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"Of course, even though Australasia is far away from the British Empire, the blood ties between our two countries will never change." Arthur nodded naturally, replying.

In Arthur\'s view, the close relationship between the two countries has a significant impact on the extensive assistance the British have given to Australasia.

Moreover, Australasia is far from Europe and would not affect the British Empire\'s position in Europe. Even if for the sake of pleasing their domestic citizens\' emotions, it would not be possible to join the anti-British camp directly.

This also means that Australasia is basically unlikely to stand on the opposite side of the British Empire, which is already determined by the close relationship between the two parties.

Unless the immigration structure in Australasia changes, and British immigrants become a minority or even a tiny minority, from the majority.

Only under such circumstances could the policies of Australasia change. But before that, even for the sake of Queen Victoria, it would be impossible for Australasia to be hostile to Britain.

"Your Majesty, I come with His Majesty the King and the Cabinet\'s orders to discuss with your government a plan for bringing our two countries closer together. To be honest, besides Germany, I believe that we have mutual enemies, that is, the United States on the other side of the Pacific Ocean." Minister Grey said with a smile.

"Although Germany is the primary enemy at present, the growth of the United States cannot be underestimated. Due to its unique geographical location, the U.S. may be our greatest enemy. The U.S. is located on the British Empire\'s side of the Atlantic Ocean and on your country\'s side of the Pacific Ocean. With such power in Europe, the U.S.

can only expand from the Pacific side. In fact, they are doing so. If your country wants to continue expanding northwards, sooner or later, you will face the Americans directly."

From Minister Grey\'s words, Arthur deduced a piece of information: the British government is not opposed to Australasia continuing to expand northward.

story by m|v_l,e,m,p,y,r

This means that, to a certain extent, in order to win over Australasia, the British people regard the Dutch East Indies as an area they can give up.

Anyway, it\'s not the British\'s colony, and using the Dutch land to win over an ally is a good deal for Minister Grey.

Seeing Arthur nodding, which seemed to agree with his words, Minister Grey seized the moment and continued: "Your Majesty, if you agree, I represent the British government and would like to sign a treaty with your government, a treaty about a joint defense against the United States.

If you agree, the British Empire supports your country\'s expansion in Dutch East Indies, and if a conflict breaks out between your country and the United States in the Southeast Asian region, the British Empire is willing to reach out its helping hand and stand firmly behind Australasia."

The British government does attach great importance to an ally like Australasia. Especially after the policy of assisting Australasia against the U.S., the importance of Australasia to the British Empire is second only to that of France and Russia, making it the third most important ally of the British Empire.

Ranking third does not mean that Australasia is not important. First, France and Russia are top powers with formidable military strength, and Britain relies on these two countries to defeat Germany.

Second, although Australasia\'s military strength is already on par with the Great Powers, it is only the lowest-ranking power.

In addition, Germany is still Britain\'s most important enemy at present, while the United States is only potentially the biggest enemy.

As a result, the Australasian ranking is naturally behind France and Russia, only ranking third.

"Of course, if Your Majesty is willing, we would be delighted to see Australasia join the Allies. If Australasia joins the Allies, we will have the four great powers of Britain, France, Russia, and Australasia.

Both the military strength shown so far and the potential far surpass the three powers of Germany, Austria, and Italy." In order to win over Australasia, Minister Grey directly and openly mentioned the rumor circulating among European civilians and parts of the government, that Australasia is the Eighth Power.

Minister Grey believed that a position as the Eighth Power, personally acknowledged by the British Empire, would be extremely attractive to the Australasian Government and the royal family.

After all, only after becoming one of the powers could one truly reach the pinnacle of the world.

"The powerless are all ants beneath the powers" is not merely an expression in this era. For the Eight Great Powers, these eight countries control most of the world\'s wealth and territories and have enough say in any global event.

One power may not be strong enough, but if several powers agree, the remaining countries, even if they oppose, will definitely be for naught.

"We understand what Minister Grey is saying, and indeed, we also look forward to cooperating with the British Empire. Regrettably, however, given our current level of development and military preparation, it is difficult for us to be of much help to the British Empire." Arthur did not speak, but glanced at Prime Minister Kent. After getting Arthur\'s hint, Prime Minister Kent spoke with a smile.

Although it is already a foregone conclusion that Australasia will cooperate with Britain, Arthur wants to strive for more benefits for Australasia and more aid from Britain.

However, such matters do not require Arthur to speak in person, as his subordinates can handle them well.

"Of course, Prime Minister Kent, Your Majesty. Besides the potential common enemy - the United States, Germany is currently the biggest enemy of the British Empire.

If Australasia can join the organization of the Allies and make some contributions to resisting the Germans in the future, we are willing to provide more support to Australasia, helping it gain more strength," Minister Grey said with a nod and a smile, as if it is only natural.

Since the British Government has decided to win over Australasia and support it in its fight against the United States,

Support for Australasia is inevitable, after all, the current industry and economy of the United States are already at the level of a top-strong country.

In addition to the natural disadvantage of Australasia\'s population, in order for Australasia to resist the United States\' expansion in Asia, and even directly become the first line of defense against the United States, it is necessary to give Australasia more powerful forces, at least to the point where the gap between them and the United States is smaller.

After hearing Minister Grey\'s words, the Australasian Cabinet members present were visibly excited and eager to present their demands.

Although Australasia can develop by relying on its own strength, having the help of the world\'s strongest nation, the British Empire, can make their development smoother and faster.

For the ministers of these departments, having the help of British talent and technology is critical to the development of their departments.

In just a few minutes, the ministers proposed requests for talent, technology, and equipment in various fields. The scale of the demand was so exaggerated that it even surprised Minister Grey.

In the description of these Cabinet ministers, Australasia was like a baby waiting to be fed, needing a large amount of talent, technology, and equipment in every aspect.

But this was obviously different from the information Minister Grey had. According to his understanding, while Australasia had shortcomings in some areas, some advanced technologies and industries were already on par with those of a lower-level power like Italy.

As the matters were significant, the negotiations between both parties became a tug of war. Arthur was pleased with this, as gaining more aid for Australasia was crucial to the country\'s development.