British civil servant

The difference does not stop there. The reason why Norman Brook maintains friendly relations with politicians is to establish the authority of the Cabinet Office. In other words, Norman Brook values ​​power more.

The civil service under Norman Brooke, who has gone head-to-head with the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will enter its most powerful period since the Cabinet Office emerged.

It seems that the relationship with Edward Bridges, who has always maintained a sense of neutrality and distance, is not as close as it was at the beginning.

However, as an expatriate civil servant, after consideration, Allen Wilson felt that it would not involve his own standing. This is the advantage of not being in the country, and there is always some freedom.

So keep the original plan, the two heads of state will meet, and you can't neglect Edward Bridges just because he is not as powerful as before. There is nothing to hide.

After debriefing with Edward Bridges, Alan Wilson went to Norman Brooke, the cabinet secretary who was committed to expanding the powers of the civil service.

Arriving at the cabinet secretary's office, Alan Wilson explained his intentions. On the surface, there was no difference from before, but with the stabilization of his position, Norman Brook certainly showed a slight change, "Alan, from our interests Consider which option you think is most suitable."

"The Royal Territory plan, the Dominion plan can't intervene in the mainland, merge the mainland? The citizens of Newfoundland may not be willing, and the same is true for merging Canada. In fact, only two plans are feasible, one is to restore the Dominion, and the other is the Royal Territory." Allen. Wilson said [-], "I personally think that the royal family's territory plan is more operational."

"His Majesty's territory? Sounds good." Norman Brook thought for a moment. "The ministers understand politics, but they are not good at economic issues. They often make decisions in luxurious residences." , to attend a political rally organized by the hostess, in this case done."

Alan Wilson opened his mouth wide and looked at the cabinet secretary in front of him in shock. The former cabinet secretary would never say such a thing, and it was too demeaning for the role of the minister.

Chapter 452 Visiting Hepburn

"Alan, don't be so surprised, it's just a fact." Norman Brooke smiled, and brought the topic back to the Newfoundland referendum, "But since the claim of the royal family's territory is most beneficial to us, then I will agree with you. The Prime Minister suggested that if a minister objects, then in principle, the minister should choose to resign if he cannot convince the majority of the people."

"Wow!" Alan Wilson looked at Norman Brook with a strange gaze, "Sir Norman, I admire your ideas very much, and I have learned a lot."

"It's not about learning, our responsibility is here." Norman Brook said flatly.

Although the internal committee system was established by his predecessor Edward Bridges, he strengthened this system after he took office, supplemented by the National Defense Committee, the Economic Policy Committee and the Internal Affairs Committee.

In this way, a large number of affairs can be implemented directly by these committees without going through the cabinet.

Not only that, Norman Brooke also drafted the issue of ministerial performance procedures, which was approved by the prime minister and distributed to various ministries, standardizing the scope of powers of ministers, for which he had conflicts with the foreign minister and the finance minister.

Alan Wilson didn't know that it was more than half a year since he left London at the beginning of the year, and Norman Brooke had actually made large-scale adjustments to the civil service system, and even extended his hand to the minister.

The British cultural management system originated from the decline of the royal power and was formally established after the First World War.Now Norman Brooke has gone one step further than his predecessors, greatly expanding the authority of the civil service.

Now Alan Wilson knows why the Permanent Undersecretary of the Colonial Department said that the current environment in Whitehall is a bit delicate.

Norman Brooke has only been in office for more than ten months, and he has already achieved a stronger authority than the previous two cabinet secretaries.

"Actually, the main dilemma is that many ministers believe that the relationship with Canada should be maintained. For this reason, Newfoundland is not hesitating." Norman Brook pondered for a moment, "Should we consider this factor?"

"Dear Sir Norman, in fact, the biggest problem in Canada is the problem of Quebec, not Newfoundland." Alan Wilson said in a low voice, "In legal terms, Canada should ask the United Kingdom for help, not the other way around. ,right?"

"Very good." Norman Brook nodded with a smile. "Actually, it is inconvenient for us to talk about the situation in Upper and Lower Canada, but if the French move their minds, we can stop them, right?"

Alan Wilson nodded. He really remembered that after Charles de Gaulle came to power, France really teased Canada with the Quebec issue, which led to the outbreak of the Canadian Quebec issue.

