Benefits Moved the Heart (Update 44)

Although it appeared that the British had agreed to let France acquire six state-level administrative regions, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, the British had deeper intentions.

First, these six states were certainly inferior, relatively speaking, to several states on the US East Coast. The benefits Britain gained would definitely far exceed those gained by France.

Second, Texas and New Mexico, among these six states, had once belonged to Mexico. The United States and Mexico had fought multiple wars over these regions.

After France took over these regions, whether the Mexicans in these two states would rebel for independence would be a problem. Mexico's attitude would be another problem.

Although France's strength was far greater than Mexico's, the Mexicans' resentment was bound to make French rule in these states even more difficult.

The British naturally had no objections to a situation that could interfere with French rule while still allowing France to obtain many regions.

Looking at Churchill's solemn, utterly confident expression, Louis, the French Minister of the Army, also understood that this was almost the limit Britain could bear.

Acquiring six states at once was indeed quite a haul. France might not necessarily be able to swallow any more.

After thinking for a moment, Minister Louis nodded, expressing France's approval.

Once France, this unstable factor, had been settled, the regions Australasia would receive became much simpler to determine.

After all, the US West Coast was simply too poor. Aside from Los Angeles in California, which could amount to something, none of the other states or cities had anything particularly remarkable.

Even if Australasia acquired all of several states in the western United States, the British would not object. Instead, they would be delighted that Australasia had drawn away some of America's hatred.

However, Australasia's appetite was