Subtitle of this chapter: Do your best and leave your destiny.

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Simply put, the general environment for solving the Shandong problem is that after World War I, people all over the world no longer want to fight, not only do they not want to fight themselves or others.

Even Yoshiichi Tanaka, the representative of Japanese warlords, had to admit that "the recent world trends do not allow the development of old imperialism in the past that acquired new territory or expanded its sphere of influence."

The small environment is a country related to the Far East, that is, both the United States, Britain and France oppose Japan's exclusive Chinese interests, and the Japanese's tough diplomatic methods have also aroused opposition from all sides.

After the Paris Peace Conference, not only did the Chinese people's anti-Japanese sentiment grow increasingly, but the boycott of Japanese goods continued to resist. The United States, Britain and France also criticized Japan as "an invading nation" and "only considering itself, not other countries, and being too selfish", claiming that "for the sake of world civilization, we do not want Japan to develop."

Finally, it comes to America Warren Ganmeir Harding. Many Chinese people don’t even know that there is such a commander. But he is a hard-core "friendly Chinese person".

In his campaign speech, he repeatedly mentioned that the Paris Peace Treaty allowed Japan to "rob Shandong". This word appeared frequently in Time magazine, which published the election speeches of various candidates, which made Harding's Democratic opponents very inferior.

During the campaign, Harding's other Republican partners also mentioned the Shandong issue and the unfair resolutions of "invading China" in public, which were used to slander the Paris Peace Treaty and the International Alliance.

Of course, this is to attack his opponents by smearing the current Democratic President Wilson. Moreover, the promises of Western politicians during the campaign are generally farts. Few people stick to their promises like mustache. He said that if he wanted to give the German people a war, it would really bring a war to everyone.

However, if it is not too troublesome, these politicians are willing to do some superficial efforts.

"So... Brother Shaochuan, the opportunity to solve the Shandong problem is here!"

After our Master Yuan said this, Gu Weijun and Meng Xiancheng showed excitement. Grand Minister Gu even stood up and walked a few steps behind his hands.

He turned around and stared at Yuan Yanshu with bright eyes and asked, "Hongjian, I'll ask if you have the support of the United States, will the Japanese agree? You should know that the Japanese have always been arrogant and unreasonable and regard our country as their forbidden body. Will they be willing to spit out the fat in their mouths?"

"Brother Shaochuan, the key is not Japan but Britain." Yuan Yan smiled slightly and said confidently.

"Since the Opium War, Britain and Geely trade with China has always been the leader. However, during the last war, their attention was mainly focused on Europa, and they had no time to take into account the interests of the Far East. Japan expanded heavily under the sign of the British-Japanese alliance, gradually infiltrating the British sphere of influence in China, South China and the Yangtze River Basin..."

"During 1915-1919, Japan's investment in China was equal to or close to that of Britain, exceeding the total investment of all other imperialist countries in China. By the end of the war, about half of China's foreign trade volume was manipulated in Japan, with Britain accounting for only 17.1%, relegating to second place; the United States accounted for 16.7%, ranking third..."

"It was at this time that Britain gradually lost its hegemony in the Far East, while Japan ignored Britain's new Eastern hegemony and occupied a position to gain favorable speech."

Meng Xiancheng couldn't help but exclaim: "Hongjian is a talented person, you are truly an economic expert!"

Gu Weijun also nodded and echoed: "Bohong said it well, Hongjian, you are interested. Our Chinese diplomatic circle... No, it is because our China lacks professionals like you now."

Nonsense, I was originally an economic expert or a professional with my own search engine.

"You two have been too much, this is just my foolishness." Master Yuan was of course polite to be polite. He then asked, "Imagine if you are English, would you sit back and see yourself losing your privileged position in China?"

He asked and answered himself: "Of course not..."

"In fact, long before the Paris Peace Conference, the British Minister to China Jurden had analyzed the situation in Japan, the United States and Britain in a telegram sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the end of 1918, believing that the situation in China contains the seeds of future conflicts, so, 'We need to adjust our policies.'..."

"In 1919, when British and Geely Foreign Minister Coulson said clearly that the era when China was cut off and divided into spheres of influence was over. China's future would not be in this division. It also did not exist in the assumption that Japan became the overlord of the Far East. China's future must depend on international help and cooperation, rather than the competition of interest groups or the domination of individual major powers..."

"It can be seen that this messing stick is already extremely vigilant about the expansion of Japan's power in China, and is ready to make trouble."

"Stum stick...English...hahaha..." This not so elegant statement made Gu Meng and the others laugh.

"Be careful, be careful, Hongjian." Gu Weijun shook his head and advised, "You are also a public figure now. It's okay for us to talk privately, don't say that when you go out."

Oh, this reminds me that I have always forgotten the loud nickname of British man. Tomorrow I will write an article to spread the good name "stir" shit stick.

"Brother Shaochuan, what I said." Yuan Yanshu has always been "humble and unresolutely accepting this kind of opinion."

"Since the British are vigilant, they have no strength to return to the pre-war situation for the time being. Then they must follow the past practices and pull other forces into the game. Then the other forces are the most suitable only for their cousin America."

Master Yuan concluded: "In short, Britain and the United States coincide with the Shandong issue. They are also eager to solve the Shandong issue."

Well, why did Yuan Yanshu spend his words and talk about such a big mess in front of Gu Weijun?

This is because on the original timeline, under pressure from Britain, the Beiyang government and diplomats finally agreed to conduct "marginal negotiations" with the Japanese without formally including the formal proposal of the Washington Conference.

This is of course not good for China, and this matter cannot be fought for.

If we were based on the original schedule of the Washington Conference, our Master Yuan was no longer in the United States at that time, and he had no intention of getting involved in this matter.

It’s not because the historical influence of the Washington Conference is not large enough, but you should know that the international order has been called the “Versailles-Washington System” after that.

It is because the Shandong issue will not affect his "great plan", and his current influence will not affect the Shandong issue.
Chapter completed!