Chapter 689: One F117 is not enough...
Of course the other two finance ministers also understand the truth.
But the problem is, how to deliver this punch.
“Save the situation, to put it simply.”
Dominique Kahn, as a Frenchman, has no opinion on making trouble in the Balkans to establish his authority, but he has no objection to the United States taking the lead. And there is a strong opinion that the situation will be completely out of control:
“What capital wants is nothing more than low risks and high returns. As long as the Allied Forces operation continues, the risks in Europe as a whole cannot be much lower. In addition, the refugee problem may last for several years or even longer in the future, and After the war, the Balkan Peninsula is equivalent to a tumor, a tumor arranged by the Americans, which will continue to erode Europe's economic prospects..."
In the ten years since the merger of Germany and Germany, Europe has It is true that a lot of cheap labor and even human flesh and consumables were extracted from Eastern Europe, but this was a planned and limited introduction of foreign populations.
The influx of refugees is a completely different concept.
"It seems that we should be grateful for the losses of the coalition forces in the past few days..."
Visco's tone was a bit strange, but as an Italian, he would not be too concerned about it. What is the psychological burden of such a wavering stance:
"However, a few aircraft, even stealth aircraft like the F117, is not a big deal to the Americans. The current situation is that the United States only needs to pay a little money for ammunition to bring global hot money back to North America from Europe. I said this morning I paid attention before coming here. In the past few days from the end of March to now, the US stock index has risen by nearly 20%..."
"As long as the ground units are not moved, the Americans will not be able to win because of this. It is basically unrealistic to stop fighting if we suffer losses..."
Schäuble felt that the attitudes of the other two colleagues seemed a bit negative, but intellectually he knew that what they said was right.
After thinking for a while, he spoke again:
“Now, the most direct way is to find an event that is enough to support the world’s confidence in the euro.”
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"For example...finding a country to support us..."
"..."
This idea can only be said to lead to the same goal through different paths.
There are only so many methods in economics. Excluding the used, useless and unusable, this is the only one left.
So after the three people discussed it, they reached the same conclusion as Chang Haonan before.
Except for the countries involved, those in the world that can barely be called major powers today are Mao, Japan, and China.
One of the currencies has plummeted and is unable to take care of itself, while the other seems to be independent but is essentially a lackey.
No choice.
“So.”
Schäuble and Kahn almost looked at Vesco together:
"Your business ties between Italy and China are relatively close. What do you think of their attitude?"
"Alas..."
The latter leaned back on his chair with a dejected look on his face. :
“Not very good.”
“Although their official organizations have not yet expressed their position, several companies that have cooperated with us in depth have hinted that they have taken into account the current stance. , they don’t dare to support the euro.”
"What this 'position tendency' means..."
Schauibrand showed his "German flexibility" at this time and asked directly.
Visco almost rolled his eyes to the sky:
“The ones doing business with us are all their state-owned enterprises, so naturally we have to take the official attitude into consideration”
"You don't think that China will support us in launching an allied operation..."
"..."
"..."
Indeed.
“Moreover, the current situation is obvious that the United States wants to take this opportunity to target the euro and give us a platform, but it must also consider the consequences of doing so.”
Vicos continued. ：
"In short, even if they have this idea, I'm afraid they won't agree so quickly."
Kahn put a hand on his chin, because his palm blocked half of his face, so his expression could not be seen clearly:< br>
“If we change the position and consider it from China’s perspective, it would not be in their interests to allow the dollar to grow...”
Visco shook his head:
“But for For us, every additional day of delay will cause greater losses and pressure.”
"What if we offer some favorable conditions? For example, fully support them in joining the WTO?"
"Are you so sure that the Americans can agree?"
"No matter what, , at least let the situation of the euro stabilize first, otherwise if we really have to use gold reserves, it basically means that the euro will be completely destroyed..."
"..."
...< br>
After a frank exchange of views, the three finance ministers all looked a little tired. "What if we broaden our minds and not only consider economic means?"
Schauybrand held a cup of coffee and rubbed his swollen forehead with his other hand:
"Can we use some means to force the Americans to stop? For example, we...uh...I mean, you withdraw your troops first?"
Although Germany is now unified, But after all, it has a special status and has great influence in the EU, but it actually has little say in NATO.
On the contrary, France and Italy still have a little weight.
“How is it possible...”
Vesco looked at the German allies as if they were mentally retarded:
“We are the Minister of Finance, not the Minister of Defense... "
"And even the Minister of Defense, or even the Prime Minister or the President, can't make such a decision. I'm afraid those generals have been bribed by the Americans a long time ago. Besides, the military is not a child's play. Even if the ultimatum has been sent out, we will fight among ourselves first in the middle of the fight..."
The three fell into silence again...
There is a problem involved here.
NATO, and the EU.
Although the overlap in national composition is relatively high, they are essentially two completely different organizations.
Even within countries that are members of both, the two systems are relatively independent.
Therefore, there is often a schizophrenic phenomenon in which a country seeks to be independent economically, but has to embrace the United States in terms of national defense.
However, everyone with a discerning eye knows that how can military and economics be completely distinct?
Usually shouting slogans is enough, but when it comes to taking action like now, criticism of weapons is more effective after all.
From this perspective, de Gaulle's idea is undoubtedly correct.
There is no meaning without national defense independence and economic independence.
However, at this point in time in 1999, even if the three finance ministers knew this truth, they would not be able to solve the problem from the root.
The silence lasted for quite some time.
So much so that the atmosphere in the conference room became a little anxious.
“Actually...”
The Italian put the empty coffee cup and the spoon on the table in front of him:
"If you have to say it, it's not impossible..."
The other two people, who were already at their wits' end, naturally became energetic immediately after hearing this.
"If...I mean if, there is a huge change in the direction of public opinion in several of our countries on this matter, then there is a possibility of a truce..."
"You You mean using the media?”
Schauy Brown’s thinking has obviously not changed yet.
"Just using the media may not work. Americans are much better at this than we are... and the people will not cause any big waves just because of a few articles or speeches."
Weiss Co shook his head:
“There must be some landmark events.”
“Let the Russians go and threaten us with a nuclear war?”
France People are more daring to think.
"If it's fifteen years in the morning... maybe it's okay."
Schauibrand shrugged, obviously not thinking it was feasible.
The meeting almost came to a dead end.
“In any case, Wolff’s approach is the only one currently feasible.”
After all, Kahn is still reluctant to let the euro, which he has devoted half his life to, decline after a hundred days of its birth. ：
"Contact the Chinese people and ask them about their prices."
"The market is still waiting to see if all, or at least most, of the trade between China and the EU can be settled in euros, then at least the confidence will not Further deterioration."
"In any case, I think the exchange rate of the euro against the dollar cannot fall below 1..."
(End of this chapter)