The Rise Of Australasia
Chapter 493: Chapter 390: British and French Joint Visit

Although the war had only been raging for four months, it was a huge burden on the resources of all countries involved.

Up to now, Australasia had exported at least 5 million tons of grain, 500,000 rifles, hundreds of millions of bullets, and various weapons and equipment to Europe, along with strategic materials.

Including petroleum, coal, and iron ore, Australasia had also sold a considerable number of mineral resources to the British Empire and France.

These trade deals brought tremendous profits to Australasia and drove the economy forward. That is why Australasia is the only country involved in the war with rapid economic growth.

Thanks to the rapid expansion of the military industry, Australasia's industries have also experienced substantial growth.

Worth noting, Frenchmen have realized the danger their distinctive military uniforms pose to their army and are urgently planning to replace them with more inconspicuous-colored uniforms.

Some factories in Australasia have been tasked with manufacturing these new military uniforms and helmets.

This opportunity has provided some civilian clothing factories in Australasia with excellent development opportunities. For the time being, the market for military uniforms is much bigger than that for civilian clothes. Many supplies are destroyed or intercepted by enemies before reaching the soldiers' hands.

Of course, Russia has the lowest demand for military uniforms. If one asked why, the bullet holes and patches on the Russian recruits' uniforms would reveal the answer.

Russians are truly resourceful; even if a uniform has minor damage from a fallen comrade, it may still be used if it's not damaged beyond repair.

So far, the European battlefield has not seen the use of taboo weapons such as poison gas. However, Arthur is aware that if the war continues like this, Germany will undoubtedly use them.

To prepare for the possible use of poison gas by Germans and protect Australasia's army, Arthur ordered researches to work urgently on developing gas masks that could effectively block harmful gases.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Arthur also had researchers develop reliable and convenient masks to protect against a potential flu outbreak several years later.

The influenza outbreak a few years later is not a minor epidemic; without any preparedness, it could cause significant casualties and losses to the nation and people.

Masks and disinfectants are in high demand. Arthur is feverishly preparing for the future flu pandemic, hoping to minimize casualties in Australasia or even prevent them altogether.

The good news is that the Spanish flu outbreak is still several years away, and Australasia's remote geographical location ensures that it won't be the hardest-hit region.

As long as adequate protection is put in place at the national level, and ample supplies of masks and disinfectants are stockpiled, effectively handling the flu pandemic shouldn't be an issue.

Integrating and assimilating all immigrants in the country and unifying language and religion are two policies Arthur pays great attention to.

With the joint efforts of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and Archbishop Steed, a large number of non-British immigrants have been trained in English, allowing them to at least communicate in simple English.

Keep in mind that most factories in Australasia are owned by British descendants.

This implies that knowing English is a prerequisite for replaceing work. Although it doesn't guarantee a job, knowing English certainly determines whether one can survive in a factory.

Imagine not understanding colleagues and superiors, relying only on hand gestures for communication; how could one work effectively in such a situation?

As a result, German and Russian immigrants have a high level of enthusiasm for learning English.

This has facilitated the smooth implementation of language unification in Australasia. All language schools run by the government and church are generally filled to capacity.

Aside from unifying the language, Archbishop Steed has also tried to unify the religion in Australasia.

However, religion and language are different; people can accept learning an additional language to improve their lives, but they may not be willing to convert their faith.

Converting believers without too much faith in religion is easier, whereas more devout believers may outright reject the church's missionaries.

Arthur is not overly concerned about Australasia's religious unification, as in this era, secular power far outweighs religious power.

For a country like Australasia, as long as the ultimate power is in Arthur's hands, it doesn't matter what religion the citizens follow.

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As long as the majority of the population in Australasia consists of British descendants and Protestants, the beliefs of the remaining minority of residents would be extremely free.

Of course, some religions that oppose the government and royal rule, and run counter to the faith of the majority of British immigrants, are less likely to be taken over by the government.

The question of how to make choices in this matter would be left to Archbishop Steed to resolve.

Besides serving as the Archbishop of Australasia, Steed was also the head of the Australasian Protestant Association.

