Tuesday, April 19th.
Last night, he entertained the top leaders of the major newspaper industry unions until very late. William Hearst III still got up before seven o'clock in the morning.
I really haven't had any sleepiness recently.
When he came to the study, William III suppressed some instinct from the bottom of his heart and resisted opening an IBM computer on the desk. On the main page of the Igret portal, the news that Simon Westeros would personally stop the Rwandan genocide was still there. The most prominent position of the headline.
Not long ago, the Westeros system was complaining about the Hearst family's instigation of the Spanish-American War, but now they have begun to personally participate in the war.
How hypocritical.
However, just as some moral balancing rods were raised, William Hester III suddenly became depressed again.
Last Friday, William Hearst III shut down three newspapers under the Hearst Group that were facing lawsuits with a strong determination, and then began to encourage group employees, industry unions and the federal government to fight against the Westeros system Lawsuits bombard Hearst Corporation.
However, the incident was almost completely overshadowed by the Woodfield Estate bombing that occurred on the same day last week.
Through the family's deep-rooted political channels, William III vaguely heard that this matter might be related to Simon Westeros. Unfortunately, he was unable to obtain any conclusive information or evidence and could only treat it as hearsay.
They shut down three newspapers with a total value of more than 70 million US dollars, promised a lot of benefits to the industrial unions, and used some of the family's most fundamental political connections. They originally wanted to hype things up again this week, but the result was that, right there Yesterday, that hateful upstart suddenly made shocking news about the Rwandan genocide, and then pretended to be a saint and planned to maintain world peace in Africa.
This is... He doesn't take the Hearst family's affairs to heart at all.
200 billion versus 2.5 billion.
Even if he is unwilling to do so, the current William Hearst III has to admit that the strength gap between the Hearst family and Simon Westeros is indeed very large. It is so big that a series of duels related to the life and death of the Hearst family. , had little impact on the expansion of the Westeros system.
If only...
If reconciliation can happen…
What William III feels most deep in his heart now is regret.
However, Simon Westeros is completely determined to never give up. Several reconciliation requests directly or indirectly conveyed by the Hearst family have been mercilessly rejected by the other party.
Three newspapers were closed last Friday. I originally thought I could gain some initiative. However, it turned out that it was obviously in response. Just yesterday, when the Rwandan genocide was exposed, the Westeros system once again provoked a campaign against the Hearst family. There are three other lawsuits filed against three newspapers. The total amount claimed in the latest three lawsuits is not as high as the first batch, but it still reaches US$120 million.
Only then did William Hester III realize that he seemed to have made a mistake.
It is impossible for the Hearst Group to close the three latest newspapers to be sued, because one of them is called the "San Francisco Chronicle". This heavyweight daily newspaper on the West Coast with a circulation of one million is the first three newspapers in terms of revenue. Ten times the total, the newspaper itself is worth more than $800 million. This newspaper alone is equivalent to one-third of the Hearst Group's total market value.
Now, six lawsuits have been filed with a total claim amount of US$370 million. Not to mention the final outcome, only attorney fees. According to the evaluation of the Hearst Group’s legal department, at least US$30 million is needed every year. This amount may only be equivalent to Half of the Westeros system expenditure is a huge burden for the Hearst Group, and it is impossible to reduce it, otherwise it will completely give up the possibility of winning the lawsuit.
Coupled with the all-round ban on the Hearst Group by the entire Westeros system, it can be said that if all disputes cannot be resolved as soon as possible, the Hearst Group will rapidly decline in the next few years.
William Hearst III was thinking about these things with complicated emotions, and his fingers unconsciously pointed to the topic of the Rwanda Genocide.
Among the latest important news, the first is the public statement by Rwandan Acting President Theodore.
Theodore completely denied the accusations made by the Igret Portal about the occurrence of racist massacres in Rwanda, saying that the Rwandan army was only clearing out the anti-government forces.
