Chapter 74: Secret War (6)

Algiers was in chaos. Italy and France continued to quarrel. Once this incident became known to all European countries, not to mention that Italy also stabbed the League of Nations, causing even greater chaos.

Not many people supported France this time because France was famous for its domineering behavior after World War I. The Ruhr crisis was an example. So when Italy released the movie "I Accuse", the German media was the first to believe it and followed suit. Hope to take revenge; Belgium also does not support France, because Belgium believes that Italy is on its side, why bother to force Germany? Other small and medium-sized countries also believe that the French are lying. How can a mere company in the United Group fight against France? Besides, the vicious incidents that are happening one after another in Algiers are not caused by the United Group, right? Those are all Algerian rebellions. If you have shit under your French butt, stop saying that other people’s mouths are unclean.

The British official voice was unexpectedly silent at first, because Baldwin and Chamberlain received reliable intelligence and the United Group played a role in fueling the situation behind the scenes, which made them a little wary. But then again, when things have developed to the current level, children can no longer judge right and wrong based on the merits. Adults only talk about pros and cons. Baldwin and Chamberlain have to decide whether it is better to support France or to oppose France. Or it might be more advantageous not to take a stance.

Not taking a stand was ruled out in the first place. As the self-proclaimed leader of the world, how could Great Britain not take a stand on such a major matter? Wouldn’t that tarnish the role and value of the League of Nations? You must know that the League of Nations is run by Britain and France. If even someone comes to complain, and even a permanent member of the League of Nations like Italy is in trouble, then they are not going to continue to maintain the brand? So it’s not okay not to take a stand.

"Neville, have you found out what happened in Algiers?" Prime Minister Baldwin asked.

"It has not been thoroughly investigated, but there are several pieces of information that are conclusive. First, France has bribed Algerians, and Ciano has also bribed them. Second, the weapons currently used in Algiers have a clear Munich style. , it is said that a new gadget has been developed..." Chamberlain shrugged, "This new gadget is called Briand's Vest. It can perform suicide attacks. It is the same idea as the assault truck, but it is more concealed and more terrifying, because even women and the elderly can All can be implemented, but the French authorities are very worried about this and are highly sensitive. As the weather gets colder, the risks are getting bigger and bigger.”

Baldwin didn't understand this part of the sentence at first, but later he finally figured it out. As the weather cooled down, it became more common to wear coats and thick coats. The vest would be very concealable when worn on the body, making it impossible to prevent.

"What are your thoughts on this matter?"

"What do you mean? The French against the United Group or the Algiers rebellion?"

"Does it make a difference?"

"Yes, big, a lot..." Chamberlain thought for a moment, "The Algerians have always been dishonest. There is no doubt that the small actions behind the United Group only accelerated the situation, but it was not decisive, so this matter No matter what we say, we can't stop for the time being." Chamberlain smiled, "Besides, isn't it our established policy to let the French be in chaos and not let them do whatever they want on the European continent?"

Baldwin nodded, that made sense.

"As for the entanglement between United Group and France, this matter must be viewed in two parts. On the one hand, United Group is not a company owned by Ciano Jr. He has a large number of shares in other European countries and consortiums, so we must We are keeping a close eye on the situation and are firmly opposed to the French using force to deal with a company; on the other hand, we would like to express regret that the United Group uses its own funds and geographical advantages to carry out these small actions behind the scenes. This should not be the behavior of a mature politician. Method, so..." Chamberlain paused, "Can we ask the French to find a way to expel the main forces of the United Group from this oil field..."

Baldwin's eyes lit up, as if he had grasped some key point: "You mean?"

"Aren't the French dissatisfied with what little Ciano is doing? Shouldn't they use their brains and use economic means to squeeze out little Ciano. In this regard, Britain and France have common interests." Chamberlain smiled slightly, "Hasn't Shell's shareholding been negotiated? I think it can be negotiated now, and then our shares will overwhelm Ciano's share, and then..."

"Good idea!" Baldwin thought to himself. In this way, the oil fields originally controlled by the United Group will become oil fields jointly controlled by Britain and France. As for who will be the leader in the future, Britain and France will be a matter for the future. At least they can find a way to control Italy first. People squeeze out.

Of course, Italy's international status still needs to be maintained. France cannot be allowed to dominate Europe. If even the Italians surrender, what obstacles will France have in Europe?

