“In fact, General, you don’t have to be so anxious to push me to the position. It doesn’t really matter who is the Minister of the Navy. What really matters is who holds the real power in the Navy Department.
If the general serves as the Deputy Minister of Defense and has the authority to supervise the Ministry of the Navy, no matter who the new Secretary of the Navy is, it will not affect our control over the Ministry of the Navy.
Compared with the title of Secretary of the Navy, I care more about the power of the Department of the Navy. I believe you also know that Adams Teach is my man, and if you are above him, you will be the Deputy Minister of Defense.
The Admiralty promoted Adams Teach to be the Chief of Naval Staff. Then I only need to be the Deputy Secretary of the Admiralty and I can completely sideline the new Minister.
In other words, it doesn’t really matter who the new Minister of the Navy is. You can even use this position to make a deal with some people.”
In the end, Fang Lang turned down the position of Navy Minister, which was within his grasp. The reason was not simply because he felt that he was not old enough or had insufficient qualifications, but because he was afraid of being targeted.
If age alone is considered, Brazil's current Air Force Minister Nairo Moura also became the head of a department with low qualifications.
The reason why Fang Lang made such a choice was mainly because he did not want to make himself too conspicuous when the Chinese community had not yet completely established a foothold in Brazil.
His predecessor grew up in Brazil and knew very well that although Brazil did not have as serious racial discrimination as the United States, it was by no means a paradise.
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...
Once a Chinese like me becomes a high-ranking official in the Brazilian military, he will definitely be used by people with ulterior motives and used as an excuse to make trouble, and it may become a trend against Chinese people.
This is by no means an unfounded worry, but an inevitable consequence of the hardworking genes of the Chinese. Everyone knows that most black people are lazy, and once they have something to eat, they are unwilling to continue working hard.
In Brazil, everyone is pretty much the same, but since there are more and more Chinese people, the working atmosphere in Brazil has changed significantly, because the Chinese are really too aggressive.
Many jobs may require two or three Brazilians to complete, but a Chinese person can do it alone, which leads many companies to prefer recruiting Chinese people.
The consequence of this is that many of the jobs of the original Brazilian natives have been replaced by the Chinese, which has caused dissatisfaction among a considerable number of local people.
But now, because this situation has not yet formed a trend and scale, it has not become a common phenomenon in society. But as a clear-headed person, Fang Lang can do nothing but not to intensify this contradiction.
Not coming to the front desk was the best solution he could think of.
After listening to Fang Lang's words, General Crook fell into deep thought. Although he didn't know why Fang Lang was unwilling to serve as the Minister of the Navy, his meaning was already very clear.
He didn't want the position, but he must have the power. This was definitely a heart-to-heart talk. After understanding Fang Lang's meaning, he spoke directly and frankly:
"Fang, to be honest, there are indeed many people who want to be the Minister of the Navy, and behind each candidate there is a group of interests.
But their strength is obviously not as great as ours. If I use this position to exchange benefits with them, I can indeed gain more.
But you have to understand that everyone who is interested in this position is after the power of the Minister of the Navy, not just for a title.
If they knew they would be sidelined once they took office, I don’t think anyone would be willing to jump into this pit foolishly! ”
Hearing this, Fang Lang smiled slightly. Looking at General Crook's slightly tangled expression, he decided not to beat around the bush any more and said frankly:
"General, I know that all those who are interested in this position are after the power of this position. So, what do they need this power to do for them?
It is nothing more than realizing one's own ideals, enjoying the benefits of power, or even simply using the power in one's hands to exchange for monetary gains.
I may not be able to satisfy the other party with the first two items, but the third item is too easy for me.
So, I think we just need to choose a person or force that wants to make money to serve as the Secretary of the Navy.
But at that time, we were responsible for holding power and he was responsible for making money, wouldn’t that be perfect?”
General Crook was stunned. How could he not understand Fang Lang's meaning? He couldn't help but blurt out:
"Are you going to feed him directly with money? Do you know that they are not just one person, but a group of interest groups? With their greed, they can't be fed with just a little money.
