Chapter 339: Arrival of the British Diplomatic Delegation
On February 3, 1913, the "Australasia Military Service Act" was officially promulgated. The act stipulated that all male citizens aged 18 to 30, except for those in important fields such as students, medical workers, researchers, and educators, must participate in semi-annual militarized training.
The training would theoretically be held twice a year, in July and October, each lasting for half a month. During this period, training would include everything from basic drill to marksmanship. While these participants would not become fully trained soldiers in a short time, they would at least be much better than civilians with no military training.
For Australasia, Arthur had no intention of mobilizing millions of troops on a grand scale. Such a massive force would not only harm the nation's development potential but also place a burden on the government's finances. However, it was crucial for the country to have a sufficient reserve force, as it served as a safeguard for national security.
In an era when European countries maintained standing armies of hundreds of thousands and reserves of millions, how could Australasia afford to have too few soldiers and still ensure the security of its homeland? Even if the homeland were secure, all the colonies and territories outside the homeland, as well as Australasia's international influence and position, would require substantial military strength to maintain.
Although Arthur estimated that Australasia had reached the status of a major power in terms of industry, economy, and military, its standing was similar to that of a lower-tier power like Italy. It was more of a "gatekeeper" of major powers, and while it looked like a major power, it could not compare with the top-tier powers like Britain, France, and Germany.
The promulgation of the Military Service Act did not face much opposition in Australasia. This was understandable since anyone participating in militarized training would receive compensation equivalent to the average annual income at the time. Furthermore, they wouldn't need to worry about losing their jobs for attending the training. If any company did dismiss an employee for this reason, the government and the royal family would ensure justice for the workers.
The timing of the training also showed that the government had already anticipated this. From January to June, it was the busy farming season, especially for planting wheat and other crops. July to October was the growth phase for wheat, and it was a slower period for farmers and shepherds, allowing them enough free time for military training. From November to December, during wheat harvest, it was again a busy farming period.
As such, the Ministry of Defense had scheduled the annual training sessions for the months of July and October, which aligned well with the farming calendar. During these periods, it was the sheep shearing season, which perfectly avoided the busy farming and herding periods.
As for the financial burden of the militarized training, Minister Raul calculated that it would amount to approximately six million Australian dollars. There were around one million male citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 in Australasia. After excluding students and those in key roles, about 800,000 would participate in the training each year.
With two sessions per year, this meant providing salaries for 800,000 people for a month. Each participant would receive about 4.2 Australian dollars, totaling about 3.31 million Australian dollars. Although 800,000 people would participate in the training, the government would not be providing weapons for all of them. In fact, the training could be staggered, and only about 100,000 to 200,000 rifles would be needed for the participants to use during the training.
Minister Raul estimated that the total cost would be around six million Australian dollars, which was affordable for the Ministry of Defense.
Of course, Arthur, representing the royal family, would cover all the salaries for those participating in the training. With this arrangement, the royal family would bear approximately 3.3 million Australian dollars, while the government would cover around 3 million Australian dollars.
In addition to this, Arthur had also put forward a plan to expand the number of colonial divisions. He requested that by 1915, Australasia should have at least 15 colonial divisions, each with some combat capability.
With only two years remaining before 1915, the expansion of these divisions was urgent, leaving Minister Raul with little time to develop the expansion plan.
Fortunately, even though each colonial division would have around 20,000 soldiers, the majority of the soldiers and lower-ranking officers would be composed of indigenous people. This meant that with enough indigenous people available, it was entirely possible to expand 15 colonial divisions in a short time to meet Arthur's goal.
The 300,000 indigenous people required for the 15 divisions were not a problem for Australasia, as the country had millions of indigenous people, many of whom were potential soldiers.
On February 17, 1913, the Ministry of Defense's announcement regarding the expansion of the military was officially released.
Unfortunately, this announcement was destined to disappoint many, as it was primarily focused on expanding the number of colonial divisions.
According to the Ministry of Defense's plan, Australasia would expand six colonial divisions this year and five next year. With the existing four divisions, the total number of colonial divisions would rise to 15, with nearly 300,000 indigenous soldiers.
The good news was that, in addition to the original four colonial divisions, Australasia also had two colonial garrison regiments that could take on defense duties for several colonies after the divisions were reassigned.
In the Ministry of Defense's plan, officers at the battalion level and above would be Australian nationals, while officers below the battalion level would consist of a mix of Australians and trained indigenous officers.
