The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 702 John wants an atomic bomb?

"Your Excellency President, on behalf of His Majesty the King's government and the Labour Cabinet, I would like to once again pay tribute to you and the United States of Southeast Asia for your outstanding contributions during the war. We are staunch allies in the victory over fascism."

Zhang Chi sat in the main seat and nodded politely. Opposite him was a gentleman named Edwin Morrison, dressed in a well-tailored suit, with gray hair and a refined demeanor tinged with weariness.

This man, John's Labour Cabinet Envoy and a former Fellow of the Royal Society, is now shouldering a near-impossible mission.

After Morrison finished speaking, he looked through his glasses, trying to discern something from the face of the excessively young yet already powerful leader of Southeast Asia.

But Zhang Chi just looked at him calmly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest of the chair, as if listening to an ordinary official report.

"Let's skip the pleasantries, Mr. Morrison." A moment later, Zhang Chi smiled slightly and raised his hand to indicate, "Let's get straight to the point. I know your time is precious, and John's homeland... well, it's in dire need of rebuilding."

Morrison took a deep breath and decided to stop beating around the bush:

"Very well, Your Excellency. I have been sent here to discuss a technological cooperation with you that has profound strategic significance. We understand that your country has made remarkable progress in the field of atomic energy... well, specifically in the weaponization of nuclear fission."

He stared intently at Zhang Chi: "The United Kingdom, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important force for maintaining world peace and stability, believes it is necessary... well, to share knowledge and technology in this critical area to ensure strategic balance and contribute to the peaceful use of atomic energy for humankind."

The wording was grand and dignified, but the core intention was nakedly clear: to obtain atomic bomb technology.

Zhang Chi leaned back slightly, a half-smile playing on his lips.

"Sharing? Technological cooperation? For world peace?"

Mr. Morrison, your government has just rejected the plan to build more Vanguard-class battleships, and it is said that it is also considering selling or mothballing the already built Vanguard and even the King George V-class battleships?

They're barely scraping together enough money to pay their sailors' salaries, so why are they suddenly so interested in the atomic bomb for 'maintaining world peace'?

His tone was sarcastic, but he was stating the cold truth.

Prime Minister Qiu has stepped down.

The Labour government led by Clement Attlee came to power in a mess emptied by war, heavily indebted, and rife with colonial independence movements.

In order to fulfill its promise of social welfare "from cradle to grave," military spending was drastically cut.

Those costly battleships became the primary targets for repairs, since the money to maintain one battleship could build several hospitals.

On the other hand, the Labour government is unusually willing to invest in high-tech fields that represent the future of warfare, such as atomic bombs, jet aircraft, and large aircraft carriers. In fact, by cutting traditional projects, it has been able to concentrate resources on tackling these challenges.

They are all too aware that the power to speak in the future will no longer depend solely on the number of giant ships they possess, but rather on the existence of that "ultimate deterrent."

Morrison looked a little embarrassed, but still maintained his composure:

"The adjustment of military spending is to better serve the well-being of the people. But this does not contradict maintaining a leading position in key defense technologies. We are willing to pay the corresponding price for this."

He took out a pre-prepared copy of a document and pushed it across the table:

"We can formally recognize that the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and other areas are inseparable territories of the United States of Malaya, and relinquish all historical claims and rights."

At the same time, it will open up the Commonwealth market to most-favored-nation treatment and provide a comprehensive package of cooperation solutions in multiple fields such as finance and technology transfer…

Zhang Chi picked up the document, glanced at it a few times, then gently put it down, shook his head, and his smile faded.

"Mr. Morrison, your list... is very interesting. But the question is, whose flag is flying over these places now? Who controls them? How far have the asset liquidation and nationalization of the rubber plantations, tin mines, and oil companies progressed? Do I need to remind you?"

His gaze sharpened: "Using meat I've already eaten and half-digested to trade for my trump card to save my life? This deal seems a bit unfair, doesn't it?"

Morrison's heart sank; he knew the hardest part was yet to come.

He tried to persuade him: "Your Excellency, international recognition and legal status are of paramount importance, as they can prevent many future disputes... Moreover, our terms are negotiable, including..."

“No need,” Zhang Chi interrupted him directly. “Atomic energy technology, especially its weaponization, is a top secret in Southeast Asia and will not be substantially shared with any country in the short term. This is a matter of principle.”

He knew perfectly well that before the Soviet Union developed the atomic bomb and broke the monopoly (historically, in August 1949), this thing was the ticket and talisman of a superpower.

Aside from limited cooperation with Gaul, with whom he has a certain foundation and shared strategic needs, he would never allow a third party to easily get involved.

Morrison's face darkened. Although he had expected it, he was still disappointed to hear the rejection.

However, he was not entirely unprepared for this trip.

Whether there are any opportunities or not, it's all just speculation. What if the Southeast Asians act impulsively?

Since we can't get what we want most, we have to bring something else back; we can't have made a wasted trip.

Seeing his expression, Zhang Chi changed the subject:

"However, Mr. Morrison, even if a deal falls through, we can still be on good terms. Your country's finances seem rather tight right now... I've heard that the navy is mothballing or even planning to scrap quite a few warships?"

Morrison's eyes narrowed slightly, catching a certain signal: "That's true. Some older ships are too costly to maintain; rather than letting them sit idle and rust, it's better to dispose of them properly. Are you interested?"

“Nanyang is preparing to vigorously develop the shipbreaking industry and the recycling of special steel,” Zhang Chi said casually. “Those battleships, cruisers, and even the oldest destroyers, all have high-quality steel for their hulls.”

If you are willing to sell a batch of these items as a package at a reasonable, well, 'scrap metal disposal price,' we can pay with hard currency. We can discuss Nanyang dollars, silver dollars, or even the grain and rubber you urgently need.”

Morrison's heart skipped a beat.