Chapter 37 The Old Man’s Connections
"Got it!" Sheffield held the phone between his neck and said lazily, "Actually, there's no need to rush this matter. We can talk about it after the Secretary of State leaves Paris. After all, my goals are not consistent with those of the country."
Sheffield crossed his legs, with an ugly bourgeois face, separating the United States from himself. In fact, the article he wanted to publish could even be described as flattering, specifically flattering the French people. If this were the case in the later developed Internet society, it would be considered insulting to the United States.
However, few people in the United States in the 19th century could travel to Europe, so he was not worried about this. However, in order to give face to the Democratic government and the United States's competition with Britain over Venezuela, it would be better to wait for the Secretary of State to leave Paris and visit the next country.
Of course, it didn't matter if the French flattered Germany at this time. The French were worthy of praise. It was probably at this time that the French began to feel revenge against Germany. This was certainly not just lip service to patriotism, but actual action.
It can be said that the German Empire during the reign of William II was undoubtedly the king of the world on land. The French army, which resisted the main force of the German army on the Western Front, could definitely be described as fighting to the bitter end.
However, this bloody battle also had very obvious sequelae. Not only did it cause the death and injury of five million people, it also directly bankrupted the powerful usurious imperialism. By the time of World War II, France no longer wanted to win a tragic victory again.
Only when you have been hurt can you reflect. France today certainly does not feel this way. After the Secretary of State and his entourage went to Imperial Russia to seek support, the front-page headline of Le Figaro finally featured an article by an American named Sam, who expressed his views on France and the French people. He first recalled the traditional friendly relations between the United States and France, and briefly mentioned the process of the United States taking advantage of France's misfortune.
"If there is anyone in the world who can make Britain less arrogant, it is only France."
"Louis XVI is the true father of the United States. Without the support of His Majesty the King, there would be no United States today."
Anne was reading the report on the front page of Le Figaro. As a loyal supporter of Le Figaro, she naturally knew the writing style of this newspaper. How did such a report suddenly appear?
The flattering words in this report naturally came from Sheffield. Who else could use the joke about the founding father of the United States? Besides, he was not wrong. France itself made great contributions in the War of Independence. Why can't we say that? That's the fact!
As for an authoritative newspaper, it was easy to get such a report. They just collected money! Five thousand gold francs. You should know that the value of gold francs in this era was not worse than that of British pounds. It was one of the important currencies commonly used in international settlements. Many international organizations and international conventions also adopted francs as the standard currency. When the Universal Postal Union was established, it stipulated in the postal convention that francs should be used to formulate unified international postal rates and settle postal accounts between member countries.
Do you really think that usurious imperialism is just to mock France? Wherever you can use pounds, you can use francs. Britain and France use the least of each other.
Seeing Sheffield nodding his head repeatedly, Anne put down the newspaper and asked, "You don't seem angry at all?"
"Why should I be angry? It's such a good thing!" Sheffield said in surprise, "I think the great France can fully bear such praise, and it's true."
"I thought someone like you would find the report inappropriate," Annie said hesitantly. "After all, the picture of the United States is too weak, and you are an American citizen."
"You're overthinking. I'm not that kind of vulgar person." Sheffield grinned and snorted, "As long as someone can afford the price, a price that the Sheffield family can't refuse, selling out the country is not a problem."
Anyway, the Sheffield family was originally an agent of the British Empire, and they took the initiative to do it. As long as there is profit, it is fine to lick the French. As for what the patriots of the United States think, it is none of their business. Few of those people can go abroad. Besides, who knows that he is suspected of insulting the United States?
Is there any evidence? You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. You can criticize the US government, but you can't scold it. This has completely different consequences. The federal government will not take the initiative to do anything to a nobody, but he may not.
The recent period may be the most diligent time in the old man's life. In addition to being busy with patent authorization matters, he is also handling France's investment in the United States. He seems to be a complete expert and has good relations with a group of financiers and bankers in Paris. It seems that he has done this many times before.
It was from Richie Martin that Sheffield learned that the old man had stayed in Paris for so many years, and the reason why he did not cause the French branch to suffer losses every year was that he had his own unique skills.
At the end of the 19th century, the United States was a typical debtor country. Simply put, the country's development depended on foreign investment and owed Europe nearly $3 billion in debt. France, with its usurious imperialism, accounted for the second largest share. The first was naturally London, the world's economic center at the time, which accounted for more than one-third of the United States' debt.
The United States' military and industrial power are not matched, and these old imperialists estimate that the United States does not have the ability to default on its debts. Moreover, the United States is developing rapidly, and their investment returns are considerable.
Sheffield suddenly recalled what Karl Lagerfeld had said, "If we only compare the assets in the United States, the Rockefeller and Morgan families are slightly stronger than us. If we add other factors, my family is stronger than them alone. It's just that my family doesn't have a listed company, so we don't need to sell stocks, and even if we raise funds, it's not in New York."
It now seems that Sheffield's financing should be in places like London and Paris.
"Recently I have found some legal friends and studied French patent law, and have made some progress." Harry Sheffield did not return to the apartment until late at night. Reeking of alcohol and powder, he told his story. "There is no obstacle in French patent law to transfer patent authorization through the Ministry of Justice. I mean to complete this through a loan from the Bank of France. Part of the loan will be used directly for patent transfer fees. The rest will be used as an investment. Public opinion in recent days has also helped a lot."
"The mortgaged items also include various grains and meat products. Perhaps this requires comprehensive consideration on the part of Texas."
After listening to the old man's description of the whole process, Sheffield was very surprised and thought, the old man can do it.
"Your father, I have a bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas." Harry Sheffield boasted condescendingly, with his hands on his hips. "Although many rules don't apply in Paris, it doesn't matter. I have a lot of friends."
Sheffield added in his mind that he had many girlfriends, and then he heard the old man lower his voice and say, "I have created opportunities for you for so many days, have you succeeded?"
I felt like my lungs were going to pop out.
(End of this chapter)
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