Chapter 11
Eden here, but I don't really follow that last one
(RAW https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4960en/ )
(TN: I will continue translating this, at least until someone who could understand both Japanese and English. I hope a better translator take this project over)
"Europe's second great war, is it...."
"Perhaps, by adopting a non-interference with the continent would be the least damaging to Your Nation"
"But, t-that's!?"
How easy would that be, if we could take that option.
However, even if there are Canada, Australia, India and other self-governing countries along with Our other colonies for example, Our Glorious British Empire would slip off from its greatness and simply become British Kingdom if we were to choose such option.
Meddling with the continent surely give such presence(potentiality).
"Well, to begin with, I honestly think that such request is basically overdoing it"
"Indeed, it is unfortunate, but we cannot choose that option"
This Japanese has a peerless bad disposition, because he said that despite knowing well what it means.
"True indeed. As I recall, Your Nation's policy is the Balance of Power as the cardinal principle, isn't it?"
"Indubitably. Our Nation have no desire to let either Germany or France to be the powerhouse of the continent"
Still, for non-interference with the continent to be the least damaging to Our Country, what does that even mean?
Are you saying we could acquire an advantage by abandoning the presence (of the continent)? No, there isn't any.
"Then, what if there is an advantage....you wouldn't be able to help choosing something BETTER"
"BETTER, is it?"
Is that, BETTER for Japan? Or is that, BETTER for Our Nation?
No, for Our Nation, meddling(or being involved) with the continent is supposed to be the best option.
"Our Nation, in the worst case that the circumstances within the continent is getting complex, shall make the arrangements to cooperate with Your Country"
"Your Country is willing to be in Our Country's camp when war breaks out, can I assume that is indeed what you mean?"
Quid pro quo, they would like Southeast Asia and Australia's market opening, wouldn't they?
In short, it's possible that Japan would like to get in to Our British Empire's Sterling area. ( TN: Wiki is your best friend)
"It is delicate as to whether We should participate in your camp, or stay in a neutral position to continue the trade in munitions"
"Fuumu, and that is because you have to bear in mind about the German's U-boats, isn't it?"
"That is right, I assume that being a neutral country may also be more convenient for Your Country also"
Convenient ey...... I am sure if Japan were to stay neutral, there's a high possibility that their ships would not be attacked and reach the ports of Britain island safely.
To begin with, if Germany were to enact unrestricted submarine warfare, they would be attacked by vessels of neutral countries if the submarine were to pass through the area (of ocean).
Fumu.....
"However, judging by Your Country's diplomacy in recent years, aren't Your Country approaching Germany?"
Yes, that is what made Our Nation feels uneasy. In case that Our Country is at war with Germany, and Japan were to side with Germany, the colonies in Southeast Asia would be exposed to danger.
In the previous great war, German's colonies in Asia were occupied by Japan after all. If somehow Japan turns into enemy, it'd be the reverse this time. That won't be a pleasant situation.
Although, judging by how Foreign Minister Yoshida's way of talking, it would seem that it's only a needless anxiety.
In any case, Japan is the one holding the key in Asia.
"At one part, I cannot deny that there was indeed such movement"
"Although the trade between Your Country and Germany has increased recently?"
"The German's machineries are excellence. It is shameful to admit that Our Country's machineries' level is, 10 years behind in comparison with the West"
"Certainly, German's machineries are indeed excellence"
In our grievance, we have to admit that fact.
Despite the fact that it was Our Country which started the Industrial Revolution, there are many areas of industries which has been overtaken by the Germany.
"And, machineries made in German are cheaper"
"Because recently pound sterling has become cheaper, how about purchasing machineries developed by Our Country?"
If they want to establish a cordial relation with Our Country once again, they should buy something from Us.
Any coutries could tie in a friendship if it's just a lip-service. We desire something with real benefit.
"I have heard that Rolls Royce's engine is excellence"
"Fumu. It is an honour"
"If you can approve the engine's production right, the importation of machinery's production facilities, tools, and et cetera would increase"
"Fu~mu...."
You want Us to approve your engine's production right's request you say? I can't decide this on my own's discretion.
"In Japan, rather than Your Country's imperial measurement units of inch or yards or pound, centimeter and kilogram are more common place"
"Were you saying that the measurements units of Your Country is the same with Germany and France?"
「需要の問題で、貴国の工作機械を使用するには、貴国の設計した物を作るのが手っ取り早いかと」
"Due to demand, rather than to utilise Your Country's machineries, it would be quicker and easier for us to make something which is designed by Your Country" (TN: I'm not sure about this translation)
"Due to demand, rather than to utilise Your Country's machineries, it would be quicker and easier for us to make something which is designed by Your Country" (TN: I'm not sure about this translation)
"I see...."
