Chapter 113: Union or merger (please subscribe!)
"Oh?" Arthur became interested, looked at Grant Wilson, and asked: "Why?"
Why? Grant Wilson was stunned for a moment, but he quickly answered: "Essentially, New Zealand once belonged to Australia. Both regions have the same source of immigrants and culture, and they are not far apart." "More importantly
, Both Australia and New Zealand appear to be too fragile when facing the world environment alone. New Zealanders currently have high independence sentiments, but I think that even if New Zealand succeeds in becoming independent, it cannot rely on its own strength to gain a foothold in the world. I think. To truly build a strong country, only New Zealand and Australia can unite to see it." Grant Wilson said solemnly.
Grant Wilson was not opposed to New Zealand independence, and was even quite supportive.
Because only after New Zealand becomes an independent country, local New Zealand forces and officials like Grant Wilson can get opportunities for promotion instead of being suppressed by the British.
But after independence, New Zealand not only did not have sufficient armed forces, but also did not have enough funds to develop itself.
Under such a premise, Grant Wilson believes that the union of two very similar countries, Australia and New Zealand, is the most correct choice.
New Zealand is not far from Australia, and together they can completely control Oceania, and then seek more land.
Grant Wilson's idea was similar to Arthur's, but Arthur could not accept that New Zealand and Australia were simply united.
For New Zealand, a region that is not only close to Australia, but also has very similar or even identical population composition and cultural origins, Arthur has no reason to let go.
Although Australians and New Zealanders sound like two different nationalities, they are actually just new names for British immigrants to themselves and their partners based on their current hometowns.
Whether in culture or blood, the vast majority of Australians and New Zealanders are pure British.
"It is indeed a good idea to unite Australia and New Zealand. Australia is willing to work with New Zealanders to jointly develop Australia and New Zealand by forming a federation." Arthur spoke slowly.
Grant Wilson's heart skipped a beat, but on the surface he nodded calmly.
Forming a federation with Australia was Grant Wilson's most helpless choice for New Zealand.
Judging from the current size of New Zealand and Australia, Australia must have the most say after the formation of federation.
This would not be friendly to Grant Wilson, and Australia would not allow New Zealand's power to grow and threaten Australia's dominance.
"How many members does the Alliance Party have now? How much results can the Alliance Party achieve in the next election?" Arthur asked.
Individuals can also participate in New Zealand's elections, but political parties still have a huge advantage over individuals.
If the Alliance Party can rely on its advantage as the largest party in New Zealand to obtain more positions in the next election, or to win more city mayors' positions, it will have a great impact on inciting New Zealand's public opinion and even New Zealand's joining Australia in the future. Good impetus.
"Currently, the Alliance Party has a total of more than 60 members, Your Highness. The next election will be in May next year, and we are attacking more positions." Grant Wilson answered in a straightforward manner. Arthur nodded, and then said: "I will establish a suffrage group in New Zealand as the Governor, and the members of the suffrage group will be elected by the people of New Zealand. I hope that the Alliance Party can obtain most of the seats in the suffrage group, and I will also secretly I will give you some support."
Political participation group? Grant Wilson was stunned. Judging from the name, it is an organization with considerable power, let alone one established by New Zealand Governor Arthur himself?
After learning that Arthur's real purpose was to annex New Zealand, Grant Wilson understood that no one could prevent New Zealand from joining Australia, unless the British government personally refused.
But is it possible for the British government? You must know that the position of Governor Arthur was personally appointed by Queen Victoria before her death, and she specifically ordered that no one should revoke his position for any reason.
Unless Arthur declares war on the British Empire in New Zealand, not even Edward VII can revoke Arthur's position at will.
"Your Highness, what are we going to do?" Grant Wilson asked tentatively.
He knew that Arthur would never give him benefits for no reason. The cost of allowing the Coalition to gain a majority of seats in the suffrage may be New Zealand.
"Mayor Grant, I believe you are a smart man. From now on, the Alliance Party will vigorously promote the benefits of annexation and union with Australia. I will let the Relief Society cooperate with you to gain the recognition of as many New Zealanders as possible." Arthur said slightly He looked at Grant Wilson thoughtfully and stated his request.
Grant Wilson was silent for a while, then nodded with difficulty.
He also knows very well in his heart that even if he shakes his head and refuses now, New Zealand's annexation by Australia is not something he can prevent.
Rather than resist now and make the future ruler of New Zealand dissatisfied, it is better to just go with the flow and win the favor of the future ruler, which can also further his official career.
Of course, Arthur's promise to allow the Alliance Party to obtain a majority of seats in the political suffrage is also a very important factor.
"Very good." Arthur smiled and said with satisfaction: "Mayor Grant is indeed a smart man. I like smart people like you, Mayor Grant. If New Zealand's plan to join Australia can succeed, I can recommend you. Become the governor of the new New Zealand state. Of course, if Mayor Grant wants to continue to lead the Alliance Party and strive in the Australian political field, it is also a good choice." For smart
people like Grant Wilson who understand current affairs, Arthur also Wouldn't mind giving them greater rights.
Whether he is the future governor of New Zealand or continues to serve as leader of the Alliance Party, participating in Australian elections is a good opportunity for Grant Wilson to enter a larger political field.
The reason why Arthur promised Grant Wilson so many benefits was because he could ensure that Grant Wilson was always under his control.
Neither governorship nor continuation as leader of a party could challenge Arthur's royal power in Australia.
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(End of chapter)