Saved The Kaiser - Chapter 292

Episode 292: Washington Conference (2)

“First of all, let me tell you what I think: we must attend this meeting.”

Prime Minister Hara nodded at Kato’s words.

I thought he would have the same thoughts as me.

Although he was a politician with a military background who served as Chief of Staff of the Combined Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War, Tomosaburo Kato was a man he could communicate with better than any other politician he met.

“Of course, I also know what the consequences of the naval disarmament treaty proposed by the United States will be. “As a member of the Navy, it is a treaty that I cannot help but feel disappointed about.”

“Now that I think about it, you also participated in building the 88th Fleet plan. “Gato-san.”

“It was when I worked in the tactical department. “It’s a story I miss now.”

But that was not a reason to reject the US offer.

Of course, Admiral Dogo and other naval colleagues would be different.

Still, this was reality.

“As the Prime Minister is well aware, not accepting the United States’ proposal means that we will be hostile to the United States.”

“And England and Germany.”

“Yes, and that is definitely something to avoid.”

The young idiots in the Navy, seeing Wilson’s disgrace, say that they have some kind of illusion and that there is nothing to be afraid of the United States, but Japan can never defeat the United States in a war with its national power.

This was a judgment obtained through experience.

During the Russo-Japanese War, Japan was on the verge of bankruptcy due to its enormous war costs.

But is Japan engaging in an arms race with the United States, which is overflowing with money and resources?

It was impossible.

Even though they succeeded in colonizing Annam after Joseon, it was still impossible.

Right now, Japan is consuming more than 30% of its national budget on naval vessels alone, while the United States is only squinting at its naval vessels.

And when Kato saw this, he realized.

Competing with America is crazy.

‘Britain and Germany are also less than the United States, but the results are no different.’

Therefore, war had to be avoided at least until Japan developed its national power to the same level as theirs, and this was the first reason to accept the United States’ proposal to participate in the naval disarmament conference.

“And this disarmament is not just harmful to Japan. As I said earlier, Japan cannot compete with the United States in the arms race. So, if the full-scale naval competition continues like this, the power gap between Japan and the United States will only grow out of control.”

“But that period can be delayed through the disarmament conference.”

“Yes, and this is my personal opinion, but if we continue to increase military spending like this, only catastrophe awaits not only Japan but everyone. “For the sake of Japan’s future, we must attend the naval disarmament conference.”

Hara nodded with a serious expression at Kato’s words.

And then he opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.

“I will leave full authority to Kato-san. “I will take care of domestic affairs, so Kato-san, please feel free to attend the meeting in Washington.”

“Yes, Prime Minister.”

Gato bowed as if he would complete it even if it meant sacrificing his life.

Of course, there is a need to persuade Admiral Dogo and his naval comrades before that.

* * *

click! Pow! Click click! Pow poop!

“Minister Hans von Choy!”

“Minister, please just look here!”

November 10, 1917.

The German delegation led by me set foot in the United States amidst the harmony of the voices of reporters trying to get my attention, the sound of camera shutters, and the sound of lighting bulbs exploding.

‘It’s been almost 14 years.’

It was in 1903 that I came to negotiate with then-President Theodore Roosevelt to resolve the Venezuelan crisis.

Certainly a lot of time has passed.

“I finally get to meet you, Minister Choi.”

While I was reminiscing about old memories and feeling sentimental, I heard an unfamiliar, but friendly voice in the middle of the crowd.

“This is Charles Evans Hughes, President of the United States.”

It was Charles Hughes who competed closely with Wilson, but unlike the original history where he was unfortunately defeated by a narrow margin, he easily became president.

He smiled brightly and made active skinship to the point where it felt burdensome, as if he was trying to appeal to reporters that he was close to me.

“Thank you for your hospitality, President Hughes. “I also really wanted to meet the President.”

Well, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t suit Hughes’ rhythm.

Unlike his 12th cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, who is still unable to give up his dream of running for a third term, it is the era of the Republican Party until the era of FDR, the giant of the Democratic Party who will surely run for a fourth term.

Judging from his actions in original history, it would have been better for this man to be friendly with Wilson, if only to maintain amicable relations with the United States.

“Now, let’s go. “I will personally escort you.”

“Haha, that’s an honor.”

Hughes and I finally finished greeting each other amidst smiles and compliments, gave reporters a chance to take pictures, and then headed to the presidential car, which was guarded by strict guards.

“Anyway, security is tight.”

“Recently, there have been a lot of incidents of anarchists causing trouble. “Not long ago, there was a bombing on Wall Street, also at the JP Morgan building.”

When I spoke to the crowd of police and bodyguards surrounding the area, Hughes smiled and said with a troubled smile.

Well, it appears that the Wall Street bombing that occurred in 1920 had already occurred in the original history, and it appears to have occurred when I crossed the Atlantic.

Is it an illusion that it is clearly visible at a glance that JP Morgan is fluttering his big nose and looking irritated?

‘I don’t remember exactly, but would you say about 30 to 40 people were killed and hundreds were injured?’

It is known to be the most damaging terrorist incident that has ever occurred in the United States.

It’s not just this.

Last year, Galleanists who follow the Italian anarchist Luigi Galleani attempted several bombings, creating an uproar even in Europe.

It was evidence that extremists, who became more active than ever after World War I, began to run amok not only in Europe but also in the United States, and it was an unprecedented boom period, but it was the first start of the so-called ‘Roaring Twenties’, which was overflowing with madness in many ways, including Prohibition and the Mafia. It could be said to be an incident that broke the relationship.

Well, there are still 3 years, no, 2 years and 1 month left until the 20s come.

“The United States is also going through a lot of hardships in many ways.”

