Chapter 860: 768: The United States' Cunning Plan

Chapter 860: Chapter 768: The United States’ Cunning Plan

In reality, Joseph never genuinely expected the United States to fulfill the alliance treaty and declare war against England.

Considering the level of economic dependency the United States had on England, they’d likely collapse within three months of initiating a war. And as for America’s military strength—if they truly played the role of France’s ally, France might end up having to send troops to save them.

Therefore, as long as the United States could remain stable as a vital raw material source and a not-so-significant sales market, it was entirely acceptable to France.

Jefferson eagerly bowed to Baron Fokard and said, “Thank you, Crown Prince, for your magnanimity and understanding of the United States’ difficult situation.”

“Rest assured, our nation will strictly adhere to the principle of neutrality…”

Fokard immediately smiled and said, “The Crown Prince always wishes for the United States to remain prosperous and strong. Hence, you must not slacken when it comes to trade revenues.”

“Trade revenues?” Jefferson paused, “What do you mean?”

“Sugar,” replied Fokard. “You must be aware of the current exorbitant sugar prices. His Highness hopes that all sugar-related products resold from the United States will align with market prices, ensuring you don’t miss out on rightful profits.”

Jefferson instantly realized the underlying demand: the United States must avoid selling low-priced sugar to England to help them alleviate their sugar shortage. Those so-called market prices were nothing other than the prices set by the Paris Agricultural Futures Exchange.

He managed a stiff smile and said, “Given the meager sugar yield in our country, it’s impossible to influence England’s market.”

Fokard didn’t bother playing games and waved him off: “However, your nation’s acquisition of sugar from the Caribbean Sea Region can achieve this.”

Joseph was well aware that under the circumstances where French merchant ships couldn’t reach the Caribbean Sea, America’s smuggling ships served as the sole outlet for all plantations in the Region.

If you genuinely force them to stop selling to Americans, they might just sell directly to the British.

Jefferson grimaced awkwardly and reluctantly said, “But… our trade requirements with Britain significantly constrain sugar prices…”

Fokard understood that the United States wanted to leverage low-priced sugar to secure greater access for their goods in the British market.

He raised his voice and said, “Forgive me for being blunt, but the United States needs to act more decisively!”

Jefferson looked pained, clearly meaning, “I simply can’t do it.”

With America’s limited clout, how could they dare to act tough with England? Not to mention England had previously given their Caribbean colonies to America in exchange for low-priced sugar—it wouldn’t dare breach the agreement.

Seeing this, Fokard leaned closer and said softly, “Hoard and restrict sales.”

“What?”

Before Jefferson could respond, Hamilton, the United States Treasury Secretary, suddenly brightened up: “You truly are a master of trade strategies.”

The logic was simple. England had no clue how much sugar America smuggled in from the Caribbean Region.

If sugar prices dropped, America could simply tighten its pockets and inform England that the sugar was sold out, thereby driving prices up.

Moreover, there was no need to significantly reduce overall sales.

Removing just 20% of products from the market could cause a 40% price surge!

The goal was to make England perceive North American sugar as slightly cheaper than France’s.

Such an arrangement would meet France’s demand and ensure America’s profits—why not?

As for any secret agreements with the British?

Get real, the US and UK were bitter enemies.

Just look at the painting in Northwest Square of the little girl slaughtered by the British—every American citizen with a conscience would support the government’s decision!

What Hamilton didn’t foresee was that his decision would drive sugar prices in London from four times higher than the previous year to six times higher.

After a brief exchange between Jefferson and the Treasury Secretary, the United States agreed in principle to France’s requirement to set a price floor for sugar sold to England.

Yes, it was a minimum price limit.

Baron Fokard continued, “Beyond sugar prices, the Crown Prince also desires the United States to commit to selling cotton, timber, oil, and other products according to France’s demand, with prices no higher than those sold to England.”

Jefferson showed a hint of confusion:

“Our nation is eager to maintain exports to France, but as you know, the British fleet has blockaded the coasts.”

Fokard smiled: “American merchant ships need only unload cargo in Genoa.”

Genoa is a neutral port in southwestern Italy, very close to France’s Toulon; it would take only a few days via land route.

Hamilton frowned and said, “Special envoy, unless I’m mistaken, Sardinia has chosen to side with Austria.”

Sardinia’s Ni Zha Province lay between France and Genoa.

Fokard nodded: “This is not your concern. We’ll make the payments in Genoa and find a way to transport back to France.”

He was admittedly curious about how the Crown Prince intended to transport large quantities of goods under Sardinia’s watchful eye.

Of course, he didn’t know Joseph had no intention of smuggling but rather trusted Napoleon’s capability.

Soon, Sardinia would be under French occupation—transporting goods then would be a non-issue.

Moreover, once the French Navy secured control over the Mediterranean Sea, American merchant ships could dock directly at Marseille.

Should the British Navy dare impose a complete blockade on the Strait of Gibraltar, barring any merchant ships from entering the Mediterranean, Joseph found the idea intriguing.

Such a move would sever trade between the US, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and numerous nations along the Mediterranean coast. Would England be able to pacify them all?

American representatives had no objections to unloading cargo at Genoa. As long as payment was arranged, it was merely a matter of an additional few hundred nautical miles.

A week later, Baron Fokard and Jefferson, representing their respective nations, secretly signed a comprehensive agreement addressing diplomacy and trade matters.

At the Philadelphia Port, Baron Fokard waved farewell to the Americans ashore. The “Cloud Mist” raised its sails and slowly drifted into the sea.

Standing beside him, his assistant sighed and remarked, “In the end, the Americans still shirked their obligations as allies. Precisely when we needed their support.”

Fokard chuckled lightly, turning toward the cabin, “I suspect the Crown Prince has his arrangements.”

Fokard didn’t anticipate his statement would prove prophetic. At that moment, in Philadelphia’s western suburbs, another NGO, the United States Veterans’ Home, was bustling with activity.

Dedicated to aiding veterans of the American Revolutionary War who hadn’t received proper settlement grants, this charitable organization was funded by the “American News” agency and a mysterious wealthy benefactor.

“… In the end, Mr. Bruno shielded us by stepping forward to block the British cavalry,” said a 40-something American veteran, wiping tears from his eyes. “After that, I never saw him again. May he rest in peace in heaven.”

Over 30 veteran representatives around him also looked sorrowful.

For the past few hours, they had been recounting stories of joint American and French soldiers fighting against the British.

The speaking veteran clenched his fists, saying, “We must find ways to repay our French comrades!”

An employee at the Veterans’ Home chimed in, “France is in dire need of everyone’s help right now.”