Chapter 146： Anomaly! (1/2)
”General, I heard some news recently.” Before leaving for the Far East, Essen was given a chance to meet Makanov. During the dinner between the two parties, the young lieutenant colonel said Own worry: ”The two armored cruisers we ordered from Germany may be cancelled?”
”There is such a saying, and it is not only in the navy, but it is said that there is also this plan.” Makanov put on a regret, but he was helpless. Essen went to the Far East to serve as the commander of the cruiser formation. The Russian-class armored cruiser originally ordered by Russia was prepared for him. Now that the order is cancelled, the one that is most affected is naturally Essen. Although the 10,000-ton class Rurik is strong , But in the eyes of Makanov, the ship’s combat effectiveness may not be stronger than the Munich-class armored cruiser.
”The reason? We have already paid for these two warships, why are we canceling it? Then, isn't our funds equal to the dwindling? What do the navy guys think?” Take Essen's Naturally, experience and level can't understand some of the twists and turns inside. His thinking is very straightforward. After paying the money and then canceling it, the money boat loses both ways. What is the picture?
”The Admiralty’s reasoning is that the Empire needs battleships, not cruisers. One Rurik and two Munich-class armored cruisers are enough. They said that we should spend our limited funds on decisive power at sea.” Makanov said.
”This seems to make sense, but it is not sufficient, and we have paid a price of 400,000 pounds. No other interests will not make the Empire give up this order.” Essen retorted.
”Smart, after all, it is willing to money! The French government is willing to provide an additional 300 million francs low-interest loan. And is willing to provide the Empire with two armored cruisers at a fair price, how about this price? 400,000 pounds of investment for this It's not a big deal for money.”
”And since the wealthy French are willing to spend 300 million U.S. dollars to persuade the empire to cut off the deal with Germany, then naturally they will not spare that little bribe. For a country, just a little bit from the fingers can make the ministers. We have benefited a lot. The empire is not at a loss, and the people below have gained benefits, so the possibility of canceling this order is great.” The lieutenant general explained seriously.
”But this will worsen the Russian-German relationship! And if the Germans become irritated, then the two ships may be sold to the Japanese. Didn't we get the news that the Japanese government had sought to buy new armored cruisers from Germany before the end of the war? ? If the Japanese get it, then it is definitely a very bad thing for us.” Essen is still a little puzzled.
”It is true that this incident will worsen the relationship between Bavaria and Russia. As for Germany, it is not necessarily true. After all, the Bavarian royal family is behind this incident, not the Prussian royal family. Of course, the German central government will definitely express regret, but further There won’t be any actions. Germany is like that. If it is the anger of the Bavarian royal family, then the impact will be much smaller.”
”As for selling to the Japanese? Our Minister of Finance believes that Japan can't afford these two warships now. The war reparations can only barely repay the debts, and the reparations are paid in three years. Now even the first reparation has not arrived. The Germans are willing to let these warships on the berth for 2 years, otherwise they can only take them down.” Although Makanov is very dissatisfied with Russia’s plan to cancel the order for the two warships, he has to admit that the French layout is very Good! Let no one find the fault.
”And don’t forget that the British may provide loans to Japan, but whether it can tolerate the Japanese using British pounds to buy warships from other countries is also a matter worth considering. In addition, judging from the current situation, Japan has ordered two items since the Qing-Japanese War. The Centurion-class second-class battleship did not order any new warships afterwards, which shows that their funding is indeed very difficult.” Makanov said.