Chapter 652 Poland’s “Good Brother”
At present, several major streets in Paris have been "fully asphalt", making them smooth and comfortable, and full of a sense of the future that transcends this era.
The carriage stopped at the "New Paris Business District" between Paris and the Palace of Versailles. Prince Poniatowski sighed, "I really hope Warsaw can be so prosperous one day." He walked out of the carriage and saw the newly built sports ground in front of him. The shape was obviously modeled after the Roman Colosseum.
The surrounding buildings seem a bit sparse, and there are not many pedestrians. There are only two wooden tracks that lead to the sports field slightly lonely. But considering that this place was still a forest and wasteland three years ago, the overall construction speed is already quite fast.
Prince Poniatowski first followed the French officials who greeted him into the athletes' hotel to express condolences to the Polish athletes participating in the Games.
The food, accommodation and round-trip travel expenses for these athletes are provided by the French government - as long as you can meet the registration results, you can get this expense.
So a full 18 athletes from Poland came to Paris. The entire athlete-only hotel was full of people. The French official on the side smiled and told the prince that there were more than 200 athletes from all over the world coming to participate in the games this time.
You know, the first Olympic Games more than a hundred years later only had more than 250 athletes. In the 18th century when transportation capabilities were still very backward, this was definitely an unprecedented event.
However, Prince Poniatowski's thoughts were not on the games at all. He briefly encouraged the Polish athletes and rushed to the Palace of Versailles without stopping.
He knew that his visit to France this time was likely to determine Poland's future destiny.
In the Royal Ordnance Factory on the southeast side of the Palace of Versailles, Prince Poniatowski met the French Crown Prince as scheduled.
The reason why Joseph chose to meet here was that there were relatively few idle people and would not attract attention. Second, the place is open, and things like maps and sand tables are ready-made.
"It is a pleasure to meet you again, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince." The prince stroked his chest and saluted. "His Majesty the King asked me to convey my gratitude for the large amount of selfless help you have given to Poland."
Joseph smiled in return, then dragged him to sit down: "We are relatives, you don't need to be polite."
Louis XV married a Polish princess, so France and Poland were indeed related by marriage.
"Time is precious, let's get down to business." Joseph skipped the pleasantries and changed his expression to a serious one, "First of all, you must transfer the Prussian officers in the army."
The prince nodded: "Yes, Your Highness, you mentioned this to me a few years ago, but they did not..."
Joseph really wanted to give the stubborn big man in front of him two loud bangs. He thought to himself: Do I understand history, or do you?
But he could only suppress his emotions and gave a reason that the Poles could not refuse: "As you know, the relationship between our country and Prussia is not very good. Well, in recent years, we have been in Southern Netherlands and Silesia. Fighting.
"When Poland resists aggression, our country will definitely send a military advisory group and even some volunteers to help you.
"I think they definitely don't want to encounter the Prussians in the Polish army. On the contrary, the Prussians should be the same."
Prince Poniatowski's expression was solemn and entangled - the French Crown Prince's meaning was obvious, he had to choose between France and Prussia.
Joseph felt that he was simply worried about Poland. He was obviously helping them, but he had to coax them like a child.
When he saw that the prince remained silent, he continued: "Oh, by the way, I am planning to invest in the Port of Gdansk, with an initial investment of 4 million francs, and more will be added later depending on the situation.
"You know, our country's trade volume with the German region is increasing, and Gdansk will become an important distribution port for our goods." This time, Prince Poniatowski did not hesitate at all, and immediately nodded with a smile: "Then That's great. Do you have any additional conditions?"
"No conditions, just invest and get shares in the port, it's that simple." Joseph said.
Prince Poniatowski was overjoyed.
He had expected France to demand some trade or port privileges, or even port management rights, as Prussia had done.
But I didn’t expect it was just a pure investment!
He immediately nodded repeatedly: "Thank you for your generosity. I will let Count Mavakhovsky take charge of this matter personally, and I will definitely get a good return on your investment."
Poland is now using all its wealth to prepare for war. If someone can invest in the field of people's livelihood, he will naturally be happy to see the results.
Joseph's main purpose was to stop the Prussian army in Gdansk.
For Prussia, the significance of acquiring this seaport was far greater than occupying several Polish provinces.
Since the Poles were undefended against Prussia, they had no choice but to help them themselves.
At the same time, this deal is definitely not a loss for France.
Gdansk is the shipping entrance that controls most of the Eastern European market. Although I say I don’t want any privileges, after investing, at least French merchant ships will be able to get better services here, and there will definitely be no need to queue up when docking.
And when a war breaks out here, France will become a "good brother" in saving Gdansk. Even if France does not want the privileges by then, the local councils there will rush to give them to them.
Joseph continued: "In addition, I also want to help Warsaw build an ordnance factory to produce Charleville flintlocks and cannons."
Prince Poniatowski simply did not know what to say.
Poland's ordnance production capacity has been unable to increase. The reason is naturally that there is no money to invest in firearms factories and cannon foundries.
After the Tarnovsk Mountain silver mine expanded production, the Polish government's purse was finally not so dry, but the allocation of funds to build a firearms factory was not planned until three years later.
Unexpectedly, the French crown prince was worried about his own needs and directly invested in building an ordnance factory. If this factory can be put into production before Russia invades, Poland will be more confident when facing its enemies!
You know, Poland's current firearms self-sufficiency rate is less than 30%. A large number of flintlock guns and ammunition need to be purchased from foreign countries, not to mention large artillery.
He remembered another very important thing and asked hurriedly: "Your Highness, in terms of funds for this ordnance factory... I'm afraid the Polish government won't be able to provide much."
Joseph waved his hand indifferently: "No need to worry, the French Reserve Bank will provide you with low-interest loans, as well as craftsmen and technicians. Of course, in order to avoid unnecessary diplomatic trouble, the sources of funds and technology of the ordnance factory must be kept strictly confidential. ”
"Of course, I can assure you."
"By the way, one more thing, investments in ports and ordnance factories will be made in franc notes."
(End of chapter)