Chapter 681 "Selan" Steel Plant
Charles was right. Gilles had no intention of selling the Seran Steel Plant.
He has been on vacation in the United States, and his family is enjoying life in their seaside villa in Washington.
Gilles believed that if there was any safe and comfortable place in the world, it would only be the United States. Even the world's number one country, Britain, was not a safe place as it was blockaded by Germany and was also in a state of shortage of supplies.
On this day, when he was lying on a lounge chair in front of the door, drinking red wine and basking in the sun, he received a telegram from Belgium. To his surprise, the telegram was sent by Albert I:
"I am pleased to tell you, Mr. Gilles, that we will soon retake the 'Serran' steelworks."
"For war reasons, if you don't come back to deal with it, we will nationalize the steel mill."
"After all, no one would be willing to use blood and life to recover it and then present it to you with both hands, don't you think?"
Gilles jumped up from his couch as if he had been pricked by a needle, and exclaimed: "My God, they actually hit 'Selan'?"
"Serran" is not just the name of a steel plant, it is a small town only 10 kilometers away from the Liege Fortress.
If the Belgian army reaches "Seraing", it means that the whole of Belgium will be recovered soon.
"No, I can't give up the steel plant." Gilles hurriedly packed his luggage, said goodbye to his family, and got on the car back to Belgium.
…
Charleroi City Hall.
Major General Eden was puzzled by Albert I's decision to "give" the "Seran" steelworks to Charles.
"Your Majesty, should you reconsider this?" Major General Eden said, "'Selan' is not only a steel plant, it is also a machinery plant. The first train in our country was built by 'Selan'."
The Seraing Steel Plant is the largest steel plant in Belgium, with an annual output of 1.1 million tons of steel, accounting for nearly half of Belgium's total output.
(Note: Before and after World War I, Belgium's steel production was not large, with an annual output of about 2.467 million tons. In the 1980s, the annual output of the "Serran" Steel Plant alone reached 3 million tons)
"I know." Albert I said calmly.
"It is the lifeblood of Belgium, Your Majesty," said Major General Eden. "Steel controls our economic, military and industrial development. Without it, we have nothing!"
Albert I turned his eyes to Major General Eden and asked, "Do you think Charles needs these things to control Belgium?"
Major General Eden suddenly understood.
Charles can control the lifeline of Belgium without the "Seran" steel plant. He has an invincible army, controls the "FN" arsenal, and wants to build a defense system for Belgium.
Any one of these would be enough to shake the foundations of Belgium.
In that case, what does it matter if Charles has one more handle on his hand?
"But." Major General Eden still didn't understand: "The 'Serran' Steel Plant is vital to the Belgian economy. We don't have to give it to Charles. We just need to pretend that nothing happened..."
Anyway, Charles didn't say anything. He was already satisfied with everything he had now. Wouldn't it be unnecessary to give away the "Selan" steel plant?
Albert I smiled lightly and reminded: "Major General, have you forgotten where the 'Selan' steel mill is?"
Major General Eden did not "forget", but he did not know the relationship between the two.
However, he immediately understood the location of the "Selan" steel plant as soon as he glanced at the map.
It is a small town in the province of Liege, only 10 kilometers away from the Liege Fortress.
If the safety of the "Serran" steelworks is to be protected, the safety of the Liege Fortress must be guaranteed. Otherwise, it will be under the range of the Liege Fortress's artillery.
Albert I asked calmly, "Now, do you think we should give it to Charles?"
Major General Eden nodded heavily: "Yes, Your Majesty, this is a very good investment! Your consideration is correct, you are far-sighted and have a unique vision!"
Albert I smiled slightly and said nothing more.
Major General Eden only saw the matter from a military perspective.
From another perspective, this is also true from the perspective of suppressing domestic capitalists.
As Major General Eden said, the output of the Serran Steel Plant was nearly half of the total output of Belgium. Its owner Gilles controlled Belgium's military, economy and industry. Even Albert I, who was in power, had to give him some respect.
If Belgium wants to listen to Charles, Boyata, Gilles, and so on...
Then why not kick out Boyata, Gilles and others?
From now on, you just have to listen to Charles. At least Charles is a friend and a capitalist with a conscience. At the same time, Charles is the one who will never be kicked out!
This was an act of power that Major General Eden did not understand, and he did not need to understand.
At this time, Gilles was brought in by the guards. He excitedly shook hands with Albert I and said happily:
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty."
"It's unbelievable that we reached Seran so quickly."
"I know that under your leadership, the Belgian people will surely drive out the invaders and achieve ultimate victory!"
"You are a wise leader and an excellent commander..."
Albert I snorted in his heart, if you knew all this, you shouldn't have hidden in the United States and done nothing, and only came back now to reap the benefits.
But Albert I did not show it. He politely asked Gilles to sit down at his desk: "Now that you are back, let's talk about the shares of the 'Selan' steel plant, Mr. Gilles!"
Gilles looked stunned. After a moment's pause, he said, "But you said in the telegram that you would not nationalize it when I came back..."
Albert I raised his eyebrows and said, "I do not intend to nationalize it, but I think you should sell the shares to Charles."
"Charles?" Gilles looked shocked and said with difficulty, "Mars of France?"
Even though he was aloof in America, he had heard of Charles' name.
It was hard for him not to know that the news had spread all over the streets, even in the United States.
"Yes!" Albert I nodded gently, took out a document that had been prepared long ago from the drawer and handed it over: "This is the acquisition plan. If there is no problem, please sign it."
Gilles flipped through the document and took a look. His face instantly turned pale. "No, selling 50% of the shares at half the price, this is ridiculous..."
"Really?" Albert I's face darkened, he looked at Gilles coldly and interrupted him:
"Let me tell you what's going to happen, Mr. Gilles."
"If you disagree, the Serran Steelworks will have nothing to do with the Sharr, and the First Special Reconnaissance Army will not have to pay the price of their lives to protect the steelworks."
"I'm sure you know what's going to happen!"
(End of this chapter)
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