The acting president also accused Simon Westero of seriously interfering in Rwanda's internal affairs and a naked aggression. Therefore, he asked Westero to immediately withdraw his troops from Lake Kivu, otherwise he would lead the army Attack on the Westeros refugee camp on Lake Kivu.
At the end of the statement, Theodore also turned his finger on the U.S. government, accusing the U.S. government of being behind the incident. He also said that if the U.S. government insists on having its own way, the people of Rwanda will let the U.S. military taste the bitter consequences of the Black Hawk crash in Somalia last year.
idiot!
This was the first reaction of William Hearst III after reading the statement of the acting president of Rwanda.
In the view of William III, the only way out for the Rwandan government at this stage is to immediately stop the massacre, destroy as much evidence as possible, and then apply for the intervention of the United Nations, which is accustomed to being at odds with each other, instead of confronting a madman tit for tat.
Moreover, that idiot actually dared to threaten the United States.
The main reason why the Black Hawk fell in Somalia last year was that the United States did not dare to take large-scale military action in consideration of the pressure of international public opinion, and did not invest heavy firepower for the sake of civilians. Even so, the US military fought against more than 6,000 Somali militiamen for 12 hours with only a hundred troops, and killed thousands of them, losing only 19 soldiers.
From a purely military perspective, this was not a failure by any means.
Now, a certain lawless bastard has gathered as many as 5,000 mercenaries, equipped with elite weapons no less than those of the US military, and also occupies the absolute moral high ground. How could it be possible that the US military would be like last year because of scruples about various rules and regulations? Let a group of wild African monkeys take advantage
William III, who became inexplicably angry, realized that he was a little out of control. He quickly took a deep breath, closed the statement page of the acting president of Rwanda, and looked at the topic homepage again.
The United Nations also issued a statement at around 9pm Eastern Time last night, once again calling on the Rwandan government forces to immediately stop massacring civilians, and directly asked Simon Westeros to exercise restraint by name.
France, which has deep roots in Africa, also got involved.
A few hours ago, the spokesperson of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement at 9 o'clock local time on Tuesday morning, also calling on the Rwandan government forces to stop the massacre of civilians, but also pointed the finger at Simon Westeros, criticizing this The behavior of a super rich man is close to aggression, requiring the other party not to attack the Rwandan government forces without authorization to avoid further complicating the regional situation.
On the other hand, the US government made a routine statement after the news of the Rwanda genocide came to light yesterday morning, but nothing more happened.
After pondering for a moment, William Hester III felt that this might be an opportunity.
Simon Westeros's unauthorized actions have made too many people feel passive. The United Nations has lost face, and other big countries that claim to be civilized and righteous have also lost face. What's more, that kid avoided his homeland and instead gathered 3,000 soldiers from the former Soviet Union, who were once America's old enemies, was simply a provocation.
The great United States cannot tolerate a lawless bastard doing nothing all day long. In any case, it's time for everyone to unite and severely limit the expansion of the Westeros system.
Having made up his mind, William Hearst III picked up the phone and asked his assistant to help him prepare a plane to fly to Washington after breakfast.
Around early morning, Simon was already in Washington.
Since he is in the United States, and the foundation of the Westeros system is also here, Simon has never thought of completely getting rid of all the rules around him and acting arbitrarily, which will only make him an enemy of everyone.
This report on the Rwandan genocide unexpectedly diverted the attention of the United States from the various vicious events last week, especially the Woodfield Manor bombing that shocked the country. However, Simon had not actually thought of achieving this before. Purpose, because he has already started the layout from a very early stage.
Raymond Johnston had previously warned Simon that getting involved in African affairs was likely to end up stealing the chicken but losing the rice. Simon originally considered watching the Rwandan genocide like many other countries, but in the end he chose not to do so.
Not out of sympathy or anything.
Having lived in two lifetimes, Simon's heart is now so cold-hearted that he can sit back and watch the destruction of the world, let alone the massacre and turmoil in a small African country thousands of miles away.
