The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 652 - 496: Philippines_2

"You misunderstand, Mr. Manuel. We are not sent by the Americans, and we absolutely will not harm you and your family." Watching his subordinates bring Manuel’s family downstairs, the leading intelligence agent nodded in satisfaction, released the handgun pressed against Manuel’s forehead, and explained as if nothing had happened.

"Is this a joke?" Manuel’s forehead was still icy cold, a drop of cold sweat sliding down the corner of his eyes. Glancing at his wife and daughter, still with guns pressed to their foreheads, Manuel felt the Americans were mocking and provoking him and his imminent death.

"If you promise not to make a sound, we’d be happy to sit down and have a nice chat." The intelligence agent looked at Manuel and his family, waiting for their awkward nods before gesturing for his subordinates to remove their weapons.

"Now that’s better, Mr. Manuel." The lead intelligence agent extended his hand with a smile, seeing that Manuel had no intention of shaking it and continued unfazed; "Allow me to introduce myself. I am from the Royal Security Intelligence Agency’s Foreign Intelligence Division in Australasia. You can call me Sam, or whatever name you choose."

"Australasia? Royal Security Intelligence Agency? Foreign Intelligence Division? I don’t understand, why would you come looking for me?" Manuel inquired in a mutter.

Logically, the Philippines and Australasia don’t have anything to do with each other. The Philippines is still under American control and was previously a Spanish colony, with no relation to Australasia.

"According to our intelligence, you seem to want to lobby the Washington government to agree to Philippine independence, but it seems your lobbying has failed." The self-proclaimed Sam did not answer Manuel’s question but spoke on his own accord.

It was not unusual for the news of the Philippines delegation visiting the United States to reach Australasia’s intelligence department, as it was not entirely confidential.

Not to mention the Philippines, which faces strong pressure from the United States. The likelihood of the Philippine Senate initiating armed independence is almost zero.

"Your concerns are unnecessary in my opinion, Mr. Speaker." Sam smiled slightly, finally opening the real conversation, "If you need it, Australasia can provide assistance. Of course, not only Australasia, but we can also seek support from the United Kingdom and France to help you gain independence."

Given the current situation in the United States, having support from Australasia would be enough to give the American government a headache.

If aided further by the British and French, even if the Americans are unwilling, Philippine independence is a done deal.

Manuel was tempted by Sam’s proposal but quickly forced himself to calm down, tentatively asking, "Mr. Sam, your countries’ assistance would not be without compensation, right? What can the Philippines offer in exchange for your support and that from the British and French for Philippine independence?"

"Hahaha!" Sam did not answer in a hurry, but laughed, patting Manuel’s shoulder with apparent deep meaning, "I believe the Speaker is an intelligent man, knowing that in this world the law of the jungle prevails. Without our help, even if the Philippines gains independence, it is destined to be controlled by the United States or other countries.

Our request is simple; we hope to form a permanent alliance with the Philippines, conducting close exchanges in military and economic matters."

"If the post-independence Philippine government is willing, we can also send experts to help your country better establish a government, improve the judiciary and administrative system, and strengthen your military power, preventing American retaliation."