Chapter 256: The Other Side of the Atlantic
Meanwhile, in New York, America, the flames of war rising across the world finally provided an outlet for America's massive overproduction.
The nouveau riche that had risen during the War of Independence once again dressed itself in finery.
Fifth Avenue.
There were fewer country people selling apples on the roadside.
Inside record stores, jazz records were arranged chronologically, from the two-year-old lament [Come and Eat a Hoover Meal] to the brand-new [We Are on the Mountaintop].
Society was gradually improving.
But most ordinary people attributed the stock market crash and the suffering they had endured over the past several years to America's mistaken foreign policy after the Great War.
Of course, during the economic crisis, America's capitalist class had also undergone significant changes.
The Ford Company, which had seized many prime Jewish assets, took the chair of America's largest consortium. Although it had worked closely with Roosevelt over the past four years, those in the upper echelons knew the truth.
This was Roosevelt's excellent ability to mediate at work.
In fact, Ford was not interested in the political ideal of actively intervening in international affairs.
He preferred neo-isolationism.
As for how long this stability could last, no one knew.
They only knew that during the period when war reignited in Europe, Ford and Merson, the president of [American Advance], had grown very close.
Times Square.
Merson smoked a cigarette, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally sweeping over the headline about Italy's surrender.
After one cup of coffee, there was a knock on the door.
Wick entered.
After checking that there were no listening devices nearby, he lowered his voice and said, "Mr. Merson, Berlin has ordered us to immediately formulate the Island Plan."
Merson extinguished his cigarette.
A slightly yellowed photograph of him standing with Roosevelt was covered in ash.
That photograph had been taken during Roosevelt's first term, when America had seemed so united.
Now, that unity existed only on the surface.
At that time, America had faced similar difficulties, allowing Roosevelt to become almost like a monarch, consolidating the three powers in his hands.
But now, as the aftershocks of the economic crisis passed, contradictions began to multiply.
As the mouthpiece of neo-isolationism, Merson had not met President Roosevelt in a long time.
Nevertheless, he still greatly respected Roosevelt's ability to mediate.
To firmly grasp the rudder of America, this fractured wooden ship, and steer the great vessel in the direction he desired, Roosevelt possessed his own unique charm.
"Are the gunmen ready?"
Merson's voice was low.
"The favor earned from those few photographs can, at most, obtain this last chance from Ford. Mistakes are not allowed."
Wick nodded.
"They are ready."
"Mexicans, racists, veterans who once served as guerrillas, and one whose father died in the American-Mexican War."
He paused briefly.
"They are quite perfect candidates."
"Prepare a few more, just in case."
Merson wiped the ash from the photograph and continued, "How far has the FBI traced the matter?"
"A few agents have obtained some information, but not enough to accuse us of being spies."
Wick hesitated.
"However, Mr. Merson, what I fear is that the White House will act against us before we make our move."
"Recently, two more small tabloids supporting isolationism were shut down."
"Our President…"
His voice lowered further.
"He is preparing to strike hard."
Wick skillfully pulled a cigarette from the pack and was just about to light it when Merson interrupted him.
"Do not smoke that one."
His tone remained calm.
"It is filled with cyanide."
Washington.
A passenger plane, bearing the strain of a long journey from England, slowly landed at the capital's military airport under the escort of two fighter aircraft.
By the window, Churchill looked down at the scenery of Washington and felt an indescribable discomfort.
Indeed, geography determined far too much.
Isolated America possessed none of Europe's military pressure, nor even Asia's.
The challenges it faced were far fewer than England's.
The combined threat of all North America was far less menacing than that of a single Germany.
The plane landed.
Because this was a secret visit, everything was kept simple.
The red carpet and other reception formalities were canceled. Only White House Chief of Staff Joe Naya and that conspicuous Cadillac had come to greet him.
"Mr. Churchill, America welcomes your arrival."
Joe Naya extended his hand in the cold January wind.
"I understand the immense pressure England is currently facing, and I further understand the heavy burden you carry."
"Please rest assured. President Roosevelt has always been particularly concerned with European affairs, and England is an important partner frequently mentioned in his documents."
"Please follow me."
Two hands met in the cold wind of Washington.
Churchill did not stand on ceremony.
"Please understand, Mr. Naya, my time is limited. I can only stay in America for two days at most."
He asked directly, "Can you give me an exact meeting time?"
"Right now, Mr. Churchill."
Naya's answer was equally direct.
"President Roosevelt has already been waiting for you at the dining table for some time."
White House banquet hall.
Roosevelt, wearing glasses, read through the report from Europe word by word.
Then he shook his head at his aide and said, "If Germany is not contained, an unprecedentedly powerful state will rise in Europe."
"But Mr. President, Germany is our largest trading partner."
The aide carefully laid out the costs.
"Many politicians and businessmen in the country are also of German descent. Suppressing Germany, or even going to war with Germany, would…"
The aide continued explaining the price America would have to pay if it acted against Germany.
Roosevelt removed his glasses.
"Solving these problems now means they are still only problems."
"Although turmoil will be unavoidable, it can ultimately be resolved."
"But if we wait until England falls, Germany will directly threaten our international standing."
"Right now, they are still maintaining an attitude of cooperation and friendship."
Roosevelt's eyes grew sharp.
"But once they unify Europe, we will become direct adversaries."
"And between adversaries, there is no mercy."
"At that time, this problem will no longer be merely a problem. It will become an incurable disease."
Roosevelt saw the matter very clearly.
Containing Germany was absolutely more beneficial than harmful to America.
And now was undoubtedly the best time to solve these problems.
England's repeated pleas for help already proved that Germany's military strength had completely exceeded the Pentagon's estimates.
If America lost the springboard of the British Isles, it would become very difficult to intervene again.
"I understand, Mr. Roosevelt."
The aide nodded, then changed the topic.
"The Supreme Court's reaction to the proposal to increase the number of justices is even stronger than imagined. They will never willingly reduce the power in their hands."
Roosevelt was not surprised by the bad news.
On the contrary, this was exactly what he wanted.
"Continue applying pressure. We must not retreat."
"We need to make the conservatives understand our determination. Only then will they allow our foreign policy and the second phase of the New Deal to continue."
"If we retreat now, those judges will think that as soon as there are signs of economic recovery, the President becomes afraid and turns soft again, handing back all the power we have gained."
The aide nodded.
Then, seeing the look from the attendant outside the door, he realized that he had forgotten to report something.
"One more thing, Mr. President."
"Prime Minister Churchill has arrived."
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