Chapter 1417: French Literary Propaganda Bureau
Even if suitable oak was found, it couldn't be used immediately for shipbuilding. It needed to be air-dried for at least 10 years; the British Navy even required 14 years.
This was because wood contained a lot of moisture, and if used directly for a ship, it would shrink, warp, and deform after drying. At best, this would severely reduce the hull's structural integrity; at worst, it would lead to leaks and render the ship useless.
Thus, keel timber for battleships was a precious strategic resource for any major naval power—the cost of a single keel typically accounted for 5% to 8% of the entire ship's cost.
Previously, France, capitalizing on its good relations with Russia and America, had acquired a large quantity of shipbuilding oak. However, with the adoption of iron keels, this stock was now gathering dust in warehouses.
Joseph squinted, asking the Minister of the Navy, "Aside from the construction needs for the Décision-class, how much keel and rib timber do we have left?"
Marquis de Lessart replied without hesitation, "One keel suitable for a first-rate or second-rate ship, and fourteen keels for third-rate ships. We have a good amount of rib timber, enough for at least thirty-four third-rate ships."
Joseph nodded and instructed, "Spread the word that the Ministry of the Navy has decided to build fifteen Alexander-class battleships."
The Alexander-class was France's most advanced pure-sail third-rate battleship at the time, the latest modification of the Dreadnought-class, a benchmark for 74-gun third-rate ships.
Marquis de Lessart paused, then hesitated, "Your Highness, fifteen might be a bit too many. The Navy simply can't allocate that much construction funding. If spread over three years, we could at most add three ships annually..."
"You mean to say?"
Joseph smiled. "Have a corrupt official from the Brest Shipyard contact the British and sell all this oak to the British Navy."
The Minister of the Navy's eyes widened instantly. "This, how could this work?"
Joseph gestured for him not to worry. "The price must be three times the market value, and it must be paid in gold coins, not Pound Sterling banknotes. Oh, and it would be best if we could obtain some special British passes through this matter; they might be useful later."
Marquis de Lessart probed, "Are you suggesting we tamper with the timber?"
"After the Lignum Vitae shaft incident, the British will definitely be on high alert, so we'll sell them good timber. This money alone will be enough for us to start construction on at least three more Décision-class ships."
Marquis de Lessart urged, "Your Highness, but this will also allow the British to start building more third-rate ships."
Joseph nodded. "That's precisely the outcome I want."
Currently, Britain's financial situation is also very tight. Building a few more expensive warships would mean less funding available for other areas.
And in a future decisive naval battle, a few more traditional sailing warships would merely be additional cannon fodder.
In contrast, the French Navy adding three steam battleships would genuinely boost its combat power.
Marquis de Lessart knew that His Royal Highness's decisions were usually correct, so he bowed in acknowledgement. Then, he thought of a question: "Your Highness, what if the British don't buy? I mean, three times the price might be a bit too expensive."
"Three times is the final selling price; we should open with five times the market price," Joseph said with a faint smile. "For the British, the greatest value of these raw materials lies in their ability to slow down our shipbuilding speed. They will certainly accept."
After lunch, Joseph was frowning at the report Baron Breteuil had just delivered concerning Poland's request for a 9-million-franc loan. Then, Eman's voice came from outside the door: "Your Highness, Mr. Beaumarchais and Baron Denico have arrived."
"Please show them in."
Joseph looked up to give the instruction, then picked up a pen and signed the loan document.
Half a month prior, the Great Sejm of Poland, with an overwhelming 95% majority vote, had decided to continue its full-scale offensive against Russia. This left Father Sais, who had gone to persuade Poland to maintain only a limited front and gradually restore its national strength, completely helpless.
However, Joseph had also received a report from the Security Bureau, knowing that the 'pawns' sent back to Russia earlier were operating very smoothly. They would instigate major actions in southwestern Russia simultaneously with the Polish general offensive.
Coupled with the Ottoman and Persian armies in Transcaucasia finally deciding to launch a full-scale attack, Russia wouldn't find it easy to deal with this wave of challenges.
Therefore, he decided to give the Poles another boost.
This would at least ensure that Russia had no spare capacity to cause trouble on the Eastern Front before France and Britain engaged in their decisive naval battle.
Mr. Beaumarchais and the others entered the reception room, bowing to Joseph. "It is an honor to be summoned by Your Royal Highness, respected Crown Prince."
Joseph smiled, gesturing toward the sofa. "Please, have a seat."
Mr. Beaumarchais had brought members of the French Playwrights' Association, of which he was the current president.
After the servants had served tea, Joseph exchanged a few pleasantries before getting straight to the point. "I need propaganda to promote maritime trade."
He then outlined incentive policies such as reducing port taxes, lowering insurance premiums, and providing subsidies. He turned to Baron Denico. "The Paris Business Journal must continuously publish these announcements and interview merchants who have profited from trade with America, downplaying the dangers of venturing out to sea."
The latter, being experienced, immediately nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Do you think we should arrange stories like 'A handsome captain, through experience and wisdom, shakes off foolish British warships and regularly dates beautiful American widows'?"
"You arrange it as you see fit; I trust your expertise."
Joseph then turned to Mr. Beaumarchais. "I have some script ideas here, and I need the excellent playwrights you recommend to help me complete them."
Mr. Beaumarchais quickly gestured to the two men beside him. "These are the people you need, Your Highness.
"Mr. Louis Baignères Aydan, whose work, 'The Townsman and the Countryman,' was performed at the Royal Theater last month.
"Mr. Pierre Lebrun. His 'Don Carlos' always brings the ladies and young women in the audience to tears."
"Excellent," Joseph nodded, looking at the two somewhat nervous playwrights. "The script I want to write is titled 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' telling the story of a pirate named Jacques Hébert, who sails the 'Black Rose' through the Caribbean Sea, outmaneuvering the British fleet and searching for treasure."
Aydan and Lebrun immediately pulled out their notebooks and began diligently taking notes. They had heard that the few who had ghostwritten novels for His Royal Highness back then had all become renowned authors across Europe.
Joseph then began to recount the story of the first 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' only he changed Captain Jack to the Frenchman Jacques, while Barbossa was a malicious British first mate. The beautiful heroine, Elizabeth, was now the daughter of the Florida colonial governor.
Comments