Republic of Korea in Yeokcheon - Chapter 326
Only Krnovel
#326. A gunshot rang out.
December 3, 1965.
Office of the President of the Republic of China.
“The effects of economic sanctions are starting to show. The preliminary statistics for November came out, and both exports and imports fell compared to the previous year. This is the first time since the end of the war.”
“Fuck!”
Chiang Kai-shek could not control his anger, but there was no way to overcome it.
His son, Chiang Ching-kuo, went to the United States on his behalf and struggled.
But it didn’t help much.
The only achievement Chiang Ching-kuo made during his month-long stay in the United States was the lifting of some embargoes.
Eventually, the impact of economic sanctions began to show itself gradually from November, with trade volume stopping growing for the first time since the end of the war and instead declining year-on-year.
Although the decline was not that significant at the moment, it was clear that the negative impact of economic sanctions would grow over time.
As of now, the impact has not been significant because the volume contracted before the economic sanctions were imposed is still coming in, but once all of this volume comes in, the power of the economic sanctions will be fully realized.
“It’s fortunate that the domestic market has grown a lot. Otherwise, we would have been in real trouble.”
“This is true.”
“And in order to minimize the impact, we are making every effort to circumvent the sanctions by moving to a country that is not participating in the sanctions.”
“Then the price will be… … .”
“Yes, because of the middleman profits from the detour countries, we have no choice but to import at a higher price than before.”
“Ha, I guess that’s a relief. What’s the biggest problem item right now?”
“It’s iron ore.”
“ironstone?”
“Yes, as you know, most of the iron ore used in our steel mills is imported from Australia. However, the Australians are refusing to export it, claiming that it is subject to economic sanctions.”
“… … .”
The steel industry has a huge impact on a country’s economy, to the point where it can be called the rice of industry.
However, if the raw material, iron ore, cannot be imported, the steel mills will have no choice but to stop operating, and naturally, the weapons factories will also stop operating in a chain reaction.
Iron ore has become the worst banned commodity.
“Damn it! If only unification had happened, we wouldn’t have to go through this humiliation.”
The largest producers of iron ore in China were Liaoning Province and Manchuria, with other sources being Hebei and Sichuan.
There was no such thing in the south where the Republic of China had established itself.
So, even if Manchuria, including Liaoning, was taken over by South Korea, the People’s Republic of China to the north was able to become self-sufficient through the mines of Hebei and Sichuan, but it was difficult for the Republic of China to do so.
“… … .”
“So what’s the solution?”
“We are trying hard to persuade Brazil, which has not joined the economic sanctions. However, Brazil is charging very high prices and the distance is very far, so the transportation cost will skyrocket.”
“In short, it’s something that can’t be done for long.”
“Yes.”
“… … .”
We have to figure out a way.
Because it won’t last long like this.
“Jingguo.”
“Yes, father.”
“This time, I have to go north.”
“To the north?”
“Okay, go and meet Liu Shaoqi or Deng Xiaoping. Meet and discuss importing iron ore.”
“Yes? You want to import iron ore from the Communists? Father!”
They are under economic sanctions for doing business with the Communist Party.
But what if we openly import iron ore?
“What is Cocom?”
“Isn’t this the Export Control Committee for Communist Countries?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. If you follow the rules, income is not an issue.”
“Father, that is literally the principle. They are the ones who are imposing economic sanctions in a haphazard manner, but if we start trading with the Chinese Communist Party in earnest, we don’t know what will happen.”
Although the Republic of China still trades significantly with the North, it is mostly consumer goods.
But are we supposed to depend on the North for iron ore, which is a strategic resource?
It was a principle regulated by COCOM and it was obvious that the US would be offended.
“Anyway, we’re already in the same boat as the North. And next year, it will be revealed that we collaborated. In that case, it’s better to go our own way, even if it means getting caught in a brief shower.”
“… … .”
“And if we form a federation after the war and become one country, everything will be resolved. No one will be able to impose economic sanctions on a unified China. No, sanctions won’t matter then! Our unified China is a huge country. Even if we impose sanctions, it will be able to withstand it.”
“Have you really decided that?”
“Yes. And since the Americans are also importers, we will need to find an excuse to impose more sanctions for a while. If we have that much time, it would be better to deal with the North.”
“All right.”
As external pressure came in, the unification of North China and South China began to accelerate.
* * *
9:00 p.m., December 7, 1965.
A mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York.
In the study of the mansion, an old man who looked to be in his eighties was sitting in a chair, dozing off.
dripping!
“Huh? I dozed off for a bit. Come in.”
A middle-aged man came in.
“Your Majesty.”
“Have you been out too long? Sorry. I dozed off for a bit.”
“No, I just got here.”
“So, how did things go?”
“Everything is ready.”
“Where is it?”
“It’s Alabama.”
“Is that it? It’s been noisy lately.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I repeat, we must never find a connection with you.”
“You don’t have to worry. We hired Chinese people on purpose, and even they will be disposed of after the operation.”
“Well done.”
“… … .”
After a moment of silence, the middle-aged man spoke again.
