Republic of Korea in Yeokcheon - Chapter 209



Only Krnovel

#Episode 209 Don’t even think about escaping.

In fact, there was no special reason why de Gaulle had thoughts against Algerian independence.

He simply thought that Algeria was French territory because he had lived since the time of French imperialism, and he thought that the Algerian people would also be positive about French rule, except for some extreme armed independence forces.

In other words, their thoughts were very different from those of the far-right forces in France, who strongly adhere to the current colonial rule of Algeria.

But after listening to Lee Kang-cheol’s harsh words, I realized that wasn’t the case.

France, the country he loved so much, was an object of hatred?

At first, I felt repulsed by Lee Kang-cheol’s words, but as I continued to listen to them, I realized that this was not the case.

Meanwhile, Lee Kang-cheol continued to open his mouth.

“What on earth is there to be gained by insisting on colonial rule of Algeria? They say they don’t like it, but why are they forcing it and even massacring it? Do you really believe that France and Algeria can become one country? Wake up from your dream. The races are different, the cultures are different, and most of all, the religions are different. Do you believe that France, a devoutly Christian country, will merge with Algeria, where the majority of the people believe in Islam? “Don’t you know that we’ve been fighting for over a thousand years?”

“Keuung!”

“And speaking of which, I don’t know if mainland France is small. Is mainland France small? small? Isn’t France the largest country in Western Europe? “It’s all fertile land and a gentle climate, isn’t it?”

“… … .”

Since most European countries are so humble, even modern Koreans often think that France is not a big country, and that is not surprising.

Originally in its history, France was a country that had a vast land area of ​​over 550,000 square kilometers in mainland Europe alone.

In addition, in this history, some additional territory was secured at the end of the war, and the northwest region of Algeria was designated as Israel’s founding territory, and additional areas such as the Saar region were acquired, and the mainland is now a huge country with a territory of almost 600,000㎢. It has become.

It is almost three times the size of the Korean Peninsula.

In addition, it is mostly fertile plains and the climate is very good for living, with a climate that is either western coastal or Mediterranean, making it incomparable to countries with large land areas and mostly frozen or desert regions.

It is not for nothing that France has historically been the center of Europe.

“General, it is not too late. This means that the war with Algeria is only just beginning. We will continue to slaughter and shed blood for another 10 years, and French national opinion will continue to be divided. Even if they do that, they will eventually let go of Algeria. What on earth is left of France? What do you need to do that for? It would be better to part ways amicably with Algeria now. “It means you can still exert French influence.”

“Is that really true?”

“I heard Lord Churchill said that? “I assured you that I was never wrong.”

“… … .”

It certainly was.

Not only that, but my favorite junior general, Leclerc, also said something similar.

And that’s why I came to this faraway country under the pretext of sending a congratulatory envoy to congratulate him on his inauguration, to see for myself.

“If you believe Lord Churchill, if you believe General Leclerc, then believe me. I guarantee it. If things continue like this, only catastrophe will remain. And only the general can sort out this chaotic situation. “Go and end this situation.”

“Hmm, what do you mean?”

“Why are you being dragged around by far-right forces? Do their words speak for France? And do you speak for Algeria? Did I get it wrong? Wasn’t France a republic that believed in liberal democracy? Then, sovereignty would belong to the people, so how can the sovereign know the minds of the people?”

“vote! Referendum!”

“you’re right. Ask in a referendum. All over France and Algeria. “Is it better for France to continue to colonize Algeria as is, or is it better for Algeria to remain under French protection in an intermediate form but with broad autonomy? Lastly, is it better for Algeria to become completely independent?”

“That’s a good idea.”

“That’s the only thing that will solve this situation.”

“… … .”

De Gaulle seemed lost in thought for a while, and Lee Kang-cheol just watched in silence, hoping that he would make the right decision.

and.

“All right! “I will follow what Monsieur President says.”

“haha! “You thought it out well.”

“thank you. “Thanks to you, I was able to escape from this narrow enclosure.”

“you’re welcome. However, there are a few things you need to be careful about.”

“What is that? “I will listen.”

“Beware of extreme right-wing forces within the French military. If Algerian independence becomes a reality, we don’t know what they will do. “You understand what I’m saying, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“Historically, there is only one thing a disgruntled soldier will do.”

“… … .”

It’s a coup.

It was something that had happened before.

“I will shoot all those guys to death. “You don’t have to worry.”

This is something that can be said because it is De Gaulle.

Once the atmosphere improved, de Gaulle also asked Lee Kang-cheol about the world situation.

“By the way, I was really surprised when I came here. I heard that South Korea was emerging like a comet and becoming a superpower, but I had no idea it was to this extent. Upon entering the country, it was truly amazing. “I never thought there would be such a developed country in Asia.”

“The entire nation just worked together as one.”

“That is excessive humility. Of course, your country’s people have excellent capabilities, but if that had been the case, the Japanese wouldn’t have taken advantage of it in the first place. This amazing development is the credit of Monsieur President, who is currently leading the Republic of Korea. “You can be proud of it.”

“ha ha ha! thank you.”

“Really. Now, the world of the future will be led by the United States and South Korea. “I think France really has a long way to go.”

