A New India
Chapter 202 - 202: London Conference - II

Eden's voice hardened. "Because destabilizing the canal destabilizes the world. This is not a local issue; this is global. We must find a solution that ensures the canal's security beyond the whims of one leader."

Hassan suddenly laughed at the face of Eden and spoke. "You say Nasser's Egypt could one day hold the canal hostage. But for over a century, Britain and France held Egypt hostage, economically, politically, and even culturally. And now that Egypt has a chance to lift itself up, you suddenly care about 'global access.'"

Gromyko smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, but it wasn't 'global' when Britain controlled it. Now it's global because Britain no longer holds the reins. That's a very convenient definition of international cooperation."

Rohan chimed in. "Perhaps it's time the world sees a different structure of power. One where countries can control their resources without fear of reprisal from former colonial powers or superpowers. Nasser's nationalization is his right. He's trying to build something something that doesn't need Western intervention."

David Ben-Gurion, interjected. "And while Egypt builds this 'something,' what about the rest of us? Nasser's rhetoric isn't just about Egyptian independence; it's about leading the Arab world. The talk of zones isn't just theory. For us, this is a direct threat."

Countering him, Hassan spoke up.

"Mr. Ben-Gurion, your concerns are heard, but they are not an excuse to prevent Egypt's self-determination. Israel's security does not come at the expense of Egypt's sovereignty. You see Nasser as a threat because he speaks for Arabs, because he reminds the world that the Arab identity has been undermined for too long. But that's not Egypt's burden to carry. Egypt's right to the canal cannot be compromised by the West's fear of unity."

The Iraqi delegate, Nuri al-Said, first nodded at Hassan and then looked at Ben-Gurion with a measured tone. "Israel's presence has its own implications for Arab unity. Nasser's actions resonate with Arabs because he's addressing grievances that many in this room have ignored for decades."

Dulles sighed. "We can debate motives all day, but the reality is simple. If Nasser keeps the canal, what stops every other nation from nationalizing strategic assets, shutting out international access, and disrupting global trade?"

Rohan responded firmly. "What stops them is the understanding that sovereignty isn't a threat. It's a right. Egypt wants control over what is on its land. If we start policing every sovereign action, what does sovereignty even mean?"

The Australian delegate leaned forward, speaking carefully. "Our concern is not just ideology; it's logistics. The canal is a critical trade route. What happens when Egyptian politics change, or if the canal is disrupted for political leverage?"

Hassan shook his head. "And what if those fears are unfounded? Egypt has no interest in halting global trade. We want to be part of that trade, not its obstacle."

The Canadian delegate, Lester Pearson, tried to bring balance. "What if we reach an agreement on Egyptian ownership, but with international guarantees? A way for Egypt to control its canal while ensuring open access for all."

Dulles nodded. "An international body, perhaps. Egypt retains its sovereignty, but the canal's operations are monitored to ensure stability."

Hassan tone hardened. "Egypt isn't a child that needs supervision. We can operate our canal. We're open to negotiation, but not at the expense of our independence. The question of the canal's future is simple. It belongs to Egypt. We have the right to profit from it, to maintain it, and to operate it in a way that benefits both Egypt and the world. But that does not mean we need British or French hands guiding our every decision."

Rohan added, "The West's idea of 'stability' seems to always mean Western control. If that's the case, we're not negotiating. We're dictating."

Gromyko grinned. "It's refreshing to see others recognizing the arrogance in these halls. The world is changing, and it's time certain powers accept that."

Dulles shot him a glare. "Spare us the sanctimony, Gromyko. The Soviet Union isn't exactly a beacon of freedom. But at least we're not turning Egypt into a Soviet puppet."

Rohan's voice cut through the tension. "Maybe the real issue isn't the canal or even Nasser's words. It's the fear that a united, self-sufficient Middle East would no longer need the West. And if that's the case, then we're all here for the wrong reasons."

The room fell silent. For a moment, the representatives were all confronted with the uncomfortable truth in Rohan's words.

Prince Faisal finally spoke, his tone quiet but resolute. "Perhaps we've all become too used to looking at the world through narrow lenses. Nasser's Egypt is a wake-up call. We may disagree with his methods or his ambitions, but he is asking questions we've all been avoiding. What right does any foreign power have to dictate what Egypt can do with its own canal?"

Dulles leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "But Prince Faisal, what you're missing is the broader risk. If this is just about sovereignty, why has Egypt turned to the Soviets? Why is Nasser aligning himself with Moscow? This isn't just about independence. It's about power dynamics, and those dynamics threaten stability."

Hassan eyes narrowed. "Nasser turned to the Soviets because every door in the West was slammed shut in his face. When we ask for sovereignty, you call us reckless. When we seek allies, you call us subversive. And when we defend ourselves, you call us a threat. So what exactly do you expect?"

Rohan leaned in, shaking his head. "This fear of unity among independent nations, let's be honest, it's rooted in the fear that the old order is losing its grip. You've exploited these lands for centuries, and now, when they seek control, you brand them threats. If stability means Western dominance, then it's time to rethink stability."

A murmur rippled through the room. The Indonesian delegate nodded. "Prime Minister Rohan is right. There's hypocrisy here that's hard to ignore. Nasser is flawed, yes, but what he's asking for is not unique. It's what every colonized nation wants, to stand on its own terms."

Prince Faisal looked directly at Eden. "And if Britain hadn't seen the canal as a tool for profit, if it had been treated as Egypt's from the start, perhaps we wouldn't be here. You ask for guarantees, yet it was British and French companies that made the canal a tool of exploitation."

Dulles, sensing the tide turning, attempted to bring the discussion back to security. "So what then, Prime Minister Rohan? You advocate for total control in the hands of one nation, regardless of global impact? What happens if the Soviets build bases there? What then?"

Rohan didn't waver. "America builds bases across the world, calling it defense. Yet when Egypt seeks allies to secure its independence, suddenly that's a threat? The hypocrisy is clear to everyone here. What Egypt wants is not to dominate, but to end domination."

Ben-Gurion, his tone almost pleading, spoke up. "And in that independence, we in Israel see our potential downfall. Nasser's ambition includes us. This isn't an intellectual debate for us, it's survival."

The Syrian delegate spoke, his voice measured. "Israel's concerns are understood, Mr. Ben-Gurion, but they cannot dictate the future of the entire Arab world. The canal represents a new beginning for many of us. We cannot sacrifice our sovereignty out of fear."

Eden's voice rose slightly, frustration evident. "What you call cooperation, we call stability. We're not here to invade Egypt, we're here to ensure that a vital trade route isn't subject to the whims of one leader."

Gromyko smirked again. "Or rather, that it's not subject to the whims of a leader who isn't British or French."

Dulles turned to Gromyko, his tone icy. "And you would have us believe the Soviet Union has no interest in influence over the canal? Your troops are poised to enter Hungary any day now to suppress a popular uprising. Spare us the rhetoric about independence."

The room fell silent at that, a tense stillness settling over the gathered delegates.

Finally, Rohan broke the silence. "So we're back to the same point. This isn't about the canal, gentlemen. It's about control. You call Nasser a dictator, but you demand that he bend to your terms. Egypt may not be perfect, but neither is the West's claim to moral authority."

Prince Faisal nodded in agreement. "For centuries, our nations were told that we weren't ready to govern ourselves. Now, when we try to do so, we're branded as threats or liabilities."

Rohan looked around the room, his voice steady. "If we come to this conference to rewrite what sovereignty means, then the conference is a failure before it even begins. Egypt is here to assert its independence. So let's discuss that reality instead of avoiding it."