John Walter had a saying that impressed Russell, that is, Robert Cohoon was a troublemaker. Russell deeply agreed with this point, and he made troubles on the Wallachian issue without the consent of the cabinet, especially himself as the prime minister.
, which directly led to extremely tense relations between Britain and Russia, and at one time the situation was almost tense.
Russell is really not very interested in the Balkan issue. The British have too few interests there to really fight against the ferocious polar bears for the Wallachians or Turks. If he has the energy to go to Africa and India, it will not be easy for him to make money.
What!
Not only the Balkan issue, but also the Polish issue, Palmerston is always making trouble. This guy seems to be sincerely trying to make things difficult for the Russians, and he always makes a fuss around the interests and concerns of the Russians.
The life and death of Polish foot wipers has nothing to do with the British Empire? Are these people enslaved and tortured by the Russians and have anything to do with the empire? What is the benefit of challenging polar bears for them?
Just thinking about Palmerston's actions makes Russell feel his heart beat faster and his blood pressure rise. He is full of anger. He can't help but think that if this bastard continues to stay in the position of Foreign Secretary, he might do something else.
What's wrong? If I could take this opportunity to move him to a foreign minister who doesn't like to make trouble, would he be more comfortable as the prime minister?
Russell couldn't help but feel excited when he thought of this possibility. He was really fed up with Palmerston's trouble-making, so it seemed that it wouldn't be a bad idea to change his position?
After having this idea, Russell suddenly realized that the John Walter in front of him was not so annoying. If the development of the situation could be controlled within a reasonable range and only hit Palmerston's political reputation and force him to resign, the result would definitely be
acceptable.
So he asked: "You...well, can you guarantee that the focus of your attention will always be limited to the Robert Cohoon case?"
John Walter immediately breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that Russell was already attracted. If he operated correctly, he would not only be able to turn around the Times, but he might also be able to gain Russell's friendship!
He immediately assured: "The starting point for me and the Times to intervene in this matter has always been to urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to better serve the country. As long as this department can effectively correct the previous problems, we will warmly serve you and your colleagues."
Cheers and applause!”
Russell nodded slowly and added: "Very good, so how much do you know about this case? Is Viscount Palmerston really as serious as you said, well, the problem is as serious as you said?"
John Walter was completely relieved now, and he happily handed over the clues to Palmerston. Although these clues could not ruin Palmerston's future, they would definitely make him uncomfortable.
John Walter thought Russell would directly use these things to showdown with Palmerston and force him to submit, but Russell was more shameless than he imagined.
"Shocking!"
Although Russell said this, there was no sign of surprise on his face. Instead, he was a bit...how should I put it? A bit amused.
He said to John Walter calmly: "I already know these situations, but they are not enough to... uh, they cannot completely solve the problem!"
In fact, what Russell wanted to say was not to kill Palmerston with one blow. He pondered for a moment and then confessed: "So I think you should step up your reporting on Robert Cohoon's case in recent times. It is best if you can
The disclosure relates in part to facts relating to Viscount Palmerston."
John Walter is not stupid either. He completely understands what Russell means. The prime minister actually just doesn’t want to get his hands dirty and is planning to use him as a sword! It’s just that, although he doesn’t mind being a sword, he doesn’t want to use him as a sword.
Merston is not a fake, after all, he is the Foreign Secretary, and the state machinery is in his hands. A few friends and allies are enough for him to drink.
Russell smiled slightly and said: "Don't worry, you will be fine. As long as you report according to what I said, all problems will be controllable!"
Yes, Russell didn't fully trust John Walter, and he had to be on guard no matter what. However, John Walter really didn't have the guts to offend him, so he naturally agreed fully.
Both Russell and John Walter were finally satisfied. One could get rid of the annoying Foreign Secretary, and the other could keep and promote his newspaper. Only poor Palmerston was completely kept in the dark. He had not yet let the Home Office
His friend came into play, and the Times the next day stabbed him hard.
The headlines on the front page almost made it clear that the mastermind behind the Robert Cohoon fraud case was Palmerston, and even vaguely claimed that he was involved in other diplomatic corruption cases. It almost said that he would be responsible for everything.
Responsible!
Such exposure was astonishing. Anyway, Palmerston was so angry when he saw it that he burst into the Ministry of Home Affairs angrily and roared in front of the Home Secretary: "How could such a thing be allowed to happen?"
This is a shameful lie and the most despicable slander to be published openly! The Times must be shut down immediately and all the editors of this newspaper arrested!"
But what he didn't expect was that the Home Secretary's answer was no.
"My friend, I cannot give this order. It is illegal!"
Palmerston was immediately confused. Why was it illegal? When did these bastards from the Ministry of Internal Affairs become so weak?
"Why?" he asked.
The Home Secretary replied helplessly: "There is no evidence that they have violated the law, so naturally I cannot issue an arrest warrant. If you are sure you want to do this, it is best to go to court and prosecute them, so that I can arrest people and seal the door."
of."
If Palmerston had dared to sue, he would have done so long ago. He just wanted to use administrative means to silence The Times and John Walter. If the matter really went to court, it would not end well.
"Why don't you arrest people first?"
"no!"
"Are you sure?"
“Very sure!”
"Can't we make an exception?"
"No, this is against the rules!"
No matter what Palmerston said, the Home Secretary just wouldn't let go. So Palmerston had no choice. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a respected position and is the head of all ministries, if other ministries do not cooperate, especially when the Prime Minister puts small shoes on you, sincerely
There is nothing we can do about domestic affairs.
So why doesn’t the Home Secretary buy it? The reason is very simple. Russell has already hinted at this person. As long as Palmerston falls, he will be the new Foreign Secretary. Who doesn’t want to move to the next level?