Just do it if you want to do it.
And if you want to do it, let’s do it quickly and vigorously.
Of course there were trade-offs in advance.
Simon is not going to harm his own interests for this matter, let alone let himself fall into an irreversible quagmire.
For Rwanda, this is a small country with a land area of only more than 20,000 square kilometers, which is only one percent of its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It does not have any natural resources that others can covet. Its only advantage is probably That is, the strategic position is relatively important, especially for the country France, which has very important strategic significance.
France's core interests in Africa are mainly concentrated in West Africa and North Africa. Both in historical history and in the current period, the countries in East Africa are the British sphere of influence. With Rwanda as the boundary, the west side of Africa is mainly French-speaking countries, and the east side is the English-speaking countries. , Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and other countries bordering or adjacent to Rwanda are still members of the Commonwealth until now.
It can be said that by controlling Rwanda, France can covet and overlook Britain's traditional sphere of influence in Africa.
Therefore, by intervening in the genocide in Rwanda, the Westeros system will actually only offend France. Once the Hutu regime in Rwanda is destroyed, France's investment in the past ten years will be destroyed. This traditional European The ambitions of the great powers to continue to expand east of Africa will also be dashed.
In addition, Simon's personal efforts to prevent genocide may make many countries and organizations that claim to be righteous lose face, but he will not actually become hostile to these forces.
As for the current Rwandan government, Simon has never taken it seriously.
Since it has caused a tragedy of genocide that completely violates humane ethics, the current government cannot be tolerated any longer.
What's more, even if a group of African wild monkeys does continue to exist, Simon actually doesn't care.
However, when a large number of mercenaries are suddenly summoned to start a war in Africa, the government authorities must give an explanation. Therefore, Simon flew to Washington yesterday afternoon and was invited to have breakfast with the current Secretary of State Warren Christopher this morning.
Warren Christopher is nearly seventy years old this year. He is thin and energetic.
According to the information prepared in advance, Christopher is a moderate Democrat whose diplomatic attitude is inclined to maintain the international reputation of the United States on a global scale as much as possible, limit the hegemonic thinking of the United States as a "world policeman", and ease potential conflicts between the United States and other countries around the world. contradiction.
The Clinton administration's selection of Warren Christopher as Secretary of State was a buffering result of the need for the United States to change its past confrontational and expansionary posture after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Gulf War.
After the United States encountered setbacks in its operations in Somalia last year, it decisively chose to withdraw from regional disputes, and the influence of Warren Christopher's foreign policy was involved.
Although he is a moderate member of the Democratic Party, it does not mean that Warren Christopher has a weak character. As soon as breakfast started, the American politician asked unceremoniously: "Simon, what do you want?"
Simon seemed not to feel the coercion emanating from this veteran politician who had been in high positions since President Carter's era. He slowly cut the fried eggs on the plate and said, "Warren, do you think that for a person who is so poor that he can't even do it?" What do I gain from a country where there is not enough pants for each person?”
Apart from the so-called strategic position that means nothing to Simon, there is really nothing he can gain from Rwanda.
Of course, Simon is not really running to act as a savior in this operation, but the Westeros system is not pursuing purely material gains. Even though Africa has rich natural resources that are coveted by many countries, it is not very attractive to Simon. If it is just to make money, he has more investment channels that are safer and have rich returns.
Warren Christopher looked at the young man opposite him. There was some envy of an old man towards the young handsome man hidden in his eyes, but his tone did not soften: "Did you know that since yesterday, the White House and Congress have been under pressure from all sides? They Everyone believes that the US government is behind this incident."
Simon shrugged: "I can only say regret about this."
This matter really cannot be explained at all.
Even if Simon completely abandons the United States and hires military forces from South Africa and Eastern Europe, in the eyes of many people, it is just a cover-up.
After all, for the United States, if it can control Rwanda, it is actually equivalent to controlling a strategic location that can move east or west.