When it comes to Quebec nationalism, one has to mention Charles de Gaulle of France.The old man was a genius, and indeed he looked down on the British and the British.So when he participated in the Quebec World Expo, he designed a route that would not enter the land of British Canadians.

In fact, Canada is very nervous about his visit, for fear that he will mess up something.

As a result, de Gaulle lived up to expectations. He gave his impromptu speech at the Quebec City Hall, saying how France was strong and unyielding against Germany. In the end, he shouted out the historic sentence: "Long live free Quebec" The words became a maxim of Quebec independence.

Beginning with de Gaulle shouting the words "Long Live Free Quebec", the waves of independence in Quebec in the next 20 years have been higher and higher.De Gaulle's speech was seen as support for the Quebec independence movement and triggered a diplomatic crisis between France and Canada at the time.

In fact, who can say for sure what will happen in the future. Maybe France and the United Kingdom can use the Quebec incident to form a joint force to support Canada in balancing the influence of the United States on Canada. By operating from another angle, bad things can also turn into good things.

"Brezhnev?" Allen Wilson walked out of the cabinet secretary's office, looking for a political figure in his mind to correspond to Norman Brook's method, but after much deliberation, there was no more suitable candidate.

Even Brezhnev took a long-term adjustment before he took over power in the Soviet Union, while it took Norman Brooke less than a year and a half to firmly hold Whitehall in his hands.

Alan Wilson even wanted to directly express his loyalty just now, and the current cabinet secretary expressed his willingness to do the work of a dog and a horse.

Alan Wilson, who returned to London, actually had nothing private to do. Pamela Mountbatten traveled with the Crown Prince and his wife. He couldn't find his aunt Patricia, and her husband didn't want to.

After careful and logical consideration, Alan Wilson had something to do and got in touch with Arim.

First of all, I asked my good friend, the situation of Maharaja Ali Khan, and the situation of Hyderabad. At present, while India and Pakistan are competing for Kashmir, Ali Khan is constantly cleaning up the resistance forces.

Because 80.00% of the population of Hyderabad is Hindus, of course Ali Khan cannot kill all the people under his rule.But it can be regarded as very vigorous and resolute. New Delhi pretended to be deaf and dumb to Hyderabad's actions, as if nothing happened.

"It's too conservative, shouldn't we take the initiative." Alan Wilson frowned and sighed.

"Many sons of the Maharaja believe that as long as the current power can be preserved, it is not impossible to compromise." Alim hesitated and said, "Of course what Mr. Allen said is also reasonable."

"Even if I have a good relationship with Maharaja, I dare not compare with his son. Hey, let's take a step." Alan Wilson shook his head. He couldn't say that Ali Khan's sons were thinking wrong, after all, they had With such a large amount of wealth, it is indeed difficult to make a determination to risk everything to fight for it.

In what name did he persuade Ali Khan to go all out?People have to think about themselves. How can it be so easy to make the decision to risk everything before something is imminent?

"Take me to meet Audrey!" Alan Wilson had no choice but to find some light topics.

"Mr. Allen, I know where she is." Arim immediately replied, "Should I drive you?"

"You drive!" Alan Wilson still has concerns about driving. He is better at another way of driving. Now he wants to see the treasures of the Dutch auto industry. joint venture.

As an imperial civil servant, Alan Wilson is certainly excited. Although the current Audrey Hepburn is not a classic image on the screen, it is definitely not a common ordinary country girl as Arim said.

The most admirable thing is that compared to many actresses who are married and divorced, or actresses whose brains die because of an accident, there are a lot of the former in Hollywood, and the latter like Greta Garbo who will stay in the house for a lifetime.Audrey Hepburn is very much like an ordinary woman.

Although Audrey Hepburn had two marriages, according to the data, both marriages were carefully managed.

The first marriage lasted 14 years, and Hepburn was the third wife, and the two divorced very unhappy.Hepburn was almost 40 years old at the time. She rejected Hitchcock and "West Side Story" because of her family. It can be said that she worked hard to manage her marriage, but she still failed.

In the second marriage, after Hepburn got married, she found that her husband was a famous playboy in Rome. All kinds of stealing incidents emerged one after another as tabloid headlines, which made Hepburn tired of being the "fire captain".In order to manage her second marriage, Hepburn announced her retirement, settled in Rome for more than ten years, and taught herself her husband's profession: psychological medicine in order to have a common language with her husband, which can be said to have paid a lot.