If they keep causing trouble, will you satisfy their appetite again and again? "
General Crook looked nervous and directly expressed his concerns. Far from being worried, Fang Lang smiled and poured him a cup of tea, then said:
"Your Excellency the General is worrying too much. I never said that I would pay for his food out of my own pocket."
Without waiting for General Crook to continue expressing his doubts, Fang Lang stretched out his hand and pressed it lightly, signaling General Crook not to get excited and wait for him to finish speaking.
"The Fletcher-class destroyer we copied has now been put into mass production. As the first modern destroyer designed and built by Brazil, its strength is unquestionable.
Although it cannot be compared with the current Gearing-class destroyers of the US military, it has surpassed the Fletcher-class destroyers produced in the United States, and its construction cost is much lower than that of the United States.
My idea is, as our Brazilian Navy Minister, do you have the obligation to recommend this destroyer that we independently developed and designed to more countries?
If he encounters a country in need, he can just speak up and sell them a few ships at a relatively reasonable price!"
Now General Crook was really speechless. It seemed that as the Secretary of the Navy, I had not sold a few warships to other countries, which meant I was not qualified.
At the same time, he couldn't help but sigh at Fang Lang's cunning. His words almost made it clear to General Crook that since the new Secretary of the Navy wanted to exchange power for money, he would give him a chance.
However, he had to earn this money himself by selling the Brazilian-made imitation Fletcher-class destroyers abroad. If he wanted to sell this thing abroad, it would be inconvenient without the title of Secretary of the Navy.
Once the Secretary of the Navy becomes a salesman, he will not only be able to hold the real power of the Navy Department, but also bring more orders to his own shipyard, and make the Secretary of the Navy dare not easily offend him as the owner of the shipyard.
After figuring this out, General Crook couldn't help but look at Fang Lang with a dodge in his eyes. Good fellow! You still know how to play.
However, it must be said that Fang Lang’s proposal is very feasible and attractive. After all, exporting Brazilian arms abroad is also one of the important means to enhance Brazil’s international influence.
From the perspective of both the Navy Department and the Department of Defense, it is impossible to reject this proposal. Even the President will definitely support this plan after learning about it.
“Do you have the right person?”
Fang Lang shouldn't have been asked for his opinion on this candidate, but the plan he proposed really made him very excited, and he couldn't help but blurt it out. After he said it, he regretted it a little.
After all, if the candidate proposed by Fang Lang is different from the person he wants to exchange interests with, he will be in a passive position.
Fang Lang felt the same as Ming Jing, so of course he couldn't say anything that would make it difficult for General Crook! He smiled and said:
"This is the Minister of the Navy. It is not for a subordinate like me to comment. The specific candidate must of course be considered by the general himself."
Upon hearing this, General Crook couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. He had to admit that Fang Lang was really good at talking and doing things. When interacting with him, everything made him feel very comfortable.
If every subordinate could be like this, he would have less to worry about.
As a superior, since he had already asked for his opinion, if he took it back now, it would definitely make him look petty. Since Fang Lang was so good at talking, he certainly couldn't appear petty. So, he smiled and rolled his eyes at the other party, then said unhappily:
"Just say what you're told. I just want to know what you think. In the end, who will be chosen is not something we two can decide."
General Crook was a seasoned man. His words showed his respect for Fang Lang and told him that even if you said so, it was not necessarily the case. Ultimately, it would depend on the opinion of the Ministry of National Defense. In fact, if he could push Fang Lang up, he could certainly push another person up.
Fang Lang knew this very well, but he had to show his gratitude appropriately. Of course, General Crook was indeed worthy of his gratitude.
He originally wanted to decline, but after thinking about it, he realized that he actually had a more suitable candidate. Although he didn't know if he was the same candidate as General Crook had in mind, he could still propose him and give him a reference.
Therefore, after a brief pause, he stopped refusing and spoke directly:
"Since the General has asked, I will venture to tell you. As far as I know, there is a general in our Navy Department who seems to have a very close relationship with General Leta of the General Logistics Department!
General Leta has been in charge of the General Logistics Department for so many years, he must have considerable influence in the army!
Moreover, this general mainly performed civilian work in the navy, had little experience in commanding troops, and was not greedy for military power.
