SFS Chapter 619: The U.S. Attitude
Chapter 619: The U.S. Attitude
In the guest room of the State Guest Building of the Government Affairs Center, US Ambassador Johnson sat on the sofa, his hands clenched, his eyes flashing with anxiety and uneasiness. Su Zhengyang's words were like a heavy hammer, constantly echoing in his mind, reminding him of the severity of the current situation.
The air in the room seemed to freeze, and Johnson felt chest tightness and shortness of breath. He stood up and began to pace back and forth in the room, each step seemed unusually heavy. He tried to relieve his inner anxiety in this way, but it had little effect.
Glancing at the ashtray beside him, which was already full of cigarette butts, the whole living room was filled with smoke. Johnson then realized that he had unknowingly smoked a whole pack of cigarettes. He took a deep puff of the cigarette, trying to expel the nervousness from his body through the smoke.
However, he knew that now was not the time to avoid the problem. The situation was already urgent, and he had to report the situation here to the mainland as soon as possible. Only in this way could he gain more time and bargaining chips for the subsequent negotiations.
Johnson quickly walked to the telegraph machine in the corner of the room and began to prepare to send the telegram. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. Then he sat down and his fingers quickly tapped on the keyboard.
In the telegram, he elaborated on China's current attitude and the tough measures it had taken. He described Su Zhengyang's firm stance and tough tactics in the negotiations, as well as his decision to place himself and other ambassadors under house arrest. At the same time, he also emphasized that China's current strength and influence forced them to re-evaluate their attitude and strategy toward China.
After finishing the telegram, Johnson checked it carefully to make sure that no important information was missed. Then he pressed the send button. The telegram, along with the transmission of electricity, quickly crossed thousands of mountains and rivers and sped towards the mainland of the United States.
After sending the telegram, Johnson felt relieved. He knew that he had done his best. Next, he could only wait for the response and instructions from the mainland. He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the night sky outside the window, and silently prayed in his heart that all this could be properly resolved as soon as possible.
The atmosphere in the Pentagon in Wharton, the United States, was tense and serious. After learning the news from Ambassador Johnson, dozens of members of Congress and senior government officials from the president and the executive branch quickly gathered in the conference room to discuss and talk about this emergency.
The lights in the conference room were soft and bright, and the walls were hung with the American flag and emblems symbolizing military power. Both sides of the long conference table were filled with people, and everyone had a serious expression on their faces. The folders on the conference table were neatly arranged, and it was obvious that they had made sufficient preparations for this meeting.
President Coster sat at one end of the conference table, wearing a dark suit and a neatly tied tie. His eyes were bright, revealing his firm determination and decisive style. He looked around at the officials present and said in a deep voice: "We are all aware of the news from Ambassador Johnson. This is a severe challenge, but it is also an important moment for us to demonstrate our national strength and safeguard our national interests."
In the Pentagon's conference room, the lights shone on the faces of each participant, and their expressions were serious and focused. There was a tense and solemn atmosphere in the air, and everyone knew that this topic was related to the future direction of the two countries.
At the beginning of the meeting, James Adams, the chief congressman, spoke first. His voice was firm and powerful: "Dear Mr. President, colleagues, we must recognize the current situation. The United States, as the world's leading military power, our dignity cannot be challenged by anyone. Su Zhengyang's behavior has undoubtedly touched our bottom line. I advocate that we should resolve this matter with a tough attitude, and even do not rule out going to war."
As soon as Adams finished speaking, the vast majority of the congressmen present immediately echoed him. Congressman Peter Jackson waved the folder in his hand and said excitedly: "Mr. Adams is right! In the past century, the United States has made rapid progress both militarily and economically. We are the world's number one military power and the number one economy, and we play a pivotal role. We do not need to give in to anyone and compromise, but must resolutely defend our interests!"
However, amid the chorus of support, some people expressed different opinions. Congresswoman Emily Miller, as a representative of the peace faction, said calmly: "Dear President, colleagues, I understand your feelings. But I think we should look at this issue more calmly. China's military achievements in recent years cannot be ignored. They have already reached the world's top military level. If we rashly go to war, the result will be unbearable for both sides."
Miller's words eased the atmosphere in the conference room, but the pro-war congressmen were still unyielding. Congressman Robert Greene loudly retorted: "Ms. Miller, you are boosting others' morale and destroying your own prestige! We in the United States have the most advanced weapons and technology in the world, how could we be afraid of China? If we don't take tough measures, it will only make other countries laugh at us!"
At this time, President Coster frowned, looked around, took a deep breath, and then said: "My dear colleagues, I understand your emotions and positions. But we must understand that war is not a joke. Once a war breaks out, the consequences will be disastrous. We must consider not only the interests of the country, but also the well-being of the people. I believe that we should seek the possibility of resolving this issue through diplomatic means on the basis of adhering to principles."
The president's words made the atmosphere in the conference room tense again. But then more members began to speak, expressing their views and suggestions. They discussed and analyzed the issue in depth from different angles and levels.
After several hours of intense discussions and confrontations, the meeting finally reached a preliminary consensus: on the basis of upholding national interests and dignity, negotiate with China through diplomatic means to strive for a solution acceptable to both sides. At the same time, strengthen military and economic preparations to deal with various possible situations.
The next morning, the sun shone through the gaps in the curtains onto Johnson's desk, casting mottled light and shadows on his anxious face. Johnson sat down at the desk early, his eyes fixed on the telegraph on the desk, his heart full of anticipation and nervousness.
The telegraph machine finally rang, and Johnson's heartbeat quickened. He quickly stood up, walked to the telegraph machine, and pressed the receiving button with trembling fingers. As the telegraph machine's roller turned, a string of letters and numbers gradually appeared in front of him.
Johnson quickly read the telegram, his brows sometimes furrowed and sometimes relaxed. The reply from the United States clearly instructed him to continue to use diplomatic means to safeguard the interests of the country, but at the same time to show the United States' determination not to fear war.
The telegram also specifically mentioned the attitude of the Byrd Empire, pointing out that if the Byrd Empire, the leader of the invading allies, expressed its willingness to return the concession, then Johnson should also express his willingness to return the concession in order to maintain friendly relations with China.
Johnson was filled with emotion. He knew that this was a difficult decision, but it was also a necessary choice. Although the United States was powerful, it did not want to fall into an endless war because of its temporary toughness. The attitude of the Bird Empire undoubtedly gave him an important reference.
He took a deep breath, put away the telegram, and sat back at his desk. He knew that the next task would be even more difficult. He needed to negotiate with China in a tough but rational manner, and at the same time pay close attention to the movements of the Bird Empire so as to respond in a timely manner.