Chapter 144: The power of money

"Dear ambassador, I want to know why the amount of franc loans this year has dropped? And the interest rate has risen by 0.5%. This is not in line with the agreement we agreed last year." Russian Finance Minister Witte met with the French ambassador to Russia Jean Count Sanchez later raised his own question.

　　 "Do you really know the reason? Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer, the master of the ruble, Mr. Witte?" Count Sanchez smiled slightly on his face and poured a glass of wine for Witte to the other side.

"This is a matter for the navy, and it has little to do with us. What's more, the two sides are only in normal trade relations. The Germans buy our food and we buy their warships. This is a way to balance the trade between the two sides. This matter should not be blamed, and we still order shipbuilding equipment from your country." Witte thought for a while and said.

"This matter does have little to do with your Excellency, but the French government believes that it is very intolerable for your country to use our loan to buy weapons from French enemies. If you use the Mark, then we will say nothing. I won't say it, but the Frang's words make our government very unhappy." Count Sanchez said unceremoniously.

"If this is the case, you are interfering in Russia's internal affairs! His Majesty the Tsar will not accept this threat! And your actions will inevitably lead to counterattacks and revenge from the Empire! As you said, we can get this loan from Germany. Come to buy German warships. If things really get to this point, then I think the things behind this are definitely not something you can afford. I will give you a chance to take back what you just said." Witte shot back without hesitation, Russia is Who? The current road roller in Europe! France and Germany are still at a disadvantage in the confrontation, and rely on Russia. How can Russia succumb to the threat of France?

"Germany is also our friend. For the sake of Russia's strength, they have provided a lot of valuable materials and technology. So if you and the French government behind you are trying to change this situation with a little money, then you'd better give up This is an unrealistic idea." As if feeling that the momentum just now was not enough, Witte emphasized again.

　　 "If what the French government wants is not to offend the German government, but a certain force in Germany, can your government accept it?" Sanchez quickly caught a loophole in Witte's language and said.

　　 "You mean Bavaria?" Witte quickly thought of who the other party was referring to a certain force in Germany. Speaking of the arms business between Russia and Germany, it is better to say that it is an arms business between Russia and Bavaria. The two Russian-class armored cruisers constitute more than 70% of the arms trade between the two sides, and the rest is Russia's purchase from Bavaria. Armor, rapid-fire gun and semi-automatic rifle.

　　 "Yes, of course, we are not asking that all transactions between your country and the Kingdom of Bavaria be terminated, as long as the two armored cruisers give up." Sanchez said.

　　 "That's impossible! The Empire has already paid 400,000 pounds for the two armored cruisers. If the contract is broken, then all the funds will be lost!" Witte flatly rejected.

"It's okay, we will pay this money! The interest of the additional 300 million francs loan is only half of what we previously agreed! And your navy's order is handed over to us, and we sell it at a fair price! I guarantee the profit of the French shipyard The point will not exceed 5%! And this is only the first batch. If the relationship between our two countries can go further, the amount of this special loan will increase and the conditions will be relaxed!" Sanchez threw out his own killer.

"Will this be good for your country? From my point of view, you will waste a lot of money." Witte's face changed slightly, and he had to say that he was really tempted by this plan. From a Russian economic point of view , French loans and low interest rates are more useful than 400,000 pounds! 300 million francs! Interest alone is enough to cover the cost of 400,000 pounds. One pound is about 25 francs, and 300 million francs is about 12 million pounds. If the current interest is halved, it will probably be reduced by about 4%. Russia still has a slight surplus.

And the key is that Russia is currently undergoing large-scale military expansion and infrastructure construction, which requires a large amount of funds to purchase equipment. This funds must be of great significance to Russia’s plans, such as the expansion of the shipyard, the fortification of the Far East and the Siberian Railway. There are great benefits. Of course, as the Minister of Finance, this loan will also give Witte a more say in front of the Tsar.

"Benefits? How do you say this? Pure monetary benefits can no longer meet the needs of France. Do you think that with your knowledge, do you think Russia can one day repay all the franc loans? We give your country money, and your country should become French friend!" Although Sanchez’s statement is cryptic, the meaning is self-evident. French loans have become the backbone of the Russian economy. We control your pockets. Do you want to be closer to Germany? Have you asked about France?

"I think this is more threatening and provocative than what you just said! If what you said today is spread outside ~ www.wuxiaspot.com~ this plan will definitely be ruined." Witte was very upset, but he must Admit it, the French really caught the pain of Russia! The Russians are not afraid of war. This big country has already proved in the Napoleonic era that it will not be defeated by military pressure. But as the ambassador said, the Russian economy does have weaknesses. In 1890, Russia's borrowing from France had reached several billion francs! If it can be paid off, Werther himself does not believe it!

　　The purpose of the French is to control Russia with money. Although Russia and France are not as close as they have been in history for some reasons, the degree of financial dependence between the two parties is still very high. This seemingly harmful action by the French is actually politically important. France must prevent Russia and Germany from coming closer. And this time it is aimed at Bavaria, not Germany. As a kingdom, although this plane has been mixed well, Bavaria still has no ability to wrestle with the French! As for Prussia? It seems that there is no possibility of taking over.

　　 "This thing is difficult, very difficult." Witte wanted to do it, but he had to admit that it was very stressful. He is not willing to face the pressure of the Admiralty alone.

"You are not fighting alone! Your country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Robanov is also very interested in this matter. The Navy’s Rozhjestevinsky believes that battleships are more useful than large cruisers." The French ambassador smiled. Said. The French naturally know that relying on a Chancellor of the Exchequer wants to make this business worth nearly 2 million pounds really difficult. Since France can even afford 300 million francs, there is no shortage of bribes to high-ranking officials. Witte is the third! And the reward for him was 500,000 francs!

　　 The second is more~~~, ask for collection, ask for reward~~~!