Major countries in the world sent dignitaries to attend the funeral of King Edward VII. This undoubtedly shows the influence of the British Empire. At the same time, the British Empire could also use this opportunity to negotiate some hidden matters with some countries.

On June 16, 4608 (10), the funeral of Edward VII was held in London. The grand funeral fully demonstrated the hegemony of the British Empire. The enthronement ceremony of the new King George V is scheduled for next year. Now, as the crown prince, George V rules the whole of the United Kingdom.

After the funeral, dignitaries from some countries did not leave, but stayed behind to hold talks with Britain on some matters. The United States was represented at the funeral of King Edward VII by U.S. Secretary of State Phila Fernandes. C. Knox. At the end of the funeral, Philander. C. Knox was told that British Prime Minister Asquith was going to meet with him. So, Philander. C. Knox postponed the date of his return.

Although, now the United States is already the world's number one industrial power. However, the influence of the United States in the world is far from being comparable to that of the United Kingdom. What's more, in terms of science and technology and military strength, the United States is much worse than Britain. It's just that the British have never been interested in the United States, so although the Americans are interested in acquiring various advanced technologies from the United Kingdom, they have no way to start.

The next day, June 17th, when Filand. When C. Knox arrived at the Prime Minister's Office in Downing Street, he found that in addition to him, there were also French Prime Minister Aristide Briand and French Foreign Minister Stephen Pichon.

Philand. C. Knox immediately guessed what the British and French were trying to do, could it be that they still wanted to win over the United States and let the United States join the Entente?

The Americans have always had their own considerations about whether or not to join the Entente. The United States did not want to join either the Entente or the Central Powers at this time. Unless it's a winner. Otherwise, the United States will not take a position lightly. The United States will always be on the side of the victor and will reap the maximum benefits at the lowest cost. What's more, the geographical location of the United States is very superior, separated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. So that they do not have to worry about being attacked by other countries. Historically, neither World War I nor World War II has ever reached the continental United States (except Hawaii). Therefore, the United States does not need to rush to make a statement.

"Welcome, Your Excellency, you may be seated." Prime Minister Asquith's smile on his face.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, you are too polite. His Majesty Edward VII was an outstanding monarch, and his passing was not only a great loss to the British Empire. It's a loss to the whole world. "Philander. C. Knox said.

"Yes, the death of His Majesty Edward VII has indeed made all the English people mourn. However, I believe that even if His Majesty dies, the glory of the British Empire will live on forever. Prime Minister Asquith said firmly.

Philand. Secretary of State C. Knox disdainfully the current British Empire. It's really like the sky. However, after the sun rises in the middle of the day. It's time to start going downhill. The United States, which has risen strongly from the New World, will undoubtedly take over the throne of world hegemony from the British.

Philand. After taking his seat, C. Knox exchanged a few words with French Prime Minister Aristide Briand and French Foreign Minister Stephen Pichon. As the leaders of the world's major powers, they are still familiar with each other.

British Foreign Secretary Edward. Sir Grey, too. The United States does not have a foreign minister, foreign affairs. The Secretary of State is responsible.

"Your Excellency, the world situation is becoming more and more tense right now. A big war is about to break out. It will be a catastrophe for humanity. Even if the United States of America were far away in the New World, it would be impossible to stay out of it. So. Don't you really think about joining the Entente? Fight for peace and justice. Prime Minister Asquith persuaded.

Now, the strength of the Entente and the Central Powers is very close. If you don't pay attention, the Entente may be overturned by the Allies. If the United States, the world's largest industrial power, could be drawn into the Entente camp, their chances would be much greater.

The British had their own considerations, and they could now almost conclude that war with Germany was inevitable. The only uncertainty is when the war will break out. The British are confident that they will win this battle, but even if they do, they will definitely pay a huge price. After the war, Britain's position will certainly be more challenged. The United States in the New World, as well as the ancient countries of the East, would pose a threat to the world hegemony of the British Empire. If the United States can be dragged into the war and the strength of the United States can be consumed, perhaps the British Empire's position as the world hegemon will be consolidated.