“Your Majesty.”
“But why?”
“Do you really have to do this? Honestly, I don’t feel like it.”
“Haha! What are you talking about now?”
“The opponent is none other than our own President of the United States. Do you really have to go this far…?”
“Adam.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I’m now eighty-three years old. I’m at an age where it wouldn’t be strange if I died at any time. Would I, at that age, proceed with this because of personal greed?”
“I know that’s not the case.”
“I say this again, this is a wake-up call. If you ignore us and ignore our people like you did last time, even if you are the President of the United States, you will not be safe.”
“But you have cut off all ties with us. Will this serve as a warning?”
“Hahaha! Don’t say things you don’t know. This is just right. The case will remain a mystery, but everyone will think that we might be behind it. Not certain, but just a little suspicious. This should be a great warning. People are always thinking about ‘what if’.”
“All right.”
“And this matter has been approved at the family council meeting, so let’s not discuss it any more.”
“Yes, my lord.”
* * *
December 20, 1965.
The White House in the United States.
“honey.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Do you really have to go all the way to Alabama?”
“Hahaha! Jackie, why are you like that all of a sudden?”
“No, I had a really weird dream last night.”
“What was your dream like?”
“I had a dream that you were bleeding and leaving me and the kids. It was so vivid that I couldn’t calm down for a long time after waking up.”
“Come here, Jackie.”
Joseph held his wife Jackie tightly in his arms.
“Jackie, you know how important this is. If the Shoyo situation continues in the South, our great United States will be divided. I am the President of the United States, and I have a grave responsibility to prevent that from happening.”
“but…….”
“I’ve already made an appointment with Dr. King. I suggested it. I have to go. I’m going to go and beat up that damn Governor George Willis. I’m going to make sure he doesn’t run for office again next year.”
“Honey, I’m anxious.”
“Hahaha! Jackie, it’s me. I survived the war in the skies of Europe. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
“honey.”
“And dreams? They say dreams are the opposite, right? You probably have those dreams because something good is about to happen.”
Jacqueline Kennedy could no longer dissuade her husband.
December 21, 1965.
With Christmas just a few days away, Joseph Kennedy boarded Air Force One and headed to Alabama with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and his brother and Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy.
“Brother, what’s wrong with your expression? Your sister-in-law doesn’t look too happy either.”
“Bobby, you little punk! It’s all your fault!”
“Whoa, whoa! Why are you suddenly like this?”
“I don’t feel so good.”
“What? Going with Pastor King this time? Hey, you know that, right? If things get divided like this, things will get worse. You agreed, right?”
“I’m not talking about Pastor King.”
“then?”
“Jackie had a dream, and it was a bit ominous. That’s why she strongly discouraged me from going to Alabama this time. I tried hard to persuade her, but after hearing that, I also felt uneasy and it was a strange feeling.”
“Hey, dreams are dreams. And what could happen to my brother, the President of the United States? This time, they even sent in airborne troops, and he’s guarded by security guards like an iron wall?”
“I think so too, but I feel a bit… … .”
“Hahaha! Forget that idea. Anyway, shaking hands with Rev. King in front of the Alabama State House this time will be historic.”
“Bobby, why do you support Dr. King so much?”
“He is a person who deserves respect.”
Of the Kennedy brothers, only Robert was an ardent supporter of King.
Among the brothers, Robert was the only one who had compassion for black people.
So that’s why he thought of this.
“Oh, right. Anyway, I don’t know. I’ll do as you say for the sake of the national interest, but don’t do it too much. If you do, you could lose all the votes in the South.”
“The world is changing, bro. It’s just that people like George Willis don’t know it. You just have to wait and see, the America of the 70s when John and I were active was a different world.”
“Okay, kid.”
“Ah, bro.”
“why?”
“If you’re really anxious, why don’t you try using the gift that Mr. Kangcheori gave you last time?”
“That’s a bit uncomfortable… … .”
“Hey, the discomfort will only last for a moment, right?”
“I get it.”
11:50 am.
Montgomery, the capital of Alabama.
Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in downtown.
A large crowd had gathered in front of a small, ordinary neighborhood church.
And then one person came forward.
It was none other than Reverend Martin King Jr.
“Gentlemen! President Kennedy has come to this barbaric city! And now I will march to the State House to meet him! No matter who may try to stop me. Come with me! In peace!”
“Wow, wow, wow!”
Tens of thousands of people cheered.
And although the white police officers glared at them with displeasure, they did not stop the march.
No, I couldn’t stop it.
Because the famous 101st Airborne Division was deployed and took control of the city under the direction of the US President.
12:25 p.m.
In front of the Alabama State Capitol, President Joseph Kennedy had already arrived and was waiting for Dr. King.
The surrounding area was under strict security, not only by security guards but also by troops from the 101st Construction Brigade.
Soon it was 12:30 in the afternoon.
President Joseph F. Kennedy greeted Dr. King with a bright smile and shook his hand.
It was truly a scene that will forever be remembered in the history of American racial discrimination.
But then it happened.
bang!
A single shot rang out and President Kennedy fell to the ground.