Chapter 1458: Open the door, check (Second update, Happy Dragon Boat Festival)
On the vast ocean, a white cruise ship was sailing at full speed, its clipper-shaped bow gently cutting through the waves, stirring up waves of snow-white spray. The water foam danced like pearls and splashed on both sides of the ship, then slid into the sea, leaving a white wave trail at the stern.
What ship can sail freely on the sea in time of war?
The Spanish merchant ship flag fluttering in the wind on the mast shows its identity.
Even in war, the trade rights of neutral countries are still protected by international law. Although conflicts between the trade rights of neutral countries and the restrictive rights of belligerent countries are inevitable, this is not a problem.
As early as 1975, at the initiative of France, various countries held a meeting in Paris to try to formulate a set of regulations on the trade rights of neutral countries during the war.
Why did France put forward this initiative? It was a complete conspiracy. Only by ensuring the right of trade and free navigation of neutral countries could it be guaranteed that during the attack on France, Russia and Turkey, Ming's merchant ships could continuously transport supplies to them. Of course, this was assuming British intervention.
However, as the country with the largest number of merchant ships, Britain was also very interested in the right to trade during the war. After all, they suffered losses during the Civil War. For this reason, the trade rights of neutral countries prevailed over the blockade rights of belligerent countries at the conference. All participants supported the neutral countries to conduct business as usual, and even the objections of a few naval commanders were rejected by their own civil servants.
Of course, this right to free trade also has certain restrictions. Goods are divided into three categories: absolute embargoes, which include items for military use only; conditional embargoes, which are items for both military and civilian use; and non-embargoed goods, including food. Only the first category of goods can be confiscated by the belligerent country after the belligerent country declares a blockade; the second category of goods can only be confiscated if it is proven that the destination is a hostile country; the third category of goods cannot be confiscated at all.
Although after the representatives of various countries signed the declaration, another interest group in Britain, the "sea power" group, claimed that the maritime advantage that guaranteed Britain's survival had been betrayed. They launched a campaign against it in the press and in Parliament. They claimed that this declaration would make the British fleet useless; it was a French conspiracy. Although the London Declaration was passed by the House of Commons, it was not approved by the House of Lords.
But in May 1995, the House of Lords in London passed the London Declaration at a miraculous speed. Why?
"We need flags from neutral countries."
A neutral flag and a merchant shipping company registered in a neutral country were enough to get supplies through the blockade and into Britain.
“The French have shot themselves in the foot.”
Of course, this stone hit the big guys in the foot. After all, while British and American ships were transporting supplies to Britain under the flags of neutral merchant ships, the empire's merchant ships could fly the flags and transport supplies to France and North America.
It is hard to say who the London Declaration benefits or harms, but what is certain is that the flag of a neutral country is a talisman on the sea.
Just like this ocean liner, it can sail freely during wartime.
However, no one would have thought that this cruise ship was not only equipped with cannons, but also had a completely different scene inside - inside the bridge, a group of British Royal Navy officers were discussing something.
"What's the current speed?"
"Twenty-two, sir."
The navigator reported loudly to the captain.
"Section 22..."
While the captain was studying the nautical chart, the first mate beside him drew a route on the chart with a pencil, then picked up the slide rule beside him and began to calculate quickly.
"It looks like we've caught up, gentlemen."
Without waiting for the first mate to calculate the result, the captain turned around and announced loudly to the officers in the bridge, a smug smile on his lips.
"Well, gentlemen, I hope that in the coming battle, all of us will perform our duties conscientiously and fulfill our responsibilities for the glory of the Royal Navy and the glory of the British Empire!"
"Yes, sir!"
The officers and soldiers in the bridge straightened their chests and saluted the captain. After returning the salute, the captain gave the order.
"Okay, raise the Royal Navy flag!"
After a British Royal Navy flag was raised, the mail ship continued to move in the designated direction, and soon a lookout shouted loudly.
"Ship spotted ahead!"
"Where is it!"
The captain picked up the telescope.
The lookout answered loudly:
"Bearing 17 degrees, she's coming towards us."
The captain picked up the telescope and looked forward. After observing for a while, he said.
"It looks like she is the one, what do you think?"
Putting down the telescope, the captain turned and looked at the first mate.
"From the time point of view, it should be her, sir."
"Maintain course, slow down to 20 knots, and we'll approach. Contact the Valkyrie and act according to the original plan. We will arrive at the contact point and rendezvous with them within the scheduled time."
"Yes, sir."
As the distance between the two sides shortened, the outline of the ship in the distance gradually became clear.
"It's her, that's her!"
The first mate shouted excitedly.
"Are you sure?"
"It must be her! It's exactly the same as in the atlas, the Mexican Empire's "Apollo" cargo ship, with a displacement of 8,500 tons and a maximum speed of 12 knots. Its registered company is the Mexican Mensa Shipping Company, and it was registered in 1889..."
"Very good, gentlemen. Success or failure depends on this one move. Order all ships to prepare for battle."
"Yes, Captain."
The distance between the two sides gradually narrowed, and when they got closer, the Mexican sailors on the "Apollo" cargo ship noticed that the cruise ship was actually a warship flying the Royal Navy flag.
That's right, this ship is the British Royal Navy auxiliary cruiser "Revenge", a cruise ship with a displacement of 7,800 tons. After the outbreak of the war, it was requisitioned by the Royal Navy for maritime escort. This time, it came here to carry out a special mission.
"Send a signal!"
The captain gave the order coldly.
"This is the British Royal Navy auxiliary cruiser "Revenge". Please inform us of your identity, departure and destination, and the cargo you are carrying."
When the Revenge sent a light signal to the Apollo, it had already forced its way past the ship, and by this time the two sides were only a few hundred meters apart, and the outlines of the sailors on the other side's deck could already be discerned. Of course, the Revenge could also be seen pointing its black 6-inch cannon directly at the Apollo.
Facing the muzzle of a gun, the Mexican captain of the "Apollo" would not dare to resist. Although he didn't know why the British had come to the South Atlantic for a "surprise inspection", he still answered truthfully.
"The Mexican Empire's Apollo departed from Nanhua Port and is headed for Mexico's Tampico Port. The ship is loaded with 2,400 tons of machinery and auto parts, 560 tons of rubber, and 1,425 tons of textiles..."
As a merchant ship of a neutral country, if you want to ensure safety on the sea, you must answer honestly.
"Mexican Empire Apollo, please stop immediately for inspection."
The British Royal Navy auxiliary cruiser "Revenge" issued an order to stop the ship for inspection.
The old group is down, so I created a new book club group: 739209015. Everyone is welcome to join and discuss and deduce the plot together.
(End of this chapter)
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