Chapter 451 submitted program

Alan Wilson was sort of well-prepared to bring up several current issues of great concern to the citizens of Newfoundland, and in the current world, not counting the civil war in one of the major countries, and the two wars between India and Pakistan, and between Israel and the Arabs, of course other things have happened as well.

That is that the results of the elections in Italy have come in, and the Catholic Democrats, after a series of mergers that crushed the Italian Communist Party, have become the ruling party in Italy, and have now joined the Marshall Plan.

“Commissioners, no matter what state Newfoundland is in in the future, but as the current administrator of Newfoundland, it is my duty to make a reminder here that Europe, as the center of the world in the modern era, will never be in poverty for long, and although it was hit hard by the war, the destruction brought about a need.” Alan Wilson gently tapped the table, “The next three to five years will see a great deal of rebuilding in Europe, and Newfoundland should seize this opportunity. Blood is thicker than water, and the mainland will help you open up the European market.”

“That is of course, Chief Allen, your plans for the work of Newfoundland are in the eyes of every citizen.” Some of the commissioners spoke up, stating that Newfoundland would not pass up the opportunity to rebuild Europe.

“In that case it is reassuring to know that there is the factor of the corporate tax, the importation of raw materials to Europe, and the bountiful fishing grounds of Newfoundland itself, three factors that will form the basis of Newfoundland’s future economy, something I am honored to have as a one term administrator.”

Allen Wilson paused at this point, “I hope that the majority of the members, do not bash Mr. Joy, anyone has the right to make a statement, and while the merging of Canada statement, once again, may be quite controversial, let’s not make accusations of betrayal, and conspiracy in terms of that.”

“The future of Newfoundland is ultimately in the hands of the citizens themselves.” Alan Wilson lied with a red face, giving the appearance of respect even though in his heart he couldn’t look at this motionless referendum, “I need some representatives to follow me to London to demand a referendum to decide the future of Newfoundland. Reinstatement as a self-governing territory, or becoming a Crown Dependency, as well as annexation to Canada, could all be an option for the referendum.”

Allen Wilson had always had a habit of bebopping, and although there were forty-seven people in Parliament, his own words took up about a third of the time, especially when the voices of those who would incorporate Canada and those who would oppose it were directed against each other, and he began to speak at length, and in the end said nothing about who had the right of it.

The resolution on applying to London for a referendum was the result of this meeting between Allen Wilson and these Newfoundland delegates, and then the broadcast ended, leaving the rest to the citizens to discuss.

After the meeting, Allen Wilson called Savievich and instructed, “I’ll take some of the members to London to discuss the referendum, within this period of time what Newfoundland needs the most is stability, you and some of the leaders of the Chinese laborers to discuss, it is best not to go out of the logging area, it should not be a problem, everyone is a reasonable person.”

“I’ve met with both Sue and Tian, both are good communicators, Mr. Allen’s request shouldn’t be a problem. Personally, I do have a problem.” Savyevich spoke up.

“Just tell me what the problem is.” Allen Wilson smiled with his hands in his pockets, “We are not outsiders, I am the one who sent you to Africa.”

“If London doesn’t want Newfoundland to be independent, just say so, why allow a referendum?” Savievich shook his head, “What’s the point of that.”

“The point is so many that it’s hard to explain it to you. But I happen to hate the tradition of moving referendums in British politics as well.” Alan Wilson smiled helplessly and bitterly, “In any other country, this problem would be really good. Even the United States might not exist.”

In any other country, it would basically be the downfall of repression, and the further east the country was, the less it would spill the beans. It just so happened that Britain was lacking in that regard.

“Boris, you have your work cut out for you as well.” Alan Wilson looked at Boris, who had recently become quite progressive, and spoke, “Newfoundland’s referendum is sure to cause widespread debate, and whether it’s joining Canada, maintaining the autonomous territories, or joining the United States as a very small number of people would like to do, a lot of citizens will be joining in on the discussion. You keep an eye on that aspect!”

Seeing Boris nodding, Allen Wilson looked at the time, “Tomorrow we will go to the military base in the north, and from there we will take a plane to London, and the job of keeping Newfoundland stable is in your hands.”

October 4, Allen Wilson has arrived in London, also with a delegation of Newfoundland that came to London for the second time, out of the airport to take a deep breath of the haze, hmmm! Still the familiar smell of London.

Last time the Newfoundland delegation came to London was quite neglected, this time it is different, there are quite a few people in Whitehall Allen Wilson, the previous unpleasantness will not repeat.

