Chapter 0694: Shameless Betrayal

The elder statesmen of the Empire, along with Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu, found themselves completely enraptured, some even unable to control their salivation.

The British colonies were simply too enticing. Compared to the islands of the Empire, they were unquestionably far superior. Although, in deference to Germany, they would have to relinquish India, capturing the Malayan colonies and Burma would be an exceptional gain. Not to mention, there was even the prospect of eventually extending their reach into Australia. Though geographically less favorable, Australia's landmass was many times larger than that of the Empire's home islands! The mere thought of such vast territories stirred the minds of the government leaders.

The Japanese people harbored an intrinsic pursuit of territory, which was the very reason behind their wars of conquest after their rise to power.

"This plan of Prince Saionji is brilliant—abandoning the barren islands of the Germans in exchange for Britain's fertile colonies is undeniably advantageous! Furthermore, by doing so, we have the chance to cultivate a strong alliance with Germany, the new world power, which is a perfect twofold strategy!" Matsumoto Masayoshi nodded enthusiastically, clearly in favor of Saionji's proposal.

"But, we have a treaty with the British. If we betray them, won't we face condemnation from the international community?" Inoue Kaoru expressed his concern.

"Britain is on the verge of defeat; we are under no obligation to follow them into the abyss. Besides, there are no permanent allies in international relations, only permanent interests," Saionji Kōmo replied.

"Indeed, as long as the Empire secures tangible benefits, even at the cost of tarnishing our reputation, it will be more than worth it!" Yamamoto Arimoto agreed.

The other elders nodded in agreement, their minds already consumed with how to secure as many British colonies as possible to expand the Empire's territory.

"Ōkuma, let us proceed with Prince Saionji's plan! Abandon the alliance with Britain, seek to restore relations with Germany, and ideally, join the Central Powers. Then, we can declare war on Britain and seize their colonies!" Yamamoto Arimoto urged.

"Understood, Elder!" Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu nodded decisively. He was also optimistic about this plan. If it succeeded, the current cabinet would secure immense benefits for the Empire, and he himself would undoubtedly gain further favor, possibly even rising to the rank of elder. For Japan's politicians, attaining the status of elder was the ultimate aspiration.

Upon returning to the Prime Minister's residence, Ōkuma summoned the foreign minister, the finance minister, the army minister, and the navy minister to inform them of the decision made by the elders.

"Breaking the alliance with Britain in favor of allying with Germany is indeed a good strategy. Germany has surpassed Britain as the world's dominant power. Aligning with them will ensure our interests. However, while betraying the British may be easy, will the Germans accept us?" Kato Takaaki expressed his concern.

"Therefore, we must demonstrate our sincerity to Germany. Not only must we return their islands in the Pacific, but we can also promise to safeguard their interests in Asia. After all, they are too far removed from Asia to protect those interests. Only we can provide such assurances. Moreover, our goal is merely British colonies—colonies we can easily abandon, including India, a fertile colony. Surely, this will prove our sincerity to Germany!" Prime Minister Ōkuma stated.

"Very well, Prime Minister, I will instruct our diplomats to explore the matter!" Kato Takaaki reluctantly agreed, though he felt the plan was overly optimistic. Yet, he knew the potential rewards if successful.

"Navy and Army, prepare yourselves. Once we successfully ally with Germany, we will immediately strike at the British colonies!" Ōkuma Shigenobu commanded.

"Yes, Prime Minister!" Yatsushiro Rokurō and Okabe Ichinosuke replied eagerly. They were both excited and invigorated by the thought that, compared to the German islands in the Pacific, British colonies were far more enticing.

The next day, Japan's foreign minister Kato Takaaki urgently summoned the British ambassador to Japan, Edward.

"Good day, Your Excellency," Ambassador Edward greeted with a humble smile. Once, he had always been seen as haughty in the eyes of the Japanese, but after Britain's disastrous losses on the battlefield, he could no longer maintain that elevated image. He could sense that the Japanese attitude toward him was shifting, no longer as deferential as before.

"Please, have a seat, Your Excellency," Kato Takaaki said, his face impassive.

After a few brief pleasantries, the conversation shifted to the matter at hand.

"Your Excellency, the Imperial government has some differing opinions regarding the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. We felt it was necessary to inform you in advance," Kato Takaaki said.

"The Anglo-Japanese Alliance? But, Your Excellency, I thought our alliance was still in place, with several years left before it expires?" Ambassador Edward feigned ignorance, fully aware of the implications of Kato's words. He had anticipated this issue, fearing that the Japanese might question the alliance, especially now that Britain was in decline and no longer instilled fear in the Empire. He understood Japan's potential shift in intentions, which was understandable. However, should Japan betray the alliance, it would deal a severe blow to the British Empire, potentially threatening its interests in the Far East. Edward, having served as the British ambassador for several years, was well aware of Japan's greed.

"No, Your Excellency. The Imperial government believes that Britain is on the brink of losing the war in Europe. Therefore, Britain will no longer be able to fulfill its obligations under the alliance," Kato Takaaki stated.

"No, the European war has nothing to do with our alliance!" Ambassador Edward countered, his heart sinking. He realized that the Japanese were serious about breaking the alliance.

"I'm afraid the Imperial government has already made its decision. From now on, we shall cease all interactions under our alliance," Kato Takaaki declared coldly.

"Damn it! You are tearing up the alliance, betraying the British Empire—this is a disgraceful act! One day, you will pay the price for this!" Ambassador Edward erupted in fury, roughly pushing open the office door and storming out. He knew that once Japan had made up its mind, no amount of pleading would change their resolve.