Pedro is well aware of the importance domestic attaches to Goa. Speaking from the bottom of his heart, Portugal has regarded Goa as its overseas territory and continues to build and improve its infrastructure.
After Portugal occupied Goa, it gave Goa the same status and privileges as Lisbon and made Goa the capital of Portuguese India.
Portugal has stationed troops in Goa for a long time and established a naval base. At the same time, it has strengthened the construction of fortifications and other infrastructure, and it seems that Goa is regarded as Portugal's own territory.
Portugal also conducted a large number of immigrants and encouraged Portuguese people to intermarry with locals. In order to strengthen Portugal's control over Goa, Portugal immigrated to Goa in large numbers and encouraged Portuguese and local women to intermarry to increase the population.
Therefore, there are a considerable number of Eurasian people in Goa, and Portugal has regarded them as residents of the country.
The most important thing is that Portugal believes that the local Christian population has become the majority, and religion and blood have completely nothing to do with the rest of the subcontinent.
"Portugal's reliance is actually not enough. The key lies in British India. If we clearly recognize the legitimacy of Portuguese Goa, most of the problems can be solved, if not all." Alan Wilson told Pedro
He refuted the arguments point by point, "The population of Goa is too small. Even if they believe in Christianity, once the surrounding Indians influx, the proportion of Goa's population will easily change. The small population is the second best, and the area is too large."
It’s too small.”
"Actually, I have a plan that looks fair. It depends on whether Portugal can weigh the pros and cons and give an answer." Alan Wilson looked embarrassed and said to himself, "Actually, it is very difficult for me to do. I have to say
Responsible actions are usually accompanied by criticism and pressure. I hope the two sides can coexist peacefully, and maybe both sides will not appreciate it in the end. This is one of the reasons why ordinary people dare not easily try to solve the Goa problem."
Alan Wilson frowned and looked very embarrassed, indicating that this matter was very difficult to handle. It seemed that he was struggling with his conscience before taking the last step, and he had no choice but to take this step.
Pedro will not be fooled by this kind of performance, even though Alan Wilson's acting skills have improved significantly under the guidance of Vivien Leigh day and night. But this still cannot fool the Portuguese. Will a good man be a civil servant? Still running
Come to the colonies?
Will he finally leave his own mark on history like countless predecessors of the British Empire, such as McMahon, Duran, and Curzon?
McMahon Line, Duran Line, Curzon Line, is the Wilson Line really going to appear? Although I have been prepared in my heart, it is not easy to make up my mind. This makes Pedro anxious, Ai
Len Wilson What does this mean? Is it just calling yourself to New Delhi for a cup of black tea.
If he were facing an African chief, Pedro would definitely make him miserable, but facing Alan Wilson was different. When a gentleman is considering a problem, he has to weigh the pros and cons, and it is normal for him to take some time.
, is understandable and worth waiting for...
"Actually, Goa's problem is not completely unsolvable, it just needs an opportunity." With Pedro's eyes filled with desire for progress, Alan Wilson finally said slowly, "This opportunity is very important.
History is like this. There is chance among necessity, and there is necessity among chance. There is an opportunity in front of us that is fleeting. It depends on whether Portugal can seize the opportunity."
"Please give me some advice, Mr. Allen." Pedro had a question mark on his face. He didn't know what the opportunity was in Allen Wilson's mouth. Why didn't he feel it at all?
"Then Mr. Pedro, I will just say it casually. You can consider for yourself whether what I say makes sense." Alan Wilson stopped using his rhetoric. "Simply speaking, Goa has several disadvantages. The territory is too small.
, the population is easy to be penetrated, I will talk about the solution later. First, let me talk about some good news for Portugal, which is the so-called opportunity, that is... There are signs of drought this year. Mr. Pedro also works in British India.
It’s been a long time, and you should know that there was a drought last year.”
"Drought?" Pedro was confused when he heard this. What does this have to do with Portugal and Goa? However, if drought occurs for two consecutive years, it will be a big deal for the subcontinent. He asked, "I don't know what the countermeasures of the Governor's Office are.
?”
"Of course we are going all out to provide disaster relief. We are responsible for hundreds of millions of lives." Alan Wilson replied righteously, "We will use all available forces to fight against this drought."
Alan Wilson's words leave a certain amount of room. There are indeed forces that can be used, and there are forces that cannot be used.