Religious issues would be left to the religions themselves to solve. If Archbishop Steed had the ability to make the vast majority of Australasians believe in Protestantism, Arthur would be supportive and welcoming.

After a brief cabinet meeting, Arthur patiently waited for the arrival of the new year's National Day.

However, before the arrival of National Day, Arthur received visitors from Europe first.

The visitors were Ambassador Henry Winston of Britain in Australasia and French Ambassador to Australasia, Torpin Crete.

The two of them held significant positions in their respective countries, as they were responsible for liaising with allied countries and serving as bridges of communication between Australasia and the Allies.

Although Arthur had guessed the purpose of their visit, he still received them with a smile in the banquet hall.

The purpose of the British and French visit was simple, and it was definitely related to the current war in Europe. Britain and France were suffering heavy casualties every day on the European battlefield, while Australasia's troops totaled just over 300,000 and now only had over 200,000.

Moreover, the majority of the Australasian Expeditionary Force was composed of indigenous peoples. In such a situation, the British and French naturally wanted Australasia to send more reinforcements to relieve the pressure they faced.

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, Arthur went straight to the point and asked, "Gentlemen, I wonder what brings you here today?"

Henry Winston and Torpin Crete looked at each other. Winston took the lead, answering respectfully, "Your Majesty, to be frank, the situation on the European battlefield is extremely tense.

In order to defeat the Germans as soon as possible, we hope that your country can send at least 200,000 more reinforcements to help us launch a larger offensive, reclaim the lost territories of France, and even directly invade Germany."

Up to now, both France and Germany had their wins and losses, and both sides' offensives had become deadlocked, turning into a protracted and brutal war of attrition.

A war of attrition naturally required human lives to fill the gaps. The daily casualty figures on the Westline Battlefield revealed that the coalition forces of Britain, France, and Australasia suffered nearly 20,000 casualties every day, more than 3,000 of whom died, and the rate of human loss was incredibly horrifying.

At this time, whichever side possessed more personnel held more advantages in attrition.

Britain and France, of course, didn't need to be mentioned. France was the main target of Germany's offensive, and their casualties had already been extremely heavy.

Meanwhile, the British Empire had deployed more than 500,000 expeditionary troops to France, including 400,000 colonial troops and 100,000 regular troops.

Only Australasia had sent just over 300,000 troops, of which only one division was regular.

Although the Fourth Division of Australasia performed quite well in the war, its combat strength was no less than that of a German division.

Such a small force could not alter the Westline Battlefield. Australasia would need to contribute at least another 200,000 troops to have some impact on the Westline Battlefield.

"If I recall correctly, the alliance stipulated that we would send 300,000 colonial troops and one regular division, right? Australasia had already fulfilled its obligations two months after the outbreak of the war and had frequently transported supplies to all its allies. We have never shied away from our responsibilities," Arthur said with a smile as he looked at the two ambassadors.

"Moreover, judging by the scale of our armed forces, we cannot organize another 200,000 troops in a short period of time. We might replace a solution for the supplies you need, but when it comes to troops, we are indeed somewhat powerless."

Winston and Crete exchanged glances. Crete took the initiative to say, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, we have come with sincere intentions. President Sir is aware of the challenges your country faces. If your country is willing to support 200,000 troops within three months, we are willing to pay for half of the cost of establishing this army and bear half of their military expenses in Europe.

In addition, we are willing to transfer the Kiergaran Archipelago to your country and provide a loan of 500 million francs without interest."

The Kiergaran Archipelago is located in the southern part of the Indian Ocean, between France's Madagascar colony and Australasia.

If Australasia could acquire this colony, its sphere of influence would also extend to the Indian Ocean.

After hearing the French offer, Arthur could not help but narrow his eyes as he gazed meaningfully at Ambassador Crete.

It has to be said that the French conditions were indeed generous. Australasia needed only to deploy 200,000 indigenous troops to receive an interest-free loan of 500 million francs and a colony that would expand its sphere of influence.

Moreover, even half of the costs for the establishment and operation of the 200,000 troops would be borne by France. From a profit perspective, this transaction would be advantageous for Australasia.