Working as a police officer in Mexico-Chapter 1805 - 795: Latin America’s Final Affection? (Part 4)
Capítulo 1805: Chapter 795: Latin America’s Final Affection? (Part 4)
“Your Excellency, President.” Salisbury nodded slightly.
“Sir, please have a seat.” Alfonso pointed to the two sofas in front of the fireplace.
Herman closed the door and stood by it.
Salisbury noticed there was no fourth person in the study.
“First, please allow me to express the British government’s admiration for Guatemala’s achievements in its democratic transition.”
Salisbury sat down, placing his briefcase by his feet, “A country that has gone through civil war and military rule, able to restore order and establish constitutional governance in such a short time is rare in world history.”
Alfonso smiled, “Thank you for the praise from the United Kingdom, but we all know tonight’s meeting is not for mutual flattery.”
“Of course,” replied Salisbury smoothly, “Then, allow me to get straight to the point.”
He took a document out of his briefcase, not handing it to Alfonso but placing it on the coffee table between them. The cover of the document was blank.
“This is the preliminary evaluation report by the British Petroleum Company (BP) on the Usumacinta Oil Field,” Salisbury said, “Based on open geological data and our independent analysis, the oil field’s extractable reserves are estimated to be between 2.8 and 3.5 billion barrels. At current international oil prices, the total value is approximately £85 to £110 billion.”
Alfonso did not touch the document: “This number is largely consistent with our own assessment.”
“But according to the 1882 Boundary Treaty signed by the United Kingdom, Guatemala, and Mexico,” Salisbury continued, “the resources within eleven kilometers south of the centerline of the Usumacinta River legally belong to Guatemala. And the latest seismic surveys show that the main oil-bearing structures are precisely in this area.”
He paused, looking at Alfonso, “This means that the ‘vast majority of reserves’ currently claimed by Mexico is actually under your country’s territory.”
Alfonso’s fingers tapped gently on the armrest of the sofa, “The law is one thing, reality is another. Mexico has stationed two mechanized brigades on the border, and their air force…”
“So we need to change reality,” Salisbury interrupted him, remaining calm, “And changing reality requires power. The United Kingdom is willing to provide such power.”
He took out a second document from his briefcase. This time he opened the cover, showing a series of numbers on the first page: £500,000,000.
“£500 million.”
Salisbury said, “An unconditional grant, with no political conditions attached, funds will be transferred in batches to the account designated by your country’s central bank, and the use is entirely up to your government. Our suggestion is to upgrade the border defense system, purchase modern surveillance and communication equipment, and appropriately strengthen the border troops’ capabilities.”
Alfonso stared at the number, his breathing slightly rapid.
Five hundred million US dollars.
Equivalent to a quarter of Guatemala’s annual budget. With this money, he could do many things: buy off opposition lawmakers, appease dissent within the military, and even add a little more to his account in Switzerland.
The last one is the most important!
“What’s the price?” he asked.
Salisbury closed the document, “Three small requests.”
“Please do tell.”
“First, allow a delegation composed of British geological experts and ‘security advisors’ to enter the country under the guise of ‘cultural exchange’ for on-site inspections in the border area.”
Alfonso nodded, “That can be arranged.”
“Second, at next month’s United Nations General Assembly, deliver a speech on the theme ‘The Dilemma of Small Countries in Great Power Geopolitical Strategies.'”
“We will provide a draft of the speech,” Salisbury smiled, “You only need to read it.”
Alfonso was silent for a few seconds, “And the third?”
Salisbury leaned forward, lowering his voice, “Third, at an appropriate time, create a ‘border incident.'”
The air in the study solidified.
The wood crackled in the fireplace, and the firelight flickered on Alfonso’s face.
“What kind of ‘incident’?” he asked, his voice dry.
“An incident that is noticeable enough but won’t actually trigger a war,” Salisbury said, “For example, a Guatemalan patrol ‘accidentally’ crosses the actual control line and engages in a ‘brief skirmish’ with Mexican border troops. Or, a Guatemalan ‘civilian aircraft’ ‘inadvertently’ enters Mexican airspace and is ‘shot down.'” He paused, “After the incident, the Guatemalan government must immediately file a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing Mexico of ‘violating sovereignty’ and ‘deliberate provocation.’ The United Kingdom, together with France and Germany, will push for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the ‘tensions in the Chiapas Region.'” Alfonso’s forehead was dotted with sweat, “What if Mexico’s reaction exceeds expectations? What if Victor actually orders an attack?”
Salisbury squinted, “If Mexico launches aggression against a sovereign nation, all their moral advantage internationally will collapse instantly. At that point, the United Kingdom, France, and even the residual forces of the United States would have a reason for ‘humanitarian intervention.’ And Guatemala will become the frontline hero against ‘Mexican expansionism.'”
He leaned back into the sofa, regaining his composure, “Of course, this is the worst-case scenario. Based on my understanding of Victor, he won’t risk opening a second front at this time. A more likely response would be diplomatic protest and military pressure, and that’s precisely where the negotiation begins.”
Alfonso looked at Herman. An excited gleam burned in his brother’s eyes, and he nodded slightly.
“I need time to consider,” Alfonso finally said.
“Of course.” Salisbury stood up, “The documents will remain here. Inside, you’ll find contact information and detailed plans for the next steps. You have seventy-two hours to decide.”
