Chương 293: Chapter 293: Johnson Takes Office as the New President
After the banquet and dance at Buckingham Palace, the evening transitioned into a cocktail party. With the band gone, guests mingled more freely, creating a relaxed atmosphere ideal for conversation.
British Prime Minister Clement Attlee was deep in discussion with the head of the aid mission and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Dean Acheson. Attlee hoped to secure increased cash assistance for the UK. The Marshall Plan, a U.S. initiative for European recovery, had allocated around $920 million in aid to Britain that year. However, most of this aid was in the form of materials like cotton, grain, and industrial products, rather than cash. Only $120 million was offered as cash loans—barely a drop in the bucket for a nation recovering from war.
Attlee and Acheson were negotiating desperately. Acheson explained that increasing cash assistance was impossible due to congressional constraints. However, he suggested that the study group, a major American consortium, could offer loans that might be more beneficial than additional aid.
Despite extensive efforts, the British government's attempts to secure loans from major banks like Citigroup, Rockefeller, and Hardy's Wells Fargo had failed. Capitalists, preferring to acquire assets rather than lend money, saw the post-war economic climate as an opportunity to invest rather than extend credit. Hardy himself had declined a request for a $100 million loan, preferring instead to invest his funds in more profitable ventures.
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Princess Margaret, having changed into a new outfit, reappeared at the reception. It was common for nobles to change attire multiple times during such events. Scanning the crowd, she noted Hardy engaged in conversation and tried to find an opportunity for revenge. However, the chance never presented itself, and her anger simmered in frustration.
As Margaret made her way back to her bedroom, she encountered Peter Townsend, a royal guard. Townsend, mature and handsome, had become the subject of Margaret's romantic fantasies. Although her feelings for him were unspoken, she admired him from a distance, imagining him as her ideal partner.
In her bedroom, Margaret struggled with her thoughts. The recent humiliation from Hardy weighed heavily on her mind. She reflected on the earlier incident, feeling a mix of anger and shame as she recalled Hardy's unorthodox behavior. Lying in bed, she was plagued by dreams where Hardy's actions from the ball continued, escalating into a surreal confrontation. Startled awake, she resolved to seek revenge against Hardy, her frustration unabated.
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The following day, Hardy and David Rockefeller returned to the United States. On January 20, 1949, Lyndon B. Johnson was inaugurated as the 33rd President of the United States. The Capitol was filled with hundreds of thousands of spectators. Johnson, excited for his first official inauguration, had previously assumed the presidency after President Roosevelt's death.
During the ceremony, Johnson took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural speech, addressing the challenges faced by the nation and reaffirming his commitment to the World Economic Renaissance Plan. The speech was broadcasted nationwide, with ABC TV station providing the primary coverage.
The camera lingered on notable figures in the crowd, including Hardy, who was seated prominently. This brief focus on Hardy attracted significant attention, highlighting his influential role and suggesting that his position had considerable weight in American politics. Commentators noted his visibility at the event, speculating on the impact this would have on his business interests and public image.
The inauguration concluded with celebrations, including fireworks and a grand reception at the White House. Hardy, dressed in a sharp western suit, mingled with the elite, further solidifying his status as a key figure in American high society.
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