The Rise of the Empire

"General, I heard some news recently." Before leaving for the Far East, Essen got a chance to meet Makanov, and when the two sides had dinner, the young lieutenant colonel said My own worries: "The two armored cruisers we ordered from Germany may be cancelled?"

"There is such a saying, and it's not just within the navy, it's said that the higher-ups also have this plan." Makanov put on a regretful but helpless expression. Essen went to the Far East to serve as the commander of the cruiser formation. The Russian-class armored cruiser originally ordered by Russia was intended for him. Now, after the cancellation of the order, Essen will be the most affected. Although the 10,000-ton Rurik is powerful , but in the eyes of Makanov, the combat effectiveness of this ship may not be stronger than that of the Munich-class armored cruiser.

"What's the reason? We've already paid for these two warships, why should we cancel? So our funds are not in vain? What do those guys from the Admiralty think?" Essen said Naturally, experience and level can't understand some of the twists and turns. His thinking is very straightforward. After paying the money and then canceling it, the money will be lost. What is the plan?

"The reason of the Admiralty is that the Empire needs battleships, not cruisers. One Rurik and two Munich-class armored cruisers are enough. They said that we should use our limited funds to be decisive at sea." Makanov said.

"This seems reasonable, but it's not enough, and we paid a price of 400,000 pounds for it. Without other interests, the empire will never give up this order." Essen retorted.

"Smart, after all, it is money! The French government is willing to provide an additional 300 million francs of low-interest loans. And it is willing to provide the empire with two armored cruisers at a par. How about this price? The investment of 400,000 pounds is not enough for this It’s nothing for money.”

"And since the wealthy French are willing to spend 300 million U.S. dollars to persuade the empire to sever the deal with Germany, then naturally they will not begrudge that little bribe. For a country, just a little bit from the fingers can make those ministers They have benefited a lot. The empire is not at a loss, and the people below have benefited, so the possibility of canceling this order is very high." The lieutenant general explained seriously.

"But this will worsen the relationship between Russia and Germany! And if the Germans get angry, then these two ships may be sold to the Japanese. Isn't the news that the Japanese government has sought to buy new armored cruisers from Germany before the end of the war? ? If the Japanese get it, it will definitely be a very bad thing for us.” Essen is still a little puzzled.

"It is true that this matter will worsen the relationship between Bavaria and Russia. As for Germany, it may not be true. After all, the Bavarian royal family is behind this matter, not the Prussian royal family. Of course, the German central government will definitely express regret, but further There will be no action. Germany is like this. And if it is the anger of the Bavarian royal family, then the impact will be much smaller."

"As for selling to the Japanese? Our Minister of Finance believes that Japan can't eat these two warships now. The war indemnity can only barely pay off the debt, and the indemnity is paid in three years. Now even the first payment has not arrived. Unless The Germans are willing to let these warships sit on the berth for two years, otherwise they will have to dismantle them.” Although Makanov was very dissatisfied with Russia’s plan to cancel the order for two warships, he had to admit that the layout of the French was very good! Let no one find the fault.

"And don't forget that the British may provide loans to Japan, but whether they can tolerate the Japanese buying warships from other countries with British pounds is also a matter worth considering. In addition, judging from the current situation, Japan has ordered two warships since the Qing-Japanese War. No new warships were ordered after the first Centurion-class second-class battleship, which shows that their funds are really difficult.

said Makanov.

"That means everything is irreparable?" Essen said disappointedly.

"Basically, the French offer very good terms, a lot of low-interest loans and two cheap armored cruisers, um, and support for the Russian shipbuilding industry. The price is only to give up an order. Even without bribes And lobbying, His Majesty the Tsar is also very likely to abandon this order. But this matter has little effect on you, and the two French cruisers will also sail to the Far East. In addition, you should not express any opinions on this matter, it is not something you can Blended." Makanov specifically reminded.

"I always feel that this matter is not that simple. That Bavarian prince is not easy to deal with." Essen didn't know why he would say such a sentence at this time.

"Which is more important, France or Bavaria? If you want to understand this issue, you don't have to worry about it. In fact, even from my point of view, these two warships can be given up." Makanov said impatiently.

And while Makanov was talking with Essen, the matter had already been settled in the St. Petersburg palace. Although the Russian conservative aristocrats strongly opposed the cancellation of the order with the Kingdom of Bavaria, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Under the pressure of the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Finance, and some senior officials of the Ministry of the Navy, this resistance is nothing. His Excellency the Prime Minister expressed neutrality. The Army also said it doesn't matter.

"What if the Germans stop selling us armor steel? Will the empire still use backward steel-faced armor?" Giles, the former Russian foreign minister who had promoted the "Reinsurance Treaty," took out his last trump card. He really doesn't want to see the relationship between Russia and Germany turn bad.

"They won't do this. Sometimes we have to regard Bavaria as a businessman. A businessman will never have a bad relationship with a big customer because of the cancellation of a certain business. Such behavior has no effect other than anger. In front of money, the so-called face is just a joke." Werther said with a smile.

"What's more, not only Germany can provide hardened armor, but we can also buy American ones when necessary. Although Harvey's armor is a little worse, it is enough to resist the current artillery. As for the increase in cost due to shipping costs? It doesn't matter. The loan of 300 million francs provided by the French is enough to bridge these gaps. Economically, we are making money no matter what.”

"Of course, the most important thing is that the Germans are not willing to provide drawings, but the French are willing! They are willing to provide us with a full set of naval equipment and funds. From this point alone, the price of the French is much higher than that of the Germans. We can't refuse, can't we?" Rear Admiral Rozdestvensky made the last clean cut, directly suppressing the opponents' opinions completely.

"Let's leave it at that. Be more tactful when negotiating this matter." Nicholas II ordered.

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