Chapter 651 Supply Rights
The Shire has strong control over both the army and the air force.
Military rank, prestige, command authority, plus the production and supply of major equipment for the army and air force.
For example, the army’s tanks will have dedicated tank guns and dual-stable fire control systems in the future.
For example, the Air Force's fighter jets, bombers, and engine technology.
These are all directly controlled by the Bernard Group, also known as Charles.
Only equipment with low technological content and strong substitutability, such as rifles, mines, machine guns, mortars, etc., were handed over to the "Saint-Etienne" and "FN" arsenals.
The Navy is different.
Charles held neither rank nor command in the naval field, and his only connection with the navy was, ultimately, the shipyards in Wales.
Perhaps he had prestige. After all, Charles was already at the peak of his power in France at that time, and even in the navy, few had not heard of Charles.
But prestige is empty, and it is actually nothing in front of powerful figures like Lieutenant General Geprat.
One day, if Charles had a conflict of interest with Vice Admiral Gueprat, or if his political enemies persuaded or bribed Vice Admiral Gueprat, all of Charles's arrangements in the navy might be overturned in an instant.
This is no small matter. It concerns Charles' control over materials and even his voice. If he is not careful, he will lose everything. Charles will certainly not give up the opportunity in front of him.
"Lieutenant General," Lieutenant General Geprat asked, his eyes full of expectation: "How much money do you plan to provide for the navy?"
"It's still uncertain." Charles thought for a moment and replied, "No one knows how far the war will develop, and no one knows how much the navy will need. However, I plan to invest $15 million in the first batch to build 10 new destroyers with a displacement of about 2,000 tons."
$15 million is roughly what Shire earns in a month.
(Note: This price is based on the four 1,000-ton British Beast destroyers that Greece purchased from Britain in 1916 at 148,000 British pounds per ship, equivalent to 713,000 US dollars)
Lieutenant General Geprat was overjoyed: "One... fifteen million? US dollars? Are you sure?"
Lieutenant General Geprat couldn't believe that Charles would invest such a huge sum of money in the first batch.
France has only three destroyers under construction, and one battleship is halfway through construction and is basically at a standstill.
This still requires the whole country's efforts.
And Charles was able to build 10 destroyers at once, and they were new types of destroyers.
"Of course, Vice Admiral." Charles said affirmatively: "There will be more funds invested in the future, as well as scarce supplies. I hope to build the French Navy into the strongest navy in the region."
Lieutenant General Geprat nodded heavily.
He could understand what Charles meant. The world's number one navy was just across the English Channel. When Charles said "build the strongest in the region", he actually meant "the strongest in the world".
God, is the spring of the French Navy really coming? Vice Admiral Gueprat felt dizzy.
However, Lieutenant General Geprat quickly calmed down.
He knew that although Charles was a general who had made countless contributions to France, he was also a capitalist.
Any capitalist will consider their own interests. They will not spend money for nothing, especially such a large amount of money.
Charles is certainly no exception.
"Thank you very much, Lieutenant General." Lieutenant General Gueprat calmed himself down and shook Charles' hand in an official manner. "On behalf of all the citizens of France and all the officers and soldiers of the navy, I thank you for your generosity. We will never forget your contribution."
"That's as it should be, General," Charles replied. "That's also our common goal, isn't it?"
"Of course." Lieutenant General Geprat nodded, and then asked in a tactful way: "But do you have any requests? I mean, we can't let you invest such a large sum of money for no reason and get nothing in return."
Charles pretended to think for a moment, then answered:
"That's right, General. After all, the Bernard Group doesn't belong to me alone."
"While I would love to donate the money to the Navy, I have to consider the interests of others."
"Or, this money can be regarded as purchasing the right to supply the navy. What do you think?"
Lieutenant General Geprat was stunned: "Supply rights?"
"Yes," Charles explained.
"In short, it is responsible for naval officers and soldiers and supplies, including daily necessities, ammunition, fuel, weapons, etc."
"I recently plan to expand my shipping business. My shipping company will continuously bring in supplies from the United States."
"I just hope to make a little difference to make up for the loss."
This is half true and half false.
Expanding the shipping business is real.
Charles was in control of the safety of the shipping routes, so it would obviously be very profitable for him to form his own merchant ship to transport supplies.
Moreover, you will feel at ease only when the transportation rights are in your own hands, otherwise you may still be strangled by others.
“Hoping to make the difference to make up for the losses” is false.
Charles' real purpose is to control the navy's supplies and expand his influence in the navy.
If the navy doesn't obey one day, Charles can just cut off the supply.
Especially important are irreplaceable materials such as weapons and ammunition, including possible aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft that may appear in the future.
Lieutenant General Geprat certainly understood this.
He hesitated for a moment, weighing the options in his mind.
agree.
The only loss that Geprat suffered was the addition of a superior, and he might have to listen to Charles from now on.
This can't even be called a "loss".
With the support of Charles, a capitalist who was as wealthy as a country, the Brest faction did not even need to worry about suppression from the Minister of the Navy or funding from Parliament.
There is also much more room to grow and likely many more victories.
Victory in particular would make Vice Admiral Geprat even famous in history if he defeated the British Royal Navy and became the world's number one navy.
disagree.
The French Navy would soon continue to be in trouble, and Charles might completely abandon the Brest Fleet.
By then, there will be no hope of victory or glory, and the navy may even disband and be incorporated into the Toulon Fleet.
Thinking of this, Lieutenant General Geprat no longer hesitated. He nodded and said, "No problem, Lieutenant General. I believe you will be a good partner. You won't sell the supplies too expensively, right?"
This is another worry of Vice Admiral Geprat. If Charles asks for an exorbitant price after obtaining the supply rights, it will affect the morale of the naval officers and soldiers.
Charles laughed.
"Don't worry, General. I will use the food standards and prices of the British Royal Navy as a reference."
"I promise that the supplies I provide will only be cheaper than theirs, not more expensive."
"Otherwise, I am willing to pay ten times the price!"
The supply price of the British Royal Navy is already two to three times the market price, and there is still huge profit margin.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
