Chapter 768 America’s Little Abacus

Chapter 769 America’s Little Calculation

In fact, Joseph never expected the United States to actually abide by the alliance treaty and declare war on Britain.

Not to mention the degree of economic dependence of the United States on Britain, the United States itself would have to explode within three months of the war. With the United States's little combat power, if it really wanted to act as an ally of France, it would probably have to divide its own troops to rescue him.

Therefore, as long as the United States, an important source of raw materials and a relatively small sales market, can be stabilized, it is completely acceptable to France.

Jefferson excitedly bowed to Baron Fourcade and said:

“I would like to thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his broad mind and understanding of the difficult situation in the United States.

"Please rest assured that our country will strictly abide by the principle of neutrality..."

Fourcade immediately smiled and said:

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince always hopes that the United States will always be prosperous and strong, so you must not relax when it comes to trade income."

"Trade income?" Jefferson was stunned, "What do you mean?"

"Sucrose." Fourcade said, "You should know how high the price of sugar is now. His Highness hopes that all sugar products resold from the United States will keep a close eye on the market price and not miss out on the profits that should be made."

Jefferson immediately understood that this was asking the United States not to use low-priced sugar to help Britain survive the sugar shortage. The so-called market price of sugar, isn’t that the price of the Paris Agricultural Products Futures Exchange?

He forced out a stiff smile:

"You see, our country's small amount of sucrose production is not enough to affect the British market."

Fourcade did not follow him around and waved his hand:

"The sugar your country buys from the Caribbean does that."

Joseph knew very well that when French merchant ships could not reach the Caribbean, American smuggling ships were the only market for all plantations in the Caribbean.

If you really force them not to sell to the Americans, then they will probably have to sell directly to the British.

Jefferson grinned awkwardly and said bravely:

"But... the trade demands between our country and the UK severely restrict the price of sugar..."

Fourcade knew that the United States wanted to use low-priced cane sugar in exchange for more goods entering the British market.

He shouted: "With all due respect, the United States needs to be tougher!"

Jefferson looked bitter. That clearly means "I can't do it".

With such a small size, the United States cannot dare to be tough with Britain. What's more, Britain previously gave its Caribbean colonies to the United States in exchange for low-priced sugar. The United States does not dare to breach the contract.

Seeing this, Fourcade leaned towards him and whispered: "Hold the plate and be reluctant to sell it."

"ah?"

Before Jefferson could react, U.S. Treasury Secretary Hamilton's eyes lit up:

"You are truly a master of your trade."

The simple truth is that Britain has no idea how much sugar the United States has smuggled in from the Caribbean.

Once the price of sugar is low, the United States will tie up its pockets and tell Britain that the sugar is sold out, and the price of sugar will naturally rise.

And there is no need to reduce sales too much.

A 20% shortage of goods on the market can lead to a 40% increase in prices!

Just make the British think that North American cane sugar is slightly cheaper than French sugar.

This not only satisfies the requirements of the French, but also does not delay making money, so why not do it?

As for the secret agreement with the British?

Just kidding, the US and UK are enemies.

Look at the painting of the little girl massacred by the British on the Northwest Square. Every American citizen with a conscience will agree with the government’s decision!

What Hamilton didn't know was that his decision at this time would directly push the price of sugar in London from 4 times higher than last year to 6 times higher.

Jefferson had a brief exchange with the Secretary of the Treasury and expressed to the French envoy that he agreed in principle to limit the price of sugar products sold to Britain.

Well, it’s the lowest price.

Baron Fourcade continued:

"In addition to the price of sugar, His Royal Highness the Dauphin also requires the United States to commit to selling cotton, wood, oils and other products in accordance with France's needs, and the price must not be higher than sold to Britain."

Jefferson looked puzzled:

"Our country very much wants to maintain exports to France, but you know, the British fleet has blockaded the coast."

Fourcade smiled and said: "American merchant ships only need to unload their cargo in Genoa."

Genoa is a neutral port in southwest Italy. It is very close to Toulon, France and can be reached by land in a few days.

Hamilton frowned:

"Mr. Envoy, if I remember correctly, Sardinia has chosen to side with Austria."

France and Genoa are separated by the Sardinian province of Nizza.

Fourcade nodded: "You don't have to worry about this. We will pay in Genoa and then find a way to transport it back to France."

In fact, he was also a little curious about how His Royal Highness the Crown Prince managed to transport large quantities of goods unnoticed from under Sardinia's nose.

Of course he didn't know that Joseph had no intention of smuggling, but had faith in Napoleon.

Soon Sardinia will be a French-occupied territory, so the convoy can just walk away?

As for the future, when the French navy takes control of the Mediterranean Sea, American merchant ships will be able to dock directly in Marseille.

By then, if the British navy dares to completely block the Strait of Gibraltar and prevent any merchant ships from entering the Mediterranean, Joseph is somewhat looking forward to it.

Because that would be equivalent to cutting off trade with a large number of countries such as the United States, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as countries along the Mediterranean Sea. I wonder if the United Kingdom can appease them all.

The Americans have no objection to unloading cargo in Genoa. As long as they pay, it's nothing more than walking a few hundred more nautical miles.

A week later, Baron Fourcade and Jefferson secretly signed a package of agreements on diplomacy and trade on behalf of both countries.

In the Port of Philadelphia, Fourcade waved goodbye to the Americans on the shore, and the "Cloud and Mist" raised its sails and sailed slowly toward the sea.

The assistant standing next to him sighed and said:

"Ultimately, Americans are escaping their allies' obligations. At a time when we need our allies the most."

Fourcade smiled, turned around and walked towards the cabin:

"I think that since His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has authorized us to do this, there must be his arrangements."

He didn't expect that his words really came true. At this time, in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, another NGO, the United States Veterans Home, was busy.

This is a public welfare organization dedicated to helping veterans who participated in the American Revolutionary War but did not receive resettlement funds to maintain their lives. Funding is mainly provided by the "American News" newspaper and a mysterious rich man.

"...In the end, in order to save us, Mr. Brunet turned around and blocked the British cavalry." A 40-year-old American veteran said, wiping away tears from his eyes, "I never saw him again. I hope. He can enjoy eternal peace in heaven.”

The more than 30 veteran representatives around him also looked sad.

In the past few hours, they had been recalling the past when American and French soldiers joined forces to fight against the British.

The veteran who was speaking clenched his fists:

"We should try to repay our French friends!"

A staff member from the Veterans Home continued:

"France also needs everyone's help."