Allen Wilson carried four proposals for Newfoundland after the referendum, including maintaining the colony, incorporating it into Canada, restoring the self-governing territories and transforming it into a Crown Dependency, and in fact there was a fifth one, but it needed to be discussed with the head of the Cabinet.

First of all Alan Wilson approached Michael Edison, Permanent Undersecretary at the Ministry of Colonies to explain his intentions, “Michael, this time I’m here in London again with a representative from Newfoundland, over to discuss the referendum.”

“The minister’s advice is that you decide on everything except joining the United States.” Michael Edison said, repeating his previous attitude.

“Then I can really decide for myself, and will London accept it after I decide?” Seeing the change in Michael Edison’s eye color, Alan Wilson also discovered his slip of the tongue and explained, “Don’t worry, I also don’t have the idea of letting Newfoundland be annexed to the United States, I’m talking about trade-offs in terms of programs.”

“Allen, this kind of joke is better not to be made.” Michael Edison seemed taken aback saying, “So tell me about the current program for Newfoundland, and I’ll give it to the minister.”

“Outright independence and the merger of Canada, while the last two are the restoration of self-governing territories and the transformation into a crown territory.” Allen Wilson spoke as he described the pros and cons of each option, and little by little the time passed.

And of course did not forget to tell Michael Edison that there were indeed a very few voices in Newfoundland that wished to join the United States as a kind of a state, but that he himself had refuted such talk.

“How did you refute it?” Michael Edison, rather curious, pursued, “that the Americans do not see Newfoundland.”

“Not really; it is well known that the United States is close to an election. It is important to realize that there are currently fifty states in the United States that have adopted the Electoral College system. This election model is already set in stone, and the addition of Newfoundland would upset the balance.” Alan Wilson shrugged, “Michael you have to realize that electoral system countries, all have this common flaw, nothing is more important than elections.”

“I couldn’t agree more, because of the Italian Communist Party factor, the country was also very concerned about the Italian elections some time ago, sometimes looking at foreign elections can be a pastime after tea.” Michael Edison smiled and said, “Good, I will give the minister the four options.”

“Thank you very much!” Alan Wilson finished the matter and painfully got up, “It’s all up to you.”

Alan Wilson still had to go to meet the two heads of civil service to discuss the matter of Newfoundland, Michael Edison called out to Alan Wilson and said softly, “The relationship between Sir Edward and Sir Norman is quite delicate now, you have to pay attention to it.”

“I understand, thanks for the reminder.” Alan Wilson flinched for a moment, then nodded solemnly.

Norman Brooke and Edward Bridges were actually different, Norman Brooke maintained close personal relationships with ministers of all major parties, while Edward Bridges tended to keep his distance from politicians.

The difference didn’t just stop there, Norman Brooke’s reason for maintaining friendly relations with politicians was to establish the authority of the Cabinet Office, in other words Norman Brooke valued power more.

The civil service under Norman Brooke will enter the most powerful period since the emergence of the Cabinet Office, for which Norman Brooke has already gone toe-to-toe with the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The relationship with Edward Bridges, who had always remained neutral and distant, also seemed to be less intimate than it had been at the beginning.

But as an expatriate civil servant, Alan Wilson, after some consideration, felt that it was not so much a question of where he stood, and that was the advantage of not being in the country, there was always some freedom.

So keeping to the original plan, both heads were to be met, and Edward Bridges was not to be neglected just because he was not as powerful now as he had been, there was nothing to hide.

After debriefing with Edward Bridges, Alan Wilson went back to Norman Brooke, the Cabinet Secretary who was working to expand the power of the civil service.

Arriving at the cabinet secretary’s office, Allen Wilson explained his intentions, on the surface there was no difference from before, but with the position solidified, Norman Brooke certainly appeared to have a slight change, “Allen, considering our interests, you think that one option is the most appropriate.”

“The crown territory option, the self-governing territory option where the mainland can’t intervene, amalgamating the mainland? The citizens of Newfoundland may not be willing, merging Canada is the same, in fact, there are only two options that are maneuverable, one is the restoration of the self-governing territories, and the other is the crown territory.” Alan Wilson said with a flourish, “Personally, I think the royal territory option, is more maneuverable.”

“His Majesty’s territory? That sounds like a good idea.” Norman Brooke considered for a moment and said, “Ministers understand politics, but are not good at economic issues, and many times the decisions they make are done in luxurious residences, attending political rallies organized by their hostesses, and under those circumstances.”

Alan Wilson looked at the Cabinet Secretary in front of him with his mouth wide open, shocked, this kind of words the former Cabinet Secretary would never say, too demeaning to the role of ministers.