Chapter 750 - 750 658 Gains and Losses

Chapter 750: Chapter 658: Gains and Losses Chapter 750: Chapter 658: Gains and Losses Joseph could be sure that providing loans to Caribbean countries was a surefire win.

Just like the five million francs offered to the newly established Saint Domingue Republic, even without interest, they were unlikely to repay the money within ten years.

The government, comprised of Black and mixed-race individuals, had no experience in governance, and the Caribbean region lacked any industry; thus, these small island nations couldn’t develop on their own.

Not to mention repaying the loans—considering themselves lucky if the national finances didn’t collapse.

Therefore, the loan could only be repaid through methods like mortgaging plantations.

In this way, it seemed France had given up the colony of Saint Domingue, but after a roundabout process, the majority of the sugar industry there would still end up back in French hands.

Although the profits would definitely be less than before and they could no longer monopolize the colonial markets, at the same time, France saved a substantial amount that would have been spent on maintaining the colonies—

For instance, there had been hundreds of French officials in Saint Domingue along with nearly 2,000 soldiers, and their salaries alone had been a significant expense. Should a revolt occur on the island, it could devour a huge amount of funds.

Now, the Black and mixed-race individuals managed themselves; even if they starved to death, the French Government wouldn’t have to pay for the aftermath.

All things considered, the profits France would derive from this wouldn’t be significantly less than before.

Plus, after gaining freedom and self-governance, the Black and mixed-race people would be profoundly grateful to France—a gratitude that tended to become a tradition lasting for centuries and unlikely to change.

Then, Joseph planned to assist these newly established nations in developing and teaching administrative management experience to deepen this gratitude. Of course, any information detrimental to France would certainly be omitted.

Meanwhile, since the Caribbean slaves were mostly monopolized by the British who had enslaved them from West Africa, the Blacks naturally harbored deep-seated hatred towards the British.

This animosity intensified as the British clashed with the Black governments to retain their colonies.

It was foreseeable that anti-British sentiment would also become a tradition in these nations.

Between the gains and the losses, France was making a killing.

And on top of all this, Joseph had even grander plans, namely the gradual creation of a “Sugar Franc”!

The Saint Domingo Council meeting in the Parliament House continued.

Brissot, with a confident expression, said,

“As for Spain, I believe you only need to employ some diplomatic maneuvers to make them abandon their interference in Saint Domingue.”

Oreal awkwardly rubbed his hands together:

“Mr. Brissot, you know, we temporarily don’t even have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

As a colony, Saint Domingue had no prior need for foreign diplomacy—following orders from Paris was sufficient. This resulted in the new government not being able to find a single qualified diplomat after its establishment.

Brissot reassured him, “Your Excellency need not worry about this matter. I can represent Saint Domingue in negotiating with the Spaniards. Oh, and later on, I can also request the Palace of Versailles to send a diplomatic expert to assist you.”

The others showed no displeasure regarding this foreign intervention in their internal affairs, but rather repeatedly expressed their thanks: “You have really helped us a lot.”

“Thank you, Mr. Brissot. I assure you, the expert’s salary will definitely be higher than what he earned in Paris.”

“Aha, now we also have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Saint Domingue Minister of Justice hesitated before rising to speak:

“Mr. Brissot, the Republic is currently in dire need of a Chief Justice. It might be too much to ask, but if you could persuade Paris to send some judges here, I swear I will forever remember your kindness.”

“Actually, we also need a Minister of Industry, Mr. Brissot, you see…”

“And schools, Saint Domingue has only four regular schools, which is far from sufficient. Mr. Brissot, I beg you to…”

This is also a common situation in colonies.

They had relied too heavily on their colonial masters in the past, and only once they began running their own government did they realize that there were many things they couldn’t handle, so they habitually sought help from their former rulers.

Even in the 20th century, after India became independent, many government positions were still held by the British.

Mr. Brissot quickly signaled for everyone to calm down, then addressed Oreal:

“Mr. President, you may first tally up your government’s needs, and I will subsequently present them to the Crown Prince.”

Oreal was so moved that he couldn’t stop bowing:

“Thank you so much, Mr. Brissot, you truly are the guardian angel of Saint Domingue!”

After discussing the new government’s affairs, Brissot’s expression turned serious:

“I must remind you all that Saint Domingue still faces a tough battle.

“If we cannot defeat the British Expeditionary Force, everything today will vanish like a bubble.

“On the contrary, if you defeat the British this time, the French Government will immediately recognize the Saint Domingue Republic.”

Oreal and the others were ecstatic, knowing that being recognized by such a major nation as France meant that the new government had a solid foundation to stand on internationally!

A week later.

Juan Island, Havana City.

Brissot, filled with rage, complained to Governor Juan Christopher de Lohas:

“Damn the British, their foolish battle plans have ruined Saint Domingue!”

Marquis Lohas nodded in deep agreement:

“My troops nearly didn’t make it back either. The British’s mistakes led to the entire Caribbean region spiraling out of control.

“Now, what worries me the most is the abolitionist movement spreading to Juan.”

“That is indeed very dangerous,” said Brissot, lowering his voice. “I must tell you, the Palace of Versailles is likely to give up on Saint Domingue in exchange for the safe return of captured soldiers.”

“Oh, Jesus!” Lohas nervously made the sign of the cross and frowned, “This is terrible! It seems I must fully cooperate with the British, despite my distaste for them, as it’s the only way to suppress those rioting negroes.”

Brissot spoke gravely, “That is precisely what I’m concerned about, which is why I came to see you. Because of the deep friendship between France and Spain, I cannot watch Juan Island suffer the same fate as Saint Domingue.”

“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

“I recall that Juan’s garrison has only a little over 1400 men.”

“Yes, 1430 soldiers.”

“Frankly, if those from Saint Domingue come to Juan Island to stir up abolitionist riots, your troops will likely be unable to defeat them.”

“And the British Army…”

“Ha, they haven’t even dealt with the negroes in Jamaica and the Bahamas. By the way, I heard that a rebel faction has emerged again in Barbados.”

Panic flashed in Lohas’ eyes:

“His Majesty the King is unlikely to send an expeditionary force to Juan.”

Given Spain’s weakened might, it was indeed difficult to organize and finance a trans-Atlantic military operation.

Brissot looked earnestly at the Spaniard:

“If I were you, I would opt to make contact with those people from Saint Domingue.”