French-occupied area and when he would be able to enter the occupied area.

"Pierre, we must restore a certain post-war order in Germany, right? Otherwise, it's useless to go in. At present, what our two countries and the United States have to do is to maintain the basic economic operations in the occupied areas." Alan Wilson crossed his fingers and talked about his own difficulties, "Otherwise, if we walk over, everything will go in, and the soldiers will go in to graze? Military control also needs time to restore order, even the Prime Minister and President Roosevelt can't help it."

"Well, when you were still at sea, President Roosevelt had died of illness, and now the President of the United States is Truman." Eifel, who was beside Alan Wilson, coughed softly and reminded him in a low voice.

"The reasoning is still the same." Alan Wilson proved with practical actions that as long as he didn't feel embarrassed, others would be embarrassed. He was still at sea and hadn't arrived in London. He didn't know how normal it was for the US to change its president.

The French representative on the opposite side of the table did not pay attention to the movement here, but whispered to each other. Obviously there were other problems. After a while, Pierre Le Mans communicated cautiously, "Except for the issue of the marching time in the French-occupied area. , We have one more thing, which is also a very loud voice in the current government, if this matter can get the support of the UK, France will be very grateful."

"Pierre, please tell me." Eifel glanced at Alan Wilson, and said to the Frenchman across the table with an encouraging voice.

"On the issue of the Saarland Protectorate, the government has a very loud voice that it should completely destroy Germany's potential for war. Our allies will not refuse this matter." Pierre Le Mans said while staring at the reaction on the other side.

Alan Wilson glanced at each other. This topic was unexpected. He didn't even know where the Saar Protectorate was. Eifel called someone to bring in a map. Found what the other party said.

At the end of World War II, France's attitude towards Germany was exactly the same as at the end of World War I. Simply put: Germany must die!The main focus of France's post-war punishment of Germany is the disposal of the Saarland and Ruhr regions of Germany.And strongly opposed the establishment of a new German central government.

If a suitable template is found in history, it happens to be found, which is the state before the unification of Germany.The Holy Roman Empire is in the best interests of the French.

Saarland is on the border of Germany and France, next to the famous Alsace-Lorraine.This place is very small, only less than [-] square kilometers, but it has a population of nearly one million. More importantly, it has nearly [-] billion tons of coal reserves and an annual output of [-] million tons. Once it is classified as France, France's steel and coal production capacity will be comparable to that of Germany before the war, and the two countries will be on an equal footing in terms of industrial scale.

Even France is ready to speak. When France was strong in history, the Holy Roman Empire, the predecessor of Germany, suffered greatly. The Saarland area has been occupied by France many times. The rhetoric of occupying the Saarland area has been since ancient times...

"Uh, Mr. Pierre." Alan Wilson's brain turned sharply, and he quickly organized his words, "As we all know, although Britain and France have not always appeared as allies, in the past hundred years, we have jointly dealt with many wars Threats, from the Far East to Crimea, not to mention the two recent world wars, so I don’t want to say much about the relationship between the two countries. It’s just that the problem in the Saar district is beyond my current authority. Foreigners must submit France's comments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and wait for a reply, which is a necessary process."

"As Allen said, this is all necessary." Eifel immediately took over the conversation and continued, "And this issue can be said to be very complicated. The main resistance at present is not London. London and Paris have blood. friendship, but we don’t know what the Americans mean. According to the negotiations at the Yalta Conference, the divisional occupation, including Bavaria in southern Germany to the German-French border, is under the control of the US military, and now the US military Even if we want to help, there is nothing we can do."

"In the final analysis, we may need to communicate more with the Americans." Allen Wilson said in a concluding sentence, meaning that it is useless to tell us that the Saar District is currently occupied by American soldiers.

American forces, not British forces, were in charge of the Saarland occupation, and political agitation was strictly prohibited in the area.On the other hand, France's status among the allies after World War II is far inferior to that of France at the end of World War I among the Allies.

Even if the United Kingdom is now trying to prove to the United States and the Soviet Union that France is worthy of the status of a victorious country, it has had little effect.

Of course, the matter is not completely incomprehensible. The other party just wants to seek the understanding of the United Kingdom. Alan Wilson said, "It depends on whether General de Gaulle can win over the Saarland area during the establishment of the French-occupied area."

"I understand." Pierre Le Mans nodded. The French-occupied area was formed by dividing the British-occupied area and the American-occupied area. The British let France fight for it during the process. The local area is divided into French-occupied areas.

For Alan Wilson and Eiffel, they were also happy to push this issue to the Americans, and the Germans were jealous of them.

Chapter 39 The French Woman

"Regarding the matter of the French-occupied area, our three countries will coordinate, and we will naturally be stationed at the same time. When we came, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already had a record." Alan Wilson told the French representative, and then said, "I believe France is now Although it was a bit depressed, it recovered very quickly."

After all, the foundation of France is still very good. Agriculture does not seem to be important in modern society, but it is a fatal problem.Agriculture is stable, and a country will not go into chaos. France is precisely an empire in agriculture.

Occupying the best land in Europe, this condition is so superior. The two world wars have spread to a large area of ​​France, but there has been no food crisis in France. If the area of ​​​​France is larger, maybe the international food order America will stand aside.

Eifel emphasized to the French representatives present, "We in the UK have always expected France to play a greater role in the post-war order, because in a sense, Britain and France must do so."

The official communication about the French-occupied area has ended. Alan Wilson, who knows that the French enjoy a refined life, left the other party to rest at the representative office and prepare for a drink by the way.

