Chapter 409: Wrangling, All Wrangling
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**Malayan Post:**
"Yesterday, a bomber formation suddenly attacked the Johor State Military Camp, killing and wounding over 500 soldiers and police, causing significant chaos."
"On the same day, Johor State Prison was assaulted by a group of soldiers in black uniforms. The local businessman Huang Henian, his family, and 35 workers were taken by the Sultan of Johor. 27 prison guards were killed, causing riots in the prison and the escape of thousands of prisoners."
"Even more shocking, another group of soldiers in black raided the residence of the Sultan of Johor, killing him, his two sons, and dozens of guards."
"Johor is now in a state of anarchy."
"Who has such power to deploy fighter jets and thousands of soldiers? Stay tuned for further investigation in our next issue."
Many speculate about the attackers' identity, suspecting either the British troops stationed in Singapore or Hadi's Dominion in Penang. The black-clad soldiers from HD Security, seen in the skies and on the warships, make the latter a likely candidate. However, reporting this could be risky. The consequences of angering such a powerful entity might be severe.
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**Government House of Singapore:**
Governor Mountbatten was shocked by the reports. The events, including the death of a sultan, challenged his authority over British colonies.
The involvement of fighter jets and warships confirmed that HD Security was behind the attacks. Mountbatten sent a telegram to Hardy to confirm the details and motives behind the actions.
In response, Hardy's telegram explained that the operation was purely commercial. The Sultan of Johor had attempted to seize HD Security's properties and arrest the company's employees. HD Security's actions were in line with a commercial contract and were not politically motivated.
Mountbatten's frustration grew. He realized that Hardy's actions, while bold, were not intended to undermine British interests but to protect a commercial investment.
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**British Prime Minister Winston Churchill:**
Churchill, having received the telegram, was initially concerned but then saw a potential benefit. The unrest in Malaya might hasten its move towards independence, aligning with Britain's reduced interest in the region. Churchill decided that the matter should be managed as a commercial issue, not a political one, and instructed Mountbatten to handle it accordingly.
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**White House:**
Mike Corleone, upon receiving the telegrams, briefed President Johnson. Johnson decided that the U.S. would not intervene in what was essentially a commercial dispute. The U.S. government would maintain neutrality and leave the matter to be resolved by the British authorities.
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**Singapore:**
Mountbatten, receiving the White House response, felt increasingly exasperated. He was left to deal with the fallout alone, feeling abandoned by both the British and American governments. The situation was now a tangled mess of international wrangling, with little resolution in sight.
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