Chapter 922: Dividing India (Asking for a Monthly Pass)
"India has hundreds of princely states, large and small, which formed a loose federation with the British during the British rule of India. The princely states joined the Commonwealth and enjoyed autonomy. However, foreign affairs and defence need to be controlled by the British, and they are almost semi-independent. These princely states account for almost half of India's territory and one-third of its population. These princes not only exert power in their respective princely states, but also have great influence. After all, those Indians were accustomed to being ruled by the lords of the princes. Imperial Foreign Minister Vahit introduced to everyone.
Because India had always been a British colony, and the Germans probably never imagined that they would one day be able to bring the fertile colony of India under their rule. So, I don't know much about India.
"Your Majesty, it seems that those princes want to change their courts." Prime Minister Bilo said.
Qin Tian nodded: "So, do you think we should accept these Princes?" ”
"Your Majesty, I think we can accept the surrender of these princes. After all, India is too far away from the empire. It was very difficult and troublesome for the empire to rule India directly. What's more, under the influence of parties such as the Congress Party, there are already many Indians who want independence. It is foreseeable that once the empire rules India, it may face endless revolts. In this case, it would be very detrimental to the empire to extract benefits from India. Those princes are the local snakes of India, let them govern India, and the empire only needs to sit in the back and reap the profits. In this way, the empire will undoubtedly be able to reap the greatest benefits. Foreign Minister Vahit said.
"That's a good idea. Your Majesty, in this case, the Empire will not have to pay attention to the resistance of the Indians. It would be enough for the princely lords to suppress the indigenous Indians who dared to resist. In this way, the empire can withdraw from it. Marshal von Falkenhein also said.
"Well, since everybody agrees on this approach, let's do it. We agreed to visit Germany with the princes of Hyderabad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will first make secret contact with him, and then depending on the situation, I will see if I want to meet him personally. Qin Tian said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The ministers all replied.
Mir Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad was thrilled when he received a reply from Germany that he was allowed to visit. With only a few retinues, with the help of the Germans, he secretly went to Germany.
The Indian Ocean Fleet of the German Navy made great facilities for this visit of Mir Osman Ali Khan, and specially arranged for a light cruiser to take him to Germany. This made Mir Osman Ali Khan set foot on German soil half a month later.
He was even more flattered by the fact that Imperial Foreign Minister Vahit personally greeted Mirosman Ali Khan in Wilhelmshaven. After all, at the time of British rule in India, although their dominance was maintained, they did not actually have much power. At most, they have a very rich net worth, which can make them enjoy glory and wealth.
However, they have little place in political power. The British will not look at them squarely.
"Your Excellency, welcome to the German Empire!" Vahit's face smiled.
Although, Mir Osman Ali Khan was the princely lord of Hyderabad and was also known as the Great Monarch. However, Vasit did not address him as His Majesty.
"Your Excellency the Foreign Minister, thank you very much that the German Empire was able to agree to this secret visit of mine." Mir Osman Ali Khan said.
After some pleasantries, Vahit invited Mir Osman Ali Khan to board a special train to Berlin. The two were in the luxury carriage of the special train, and the conversation also got to the point.
"Your Excellency, Foreign Secretary, congratulations on your victory on the battlefield in India." Mir Osman Ali Khan said. He didn't seem to mind at all that the Germans killed so many Indians on the battlefield. He didn't see those Indians as his compatriots at all, just some pariahs, and if they died, they died, and it was no big deal.
"Thank you, Your Excellency! We also don't want to go to war, but unfortunately the British have swedged the relationship between the empire and India, and many Indians who don't know the truth have turned against the empire. This led to a large number of Indians dying on the battlefield in this war. The empire deeply regrets this! Washitt said.
"It's all the fault of the British! It's all caused by them! Mir Osman Ali Khan said through gritted teeth.
"Yes, it's all British!" A smile appeared on Vahit's face. Obviously, this princely lord was a wise man. And the German Empire was the most willing to cooperate with smart people.
"Your Excellency the Foreign Secretary, the British rule in India is inherently unpopular. Now, Germany has replaced Britain as the ruler of India, and I welcome that. However, we hope that the German Empire will remain the status quo in India. Mir Osman Ali Khan said.
It is clear that Mir Osman Ali Khan does not represent himself, but a group of people. You don't have to think about it to know that he represents the interests of many princes.
"Your Excellency, now I can tell you very clearly. The German Empire had no intention of changing the status quo in India. The interests of the princely states will be guaranteed. Of course, if you want to be independent, the empire will never agree to it! Washitt said.
Mir Osman Ali Khan's face was immediately filled with smiles. The German's affirmative reply made him very satisfied. As long as their interests are guaranteed, they are very satisfied. As for independence, what good is that for them?
"Your Excellency, rest assured that the princely states of India are resolutely opposed to independence." Mir Osman Ali Khan patted his chest and reassured.
Being able to get Germany's promise to secure the interests of his princely states, Mir Osman Ali Khan was very satisfied. As for independence, it was nothing more than a trick played by the untouchables and the poor. If they really become independent, then who will guarantee the interests of these princely states? It's better to keep the status quo so they can continue to enjoy the glory and wealth.
The performance of Mirosman Ali Khan also made Vahit very satisfied. It is undoubtedly best that these princes are willing to settle for the status quo. In this case, if those Indians want to be independent, it will not be possible. In order to further ensure the rule of the empire in India, India could be divided. A divided India will be even more unable to resist German rule.