Chapter 442 Journey to Egypt 2

When Churchill heard the news that Ireland had issued a declaration of independence and declared war on England, he almost spat out blood. If Northern Ireland fell, the British mainland would be completely blockaded.

He had no choice but to urgently call Roosevelt for help.

But Roosevelt was unable to assist.

Previously, Wilhelm had been reluctant to declare war on Ireland, partly due to concerns about the millions of Irish descendants in the United States.

Roosevelt faced the same issue. Seeing that the homeland of his ancestors was about to gain independence, as a fellow Irish descendant, how could he help Britain and hinder Irish independence at this crucial moment?

Thousands of Irish descendants would not agree to this; the more radical ones might even storm the White House and overturn his desk.

"This is getting more and more tricky," Roosevelt said as he handed the telegram to Marshall across from him.

"Given the current situation, the British should prepare to establish a government-in-exile. With so many colonies, they can go anywhere they like—though Canada is off the table," Marshall said. Naturally, Americans did not want to see the British set up a government-in-exile in Canada. After all, there is a saying: "A sleeping tiger does not allow others to rest peacefully beside it." As the only major power in North America, the United States could not allow the British to maintain control in Canada. "I think India is a good option." Originally, Egypt in North Africa was also a good choice, but now even Cairo was surrounded. "General Wavell is stationed in Cairo. He seems wise, planning to use urban warfare against the Germans."

Roosevelt lit a "Camel" cigarette. He had a heavy smoking habit, needing to smoke 30 cigarettes a day (he was even holding a burning cigarette when he died of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage). After taking a deep puff, he slowly shook his head. "Perhaps the British royal family will leave, but that old mule Churchill will probably stay and die with the British mainland." After all, an old political hand like Churchill should realize that abandoning the British mainland would mean the end of the British Empire.

"And I've heard that India has been unstable lately. That Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress, is inciting the Indian people, demanding independence from Britain."

When World War II broke out, and Britain declared war on Germany, on the same day, India, as a British colony, was "declared" to be at war. The Indian Legislative Assembly had not been informed of such a significant decision, and entering the war without consulting the Indian people caused widespread anger. As a pacifist, Gandhi issued a series of declarations and statements, urging India to resist invasion non-violently, not to participate in the imperialist war, and demanding independence for India.

Marshall frowned. "I've heard of that man; he's a complete lunatic."

Gandhi recently issued a famous public appeal to every Briton. He suggested that the bravest method, used by the most courageous soldiers, was to fight the Germans without weapons. "You can let the Germans take all your lands, conquer your territories, and even let them occupy your beautiful islands and countless magnificent monuments. Even if they want your homes, you should give them up without resisting. If they don't allow you to retreat safely, let yourselves, your women, and children be slaughtered, but never lose your will, and don't pledge allegiance to them."

Is this something a sane person would say?

Even within the Indian National Congress, Gandhi's extreme non-violent stance found little support. While discussing how the Congress might cooperate with Britain in the war, Gandhi maintained that non-violence applied to resisting foreign invasion as well, opposing any form of direct participation in the war. Yet almost all other Congress leaders advocated full cooperation with Britain, including direct participation in the war, if Britain recognized India's national demands.

This led to a split within the Congress, with ongoing disputes.

After a moment of silence, Marshall spoke. "Mr. President, I think we should contact the Soviet Union."

"The Soviet Union?" Roosevelt frowned slightly. He fundamentally disliked this opposing capitalist state.

Marshall nodded. "Yes. While Britain has the will to resist, it can only stall the Germans in North Africa and the Middle East for so long. And it's clear they can't hold out much longer. The Soviets' ambitions are no smaller than the Germans', and the Germans won't be comfortable having such a powerful neighbor. I believe a conflict between them is inevitable. Germany might already be planning to turn against the Soviet Union once they secure Britain. If America wants to lead the world in the future, it must start drawing the Soviets in now!"

After a long silence, Roosevelt shook his head. "We'll discuss this later." 1940 was an election year in the United States, and Roosevelt was seeking a third term, a daunting challenge. He needed to give it his all.

To that end, he even agreed to the Congress-submitted amendment to repeal the Neutrality Acts. Of course, this was merely going with the flow; even if he opposed it, the nearly completely blockaded Britain could not receive any supplies.

He did not want to complicate matters further before the election.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, Wilhelm, following the coordinates given by his father (Chapter 79), found a pyramid with only a three to four-meter-high tip visible above the ground, about 20 kilometers from the Great Pyramid of Giza.

"Haha!" Wilhelm couldn't help but laugh out loud, leaving Rommel beside him bewildered, not understanding what was so funny.

Naturally, anyone would laugh upon learning that there were hundreds of tons of gold buried beneath. Moreover, it wasn't just ordinary gold lumps, but exquisite and artistic artifacts whose artistic and historical value far surpassed the gold itself; each piece was a priceless treasure.

"What's with this pyramid? Has it collapsed?" Normally, pyramids wouldn't collapse so drastically, but this one had only a tip left, which was quite strange.

Wilhelm casually replied, "It was blown up. To be precise, my father blew it up."

"Prince Oscar?" Rommel was astonished. He had almost forgotten that Germany had such a prince.

Wilhelm nodded, thinking about his unreliable father, who had sent a message saying he was off to explore Shangri-La and hadn't been heard from since.

Walking around the pyramid's tip twice, Wilhelm instructed, "General Rommel, seal off a ten-kilometer radius around here; no one is allowed to approach. The Guard will take over this place."

"Yes, sir!" Rommel immediately called his adjutant to convey the orders.