My Italy

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 hand of Italian Ambassador Golek, and said the above words.

"Your Excellency Ramzdorf, I hope that the next meeting can reduce the differences between our two parties. See you soon."

Ambassador Gorek replied and left.

After the Italian ambassador left, Ramzdorf immediately called for his servant. "Prepare the carriage, I'm going 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. Everything is 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 trusted by the Tsar so much that he became the head of the civil service and served as the chairman of the Council of Ministers. In the years after Nicholas II came to the throne, Pobedonostsev Bedonostsev adopted a high-pressure policy internally and replaced a large number of officials with enlightened ideas to ensure the stability of the ruling class. But his move also aroused the hostility of the bourgeoisie, and many people wanted to get rid of him 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 spoke. "You mean that 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 two Genoa-class battleships and 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 this 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 Tertov'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 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 anxious, because everyone knew that this was causing trouble.

When General Turtov saw the young tsar who was hesitating again, he secretly said something bad and hurriedly explained. "Your Majesty, this purchase of battleships is very important to the safety of the Far East. The relationship between our country and Japan is now very tense. This unreasonable country already has four battleships in the Far East, and China currently only has two battleships in the Far East. It is completely at a disadvantage. 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 are urgently needed by His Majesty's Navy."

Facing Admiral Tertov's affectionate speech, Nicholas II was a little moved. He turned around and asked the Minister of Finance. "Can't the Ministry of Finance come up with four million rubles?"

Faced with the Tsar's words, Finance Minister Vischnegradsky immediately cried out. "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, Pobedonostsev, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, spoke at this time. "Four million rubles is not too much. Can't the Ministry of Finance squeeze it out? It should be able to squeeze it 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 knows all the government departments very well and knows that the finance minister has selfish motives. Because the American businessman Crump was highly recommended by this person at the time. To say that the two had no financial dealings was to bully the young tsar into not understanding the situation. This old fox knew everything about him. Of course, this sudden incident was probably 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 the fact that the meat in the mouth was spoiled would definitely make the finance minister dissatisfied.

"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 could only give up, unwilling to offend this important minister. Unlike the Admiralty, who has 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.

And after the chancellor backed down, the meeting was about as good as it gets.

And the great little daddy Tsar finally made his decision. "In negotiations with the Italians, we can try to purchase two battleships. In addition, the battleship drawings and technology are also needed by our country. Of course, the specific negotiations will require your attention, Mr. Ramzdorf."

Ramzdov could only answer the Tsar's order. "As you command, 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."

Ramzdov certainly 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."

As soon as he heard Ambassador Rivera's words, Ramzdov had a guess in his heart, but he spoke enthusiastically without saying anything. "It's nothing. It's not too late for me to welcome you, the Ambassador."

"Your Excellency Ramzdorf, I came here to ask for something."

Ambassador de Rivera's words made Ramzdov wary in his heart, but he said it 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 went 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 discussing the purchase of warships with Italy, Russia also There is no hiding, it is 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, Ramzdorf kept it 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 share the technology and blueprints of the Genoa-class battleships purchased with our country."

Well, Ambassador Rivera finally explained his purpose of coming. Yes, Ambassador Rivera was so generous this time because he came for the technology of the Genoa-class battleship.

After Russia decided to purchase ships from the Italians, France had this in mind. On the one hand, Italy is France's main competitor in the Mediterranean. Understanding its opponent's latest battleships can give France a more direct understanding of this opponent.

Secondly, although France has always believed that its naval technology is not bad, 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, understanding and absorbing the technology of Italian warships can save France from taking a few detours.

However, although France has various plans, it needs Russia's cooperation.

But in the case of the Foreign Secretary, things are a little stuck. "Ambassador de Rivera, your country's approach will make it difficult for our country. Because if this news spreads, it will put our country in a very embarrassing situation, which is quite risky for our country."

Faced with Ramzdov's troubled expression, Ambassador Rivera, who had been in Russia for several years, decided on something more convincing.

"Your Excellency Ramzdorf, small talk is disrespectful."

As he spoke, a check from the Bank of France was handed to Ramzdorf. Ambassador Rivera also has one on him, but this one is for Navy Minister Turtov. After all, this requires the cooperation of the Russian Navy Ministry.

Ramzdorf immediately glanced at it. The beginning of the word "five" was followed by five zeros, and the currency unit was francs. Yes, it was a check for half a million francs, and this check immediately cured the Foreign Secretary's troubles.

"For the sake of the friendship between your two countries, sometimes you have to break some rules. 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."

"Yes, we should have a drink."