During World War II, all of Japan's resources were tilted towards the war, which made life difficult for the domestic people. After the defeat, they had to pay large amounts of compensation to the victorious country. To make matters worse, Japanese women had to sell themselves in order to obtain food and other necessary supplies. own body, some American soldiers can get a Japanese woman for only half a pack of cigarettes.

This situation also happens in Europe. As long as they have a bite to eat, they are willing to pay any price. There is a similar description in "The Beautiful Legend of Sicily".

However, Shen Long has no sympathy for all this. They all asked for it. If Japan hadn't provoked the war, how could they have ended up in this situation? Not a single snowflake under the avalanche is clean. Don't look at Japan today. Everyone looked like they were blinded by passion, but they kept cheering for victory during the war.

Men join the army to fight, while women sew thousands of needles for the soldiers at home to save rations, or even work as prostitutes to earn money and send it to China for military expenses. They are not innocent.

"The willingness to exchange women for cigarettes just shows that they have a need to smoke, doesn't it?" Shen Long responded. He knew that MacArthur could not agree to allow his company to enter the Japanese market just by saying a word, so he also gave his own conditions, " I know that Japan’s land area is small and its tobacco production is not high, so our company is willing to transport tobacco for "Peace" cigarettes."

"Peace" cigarettes are now a product of the US military headquarters. They need a large amount of tobacco. If Shen Long can help them complete the purchase and transportation of tobacco, it will be very beneficial to them. Seeing MacArthur's listening attitude, Shen Long Long continued, "In the short term, we are only concerned about the mid-to-low-end market and will not launch high-end products that may compete with 'Peace' cigarettes. At the same time, we will also provide convenience for 'Peace' cigarettes in terms of sales channels."

Anyway, it won't be long before the "Peace" cigarettes are abandoned by the US military. At that time, you can take over the brand. As for the demand for Marlboro by the US military stationed in Japan, it can be completely solved through smuggling channels, and some of them are included in the transportation of tobacco. Finished cigarettes are a very simple matter.

"Sounds good." MacArthur rang the call bell, and an adjutant entered the room. MacArthur pointed at him and said to Shen Long, "He will take you to the Ministry of Finance to resolve this matter. Those Japanese will be obedient."

This was just a small matter to him. With Dulles' relationship, the Rockefeller family's reputation could also bring benefits to the US military headquarters. MacArthur had no reason not to agree. As for whether it would have an impact on Japan's cigarette industry , what does this have to do with him? MacArthur doesn't care about this trivial matter.

"Thank you very much. I will be staying in Japan for a while, and I hope you can attend the dinner party I held." Shen Long politely stood up and left.

"If there is such good tobacco, it will be no problem." MacArthur said, raising the corncob pipe in his hand. He already liked the taste.

"We're looking forward to your arrival." Shen Long followed the adjutant out of the US military headquarters, continued to be protected by US military jeeps, and rushed all the way to the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Finance was the central government financial agency that existed in Japan from the Meiji Restoration until 2000. , in charge of Japanese finance, finance, and taxation. The chief officer is the Minister of Finance.

Due to Japan's post-war economic difficulties, the position of Minister of Finance has become a hot potato. No one can hold it for too long. In just over two years from 1947 to now, eight Ministers have been replaced. The average term of a minister is only three or four months. Currently, the person in charge of the Ministry of Finance is the interim Acting Minister of Finance Shinzo Oya.

He is a celebrity in Japanese business circles. He graduated from Hitotsubashi University founded by Yukichi Fukuzawa. He has successively served as president of the Imperial Artificial Silk Society, minister of transportation, minister of commerce and industry, etc. After the resignation of the previous minister of Tibet, he temporarily served as A position.

MacArthur's adjutant was also a well-known figure in Japanese political circles. Many of MacArthur's orders were conveyed to the Japanese government through him. As soon as he saw him coming in, Oya Shinzo hurriedly came out and bowed ninety degrees as soon as he came up.

The adjutant ignored his bow and strutted into the office of the Tibetan Minister. He asked Shen Long to sit down with him. Instead, he rushed Owu Shinzo to the guest seat. Owu Shinzo was not unhappy at all. He quickly and diligently asked someone to serve him coffee and secretly guessed at the same time. Shen Long’s identity and purpose of coming.

"Who is this gentleman?" Oya Shinzo asked.

"This is Mr. Fredo Corleone. He is a very influential businessman in the United States and a good friend of the General. Mr. Corleone has now established a joint venture with the Rockefeller Group and the California Group to open a cigarette company. He is here this time. I want to bring you better cigarettes to Japan so that you Japanese can also taste pure American cigarettes." The adjutant's words were high-sounding.

Shinzo Oya suddenly felt dizzy. The cigarette monopoly is now one of the few financial resources of the Ministry of Finance. If this American was allowed to get involved, it would be a huge blow to Japan's already sluggish financial situation, but he dared to refuse. Huh? He heard clearly what the adjutant said just now. He was a good friend of the Rockefeller Foundation, the California Foundation, and MacArthur. He didn't dare to offend any of these identities.

Shinzo Oya tried to struggle for a few times. He proposed that the Japan Monopoly Commune be the agent for Shen Long's cigarettes, but Shen Long rejected it without hesitation. Instead, he wanted to buy a share in the Japan Monopoly Commune. Shinzo Oya wanted to defend himself, but saw The adjutant showed an impatient look, "Let's just settle this matter. Mr. Corleone will take good care of the Monopoly Commune."

Shinzo Oya had no choice but to agree. Shen Long left the managers of Altria to discuss the details and left the Ministry of Finance with his adjutant. "Thank you so much this time. I am very happy to be friends with you. You are in the United States." If you need any help, don't forget to ask me." Shen Long said as he presented the prepared gift.

The adjutant was very happy to see the valuable gift. But at this moment, Shen Long saw a vaguely familiar face walking in front of him. He not only frowned, it was the Japanese armor in World War II. A super war criminal, Nobusuke Kishi, was once one of the Five Giants in Manchuria along with Hideki Tojo. Wasn't he imprisoned in a war criminal prison? Why is he now like a normal person?
Chapter completed!