The British fleet did not stay in Japan for long, and after a total of only a week, they left. Moreover, this time the British fleet did not return the same way, but went from Japan to the United States, then along the west coast of America through the Panama Canal into the Caribbean Sea, and then through the Caribbean Sea into the Atlantic, across the Atlantic Ocean back to Britain.

Perhaps, the British fleet is unwilling to encounter the Chinese navy again. Last time, the Chinese Navy fired a gun salute. But who is sure that the next time the Chinese Navy will not fire real shells? Therefore, it would be safer to avoid the Chinese Navy.

The visit of the British Navy to the Far East was undoubtedly a major event in the year 4618 (20) of the Yellow Emperor Era. Of course, many countries originally thought that they could see the Chinese Empire and Britain start a war. However, the end result disappointed all countries. China and Britain have exercised restraint. Perhaps China and Britain don't want the two of them to lose both, and then let the Americans on the other side of the ocean benefit. If the United States had not existed, China and Britain would have gone to war long ago.

The Anglo-Japanese alliance was about to expire, and the British Cabinet discussed it, and in the end, the British Cabinet made a decision not to renew the alliance after it expired. Because, seeing that the Chinese Empire is about to launch an attack on Japan, wouldn't it be self-defeating to renew the contract with Japan at this time?

However, the importance of Japan is undeniable. Britain also hopes to use Japan to contain China. At least, with Japan, the Chinese Empire will not let go of its external expansion. And this can undoubtedly play a great role in preserving the colonies of the British Empire in Asia.

Therefore, even after the expiration of the Anglo-Japanese alliance, Britain's support for Japan will not decrease much. They need to use Japan as cannon fodder against China. And in order to weaken the strength of the Chinese Empire as much as possible for Japan. Naturally, they hope to arm Japan, the cannon fodder, and let them play their best role.

However, Britain's financial resources are also very tight, and it will undoubtedly be very difficult to come up with funds to support Japan. After a meeting of the British Cabinet of Ministers, it was decided to bring both the Americans and the French in. After all. The Chinese Empire was also a threat to them. Since they want to use the money to arm Japan, the two countries will naturally not be able to escape.

On July 18, 4618 (20), the British ambassador to Japan, Clark, invited the American ambassador to Japan, Howard, and the French ambassador to Japan, Pierre, to the British Embassy in Japan for a small gathering. The reason for this was that Clark had been instructed to consult with the United States and France about the support of the three countries for Japan.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe you have noticed that the situation in Japan has been a bit turbulent lately. The Chinese Empire grew stronger and stronger. It put a lot of pressure on Japan. Now, the Japanese hardly have the courage to confront the Chinese Empire. And this is not a good thing for our three countries! Clark said.

"Sir Clark, it seems that you will give Japan the final blow if you abandon Japan. Japan and Great Britain, but they have been allies for 20 years, and as a result, they abandon it. It's really chilling! Howard said with a smile.

A flash of anger flashed across Clarke's face. As Britain's power declined, the United States rose rapidly. As a result, the Americans began to compete with Britain in all aspects. When Britain was dominating the world, American diplomats never dared to speak to British diplomats like this. But now, the good old days are gone.

"The British Empire is doing this for the sake of our own interests." Clark said with a grimace.

Howard smiled and didn't continue to irritate Clark. Otherwise, Clark would have to turn his face. He knew that the reason why the British abandoned Japan was simply because they did not want to be involved in Japan and thus get involved in the war against the Chinese Empire. But. If it were the United States, it would probably make the same choice. After all, the power of the Chinese Empire is now swelling so fast that any country in the world would panic. A war with the Chinese Empire is definitely something that no country wants to face.

"Lord Clark, get straight to the point." French Ambassador Pierre said impatiently.

Clark nodded, and then said, "For our three kingdoms, Japan is an important pawn to contain the Chinese Empire. With Japan here, the Chinese Empire at least did not dare to let go of its outward expansion. Therefore, our three countries should give Japan more support so that they can have the strength to resist the Chinese Empire. In this way, it is equivalent to protecting our own interests. ”

"Can the Japanese really do it? We've tried it before. However, they were still easily defeated by the Chinese. French Ambassador Pierre frowned. Obviously, he was not very optimistic about the Japanese.

