But even though Churchill was an out-and-out anti-communist, Pu De still admired this old man who drank a cigar all day long, not for his iron and unyielding will, and for his published works during World War II. That stirring speech: "We shall fight to the death, we shall fight in France, we shall fight in the seas, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall fight at all costs Defend homeland at all costs. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the enemy's landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the mountains. We will never surrender, not even if this island or a large part of our island is destroyed Conquer, and starve..." Putting aside the differences in nationality and position, Pu De believes that this old man is worthy of the admiration of any nation that does not succumb to the oppression of foreign enemies.

Although rich but not noisy, the banquet ended at nearly eight o'clock at night. After the banquet, Nixon, Churchill, and Stalin did not leave, but invited Wu Tingfang and Pu De to the small meeting room on the top floor.Pu De knows that maybe at this time, the four giants will discuss the distribution of interests in the world structure.

Churchill was extremely annoyed and humiliated by China's naked interference in the affairs of the United States and its British Pacific islands, and told Wu Tingfang very bluntly that the United States is a partner of British interests, and China should hand over the US territories including Alaska to the US; , British colonies around the world are the affairs of the British Empire itself, and there is no need for outsiders to make irresponsible remarks.

Seeing the fierce dispute between the two sides, Nixon felt helpless and suggested a temporary adjournment.Nixon had expected that this meeting would be intense, but unexpectedly, it was so intense.Nixon notified Stalin of the decision to postpone the meeting, hoping to gain his understanding.

"I agree." On Stalin's round face, a pair of small eyes rolled continuously, and the fat on his cheeks trembled, like milk that was about to melt on ice cream: "Mr. President, Mr. Minister, The results of our discussions here will affect the world for 100 years."

Wu Tingfang's eyes flashed, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Is that so? I hope so. The Egyptian pyramid has been there for 2000 years. During the 2000 years, many conquerors, Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, French, but this pyramid is the last thing left."

Churchill's heart skipped a beat. Wu Tingfang didn't mention the current owners of this land—the British, the Greeks are gone, the Romans are gone, the Carthaginians are gone, the French, Napoleon are gone, what about the British?Can this land be occupied for a long time?

At this meeting, no, not just this meeting, Churchill knew that after the Sino-US war, the world would be completely changed, and if he wanted to keep the position of the British Empire in the future world, he had to hold on to other countries. Not only in this war, but also in future international affairs, we must stand with that country. Who is this country? It cannot be China. China is the biggest careerist in the world, and has hatred for countries such as Britain and France in its bones Emotionally, if you want to side with China, you have to become its vassal state. What about the Soviet Union? Churchill has always held a hostile attitude towards the red Soviet Union. Churchill has not yet decided whether to stand with this powerful country.

He glanced at Wu Tingfang and Pu De from the corner of his eye, both of them were smiling.Looking at their smiles, Churchill was a little annoyed, but he couldn't express it. What Wu Tingfang said just now had actually sent a message. He actually supported the independence movement of the colonial peoples, at least he sympathized with them.

A group of people are walking slowly in the Africa Pavilion of the Washington Center for the Arts. On the wall there is a huge portrait of a pyramid, and on the opposite side of the pyramid is the huge and dull head of the Sphinx.

"Ancient Egyptian civilization, ancient Indian civilization, ancient Babylonian civilization, and our Chinese civilization, why are they called the four ancient civilizations together? These four ancient civilizations are the birthplaces of our human civilization. Unfortunately, only China is still alive today. There is independence, and others are reduced to colonies, but as Wu Lao said, whether it is the Greeks or the Romans, they are all passers-by in this land in the end, and in the end this land will return to its real owner, the Egyptians , in your hand." Pu De's tone was gentle, as if he was lamenting history.

"Unfortunately, history cannot be repeated, Your Highness." Churchill said coldly: "Historical development proves that Western countries are leading the world. For the past hundred years, the British Empire has spared no effort to help the world progress. With hard work, the world has the freedom and civilization it has today."