But unfortunately, I guess General Leta will have to leave his current position this time!"
Fang Lang sighed with regret at the end. General Crook felt the same as Ming Jing, this was just a ladder that Fang Lang handed to him.
He knew exactly who the candidate Fang Lang was talking about. Because, recently, he didn't know if there had been rumors, or if someone wanted to take advantage of the change of president to move positions, but there were indeed a few people who were very active.
It was under such circumstances that a group of people proposed to promote Fang Lang to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy. As for the purpose of this proposal, everyone was smart and could see it at a glance.
At the same time, General Crook also knew that the candidate recommended by Fang Lang was one of the only candidates who had no ill will towards him.
After realizing this, General Crook couldn't help but look at Fang Lang deeply. He had to say that the candidate recommended by Fang Lang was really very suitable.
First of all, this person’s strength is not strong and will not affect Fang Lang’s control over the Navy Department.
Secondly, as a member of General Leta's faction, he has a certain understanding of the external arms market and can complete the task of promoting warships as mentioned by Fang Lang.
Once again, the purpose of this guy being pushed out was indeed to use the position of Secretary of the Navy to make more money.
More importantly, although their force is inconspicuous in the Ministry of National Defense, their influence is not small. After all, if you want to make a fortune in the Ministry of National Defense, how can you have a chance to make a fortune without opening up enough connections?
But the leader of this group is not General Leta, the head of the General Logistics Department under the Ministry of Defense, but someone else. This person has retired, but still has a great influence on the Ministry of Defense.
If I use the position of Navy Minister to exchange interests with the other party, maybe I can try to take control of the General Logistics Department. It is the control of the General Logistics Department, not the position of the Minister of General Logistics.
This idea that just popped up in my mind was learned from Fang Lang.
If it really succeeds, as the incoming Deputy Minister of Defense, I cannot say that I have the final say in the Ministry of Defense, but I can definitely influence decision-making.
"I know who you are talking about. I will think about it seriously when I get back.
However, I want to confirm with you one last time, have you really decided not to be the Secretary of the Navy?"
Seeing General Crook's burning gaze, Fang Lang couldn't help but smile again. While refilling General Crook's tea, he said calmly:
"The relationship between me and the general is such that I will speak my mind without any intention of lying.
Besides, even if I become the Deputy Minister of the Navy and control the power of the Navy, I am still a subordinate of the Admiral. As long as the Admiral gives an order, I will definitely be there at your beck and call. "
After confirming that Fang Lang's expression was indeed not fake, General Crook was completely relieved. He picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, then said with a relaxed look:
“To be honest, there is a reason why I support you taking control of the Navy Department.
You are the only admiral in our Brazilian Navy who has actual combat experience in these years. Moreover, you have made outstanding military achievements, and this resume cannot be ignored by anyone.
Although the world war has just ended, the world is not at peace. The situation outside is in chaos, and the same is true around Brazil. Argentina has been making frequent moves on the border recently.
When you take control of the Navy Department, you must also turn your attention to the south. When appropriate, you must send the Rio de Janeiro aircraft carrier battle group to the southern waters to flex our muscles. Do you understand what I mean?"
Fang Lang didn't expect General Crook to say such an important thing so casually, and looked at him in surprise. At the same time, he finally understood why he said he was sure to push himself to the position of Minister of the Navy.
It turned out that the root cause was his own military achievements. Whether it was the anti-submarine warfare against the Germans in World War II or the suppression of the Eddie brothers' anti-government armed forces, he had established an image of being capable of fighting in the Brazilian Ministry of Defense.
This image gave him enough strength to compete for some important positions.
"All of this is thanks to the cultivation of General. Without your support, how could I have the opportunity to become a destroyer captain from a transport ship captain, let alone the opportunity to gain real merit on the battlefield.
I have heard about Argentina's recent actions, but their naval strength is not as good as ours. If we transfer the Rio de Janeiro aircraft carrier battle group there, I am afraid it will irritate them.
My idea is to send our Fletcher-class destroyers properly into the South Atlantic to put a little pressure on the Argentine Navy."
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