"We have no choice but Japan. If we don't support Japan, I think we'll end up on our own soon. This must be something that countries do not want to see. Clark said.

Pierre nodded, agreeing. It is naturally much better to be able to pay for others to fight than to fight yourself. At least, although it cost some money, there is no need to fear that you will be hurt.

"Your Excellency Clark, there is no problem in supporting Japan. However, if Japan wants to have the strength to confront the Chinese Empire, then we will have to invest considerable financial and material resources. This is a bit of a bad deal. Howard said. After all, the Chinese Empire was already far ahead of Japan in strength. If Japan wants to catch up in a short period of time, even with the support of Britain, France, and the United States, it will be impossible.

"That's true. However, there is one aspect in which we can fully support Japan. For example, the Japanese Navy. The strength of the Japanese navy, although repeatedly defeated by the Chinese Empire. However, their foundation is still there. The 'Kii-class' battleships they built themselves are also very good and powerful warships. It's just that the Japanese were constrained by money and technology and were unable to build more and stronger battleships. If we can help Japan in this regard, we will surely see a rapid increase in Japan's naval strength. At that time, the Chinese Navy will have to worry about how to defeat the Japanese Navy, let alone come to us for trouble. Clark said.

Both Howard and Pierre pondered that if Japan had a strong navy, it would indeed pose a great threat to the Chinese Empire. After all, the richest places in China, almost all of them are coastal areas, under the guns of the Japanese Navy. In addition, the Chinese Empire could not expand outward until the threat of the Japanese Navy was resolved. This also protects their interests in disguise.

"The British Cabinet has already discussed, and if you do not object, then Britain can import the latest 457mm naval gun technology to Japan as our support for Japan. As for the funding, the British Empire is now under great financial pressure, and I am afraid it will depend on you two countries. Clark said.

"457 mm naval gun technology?" Howard's eyes lit up. 457 mm naval guns, that's a good thing! The British originally applied it to their own N3-class battleships. However, because of the financial crisis, Britain cut the plan for the N3-class battleships. However, the relevant naval artillery technology has been retained. The Americans naturally covet this large-caliber naval gun. Although the United States has strong industrial strength, there is still a big gap between it and the world's first-class level in terms of cutting-edge technology. This has always been a shortcoming for Americans. If the 457 mm naval gun technology can be obtained from the British and thoroughly understood, this will inevitably lead to the rapid development of the strength of the US Navy. In the future, replacing the British Navy and becoming the hegemon of the world's oceans is also just around the corner.

"Your Excellency Clark, if Britain agrees to transfer 457mm naval gun technology to the United States, we can agree to provide Japan with a loan for Japan to develop its navy." Ambassador Howard said.

"Damn the Yankees, they're still thinking about the technology of the British Empire." Clark couldn't help but curse.

"I need to ask for instructions from China." Clark said.

Howard nodded, understanding.

Since Britain and the United States are inclined to support Japan's development of the navy. Well, naturally, France will not refuse. However, France suffered the heaviest losses in the last war. I still haven't had to slow down. Therefore, there is not much help that they can provide to Japan. Pierre also needs to report back home.

The meeting ended quickly, and all three ambassadors needed to get in touch with China and report back to China on the outcome of the meeting.

The British cabinet was a little dissatisfied with the technology that everyone coveted 457 mm naval guns, but in order to support the Japanese, they had to grit their teeth and agree. However, the precondition is that the United States must pay a substantial technology transfer fee. This is naturally nothing to the wealthy American imperialists and tyrants.

The United States was determined to obtain the advanced naval artillery technology of the British, and without frowning, it agreed to the request of the British. At the same time, supporting Japan and allowing Japan to deal with China is also conducive to protecting the security of the United States. To this, of course, the Americans will not refuse. The Americans, with deep pockets, said they could lend Japan a $200 million loan if they could reach an agreement.

The French also said they could provide Japan with a loan of 200 million francs. (To be continued.) )

PS: The forty-first update is here, ask for a monthly pass and a reward!