After the failure of the Somalia operation last year, the United States actually has no plans to intervene in African affairs in the short term. Many European countries that regard Africa as their own backyard do not think so. They only think that the United States is unwilling to accept the failure of Somalia and plans to pass Simon's Hands are making a comeback in Rwanda.
As long as it occupies Rwanda, a strategic strategic location in the heart of Africa, the United States can covet the traditional interests of Britain, France, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal in Africa at once.
In fact, this is also a potential option Simon gave the federal government through this operation.
For this Rwanda operation, Simon did not intend to obtain direct material rewards. However, if the US government was willing to take over follow-up affairs, he would not mind going along with the situation.
Now it seems clear that the authorities have made a decision.
If the federal government were to re-engage in Africa, it would be Defense Secretary William Perry, not Secretary of State Warren Christopher, who would meet with Simon today.
Warren Christopher did not continue the verbal dispute with Simon and said: "The White House received intelligence last night that your garrison has been in contact with the Rwanda Patriotic Front?"
Simon nodded.
The Rwandan Patriotic Front is an anti-government armed organization controlled by the Tutsi forces that once controlled the power of Rwanda. Behind the scenes is the support of the Ugandan government, and behind the Ugandan government is the United Kingdom, and the United Kingdom and the United States are the most staunch allies.
Starting in 1990, the Rwandan Patriotic Front was unwilling to remain in exile in Uganda and started a civil war with the Hutu government of Rwanda in an attempt to regain control of the country. The two sides just reached a reconciliation under the mediation of the United Nations at the end of last year. Unfortunately, before we could go any further, the assassination of former President Juvenal and the Rwandan genocide occurred.
The reason is that apart from the parties involved, it is difficult for bystanders to completely figure out who is right and who is wrong.
Simon had no intention of clearing up this mess, but getting in touch with the Rwandan Patriotic Front was also an important step in this plan. The cooperation between the two parties was actually equivalent to gaining recognition from the British and American authorities.
By then, the Rwandan Patriotic Front will gain control of the country, and this operation of the Westeros system will also gain legal and moral recognition from the new government, completely eliminating certain potential risks.
As for France, which will completely lose its voice in Rwanda after this war, it is not within Simon's consideration.
Seeing Simon's admission, Warren Christopher continued: "That's good, Simon. The White House means that you only need to protect the refugee camp you established. Someone will arrange the follow-up matters. Also, as soon as possible Send back all those mercenaries you recruited from Eastern Europe, this will embarrass everyone."
Simon shook his head without hesitation this time: "Unfortunately, Warren, I am not a person who likes to give up halfway, nor is I a person who likes to play a supporting role."
Warren Christopher's eyes became sharp: "Listen, Simon, do you know what you are doing? This is aggression. Don't go your own way. Otherwise, both the federal government and the United Nations have the right to impose sanctions on you and even send you to prison. Court martial."
Simon remained unmoved, but looked at Warren Christopher with the same sharp eyes: "Warren, if I am sent to a military court for stepping in to stop a racist massacre that may involve the death of millions of civilians, then, The world will probably be disappointed with your so-called court martial, and I personally will be even more disappointed."
Warren Christopher was at a loss for words.
The U.S. military withdrew from Somalia in disgrace last year mainly because its military operations there could not maintain the moral high ground.
And this time, the various tragic scenes of the Rwandan genocide displayed on the Igret portal have completely aroused strong global indignation against the current Rwandan government. In this case, no matter what the young people opposite do, they will gain public opinion. general support.
This is the gap.
Moreover, whether it is from Simon Westeros first occupying the moral high ground through the media platform, or quietly contacting the potential layout of the Rwanda Patriotic Front, it is proved that this young man is not a hot-headed man who insists on his own way, and the other party obviously has a complete consideration of everything.
Except for gathering mercenaries from Eastern Europe.