Audrey Hepburn, who is regarded as a high-quality stock in every respect, is now within Alan Wilson's combat radius, so she has to come and see for herself no matter what.

Before going, Alan Wilson washed his hair and pretended to be a spirited guy before he arrived at Audrey Hepburn's dance school.

"Mr. Allen, are you back?" Audrey Hepburn immediately showed enthusiasm when she saw the visitor. In fact, this was only the second meeting between the two.

"Miss Audrey, it's good to live in London." Alan Wilson greeted with a gentlemanly demeanor, with a smile without any sense of distance, "Fate is such a wonderful thing, we meet again after parting at the Rhine River Yes. Although I dare not say that Europe is very big, it is not small. I am very happy to see the beautiful lady again."

"I would like to thank you for your help to have such an opportunity." Audrey Hepburn smiled slightly and said happily, "Are you here to see me?"

"Of course, I just returned to London and went to Whitehall to do some business. After a while, I will return to Newfoundland. The referendum is being prepared there, and there are still many things to do." Alan Wilson sullenly, showing a troubled expression The expression said, "Of course, out of the pursuit of democracy, I can only provide assistance within a certain range."

In fact, it was a stumbling block, but Alan Wilson's words directly established the image of an enlightened official in front of Audrey Hepburn, and he was also young and promising.

"How about we go shopping around?" Alan Wilson put his hands in his trouser pockets, with a hint of ruffianism, "I haven't been back to London for a long time, and even walking on the streets of London feels strange. Probably not as familiar with London as you are."

"Actually, apart from attending classes, I'm not very familiar with London." Audrey Hepburn was a little embarrassed, but still agreed to the invitation, and walked around with the thoughtful looking man in front of her.

"What are you doing?" Audrey Hepburn asked in confusion after Alan Wilson handed over the mask.

"The air in London is not good at this time of year. For a young lady, she should be protected." Alan Wilson personally put on a mask for Audrey Hepburn and said, "Girls still have to take care of themselves."

Chapter 453 London Holiday

Alan Wilson has watched Roman Holiday, but he himself does not fit the personality of an American hillbilly.

Moreover, Hepburn's age is not very suitable for the personality of the princess, but it doesn't matter, just take a day trip to London in a relaxed way.

There are some places in London where Russians live, just like Paris, the headquarters of Belarus. Most of them are descendants of former nobles who collapsed in Russia. Some are waiters or dishwashers. Some drive taxis. Those who successfully brought out money from Emperor Russia opened a car repair shop or a dance hall.Generally speaking, the Russians in London are hard-working, and they are not on their side when it comes to endurance, but they are much better than the British of the same class.

Most people living in these places like to subscribe to the Daily Times newspaper. The Daily Times is a conservative newspaper with strong hostility to the Soviet Union. Of course, from the perspective of Labor Party supporters, what the Daily Times newspaper writes is reversed. That's it, I promise you can't go wrong.

The neighborhoods where the descendants of imperial Russia live will not be less patronized by London's intelligence agencies because of their anti-Soviet stance.A group like this will be troubled by two kinds of thinking at the same time. On the one hand, blood is thicker than water, and on the other hand, heretics are more hateful than heretics, and they are angry at both ends.

The advantage of coming to the neighborhood where the descendants of Emperor Russia live is that it allows Alan Wilson to show some of his traits, such as hypocrisy.You must know that Audrey Hepburn, strictly speaking, does not currently have British nationality.

"It turned out to be like this. I can help to communicate. In fact, this matter is not difficult in principle." Alan Wilson listened to Audrey Hepburn's words about the convenience of living, and wrapped it up on himself.

Perhaps it was Alan Wilson's layers of camouflage that played a role. Audrey Hepburn told the bottleneck of her dancing career. Because of her age and height, she had been judged as unsuitable to be a ballet dancer.

"Oh, my God, that's really regrettable news." Alan Wilson said with a disappointed look, "Audrey is like a fallen angel, but I believe that all roads lead to Rome, like you Such a girl will definitely find a stage that suits her, one day, you will shine like the sun, and soak into people's hearts like the moonlight, there is no root, but I just have this feeling."

