Opening game, American Tycoon

Chapter 1458 Open the door, temporary inspection (second change, Dragon Boat Festival Ankang)
On the vast ocean, a white cruise ship is sailing at full speed, its clipper-shaped bow gently cuts the waves, stirring up waves of snow-white waves.The water foam flew like pearls and splashed on both sides of the ship, and then slid into the sea, drawing a white wave at the stern.

What ships can sail freely on the seas in times of war?
The flag of the Spanish merchant ship fluttering in the wind on the mast shows its identity.

Even in the midst of war, the commercial rights of neutral countries are still protected by international law.Although there will inevitably be conflicts between the neutral country's right to trade and the belligerent country's right to restrict.But this is not a problem.

As early as [-], under the initiative of France, various countries held a meeting in Paris to try to formulate a set of relevant regulations on the trade rights of neutral countries during the war.

Why did France propose this initiative? This is a conspiracy—only when the neutral country’s right to trade and freedom of navigation is ensured, can it be guaranteed that during the attack on France and Russia and Turkey, Ming’s merchant ships can continuously deliver supplies to them— —Of course, this is under the premise of British intervention.

However, Britain, which has the largest number of merchant ships, is also very interested in wartime trade rights. After all, they suffered a lot during the Civil War.Because of this, in the meeting, the trade rights of neutral countries still prevailed over the blockade rights of belligerent countries.All present were in favor of business as usual in neutral countries, and even the objections of a few admirals were overruled by their own civil servants.

Of course, this kind of free trade right also has certain restrictions. Goods are divided into three categories: absolutely prohibited goods, which include items for military use only; conditional prohibited goods, that is, items that can be used for both military and civilian purposes; and non-prohibited items, including food.Only the first category of goods can be confiscated by belligerents after the belligerent has declared a blockade; the second category of goods must prove that the destination is a hostile country before they can be confiscated; the third category of goods cannot be confiscated at all.

Although the representatives of various countries signed the declaration, another British interest, the "Sea Power" faction, claimed that the maritime superiority that guaranteed the survival of the United Kingdom had been betrayed.They waged a campaign against it in the press and in Parliament.It was a French conspiracy to claim that this declaration would render the British fleet useless.Although the London Declaration was passed by the House of Commons, it was never approved by the House of Lords.

But in May [-], 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 into Britain.

"The French shot themselves in the foot."

Of course, this stone fell on the feet of the big guys. After all, when British ships and American ships flew supplies to England under the flag of neutral merchant ships, imperial merchant ships could fly supplies to France and North America .

It is hard to say who the "London Declaration" is beneficial to and who is harmful, 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.

But no one would have imagined that this cruise ship was not only equipped with cannons, but even inside it was a different scene-a group of British Royal Navy officers were discussing something on the bridge.

"What's the speed now?"

"Verse 22, sir."

The navigator reported loudly to the captain.

"Verse 22..."

When the captain lowered his head to study the chart, the first officer at the side drew a route with a pencil on the chart, then picked up the slide rule beside him and began to quickly calculate.

"It seems we've caught up, gentlemen."

Before the first officer could figure out the result, the captain turned around and announced loudly to the officers on the bridge, a smug smile rose on his lips.

"Well, gentlemen, I hope that in the coming battle, all of us will do our duty and do our part, for the glory of the Royal Navy, and for the glory of the British Empire!"

"Yes, sir!"

The officers and soldiers on the bridge all puffed up their chests and saluted the captain. After returning the salute, the captain ordered.

"Okay, hoist the Royal Navy flag!"

After a British Royal Navy flag was hoisted, the cruise ship continued to move in the predetermined direction, and soon, the watchman shouted loudly.

"Ship found ahead!"

"Where is it!"

The captain picked up the binoculars.

The watchman replied loudly:
"Azimuth 17 degrees, she is coming towards us."

The captain picked up the binoculars and looked forward. After observing for a while, he said.

"It seems to be her, don't you think?"

Putting down the binoculars, the captain turned to look at the first officer.

"According to the time, it should be her, sir."

"Keep heading, slow down to [-] knots, and we will approach. Contact the "Valkyrie" and act according to the original plan. We will arrive at the contact point to meet them within the scheduled time."

"Yes, sir."

As the distance between the two sides narrowed, the outline of the ship in the distance began to gradually become clear.

"It's her, it's her!"

The first officer shouted excitedly.

"sure?"

"It must be her! Exactly the same as in the catalog, the cargo ship "Apollo" of the Mexican Empire has a displacement of 1889 tons and a maximum speed of [-] knots. Its registered company is the Mensa Shipping Company of Mexico, and its registration time is [-]..."

"Very well, gentlemen, success and failure are at one stroke, and the whole ship is ordered to be ready for battle."

"Yes, Captain."

The distance between the two sides gradually approached, until the Mexican sailors on the cargo ship "Apollo" noticed that the cruise ship was actually a warship flying the flag of the Royal Navy.

That's right, this is the British Royal Navy's auxiliary cruiser "HMS Revenge", a cruise ship with a displacement of 7800 tons. It was requisitioned by the Royal Navy after the outbreak of the war for maritime escort. mission.

"Send signal!"

The captain gave the order coldly.

"This is the British Royal Navy's auxiliary cruiser "Revenge". Please inform us of your identity, departure and destination, and the cargo you are carrying."

When the "Revenge" sent an inquiry to the "Apollo" cargo ship with a light signal, it had already forced the past. At this time, the distance between the two sides was only a few hundred meters, and the outline of the sailors on the other deck could already be distinguished.Of course, you can also see the "Revenge" pointing directly at the "Apollo" with its black 6-inch cannon.

Facing the muzzle, the Mexican captain on the "Apollo" would dare to resist. Although he didn't know that the British blew the wind and ran to the South Atlantic for "surveillance inspection", he still answered truthfully.

"The "Apollo" of the Mexican Empire departs from Nanhua Port, and its destination is the Port of Tampico, Mexico. The ship is loaded with 560 tons of machinery and auto parts, 420 tons of rubber, and [-] tons of textiles..."

As a merchant ship of a neutral country, if you want to ensure safety on the sea, you must answer honestly.

"Mexico "Apollo", please stop the ship immediately for inspection."

The British Royal Navy auxiliary cruiser "Revenge" issued an order to stop the ship for inspection.

　The old group is dead, and a new book friend group: 739209015 is welcome to join, discuss the plot together, and deduce the plot.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)