Chapter 1533 - 50: Cheka

Chapter 1533: Chapter 50: Cheka

Since European countries have joined together, even if it is a temporary and non-deep union, its targeted nature is very strong. Besides Russia, the obvious enemy, the United States and East Africa should also be considered "potential enemies."

East Africa’s decision to concede on the debt issue, to a certain extent, actually intensifies the competition between Europe and the United States, forcing America to swallow this dumb loss. After all, America cannot truly abandon the vast interests it gained during World War I just out of fear of Europe.

Smith cursed Gers, the "traitor," hundreds of times in his heart, yet he still maintained a tough stance for America when dealing with European countries.

"The United States cannot completely concede on the debt issue. It’s not a matter of millions or tens of millions, but rather tens of billions, which significantly affects the economic and social development of America; it’s the savings of all American citizens."

"We can enter new negotiations regarding the debt issue with European nations. For debts that are truly unable to be repaid, we can allow for an extended repayment period, but we absolutely cannot allow the wealth of American people to be squandered for nothing."

Though he didn’t completely close off the discussion, it is predictable that America and Europe’s debtor countries will be tied up in lengthy disputes.

For the United States, this is not entirely a bad thing. As long as Europe acknowledges the debt, America can use this opportunity to infiltrate Europe. After all, creditors not receiving repayment does not mean that debtors in Europe can truly act superior. Generally, debtors would still have to act humbly, and often sacrifice some unnecessary things.

The real headache for Americans is dealing with countries like Russia. America has invested substantially in Russia previously, yet Russia not only repudiates the debt but also maintains an arrogance, as if they’re America’s creditor instead.

Of course, almost all the great powers in the world suffered losses from Russia, except for East Africa, which wisely chose to retreat promptly and profited significantly before leaving, and Japan, a poverty-stricken imperialist nation. Other strong powers experienced varying degrees of economic losses due to the Russian issue.

...

By the end of 1923, the International League was finally established. However, after weighing the pros and cons, neither the United States nor East Africa chose to join the League.

The permanent members of the International League are the traditional European powers of England, France, Germany, and Austria, accompanied by Japan, Brazil, Spain, and the Ottoman Empire forming the Executive Council.

In a previous life, the permanent members of the League of Nations included the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Japan. The plan initially included the United States, but the U.S. refused to join, resulting in England, France, Italy, and Japan as the four permanent members.

Now, with a fragmented Italy considered a minor power in Europe, Japan’s strength is relatively low among the great powers. Thus, Japan can only serve as a non-permanent member of the council within the League.

Belgium and Greece, which had certain statuses in the League in a previous life, were not able to ascend this time. Previously, they joined as victorious Allies with support from England and France.

Brazil’s addition to the Executive Council mirrors the past, clearly representing Europe’s collective decision to counterbalance against the United States and East Africa. After all, Brazil is currently considered the foremost nation in South America.

As a member of the Allies, the Ottoman Empire has gained a seat on the Executive Council with support from Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Overall, the International League appears balanced: England, France, and Japan are on one side, Germany and Austria-Hungary are on another, while Brazil and Spain count as two Neutral Countries.

However, with East Africa, the United States, and Russia, three world powers, remaining outside the League, the influence of this International League is significantly diminished.

Only East Africa, the United States, and Russia have the strength to disregard the League. East Africa and America have virtually no weaknesses, while Russia has the ability to be self-sufficient. Apart from these three, all other countries worldwide are still eager to join this international organization.

Rhein City.

Far away in East Africa, Ernst, after reading the League documents, thought to himself: "This so-called League of Nations bears similarities to the previous era, but also notable differences. Previously, the League was akin to a one-man show by Britain. As for France, although it had significant input within the League, since its post-World War I weakening, it mostly opted to act in concert with Britain to an extent, the two could be viewed as one entity."

"Now, however, the so-called League of Nations is composed of the former two major European camps, the Allies and the Central Powers, respectively led by Britain and Germany."

"This also foreshadows that the League will not remain peaceful in the future. Nevertheless, it won’t have much impact; after all, we, along with America and Russia, have not joined."

"Previously, America and the Soviet Union practically divided the world between them. From this perspective, the influence of this International League is quite limited. Whether Britain or Germany tries to utilize the League to achieve their strategic aims, it’s essentially impractical."

This resembles the previous incarnation of the European Union, believing it could stand on par with America and the Far East Empire when, in reality, it couldn’t even effectively respond to Russia.

Don’t be fooled by Russia’s severe decline in the 21st century, as Europe was similarly on its last legs. No European country was able to individually counter the Russian threat.

Now, of course, the situation in Europe is undoubtedly better; both the United Kingdom and Germany individually countering Russia are not major issues. But Russia’s sheer size is there; as long as Russia completes industrialization following the historical timeline, Russia is bound to become an important pillar not inferior to East Africa or the United States.