Chapter 52: Diplomatic Arrangements

Translator: 549690339 |

“Your Highness, I believe the issue of New Zealand cannot be resolved in a short period, and the method of resolving it depends on your opinion of New Zealand.” Prime Minister Evan gritted his teeth and stood up to answer.

“Oh? Prime Minister Evan, please elaborate!” Arthur said with a smile.

The issue of New Zealand was a headache for Arthur as well, so gathering collective wisdom was a good approach. At least the prime ministers from each major colony were more familiar with New Zealand’s situation, so their suggestions might be useful for Arthur.

“Your Highness, the policy toward New Zealand actually depends on your thoughts.” Seeing that Arthur didn’t refute but instead was very interested, Prime Minister Evan continued, “If you see New Zealand as a colony like New Guinea, believing it’s not within our core region in the future, I think we should suppress the independence movement in New Zealand, at least during your reign, it shouldn’t gain independence or even have any independent actions.”

“But if you want to completely integrate New Zealand with Australia and establish a new country, I think you should fully respect the will of the people of New Zealand, and perhaps promote New Zealand’s independence at an appropriate time, allowing them to join Australia’s family as an independent country,” Prime Minister Evan explained, “In my view, the desire for independence for both Australia and New Zealand is unstoppable. Even if it may be suppressed by the policies and methods of the ruling government in a short period, such a situation won’t last long. Whether it’s ten years or several decades, New Zealand will definitely erupt in stronger independence actions. Therefore, before we establish a management policy for New Zealand, we should clarify its position in Australia’s future, and if we want to have New Zealand firmly under control, then at this moment, it should be treated as an independent country, not our colony.”

In the end, the status of New Zealand was similar to that of Australia, both seeking to transition from a colony to an independent country.

Even though New Zealand lagged far behind Australia in terms of land area and population, public opinion could not be ignored.

“Hmm, well said, Prime Minister Evan,” Arthur nodded approvingly to Prime Minister Evan.

“New Zealand is the third-largest region in Oceania and a natural barrier to the east of Australia. I believe it’s an integral part of Australia’s future influence and we should value and respect the interests of New Zealand and its people. I think it’s very possible for Australia and New Zealand to establish a close united country, whether it’s a federal or confederate state or a united country. In any case, New Zealand is very important to us and Australia, and it’s an important territory we cannot lose. During the entire governance of New Zealand, we should hold a permissive and supportive attitude towards their independence, as long as they are willing to unite with Australia and establish a new country, it doesn’t matter whether New Zealand is independent or not to Australia.” Arthur said with a smile.

New Zealand’s important geographical position determined that Australia could never give it up.

To Arthur’s eyes, as long as the people of New Zealand were willing to establish a new country with Australia, their independence didn’t matter.

“Your Highness, then should we implement all of our policies for Australia in New Zealand? I’m afraid if we build up New Zealand, they might turn around and deny the debt, and directly declare their independence, which would be terrible,” Finance Minister Roger Joseph Albert hurriedly asked.

Although Australia’s finances still had nearly ninety million pounds after various expenditures,

Don’t forget, even these funds were borrowed from Arthur, plus the fifty million pounds’ worth of equipment, the Australian government already owed the royal family one hundred fifty million pounds.

Although it was an interest-free loan, the feeling of owing money was definitely unbearable, which made Finance Minister Roger Joseph Albert carefully manage the finances. It was not easy to meet the requirements of national development and save funds as much as possible.

“No, not that. Your Highness. If we promote all Australian policies in New Zealand now, it might cause New Zealand’s people to rejoice in the short term. But what about later? What methods do we have to keep these New Zealanders? Once these people become dissatisfied and want new welfare policies, what should we do? Don’t forget, our foundation is in Australia, and controlling New Zealand must be based on controlling Australia.” Prime Minister Evan quickly stood up and reminded, “Your Highness, I believe that currently, New Zealand needs stability rather than change. We only need to maintain British policies in New Zealand, and when its independence fervor is unstoppable, our policies will become the condition for us to win over New Zealand’s people.”

“Hmm, Prime Minister Evan makes a lot of sense. Our foundation will always be Australia, and we should prioritize the opinions of the Australian people. Maintaining stability in New Zealand for the time being is sufficient. When it seeks independence, the policies we have implemented in Australia will also attract New Zealanders. As long as they continue to accept Australia’s rule, Australia won’t mind considering New Zealand as part of itself and implementing all preferential conditions equally in New Zealand.” Arthur nodded, agreeing with Prime Minister Evan’s ideas.

Upon hearing Arthur’s words, Roger Joseph Albert breathed a sigh of relief.

If all Australian policies were implemented in New Zealand simultaneously, it would mean at least a cost of millions or even tens of millions of pounds.

For Australia, which is in urgent need of funds for development, this money is naturally saved as much as possible.

“However, at the same time, it is necessary to appropriately draw closer to and approach New Zealand. Minister Andrew, this task is yours; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for getting closer to New Zealand and striving to sign a series of treaties with them, narrowing the distance between Australia and New Zealand in all aspects. In these areas, we should give New Zealand the respect it deserves, with the treaties being fair and just to both parties, satisfying all New Zealanders,” Arthur ordered.

Under the premise of keeping major policies unchanged, signing a series of trade and other treaties with New Zealand in advance and narrowing the distance between Australia and New Zealand can also be beneficial for the possible merger of Australia and New Zealand in the future..