If they want to buy machineries, they should just buy the licensed production instead. This way, we wouldn't know who's on top of the other. (TN: If Japan bought from UK the ready-made machines, it means Japan depended on UK, which make the one on top clear. But if Japan were to buy only the production rights, Japan could manufacture the machines themselves without depending on UK too much and the UK still got a fee from the rights that keeps flowing in to their budget without doing anything such as making machine which they don't know whether it would sell. It's what i thought at least)
But, it's also a fact that the economy wouldn't be invigorated if we don't sell something.
"Moreover, if we are to manufacture munitions oriented towards Your Country, it's necessary for us to match Your Country's standard"
"Is that in anticipation of another European Great war which would happen in a few years?"
"Even in the previous war, Our Country has a track record of being second only to the United States in the level of Our production factory, thus I believe We could supply You with materials"
Certainly, if it comes to war with Germany, with only Our Country and British Commonwealth, it's impossible to cover the cost for all the manufactured munitions.
Because, as Foreign Minister Yoshida has said, it had been proven in the previous war.
Moreover, it's apparent that we have shortage of merchant ships, because both the Bokosuko(steam ships?) and the merchant ships were sunken by U-boats. In fact, that's what happened in the previous war.
In order to solve the shortage of merchant ships, Japan shipbuilding technology and skill are very attractive and difficult to abandon.
In order for them to manufacture Our standardized goods, they need Our machinery huh. We can't be relief yet, but more or less we could recover.
アメリカだと工作機械も自前で、それすらも出来ないからな。
Even America with their self-sufficient machinery couldn't do it. (TN: I don't understand this sentence)
Even America with their self-sufficient machinery couldn't do it. (TN: I don't understand this sentence)
It's better to placed orders to Japan than bowing Our head to the colonists.
Even in price, it would be cheaper to buy from Japan anyway.
"......it seems considerable"
"Si via Pacem, para bellum"
"Latin is it? If you want peace, prepare for war. Is it..."
He actually understand Latin too. It was mandatory for old Royal Families, but it's surprising for a Japanese to speak half-obsolete Latin.
"By all means, please consider it"
"Well well, you are good at taking care of your business, Foreign Minister Yoshida"
I thought I was in a meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister, but it's a merchant who I met instead....
"Even in trade and economy, we can't only BET on Germany and British. Isn't that what diplomacy is all about?"
"Do excuse me, it is as you said indeed"
U~mu, as I have expected, this person is tough to handle. It's appropriate to say that he's a TOUGH NEGOTIATOR.
"However, Germany has a good conventional relationship with China"
"Are you implying that Your interest in the continent is colliding with Germany and China?"
"It is indeed"
After loosing the previous war, and had their colonies taken away, Germany's commitment to China has become deeper.
If Germany's commitment to China deepen, it's natural for Japan to antagonize Germany.
"I see. Therefore, Your Country RAISE your bet on Our Country"
"To begin with, even if we CALL our bet on Your Country, it's neither Ours or Your Country which would loose, but it's the Germany"
"I see......."
What an aweful trick. Even in Poker.
「我が国は大陸に深入りするのを自重する方向へと、舵を切り直したいのです」
"We would like to change the direction of Our empty freight ships to be deeply involves with the continent" (TN: I'm confused here too. Well, it might be "We wish to change the direction of our policy to be deeply involved with the continent" instead of about a ship)
"That indication, I also received similar reports from Japan's Embassy"
"I see, you have to clean up the military's rebound after all"
"And then, what do Your Country wish from Us?"
Most likely, they wants Us to do something like intermediate Them with Chiang Kai-shek.
There's no great advantage by being involved with China. Our country understood that through the opium war and arrow war (second opium war), did Japan finally understand that too?
支那に対しては、アヘンをばら撒いて無気力に堕落させ、混乱しているぐらいがちょうど良いのだ。
In regard to China, spreads the opium to make them fall into lethargy, as well as confusion. (TN: not so sure of this too)
In regard to China, spreads the opium to make them fall into lethargy, as well as confusion. (TN: not so sure of this too)
"Excuse me if this might seem rude, but I have something to say first"
"Hou? Let us hear it"
Oya? It wasn't about the intermediation with Chiang Kai-shek?
That means, up untill now it's only a preface, and from now on is the main issue?
Then what the heck are you going to say?
This gives me an unpleasant hunch....
However, even if I fall in this confusing situation, a British gentleman should shake it off easily.
That what it means to be a gentleman.
"What We wish from Your Country is, to prolong the life of the British Empire"
"......huh?"
