The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 616 - 471: Money and Conscience

"So, were those people really from the National Defense Army just now?" Jon’s dad took a long time to recover and only when Little Jon reminded him to return to the room did he ask in disbelief.

"There should be no problem, Jon. We went to the grand parade before, and I even saw one of them in the parade lineup." Although Jon’s mother also seemed a bit stunned, she quickly regained composure and explained to Jon’s dad.

After all, there is no benefit in impersonating soldiers, let alone these soldiers who appear to be distributing supplies to the quarantined people. No one would do this without the support of the government.

"My God, this is incredible. Little Jon, remember, never leave this room. The soldiers fighting on the front lines are transporting supplies for us. How can we not obey the government’s command?" Jon’s dad finally regained his composure and issued the strictest requirement to Little Jon and his wife.

Like Jon’s family, similar scenes occurred at many isolation points. Not only in Sydney but this time nearly all the four regular divisions were mobilized, and even the two guard divisions were helping with the transport of supplies.

In every isolation point in all states and cities, the soldiers’ figures could be seen almost everywhere.

At first, people were surprised at the soldiers’ appearance and were even more surprised that the soldiers were transporting supplies for free without asking for anything in return.

But soon, people gradually began to adapt. After all, before the shortage of supplies, the soldiers had sent another round of supplies, which made the relationship between the quarantined people and the soldiers more familiar.

Unlike the stern and distant military image people had in mind, the Australasia Army was very friendly in tone when talking to the people while transporting supplies, and they tried their best to consider the people’s needs.

For those with mobility difficulties or those lacking labor force at home, the soldiers would deliver the supplies to their homes for free and even help with some minor tasks within their capacity.

This both surprised and delighted the Australasians. With a mix of complex emotions, it eventually turned into cries of "Long live Your Majesty!" and "Long live Australasia!"

In the early stages of the influenza, Arthur fulfilled his promise made in various occasions that the military would protect the interests of the royal family and the people, as well as his promise during the coronation ceremony to always value the lives and property safety of the people.

If a more accurate support rating agency existed at this time, it would find that public support for Arthur surged during this period.

Of course, this does not mean that the people did not support Arthur before. If a specific description is needed, the people’s love for Arthur before was passionate, while now it borders on fanaticism.

With the involvement of the military in the transportation of supplies, the shortage of transport personnel in various places was finally addressed.

However, due to Australasia’s wartime state and quarantine system, a large number of immigrants and tourists were forcibly quarantined at the ports, leading to a series of diplomatic disputes and problems.

On June 7, 1918, Foreign Secretary Daize, with a worried face, asked to see Arthur and started complaining as soon as they met, "Your Majesty, we have quarantined more than 100,000 immigrants and tourists at our major ports. Some people are already dissatisfied with our quarantine system, and many European countries are even making inquiries."

These 100,000 immigrants and tourists came from various regions worldwide, including Russians, the British, Frenchmen, Italian descendants, and American People, among others.

Most of them were immigrants, but a considerable number were also foreign tourists. After all, Australasia has a beautiful natural environment and many islands suitable for living and tourism.

Australasia occupied almost all land in Oceania (excluding U.S. territories such as Hawaii) and has many islands and archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, which are also excellent tourist attractions.

Seeing the post-war economic recovery of various countries and the explosive growth of tourism in Australasia in a year, the quarantine system issued by Arthur might significantly reduce the number of tourists, immigrants, and even trigger protests and conflicts from other countries.

"Communicate with all foreign tourists, let them choose to stay in Australasia or return to their country. If they want to leave, the government will provide them with the fare. As for all tourists who choose to stay in Australasia, tell them to please wait quietly for a month. This is for their own good." Arthur did not hesitate and immediately proposed a solution.

People do not yet know the severity of the flu and naturally do not appreciate the quarantine system set up by Australasia.

Arthur did not indulge them either; those who were unwilling to accept the quarantine system could leave, which would save some expenses for Arthur to produce more masks for distribution to the Australasians.

With Arthur’s order, more than 70% of tourists chose to leave, but nearly 30% of tourists continued to stay in Australasia.

After all, observing Australasia’s large-scale national quarantine, some people started to believe the flu information released by Australasia.

Australasia’s policy of free medical treatment for both immigrant and domestic citizens made these people envious, and if there were a flu outbreak, immediately joining Australasia seemed like a good fallback.