Romanian Eagle

In fact, the German side has paid attention to this issue for a long time, but they initially hoped to quickly defeat France to end the war. However, after the Battle of the Marne, the Western Front was unstoppable, and the German government was only now paying attention to the food issue. The German ambassador in Romania, Baslob, was authorized to negotiate with the Romanian government to lift the grain export ban and allow the German government to purchase.

The government's request is not easy to handle.

Ambassador Baslob looked at the secret telegram sent by the German government and spoke his heartfelt words to the embassy counselor Masnow.

Counselor Masnow has also worked in Romania for many years, and is considered to be proficient in Romania's political situation. He nodded in agreement with the ambassador's words. It's really not easy to handle. It is estimated that we need to find the new king to solve the problem.

Ambassador Baslob also fully agreed with Counselor Masnow's remarks. In his opinion, everything in Romania now is controlled by King Eder, and he has experienced this shrewd and cunning monarch in the past few years. There is basically no possibility of taking advantage of him. If there is, be careful, it is very likely to be a trap.

Ambassador Baslob also spoke impatiently. Now the empire needs food, otherwise the people will not have enough to eat, and the consequences do not need to be said.

When he thought of the dissatisfaction caused by the people's lack of food, the Masnow counselor immediately stopped talking. He knew that Germany had always needed imports before the war, and that the current war has brought millions of people into the army, so the gap is even bigger now, and their mission is much heavier.

Looking at the silent counselor, Ambassador Baslob called his attache and said. Prepare the vehicle, I want to meet the Romanian king.

Hearing the ambassador's words, Counselor Masnow asked in confusion. Is this too rushed?

When asked by his deputy, Ambassador Baslob explained to him. It's good to go now, I'm afraid of interference if it's too late.

Counselor Masnow understood the meaning of the ambassador. This is to fear that Britain and France will interfere with it and make the Germans waste more money. The previous oil purchases were made by them, and Ambassador Baslob, who had suffered a big loss, will of course have a good memory.

Ambassador Baslob said a word to him. This time I will go with Ambassador Bailey. I believe there will be a food shortage in Vienna.

Does the Austro-Hungarian ambassador agree?

In the face of the counselor's question, Ambassador Baslob nodded acquiesced.

At this time, the entourage came in and spoke. Your Excellency, the car is ready.

Let's go then.

Ambassador Baslobe really saw Ambassador Belli at the entrance of the Romanian Royal Palace, and the two of them said to the guards at the palace gate without even talking. The Austro-Hungarian ambassador and I need to meet His Majesty, please pass the information on.

The guard had known the two ambassadors for a long time, and he did not refuse. Please wait.

Looking at the leaving guards, Ambassador Baslob asked Ambassador Bailey. Do you have a big food shortage in Austria-Hungary now?

It's not big now. If the war continues, there will be many shortages of food.

In the face of Ambassador Bailey's answer, Ambassador Baslob sighed. It seems that in a short period of time, this war cannot be finished.

yes.

The two ambassadors stood at the door chatting. And Edel, who was working in the palace, quickly received the news.

The German and Austrian ambassadors are here to visit?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let them in.

The two ambassadors who got permission soon met Eder, who was already the king of Romania, in the king's office. This office is that of the crown prince that Edel had been using before, and now he is still working here after he became king.

I have seen His Majesty the King.

Looking at the two German and Austrian ambassadors in front of him, Edel asked. Do you know what the two ambassadors have come to do this time?

In the face of Edel's inquiry, Ambassador Baslob said his intentions. Your Majesty, we hope your country can lift the ban on grain exports.

why?

In the face of Edel's inquiry, Ambassador Baslob gave the reason. Your Majesty, now our country and Austria-Hungary are not producing enough grain, and buying from other places is not enough for daily needs. Therefore, your country, looking at our long-standing good relations, lifted the ban on grain import and export, and let our people feel Romania's kindness. Moreover, the grain is not a war material, and your country will not make any profit if you keep it, which will also hurt the interests of Romanian farmers. Friendship of Deo.

Ambassador Baslob said so much about the feelings of the people of the two countries. In fact, the core is still willing to buy at a high price.

Edel listened to the words of Ambassador Baslob, and continued to ask with a playful expression. So how much are the ambassadors of the two countries willing to offer on behalf of the government?

Hearing that Edel spoke so well, Ambassador Basslober was stunned for a while, but he responded quickly and continued to speak. Now the United Kingdom buys wheat from the United States at US$36 a ton. Of course, we will not treat Romania badly, so my country will openly purchase Romania's grain at 1.1 times this price.

Eder calculated the price given by the German ambassador, which was 205 lei per ton of wheat. Prices of grains such as corn, barley and oats are much lower. So Edel said. I am now giving Romania's requirements. If you think it is feasible, you can buy it at the price I said. If it doesn't work, forget it.

Hearing the words of Edel's showdown, the two ambassadors glanced at each other, and it was Ambassador Baslobber who stood up and spoke. Your Majesty, please speak.

Edel said without hesitation. The export price of wheat is 220 lei per ton, the export price of maize is 165 lei per ton, the price of barley and oats are 195 lei a ton and 190 lei a ton respectively. The price of potatoes and sugar beets...

After hearing the crown prince's words, Ambassador Baslob made a careful calculation in his heart that he did not exceed the price ceiling given by the government. In the telegram, the German government even authorized him to set a price ceiling of 200 marks per ton for wheat, and barley and oats did not exceed the price limit.

But the unrepentant Ambassador Baslob couldn't help but ask. Is there really no possibility of lowering your majesty?

Edel said with a nonchalant expression. This is the last offer from Romania. If you ask again, I will increase the price by 10 lei each.

Seeing that Edel was about to raise the price, Ambassador Baslob said immediately. I accept this price on behalf of the German government.

Ambassador Bailey followed suit. I also accept Romania's offer on behalf of the Austro-Hungarian government.

Seeing the words of the two ambassadors, Edel's expression turned cloudy. That's right, you can go to the Prime Minister to discuss the purchase now.

After hearing Edel's order, the two ambassadors left the palace and went to see Prime Minister Bretianu to discuss the purchase.

After the two ambassadors left, Brewster, the captain of the guard, walked over. he asked puzzled. Your Majesty, our price has not reached De'ao's bottom line, so are we selling it to them at such a low price?

Hearing the words of the captain of the guard who were not greedy enough, Edel said slowly. This is quite a lot. This batch of grain has been sold for 585 million lei. Don't be too greedy.

Although he said not to be greedy, in fact, Edel did not say the deeper meaning. Now Romania's trade surplus with Germany and Austria has reached more than 80 million pounds. This difference has made Eder a little bit dangerous.

Romania is not America and there is no sea separating them. If they earn too much now, Germany and Austria might destroy themselves first to enrich the treasury. Only when they have no spare capacity can they offer higher prices.