The Rise Of Australasia

"You misunderstand, Mr. Manuel. We are not sent by the Americans, and we absolutely will not harm you and your family." Watching his subordinates bring Manuel’s family downstairs, the leading intelligence agent nodded in satisfaction, released the handgun pressed against Manuel’s forehead, and explained as if nothing had happened.

"Is this a joke?" Manuel’s forehead was still icy cold, a drop of cold sweat sliding down the corner of his eyes. Glancing at his wife and daughter, still with guns pressed to their foreheads, Manuel felt the Americans were mocking and provoking him and his imminent death.

"If you promise not to make a sound, we’d be happy to sit down and have a nice chat." The intelligence agent looked at Manuel and his family, waiting for their awkward nods before gesturing for his subordinates to remove their weapons.

"Now that’s better, Mr. Manuel." The lead intelligence agent extended his hand with a smile, seeing that Manuel had no intention of shaking it and continued unfazed; "Allow me to introduce myself. I am from the Royal Security Intelligence Agency’s Foreign Intelligence Division in Australasia. You can call me Sam, or whatever name you choose."

"Australasia? Royal Security Intelligence Agency? Foreign Intelligence Division? I don’t understand, why would you come looking for me?" Manuel inquired in a mutter.

Logically, the Philippines and Australasia don’t have anything to do with each other. The Philippines is still under American control and was previously a Spanish colony, with no relation to Australasia.

"According to our intelligence, you seem to want to lobby the Washington government to agree to Philippine independence, but it seems your lobbying has failed." The self-proclaimed Sam did not answer Manuel’s question but spoke on his own accord.

It was not unusual for the news of the Philippines delegation visiting the United States to reach Australasia’s intelligence department, as it was not entirely confidential.

However, it seemed that the dispute between the Philippines and the United States had nothing to do with Australasia, right?

Or had Australasia decided to extend its reach to the Philippines? Weren’t they afraid of American retaliation?

In an instant, Manuel thought of many questions. But then he suddenly realized that Australasia had long been considered a superpower and had established a very good relationship with the British Empire, thus theoretically not fearing the United States.

In summary, this might be a dispute between two superpowers, and Manuel had already decided to stop resisting and prioritize the lives of himself and his family.

"Yes, the Americans do not agree with Philippine independence. Although we have initially gained President Wilson’s support, the United States Congress is also very firm." Manuel, who had already given up, decided not to hold back, answering whatever the other party asked.

Seeing Manuel’s cooperation, the intelligence agent nodded in satisfaction and continued, "According to our understanding, you seem to have made all kinds of preparations for independence. If only force can gain independence, are you willing to fight against the United States?"

"The people of the Philippines, up and down, want independence, and it is clear that relying solely on the Philippines’ power is absolutely impossible to compete with the United States. If the US Congress does not relent, the Senate will never agree to a forceful independence plan." Manuel shook his head with a bitter smile, explaining.

In this era, weak countries have no choice in their own fate. Even the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which still retains its status as a superpower after the war, had no choice in the face of Hungary’s independence.

Not to mention the Philippines, which faces strong pressure from the United States. The likelihood of the Philippine Senate initiating armed independence is almost zero.

"Your concerns are unnecessary in my opinion, Mr. Speaker." Sam smiled slightly, finally opening the real conversation, "If you need it, Australasia can provide assistance. Of course, not only Australasia, but we can also seek support from the United Kingdom and France to help you gain independence."

Given the current situation in the United States, having support from Australasia would be enough to give the American government a headache.

If aided further by the British and French, even if the Americans are unwilling, Philippine independence is a done deal.

Manuel was tempted by Sam’s proposal but quickly forced himself to calm down, tentatively asking, "Mr. Sam, your countries’ assistance would not be without compensation, right? What can the Philippines offer in exchange for your support and that from the British and French for Philippine independence?"

"Hahaha!" Sam did not answer in a hurry, but laughed, patting Manuel’s shoulder with apparent deep meaning, "I believe the Speaker is an intelligent man, knowing that in this world the law of the jungle prevails. Without our help, even if the Philippines gains independence, it is destined to be controlled by the United States or other countries.

Our request is simple; we hope to form a permanent alliance with the Philippines, conducting close exchanges in military and economic matters."

"If the post-independence Philippine government is willing, we can also send experts to help your country better establish a government, improve the judiciary and administrative system, and strengthen your military power, preventing American retaliation."