Chapter 649： Diplomatic action (1/2)
Stockholm, since becoming the capital of the Nordic Federation, this ancient city has renewed its vitality, and ”Venice of the North” deserves its name.
The beautiful scenery and unique Scandinavian style add a special charm to the city, which is endlessly memorable.
No matter how beautiful the scenery is, it cannot impress Philip Francis Thomas. As an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, Francis was always proud.
However, his so-called arrogance was defeated in the face of reality. Since accepting this task, his whole heart has gone.
In order to win a new round of the Russian-Prussian War, the Tsarist government not only found ways to raise money from Britain, France, and Austria, but also the Nordic Federation, which was draped with water.
Of course, Francis's main task is not to raise money, but more to stabilize the Nordic Federation, so that this old rival can't beat them at a critical moment.
The three countries of Northern Europe are unified, and the comprehensive national strength is not a problem of 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. After the three countries learn from each other's strengths, the Nordic Federation has established its own system, and its comprehensive national strength has reached the level of Prussia 20 years ago.
Thinking back on the old battle for Nordic hegemony with Sweden in the past, the tsarist government did not dare to underestimate this potential adversary, and eventually decided to appease the old rival first.
For diplomats, this is undoubtedly a chore. There is no way to not compromise in the face of cruel reality.
Having personally experienced the last war, Francis knew that the Russian Empire's advantage over the Popo Federation was not as big as the government propaganda.
To some extent, the Nordic Federation already has the strength to influence the balance. In order to win this war, the Tsarist government has lost sight of shame.
Not only to appease the Nordic Federation, all neighbors are their targets. Don't ask these neighbors to support them, just let them be neutral.
With a depressed mood, Francis, the special envoy of the Tsar, stepped into the Nordic Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Unlike the last time he came here, he has no high-spirited capital.
...
Francis: ”My Excellency, this time we are very sincere. The Russian Empire is willing to use Finland as a mortgage in exchange for a loan of 800 million crowns.
We can promise that half of the funds in this loan will be used to import goods from your country. The interest is in accordance with international commercial loan conventions, with an annual interest rate of 6%, and the principal and interest are paid annually. ”
The currencies of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are all Kroner, and the currency value is the same (1 Kronor is equal to 0.4 g of gold). After the establishment of the Nordic Federation, it is natural that there is no need to change the currency name.
”Special envoy, you are too overestimating us. The Nordic Federation is just a small country, not as wealthy as your country. Don't say 800 million crowns. We can't even get 100 million crowns.” Carla Valenti, Foreign Minister of the Nordic Federation Decisively refused
Francis was not angry. He was aware of it carefully. When he heard about taking Finland as a mortgage, Carla Valenti frowned and quickly covered the past.
This was to be expected. After the establishment of the Nordic Confederation, the domestic call for Finland to escalate.
It is unrealistic to use force to recover Finland. The Russian Empire cannot be challenged by the Nordic Federation, and the gap between the two sides is too great.
Moreover, there is also pro-Russian Denmark within the Nordic Federation, which provoked war, failed this fragile new government, and split again.
If you use another method to get Finland back economically, the situation will be completely different.
The Danish government will not refuse Finland's return. Only a strong Nordic Federation can help them regain the lost duchy.
Yes, the Nordic Federation is a union of nations that compromised. It was built while the Russian Empire was in a weak state and supported by the great powers.
In this context, when the government conducts internal affairs and diplomacy, it must also take into account the interests of all parties. For example: Sweden supports Denmark's recovery of the two principalities in exchange for Denmark's support for Sweden's recovery of Finland.
Of course, the prerequisite is sufficient power. Although the Nordic Federation is a small country, it also has a historical background. Coupled with a comfortable natural environment, everyone is strategically conservative.
In other words: if you have enough strength, when the opportunity comes, you will regain your lost ground; if you do n’t have enough strength, then bear with it first!
The Russian-Prussian War was the opportunity they waited for. Oscar II's strategy was: Whoever loses, he will be defeated.
This is an obvious problem. If the Popo Federation loses, the country will be gone, and the actions of the Nordic Federation will naturally not be blocked. The Russian Empire lost the war, and it will not be much better. The Finnish region will certainly not be able to maintain it.
The Tsarist government's willingness to use Finland as a mortgage is also for this reason. After losing the war anyway, Finland could not be saved in the end, so it was better to stabilize the Nordic Federation first.
Francis: ”Her Count is too modest. With your country's economic strength, a total of 800 million crowns is nothing to say.
As far as I know, your government's fiscal revenue this year is as high as 320 million crowns, and the liquidity in Stockholm's financial market alone exceeds 840 million crowns.
Your bank is fully capable of taking on this loan. ”