Chapter 420: Purging the Sovereign's Side
The shift in Russo-Austrian relations quickly set off a chain reaction in politics, and the London Government could finally sleep soundly.
An alliance without contradictions was terrifying; an alliance riddled with contradictions was nothing to fear.
Now that relations between the two countries had cooled, the Vienna Government would certainly discount its support for the Russians. That was exactly what the London Government wanted most.
Every other issue could be put aside, but the Russian threat to India had to be dealt with immediately.
The British still vividly remembered the Indian Uprising of a few years ago. It was precisely because of the Russians' covert support that the London Government had paid hundreds of millions of pounds in military expenses.
If this hidden danger was not eliminated and flared up every so often, who could bear it?
India lacked nothing but people, and its social contradictions were piled high. So long as someone fanned the flames, rebellions were as commonplace as daily meals.
The best approach was to separate India from the other countries. Small countries did not matter—they lacked both the nerve and the strength to stir up trouble—but great powers were different.
Russia, France, and Austria in particular were the key targets against which the London Government stood guard day and night. France and Austria had yet to stretch their claws toward India; only the Russians had shown interest. Naturally, the London Government had to cut off the Tsarist Government's hopes.
Allowing Central Asia to become independent was the best choice. Leaving behind such a buffer zone would keep enemies beyond the nation's gates. Even if Britain and Russia came into conflict, it would be in Central Asia. The London Government would not feel the slightest heartache even if Central Asia were