Chapter 3574
For Schneider, who is in charge of Haihan's finances, the thing he dislikes most about his job is the large expenditures that suddenly appear unplanned and must be allocated in a short period of time.
Of course, this situation occurs most often with the military, especially those stationed overseas.
Any large-scale military operation involving troops stationed overseas often requires millions of dollars in military expenditures. However, it is not possible to determine the implementation time and calculate the corresponding military expenditures one or two years in advance for all such operations.
What happens more often is that the local garrison commander realizes that the situation is favorable and will temporarily apply to the Ministry of National Defense and the Executive Committee to avoid missing fighter opportunities. But this will inevitably disrupt the arrangements already made by the financial department, and even have to fill the sudden holes by digging out the east wall to make up for the west wall.
Schneider has been on the executive committee for so many years and is of course very familiar with this. Just by listening to the tone of Yan Chujie's words, he knew how the play was going to go, so he quickly interrupted the other party.
Yan Chujie argued: "Wherever the special warfare division's troops go, it is within the reach of my country's trade. The cost of our military investment can be recovered through future international trade!"
Schneider retorted: "That also depends on whether there is an environment for carrying out trade activities in the local area... It has been a year and a half since the special operations division occupied the islands at the northern end of Malacca. Now they have not even achieved self-sufficiency in basic supplies, let alone Talk about profit! ”
"It has been half a year since the Special Forces Division landed on the Island of Ceylon. Have we made any money from it? It is said that gems are produced in the Island of Ceylon, but the value of the gems shipped back to the country cannot cover the cost of going to Colombo to fight."< br>
"If entering the Indian Ocean can bring us considerable economic benefits, then Xingdao will not give up halfway and transfer resources and targets to the New World in the South!"
What Schneider said was true. Yan Chujie had no choice but to explain the truth: "Without opening up the Indian Ocean channel, how can we set foot in the Middle East? Without controlling the Middle East, how can we enter the Mediterranean and Africa in the future? This money will always have to be spent. , invest early and benefit early, Lao Shi!”
Schneider raised his hand and interrupted Yan Chujie's words again: "I am not opposed to the long-term strategy of marching westward to the Indian Ocean, establishing colonies, and controlling key waterways, but are the special operations divisions really that urgent? They will occupy one or two more points this year. Can it bring more benefits to the country if it is located in a different place? ”
"My suggestion is that the special operations division should proceed step by step and not disrupt the normal rhythm and planning. If Qian Tiandun wants to leave Xingdao and ask the executive committee for help, then he should submit a report through formal channels and explain the action plan and necessary sex, so that the executive committee will have more basis to judge whether it is worth investing money to support him.”
In the final analysis, Schneider is still unwilling to use national finances to protect Xingdao and the special operations division. This is his duty, and every sentence is reasonable, and others can't refute him.
However, after all, the composition of the executive committee is mostly composed of people with military backgrounds, so there will still be people who will stand up to support Yan Chujie.
Shi Diwen stood up decisively at this moment: "Lao Shi, what you value is economic benefits. We can understand this, but don't just look at short-term benefits. What we are doing now may have an impact that will last for hundreds of years." For a thousand years, or even longer, economic gains should not be the first consideration at the moment. ”
"Just like the civil war we triggered in Japan, in the short term it seems that only the military industry and shipbuilding industry have gained actual benefits, but in the long run, if we can eliminate this hidden danger in the East China Sea, future generations will have less trouble."
< br>
"The strategy we are implementing in the Indian Ocean is exactly like this. The real benefits may not gradually emerge until ten, twenty, or even a hundred years later. But if we can do something but not do it, it is to convert these areas Gave it to the Europeans ”
Schneider shook his head repeatedly and said: "I am not against sending troops to conquer the world, but do I have to rush it at this moment? Foreign military operations should be decided by the Executive Committee, rather than the generals stationed abroad doing whatever they want." Both sides held different opinions. When the stalemate reached a stalemate, Tao Donglai finally spoke: "Okay, don't fight anymore. After fighting for so many years, how have you ever convinced the other party?"
"Now the East China Sea, the South Pacific, and the Indian Ocean all require more domestic investment in resources. Which direction of action is not for the long-term development of the country? No matter how difficult the difficulty is, you still have to invest when it is time to invest!"
When Tao Donglai opened his mouth, Schneider's tone obviously softened a lot: "Old Tao, you are right, but the financial budget is limited, and the resources that the country can provide are also limited. We have to go all out in three directions. It’s not easy!”
Tao Donglai said: "Lao Bai and Lao Qiao, you have worked so hard for the supply of military supplies. Let's see if we can increase production capacity in the short term."
Bai Kesi and Qiao Zhiya agreed one after another, but they also knew that this matter was not easy. Improving the production capacity of industrial products could not be as simple as one sentence.
To increase production capacity, you must first increase the labor input and improve work efficiency. Some industries must also set up new production lines and increase investment in raw materials. These measures also mean the need for more funds.
"As for the funds, even if we are all tied together, we are not as capable as you, Lao Shi. You have to take action personally to solve the current difficulties!"
Tao Donglai put the hat on his head, but Schneider couldn't refuse. Several people in the military camp also took advantage of the situation and immediately took turns to praise Schneider.
Schneider sighed and responded: "You guys always give me problems every time. Have you ever thought that I am already old and I am already tired!"
Although Schneider complained, everyone felt relieved when they heard that he did not refuse this difficult task.
Tao Donglai's praise is not an exaggeration. When it comes to raising and mobilizing funds, Schneider is indeed Haihan's leading expert. Even in the entire world, there are very few people like Schneider who can mobilize the wealth of a huge empire and influence financial measures that affect the lives of millions of people with a single order.
After Schneider thought for a while, he quickly came up with a preliminary plan.
First, the Ministry of Finance will take the lead to publicly issue Nanyang Development Bonds and Indian Ocean Development Bonds domestically to raise part of the funds for actions in these two directions.
The second is to use insufficient domestic production capacity as an excuse to increase the prices of various materials and weapons and equipment needed by Japan, further squeezing Japan's financial resources.
The third is to adjust the domestic expenditure budget and reduce funds in some areas where the demand is not so urgent.
The fourth is to lower the entry threshold, introduce private capital, and participate in foreign colonial development projects.
(End of chapter)