Just in the morning on the other side of the Atlantic in Europe, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was in the honeymoon period with the West, couldn't help but sarcastically said when faced with reporters' questions about Simon's hiring of Eastern European soldiers to station in Rwanda. When humanitarian disasters occur in some areas, it is the former Soviet Red Army that is thought to step in to stop the evil deeds, rather than the Western 'forces of justice'. This is indeed an issue worthy of serious consideration by people all over the world.
Leon Kravchuk, Ukraine's first president, who is destined to step down in this year's general election due to the collapse of the domestic economy, rarely stood firm in the face of accusations from some Western media about Ukraine's improper arms sales to personal forces. He replied, saying that Ukraine did not think there was anything wrong with this arms sale, and even responded to the reporter who questioned it on the spot. Does the other party hope that the tragedy of genocide in Africa will continue
Warren Christopher did not really expect that this breakfast conversation would make Simon Westeros comply with the wishes of the authorities. If he were a yes-man who lacked firm personal will, Simon Westeros would not have achieved what he has now. Achievement.
This kid's ability to come to Washington upon being summoned by the authorities has already given the federal government a step forward.
"Okay, Simon, but I, and Mr. President, hope you know when enough is enough," finally warned him helplessly, and Warren Christopher added: "However, this operation should not lack anything. The presence of the United States. The White House has urgently allocated 20 million US dollars in relief supplies and 500 peacekeeping soldiers, and they will fly to Africa this morning."
Simon smiled and nodded without waiting for Warren to continue: "I will let the Westeros refugee camp do a good job of reception, and I will definitely give our soldiers enough live footage."
Warren Christopher was a little embarrassed by the smile of the young man opposite him, but he continued: "However, Simon, our soldiers are only responsible for peacekeeping work within the refugee camp this time and will not participate in any military operations."
Simon didn't want the US military to interfere in his actions, so he nodded again.
In fact, according to the thinking of the White House and Congress, it would be best if we could completely stay out of the matter.
However, the United States cannot stay out of this matter at all.
At the end of the day, it's all about votes.
Just after the news of the Rwanda genocide came to light yesterday, large numbers of African Americans in many cities in the United States immediately took to the streets and demanded that the federal government take immediate measures to stop the tragedy of the genocide in Rwanda.
Today, it was still breakfast time. According to the news that Warren Christopher got after getting up, tens of thousands of people had gathered near the White House and the Capitol. Among them were not just black people, but also peaceful people of all races in the United States. The federal government is also required to intervene as soon as possible.
Today's news headlines in mainstream media around the world are almost exclusively about the racist genocide in Rwanda. If governments of various countries continue to sit on the sidelines as they did a few days ago, they will inevitably encounter one-sided criticism from the media.
Therefore, if the U.S. authorities really dare to turn a blind eye to the Rwandan genocide, the Democratic Party will definitely lose a lot of points among its African-American base in this year's midterm elections, and it will even affect many other voters in the country.
It can be said that many people in the White House and Congress stayed up all night last night because of what this young man was doing.
The preliminary compromise plan is that the United States will provide material assistance but will not intervene militarily.
This will not only provide an explanation to the public, but also avoid the passive situation of losing troops and generals like last year in Somalia.
In addition, in terms of media, it must also be supported by the Igret portal controlled by Simon in front of him.
Although mainstream media from all over the world have sent reporters to Rwanda, the Yigrett Portal, which had been deployed in advance, still dominated the news and public opinion on this incident to a large extent, especially the online live broadcast of the Yigrit Portal. With tens of millions of viewers around the world, the influence of this live broadcast has even surpassed that of many mainstream TV media.
The US military is about to go to Africa and does not plan to take military action, but the image of US soldiers in front of the camera must still be there, and it must be positive enough.
To achieve this, the cooperation of the Ygrit portal is crucial.
When Simon nodded again, Warren Christopher added: "Last point, Simon, you have to know your position, so it's best not to let those Ukrainian mercenaries get too much attention."