"Gentlemen," Nixon saw that the two countries were about to quarrel, and immediately interrupted them: "I think we should first discuss how to reconstruct world peace in the future? Everyone knows that local wars among various ethnic groups in the Balkans are intensifying. Mr. Stalin believes that all parties must abandon their prejudices and reach a ceasefire agreement. Does the Chinese representative agree with this opinion?"

"Of course, I agree with this opinion very much. We have the responsibility to maintain peace in the Balkans." Wu Tingfang's attitude is very firm.

Stalin's face was gloomy, he glanced at Churchill intentionally or unintentionally, and then he said: "There are many roads leading to the Balkans. In summary, there are three roads, one is the Pacific Ocean, and the other is China. The Soviet Union and the United Kingdom have discussed this matter. Send additional peacekeeping troops to the Balkans, starting from Southeast Asia, but I think these routes are far away. In my opinion, it is better to go through mainland China.”

Churchill's heart tightened, and he secretly scolded Stalin, an old fox, for pulling Britain up with his words inside and out. Knowing that he had lost the first set, he was still unwilling to reconcile and tried to make it up: "Your Excellency, Your Excellency, Minister, all nations in the Balkans If the forces want to continue the war, coal mines, iron ore, oil, and rubber in Southeast Asia are indispensable resources. We have calculated that if they do not have these materials, their war capabilities will drop by 70%."

Wu Tingfang knew well that Churchill insisted on launching an offensive in Southeast Asia because he wanted to regain Southeast Asia by force and re-establish Britain's dominance in Southeast Asia, but would the Chinese agree?

"Mr. Prime Minister," Wu Tingfang said, suppressing the anger in his heart, "Even if the export of raw materials in Southeast Asia is controlled, the Balkans can still obtain oil and rubber from the East Indies and the Philippines, and coal and iron ore from Northeast China; this is free trade. At least our country has not provided them with arms deals. I think the peacekeeping force should go through Europe, which is the shortest and most effective route.”

Churchill smoked vigorously, his face was ashen, and he did not speak again.

"The Sphinx is a symbol of benevolence and nobility in Egyptian myths and legends." Nixon became nervous again when he saw it, and quickly changed the subject, looking at the huge Sphinx, the severely weathered sculpture, and the nose of the statue And the beard has disappeared.

Churchill added: "In Greek mythology, however, it is fear and temptation."

"I'm afraid there is no fear, but the temptation is very strong." Nixon said with a smile: "Cairo is a fascinating city, not only with the pyramids, but also the Nile River. Murder."

"Hahaha." Churchill and Pu De laughed almost at the same time, but Stalin just smiled politely. He didn't understand at all. Who is Equul Polo?He never heard of it.

The first round of meetings did not discuss any results. The representatives of the four countries were just doing boring Tai Chi together, and finally broke up unhappy.

Stalin had a strong feeling that after the war, China would express its claims more strongly, and it was likely that there would be sharp conflicts with Britain and France in southern Europe.With the rise of China's economic strength, its profound historical heritage will allow him to bring southern Europe under control in a short period of time.

"What is Comrade Stalin thinking?" Khrushchev, one of the accompanying representatives of the Soviet Union, asked quietly.

Stalin looked up and saw that Khrushchev had sat across from him, staring at him with a glass.Stalin said lightly: "I am thinking of the Emperor of China."

A faint smile appeared on Khrushchev's chubby face: "Do you know what I was thinking just now? In front of the portrait of the pyramid, I remembered Napoleon's words 'China is a sleeping lion, once it wakes up Come, the whole world will tremble', and now the lion has woken up, and though he has only just woken up, the world has heard his voice."

"Mr. Churchill may not agree with this," said Stalin. "Do you think we should spare a few hours to listen to the demands of the small countries of the Balkans and southern Europe?"

Who Controls Ups and Downs: The Third World War (Closed Volume) Chapter 150 and Five European Powder Kegs

Khrushchev understood that Stalin wanted to give opportunities to the Balkans and southern Europe, but he had some concerns. In Stalin's strategy, they should all be included in the Soviet Union's sphere of influence.Although Stalin did not disclose his post-war global strategy, Khrushchev has already faintly noticed that in his global strategy, the main partner in Europe is the United Kingdom.

