"Comrade Joseph, you also proposed requesting the Germans to build a fleet of powerful battleships for us. Do you truly believe it is necessary for us to establish a formidable navy?" Ulyanov inquired.
"Yes, Chairman. I firmly believe it is imperative for us to build a powerful navy. Although we are currently weak and far from matching Germany's strength, we must recognize that all other great powers possess strong navies. When we rise to prominence and aim to liberate humanity, how can we achieve such lofty goals without a mighty navy?" Joseph replied resolutely.
Joseph was determined to push this agenda. To expand his influence within the military and secure control over the armed forces, he needed to advocate for naval expansion—ideally positioning himself as the Naval Commissar. Thus, gaining Ulyanov's endorsement was crucial; without it, his plans would be futile.
Ulyanov nodded thoughtfully. The liberation of humanity was the ultimate goal of the Bolsheviks. However, the immediate priority was to strengthen Soviet Russia and prepare to withstand potential invasions in future wars. Failure in those conflicts would spell the end of Soviet Russia, rendering their aspirations meaningless.
"Comrade Joseph, I worry that our current resources are insufficient to establish a strong navy," Ulyanov expressed with concern. The financial demands of a navy far exceeded those of the army, and Soviet Russia's economic strength was still fragile.
"Chairman, I have already negotiated with the Germans. The cost of constructing the battleships can be paid in agricultural products and mineral resources, which will alleviate much of the financial burden," Joseph explained.
Ulyanov's brow remained furrowed. Even with payments in kind, the combined costs of rebuilding the industrial system, developing infrastructure, and now constructing a navy represented a monumental expense. The reliance on agricultural products and minerals to fund these efforts might take years to repay, especially as many Russian peasants were already struggling to feed themselves. Further pressure could lead to unrest.
Joseph understood the difficulty of persuading Ulyanov on this matter. However, since this involved the critical contest for military power, he could not afford to back down.
"Comrade Ulyanov, my insistence on building a powerful navy also considers another strategic advantage," Joseph continued.
"What advantage is that?" Ulyanov asked.
"The majority of Germany's shipyards are concentrated along the Baltic coast. In other words, their shipbuilding industry is nearly entirely based in the Baltic. If we can establish a formidable fleet there, any future conflict with Germany would allow us to directly target their shipbuilding industry, significantly easing our strategic pressures," Joseph explained.
Ulyanov nodded slowly. "That is a valid point. However, Germany's navy is formidable. Even with a few powerful battleships, we may still be outmatched."
"Chairman, Germany's navy is indeed strong, but their enemies are equally formidable. They are not facing us alone and must also defend vast overseas colonies. Consequently, their naval forces are stretched thin. The Baltic is of minimal importance to Germany's navy, and they are unlikely to deploy significant resources there. I believe that with adequate preparation, our fleet could defeat them," Joseph argued.
Ulyanov found Joseph's perspective plausible. Compared to the German Empire, Soviet Russia was indeed far weaker, and it would take decades to rival them militarily. Therefore, finding effective ways to resist Germany's aggression in future wars was essential.
"Very well, Comrade Joseph. This matter can be brought before the Politburo for discussion," Ulyanov decided.
"Chairman, I sincerely hope our nation can build a strong military. Only then can we withstand Germany's advances and, perhaps, even defeat them," Joseph added earnestly, making his final plea.
Ulyanov nodded, understanding Joseph's intentions.
He was also aware of the rivalry between Joseph and Trotsky. Both were exceptionally capable, but Joseph, having remained closely aligned with Ulyanov, had a closer relationship. Trotsky, on the other hand, had wielded significant power during the revolution and even challenged Ulyanov's authority on issues like the Brest-Litovsk Treaty.
Trotsky, as a Politburo member and Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council, was the second most powerful figure after Ulyanov. He had previously held the post of Foreign Commissar until Joseph's adept handling of negotiations with Germany led Ulyanov to appoint him as Foreign Commissar, partially to counterbalance Trotsky's influence.
Ulyanov was aware that Joseph's push for naval expansion was part of his broader strategy to strengthen his position. Allowing Joseph to enhance his influence in the navy might help check Trotsky's dominance.
"Comrade Joseph, would you be willing to relinquish the position of Foreign Commissar?" Ulyanov asked.
Joseph was momentarily startled but quickly composed himself. "Chairman, I will follow your instructions."
Though losing the Foreign Commissar role would weaken his influence, Joseph dared not oppose Ulyanov.
"Then, at tomorrow's Politburo meeting, you will formally step down as Foreign Commissar. However, you will not remain idle—take on the role of Naval Commissar instead," Ulyanov concluded.