The inherent nature of the islanders is to prey on the weak and bow before the strong—"whoever offers milk is the mother."
When the British Empire reigned supreme, they were content to follow in its wake, serving as its henchmen, carrying out Britain's bidding. But now, as the British Empire teeters on the brink of collapse, unable even to protect its own homeland, the islanders are eager to discard their former master, and even to bite the hand that once fed them. It is a display of treachery so shameless that it would make a villain blush.
The British, naturally, were seething with rage at the islanders' conduct, yet they found themselves powerless to do anything. The once-mighty British Empire was now fighting for its very survival, and with the homeland in peril, who had the time to worry about an alliance with the islanders? Of course, the British were well aware of the islanders' intentions.
Upon hearing the news, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill coldly remarked, "The islanders think that our ship is sinking and are eager to jump off, even hoping to bite us on the way down. If they think this will succeed, they underestimate the Germans. The Germans' appetite is far greater than they realize. If they dare to lay hands on those colonies, they will be provoking the Germans."
He gave orders to the British colonial forces in Malaya and Burma: "If the islanders attack, retreat immediately. Since we no longer have the strength to defend those colonies, let them take them. Let them fight the Germans among themselves." If this maneuver could incite a conflict between Germany and the islanders, it would undeniably work to Britain's advantage. At the very least, it would ease the pressure on the British government, now relocated to Canada, buying them more time to rebuild their strength.
"Understood, Prime Minister," the secretary quickly replied.
"Those damned island monkeys! How dare they kick us when we're down. If Britain survives this, they will regret this treachery!" Churchill muttered through gritted teeth.
Had it not been for British support, the islanders' rise would have been almost impossible. From the First Sino-Japanese War to the Russo-Japanese War, Britain had been behind them, offering support. Without that, how could such a poor and backward nation have hoped to defeat the mighty Qing Empire and Russia? Now, the islanders' betrayal had given the British a bitter taste of what it felt like to bite the hand that fed them.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Ambassador to Germany, Kōya Uchida, was not in Germany at the time. Following Japan's declaration of war against Germany, both nations had expelled each other's diplomats. However, Uchida had not returned to Japan but instead had taken refuge in Switzerland. Switzerland, a neutral country, offered safety and became a hub for communication, where even belligerent nations could maintain contact.
Upon receiving a telegram from Japan, Uchida was stunned. He never imagined that Japan would make such a decision. Abandoning Britain and aligning with Germany seemed to benefit Japan immensely, but why would the Germans want to ally with the islanders?
From his position in Switzerland, Uchida had received reports of Germany's overwhelming victories on the battlefield. It was clear that Germany was on the brink of final victory. In such circumstances, why would Germany look kindly on Japan? After all, Japan had declared war on Germany from the outset and had swiftly seized German colonies in the Pacific—a move that, to the proud Germans, was almost unforgivable. Yet, Germany had remained silent, its focus on Europe. Once Germany secured victory in Europe, would they allow Japan to keep those colonies? That was inconceivable.
Although Uchida had not met Qin Tian many times, his sources had made it abundantly clear that Qin Tian was not a merciful man. Anyone who dared to provoke the German Empire would pay the price.
Uchida also had an inkling that Qin Tian harbored a deep disdain, even aversion, toward the islanders. When Uchida was still the ambassador to Germany, he had invited the then Crown Prince Qin Tian to a banquet, only to be turned away without even seeing Qin Tian's face. Uchida had attempted to engage with Qin Tian on other occasions, but all his efforts had been met with coldness. It seemed as though Qin Tian was deliberately avoiding him.
Though Uchida could not understand Qin Tian's reasons, he knew that under such circumstances, Japan's hope for a good relationship with Germany was practically impossible.
Furthermore, Japan's declaration of war against Germany, the seizure of German Pacific colonies, and Qin Tian's ascension to the German throne had sealed Japan's fate. There was no longer any chance of repairing ties with Germany.
"Just what are those fools back home thinking? At this critical juncture, they want to ally with the Germans? Have their heads been kicked by a mule?" Uchida fumed. To him, it seemed nothing more than wishful thinking.
Germany's obsession with overseas colonies was clearly demonstrated by its peace treaties with France and Italy, in which Germany had almost extorted their colonies. For Japan's leaders to think they could climb aboard Germany's ship and grab British colonies in the Far East was pure fantasy. How could Germany allow the islanders to take the meat from its own plate? It would only lead to one result: war.
Uchida sent a telegram back to Japan, urging them to abandon this unrealistic idea. He suggested that returning Germany's colonies and mending relations with Germany was possible, but attempting to steal from the Germans was a fool's errand.
Unfortunately, Japan's leadership, stung by the British colonies in the Far East, was unwilling to heed Uchida's advice. Foreign Minister Kato Takami himself sent a telegram to Uchida, urging him to do everything in his power to facilitate an alliance with Germany.