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“Oh?” Arthur became interested, looking at Grant Wilson and asking, “Why?”

Why? Grant Wilson hesitated, but answered quickly: “Essentially, New Zealand once belonged to Australia, and both regions share the same immigrant origin and culture, and are not far away from each other.”

“More importantly, both Australia and New Zealand are too vulnerable when faced with the global environment separately. New Zealanders currently have strong independent sentiment, but even if New Zealand successfully becomes independent, it cannot stand on its own in the world. To truly build a strong country, only a union between New Zealand and Australia can be envisioned,” Grant Wilson said seriously.

Grant Wilson does not oppose New Zealand’s independence, and even supports it strongly.

Because only by making New Zealand an independent country can native power and officials like Grant Wilson have the opportunity for promotion, instead of being suppressed by the British.

However, after gaining independence, New Zealand neither has sufficient armed forces, nor enough funds for its own development.

Under such conditions, the merger of two extremely similar countries, Australia and New Zealand, seems to be the best choice in Grant Wilson’s view.

New Zealand is not far away from Australia, and their union can completely control Oceania, and then seek to occupy more land.

Grant Wilson’s ideas are similar to Arthur’s, but Arthur cannot accept a simple union between New Zealand and Australia.

For a region like New Zealand, which is not only close to Australia but also has an extremely similar population and cultural origin, and even exactly the same, Arthur cannot let it go.

Although Australians and New Zealanders sound like two different ethnic groups, they are actually just new titles for British immigrants based on their current hometowns and their partners.

Whether in culture or lineage, the vast majority of Australians and New Zealanders are pure British.

“A merger between Australia and New Zealand is indeed a good option. Australia is willing to work with New Zealanders to develop Australia and New Zealand together by forming a federation,” Arthur said slowly.

Grant Wilson’s heart froze for a moment, but on the surface, he nodded calmly.

Forming a federation with Australia is Grant Wilson’s most helpless choice for New Zealand.

Considering the current scales of New Zealand and Australia, after forming a federation, Australia would definitely have the most say.

This isn’t very friendly for Grant Wilson either, as Australia won’t let New Zealand’s power expand uncontrollably, threatening Australia’s dominant position.

“How many members does the Alliance Party currently have? How many achievements can the Alliance Party achieve in the next election?” Arthur asked.

Individuals can also participate in New Zealand’s elections, but political parties have a lot more advantages compared to individuals.

If the Alliance Party can take advantage of being the largest party in New Zealand and win more positions in the next election, or fight for more mayoral positions in cities, it would have a great driving effect on swaying public opinion in New Zealand, and even future New Zealand joining Australia.

“The Alliance Party currently has more than sixty members, Your Highness. The next election is in May next year, and we are working on an impact profile for more positions,” Grant Wilson answered one by one.

Arthur nodded, then said: “I will establish an advisory council in New Zealand under the Governor’s title, and members of the advisory council will be elected by the people of New Zealand. I hope the Alliance Party will win over half of the seats in the advisory council, and I will also provide you some support in secret.”

An advisory council? Grant Wilson was taken aback. Judging from the name, it is a powerful institution, especially when it was personally established by Governor Arthur of New Zealand, right?

Once knowing Arthur’s real intention to annex New Zealand, Grant Wilson realized that no one could stop New Zealand from joining Australia, unless the British government directly rejected it.

But is it possible for the British government? You should know that Governor Arthur’s position was personally appointed by Queen Victoria herself before her death, and specifically instructed that no one should revoke his position for any reason.

Unless Arthur waged war against the British Empire in New Zealand, even Edward VII could not revoke Arthur’s position at will.

“Your Highness, what should we do then?” Grant Wilson asked tentatively.

He knew that Arthur would definitely not give him benefits for nothing. The price of letting the Alliance Party get most of the seats in the advisory council might be New Zealand itself.

“Mayor Grant, I believe you are a smart man. From now on, the Alliance Party should vigorously promote the benefits of merging and uniting with Australia. I will have the relief committee cooperate with you to gain the recognition of more New Zealanders as much as possible,” Arthur looked meaningfully at Grant Wilson and stated his demand.

Grant Wilson was silent for a while before finally nodding reluctantly.

He knew very well that even if he refused now, he would not be able to stop New Zealand from being annexed by Australia.

Instead of resisting now and displeasing future rulers of New Zealand, it’s better to go with the flow, gain the goodwill of future rulers, and further his official career.

Of course, the majority of advisory council seats promised by Arthur to the Alliance Party is also a very important factor.

“Very well,” Arthur smiled and said with satisfaction, “Mayor Grant is indeed a smart man. I like smart people like you, Mayor Grant. If the plan for New Zealand to join Australia is successful, I can recommend you to be the new governor of the State of New Zealand. Of course, if Mayor Grant wants to continue leading the Alliance Party and struggle in the Australian political sphere, it’s also a good choice.”

For smart people who know the current situation like Grant Wilson, Arthur doesn’t mind giving them more power.

Whether it’s the future governor of New Zealand or continuing to serve as the leader of the political party, participating in Australia’s elections, it’s a great opportunity for Grant Wilson to enter a larger political arena.

Arthur promised Grant Wilson so many benefits because he could ensure that Grant Wilson always remained under his control.

Neither as a governor nor as the leader of a political party would Grant Wilson be able to challenge Arthur’s royal power in Australia.