I suspect it’s because their operations are so heavily based in these countries and that they fear a popular uprising. Perhaps they had to keep the public fooled that they are free as long as possible for the wars they’ve been planning. The wars are after all said to be “for freedom”. Right?
Napoleon said that the only true conquests, those which leave no trace of regret, are taken from ignorance.
This is an art game. Let’s play it well, my friends.