Chapter 596 Song of Poland · 1 (asking for monthly votes)
Bay continued to describe the "Northern Trading Point" he envisioned:
"Even if the British mobilized a large number of warships, for example, more than three With one of our naval forces, we can blockade the entire west coast of the Southern Netherlands. We can also transfer our 'business' to Dunkirk and even continue operations in Calais."
Joseph looked at himself in surprise. Minister of Trade, I don’t feel like his plan was just a last-minute idea.
Dunkirk and Calais are both seaports in northwest France. They are only more than 50 kilometers away from Oostende, and there are rivers connecting them, making transfers very easy.
He could already imagine that the British would come to France angrily to question the rampant smuggling. Baiyi said innocently: A large number of smugglers from the South Netherlands had sneaked into Dunkirk and caused serious damage to the local order, but Because it is a border town, the police force is insufficient. The French government is currently mobilizing police to deal with it. The British side is asked to exercise restraint and wait patiently.
You can even let the British "sponsor" some funds for combating smugglers in the Southern Netherlands.
Brian obviously also appreciated the subtlety of this plan, nodded with a smile:
"The British will definitely regret selling Dunkirk to us. In fact, South Korea There are many small seaports on the north coast of the Netherlands, and I think it will be difficult for the British to completely blockade them."
Dunkirk was sold to France by Charles II for 400,000 pounds.
Brian then thought of another question: "Your Highness, those who intend to engage in smuggling... Ah, the people in the 'special trade' are probably not very rich, so they may not be able to get a ship. In addition, the purchase funds are also a big problem for them. Question."
Joseph smiled and said: "We have left some ships behind after destroying the pirates in Tripoli. Most of them are sealed in the leeward port of Gabes Bay and can be sold to 'traders' at a low price. You can even rent it to them."
Bay immediately added: "Or use the boat to buy shares."
"Yes, buying shares is not bad either." Joseph gave him an approving look. , and said, "As for the purchase funds, the industrial development fund can be used as a guarantee, so that the factory can lend the products to 'traders'."
Brian hesitated: "Your Highness, will this be risky? Is it too big? I mean, if the goods are seized by the British..."
"So we must force everyone to buy insurance." Joseph said matter-of-factly, "Cargo damage insurance, personal accident insurance, etc., to minimize risks."
Brian and others looked at each other strangely, Buying insurance for smugglers is simply unbelievable, but it seems reasonable.
Josef continued: "In addition, let the Walloon Chamber of Commerce fund the construction of a wooden track from Hennegau to Ostend to facilitate the transportation of goods.
"Also, recruit locally manpower to form an 'anti-smuggling patrol' to protect 'special trade'. Be well equipped as they may come into conflict with British Marines who venture ashore. "
He looked at Fouche again: "The Intelligence Bureau must also fully cooperate. Well, let’s add a ‘Trade Investigation Division’...”
In the afternoon of the same day, Bailly, as the president of the "Special Trade Association", convened many French finance, industry, taxation, police and other departments to begin detailed planning for "special trade" and submitted the preliminary plan to the French Ministry of Finance a week later. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
……
Poland.
Warsaw.
In the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the band played melodious and solemn music. King Stanislaw II and Sieyès passed side by side among the guards in full attire, and said fervently: "Please represent me to His Majesty the King. And His Royal Highness the Crown Prince expresses his most sincere thanks. At this time when Poland needs help the most, they are the only ones who are still thinking about this place.”
Sieyes said with a calm face: "I will convey it to you, Your Majesty, but the reason I came to Poland this time is to discuss some Vatican matters with the Archbishop of Poznan, and I may not return to Paris for a while. "
Stanislaw II looked at his nephew, Prince Poniatowski, and wondered: Sieyès seemed to be the appointed bishop of Avignon, so why did he still care about the affairs of the Holy See?
Prince Poniatowski was the first to react and said hurriedly: "It's great that you want to stay in Poland. Oh, your Majesty has prepared a welcome dinner for you, which will start soon."
“Thank you very much for your hospitality, Your Majesty.” Sieyès leaned over and turned to the prince as he walked through the corridor. “Actually, if it were not for etiquette, I would really like to dispense with it. Similar entertainment.
"It should be said that Poland cannot waste any time now."
Stanislaw II and his nephew looked at each other in shock: "What do you mean?"
Sieyes lowered his voice: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked me to tell you that some neighboring countries may attack Poland earlier. A war will break out in half a year at the earliest."
Prince Poniatowski's expression suddenly became solemn: "We did notice that Russia's Mikhail Kakhovsky Corps had unusual movements."
"This should be just a "Start." Sieyès said, "With the armistice between Prussia and Austria, the Prussian army will soon gather from Tuchel to Kulm, and Poland will be faced with enemies on both sides.
"However, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is very happy that you followed his advice and did not get involved in the Austro-Prussian War. This makes Austria more willing to maintain the status quo in Poland."
As he spoke, the group had already arrived at the banquet. At the entrance of the hall, Sieyès stopped and said:
"Although it is a bit abrupt to ask this, I hope to learn more about your country's preparations for war, especially in terms of military construction."
Joseph Two years ago, Prince Poniatowski was told that an army of more than 100,000 men must be formed, and it must be one capable of fighting, in order to be able to withstand the onslaught of Russia and Prussia.
The prince was a little embarrassed: "Currently, only 40,000 troops have been recruited and trained, but the Polish people are still very enthusiastic about joining the army."
Stanislaw II added in a low voice: "It's just that training and funding issues have restricted us..."
Sieyes was obviously quite dissatisfied with the progress of such preparations, but if Joseph were here, he would It is quite possible to praise Prince Poniatowski.
Historically, until the beginning of the second partition of Poland, the main Polish army only had 30,000 people, plus some volunteers. Under their own warning, they had formed an army of 40,000, two years earlier than in history.
Sieyes said solemnly:
“Your Majesty, it seems that you must speed up. Regarding the issue of military expenditures, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince proposed to increase the expenditure on the Tarnovsk Mountain Silver Mine. As far as His Highness knows, the mining scale there has not reached 20% of the maximum production. ”
(End of this chapter)