Inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Petersburg, a negotiation had just concluded.
"Ambassador Gorek, although your two countries have some differences, I think mutual understanding is the most important outcome of this meeting. I look forward to the next meeting with the Ambassador and hope that we can eliminate the differences between the two parties by then."
Russian Foreign Minister Ramzdov stood up, shook the Italian Ambassador Golek's hand, and said the above words.
"Your Excellency Ramzdorf, I hope that the next meeting can reduce the differences between our two parties. Goodbye."
Ambassador Gorek replied and left.
After the Italian ambassador left, Ramzdorf immediately called the servant. "Prepare the carriage, I want to go to the palace."
Negotiating with Italy to purchase warships is also very important to Russia, so it needs to inform Tsar Nicholas II of the specific situation.
When Ramzdov arrived at the palace, he discovered that not only the Tsar was waiting for him, but also Navy Minister Turtov, Finance Minister Vishnegradsky, and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Pobedonostsev.
Waiting here.
"How was Ramzdorf's talk with the Italians?"
Pobedonostsev, the chairman of the Council of Ministers, asked the foreign minister who came in. Pobedonostsev, who was a teacher of Nicholas II, was very trusted by the tsar, so he became the head of the civil service and served as
Chairman of the Council of Ministers when Nicholas II ascended the throne
In the following years, Pobedonostsev adopted a high-pressure policy internally and replaced a large number of officials with enlightened ideas to ensure the stability of the ruling class. However, his move also aroused the hostility of the bourgeoisie.
Many people want to get rid of it quickly.
"It's not that good. The Italians insist that if we only buy one battleship, we must pay 10.5 million rubles. The price of two battleships has been reduced to 19.5 million rubles. And the price for selling battleship blueprints and technology has also been reduced to 450.
Thousand rubles." (1 ruble for 2.8 lire)
After hearing the words of the Foreign Minister, Tsar Nicholas II said, "You mean, Italy is unwilling to sell one battleship alone, but insists on selling two battleships together?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, Italy has reduced the package price of the two Genoa-class battleships and the blueprints and technology from 26 million rubles to 2 million rubles, but the price of a single ship has not been reduced, and the price is 10.5 million rubles.
"
Upon hearing what the Foreign Minister said, Nicholas II looked at Admiral Turtov, Minister of the Navy. It was obvious that he wanted to hear the navy's opinion.
"Your Majesty, if we are talking about the purchase of a single ship, then the price offered by the Italians is on the high side, but if it is a two-ship purchase, then the price is reasonable. As for the blueprints and technology, I think this will be of great benefit to the navy and shipyards.
They are all very helpful. As we all know, Italy's performance has been very good in recent years. Although its cost is relatively high among other countries, it is very cost-effective. Therefore, our Navy believes that we can continue to negotiate with the Italians."
General Turtov's words gave Nicholas II some ideas. But just when he was about to speak, Finance Minister Vischnegradsky suddenly spoke to stop him.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Finance has no objection to the purchase of Italian battleships, but the price of two battleships plus technical drawings is as high as 24 million rubles, which is too high. Our Ministry of Finance has only prepared a payment of 20 million rubles for the two battleships, which rises to
24 million, what should we do with the extra gap?”
The finance minister's words made the atmosphere at the scene anxious, because everyone knew that this was causing trouble.
When Admiral Turtov saw the young tsar who hesitated again, he secretly thought something bad and hurriedly explained. "Your Majesty, this purchase of warships is very important for the safety of the Far East. The relationship between our country and Japan is now very tense. This
The unreasonable country has battleships in the Far East
It has four battleships, but China currently only has two battleships in the Far East. It is completely at an absolute disadvantage, so our country urgently needs to supplement its strength in the Far East. As for purchasing technology and blueprints, it is also important to improve our country's shipbuilding level. Both of them are
It is what His Majesty's Navy urgently needs."
Facing Admiral Tertov's affectionate speech, Nicholas II was a little moved. He turned to ask the Minister of Finance. "Can't the Ministry of Finance get four million rubles?"
Faced with the Tsar's words, Finance Minister Vischnegradsky immediately called Qu, "Your Majesty, all the money from the Ministry of Finance has a place to go. There is no spare ruble for the Navy."
Faced with the complaint from Finance Minister Vishnegradsky, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers Pobedonostsev said at this time. "Four million rubles is not too much. Can't the Ministry of Finance squeeze it out? I should be able to send it."
Come out."
Vischnegradsky, who was a teacher of the tsar, spoke with great weight. Firstly, the indecisive tsar respected his opinions very much. Secondly, he was also the main supporter of the expansion of the empire in the Far East.
Of course, on the other hand, he also knew all the government departments very well and knew that the Chancellor of Finance had selfish motives. Because the American businessman Trump was highly recommended by him at the time. To say that the two had no financial dealings was to bully the young tsar.