“Haha, what should I do? This is what the times are like. “Anyway, you may feel burdened, but please bear with us for the sake of the Minister’s safety.”

I smiled at Hughes’ words and got into the car.

“Okay then, can we talk on the way? “A little serious story.”

“of course. “Mr. President.”

I answered with a smile full of pretense on my face as I looked at Hughes, who had completely changed his facial expression when it was just the two of us.

It’s a fun time for diplomacy.

* * *

“As you know, the issue of this meeting is definitely Japan.”

The first to cry was Hughes.

“And the country that would least want to disarmament its navy is Japan. I am already hearing news that the Japanese Navy is opposing disarmament. Of course, I attended the meeting.”

That’s because Tomosaburo Kato, who attended the Washington Conference as the current Minister of the Japanese Navy and Chief Plenipotentiary of Japan, was a representative of the Taisho Democracy along with Takashi Hara.

In particular, Kato was a person with a strong position and influence within the navy, and was the only person who could control Heihachiro Togo, who was slowly becoming senile and starting to lose his temper.

Even if there is opposition from the Navy, it is said that he is a person who can sufficiently overcome it.

‘In addition, he was an active figure in the disarmament conference, playing a big role in the success of the Washington Naval Disarmament Treaty.’

Therefore, it is said that even Westerners who initially ignored him praised his actions for actively working on disarmament for world peace.

Of course, I can’t reveal this as it is a fact that only I know at the moment, so let’s just talk about it for now.

“First of all, let me tell you my thoughts: Contrary to what you think, Japan will not come out negatively on naval disarmament. “Prime Minister Takashi Hara is paying a lot of attention to keeping the military in check, and will try to actively participate in this meeting for the sake of civilian control.”

“Hmm, then fortunately we can ease our worries that Japan will have an accident at this meeting. Of course, I think it is still necessary to keep Japan in check.”

“I also agree with that. As you have already seen in the case of China, Japan’s desire for expansion is not something that can be easily discouraged.”

Rather, it will grow endlessly as the days go by.

And one day, he will evolve into the crazy maniac from the Far East we know so well.

“Haha, I thought the Minister would think the same way. As the saying goes, Japan will grow into a threat to peace in the Pacific in the future. So, in order to prevent this, shouldn’t we break Japan’s power?”

“for example?”

“I think we need to disband the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, cancel the 16-point demand imposed on China, and take action regarding the 16-inch battleships they are building.”

“As expected, you are the President. “I was thinking exactly that too.”

“Haha, is that so?”

“So, I have something I would like to share with you about 16-inch battleships… … .”

As I whispered in a low voice, Hughes’ eyes sparkled as if he was interested.

It wasn’t long before an exclamation burst from his mouth.

* * *

Two days later, representatives from Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan gathered at Memorial Continental Hall in Washington, D.C. to discuss naval disarmament.

On the German side, it was me, and on the American side, it was Calvin Coolidge, who had been Secretary of State and Vice President of Harding in the original history, but became President in his sleep due to Harding’s sudden death.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Minister. “You’ve become taller than the last time I saw you.”

“Haha, former Prime Minister Balfour also corrected it.”

England sent Arthur Balfour, a face we haven’t seen in quite some time, as its representative.

The Foreign Minister is still Gray, so I thought he would come, but I guess history hasn’t changed in this area.

‘Well, Minister Gray must be preoccupied with the colonial issue in many ways right now.’

Ireland explodes, India explodes, Egypt explodes, Afghanistan explodes.

If I were there, no joke, I would have vomited blood and been taken to the hospital, blaming the Earth writer.

“Tomo, this is Tomosaburo Kato, Chief Plenipotentiary of Japan and Minister of the Navy. i look forward to.”

And Japan, as mentioned earlier, was represented by Tomosaburo Kato.

‘He is now called a candlelight by reporters who come to Washington from all over the world.’

For your information, this nickname was given to it because it is as insignificant as a candle that soon goes out.

Later, the meaning changed to a compliment and it was called ‘a bright candle that saves a world in crisis.’

‘Did you say that you impressed many people with your speech saying that national defense is not the exclusive domain of the military and is intertwined with various interests such as civilian industrial power and trade, so increasing military spending is a path toward catastrophe?’

This also meant that they were well-versed in the international situation and the economy and accurately understood that the current naval competition was not helpful to Japan at all.

In fact, when he later became prime minister, he led Japan based on this idea.

But in the end, even he could not stop Japan’s runaway.

This is because he was in poor health and died a year after becoming prime minister due to illness.

The same goes for Takashi Hara, who was assassinated by the extreme right, and at this point, it seems like the Earth writer is telling people to go on a rampage after seeing Japan.

‘Anyway, it looks like his fate won’t change this time either.’

Even at a glance, the face is gaunt, and it is clear at a glance that the paleness will not last long.

If a person like that lives that long, that’s amazing.

‘Anyway, I’m worried.’

This is because Kato’s sudden death caused chaos in Japanese politics, creating a vacuum in the position of prime minister, and it was during this gap that the famous Great Kanto Earthquake occurred.

And considering that the Japanese government failed to properly deal with the Great Kanto Earthquake, the situation turned into a disaster and the blood of innocent Korean people was shed… … Tsk. My taste buds inevitably become bitter.

‘Should we at least send a volunteer team later to try to prevent a massacre from occurring?’

The Great Kanto Earthquake is a planned natural disaster, so it is certain to occur.

match!

“Okay then, let’s start the meeting.”

While we were wondering what to do about the Great Kanto Earthquake that was just a few years away, host Coolidge spoke to applause.

Well, let’s think about the earthquake later.

From this moment on, the next few days and months will be quite busy.