"I think so. In the past ten years or so, colonial independence in many countries has been blowing up around the world. The Chinese representative is right. The national independence movement will flourish. If the UK does not change its position, it will become the enemy of all enemies and be exhausted."

Stalin looked at the dazzling sunlight outside the door, and nodded slightly after a long time: "Do we need to adjust our Eastern European defense line against the Germans?"

Khrushchev thought for a while and said: "You should ask General Zhukov about this matter. The key is who is more suitable for the commander of the Eastern European defense line. If Konev is transferred to the Balkans? Who should be sent to Eastern Europe to replace him? A problem has to be solved."

"Yes, it's really nerve-wracking." Stalin sighed and said nothing more.

The residence of the British delegation is in the villa of the British ambassador Casey. The scenery here is beautiful, surrounded by large forests, and many nobles and rich people have villas here.

Foreign Minister Eden felt Churchill's frustration. In fact, from the beginning of the meeting to the present, the situation of Britain has not been very good. Stalin remained calm and Wu Tingfang was aggressive. , cut off a few pieces of meat.

"Tradition, the tradition of the British Empire." Churchill turned to face Aiden, his voice firm and powerful.

"The summit is likely to pass a statement on the colonies, Prime Minister, we must pay attention to this." Eden reminded.

"We can allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to be independent, but this can only be read and judged between us and Croatia after the ceasefire between the parties in the Balkans, not now. This is our bottom line." Churchill's attitude is very firm.

Aiden nodded in agreement, this opening must not be opened, otherwise, the independence movements in southern Europe and other places will no longer be suppressed, and the rule of the British Empire in Europe will collapse.

During the summit meeting on the second day, the representatives of the four countries agreed to let the representatives of the Balkans read their request at the meeting. After the decision was passed, the representatives who had been waiting outside were brought into the meeting place.

The two representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina are Dzeko and Bekovic as the president and foreign minister of the newly established independent government of Bosnia and Herzegovina.It was the first time for Dzeko to stand in front of the heads of these major powers, and he was a little excited but also a little nervous.He was well aware of the importance of this speech to their cause.

"Thank you to President Nixon, Minister Wu Tingfang, Chairman Stalin, and Prime Minister Churchill for giving us time to express our voice on behalf of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina at this meeting," said Dzeko. In English, he speaks very slowly, but with a solemn attitude: "The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have always yearned for national freedom and national independence. I firmly oppose any aggression and war. Croats have trampled on all goodness and justice in the world and in the world. .During decades of national independence, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been deeply hurt. We yearn for independence and national freedom. We yearn for national independence in this war. To achieve this goal, we will do whatever it takes... "

In just a few minutes, Dzeko elaborated on the efforts of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to seek national freedom for decades, expressed his determination to support the ceasefire resolution of the Washington Conference and to seek independence without hesitation, and finally said: "We have noticed that We are deeply encouraged by the attention paid to the demands of the colonial people in the Atlantic Charter issued by Minister Wu Tingfang, Chairman Stalin, President Nixon and Prime Minister Churchill. We believe that there is justice and justice in the world! We are here to get you Our understanding and support, no matter what the result is, cannot change our belief in pursuing national independence, and we firmly believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina will eventually gain independence and freedom!"

After Dzeko finished speaking, the venue was left in the cold for a few minutes. Churchill was expressionless, Wu Tingfang was a little relieved, but Stalin smiled inscrutablely, and then said: "Mr. Dzeko, I think we have clearly known that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are pursuing efforts on the road to national independence, as we express in the Atlantic Charter, we respect the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they wish to live; and wish to see nations whose sovereignty and self-government gain sovereignty and self-government."

Hearing this, Dzeko and Bekovic showed joy on their faces, and Churchill's face sank.Stalin then changed the topic: "However, we also hope that you can understand us. Our priority now is to eradicate the unstable factors in the Balkan Peninsula. This force is very powerful. It has been raging in the Balkans for a long time. We It takes all of our strength to stop and destroy them. So, I hope you will be a little more patient..."

