The wedding was grand, and on the surface, it looked like the Empire was making a comeback. Even if it wasn't back to its peak, the gap didn't seem too large.
One has to admit, once powerful nations indeed have the possibility of becoming powerful again. But unfortunately, the Empire couldn't achieve that.
If they had gone to Australia back then, they might've had a chance. But it's a pity; the British Isles have nothing much, exemplifying the idea of a small country with few people.
The weather was hot, and if it wasn't for politeness, William White would have gone home early. Moreover, from any angle, the couple didn't seem to match.
"Ah, it's like a pearl in the mud."
"What? What did you say?"
"Uh, they seem really happy."
This time, William White didn't bring any lady friend along. In such important occasions, he couldn't just bring anyone. If people misunderstood, it wouldn't be good.
...
"Boss, BP is also up for sale. Oil prices are quite high lately, seems there might be some leverage."
"Hmm, will they fully privatize?"
"I heard so. Desert tycoons seem interested."
"Haha, just entertain them a bit. Those bastards have loads of money. Filson, do you think the Hunter family knows something? It's just a conspiracy. If we know, do you think the Fed wouldn't?"
"Boss, are you saying it's a trap?"
"Ha, wealth lures people. The desert region was John Bull's after all. Now not only do they have to spend money on oil, but they can also buy their biggest companies. Haha, if the Australians came, they might swallow it, but for desert tycoons, it's just a joke."
Filson didn't ask why William White judged this way. He knew the boss had no interest in these so-called premium assets and was at most helping for fun.
Using oil as a weapon, that's the beginning of the disaster. Daring to step into downstream industries is completely a matter of wisdom.
This is a massive chess game, and honestly, William White dared not get involved. It's a deadly business. He's not daft enough to entangle in it.
With America's allies being ganged up on, they actually imposed an oil embargo. Alright, Europe cooperated. Forget sending troops; America couldn't even transport weapons.
The whole world cooperated with the desert tycoons to disgust the USA.
Their aim was achieved. The USA was indeed greatly disgusted, but that was about it.
You raise oil prices; I'll devalue the US dollar. Dream on if you want gold. You can't take it away.
William White knew very well that the hotly discussed Star Wars program was a scam. The US was aware that the Soviet economy was near collapse. Military exercises wouldn't use too much money, but Star Wars is perfect, in a few years you'd drag down the Soviet economy.
Is oil precious now?
Then let it drop in price.
What? Those desert yokels are disobedient and dare to fan the flames. Oil prices are rising steadily. Now they even want to control downstream industries, planning to have Americans ride bicycles.
William White wasn't interested in BP and had no plans to meddle in British affairs. He didn't even mind helping to raise their prices.
As one of the world's major oil producers, the USA had to encourage people not to refuel on weekends.
...
It's quite amusing. An oil crisis gave the Japanese automakers a chance. Their low-consumption cars kept selling well, sending many American car factories to their graves.
Americans were actually duped. Japanese cars were economical only in theoretical numbers. Cars of the same class were about 100 kilograms lighter than their European counterparts. Increase the load and they'd definitely consume more than European cars.
Alright, mentioning Buick is a bit of a sore point. American car suspensions were bad, fuel consumption was high, and quality was rubbish, only slightly better than Korean cars of that era.
The British grand wedding was more about putting on a brave face despite an empty treasury. Why not just take a honeymoon trip, at least that'd save money?
Today's Britain can be summed up in one word: sell. No matter what you're interested in, it's basically for sale.
As for laying off workers and then selling, it's not unheard of. Everyone is clear that these companies aren't profitable mainly due to their heavy burdens.
Capitalists don't want these burdens; they need clean assets. But unfortunately, unions here, while not as outrageous as in America, are definitely tough. Coal miners have been striking for a year, and it seems there's no solution in sight.
Welsh coal is decent, but it's of no use. It's not WWI anymore, and John Bull doesn't have that many battleships. No matter how high the heating value, it can't compare to oil.
Such assets aren't wanted even if given for free. If there are thousands of workers, then it's best not to even mention it. Whoever owns the mine owns a liability.
*****
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