Chapter 594: You Do the First, I'll Do the Fifteenth
However, given France's current situation, rapidly increasing maritime trade was easier said than done.
Joseph absentmindedly finished his lunch, yet still couldn't conceive of any particularly effective solutions.
Among France's current major maritime trade hubs – North America, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire – the first two were already saturated, with trade with Russia even reaching an overloaded state.
Only trade with the Ottoman Empire could be further expanded, but this would inevitably require lengthy diplomatic negotiations and the concession of certain benefits to the Ottomans.
Moreover, even if successful, it would only boost France's maritime trade volume by at most 20%, doing little to increase the number of sailors employed.
In any case, it was best to have Talleyrand begin talks with Salem III.
As Joseph and the others left the dining hall, preparing to inspect the repairs on the 'Indomitable', a naval officer hurried over. He saluted Joseph by tipping his hat, then quietly reported a few words to Roquefeuille, commander of the Brest fleet.
Roquefeuille frowned, then similarly murmured, "Have Colonel Meyer send a few ships to search. A report afterwards will suffice."
"Yes, General."
"Nothing, Your Highness," Roquefeuille stammered, casting a glare at the retreating officer. "The patrol fleet spotted a smuggling vessel, but then they suddenly opened fire, killing several of our crewmen, and then... well, they escaped."
This incident was quite embarrassing for the navy, as they had suffered losses without apprehending anyone.
In truth, merchant ships of this era, while not as sturdy as warships and equipped with fewer cannons, didn't lag too far behind in terms of performance. Thus, a slight oversight by the navy could allow a civilian vessel to slip away.
Hearing this, Joseph's mind stirred. 'Indeed, if legitimate methods struggle to increase trade volume, then aren't there illicit... ahem, unconventional means?'
If the government were to step in, encourage foreign smuggling, and even provide a certain degree of "assistance," maritime trade volume would inevitably surge under the allure of immense profits.
And smuggling vessels would certainly require a large number of sailors. The problem of insufficient sailors would thus be resolved.
At the same time, smuggled goods could bypass destination tariffs, boosting sales of French products.
It was simply killing several birds with one stone!
Of course, the destinations for smuggling would need careful selection.
This would primarily involve British-controlled North American and Far Eastern colonies, as well as Portuguese colonies in South America. Even Britain and Portugal themselves, along with Nordic countries, could be targeted.
Conversely, normal trading partners like Spain and Russia would be strictly off-limits.
As for Britain and Portugal being enraged?
What could they do?
Based on current intelligence, Britain was already actively orchestrating a "Continental Balance" and would declare war on France within a few years.
So, what difference would adding smuggling make?
Furthermore, the British had been issuing "letters of marque" since the time of Elizabeth I, encouraging their citizens to plunder foreign merchant ships. Even in the early 18th century, Queen Anne of Britain was still widely distributing privateering commissions, seizing countless goods from France and Spain.
Since the British had already done the first, why shouldn't the French do the fifteenth?
Moreover, France would merely be peacefully selling goods, which was far less brutal than the British, who resorted to murder and robbery.
With this thought, Joseph clapped Roquefeuille firmly on the shoulder and smiled, "Thank you very much for your assistance, General."
The latter stiffened, assuming the Crown Prince was mocking him. He quickly stood at attention and declared loudly, "Your Highness, rest assured, I guarantee I will capture those smugglers within three days!"
Joseph nodded, pondering, 'Such large-scale "official" smuggling would require meticulous planning and involve many departments. I'll likely need to return to Versailles and discuss it with Brienne and the others first.'
He therefore temporarily set the matter aside and spoke to the Minister of the Navy about the plan to establish a naval academy.
"Your Highness, the navy's training camp in Vannes is fully equipped, and could be expanded as a foundation," Marquis Castelli suggested. "This would allow us to complete construction in the shortest possible time and also be more cost-effective."
Joseph nodded. "Your suggestion is excellent. Based on the standard of training one thousand officers and professionals annually, how much funding do you estimate would be required?"
Marquis Castelli hesitated for a moment before replying, "It would likely require 2 million francs."
He glanced at the Crown Prince, fearful that the figure might startle him, and quickly added, "If we streamline things a bit, 1.5 million might even suffice..."
Joseph secretly sighed. 'The navy truly is a behemoth that devours gold. All the army academies in the country combined haven't cost this much previously.'
He told the Minister of the Navy, "Let's go with 2 million francs. If we're going to build it, we'll build it to the highest standards."
He thought to himself, 'This way, there won't be much left of the money Calonne "raised" in Britain.'
The next day.
Joseph was inspecting the naval training camp in Vannes with Marquis Castelli when Eman brought an Intelligence Bureau officer before him.
Joseph took the confidential report from the newcomer, tore it open, and his brow furrowed instantly as he scanned its contents.
It read: "Count Kaunitz, Austrian Minister of State, has resigned. Baron Thugut has taken over, and a Prussian-Austrian armistice agreement is currently being signed. Dated one week ago."
"Why so sudden?"
Joseph recalled that just last month, the French ambassador to Austria had reported that Kaunitz, having overcome the peace faction, convinced Leopold II to increase military strength in Silesia.
The Intelligence Bureau officer glanced at the Minister of the Navy, and seeing no objection from the Crown Prince, continued, "Your Highness, it appears that Baron Walter, Baron Thugut, and others orchestrated a conspiracy against Count Kaunitz.
"Furthermore, the Intelligence Bureau believes the British also played a part."
Joseph's face darkened as he crumpled the confidential report into a ball. 'Britain of this era truly produced many capable individuals; their actions were astonishingly swift.'
He had originally believed that Prussia and Austria would remain deadlocked until at least mid-next year before beginning to withdraw troops.
And once the German regions saw an armistice, Britain would be able to consolidate Prussia and Austria, turning their aggression towards France.
Joseph immediately instructed Eman, "Please prepare the carriage; we are returning to Paris at once."
"Yes, Your Highness."
In the rattling carriage, Joseph rapidly organized his thoughts. 'Prussia and Austria had just endured a major war; both were in a state of depleted national strength. Even if Britain could sway them, they lacked the power to be assertive against France.'
He lightly tapped his fingers on the armrest. 'So, now Poland would be pushed into the eye of the storm.'
'Prussia could only "recover" quickly by taking a large bite out of Poland, a move he had been planning all along, and now they were finally free to act.'
'Meanwhile, Russia had also concluded the Russo-Swedish War. The next step would inevitably be for both sides to jointly begin the "Second Partition."'
'This was more than a year earlier than in history.'
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