Chapter 256: Industrial Tactics
Charles's proposal was quickly approved by both the British and French parliaments.
This was unusual.
Typically, in both Britain and France, proposals were delayed for weeks or even months, often tossed back and forth between discussions, and frequently rejected by the Senate only to be debated all over again. But this time, both nations passed the "Aid for Russian Bomber Production Licensing" bill within a matter of days.
Everyone, including Gallieni, was taken by surprise.
Gallieni mechanically signed documents, wondering, They're actually having capitalists pay, and both countries approved it so quickly? It would normally take at least a month of deliberation—how did it get done in just days?
After a moment's thought, Gallieni understood.
It must be related to the Anglo-French-Russian alliance: with the Dardanelles closed off, everyone, including the capitalists, feared Russia would withdraw from the war and declare neutrality. After all, Britain and France could no longer supply Russia, leaving them to struggle alone on the Eastern Front.
By showing financial and technological support for Russia, Britain and France strengthened the alliance and ensured Russia would continue tying down German forces on the Eastern Front.
Charles had cleverly capitalized on this psychology, giving Britain and France a chance to "demonstrate their support" while he raked in profits.
Clever man, Gallieni thought, shaking his head with a smile. Charles's business acumen seemed as sharp as his strategic mind.
Just then, the phone rang. Gallieni set down his papers and picked up the receiver, hearing from the Army Commission:
"What? The British government wants to buy bombers?"
"Licensing production? But I don't think that's wise, Commissioner…"
"Yes, I understand."
"Understood, sir."
After he hung up, Gallieni frowned and sat in silence for a moment before summoning Charles.
"It seems you have more business, Colonel! The British want to buy your bombers. Just like with Russia, they want a production license."
"They believe that since you're willing to sell to Russia, you must also be willing to sell to Britain. To them, it's simply a matter of price."
"And our government agrees, seeing it as beneficial to the current war effort, so they've approved Britain's request and plan to facilitate the deal."
Charles responded with a simple "Oh." But he knew that it wasn't simply a question of price.
Though Britain and France were allies, they were also potential adversaries, a fact apparently overlooked by the French government.
Gallieni saw the issue clearly, leaning in and lowering his voice. "I need to know something, Colonel. Could your bombers one day cross the English Channel?"
"Absolutely, General," Charles replied.
This was no surprise. The Channel's narrowest point was only 34 kilometers wide, making it easy for bombers to cross.
Even with the current Caproni bombers, a few bombs could be swapped for extra fuel tanks, allowing them to fly from Britain and bomb Paris directly.
(Note: The British coastline is only about 300 kilometers from Paris.)
"So!" Gallieni fixed his gaze on Charles, speaking firmly. "We should not sell these bombers to Britain."
Charles realized that Gallieni knew he wouldn't be able to sway the government. Instead, he was trying to persuade Charles to stop the sale himself.
So he's trying to block my profits?
After a moment of thought, Charles calmly replied, "General, I actually believe we should sell to them, precisely for this reason."
"What do you mean?" Gallieni looked at him with slight confusion, suspecting Charles might just be motivated by money.
"We can't stop the British from producing bombers," Charles explained quietly. "After all, we're discussing ways to guard against Britain, our supposed ally."
"Britain is a major power with a strong industrial base," Charles continued. "Their reason for buying from us is largely due to current industrial patents. If we refuse, they'll be forced to develop their own bombers, paving the way for their own designs…"
Gallieni murmured an understanding "Oh," nodding slightly.
Unlike Russia, Britain had the capacity to produce their own designs.
"Therefore," Charles continued, "the smart approach is to sell the bombers to Britain, even gradually lifting technical restrictions, leading them into a trap and making them reliant on us…"
Charles stopped short, as the rest was too sensitive to discuss.
Once Britain became dependent on Charles's technology, they'd be somewhat controlled by France—in truth, by Charles—in both diplomatic and political matters.
This was a common modern tactic used by a certain superpower to control its allies: advanced equipment provided at low cost, or through joint development.
The end result was that these allied armies became reliant on the superpower. The moment it cut off arms supplies, they'd be unable to fight and would be forced to act according to its interests.
Charles was already a global leader in aviation and had even recruited Aston Martin's engineers, slowing Britain's research into aircraft engines.
Most importantly, with Charles guiding development, he could ensure that his technology remained at the forefront.
In this way, Charles could replicate that same tactic of military-industrial dominance to control other nations.
When Britain would begin to invest in their own research and development, Charles could step in, saying, "There's no need for that—we're allies, after all. Why don't you use mine? I'll sell it cheap!"
Faced with the high costs and uncertain success of developing their own equipment, Britain would eventually abandon their projects and buy Charles's licensed technology.
In time, Britain would lose not only its research capability but even its skilled technicians, forcing them to rely on France for personnel.
Gallieni was a shrewd man, and though not well-versed in business or politics, he grasped Charles's intentions. His plan, when boiled down, was to use his technological advantage to disrupt Britain's progress in self-reliance.
When that time came, what could Britain do, even if it had bombers capable of reaching Paris?
If France stopped providing technology and personnel support, Britain's entire bomber fleet would be rendered inoperative.
Gallieni was deeply impressed. Now this is strategy—true strategy!
"You're right!" Gallieni nodded decisively. "I'll send them a reply at once, but the rest of the arrangements will be up to you!"
"Yes, General!" Charles responded.
In truth, Charles didn't need Gallieni's guidance. He had already been preparing for this the moment he decided to buy Aston Martin.
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