Stalin's words were very vague. Who is the destabilizing factor can only be judged by the standards of major powers.The Balkans are just a tool for political games between several major powers. With the end of the two world wars, the interests of the major powers there have changed several times. Now that they are sitting together again, they just want to insert their feet deeper into it.Dzeko is also very clear about this point, but he insisted on attending the meeting because he wanted to buy time for the early independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the game between big countries.

Before coming, the Soviet Union had told them that it might be difficult to gain independence immediately, and Dzeko was prepared.Despite his disappointment, he replied neither humble nor humble: "We can understand this, but we hope that Mr. President, Mr. Minister, Your Excellency Chairman, Your Excellency Prime Minister, can hear the voices of the people of the small countries in southern Europe, who have been waiting in despair. Decades, don't let their hopes turn to despair."

"Mr. Dzeko..." Churchill did not name their positions in the interim government, because Britain has not yet recognized the interim government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Churchill erupted a puff of smoke and said with pride: "Today we have made your request clear. , we also give you time, we know the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is already a government in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we heard that there are Bosnia and Herzegovina activists in your government, so I doubt that after the new government is formed , How much can it contribute to the stability and peace of the Balkans..."

"The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina oppose the aggression of Croatia and all forces that affect and destroy the cause of peace..." Dzeko replied unequivocally: "All radicals who destroy the cause of peace in the Balkans will not be supported by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My coming here is the best proof that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina will support the resolutions of the Washington Conference and do their best for peace in the Balkans."

Wu Tingfang nodded and said: "Mr. Dzeko, I think your wish has been implemented. We clearly understand the wishes of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I believe that this meeting will respond to the voice of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina... "

Dzeko understands that the fate of small and weak countries is like this, and it is in the hands of strong and big countries.The Washington meeting will discuss the fate of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but as the masters of Bosnia and Herzegovina, they are not qualified to participate in this meeting.

After Dzeko and Bekovic opened, Nixon spoke slowly: "I think that at this meeting that is destined to affect the world, we should discuss how to respond to the voices of colonial and semi-colonial peoples and at the same time implement the Atlantic Charter. claim."

"I agree with Mr. President's proposal..." Wu Tingfang immediately expressed his support: "The colonial national independence movement will be the main problem after the war. If it is not resolved, the post-war world will still be turbulent."

As the prime minister of the largest colonial empire in the world, Churchill felt extremely bitter. He originally attended the Washington meeting to force China to give up part of the interests in the United States to be shared by several major countries. Unexpectedly, the theme of the meeting changed sharply. Afterwards, the issue turned to the issue of peace in the Balkan Peninsula, and now it has turned to the issue of colonies. However, two of the four parties at the meeting expressed their support, so he had to say something: "I agree, but I think that what is being discussed now should be an intentional issue." The specific content should be placed after the settlement of the Balkan issue. We don’t have the time and energy to deal with the independence of the colonial nations. This is a very complicated issue..."

"Mr. Prime Minister, my old friend, I very much agree with you." Stalin did not insist, but smiled gently.

Aiden felt sad. He looked around the room. The huge ceiling fan was rotating powerfully, creating puffs of hot air. Everyone had relaxed smiles on their faces. At the round table, the representatives of the four countries were gentle, calm, and shallow. Smiling, with tender feelings; but in this gentle, without the slightest sword light or murderous intent, the history of the empire on which the sun never sets is over. As the largest colonial country on this planet, it has to sign this statement that is destined to disintegrate the empire. Write down your name.

The British Empire has declined, and Churchill's eyes are a little moist.This empire that once led the world, this empire that once created the industrial revolution, its fleets once ran rampant in every corner of the world, its cannons once destroyed one regime after another, and the world order he established once ruled the world for 100 years, but now , he was divided and disintegrated under the impact of the once-conquered lands and nations.

Where is the British Empire headed?Churchill had to start thinking, to preserve the glory of the empire, the only way to rely on the tradition of the empire, rely on the perseverance of the British people, yes, yes, this is the only thing the British Empire can rely on.

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