"Dale, since we are all old friends, let's make it clear that our country has no thoughts about Tunisia. At present, we just hope to withdraw our investment. I became prime minister. As a friend, you can't let me
Difficult to do.”
In a secret room of the Prime Minister's Office, Despretis, the Prime Minister, is talking to the middle-aged man in front of him. Through his title, we can know that this is the French Ambassador Danny Dale, who is currently responsible for all relations with Italy.
Negotiating representative.
"My old friend Despretis, what you say makes it difficult for me to do."
Danny Dale continued with an embarrassed expression. "You also know that we are a republic, and we cannot force companies to buy your properties in Tunisia. Besides, we are a civilized country, and we have always insisted on following business regulations.
Principle. Of course, for high-quality Italian companies and railways in Tunisia, I will look for banks or companies to help acquire them. However, there may be some discrepancies in price, probably around 80 to 90%. I hope this will not affect our friendship.
"
"Of course this will not affect our friendship, but I think there are many Chinese companies in Tunisia that are worth acquiring, not just the ones you mentioned."
Then Depretis said pointedly. "In addition, I think that as the matchmaker, you should get a reward. Five thousandths is a very reasonable number."
Yes, Depretis wants to solve the follow-up problems in Tunisia as soon as possible, because the drought is still continuing, and the Italian government has almost run out of funds and urgently needs to find another way. Of course, the government can also issue a national bond. Currently, the Italian securities market
National debt is still popular, but Depretis needs to consider more. Borrowing money when he has just become prime minister will show that he is helpless with finances. He just needs to negotiate with France about the ending of Tunisia. So in these years, Italy
Investments in Tunisia also need to be recovered as soon as possible.
In order to recover the investment as soon as possible, partial rebates have become the necessary means.
"Seven thousandths."
Danny Dale acted like I'm not tired if you want to talk about this, and asked for a higher price.
"Dale, you have such a big appetite that it's going to be hard for me to do this."
Faced with the figures proposed by Danny Dyer, Depretis did not reject them outright.
"My request is not too much. You have to know that I can't do this alone. It needs to be managed from top to bottom. It can fall into my hands at most two levels."
Faced with Depretis's hesitant expression, Danny Dyer expressed his difficulties.
"I know this, but you also need to know that our country's investment amount in Tunisia is very large. If the amount is too high, it will be difficult for me to satisfy the people, especially since I just came to power, let alone ignore public opinion. Just five thousandths, you
how do you feel?"
It's clear that Depretis felt that Seven Thousandths was inappropriate.
"Depretis, this little money will make the people above me dissatisfied. You also know that Tunisia is currently under our protection, so I think seven thousandths is very reasonable. This can also greatly increase the amount of the transaction.
It’s very beneficial to both of us.”
Seeing that Despretis was unwilling to accept this figure, the French ambassador had already begun to use coercion and inducement.
However, in the face of coercion and inducement, Depretis was not at all easy to talk to.
"Okay Dell, the current gap is between two points, and if you want to reach a consensus, you must make concessions to each other. You must realize this."
DePretis spoke slowly and calmly, his expression not changing at all.
"I cannot accept this."
After saying that, Danny Dale stood up and prepared to leave. Faced with the behavior of the French ambassador, Depretis did not take any further action, but just stood up and watched him leave.
After waiting for a while, a figure opened the door and came in. Sabot, the former mayor of Rome and now the new finance minister, started walking.
"Prime Minister, how was the discussion with the French?"
The reason why Sabot is here is very simple, that is, this person is a close confidant of Depretis. Of course, very few people know that they have this relationship. In addition, because Sabot is the finance minister, this negotiation will have a great impact on the finance.
It is very important to the ministry. Whether it is to relieve the drought in the south or prepare to appease the people, nothing can be done without money.
As for the former finance minister, His Excellency Jagali, with Cairoli stepping down, his position can still be reserved. According to convention, the finance minister is basically the prime minister's person.
"Not bad, the negotiation went pretty smoothly."
This is not what Depretis is saying. Even if the French ambassador walks away, in Depretis's view, this is just a strategy of his old friend. The two countries are negotiating hundreds of millions of lire in funds.
, if we can negotiate within a week, it is already considered a smooth progress. How can we expect others to immediately agree to it as soon as we put forward the conditions?
Such a large amount of money always requires testing by both parties.
However, although Depretis was not in a hurry, Sabot was different. He spoke with some urgency. "Prime Minister, there is not much money in the Ministry of Finance at present. I am afraid that in half a month the Ministry of Finance will not get even a lira."
Not coming out."
Faced with the anxious words of his confidant, Despretis thought for a while and said, "Then I'll use the spare funds first, and I'll have the money after I finish talking to Danny Dale."
Facing the advice given by the Prime Minister, Sabot thought for a while and then added: "I have already used this money. Even with this money, the government can support it for a month at most."
"you……"
After hearing the words of his confidant Sabot, Despretis widened his eyes and wanted to speak, but in the end he waved his hands in frustration. "Forget it, then just do what you said and let as few people know about it as possible.
The better.”
"Yes, Your Excellency Prime Minister."
After getting the Prime Minister's approval, Sabot's heart was finally relieved. You have to know that he used the reserve fund privately. If anyone knew about it, he, the Finance Minister, would not be able to live with it. Of course, he was also very cautious about this. Now the Finance Minister
There are no more than one person in the ministry who knows about this matter, and they are all confidants who have been following him for many years.
With the secret support of the Prime Minister, Sabot left with peace of mind.
However, he did not notice that Depretis stared at his back and pondered. "It seems that I made a mistake by putting Sabote in the position of finance minister."
Yes, Depretis has already thought of replacing him. The reason is that he saw from this incident that Sabot's character is not suitable for the position of finance minister. Of course, he will not directly get rid of him, but
Replace him with the position of minister. However, it is not easy to do this, because it is really difficult to find someone who is suitable for the position of minister of finance and whom he trusts. There is no such person in his circle, otherwise he would not have
Sabot pushed to this position.
Although Despretis wants to change people, this matter cannot be rushed. The priority now is to negotiate the Tunisian industry.
As expected by the Prime Minister, his old friend French Ambassador Danny Dyer did not really terminate the negotiations. After secretly sending several telegrams to Paris, this old friend came uninvited and continued to have afternoon drinks with the Prime Minister.
It’s tea.
Of course, although afternoon tea is delicious, it must come to an end. After drinking tea for nearly ten days, both parties have achieved acceptable results.
Italian properties in Tunisia were sold by a company called Gabenli led by Mr. Danny Dale. In order to obtain Italy's consent to sell its properties in Tunisia, the company gave a guaranteed value of no less than 85% of the market price.
It is sold, and the company will also take a commission of 6% of the transaction amount.
The structure of this little-known Gabenli company is very complex. If the cocoon is peeled off, its shareholders will reveal the names of several family members of French political figures, pointing the finger at people such as Juffelli, Gambetta and others.
No matter what, this is good news for Italy. At least the ongoing drought can finally receive large-scale relief from the government. And there is also good news that makes the government satisfied, that is, it finally rained in southern Italy.
Although the rain was not heavy and only affected a few areas in Sicily and Naples, it was a good sign. It is always good to give people hope.