“Don’t think too much about it, General. As I said before, France is a great country. It is a country with great thinkers and writers, and has achieved numerous scientific achievements. Be proud.”

“Huh! What happened to a country like that… … .”

“General, you have to take a long look at history. Our pride was damaged by World War II, but it is a matter of recovery. It’s also not good to dwell too much on pride. And there is no need to be overly antipathetic to the US-led world order. In fact, wasn’t the United States the country that almost single-handedly ended World War II? You deserve it. France is France. “If France maintains its focus and develops, the United States will not be able to treat France carelessly.”

“Is that really true?”

“I guarantee this too.”

“ha ha ha! Thank you.”

The meeting with de Gaulle, which started off seriously, ended in a friendly atmosphere.

“ah! General!”

“yes?”

Lee Kang-cheol called out to De Gaulle who was about to leave.

“When are you returning?”

“If it’s okay, I’d like to stay for one more week. “The more I look at it, the more I think France is a country with a lot to learn, so I try to see as much as possible.”

“It doesn’t matter to us at all. I will instruct you to behave well, so please stay comfortably and then leave. And please stop by our hospital.”

“yes? “Are you at the hospital?”

“Yes, it’s embarrassing because it feels like I’m doing this myself, but our medical technology is currently the best in the world. “We will conduct a checkup at the military hospital.”

“ah! I heard that too. “I will accept it gratefully.”

There was a separate reason why Lee Kang-cheol recommended getting a health checkup.

This is because de Gaulle’s breath smelled so bad.

I know that he quit smoking a few years ago, but if he had bad breath like this, they assumed he had gum disease or some other disease, so they told him to go to the hospital.

I also hoped that De Gaulle, with whom I had started to form a good relationship, would be healthy.

“Speaking of ministers, Monsieur President would also like to come to France. Still, there will be quite a bit to see.”

“ha ha ha! Even so, I planned to tour Europe this year. “I’ll make sure to stop by then.”

“ha ha ha! “I look forward to it.”

There was a separate reason why Lee Kang-cheol refrained from visiting countries other than the United States.

Due to some kind of legitimacy issue, I was reluctant to go out while I was sitting as president without voting.

Of course, because the war had just ended, it was difficult to move around.

But now it’s different.

He went to the national referendum fairly and was elected with overwhelming support.

No matter what anyone says, he is the legitimate president of the Republic of Korea.

So, I was planning to look back on diplomacy, which I had neglected, and was actually planning a trip to Europe.

I was going to have to go to England in June.

No one knows right now.

Monday, January 12, 1953.

Government Complex.

I had to deal with meetings with foreign leaders who had been in Korea for about a full week, but now I am almost back.

Lee Kang-cheol presided over the first cabinet meeting after being elected.

“Thank you all for your hard work. “Everyone was a bit distracted because there were more congratulatory delegates than expected, right?”

“haha! That’s true, but how can only the president do it?”

“Ugh! Don’t even talk. “I thought I was going to die because it was so hard.”

“ha ha ha!”

“ha ha ha!”

There was a burst of laughter at Lee Kang-cheol’s joke.

“ruler! Anyway, it was a really big deal. Thanks to this, the legitimacy of our government was clearly confirmed.”

“you’re right.”

“So this time around, I’m thinking of doing a little bit of reorganization of our administration. First, I plan to change the position of Minister of State for Political Affairs held by Secretary General Kim Ho-jin to Prime Minister.”

“Well, it was about time.”

“you’re right. “It was decided that way for convenience only after liberation, but not now.”

The term ‘Secretary General for Political Affairs’ is taken from the Commissioner General for Political Affairs at the Japanese colonial era. This is because it was reasonable to do so during the military rule, when there was no separation of powers or anything else, as it would allow the person to have more authority.

But now, even though the House of Representatives was not formed, it could not continue that way.

Therefore, Lee Kang-cheol decided to reorganize the Minister of Political Affairs into the Prime Minister as his first task after being elected President.

At first, there was talk of establishing a vice-presidential system, but as soon as it was introduced, it was beaten down and disappeared.

This is because in the strong presidential system currently adopted by the Republic of Korea, the vice president is likely to become a hot pants.

This was obvious even when looking at the United States, so it was decided to have a prime minister with strong domestic power under the president.

“Hehehe! And now I can rest. It’s been a hectic run so far. With the President in attendance, along with several ministers… … .”

“No, Secretary General? “What are you talking about?”

“yes? Of course, wouldn’t it be better for me to step down now? “New alcohol has to be put in new bottles, right?”

“Who said that?”

“yes?”

“Don’t even think about escaping. “Chief Minister Kim Ho-jin will also serve as Prime Minister.”

“No, Mr. President. I’m older now and my energy is diminishing… … .”

“Hey, why are you doing that? Secretary General, I am reading the health checkup report without fail. The report said that the Minister General’s health is at best around the early 60s.”

“Well, that’s it… … .”

“So stop saying weird things. “Don’t think about taking a break for at least the next five years.”

“This kind of law… … !”

“Tsk!”

“ha ha ha!”

“Hehehe!”

Kim Gyu-sik’s laughter was the loudest.