"It's really gratifying to have your help, Alan." Audrey Hepburn seemed to let go of the boulder in her heart. "For my dream, the family's financial pressure is very high. I'm thinking about whether to find some other industries. Now It is also in the state of half public and half school."

"It's amazing, this kind of thinking is quite admirable." Alan Wilson nodded to himself, "This may be the charm of a girl with a dream, and I want to help."

Being recognized by Alan Wilson obviously made Audrey Hepburn quite happy. She also sang a few words about the wine that she rarely touches, and asked about Alan Wilson's work in Newfoundland.

"The local problems in Newfoundland are only financial problems, which are the aftermath of the World War." Alan Wilson pretended to be serious, referring to the measures he implemented in Newfoundland, of course, mainly to create a positive image of himself. "The most important thing to be careful is , how to reconcile the relationship between different ethnic groups, and try to get understanding. Find a way to live in harmony. Fortunately, so far, there have been no unresolvable conflicts."

Of course, some of them are also mixed in. Allen Wilson himself has worked hard and worked hard for his private goods.But this is not all lies, "Oh, by the way, the local government of Newfoundland once invited several American actresses to shoot a promotional film, but they also left some contact information. If there is development on the screen, maybe I can also help out."

"Oh, really?" Audrey Hepburn's eyes lit up. Although her cheeks were covered by the mask, she believed she was happy at this time, but she immediately shook her head and said, "I want to discuss it with my mother."

"That's right, it's very important to get mother's understanding." Alan Wilson nodded seriously, "Go around, I'll take you back later."

Audrey Hepburn and her mother lived in London. Although Arim took care of her, the place she lived in was quite desolate.

"Audrey, I'm going to have a dinner with colleagues in Whitehall. Maybe I can ask for some opportunities. See if I can help you find a good job." Alan Wilson sent Audrey Hepburn home and stayed in the Said at the door, "wait for my good news."

After watching Audrey Hepburn go in, Alan Wilson turned and left. If his memory is correct, during the cultural exchanges in the Soviet Union, he seemed to have helped many young actors who were stuffed in by Whitehall civil servants to participate in cultural exchanges. Making progress and helping each other are mutual, and this kind of thing can only come and go.

Here he was going to meet his colleagues in Whitehall when he returned to London, so it was just a matter of asking.

There are pros and cons in the world. Where high-end hotels are not seen by people, there are also working people, well-dressed waiters, and maybe working two jobs.

Alan Wilson may have gotten used to being uncomfortable. Before his colleagues arrived, he slipped into the back kitchen of the hotel, and visited when the HR manager failed to stop him.

Then the director of personnel led Alan Wilson into a narrow basement--actually the basement below the basement--where there was a sink and several gas stoves, the room was too low to stand upright, and the temperature might It's 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

The personnel director explained to Alan Wilson that the job here was to deliver meals to the senior staff in the hotel. They ate in a small restaurant above, and the waiters also cleaned up and washed the dishes for them.

People here usually work from seven in the morning to quarter past nine at night, except for about half an hour to rest.

Starts with washing dishes, then wipes staff cafeteria tables and floors, polishes glasses and cutlery, serves food, then washes dishes, then serves more meals, washes more dishes

The work is not difficult, except when going to the kitchen to serve meals.The kitchen was like hell, the fire shining brightly inside, and the sound of cursing and the banging of pots and pans was deafening.It was so hot inside that all metal utensils were covered with cloth except the stove.The stove was in the middle, and twelve cooks were running around in front of it, sweat dripping down their faces, regardless of the white hats on their heads.

Around them were tables surrounded by a row of waiters and dishwashers carrying dishes.The cooks were naked, poking the stove and scrubbing the large copper pot with sand.Everyone seems to be in a hurry and has a big temper.

Ninety-seven!Alan Wilson lamented that the life of the old imperialists in this era is not easy. He does not think that the service here is easier than that of the Chinese laborers in Newfoundland. He can only say that the place of labor is different. Time is here, and there is nothing easy. pleasant thing.

The personnel manager, who was shocked by Alan Wilson's bad taste, was sweating all over his forehead. Would this young Whitehall gentleman be dissatisfied with the environment in the backstage of the hotel?

In all fairness, there is one point, but Alan Wilson didn't get too entangled in this issue. The London catering industry in this era should be similar, right?

