"Your Excellency Joseph, Germany is willing to assist your country in rebuilding an entire industrial system. However, this will require a substantial investment. Germany cannot incur losses in this endeavor!" Qin Tian stated.
Upon hearing this, Joseph was overjoyed. "Your Majesty, we are immensely grateful to your nation. The Soviet Republic will forever regard the German Empire as our friend! As friends, we certainly cannot allow you to incur losses. Any profits due will, of course, be guaranteed."
If Germany could indeed help the Soviet Republic reconstruct its industrial system, it would alleviate many difficulties for them. Naturally, Joseph harbored some doubts about the generosity of the Germans. He could not fully comprehend what benefit Germany would derive from such assistance. Thus, he refrained from delving further into the matter.
"However, Your Majesty, the Soviet Republic currently lacks the necessary funds to pay for this. We hope to secure a loan from Germany!" Joseph said.
"Your Excellency Joseph, are you jesting? To establish an entire industrial system, the required funds will exceed one hundred billion marks! Germany does not have such resources to lend to you!" Qin Tian exclaimed.
Joseph felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this. Given the immense sum involved, seeking the entire amount as a loan from Germany was indeed an unreasonable request.
"Your Majesty, what do you suggest we do?" Joseph inquired.
Qin Tian pondered for a moment before responding, "Your Excellency Joseph, let us proceed as per the old arrangement: the Soviet Republic will settle the payment with agricultural products and mineral resources!"
At present, these were nearly the only assets the Soviet Republic had left. As a large nation, at least in terms of territorial size, the Soviet Republic possessed abundant resources. Access to these resources would greatly assist in enhancing Germany's industrial development. Moreover, trade conducted on such a barter basis would allow Germany to set the prices, ensuring substantial profit.
Furthermore, by helping the Soviet Republic rebuild its industrial system, German products would dominate the Russian market. This would displace the products of other nations. Regardless of the duration of this dominance, occupying such a vast market, one with over a hundred million people, would yield immense profits for Germany.
There was also the hidden advantage: assisting the Soviet Republic would bring even greater benefits to Germany, though this intent could not be openly stated at present.
"Very well, Your Majesty. We completely agree to this arrangement," Joseph nodded. Without the necessary funds, the Soviet Republic had no other means of payment than agricultural products and mineral resources, a solution they had used before without objection.
"Additionally, Your Excellency Joseph, I must express my concern over your country's transportation infrastructure. It is deplorable and woeful! Such a condition will severely hinder industrial development. If you observe other industrialized nations, you will find that nearly all of them possess highly developed transportation systems. For your country to develop its industry, a sound transportation network must be established first. Both railway and road networks must be constructed to foster industrial progress. If your country agrees, Germany is prepared to assist in building a comprehensive transportation network. Naturally, this will come at a cost!" Qin Tian said with a smile.
The poor state of Russia's transportation was indeed detrimental to industrial growth. However, this also served as a form of protection for Russia. Both Napoleon and the Führer had failed to defeat Russia, not only due to its harsh weather but also because of its inadequate infrastructure. Poor transportation slowed invading armies, trapping even the finest armored divisions in muddy terrain, preventing them from fully utilizing their combat potential. Thus, to conquer Russia, its transportation issues would need to be addressed. If Germany could help Russia build a modern transportation network, it would allow Germany to avoid such logistical obstacles during future military campaigns.
Of course, after war broke out, the Soviet Republic could destroy these networks. Railways could be torn up, and roads dug up, but this would only cause minor inconveniences for the German army. Rebuilding destroyed railways and roads would be far less work than constructing new ones, and would not significantly affect Germany's military operations.
However, this German proposal would undoubtedly raise suspicions in Russia. It was a transparent trap! If the Germans succeeded, they would gain direct access to Russian heartland territories, making it easier to launch future attacks. How would the Soviet Republic defend against such incursions?
"Your Majesty, we deeply appreciate Germany's friendship. I will report this to Comrade Ulyanov," Joseph said.
Although Joseph recognized the German ulterior motive, he could not openly acknowledge it at this moment. The Soviet Republic still had many demands from Germany, and maintaining the appearance of friendship was essential.
Qin Tian nodded. "Your Excellency Joseph, the German Empire places great importance on its friendly relations with the Soviet Republic, and this is why we are willing to offer our assistance. I sincerely hope that the bond between Germany and Russia will endure forever!"