Everyone knows that he is just a small assistant to the commissioner, and he actually has no rights. Considering the current vacancy of the governor, how can civil servants have the right to make too many decisions?
"It's not about how we fight this drought. Subjectively, of course we are responding with all our strength, but this drought is an opportunity for Portugal to take advantage of the situation to solve the problem of Goa's status." After Alan Wilson finished speaking, he turned to Pepe
Dro nodded and said, "A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
It's not that Pedro is inherently stupid, but the key point is that he has never seen the conscience of the British Empire. Every time there were problems in British India, the British Governor-General had an indifferent attitude. All of a sudden, Alan Wilson asked him to do his best.
He was calmed down by the words of disaster relief, and the whole person looked like he had seen an alien.
"Bring in a map of Goa!" While Pedro was in a daze, Alan Wilson picked up the phone and ordered the secretary outside. Immediately, the door of the office was pushed open, and a map of Goa was revealed.
was sent in.
It has to be said that the data reserve of the Governor's Palace is absolutely sufficient. After all, although Portuguese India and French India are not large in area, as long as they exist, plans should be made and some reasonable preparations should be made.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Before World War II, the United States formulated plans for war with different countries, including attacking Canada. This is very normal.
"I still don't quite understand the so-called opportunity." Pedro thought of various reasons, but he just didn't believe what Alan Wilson said. Would the British be kind? This is impossible!
"The general environment has changed from time to time. Of course we have to make some changes based on the specific environment."
Alan Wilson said with a serious face, "The most important thing is that you must live up to your own conscience."
When did you have such extravagant ideas? Pedro gave him a suspicious look and said cautiously, "Please continue."
"It's like this. Although we have prepared to fight against this drought with all our strength, after all, British India's reserves are limited. There may be some problems of this or that. After all, the plan will not change quickly." Alan Wilson said nonchalantly, "If
With its own strength, British India cannot withstand this famine, so it may need assistance from some friendly countries. This friendly country can also include Portugal..."
Could it also include Portugal? Pedro lost his voice and said, "Portugal and the British Empire are the initiators of the Brussels Conference, and we are close allies. Portugal feels very offended by saying this."
"It's just a matter of words, don't get too entangled." Alan Wilson signaled to be calm and continued, "Portugal has extensive colonies, and as far as Portugal itself is concerned, the population demand is not much. If one is separated at this time,
It is a logical request to allocate an appropriate share and carry out rescue for British India. I think the Governor-General may have to agree to it for the sake of the lives of hundreds of millions of people in British India."
"Is that so?" Pedro raised his eyebrows and gave a knowing smile. He already understood and said to himself, "At that time, Portugal wants to ask some reasonable questions, such as confirming Goa's
legal status.”
"Of course that won't be a problem." Alan Wilson said with a smile, placed the map that the secretary had just brought in between the two of them, picked up a pen at random, and drew a circle around Portuguese Goa.
A random drawing is four times the size of the current area of Portuguese Goa. At the same time, he lowered his voice and said, "It can even be more excessive..."
"Wow!" Pedro's eyes showed greed, "It looks very exciting."
"You can call it the Wilson Line. If nothing else, I will still be the one to negotiate then." Alan Wilson changed the topic when he said this, "But you also know that many times, even if it is for the best of everyone,
But the person who actually does something will always be blamed. Duran is like this, McMahon is like this, and Curzon is like this, so to do this, you must muster great courage."
"Mr. Allen is a friend of the entire country of Portugal, and we will never let our friends down." Pedro promised with a solemn look on his face, "I will definitely apply to the country and prepare a suitable gift for you, Allen.
"
"Why is this so embarrassing?" With an expression that showed no embarrassment, Alan Wilson pretended to decline, "It would be too much to say that. I hope Mr. Pedro understands that I am not asking for Portugal's money, but for using it."
If Portugal’s money is used to do Portuguese things, the ultimate beneficiary is Portugal.”
"Yes, I was negligent." Pedro admitted his mistake with an apologetic look, "It is Portugal's money that handles Portugal's affairs. Of course, as friends, we never let our friends do things in vain."
Very good! Alan Wilson said with the joy of being a child, now that the general framework has been set, it is time to discuss the details. As a saying goes, details determine success or failure.
For example, how much grain should Portugal use to help British India without affecting its own supply?