There is no doubt that arms are the most profitable commodities in the world. Whether judging from research reports or sales data, the global arms trade has been in full swing year after year, ranking among the top three in the world in terms of bulk trade. From the Asia-Pacific to Latin America, from traditional big countries to emerging small countries, from peaceful areas to turbulent zones, from the guns and ammunition of the traditional army to the ships and submarines of the modern navy, from the air fighters with swords unsheathed to the air defense systems with iron walls, all There are all kinds of arms, and arms dealers peddling war and threats are everywhere.
Sun Yuanqi now not only has to support the hundreds of thousands of soldiers under his command, but also the bosses in Beiyang and officials of all sizes across the country. Although since the southern expedition to Hunan and Guangdong and the pacification of Zhejiang and Fujian, the southwestern provinces have taken the initiative to surrender money; after Yuan Shikai drove Hexi to the west, the Zhili, Henan, Anhui and the three eastern provinces under the jurisdiction of Beiyang have also acquiesced in the central government's orthodox status. Except for a few provinces and regions such as Outer Mongolia and Taiwan, the country has completely restored the territorial layout of the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty. However, it is unknown whether it is due to the frequent military operations in recent years that have caused huge damage to production, or whether it is due to layers of exploitation and embezzlement by governments at all levels. The amount of taxes paid It was actually far inferior to that of the pre-Qing Dynasty.
On this issue, Sun Yuanqi once ordered Chief of Finance Meng Zhaochang to write a letter to question some provinces with large disparities, but the result was that everyone cried and shed tears: Why was the former Qing Dynasty autocratic and excessive taxes and miscellaneous taxes too heavy? The republican government should be considerate of the people; what about recent floods, droughts, soldiers, locusts and other disasters? Continuously, leading to the displacement of people, the desolation of land and countryside, and so on. What's more, they also asked the central government to exempt the entire country from taxes for several years, similar to the western provinces! Meng Zhao was so angry that he often slapped the table in the Ministry of Finance and cursed.
Fortunately, since last year, China¡¯s exports to European countries have increased significantly, which has not only led to a surge in tariffs, but also driven domestic light and heavy industries onto the fast track of development. This has barely prevented the central government from running out of money. Even so, in order to prepare for the Shandong War, Sun Yuanqi had to turn his private affairs into public affairs and withdraw funds and dividends from his own enterprises to invest in weapons production and material procurement. As the saying goes, "One cannon blast brings ten thousand taels of gold." Although medicine, clothing, automobiles, food, media, etc. are all long-lasting money-making industries, they cannot support Sun Yuanqi's large-scale blood sucking.
Based on the principle of "making up for losses outside the wall", Sun Yuanqi naturally thought of the arms trade. Anyway, he had several eye-catching goodies in his hands, and there was no shortage of wealthy buyers in the world. Of course, Sun Yuanqi's so-called "appropriate help" obviously does not refer to the generous help of the master who taught the disciples to starve to death, but to prepare to transform the products that have been eliminated and outdated during the development process. Sell ??them as freshly baked meats at a good price to support your family.
Despite this, Harhausen almost didn't have a snot in his nose, and he immediately made the decision: "As long as the help you provide can play a positive role in our country's national defense construction, we will try our best to meet all the conditions you have put forward, including immediately Return the Jiao'ao area. I just don't know what your help specifically means?"
Sun Yuanqi said: "Including but not limited to the research and development data of the Kirin tank and the design drawings of the new bomber. I wonder if your country is interested?"
"Of course I'm interested!" Hahausen replied decisively. However, despite being pleasantly surprised, he also had some doubts: Before, Sun Yuanqi had always pushed, ignored and turned a blind eye to all the goodwill shown by Germany. Why did he suddenly change his attitude now? Is there any unknown conspiracy among them? Or has China encountered any difficulties that need to be solved urgently? Then he asked tentatively: "I wonder what your conditions are?"
Sun Yuanqi was obviously prepared for this: "If possible, I would like to exchange for your country's submarine manufacturing technology. It is best to settle the remainder in cash or gold."
Since the British government promulgated the Coinage Regulations in 1816, the gold coin standard has gradually been widely adopted by the capitalist powers in Europe and the United States. to the late 19th century. The gold standard system has become an international norm. Through war, plunder, trade and other means, by the end of 1913, the United States, Britain, Germany, France, and Russia accounted for two-thirds of the world's gold stock, while China's gold reserves were very few. This also led to China's international position. status in society has become increasingly low. Now that the war is about to break out, gold is being used intensively by European and American countries to purchase arms. This is the best time for China to seize the opportunity to absorb gold.
Harhausen was a little surprised: "Why didn't you mention the return of Jiao'ao?"
Sun Yuanqi smiled and said: "To your country now, the Jiao'ao region is nothing but a waste of food and a pity. If your country really intends to maintain good trade relations with China, you might as well use it as an addition to this trade negotiation." .What do you think, Your Excellency, Minister?¡±
Harhausen replied cautiously: "This is a serious matter. I'm afraid I need to ask our government for instructions before we can make a final decision!"