Alan Wilson, who knew in his heart that this situation would be rectified sooner or later, left the back kitchen and waited for his colleagues to get off work.

An hour later, the hall was full of guests and well-dressed gentlemen talking with each other. The topics ranged from Moscow to Washington, from astronomy to geography. Governing the country requires reliable people like us.

Of course, the topic also involves Norman Brook, the current head of Whitehall. It is well known that Norman Brook has a special hobby, that is, when he is not working, the cabinet secretary is an excellent carpenter.

In the mouths of many Whitehall civil servants, Norman Brook's final adjustment to Whitehall after taking office is called building a cabinet.

Not only according to their own ideas, create a successful display!Of course, in front of the heads of general departments, Norman Brook rarely smiled, which was completely different from when he first came to power.

Norman Brook's smile is usually directed at the Prime Minister and ministers. At the same time, while smiling, he also clarifies the scope of responsibilities of the government and Whitehall, so as to avoid the minister's interference in Whitehall's work.

"We respect and fear Sir Norman now." The Secretary-General of the National Defense Committee sighed.

"I think what you mean is? Restraint, isn't it?" Alan Wilson corrected absently while holding a glass of wine.

"That's right, McMillan just said that our cabinet secretary is a very charming and enthusiastic person." Maggins next to him leaned over, "We can't just follow along with some unconfirmed words in the media. "

"Makins, I have something to ask for your help." Seeing Makins coming over, Alan Wilson remembered that he was one of the civil servants on the list of people who communicated with the Soviet Union last time, and the other party's Responsibilities can really help you.

"Please, Alan." Maggins sat down calmly, and he sat down very gently. In addition to his relationship with a civil servant, Makins also has a title, Lord Sheffield, our man ...

"Can I trust you?" Alan Wilson asked in a low voice.

"Of course, Allen." Makins seemed offended, and assured him with a straight face, "As long as I can do it."

That's it!Alan Wilson nodded, indicating that Makins had no plans for a city promotional film, and he had a good candidate.

Makins understood in seconds, and his attitude became more approachable. Regarding the help he once asked Alan Wilson, it seems that it can be written off today.

"The royal family's territory plan is more realistic at present." Norman Brook, the cabinet secretary known as restraint, is also talking with Prime Minister Attlee about what he thinks is a major event.

Chapter 454 A Heavy Responsibility

"These proposals are too many, and the Dominion and the Royal Territory, aren't they similar?" Prime Minister Attlee's resentment from Norman Brooke was the same as that of the Colonial Secretary. There was nothing special about it. .

"Actually, my colleagues also think that the Dominion plan is superfluous. It is more appropriate to only keep the royal territory plan." Norman Brook heard this, and went further, "This can avoid the Dominion, which was born out of the colony. contribute to the long-term connection between Newfoundland and the mainland."

"Is that so? But Canada's thoughts must also be considered." Attlee nodded clearly, and still mentioned the importance of the relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. After all, after the United States cut off the loan, Canada provided A $12 billion loan to tide Britain over, he hasn't forgotten so quickly.

"Dear Prime Minister, in principle, of course, we pay more attention to the relationship with Canada. We can ignore the general colonies, but Newfoundland is just an exception. Newfoundland is the first overseas territory of the British Empire and a part of the global empire. The starting point. It has always been at the same level as Canada, and the local residents are very disgusted with the merger of Canada based on the current situation.”

Norman Brook said with a serious face, "This is very embarrassing. If it is too persuasive and it arouses the resentment of the citizens of Newfoundland, will they choose to join the United States?"

Prime Minister Attlee's expression tightened, and he immediately said, "London has never, and never thought about, using any coercive means to force Newfoundland and Canada to merge. London respects Newfoundland's public opinion very much."

"Except for joining the United States!" Norman Brook added after the Prime Minister finished speaking, "Of course, judging from the current situation, the possibility of Newfoundland joining the United States is very low. The main reason is to restore the Dominion and merge the two factions of Canada. Among them, the former occupies the main position, but once it becomes a self-governing dominion, the population of Newfoundland cannot fully afford a country’s foreign affairs, internal affairs and military affairs, so turning it into a royal territory is a compromise.”

"Is that so?" Attlee fell into deep thinking after hearing what Norman Brook said.