Chapter 2669 Bargaining 2
"Haha, it's really a technology we can't use." Duff glanced at it. The Italians want technical information on large-caliber naval guns from the British, samples and drawings of engines, data on large marine gas turbines and gasoline engines for tanks, and they also want to obtain hydrophone equipment for several submarines and destroyers from Britain! As for the terms of trade, it is about import and export tariffs. Overall, although it is a bit uncomfortable, it is not too harsh. The Italians seem to take care of the British feelings, and some technical things are transferred for a fee!
"But I also want to say that your Excellency has gone too far! There is a word called going too far, and this sentence is undoubtedly the most appropriate to apply to your country!" Duff put the catalog aside, and then said: "Even if we are in some situations in the future, The field will be restricted, but this does not mean that some countries can obtain these valuable technologies at a slight price, and it is even less likely that trade preferences for colonies will be available."
"Your Majesty the Duke, I think both of us have some misunderstandings about the current situation. The Germans hope that Italy will sell the warships to the Japanese. In other words, regardless of whether we interfere or not, whether you sell the warships to the Americans or for your own use, the Germans hope that Italy will sell the warships to the Japanese." will be unhappy, and that unhappiness will translate into actual punishment.”
"As for the British Empire, we hope that your country will sell its warships to the Japanese, but this is a necessary condition but not a sufficient condition. If this transaction fails, we will regret it. The Japanese may be disappointed, but they will not because This little thing will turn us against each other. Therefore, we don’t have to pay a high price for this transaction." As he spoke, Duff pointed to the document provided by Duke Abruzzi just now. "This condition is impossible."
"So, here, I will inform your country of our bottom line! We will sell an unfinished Fury-class battleship to you in the name of a scrap battleship. Of course, this battleship has already installed part of the power system. Your The country will use the accessories we provide to complete this battleship and then sell it to the Japanese. With the arrival of this battleship, your country can obtain the drawings and related technology of the Fury-class battleship," Duff said.
"Other aspects include aviation engines, marine gas turbines, batteries and diesel engines. These are all restricted by the Germans. If your country cooperates with Italy, your country can circumvent these restrictions," the Duke said.
"Thank you, no need." Duff answered simply. "Whether you agree or not depends entirely on your country. If you and the Italian government think it is okay, you can contact me again." After finishing speaking, Duff stood up and left. The Duke of Abruzzi was left thoughtful.
"The British attitude is very tough. They don't want to have anything to do with us. They rejected our proposals for industrial technical cooperation and commercial cooperation." The next day, the Duke of Abruzzi came to Italian Prime Minister Antonio Salandra. residence and reported the relevant situation to the latter.
"The British are still very arrogant." Antonio couldn't help but shook his head. Even though Britain has declined, it is not something that Italy can control! Even the British Royal Navy, which has been weakened to the limit by the Germans, can still defeat the current Italian Navy. That's not to mention other aspects.
"So are the two warships we are outfitting now going to be sold to Japan or to the United States? The Germans, the British and even the French may want us to sell them to Japan. And if they are sold to the United States, I think we may get the U.S. friendship and support,” asked the Duke.
"Actually, this choice is not difficult to make. The United States is still weaker than Germany and Austria. Maybe their economy and industry are large, but their fists are too soft. And we are almost close to Germany and Austria. Now in the whole of Europe, there is no We can stop the power of Germany and Austria. We chose neutrality in the war before, and Germany and Austria were very resentful. And our relationship with Austria has never been harmonious. At this time, the whole of Europe is on the edge of Germany and Austria. When we were shivering, when Americans were still struggling in the Pacific.
Is it really difficult to make a choice?" Antonio asked.
"In other words, we are going to sell at least one Calacciono-class battleship to the Japanese," the Duke said, rubbing his chin. “So what do we do with Americans’ anger?”
"If we have to bear the anger of the Americans, then we must at least involve the British!" Antonio said.
"You mean, we can reveal some information, such as the attitude of the British?" the Duke asked.
"This is not enough. First of all, we need to let the Americans give up on their own. I think His Excellency the Duke should be able to do a good job in this regard, such as the construction period, equipment and accessories. Secondly, we need to let the Americans know that after they refuse to accept the request from us, After the warship was purchased here, the British provided us with accessories and armor, and then we completed the warship for sale to Japan with the help of the British," Antonio said.
"What about the future of Italian foreign policy?" asked the Duke.
"What else can we do? This world war only solved most of the conflicts in Europe to a certain extent. Britain weakened, the French surrendered, and Russia collapsed. Germany and Austria became the real hegemons, but there is still another one in the Atlantic Ocean. The United States, there is also Japan in the Far East. The world is not stable, maybe a few decades later, war will break out again, and I am more optimistic about the Germans." Antonio said.
"So, in the future we will truly become allies of the Germans," the Duke asked.
"Yes. And it must be a valuable ally. Whether it is the Allies or the Allies, they will not pity the waste! There are some things that we need to fight for ourselves!" Antonio said.
"Well, in that case, then I will prepare to receive the Americans." The Duke thought for a while and said. Offending the United States is certain, and this is even an important part of the German requirements. After all, Germany and Austria, which have become European hegemons, are not willing to see other European countries maintaining unusual relationships with Americans.
But as a big country, Italians still have to respect them. The less they can offend, the better. So as Antonio said, the best choice is to let the Americans give up on their own, but how to make the other party give up? The Italians are ready! Just three days after the Duke of Abruzzi met with Duff, Colonel Leahy and his party arrived in Italy. The Italians also warmly received the American colonel from across the ocean.
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