This would reduce the number of Australian officers required, as the upper and middle-class officers were relatively few. According to the current training progress of the two military academies, it would not be difficult to equip the 15 colonial divisions with Australian officers within two years.
As for the indigenous officers, the Melbourne Military Academy was more than capable of providing the necessary training. After all, the colonial divisions were essentially cannon fodder that Arthur was preparing for the future European war. Their combat abilities were not crucial; as long as they could use weapons and follow orders, they would suffice.
Of course, to ensure these indigenous soldiers obeyed, some necessary measures would be taken, such as controlling their families and tribes, and distinguishing their treatment from that of ordinary indigenous people to create a natural division.
As long as their families and tribes were controlled by Australasia, and with the addition of some military police, Arthur believed these indigenous soldiers would behave as expected.
The consecutive announcements of the Military Service Act and the military expansion plan made February a busy month for the Ministry of Defense, the busiest cabinet department in Australasia.
Unlike previous military expansions, this time the focus was on indigenous soldiers, so the Ministry had to go to their communities or gathering places to select indigenous men with families—at least those who had family members and relatives, ensuring loyalty to Australasia.
Arthur did not trust indigenous people without families, as only by controlling their "soft spots" could their absolute loyalty be guaranteed.
While the Ministry of Defense was busy selecting indigenous soldiers, the Australasia government received an extremely important visitor: the British diplomatic delegation.
On February 21, 1913, the British fleet, flying the Union Jack, arrived at Sydney Harbor, greeted by a crowd and welcoming parties.
Prime Minister Kent smiled as he stepped forward, shaking hands warmly with the British Foreign Secretary, Grey.
"Minister Grey, welcome to Australasia!"
"Prime Minister Kent, it's been a long time," Grey replied with a smile.
In fact, most of Arthur's key officials were former subordinates of the late Duke of Arthur, the British nationals who had followed Arthur to Australasia.
Prime Minister Kent had known Grey since their time in Britain, and they were friends.
"Prime Minister Kent, when can I meet His Majesty Arthur?" After getting acquainted with the two teams, Grey eagerly asked Kent.
The pressure from Germany on Britain and France was already significant, forcing the proud British to seek additional allies.
"Minister Grey, according to His Majesty's schedule, if you wish, the King will meet you tomorrow," Prime Minister Kent replied with a smile.
"Of course, Prime Minister Kent. Let's set it for tomorrow. It's been a long time since I saw His Majesty Arthur after our last meeting in Britain," Grey nodded repeatedly, agreeing with Kent's arrangement.
In fact, Grey's attitude toward Australasia was much better than his attitude toward other smaller European countries. Even Italy, another major power, did not receive such a cordial reception from him.
This was entirely reasonable, given that Arthur was the monarch of Australasia, and a ruler from the British royal family. To disrespect Arthur would be akin to disrespecting the British royal family and the late Queen Victoria. Even the former British King Edward VII, despite not having a good relationship with Arthur, had to pretend to maintain a good uncle-nephew relationship.
With Arthur holding such a prominent position in the hearts of the British people, failing to show respect for him would be like jeopardizing one's political career.
Given Australasia's importance and Arthur's close ties with the British royal family, Grey had no choice but to show respect in Australasia.
Prime Minister Kent had arranged for the British diplomatic team to stay at the finest hotel in Sydney. Grey's room was so luxurious that staying one night there would cost over a hundred Australian dollars.
That's more than enough for an average Australian worker to earn in two years, even without any expenses.
Of course, Grey's stay at the Victoria Royal Hotel was not for just anyone. This hotel was the finest in Sydney and Australasia, with complete facilities. It was reserved only for high-profile figures, such as close members of the royal family or the top politicians from foreign nations.
The Victoria Royal Hotel, owned by the royal family, had more than ten hotels built in Australasia and Europe, serving as luxury accommodations for the most important guests.
Guests staying there could also enjoy private wine from Arthur's Duke of Arthur winery, which had made a name for itself in Europe's wine market over the past decade.
The royal wine, exclusive to the royal family, was a rare and valuable commodity, costing hundreds or even thousands of Australian dollars per bottle. It was a top choice for wealthy businessmen during banquets.
While the wine was available for purchase, its rarity and prestige made it a luxury that many were willing to pay a premium to enjoy.
(End of Chapter)
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