"The French are difficult to deal with, and it is too difficult to deal with them, even if we have good intentions. Although I also understand that at this time, it is only right to let the French stand with us." Eiffel held the wine glass In front of the mouth, eyes on the French representative, whispering to Alan Wilson.

"There is no way to do this. Report to the group to keep warm. I just hope that the French understand the current plight of our two countries." Alan Wilson nodded with a sullen face, and then walked to the side of the French representative with a gentle smile. Necessary social interaction is necessary .

After a while, Alan Wilson had already arrived among the French representatives. Although he didn't know much about French politics, he still knew one basic thing. Any country has a group of civil servants.

Inquiring about news is most effective among this group. This is also part of Alan Wilson's work. Of course, this can be done through small talk. If there is a topic on which Britain and France have the most consistent attitudes, it is not about Germany. Demarcation of occupied areas, colonies!

As the former framers of the world order, both Britain and France still retain nominally huge colonies.The unindependent colonies in the hands of the two countries have an area of ​​more than 4000 million square kilometers. The Yalta Conference and the British rank among the Big Three, and then the British helped France obtain the German occupation area, all thanks to these colonies.

If there are no colonies in hand, the two former colonial empires of Britain and France are nothing at all.Allen Wilson understands this better than anyone else. If there is no way to hold some colonies, Britain will inevitably become a respondent in a few decades. Only by finding ways to retain some important places can Britain make its own voice.

The countries in the same situation as the United Kingdom are not only France, but also the Netherlands, Portugal and even Belgium.

"Pierre!" After pouring a glass of Pierre Le Mans, Alan Wilson asked at the same time, "Our two countries have a common situation now. Before I left from British India, I heard that something happened in Vietnam. , what do you think of that colony?"

During the World War, the Pétain government of France surrendered to Germany.In the same year, Japan established a policy of advancing southward by force, and the French Vichy government agreed to the Japanese garrison in North Vietnam.Japan and France co-administered Vietnam until this year.

However, in March, the Japanese army launched a coup, disarmed the French army, imprisoned Admiral Jean Decourt, Governor of the Federation of French Indochina, and other French officers, took over the French colonial institutions, and supported Bao Dai to power.

Subsequently, Baoda issued a statement announcing the restoration of the independent Annan State, the abolition of the Vietnam-French protection treaty signed before, and guaranteed cooperation with Japan.

When asked this question, Alan Wilson of course asked it knowingly, and Pierre Le Mans also answered very simply, "France will not accept that any country plunders France's overseas territories for any reason."

oh!This answer is not surprising. Alan Wilson took the initiative to clink a glass with the other party, and said, "I personally respect this attitude of France. I hope everything goes well."

As colonial empires, the colonial strategies of France and the United Kingdom are also different. The British government knew that those lands were colonies, and the French knew it too, but they also believed that the land itself was part of France.

This kind of self-talk has been since ancient times, based on the memory of the previous life, Alan Wilson is very familiar with it.It is nothing more than ignoring the evidence against oneself and looking for favorable evidence.

Mentioning the status of Vietnam, you can know the current understanding of the entire colony within the French government.It is by no means a casual chat. As long as the French are firm in their current attitude, Alan Wilson believes that there will be opportunities for cooperation between the two sides in the future.

After a moment of relaxation, Pierre Le Mans and others left the representative office. It was afternoon, and the streets of Paris seemed to have returned to their peaceful state.

It must be admitted that, as the originator of modern urban planning, Paris is no less famous than London in the world, and even more famous. The French are well-known in literature and art. In other words, they have strong soft power, which has led many countries to treat Paris With a strong filter, even Paris syndrome appeared.

The cause of Paris Syndrome is a mental illness caused by Japanese tourists discovering the huge difference between the real Paris and their imagination in Paris. Japanese Parisians have elegant manners, exquisite French food and luxury goods such as Louis Vuitton bags. , When I came to Paris and saw the streets full of shit, it was inevitable that there would be a psychological gap.

To some extent, the translation into Chinese can be explained by being more patriotic after going out of the country. It may be that the Japanese themselves are more bereaved, which makes them feel disappointed.

Now that World War II has just ended, Paris is not full of people of all kinds from the third world, it is still the same as old France.

"Why are there a group of people around in front?" Seeing that the speed of the car slowed down, Alan Wilson asked suspiciously.To be honest, the planning of Paris is very good, and there should be no blockage.

"Nothing?" Pierre Le Mans, who was sitting in the front, glanced at it, and replied with some surprise.

Alan Wilson had already gotten out of the car and looked into the distance. The fast others didn't react. When he sees something that attracts attention, a man will always unleash his potential. …

A dozen or so women were stripped and paraded through the streets amidst the yelling of the onlookers.This is part of the reckoning after the war!

"Oh!" Alan Wilson made a strange tone, looking back at Pierre Le Mans playfully.

Chapter 40 How about insulting the law?

"What's going on, huh? Wow." Eiffel immediately got out of the car, and instantly understood what was going on, restrained his malice, and asked knowingly, "Performance art? Could it be that the French have become so open-minded?" Is it gone?"

As an English gentleman, facing the French who is both an enemy and a friend, Eifel could not restrain his desire to insult the law.

Immediately, the officials stationed abroad from other representative offices got out of the car. With such a good show, how could they leave?Ignoring the kindness of the French companions who wanted to show them around, that's it!it's good...

Alan Wilson took the lead, and a group of British people walked towards the parade crowd, and glanced back, among the accompanying British civil servants, they were carrying cameras, and suddenly became angry, "What are you doing with the camera? Later do not take photos."

"Alan, how could I be that kind of person." The foreign representative who was stopped by Alan Wilson retorted with a straight face, "You can't insult a gentleman with such malicious thoughts."