"Your Excellency, the Germans are ambitious to occupy all of Europe. Once the ambitions of the Germans succeeded, and after they integrated the forces of Europe, no country in the whole world would be able to confront them. Even the United States was no match for the Germans. Therefore, it is also very advantageous for the United States to join the Entente and help us defeat Germany. "Aristide. Prime Minister Briand also said.

The French are now overwhelmed by the Germans, and after the defeat of the Franco-Prussian War forty years ago, the French are no longer known for their ability to fight well. Apart from bullying the natives of the colonies, the French* army seems to have no other purpose. The German Army is known as the best in the world. The French were afraid that once the war began, they would be directly defeated by the Germans. Therefore, France is also eager to attract more countries to join the Entente, especially the powerful countries.

Philand. C. Knox shook his head: "Your Excellency the Prime Minister, Your Excellency the Prime Minister, I am very sorry. The United States does not want to get involved in the war. Americans want peace, we are only interested in developing the economy. ”

Prime Minister Asquith and Prime Minister Briand are a little helpless, and Secretary of State Knox's reason is simply nonsense. They know that the reason why Americans are reluctant to take a stand now is because they don't want to bet rashly. As for peace, that's just nonsense. As long as the interests are sufficient, the Americans will inevitably make a choice.

However, the refusal of the Americans to join the Entente did not come as expected by the British and French. They are not in a hurry, and they will have to wait until the war breaks out to find a way to convince the Americans.

"All right, Your Excellency. We can put this issue aside for now. Today's meeting with Your Excellency is actually for another issue. Prime Minister Asquith said.

Philand. C. Knox frowned, is there anything more important than convincing the United States to join the Allies?

"Your Excellency, the final result of the war between China and Japan is very surprising. Unexpectedly, the Chinese Navy was able to defeat the Japanese Navy with the weak. Today, the Chinese Navy has become the most powerful maritime power in the Far East. Moreover, after receiving a large amount of war reparations, the Chinese will certainly strengthen military construction. It won't be long before China's army and navy will grow rapidly. When the time comes, they will become the overlords of the Western Pacific region, which is something that even God cannot stop. Prime Minister Asquith said.

Philand. C. Knox nodded, indeed, the United States has also been worried about this issue for a long time. When war broke out between China and Japan, the United States took a neutral stance and did not provide any help to China. Even after the Chinese Navy broke diplomatic relations with Japan, the United States provided Japan with much-needed grain, steel, and so on on the pretext of normal trade. It can be seen that the United States also does not want the Chinese Navy to win. However, the Japanese were so uncompetitive that they were not only beaten down by the Chinese Navy, but also lost.

"For thousands of years, China has been a powerful empire in the Far East. They have only declined in recent decades. Originally, we thought that this ancient empire could sleep forever, but unexpectedly, he woke up. And, as soon as they woke up, they burst out with extremely strong strength. This is not a good thing for the Western world. A powerful Chinese empire seriously threatened France's Indochina colonies, as did the British Straits Settlements and India. The Philippines in the United States is also within the range of Chinese attacks. On this issue, it is necessary for us to unite and contain China! French Prime Minister Briand said.

Philand. C. Knox thought it was a very good idea. However, he didn't want to take any chances. Also, it's not something he can decide. The United States is a presidential country, and the power is in the hands of the president. He, the secretary of state, is nothing more than an assistant to the president in handling government affairs.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, Your Excellency Prime Minister, the rise of the Chinese Empire is indeed a threat to the interests of the United States. However, our relationship with the Chinese Empire has always been relatively close. I think that even if the Chinese empire becomes strong, it will not endanger the interests of the United States. In addition, the Chinese Empire was already a world-class power. It is not so easy to contain such a powerful country. If you don't do it right, there will be immeasurable consequences. "Philander. C. Knox said.

"Your Excellency, the Chinese have an old saying that raising tigers is a problem. The United States is raising tigers right now. If the Chinese empire becomes a roaring tiger again, the United States will inevitably suffer. Prime Minister Asquith continued. Hopefully, Americans will join the program. (To be continued.) )

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