Chapter 202： Food purchase

In fact, the Germans have long been concerned about this issue, but they initially hoped to quickly defeat France to end the war. However, after the Battle of the Marne, the Western Front could no longer be moved, and the German government has only now paid attention to the food issue. Baslob, the German ambassador in Romania, was authorized to negotiate with the Romanian government to lift the food export ban and allow the German government to purchase.

"This government request is not easy to handle."

Ambassador Baslob looked at the secret telegram from the German government and spoke his own thoughts to the Embassy Counselor Masnou.

Counselor Masnou has also worked in Romania for many years, so he is proficient in the political situation in Romania. He nodded in agreement with the ambassador's words. "This is really not easy to handle. I guess we need to find the new king to solve the problem."

Ambassador Baslob also deeply agreed with Counselor Masnou's words. In his opinion, all things in Romania nowadays are controlled by the King Edel, and he has learned about this shrewd and cunning monarch in the past few years. There is basically no possibility of taking advantage of him. If so, be careful. This is likely to be a trap.

Ambassador Baslob was also very impatient to talk about this. "Now the empire needs food, otherwise the people will not have enough to eat, and the consequences need not be said."

Thinking of the dissatisfaction caused by the people not getting enough to eat, the Counselor Masnou immediately stopped talking. He knew that Germany had always needed imports before the war. Now that the war has brought millions of people into the army, the gap is even greater, and their mission is much heavier.

Looking at the silent counselor, Ambassador Baslob called to the attache and said. "Prepare the vehicle, I want to meet the King of Romania."

Hearing what the ambassador said, Counselor Masno asked inexplicably. "Is this too rushed?"

Facing the inquiry of his deputy, Ambassador Baslob explained to him. "It's just right to go now, I'm afraid of interference when I'm late."

Counselor Masnou is also thorough and understands what the ambassador means. This is because they are afraid that Britain and France will get in the way and make Germany use more money. The previous oil purchase situation was caused by them and Ambassador Baslob, who suffered a big loss, will certainly increase his memory.

Ambassador Baslob said something to him. "I will go with Ambassador Bailey this time. I believe there will be a food shortage in Vienna."

"Does the Austro-Hungarian ambassador agree?"

Facing the counselor’s inquiry, Ambassador Baslob nodded in acquiescence.

At this time the entourage came in and talked about it. "Your Excellency, the car is ready."

"Then let's go."

Ambassador Baslob saw Ambassador Bellli at the gate of the Royal Palace of Romania, and the two of them spoke to the guard at the gate of the palace without having to talk. "Ambassador Austro-Hungary and I need to meet with your Majesty. Please pass on it."

The guard had known the two ambassadors for a long time, and he did not refuse. "Please wait."

Looking at the guards leaving, Ambassador Baslob asked Ambassador Belle. "Australia-Hungary is there a big food gap now?"

"It's not big right now. If the war continues, there will be many gaps in food."

Facing Ambassador Belle’s answer, Ambassador Baslob sighed. "It seems that in a short period of time, this war will not end."

"Yup."

The two ambassadors stood at the door chatting. And Edel, who works in the palace, quickly received the news.

"German and Austrian ambassadors come to visit?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Let them in."

The two ambassadors who got permission soon met Edel, who was already the King of Romania, in the king's office. This office is the one that Edel had been using before, and now he still works here after he was promoted to the king.

"I have seen His Majesty the King."

Looking at the two German and Austrian ambassadors before him, Edel asked. "Don't know what happened to the two ambassadors this time?"

Facing Edel’s inquiry, Ambassador Baslob expressed his intentions. "Your Majesty, we hope that your country can lift the ban on food exports."

"Why?"

Facing Edel’s inquiry, Ambassador Baslob gave the reason. "Your Majesty, now our country and Austria-Hungary are not producing enough food, and buying from other places is not enough for daily needs. Therefore, your country sees our good relationship all the time and lifts the ban on food import and export, so that our people feel Romania’s goodwill. . Moreover, food is not a war material, and your country will not generate profits if you keep it. This will also damage the interests of Romanian farmers. This is not worth the loss. Therefore, we are willing to buy these food at high prices, so that the people in your country will also feel the benefits. German and Austrian friendship."

Ambassador Baslob has said so much about the feelings of the people of the two countries, but the core thing is actually willing to buy at a high price.

After listening to Ambassador Baslobb, Edel continued to ask with a playful expression. "Then the ambassadors of the two countries are willing to represent the government, how much is the price of these foodstuffs?"

Hearing that Edel spoke so well, Ambassador Baslob was taken aback for a moment, but he reacted quickly and continued. "The British purchase of wheat from the United States is now $36 a ton. Of course, we will not treat Romania badly, so my country will openly purchase Romanian grain at 1.1 times the price."

Edel calculated the price given by the German ambassador, which was 205 lei per ton of wheat. The prices of corn, barley and oats are much lower. So Edel said. "I am now giving Romanian requirements. If you think it is feasible, you can buy at the price I said. If it doesn't work, then forget it."

After hearing Edel's showdown, the two ambassadors glanced at each other, and it was Ambassador Baslobb who spoke out. "Your Majesty, please speak."

Edel said without hesitation. "The export price of wheat is 220 lei per ton, the export price of corn is 165 lei per ton, and the prices of barley and oats are 195 lei a ton and 190 lei a ton respectively. The prices of potatoes and beets are..."

After hearing the words of the crown prince, Ambassador Baslob carefully calculated in his heart that it did not exceed the price ceiling given by the government. In the telegram, the German government even authorized him to set a price limit of 200 marks per ton for wheat, and barley and oats did not exceed the price limit.

But the unwilling Ambassador Baslob could not help but ask Is there really no possibility of lowering your Majesty? "

Edel spoke with an annoying expression. "This is Romania's last offer. If you ask again, I will increase the price by 10 lei each time."

Seeing that Edel was about to increase prices, Ambassador Baslob spoke immediately. "I accept this price on behalf of the German government."

Ambassador Bailey also followed up. "On behalf of the Austro-Hungarian government, I also accept Romania's offer."

Seeing the words of the two ambassadors, Edel's expression turned cloudy. "That's right, you can go to the Prime Minister to discuss the purchase now."

After hearing Edel’s gradual order, the two ambassadors left the palace and went to discuss the purchase with Prime Minister Bretianu.

After the two ambassadors left, the head of guard Brewster came over from the side. He asked puzzledly. "Your Majesty, our price hasn't reached the bottom line of Germany and Austria, are we just selling them so cheap?"

Hearing his lack of greed, Edel spoke slowly. "This is a lot. This batch of grain has been sold at a price of 585 million lei. Don't be too greedy."

Although he said in his mouth not to be greedy, in fact, Edel did not say a deeper meaning. Now Romania’s trade surplus with Germany and Austria has reached more than 80 million pounds. This price difference has made Edel feel a little bit dangerous.

Romania is not the United States, and there is no sea to separate them. If you earn too much now, maybe Germany and Austria will destroy their own treasury first. Only when they have no spare capacity can they offer a higher price.