CHAPTER 1359: CHAPTER 656: THE ERA IS ABOUT TO CHANGE! (PART 2)

"The remnants of Cali and Medellin, like injured poison snakes, are desperately seeking new havens and shelters. Brazil is their ideal target. If we lose ground there, today’s victory will be meaningless, and the peace won with blood will vanish in an instant."

He paused, his gaze slowly swept across the representatives of various countries, particularly paying attention to the smaller nations that expressed dissatisfaction with the British earlier, as well as the British delegate with a still complex expression.

"Therefore, Mexico proposes, to all present, since you are so enthusiastic about distributing past spoils, why not channel this enthusiasm into a ’future investment’?"

The French delegate immediately caught the key point and asked with interest, "What does the General mean?"

"To use the additional share, especially the cash portion, that you will receive, as startup capital to establish an ’Amazon Basin Security and Development Fund’. This fund will be specifically used to support the Brazilian government’s forthcoming ’Source Clearing Operation’ against transnational drug trafficking groups."

The eyes of the representatives from the smaller countries lit up instantly. Participating in Brazil’s anti-drug efforts? This not only helps remove the label of ’symbolic support’ they bore in this operation and enhances their international influence but also allows them to align with the future regional security framework led by Mexico with relatively small investments. It is simply a win-win political investment!

They all nodded, whispering in agreement, "Makes sense!" "Regional stability is in everyone’s interest!" "It should be supported!"

The new Colombian government representative was rejuvenated. The three countries were already in an alliance, so this was undoubtedly the best outcome!

Mexico’s move is equivalent to helping Colombia consolidate the Southern security barrier. He immediately stated, "The new Colombian government fully supports General Gelder’s foresight! Brazil’s stability is directly related to the long-term stability of the Andes region. We are willing to share our experiences and lessons from the anti-drug war and provide necessary intelligence cooperation."

The pressure instantly shifted entirely to the British.

Gerhard von Rundstedt’s gaze finally landed on the British representative with the ever-changing expression, his tone becoming more earnest, "Sir, your country has irreplaceable experience and advantages in intelligence technology and special operations. The victory in Medellin would not have been possible without the crucial support your country provided. The battlefield in Brazil is broader, and the situation is more complex. We need your country’s unique professional skills and global perspective now more than ever. Your country’s involvement is crucial to the success of this fund and Brazil’s actions."

The British representative’s face changed as quickly as a carousel.

Refuse?

With Mexico leading a massive forfeiture of spoils and even the small countries of France, Germany, and Colombia eagerly supporting this ’future investment’, if the United Kingdom refuses, it will not only cement its image of selfishness and stinginess but also completely exclude itself from South America’s future security architecture, causing immeasurable political and diplomatic losses.

Agree? That would equivalently confirm Mexico’s ’generosity’ and leadership. Additionally, the politicians and media back home, who are eyeing the pension and military budget scandals...

He looked at Gerhard’s gentle yet all-knowing gaze, observing the representatives around him with looks of either expectancy, scrutiny, or implicit urging, especially the French delegate’s playful expression of ’let’s see if you’ll accept’.

Several moments of dead silence.

Sir Johnson took a deep breath, as if making a tremendous decision. He adjusted his already immaculate tie, striving to make his voice sound calm and solemn, "Ahem... the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is always committed to global security and stability cooperation. General Gelder’s proposal has a high level of strategic vision."

"In principle, we recognize the establishment of the ’Amazon Basin Security and Development Fund’. The specific share our country should bear will be confirmed after detailed communication domestically. Meanwhile, we are willing to offer professional support in intelligence sharing, special operations consultancy, and... logistics system optimization."

General Gerhard von Rundstedt’s smile deepened, the kind of satisfied smile a hunter has when his prey finally steps into the predetermined trap, with a sense of control.

"Very well," he stood up, his voice louder and carrying a decisive power, "then the dispute over the distribution of the Medellin and Cali spoils is hereby settled. All immediately distributable cash and equivalents, except for Mexico, will be distributed according to the original agreement ratio among the parties involved in the campaign. Meanwhile, the specific details will be determined by a subsequent working group, to be injected into the newly established ’Amazon Basin Security and Development Fund’, specifically to support Brazil’s actions. The Mexican frontline army will be responsible for the initial coordination and execution framework of the fund. Detailed discussions will take place at tomorrow’s working group meeting."

"Gentlemen, past wealth would vanish once divided, but the return on investment in the future’s security and stability will benefit all of us and our descendants." He nodded slightly, "Meeting adjourned."

Gerhard was the first to turn around, walking steadily towards the door.

Behind him, the sound of chairs moving and the low discussion of the representatives filled the conference room.

...

In the outskirts of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The tin roof of an abandoned warehouse was being hammered by raindrops.

The air was filled with the scent of rust, mold, and the salty tang of sea breeze. Deep in the warehouse, only a few dim emergency lamps provided a faint light, barely outlining the silhouettes of a few figures.