Chapter 1409: Changes in North America
Chapter 1409: Changes in North America
"There's no need to waste funds on this matter at all," Joseph said, waving his hand with a smile. "Have Baron Baudelaire send those two Basel councilors back as quickly as possible."
Talleyrand exclaimed in surprise, "Your Highness, but..."
Joseph cut him off. "Have someone else publish a commentary in the newspapers under the name of an 'anonymous Ministry of Foreign Affairs official,' stating that our nation is unwilling to waste energy on the Protestant German-speaking regions of Switzerland.
"Ensure the article is cited by Vienna's newspapers. Oh, better yet, publicly express admiration for Austria's diplomatic efforts in northern Switzerland, something along the lines of, 'This ensures the unimpeded flow of our overland trade routes towards the Alps.'"
Talleyrand grew anxious. "Your Highness, do you mean to abandon the northeastern region of Switzerland?"
Joseph didn't reply, but continued:
"Afterward, the newspapers will publish a series of reports on 'Vienna's Diplomatic Achievements in Switzerland,' progressively listing Austria's various investments to facilitate the Swiss Confederation.
"On the other hand, discreetly contact Württemberg and Augsburg, and have them jointly invite the canton of Basel to join the Stuttgart Trade Agreement."
But ever since the Stuttgart Trade Agreement was signed, trade volume between these areas and Switzerland significantly decreased due to tariffs.
So, Württemberg and other states have very strong reasons to pull Basel into the trade agreement.
Talleyrand instinctively wanted to ask for the reason behind this, but as an excellent diplomat, he suddenly realized a crucial point:, ΆνOSSE
'Wait, His Highness just said to invite the canton of Basel to join the trade agreement, not Switzerland.'
For the people of Basel, this would undoubtedly multiply their trade volume several times over. But they must also be well aware that a pro-Vienna Swiss Confederation could never join the Stuttgart Trade Agreement.
In other words, they would have to choose between trade prosperity and the Swiss Confederation.
He immediately thought of another issue. "Your Highness, we must consider Vienna's significant influence over certain members of the Basel council."
Joseph smiled and nodded. "You're absolutely right, which is why our nation must remain aloof. Even Baden, which has close ties to us, cannot participate. The goal is to encourage Vienna to use its influence.
"Following this, an angered Württemberg and Augsburg will likely take further action."
Talleyrand couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He had previously intended to invest hundreds of thousands of francs to support the pro-French faction, and even send troops into northern Switzerland. Yet, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had resolved all the issues there by merely employing a few 'trade tactics.'
In truth, he had only guessed half correctly. Joseph's aim, beyond eliminating pro-Austrian forces in northern Switzerland, was more crucially to prevent Austria from recovering its strength at leisure.
Historically, Napoleon had defeated Austria several times. But each time, this vast empire managed to quickly recuperate, relying on its sheer size, and then rejoin the Anti-French Coalition.
As long as Austria wanted to rise again, there would be an opportunity to create a bleeding point for it. At the same time, France needed to avoid getting entangled. Switzerland, as the intersection of France, Austria, and numerous states in Italy and Germany, presented an excellent choice.
After Joseph finished instructing the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the key points of the Swiss plan, Talleyrand produced another document and respectfully placed it on the table. "Your Highness, this is the draft of a secret treaty submitted by US Special Envoy Smith. It mainly concerns a joint attack on Canada..."
Joseph sighed. He was about to say, "Just hand it directly to the Senate for discussion, and report the results to me," but then he suddenly remembered something and asked, "I recall a truce agreement being signed late last year. Why are their people only arriving now?"
He was naturally referring to the Franco-American Pittsburgh Treaty. At that time, Ramot, a diplomat from the Louisiana Governor's office, had even reported to Paris that the US had sent envoys to Europe.
Talleyrand quickly explained. "Your Highness, there were some issues with the US government.
"The Federalist Party, due to its wartime failures, came under fierce attack from the Democratic-Republicans led by Aaron Burr, and even faced impeachment. However, it was suppressed by Hamilton at the last moment.
"Subsequently, the Democratic-Republicans demanded an investigation into whether Adams had committed 'treason' during the truce negotiations with our nation. The special envoy linked to this matter was recalled to Philadelphia, causing several months of delay back and forth."
Joseph furrowed his brow.
Originally, his plan was merely to repel the American advance along the Mississippi River. Who would have thought Napoleon would lose control and lead his troops on a "tour" all the way to Richmond on the US East Coast?
It now appeared that this war had also triggered a wave of anti-French sentiment within the United States.
He then asked, somewhat perplexed, "In the end, did the Federalist Party regain control of Congress?"
If the Democratic-Republicans had gained the upper hand, Special Envoy Smith likely wouldn't have come to France.
Talleyrand stated, "According to what I've learned, it seems Adams made concessions regarding the presidential election at the end of this year, in exchange for the cooperation of the Democratic-Republican Party."
Joseph casually opened the joint troop deployment plan drafted by the Americans. He saw that, apart from the demand for the Louisiana colony to increase its troop numbers, the rest was largely consistent with his previously proposed plan.
He felt as though something was amiss, but couldn't quite pinpoint it at the moment. So he handed the draft back to Talleyrand. "Go ahead and sign the secret treaty with the Americans for now."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Joseph then instructed, "From now on, unless it's a matter of extreme gravity, take it to the Senate for discussion first, and then submit it to me."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Joseph watched the Minister of Foreign Affairs limp out of the room. He reached for paper and pen, mused for a moment, and then wrote a confidential letter to Governor Elcano of Louisiana.
...
The outskirts of Basel.
Jagger, the ship merchant, stared intensely at the policeman in the distance. Only when the officer's figure disappeared did Jagger spit forcefully onto the ground.
In recent years, his business had been steadily declining. He had been quite excited a while ago, hearing that Basel might have a chance to be incorporated into France.
However, the council quickly issued a ban, prohibiting any discussion related to "joining France."
He and a group of citizens went to the city hall to protest. They were dispersed by the military police. One of his friends had his shoulder pierced by a bullet during the incident and died last month from an infected wound.
Just as Jagger's business was on its last legs and he was preparing to sell his boats, providence once again took pity on Basel—they received an opportunity to join the Stuttgart Trade Agreement.
The plump man sitting nearby leaned forward and said in a low voice, "It's not that simple. The council already decided last week to join the Swiss Confederation."
"What does that matter?"
The plump man shook his head. "Don't you realize that the Swiss Confederation was engineered by the Austrians?"
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