After finalizing the financial details, Hardy had one more thing to do. He sent a telegram to the White House, informing President Johnson of his plan to acquire British citizenship.
President Johnson was his ally, and Hardy’s decision to join a foreign nationality was a significant matter. It was necessary to inform Johnson to avoid any negative political impact, as it would be irresponsible to cause problems for an ally.
In the telegram, Hardy explained that his reason for acquiring British citizenship was to secure ownership and autonomy over the Cayman Islands, which would help him expand his business in the future.
Upon receiving the news, President Johnson’s first reaction was that if Hardy could indeed obtain autonomy over the Cayman Islands, it would be a great benefit for the United States.
South Arica is considered Arica’s backyard, and the Cayman Islands are a strategic outpost in the center of the Caribbean. Although there hadn’t been any issues before, in case competition with Britain intensified in the future, having a British military base there would be highly problematic for the United States.
The Cayman Islands are not small, and they could easily accommodate a military base.
If Britain were to establish a military base there, it would be like standing behind you with a spear, ready to stab you in the back at any mont.
Now that Hardy had gained autonomy over the Cayman Islands, it eliminated a potential threat for the United States, which was undoubtedly a good thing for the country.
Johnson responded with a letter, expressing his support for Hardy’s actions.
As for the idea that Hardy might switch his loyalty to Britain after acquiring British citizenship, Johnson hadn’t even considered it.
As a capitalist, making money was Hardy’s top priority, and such individuals are loyal only to wealth. Johnson assured Hardy in his response that he could proceed with his plans without any concerns.
With this, There were no further obstacles, and Hardy prepared to finalize the deal.
At the Treasury Departnt,
Both parties completed the land purchase agreent. Hardy purchased the ownership of three islands in the Cayman Islands for $10 million.
At the sa ti,
Wells Fargo signed a loan agreent with the Bank of Scotland, lending $50 million to the Bank of Scotland with a five year term at standard interest rates.
Next, Hardy Group’s Financial Investnt Division purchased $60 million in five year British governnt bonds.
With Hardy completing his paynts, the British side quickly acted, granting Hardy British citizenship. In the civil departnt, Hardy stood before the British flag and took his oath:
"I, Jon Hardy, solemnly swear in the na of God: upon becoming a British citizen, I will faithfully serve His Majesty King George VI, his heirs, and successors according to the law.
"I will be loyal to the United Kingdom, respect its rights and freedoms, support its democratic values, and will faithfully adhere to its laws, fulfilling the duties and obligations of a British citizen."
Now, there was only one final ceremony remaining, which was for the British Royal Family to bestow a title of nobility on Hardy and grant him land.
According to tradition, there were only two ceremonies each year for granting titles. During these ceremonies, multiple individuals were usually knighted, mainly British officials such as the Pri Minister, the Lord Chancellor, or individuals who had made outstanding contributions to Britain sotis even including businessn, actors, architects, police officers, and lawyers.
Bill Gates had once been knighted in this way.
Hardy initially expected to wait a few months to be knighted along with others, but to his surprise, the British Royal Family inford him that they would soon arrange a special, private knighthood ceremony just for him.
This was certainly a testant to the
Power of money.
Additionally,
With Britain’s status declining in recent years, many had begun to feel that the once world dominating nation was in decline. Britain needed sothing to boost morale and to show the world that it still had deep rooted strength, with even billionaires like Hardy choosing to join Britain.
In Arica, Hardy was an absolute celebrity. His fa surpassed that of many heads of large financial groups.
This was largely due to the influence of ABC Television.
His legendary rise to wealth made Hardy a symbol of the Arican Dream.
A wealthy individual as renowned as Hardy announcing his British citizenship and receiving a knighthood was seen as a great opportunity to enhance Britain’s image by both the governnt and the royal family.
The knighthood ceremony was held at Buckingham Palace.
Many British nobles attended, as well as the Pri Minister and several Cabinet mbers. Also present were the U.S. Ambassador to the UK, the Japanese Ambassador, and others.
This knighthood ceremony was open to the public, with over a hundred journalists in attendance, including reporters from The New York Tis, The Washington Post, and Global Tis.
In front of all those present, Hardy knelt on one knee upon a soft cushion as the ailing King George VI lightly tapped Hardy’s shoulders with a sword.
He then awarded him the dal.
From that mont on, Hardy had officially received his title.
Hardy Will Beco "Baron Hardy of the British Empire"
At the sa ti,
King George VI announced on the spot that the Cayman Islands would be granted to Baron Hardy as his fiefdom. Many present were surprised, as it had been over a decade since the British Royal Family had granted land along with a noble title.
Of course,Those who knew the truth understood that Hardy had spent $120 million to acquire a few worthless small islands.
Moreover, they were overseas territories, and essentially held little to no value.
For the royal family and governnt, exchanging a few worthless islands for $120 million was undoubtedly a profitable deal.
Others stepped forward to congratulate him.
Pri Minister Attlee smiled and said, "Mr. Hardy, the governnt will soon issue you the official docunts of governorship. Congratulations, Governor Hardy."
Reviews
All reviews (0)