novelAbuy Chapter 86 Sorry, this is an internal document
Chapter 86 Sorry, this is an internal document
Wang Wenwu sat down in the main seat opposite him, Li Mingyuan sat to his right, and the other people took their seats in order.
"First of all, on behalf of the Government of the British Empire, I welcome the Lanfang delegation to London," Langston began, his voice steady and deep. "I hope this meeting will enhance mutual understanding and promote friendly relations between our two sides."
Standard diplomatic language. Wang Wenwu smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your invitation. Lanfang is willing to develop friendly cooperation with all countries that respect our sovereignty and the rights of Chinese people."
After the opening remarks, the atmosphere became subtly tense.
The first to challenge the Trade Committee chairman was a portly old man named Archibald, who spoke as if interrogating someone in court: "Mr. Wang, before discussing specific issues, I would like to confirm one thing—does your actions in Java represent Lanfang's future foreign policy? That is, will you send military forces into the territory of other countries without the consent of the sovereign state?"
The question was pointed. All eyes were on Wang Wenwu.
"Mr. Chairman," Wang Wenwu leaned forward slightly, "first, I want to correct a misconception: that wasn't an 'action,' but an 'action to protect overseas Chinese.' Second, Lanfang's foreign policy principle is very simple—to protect the lives and property of overseas Chinese. When Chinese people in any region face systemic threats of violence, we have the right to take necessary measures."
This violates international law—
"International law also prohibits the massacre of civilians," Wang Wenwu interrupted him, his voice still calm. "Dutch military and police opened fire and killed 47 Chinese people in Batavia, including nine women and three children, the youngest being six years old. According to the principle of universal jurisdiction under the Hague Convention, any country has the right to intervene in such crimes."
Archibald opened his mouth to retort, but Wang Wenwu raised his hand to stop him:
"Of course, Lanfang is a responsible country. After taking action, we proactively negotiated with the Dutch authorities and reached a formal agreement that included compensation and protection of our rights. The entire process was open, transparent, and in accordance with procedures."
He paused, then looked around at the person opposite him:
"So to answer your question: Yes, this represents Lanfang's policy. But please understand, this is not a policy of aggression, but a policy of protection. As long as the Chinese are no longer bullied, our warships will not fire."
There was silence in the conference room.
First Lord of the Admiralty Fisher suddenly laughed, a dry laugh: "Mr. Wang is quite the talker. But let's be frank—your 'Recovery' has appeared in the Indian Ocean, in Suez, and now it's anchored off Portsmouth. The ship's capabilities have already altered the regional balance of power. Britain must consider its own interests."
Now, let's get to the main topic.
Wang Wenwu opened his briefcase and took out a document with a red cover: "This is exactly what we're going to discuss today. In order to enhance mutual trust, Lanfang is willing to take the initiative to propose a cooperation framework."
He pushed the document over.
Langston took it and quickly glanced at it. His brows gradually furrowed.
The document has three pages, is printed in English, and uses precise wording.
The UK shall immediately lift all trade sanctions against Lanfang, restore pre-sanction price levels, and provide appropriate compensation for the losses suffered by Lanfang as a result (Annex 1 is a list of losses).
The UK has allowed Lanfang to establish a permanent commercial representative office in London, enjoying diplomatic pouch rights, tax exemption rights, and diplomatic immunity for its personnel.
Both sides reached a memorandum of understanding on the protection of the rights and interests of Chinese in Southeast Asia, with the UK tacitly acknowledging Lanfang's "right to protect Chinese nationals" when their lives are threatened.
Fisher leaned closer to look, and when he saw the third point, he scoffed, "Acceptance? That's tantamount to admitting you have the right to interfere in the affairs of the British Empire's colonies."
"No," Wang Wenwu corrected, "it's limited to extreme situations where the lives of Chinese people are threatened. Moreover, Britain also has the right to establish a representative office in Lanfang to monitor our operations in Southeast Asia—if necessary."
"Oversight?" Trade Commission Chairman Archibald raised his voice. "You oversee us?"
"Mutual supervision," Wang Wenwu smiled. "Fairness."
Langston put down the documents, took off his glasses and wiped them: "Mr. Wang, these demands... are quite direct."
"Because time is precious." Wang Wenwu glanced at his pocket watch. "We still have to go to Portsmouth this afternoon to check on the 'Restoration' ship's supply situation. Tomorrow we plan to go to Paris."
The meaning is clear: If you don't want to talk, fine, we'll talk to the French.
Fisher and Langston exchanged a glance.
"We need time to study this," Langston said. "Also, regarding the amount of trade compensation—"
"One million eight hundred thousand pounds," Wang Wenwu stated the figure. "This is Lanfang's actual loss during the sanctions. We have detailed trade documents and shipping records, which can be verified at any time."
Archibald gasped. "That's impossible! The Treasury will never approve it—"
"Then don't approve it." Wang Wenwu shrugged. "But please understand, if you don't even have this much sincerity, it will be difficult for us to carry out cooperation in other areas as well."
He paused deliberately, then, as if suddenly remembering something, pulled another document from his bag. This time it had a blue cover, but as he took it out, a few pages "accidentally" came out with it.
The paper fluttered down and slid right to Fisher's feet.
Fisher bent down to pick it up and glanced at it subconsciously.
Then, his movements froze.
It was a design sketch. A side view of the warship, marked with densely packed dimensions and data. He recognized it at a glance: 350mm main gun caliber, 240 meters in length, 28000 tons standard displacement... Its performance was clearly superior to the "Dreadnought," but simpler than the "Revival."
The bottom right corner of the drawing has a handwritten note: "Export type, Cheetah class (Option 3)".
Fisher's hands were shaking.
Wang Wenwu "hurriedly" got up and took the blueprints: "Sorry, these are internal documents." He stuffed the blueprints back into his bag, but Fisher had already seen them clearly.
Silence fell over the meeting room once again.
This silence has a different feel to it.
The meeting will be adjourned for half an hour.
The British personnel went to the small conference room next door. Wang Wenwu stayed behind, drinking tea and talking in hushed tones.
"Minister," Li Mingyuan whispered, "Fischer has seen the blueprints."
"We need to make sure he sees it." Wang Wenwu took a sip of his tea—English black tea, with milk but no sugar, it tasted quite strange. "Right now, all he can think about is that ship. It's better than the 'Dauntless,' but it's not the best in Lanfang. What do you think he'll choose?"
"Either develop it yourself, or buy it from us."
"The research and development will take three years, the cost will be at least two million pounds, and there's no guarantee of success." Wang Wenwu put down his teacup. "They have an advantage in both time and price. You're the Minister of the Navy, what would you choose? Besides, what if this ship were flying the French or German flag?!"
Half an hour later, the British personnel returned.
Everyone's expression changed. Fisher's eyes held a suppressed excitement, like a hunter discovering new prey.