Working as a police officer in Mexico Chapter 1876: 807: Every Era Fades Away

Capítulo 1876: Chapter 807: Every Era Fades Away

“Mainly two aspects,” De Villepin said. “First, use our influence in the European Union and the United Nations to ensure the ‘balance’ of the referendum monitoring team, to avoid being dominated by xico or its allies. Second, we hope France and Germany can provide so ‘economic stability signals’ before the referendum, such as a joint statent supporting the British Pound or pledging so short-term liquidity support.”

“Dream on,” the Minister of Internal Affairs said bluntly. “Help them stabilize the British Pound? Let our taxpayers fill the bottomless pit created by London? And then watch as a potentially independent Scotland joins xico’s economic circle?”

De Villepin nodded. “I have sounded out Berlin. Pri Minister Kohl’s attitude is clear: Europe needs stability, but the stability of the United Kingdom must not co at the expense of European interests as a whole. We can participate in diation, but the premise is that any arrangent regarding Scotland’s future status must consider its potential impact on the European Continent, especially… it must not beco a stepping stone for xican influence to embed into Europe.”

He paused, lowering his voice: “Berlin has a deeper consideration: If the United Kingdom weakens beyond recovery, then so key assets originally controlled by London, such as financial channels, certain high-end technologies, intelligence network nodes, should be orderly transferred to the European Continent, rather than falling into the hands of xico or the United States.”

The atmosphere in the room beca subtle and pragmatic. Sympathy? That is for the weak. Facing a falling giant, neighbors first consider how to prevent him from ruining their own house, and… whether they can take away anything valuable from his pocket.

“So, our response is?” the Deputy Minister of Defense asked.

“Conditional participation,” De Villepin concluded. “We will agree to send high-level representatives to participate in diation, but will not commit to any economic assistance. On the contrary, we must put forward requests: First, the United Kingdom must share its intelligence on xico’s activities in Europe, especially details of the ‘Spring Planting’ plan. Second, any plan for the Scottish referendum must include a pre-negotiation chanism for ‘post-independence Scotland’s relationship with the European Union,’ with France and Germany having the right to consult first. Third…”

He glanced at the two colleagues, “If the situation in the United Kingdom continues to deteriorate, leading to its inability to effectively fulfill NATO obligations, we need to discuss in advance the temporary transfer of so of its defense responsibilities and command authority to the EU Coalition Forces under France and Germany.”

This was nakedly dividing up an inheritance.

But no one objected. Realpolitik is always cold and ruthless.

“Tell London we agree in principle to diate,” the Minister of Internal Affairs finally decided. “But the specific terms require detailed negotiation. Let them send soone of enough significance, but not too arrogant, to Paris to talk. As for the trouble in Birmingham and other parts of England… that’s their internal affairs, we are ‘closely watching,’ but will not comnt. Unless the fire really crosses the channel.”

March 20, 1997, Scottish Highlands, Secret Camp

McTavish looked at the unexpected guest in front of him. The man was dressed in a neat wool coat, carrying a briefcase, looking like a bank manager or university professor, out of place with the surroundings. He had arrived on an unmarked helicopter in the dead of night.

“Mr. Angus MacTavish, pleasure to et you.”

The visitor extended his hand, speaking perfect English with a slight Northern European accent, “My na is Eric Johnson, a special envoy from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, privately commissioned by the United Nations Secretary-General, and also one of the joint representatives of the Franco-German diation group.”

McTavish did not shake hands, instead indicating for him to sit on a log. “Norwegian? Franco-German diation group? United Nations? Quite a luxurious lineup. London is finally allowing outsiders in?”

Johnson smiled, not minding McTavish’s coldness: “The situation is complex, and only with joint efforts from multiple parties can a peaceful solution be found. I have brought the latest responses from London to your previous conditions, and… so unofficial suggestions from other parties.”

He opened his briefcase, taking out docunts, but instead of handing them directly to McTavish, he placed them on the stump between them.

“London agrees in principle to negotiate the three points you proposed. But regarding the withdrawal of British troops from the five major bases, they demand to retain intervention rights in extre circumstances. Regarding the Security Council, they agree to joint supervision during the transition, but demand the chairman of the committee be a neutral person appointed by the United Nations. As for the referendum options…”

Johnson paused, observing McTavish’s expression. “They finally agreed to include the ‘Highly Autonomous Kingdom’ option, but demand that the description of this option must clearly include the terms ‘recognition of the Queen as the Head of State’ and ‘final power over foreign affairs and defense belonging to London.'”

McTavish sneered: “Recognition of the Queen? Final power to London? How is that fundantally different from our current situation? Old wine in new bottles.”

“The difference is,”

Johnson said calmly, “‘Highly Autonomous Kingdom’ will have independent legislative authority, taxation rights, judicial final authority, and almost all national powers except declaring war and signing international treaties. This is equivalent to a highly autonomous federation, close to independence. Moreover, the terms will specify that this status can be upgraded to full independence through a future referendum. It is a step, Mr. Angus. A step for London to step down, and for you to step up.”

McTavish fell silent. The other made a valid point. Achieving full independence in one step, London would rather fight to the end than agree. This ‘high autonomy,’ sounds like a compromise, but indeed contains enormous power. Most importantly, it includes a ‘future upgradable’ clause, offering hope.