Chapter 137: Request to Purchase Arms
"Your Excellency, we understand your country's current situation, and a reasonable price increase is acceptable. But… double the price seems a bit too much, doesn't it? We are close allies of the British Empire, and Australia also maintains a strong relationship with Britain. I believe our two nations are naturally friends. I hope your country might consider making some concessions on the price of mineral resources. All of our people would be grateful for Australia's friendship," said Koichiro Tozawa slowly, cautiously probing.
Although the island nation could still afford to pay double, that didn't mean Koichiro Tozawa wouldn't try to bargain.
If the price could be reduced even slightly, it would be a welcome relief for their national budget.
After all, the island nation's entire industry, military, and navy had been built through years of tightening their belts.
Any savings, no matter how small, would accumulate into a significant fund. Redirecting those savings elsewhere could bring substantial advancements in other areas.
"Perhaps you're right, Mr. Tozawa. There is indeed a natural affinity between our nations, and we have no conflicts of interest. But the situation is as it is. We're happy to help your country overcome its resource shortage, but pricing involves the livelihood of Australians. That's not something that can be easily adjusted in the short term," the Deputy Foreign Minister responded, first agreeing with Tozawa's view, then feigning helplessness and regret.
"Old fox!" Tozawa sighed inwardly in frustration, though his expression remained unchanged—still friendly and humble. "In any case, we appreciate Australia's willingness to help. We respect your pricing decision, but we do hope that, for the sake of friendship, you might consider a modest reduction."
The Australian Deputy Minister nodded sincerely on the surface, though he inwardly scoffed.
Set aside whether he even had the authority to reduce prices—what "natural friendship" existed between the two nations?
Even the alliance treaty between Britain and the island nation could be considered little more than a master-feeding-a-dog arrangement. Britain simply needed a loyal and aggressive proxy to counter the Russian Empire's dominance in the Far East.
That was why the delegation from the island nation was so humble toward Australia. They had no choice. Australia enjoyed strong ties with both the world's top army—Germany—and the top navy—Britain. Moreover, Duke Arthur of Australia was a direct descendant of the British royal family, the favored grandson of the late Queen Victoria.
Under such circumstances, if the island nation dared to offend Australia, outraged Britons would likely take to the streets demanding sanctions.
And no one should underestimate Britain's global influence. Even if its industry and economy were being overtaken by the U.S., the British Empire was still the most powerful force in the world.
Not to mention that the island nation was little more than Britain's lapdog—naturally it would wag its tail for the master's kin.
"Of course, Mr. Tozawa. I'll consult with His Grace the Duke to see if a price adjustment on resource exports is possible. Aside from that, does your country have any other requests?" the Deputy Foreign Minister asked.
"Minister, I've heard that your country possesses many British and German-made weapons, and even has the capability to manufacture battleships—is that true?" Tozawa asked, finally revealing his true objective, with eager anticipation.
"Yes, we do possess many British and German-made weapons. We have production lines for Britain's standard Lee-Enfield rifle and Germany's standard Gew98 rifle. We also manufacture German and British artillery, along with our own independently developed Maxim heavy machine guns. These are some of the most advanced weapons in Europe, and we are among the few nations with full production capability," the Deputy Minister answered proudly, with a confident smile.
In terms of variety and technological advancement, Australia's weaponry no longer lagged behind the great powers. In light weapons, it had mastered the best of both British and German designs.
The Australian military was equipped with the most advanced rifles in the world, the Lee-Enfield, had adopted the locally developed Maxim heavy machine gun, and mass-produced both German and British artillery.
In terms of firepower and cutting-edge technology, the Australian military was not inferior to any other force.
If deployed against a poorly equipped and undertrained Russian army of equal size, Australia would stand a strong chance of victory.
This was the transformative power of technology. Advanced weapons determined the strength of a nation's military—and separated rising powers from decaying empires.
Upon hearing this confirmation, Tozawa's face lit up with excitement. He immediately asked, "Can we acquire the production lines for these weapons from your country? We're willing to pay double the market price and cover all transportation costs."
The Deputy Minister wasn't surprised by the island nation's interest. Though other countries held similar technologies, these were still highly advanced and valuable. Australia was no exception.
While exporting production lines might not cost Australia anything directly, Arthur would never allow it.
Unless Australia developed even more advanced weapon systems, these current technologies would never be exported. For now, Australia's arms business would focus solely on exporting finished weapons.
"I'm sorry, sir. The factories that hold the production rights for these weapons are part of the Royal Consortium and are wholly owned by His Grace the Duke. I'm not authorized to answer your request. If your country is serious about acquiring the production lines, I can forward your inquiry to His Grace—but I can't guarantee that he'll approve it," the Deputy Minister said, shaking his head slightly and decisively refusing.
Australia intended to profit from arms sales in the upcoming war. There was no way it would hand over weapon production technology to a potential competitor in the same business.
(End of Chapter)
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