Chapter 1370: Chapter 471: Chaos Erupts
Calles heard Dwight Morrow’s inquiry and snatched the phone from Rudolf Kotta’s hand, shouting loudly: "Now the AK47s produced by Donnie Block’s Ares Arsenal are in the hands of the rebels, isn’t this evidence enough?"
Dwight Morrow was indifferent to Calles’ attitude and calmly said: "Mr. President, I hope you understand that although the AK47 is a product of Ares Arsenal, it doesn’t mean Ares Arsenal is responsible for the weapon’s destination. Maybe some arms dealer sold the weapons to Aguirre and Escovar."
As far as I know, Mr. Donnie Block is a good law-abiding citizen of the United States, practically a paragon of American gentleman.
Your accusations against Mr. Donnie Block are very serious, serious enough to affect the friendship between our two countries.
Can you take responsibility for what you’re saying?"
"I..." Calles was momentarily speechless. If he could, he’d even want to shoot Dwight Morrow with an AK47, but he knew that was impossible.
He couldn’t withstand the wrath of the United States.
"I will explain this matter personally to President Coolidge over the phone! If your country cannot give us a reasonable explanation, I will immediately expel all American citizens in Mexico and confiscate all American businesses in Mexico."
Calles shouted.
"Of course, that’s your right, but I want to remind you, Mr. President, that your country is very likely to fall into war, are you sure you want to be at odds with the United States before internal strife has been settled?"
Dwight Morrow completely ignored Calles’ threat.
In the current situation, what Calles needs most is U.S. support; only this can better resolve their domestic troubles. If Calles dares to mess with American businesses in Mexico at this time, then Calles’ regime will undoubtedly fail!
"I!"
Calles was once again stifled by Dwight Morrow.
At this time, Dwight Morrow spoke out: "Mr. President, the truth of this matter can be easily resolved in my view. You and Mr. Donnie Block are good friends. If you suspect Mr. Donnie Block, you can call him directly and ask him!
Calles understood Dwight Morrow’s words. The other party wanted him to compromise with Donnie.
But at this time, Calles wished he could shoot Donnie tied to a stake; how could he compromise with Donnie? More importantly, Donnie has already delivered weapons to Aguirre and Escovar.
Eventually, Calles hung up the phone.
"Cardenas, immediately deploy troops near Veracruz State and have them ready!"
Calles ordered Cardenas.
After agreeing to Calles’ orders, Cardenas said, "Mr. President, should we first call Aguirre and Escovar, and hear what they have to say!"
Calles pondered for a moment; if the potential insurgency could be resolved peacefully, that would be good.
Seeing Calles remain silent, Cardenas got up, went to the phone, and dialed Aguirre’s office.
The phone connected, and Aguirre’s voice came from the other side.
Cardenas said, "Aguirre, it’s Cardenas!"
"Ah, it’s the Minister himself, this late, may I ask what commands you have?"
Aguirre laughed heartily on the phone.
Cardenas said, "Aguirre, Mr. President wants your input on some matters of national defense; he hopes you can come to Mexico City to provide some suggestions. You can drive over directly tomorrow!"
Before any concrete actions from Aguirre and Escovar, Cardenas did not want to provoke Aguirre.
As long as Aguirre is willing to come to Mexico City, then everything could be solved!
"Go to Mexico City?" Aguirre pondered for a moment on the phone, then suddenly laughed: "There’s certainly no problem. I haven’t seen the revered Mr. President for quite a while; meeting him would be my honor!"
"Great, see you tomorrow then!"
Cardenas hung up the phone, with a smile on his face.
"Mr. President, maybe we were all wrong; Aguirre and the others aren’t planning an insurgency!" Cardenas guessed that since Aguirre is willing to come to Mexico City, there shouldn’t be a likelihood of rebellion.
At this moment, Calles was also puzzled, wondering if they had indeed been wrong?
"This is impossible!"
Calles then dismissed the idea and said, "If Aguirre and the others really don’t want a rebellion, then they shouldn’t have accepted Donnie Block’s donations and couldn’t have mobilized troops without notifying the War Department."
Saying this, Calles’ face suddenly changed, shouting loudly: "No, Aguirre and the others must act tonight!"
There weren’t other possibilities that Calles could think of!
Others in the conference room changed their expressions upon hearing Calles’ deduction.
If things are indeed as Calles predicted, then this matter is troublesome!
"Now we should have no illusions about this situation. All decisions should consider the worst possibilities!"
Under Calles’ orders, everyone immediately began discussing what they should do if Aguirre and Escovar indeed rebelled.
When the time reached three in the morning, their discussion was nearing its end. The most important thing now is to first send troops into Veracruz State to ensure the troop numbers there, this way they can pressure Aguirre, Escovar, and others, and simultaneously notify other corps commanders, soothe and then gather them!
Just as Cardenas was preparing to carry out Calles’ orders, the telephone in the conference room rang again.
Everyone looked at each other, unsure who was calling at this time.
Eventually, Cardenas answered the phone, "This is Cardenas, who is it?"
Aguirre’s voice came from the other side.
"Minister, after consideration, I definitely plan to go to Mexico City, but it won’t be now. It’ll be after some time, when I lead my troops into Mexico City, then it’ll be the best time to meet beloved President Calles!"
Cardenas’ face changed drastically, shouting loudly, "Aguirre, do you know what you’re saying?"
"Of course!" Aguirre laughed on the other side of the phone: "Since you and Mr. President have already guessed, I have nothing to hide. Due to Mr. President’s previous brutal mistreatment of church personnel, I have decided to officially rise up today with General Escovar!"
"Crazy, you’re simply crazy!" Although Cardenas was certain of this matter before, hearing Aguirre say this made him feel that the other person was indeed insane!
Cardenas chuckled lightly and said, "A winner will not be a madman!"
He then hung up the phone!
Listening to the busy tone on the phone, Cardenas looked at Calles, bewildered. Although he was the Minister of the Mexican War Department, in reality, the entire Mexican military was under Calles’ control, he now didn’t know how to face the current situation.
Calles took the phone from Cardenas, this time dialing the Veracruz State Governor’s office.
He needed Veracruz State to take action first to form the first line of defense against Aguirre and others!
The call went through, but the person who answered was the last one Calles wanted to hear.
"Mr. President, I forgot to inform Minister Cardenas just now. We’ve already captured the Governor’s office in Veracruz State. Now Veracruz State is completely under our control!"