Chapter 651 Supply Rights

Charles has strong control over both the army and the air force.

Military rank, prestige, command, plus the production and supply of the main equipment of the army and air force.

For example, the army's tanks will have special tank guns and dual-stable fire control systems in the future.

For example, the fighters, bombers, and engine technology of the air force.

These are all directly controlled by the Bernard Group, that is, Charles.

Only equipment with low technological content and strong substitutability, such as rifles, mines, machine guns, mortars, etc., are handed over to the "Saint-Etienne" and "FN" arsenals.

The navy is different.

Charles has neither rank nor command in the naval field. In the final analysis, his only connection with the navy is the shipyard in Wels.

Prestige may be there, after all, Charles is in his heyday in France at this time, and even the navy rarely has not heard of Charles.

But prestige is very empty, it is actually nothing in front of a powerful figure like Lieutenant General Geprat.

One day, if Charles and Vice Admiral Geplat have a conflict of interest, or if his political enemies persuade or bribe Vice Admiral Geplat, all of Charles's arrangements in the navy may be overturned in an instant.

This is not a trivial matter. It is related to Charles' control over materials and even the right to speak. If he is not careful, he will lose everything. Charles will certainly not give up the opportunity in front of him.

"Lieutenant General." Lieutenant Admiral Geplat asked with expectation in his eyes: "How much money do you plan to provide for the navy?"

"It is not certain yet." Charles thought for a while and replied: "No one knows how far the war will develop, and no one knows how much the navy needs. However, I plan to invest 15 million US dollars in the first batch to build 10 new destroyers with a displacement of about 2,000 tons."

15 million US dollars is about Charles' monthly income.

(Note: This price refers to the four 1,000-ton British Beast destroyers that Greece purchased from Britain in 1916 at 148,000 pounds per ship, equivalent to 713,000 US dollars)

Lieutenant General Geprat was overjoyed: "One... 15 million? US dollars? You, are you sure?"

Lieutenant General Geprat couldn't believe that Charles would invest such a huge sum of money in the first batch.

France only has three destroyers under construction, and another battleship is basically stagnant after half of its construction.

This is still a state of national strength.

And Charles can actually build 10 destroyers in one go, and they are new destroyers.

"Of course, Lieutenant General." Charles said affirmatively: "There will be more funds invested in the future, and there are also scarce materials. I hope to build the French Navy into the strongest navy in the region."

Lieutenant General Geprat nodded heavily.

He could understand what Charles meant. The world's first navy was just across the English Channel. What Charles said about "building the strongest in the region" actually means "the strongest in the world."

God, is the spring of the French Navy really coming? Lieutenant General Geprat only felt dizzy.

But Lieutenant General Geprat quickly calmed down.

He knew that although Charles was a general who had made countless contributions to France, he was also a capitalist.

Any capitalist would consider his own interests. They would not spend money for nothing, especially such a large amount of money.

Charles would certainly not be an exception.

"Thank you very much, Lieutenant General." Lieutenant General Geprat calmed down and shook Charles' hand with some official gestures: "On behalf of all French citizens and all naval officers and soldiers, I thank you for your generosity. We will not forget your contribution."

"That's what I should do, General." Charles replied: "This is also our common goal, don't you think?"

"Of course." Lieutenant General Geprat nodded, and then asked in a tactful way: "But do you have any requirements? I mean, we can't let you invest such a large sum of money for nothing without any benefits."

Charles pretended to think for a while and replied:

"That's right , General, after all, the Bernard Group is not mine alone. "

"Although I am willing to donate this money to the Navy, I have to consider the interests of others."

"Or, this money is considered to purchase the Navy's supply rights, what do you think?"

Lieutenant General Geprat was stunned: "Supply rights?"

"Yes." Charles explained:

"In short, it is responsible for naval officers and soldiers and supplies, including daily necessities, ammunition, fuel, weapons, etc.."

"I plan to expand my shipping business recently, and my shipping company will continuously transport supplies from the United States."

"I just hope to make a little difference to make up for the losses."

This is half true and half false.

Expanding the shipping business is true.

Charles controls the safety of the route, and it is obviously a huge profit to set up a merchant ship to transport supplies.

Besides, the transportation rights are in his own hands, otherwise it is still possible to be strangled by others.

"Hope to make a difference to make up for the losses" is false.

No mistakes in one song, one post, one content, one content, one book, one bar, one 6, one 9!

Charles' real purpose is to control the navy's supply and expand his influence in the navy.

If the navy doesn't obey one day, Charles can just cut off the supply.

Especially the irreplaceable materials such as weapons and ammunition, including the possible future aircraft carriers.

Vice Admiral Geprat certainly understands this.

He hesitated for a while and weighed the pros and cons in his heart.

Agree.

The only loss for Gaiprat is that he has a superior, and he may have to listen to Charles in the future.

This can't even be called a "loss".

Because of the support of Charles, a wealthy capitalist, the Brest faction does not even need to worry about the suppression of the Minister of the Navy and the funding of the Parliament.

In addition, there is greater room for development, and there may be many victories.

Among them, victory will make Lieutenant General Gaiprat even write a heavy stroke in history books, if he defeats the British Royal Navy and becomes the world's first navy.

Disagree.

The French Navy will continue to be in trouble soon, and Charles may completely abandon the Brest Fleet.

At that time, there will be no victory and glory, and it may even be disbanded by the navy and incorporated into the Toulon Fleet.

Thinking of this, Lieutenant General Gaiprat no longer hesitated, he nodded: "No problem, Lieutenant General. I believe you will be a good partner, you won't sell the supplies too expensive, right?"

This is another worry of Lieutenant General Gaiprat. If Charles gets the right to supply, it will not work. It will affect the morale of naval officers and soldiers.

Charles laughed:

"Don't worry, General. I will use the food standards and prices of the British Royal Navy as a reference."

"I promise that the supplies I provide will only be cheaper than theirs, not more expensive."

"Otherwise, I am willing to compensate you ten times the price!"

The British Royal Navy's supply price is already two to three times the market price, and there is still huge profit margin.