"But there is still a problem here. The Algerian oil company also has American shares. How can we convince the Americans to stand with us instead of the Italians?"

"That's a good question, what's your solution?"

"Maybe we have to give the Americans some extra benefits, telling them that after driving away the Italians, we will free up the French, and then lure the Italians over to serve..." Chamberlain smiled, "Little Ciano is not a shop owner. Is the oil pipeline ready? This infrastructure cannot be wasted, and it owes the Americans a lot of money. I don’t think several American consortiums will let go of such a good opportunity.”

"Then let's give it a try first. Let's express the government's opinions on this basis first. Well...both France and Italy must be cautious and not resort to force easily!"

There is a lot of commotion here, but oil is being pumped out in full swing over there. The crude oil transported through the oil pipeline was more than 1,000 tons on the first day, more than 2,000 tons on the second day, and from the third day on, it has stabilized at 4,000 tons every day. Basically, a 10,000-ton oil tanker can be filled in three days. As Contini is rushing to repair the pipeline, the oil storage warehouse at the terminal has not yet been completed, so the crude oil in these pipelines is directly connected to the oil tanker for shipment. According to the arrangement, a tanker will pick up the crude oil every three days until the reserve is completed.

"President, we transported the crude oil in such a big way, why don't we pay taxes to the French?"

"Pay it, why don't you pay it?" Contini waved his hand, "How much oil did this ship transport?"

"More than 7,800 tons..." someone quickly answered.

"You must have remembered it wrong. The full load of this ship is only 6,700 tons. How could it be 7,800 tons? You must report the truth to the French government..."

There was a "boom" and everyone around laughed. The president's math is really good! First give a 15% discount, and then give the French 32%.

Contini was very eloquent about this: It costs money to make a movie, it costs money to dispatch tanks, it costs money to hire actors, it costs money to support Algerians, it costs money to treat workers, how can we not shave more? This account must be borne by the French!

"President, there is news from Rome saying that the British government has officially stated its position, saying that they are firmly opposed to any country or government using force to deal with companies and enterprises, but they express their understanding of France's suppression in Algeria. This is France's internal affair and other countries have no right to do so. You shouldn’t interfere even if you ask questions…”

"The British seem to have a strange position..." Contini pondered, "What do they think of the issues raised by the United Group?"

"There is insufficient evidence. If the French used force to deal with the oil fields, why are the oil fields still producing oil normally?"

The British are indeed cunning. They used the method of proof by contradiction to suppress half of the movie's propaganda effect: You said that the oil fields were hit and the losses were huge, so why are they still producing oil? Instead, French Algiers is now in chaos.

Contini nodded slightly: This evil answer is really difficult to answer. Considering that the United Group has already lit the fire, and can no longer fan the flames to avoid causing the fire, he said: "Then send a telegram to the French government and tell them that we have produced oil, and have transported more than 6,700 tons, which has been registered in the accounts. , oil tankers will be dispatched one after another to transport it away. France can send ships to collect the subsequent parts at any time, and can also send supervisory personnel to station in Tripoli. We will provide them with work convenience..."

Everyone understands that this is asking questions to see how the French government will take over. If the French come here reluctantly, it means that this matter is over. If the French government refuses to take over, it means that there is still a lot of support.

Another day later, Contini received a telegram from Antonio, saying that the Anglo-Dutch Shell Company had once again requested a shareholding on the condition that he obtain 10% of the shares for US$60 million... How should he reply?

"What does it mean to invest in shares at this critical moment? The British plan to take advantage of us?" Contini was a little unsure, but because the British government's statement was very confusing, he couldn't say it too harshly and had to give the other party a little bit. Sweetness is all, so I finally replied, "The price requirement is 65 million. After all, we have added oil pipelines and other facilities after the last quotation of 65 million. As usual, we will be promoted. Considering the friendly relationship with the British government, Keep the offer unchanged…”

On November 14, the same note was submitted to Briand. He himself was angry about the incident in Algiers. The colonial regiment was said to have lost more than half of its troops. Plus the troops lost in Algiers, the entire region They all started to make a fuss. The United Group was making trouble here, and the British over there sent such an innocuous statement. Coupled with the overt and covert advice from many countries in recent days, he was very angry for a long time. In the end, he slapped the table. Said: "Ignore the oil for now, we will settle the accounts with Little Ciano later, and first send the foreign corps to eradicate all the rioters in Algiers, leaving no one behind!"