Sun Yuanqi said: "There is no rush in this matter. You only need to sign the agreement before the end of July. You can discuss the specific details with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs in private." After thinking about it, Sun Yuanqi said again:?As a partner, Sun gave your country three pieces of advice in private: First, there is a famous saying in ancient China: 'No matter how big the country is. If you are fond of war, you will perish; although the world is safe, if you forget to fight, you will be in danger. ¡¯ Although your country¡¯s army dominates the European continent, its manpower may be limited, so if a war breaks out. It is suggested that your country should stop the war and end the war wisely at the right time; rather than keep fighting until it is completely defeated!
"Second, your country's biggest rival in Europe should be the United Kingdom, because they have a navy that is unmatched by Germany and a strong war potential. If possible, your country should use submarines to destroy various British military and civilian ships. Fundamentally limit Britain's influence on the situation on the mainland. The third and most important point is that we must pay attention to the United States. Although it is now a heavily indebted debtor country, although the current President Wilson firmly pursues the Monroe Doctrine policy and publicly declared It remains neutral to disputes between European countries, but it possesses the most powerful war potential in the world. Once it takes a bias and activates its war machine in the future, it will not be something that the broken Europe can stop!"
Seeing that Sun Yuanqi spoke sincerely, Harhausen also reciprocated: "Thank you for your advice. I will faithfully convey your suggestions to our government as soon as possible. In addition, I will also facilitate the Planck family's recent visit to your country's economy as soon as possible." An academic visit to World University. But frankly speaking, it is difficult for your suggestion to attract the great attention of our military."
Speaking of this, Harhausen was a little crestfallen: "Our current Chief of General Staff, Mr. Helmut von Moltke (Moltke Jr.), cannot compare with his great uncle, Mr. Moltke Sr., in terms of character or ability." , let alone the former Chief of General Staff, Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen, who only relied on the protection of a great surname to live and was promoted by virtue of his background as His Majesty's Attach¨¦.
"What's worse is that he knows that he has a weak character and mediocre talents, and he is completely unqualified to be the chief of staff. So whether he is sitting in the office chair or sitting in the cavalry saddle, he lacks enough confidence, so he What he is best at is sticking to the rules, especially when his predecessor was the talented Marshal Schlieffen. I am just an ordinary, under-appreciated diplomat, and it is naturally difficult for the proposals I submit to be recognized and adopted by him."
Sun Yuanqi felt the same way about this: just like when he tried his best to persuade Sun Yat-sen and Yuan Shikai, the speaker spoke sincerely and the listener nodded repeatedly, but in the end, didn't they stubbornly embark on their own paths of no return? At the moment, Hahausen could only comfort him and said: "These three suggestions are Sun's scholar's opinions. They seem superficial and may not be correct. Naturally, they are difficult to judge by Chief of Staff Moltke. Minister, don't pay too much attention!"
Harhausen managed to cheer up: "The key now is how to reach a trade agreement between our two countries as soon as possible. The situation in Europe is already very tense and may get out of control at any time and trigger a violent military conflict. The military equipment provided by your country will Our country plays an important role in improving the combat capabilities of the army. Of course, the premise is to equip the army as soon as possible! After I return, I will quickly report to the country and then start negotiations on this. I hope that before and after the agreement is reached, we will keep it as confidential as possible to prevent this move from breaking the European military Balanced inducements.¡±
Sun Yuanqi deeply agreed with this: "That's natural. I don't think we have the capital to provoke the anger of the British Empire now!"
After sending Hahausen away, Sun Yuanqi meditated alone in the room for a long time. Although he had already made up his mind, in addition to repelling Japan and Russia's covetous pursuit of China's Shandong and Outer Mongolia during World War I, he just wanted to be able to use both sides at the right time to transport various domestically produced strategic materials to the warring countries in Europe. Taqu's huge gold reserves further enhance domestic economic, military and industrial strength. We do not want to be king or hegemon, nor do we want to occupy the territory of other countries, so as not to pave the way for the future development of the country and nation. Therefore, at least until 1917, China should maintain basic neutrality and play the role of soy sauce and passer-by to avoid getting into trouble.
But some things must be done carefully and seamlessly, because even though it is a fight between gods, mortals sometimes don't even have the chance to watch and pick up the slack. Maybe with a look from the great god, the ants will be wiped out. Moreover, the war will end sooner or later. If some things are done too obviously, and if you do not side with the victor afterwards, and you still lack the strength to protect yourself, you will definitely not be able to escape the counterattack after the war.
Fortunately, we are not the only country that is using the banner of neutrality and committing acts of capitalizing on the enemy. The country as close as Japan is to the east, and as far away as the United States, which is best at this. If the neutral countries that are pouring arms also form an alliance, wouldn't it be a big deal?