A New India
Chapter 204 - 204: London Conference - IV

Hassan responded. "Global stability, or British stability, Prime Minister? Because from where we stand, stability always seems to mean the West keeping control, no matter what it costs the rest of us."

The tension boiled over. Delegates from Iran, Turkey, and Syria joined in, speaking passionately about the need for Arab nations to control their own destinies.

Gromyko leaned forward, his voice calm but pointed. "Perhaps this meeting is a sign that the world is ready for a new order. One where we don't have to argue for the basic right to control our own resources."

Dulles glared at Gromyko. "Don't kid yourself, Gromyko. We know exactly what kind of 'new order' you want. One where countries 'control' their resources under Soviet influence. That's not independence; it's just a new type of dependency."

The Iraqi delegate, Nuri al-Said, raised his voice above the noise. "Enough! We need an answer here. Are we to respect Egypt's sovereignty, or are we here to simply preserve the West's monopoly on power?"

The murmurs quieted momentarily.

Rohan spoke once more, his voice unwavering. "The Users' Association is a solution that respects all interests. But if that's too much compromise for some in this room, then maybe it's not Egypt's motives we need to question, but our own."

Ben-Gurion stood, his voice barely containing his anger. "And when Egypt's ambitions extend beyond this canal, when the rhetoric becomes action, will you still stand behind this so-called neutrality? Or will you see that Israel was right to be concerned?"

Hassan shot back, "The canal is not a battleground, Mr. Ben-Gurion. It's a gateway for all nations. But if you keep branding Egypt as the enemy, you'll create the conflict you claim to fear. Egypt has no intention of closing the canal or turning it into a weapon. We want cooperation, not accusations."

The Syrian delegate added, "Israel's security concerns cannot dictate Arab sovereignty. We are here to address access, not play to the fears of those who wish to divide the Arab world."

Ben-Gurion slammed his fist on the table. "And we're supposed to believe that? When Nasser himself has rallied the Arab world against us? This isn't just paranoia; it's the reality Israel faces every day. And you all talk of sovereignty as if that somehow erases real threats!"

Prince Faisal's voice was calm but firm. "Nations have the right to defend their sovereignty and resources without the West or Israel, using it as an excuse for intervention. Nasser speaks to the aspirations of Arabs, and if that troubles others, perhaps it's because those aspirations have been ignored for too long."

The American, British, and French delegates exchanged frustrated glances, each struggling to regain control over a room that had clearly slipped out of their grasp.

Eden's voice rose above the clamor, attempting to reassert authority. "It's clear that some in this room misunderstand the gravity of what's at stake here. If this Users' Association is nothing but a charade, a Trojan horse for Nasser's ambitions, then it's doomed from the start."

The Canadian delegate, Pearson, tried once more to calm the gathering. "If we keep casting suspicion on every compromise, we'll leave this room without any solution. The association idea could work, but it will require everyone both Western and Arab states to approach it in good faith."

Gromyko's voice was as cold as ever. "Good faith, Mr. Pearson? I doubt that's something the West is willing to bring to the table. We have watched you 'negotiate' for years, and each time, you end with one result: preserving Western influence at any cost."

Dulles, barely containing his irritation, turned to Gromyko. "Spare us the lecture, Andrei. Your nation's record in Eastern Europe speaks volumes about Soviet 'good faith.' We're not interested in another theater for your so-called 'liberation' efforts."

Hassan countered "This isn't about liberation from one power to fall under another. Egypt is not here to trade one overlord for another. We are here to claim what is rightfully ours. The canal will remain open, yes, but under our control not as some puppet for Western or Soviet interests."

The Indonesian delegate spoke again, appealing to reason. "If we cannot come to an agreement today, then we risk turning a diplomatic issue into an open conflict. Let us find a way forward that respects Egypt's sovereignty while addressing legitimate concerns. Surely, none of us want a return to colonial control under a different guise."

Prince Faisal added, "If we don't find a way to recognize each nation's sovereignty, we risk undoing the progress of recent years. Arab nations, and indeed all former colonies, are watching closely. This conference will set a precedent. Are we truly prepared to repeat history's mistakes?"

The room fell silent for a moment.

Finally, Eden shook his head. "It appears we are at an impasse. Britain cannot endorse a solution that leaves the canal vulnerable to political leverage from Cairo. We will not be held hostage by any regime, Nasser's or otherwise."

Rohan's eyes narrowed, his tone steady but cutting. "And Britain should be careful, Prime Minister Eden, not to assume it can dictate terms to the world indefinitely. Egypt is no one's colony anymore."

Eden, visibly frustrated, rose from his chair. "Then perhaps it's best we end these discussions. Britain will not surrender its security to the whims of a single leader with ambitions that go far beyond Egypt's borders."

Dulles, glancing at his fellow Western allies, nodded. "If we cannot establish an enforceable solution, then the United States will not support this Users' Association. We will not risk the canal becoming a pawn in geopolitical games."

The room erupted again, voices clashing as delegates rose from their seats, some throwing up their hands in exasperation, others shouting over one another in anger.

The arguments grew louder, accusations flying, alliances fracturing.

The chaos was increasing.

Gromyko smirked, watching the Western leaders with a look of amusement. "Well, it seems the West's dream of 'stability' has finally met reality. Perhaps the old ways are coming to an end."

Prince Faisal turned to the American and British delegations, his tone resigned but determined. "If you cannot recognize that the world is changing, then perhaps it is best this conference ends here. We will no longer be dictated to by those who refuse to understand us."

As delegates began gathering their papers and filing out, Rohan exchanged a final look with Hassan, a silent acknowledgment of their alliance.

The conference had ended without resolution, but the message was clear: the era of unquestioned Western control was over, and a new world was emerging.