si-mexico Chapter 1271 Large Quantities of Oil
Chapter 1271 Large Quantities of Oil
A few tons of oil might not seem like much to some oil-producing countries, representing only a short-term production. However, for Japan as a whole, this is a huge sum. Japan doesn't produce a single drop of oil; all of it must be imported. Moreover, due to the war, large-scale purchases are necessary each time. This time, in addition to this port, nearly 5 tons of oil arrived from another port.
He thought that having half of his property seized was bad enough, but then even worse news came the next day.
The 72nd Army's navy once again blockaded the port, and the 72nd Army's warships could not leave the sea until the Japanese oil tankers were handed over.
This is a port in South Asia belonging to the Gallo-Israel Empire, and it doesn't produce much oil. However, Japanese merchants, in order to supply oil to their homeland, were willing to accept the lower quality and higher price of the oil. Moreover, it's quite far from the 72nd Army's navy, but unexpectedly, a detachment of fleets blocked the port overnight.
"I don't care what the reasons are between your two countries. Since this kind of military blockade is happening here, it is a provocation against our Gallic Empire. You should understand how our Gallic Empire will react."
A Galloese diplomat slammed his fist on the table as he spoke, saying that the more than 2000 soldiers in the port were ready for battle. But it was clear that he was somewhat unsure of himself, as the Galloese Empire only had about 2000 soldiers on the ground and lacked heavy weapons.
After World War I, although the Gallo Empire was the victor, a large amount of the country's wealth was depleted and there was a shortage of young labor. As a result, their international status declined sharply, and they have now become a second-rate power. In particular, some of their warships in the Far East can still intimidate people when they are in port, but if they were to sail out to sea, these warships would probably never return.
Some naval officers and soldiers also refused to sail these warships out, mainly because these warships are older than their grandfathers. In recent years, no one has inspected or maintained these warships. Sailing such warships out is simply suicidal. So, despite the order issued last night, they are still resisting. No one can joke with their own life.
Manager Sun had also traveled for nearly three hours by plane to reach Consul Bandner's office. In the next office, a dozen Japanese merchants were waiting with gold, hoping the Gallo Empire would be firm and escort their ships away with their navy. That gold was a gift to the consul. If he didn't want the gold, why would he be so harsh on the 72nd Army?
It's important to understand that the situation is vastly different now compared to when Li Shaoyi arrived in Southeast Asia. Back then, they might not have had much influence locally. But the situation is completely different now. The 72nd Group Army's naval and air force capabilities are among the best in Southeast Asia. They've also conducted several armed exercises, essentially teaching the consuls of various European countries a lesson.
“Consul, please don’t be so angry about some things. The Japanese are just trying to sow discord between us. As you know, our country is at war with Japan. Those people are just sending you some gold. No matter how much gold the Japanese send, we will repay you in a better way.”
Manager Sun leisurely took out a cigarette, then took a folder from his assistant. This made the consul very happy, because he felt this was a chance to make money, whether Chinese or Japanese, as long as they were giving him money.
Given the current international situation, profiting from war would be ideal for these overseas personnel. However, the best scenario would be to profit from both sides.
Just as the consul was about to assess the sincerity of the Chinese community, the folder he opened shocked him. It contained detailed records of his arms deals with local groups, including photos of him dining with those people.
Are you threatening me?
The consul was furious. He had initially thought the contents were bank remittance slips or some kind of business information, but instead, it was a plate of photographs. He knew very well that if these photos were sent back to his country, he would likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
“Our intelligence team accidentally obtained these photos, so I've come personally to deliver them to the Consul. Don't you know the value of these photos, Consul? If I were you, I'd offer three times the price of gold to acquire them, after all, this concerns my entire future. If this matter is investigated, your wife will likely divorce you immediately, and none of your mistresses will wait for a criminal. Everything around you will slowly slip away, and by the time you get out, you might not have much time left. Are you willing to accept that?”
Manager Sun understands our operating principles very well. When the Japanese give us money, we give them money in return, but never more than the value of the goods. Using Japanese businessmen's money to buy off these Europeans and Americans is something we can justify.
However, if the amount exceeds this threshold, we will change our strategy and will absolutely not add any more money. After all, according to Li Shaoyi, these Europeans aren't exactly benevolent people, so why should we give them so much money?
After finishing his speech, Manager Sun ignored the consul who was making a scene and stood up to leave. The consul should have thought things through in the coming days. Having been pampered since childhood, how could he possibly tolerate the chilling atmosphere of a prison? Therefore, he definitely wouldn't allow these goods to leave the area.
Just as Sun Jing had expected, the Japanese merchant was temporarily detained by the consul for bribery. As for the goods in the Japanese merchant's possession, they were also confiscated because they did not comply with local resource trading regulations.
That evening, Manager Sun appeared at the consul's house again, this time to pay for the goods.