55 Days at Peking Page #7

It's unanimous.

Nine votes

in favour of evacuation.

Great Britain

has decided to stay.

Alone if necessary.

That s not possible.

We d look ridiculous

if we left

the British alone in Peking.

Perhaps Britain

has its reasons

for being the only

foreign power in Peking.

Our friend is right.

They may have

secret reports.

Ive made it

completely clear.

Admiral Sydney

is on his way

with several thousand men.

Hell be here

in 9 or 10 days.

Meanwhile, I refuse

to worry about

the Boxers giving

a victory to Prince Tuan.

Then the Germans stay too.

Sir Arthur,

we Spaniards

fulfill our obligations.

There s no word for

flight in our dictionary.

We feel obliged to protect

the civilians who depend on us.

I recognize

that obligation, Guzmn,

and I believe

that if we stand united

the Chinese

won't dare to attack

the representatives

of 11 great Powers.

If we stand firm,

there'll be peace in China

and in the whole world.

Spain is with you.

If the other Powers stay,

so will Austria.

Congratulations, Sir Arthur.

The British win

another bloodless victory.

I take it Youve

unanimously decided to stay?

I shall report that

the first vote was9 to 1

and that in a friendly spirit

it was then decided

to make

the decision unanimous.

Well, then I suggest

we call in the military.

This way, gentlemen.

Colonel Shiba

will give the report.

As to the military aspects,

we have agreed that

with fewer than 400 men,

to defend

a 2-mile perimeter,

the position is untenable.

We recommend

immediate evacuation.

For political reasons the

Ministers say we must remain.

So you must defend

the area until Admiral Sydney s

forces arrive.

Sir, what if the relief

column doesnt make it?

It s over 70 miles

through hostile territory.

Well consider

that situation when it arises.

We have 5 defense sectors.

The wall defended

by the Germans and Americans,

the west end,

the British Legation,

the Fu, held by

the Americans and Japanese,

and the east end, held

by the Italians and French.

- Boxers?

- Yes.

- Where the hell are they?

- All around us.

Their purpose is

to make us nervous.

Once the shooting starts Youll

see them outside that wall.

Who's nervous?

No!

You cant have them!

But Sarah, we agreed.

We need the books

for barricades.

Not the Set of

the Napoleonic Wars.

Mother sent them

for your birthday.

I must confess

that French history bores me.

English history? Bah!

- Go away. The shop is closed.

- It s Baroness Ivanoff.

I thought all Peking's

doors were closed to me,

that I d lost face

in the Chinese streets.

Our Empress has

those same fears, Baroness.

The Boxers.

It is hoped

her wisdom will prevail.

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