The situation was very clear to him as an old fox. Of course, this sudden incident was mostly in retaliation for the navy's strong opposition to shipbuilding in the United States. You must know that the government had already negotiated with the American businessman at that time, and it was true.
The meat was browned, which must have displeased the finance minister.
"There is still a chance of squeezing. Of course, if Mr. Ramzdorf can continue to lower the price, that would be even better."
When faced with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, who was very important and difficult to fool, Vischnegradsky had no choice but to give up, unwilling to offend this important minister. Unlike the Minister of the Navy, who wanted to pursue his own interests in the military,
, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers is the head of the ministers (a position somewhat similar to that of the Prime Minister), and is not someone who can be offended.
After the chancellor backed down, the meeting was almost over.
And the great little father of the tsar finally made a decision. "In negotiations with the Italians, we can try to purchase two battleships. In addition, the battleship drawings and technology are also what our country needs. Of course, specific negotiations will also require Ramzi
Mr. Dove, please take the trouble."
Regarding the Tsar's order, Ramzdov could only reply: "Yes, Your Majesty."
After the meeting, they naturally went back.
And Ramzdorf planned to go home early because he came to attend the meeting after negotiating with the Italians today.
But when he got home, he got a piece of news from the housekeeper.
"You said Ambassador Rivera was waiting for me?"
"Yes, sir, Ambassador Rivera has been waiting for you at home for an hour."
Of course Ramzdov knew who Ambassador Rivera was. As the ambassador of Russia's most important ally, Ambassador Rivera was friends with many senior Russian officials, including Ramzdov.
"Ambassador Rivera, I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
As soon as he arrived at the living room, Ramzdorf looked at Ambassador de Rivera sitting in the hall and immediately greeted the French ambassador with a smile on his face.
"Your Excellency Ramzdorf, I'm sorry for interrupting you this time."
Upon hearing Ambassador Rivera's words, Ramzdov had some suspicions in his heart. He remained calm but said enthusiastically, "It's nothing. It's not too late for me to welcome the Ambassador."
"Your Excellency Ramzdorf, I came here this time to ask for something."
Ambassador de Rivera's words made Ramzdov feel wary in his heart, but he said in his mouth, "What can I do for you, Ambassador?"
"I heard that you are talking to the Italians about the purchase of Genoa-class battleships and technical drawings. Our country wants to share your country's worries and is willing to bear half of the cost of the technical drawings. What do you think?"
The French ambassador got straight to the point and directly stated his intention.
Ramzdov was not surprised that Ambassador de Rivera knew that he was negotiating with the Italians. The close relationship between the two countries over the years has made many people become friends of France. When talking about purchasing warships with Italy, Russia also
It's not hidden, so it's not difficult to find out.
Of course, France must have an ulterior motive for being so kind as to bear the cost of a copy of technical drawings for Russia.
But although he knew it in his heart, Ramzdov kept the news secret on his face. "This is great. Thank you for your selfless help. I would say that the alliance between Russia and France is the strongest friendship in the world."
"Yes, the friendship between our two countries is the strongest, so it should be okay for your country to purchase the technology and blueprints of the Genoa-class battleship and share it with our country."
Well, Ambassador Rivera finally explained his purpose of coming. Yes, Ambassador Rivera was so generous this time because he came here for the technology of Genoa-class battleships.
After Russia decided to purchase ships from the Italians, France began to think about this. On the one hand, Italy is France's main competitor in the Mediterranean. Understanding its opponent's latest battleships will allow France to have a better understanding of this opponent.
Direct understanding.
Secondly, although France has always believed that its naval technology is not bad, the ten years of green water navy has really made the French navy lag behind several major powers in warship technology and naval tactics. And through the hands of the Russians, they learned and absorbed the technology of Italian warships
, for the current France, it can avoid a few detours.
However, although France has various plans, it needs Russia's cooperation.
But the Foreign Secretary is a little stuck. "Ambassador de Rivera, what your country is doing will make it very difficult for our country. Because if this news spreads, it will put our country in a very embarrassing situation. This
The risks for our country are quite high."
Faced with Ramzdov's troubled expression, Ambassador Rivera, who had been in Russia for several years, decided on something more convincing.
"Your Excellency Ramzdorf, your petty remarks are disrespectful."
As he spoke, a check from the Bank of France was handed to Ramzdov. Ambassador Rivera also had another check on him, but this one was prepared for Admiral Turtov. After all, this required the cooperation of the Russian Navy Ministry.
Just fine.
And Ramzdorf immediately took a look, and saw that the beginning of the five-digit letter was followed by six zeros, and the currency unit was francs. Yes, this was a check for five hundred thousand francs, and this check immediately cured the Foreign Minister's problem.
"For the sake of the friendship between our two countries, sometimes we have to break some conventions. I think this should be reasonable."
"Of course, it should be very worthy of recognition and praise."
"Let us drink to the friendship between our two countries."
