Chapter 55: To Have Money Is to Do What You Want (5)
In fact, even if the media does not report the losses of the United Group, people of insight in the business and banking circles can see it clearly - they have never seen such a large amount of money spent on enterprises, nor have they seen the behavior of investing in so many meaningless and worthless projects, but they are not pedantic people, and they have their own opinions and evaluations of this kind of behavior.
The Pope believes that the foundation of the United Group is solid, the government support is strong, and the prospects have never been promising, so he dares to invest 30 million US dollars in confidence; The Italian banks that issued loans believed that the United Group had a lot of high-quality assets, and there was an intangible guarantee from the government, and the Pope had the money to back it, so it should be reassuring; Other companies that deal with the United Group believe that the United Group's payment is refreshing and the background is strong, so what's the big deal about this kind of company temporarily losing some money on its books, and it can still owe us hundreds of thousands or millions of miles? Therefore, do not hesitate to provide raw materials and services.
In addition, Contini's personal background should not be underestimated, he is not only the only son of the elder Chiano, but also is said to be very close to Mussolini - vaguely a political heir and future son-in-law, what to look for in investment? Looking at the long term, looking at the vision, can you really wait for Contini to climb into the position, can you still get up? In particular, as soon as the news of the tri-armed forces and the ridicule of the "Times" came out, more people suddenly realized that the United Group was like a young government - whether to make a profit or not to lend money to the government? Political purpose overrides!
Therefore, this kind of company cannot exist under the democratic system of Britain, France, and the United States, and it is impossible for Germany to have it, and only a great power and soil like Italy can raise such a strange company - there is no semicolon in the whole of Europe and the whole world.
Of course, Contini's charm should not be underestimated: the theory is high, the academic level is high, the articles are well written, the speeches are fully controlled, and more importantly, the ideas are very lively, and many business methods and systems have innovative value on top of traditional thinking - good or bad, but at least not a good student who sticks to the rules. And he doesn't have the pompousness and luxury of young people, he doesn't pay much attention to personal enjoyment, and there are no scandals around him, and the two young anchors are not so angry - do two women dare to go out and show their faces behind Italian politicians? It is definitely considered by the public to be charismatic enough.
However, few people will know that although the United Group lost 200 million lira (10 million US dollars) on the statement, it had reaped a floating profit of 5 million US dollars in the US stock market, and this wave of gains in mid-to-late January alone brought more than 2 million US dollars to Contini, plus the 15 million US dollars gained from speculating on the German Mark crisis, in fact, by the end of January 1924, Contini did not lose 10 million, but made a profit of 10 million US dollars in turn. It's just that the information asymmetry is hidden in it, and it can't be seen. This is also the reason why Contini insisted on not allowing the United Group to go to IPO, as soon as it is publicly listed, the financial statements will be published, how can a company like the United Group, which has many secrets and even has to help the government hide some of its accounts, can be listed?
But today Contini frowned, what he cared about was not the loss, but the news that Gian and Goering had teamed up to bring him back: so far, more than 2,000 people have been arrested by the National Socialist Party, of which no less than 30 have been arrested, and another 37 people (including Goering) have fled to Rome through various channels and channels.
"President, we have inquired, the chief is held in solitary confinement in a prison outside Berlin, it is a solitary cell, the guard is very tight, there are several commandos in the other cells, and Hess......" Ji An said, "We have managed to clear the relationship, the prison authorities are very sympathetic to the chief, and give him a good living treatment, but he reminds us that the public opinion on the side of the Weimar government is very unfavorable to him, and it is likely that he will be sentenced to death." ”
As soon as he heard the word "death penalty", Contini's hand couldn't help but clench: Hitler was sentenced to 5 years for the attempted beer hall riots in history, and finally he was released in less than 8 months.
"Has the money arrived?"
"It's in place, the prison wardens and prison guards, all took dollars, patted their chests to ensure that the chief is safe and sound, will receive the best care, will not be offended, and they now know that the chief is your friend, more polite." "But the outcome of the trial is not something they can control, and he suggested that we find a way as soon as possible." ”
Goering looked pitifully at Continy, who was himself a wanted criminal, and did not dare to show his face in Germany, but muttered vigorously: "Calais, you have to save the leader, you can't let him die, you can't let him die......"
"Uncle Antonio, how are you doing with the Germans?" Contini asked, picking up the phone.
"The situation is not ideal, the oligarchs say that Albert and Sickert are very angry, everyone else can not die, your friend - No, Adolf Hitler must die! There is no room for negotiation. ”
Contini's heart sank suddenly: "This can't be done, this person must be saved!" ”
"Young master, I understand your feelings, if you want to be in Italy, don't say one such person, we can keep 100 of them, but Germany can't, we can't use our strength, and we can't exert pressure through the government - Albert and they suspect that it has something to do with our incitement, instigation and support." At this time, Antonio didn't care to accuse Contini of going to Germany to set fires, he actually wanted to ask what was the need for this, but when he thought of Contini's whimsy, he didn't interfere much, anyway, he would lose hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it would be good to spend money to buy a lesson.
"I must protect this person...... You can make an appointment with the giants of German business for me, and I will convince them. ”
"You're going to Germany?"
"Yes, to ...... Adolf will be tried on March 15, and the matter must be settled before the trial! Contini gritted his teeth and said, "In any case, this man can't die!" ”
"You're not going to send the brave, are you?" Antonio paused for a moment, and suddenly a sentence came out.
"No, you can't do this, you have to let Adolf accept the trial and complete the whole process, if you rob the prison, his political reputation will be ruined, you must persevere, even if you are sentenced to life imprisonment, the only guarantee is that you can't die!" Contini said categorically, "Ji'an, you arrange it, we will leave in 3 days!" ”
Three days later, on February 9, Contini appeared in the prison where Hitler was being held, their hands clasped together.
"Calais, I am very happy that you have come to see me at such a time, and I am very grateful for all that you have done for the German revolution and for me, you are our true friend and comrade, and I will always remember that......"
"Adolf, don't give up, I said I wouldn't let you die, I'll get you out!"
"No, it's useless, the prosecutor has been arraigned twice, and the implication is that I'm going to die - Albert and Sickt won't let me live!"
"No, don't give up, I have a way!"
"Really?" Hitler's eyes suddenly gave off a strange brilliance, although he was not afraid of death, but he did not want to die in front of his eyes, he knew very well that the support of the people for him was very strong - in other words, as long as he did not die, once he went out, his future would be immeasurable.
"Really, don't worry, I have a way." Contini blinked, "I have coped with many difficult situations in Italy, and I believe I can do this kind of thing in Germany!" ”
"Thank you so much!" Hitler asked, "You want to mobilize the masses?" ”
"It's impossible, I don't have such a strong appeal, and Albert won't allow me to do that."
"And pressure through the Italian government?"
"It can't be! It is inconvenient for the leader to come forward in this matter. ”
"What's that for?" Hitler was 90% desperate, but finally asked with a glimmer of hope.
"Throw money at ...... Smash your way out of the way! ”
"With money?" Hitler's mind didn't react at once, "Can Albert and Sickert recognize money?" ”
"It doesn't matter if they don't recognize money, there will be people who do......" Contini smiled, "Don't worry! I'll stun them out for untold dollars. ”
The overbearing president really did what he said, and the next day, accompanied by Antonio, he secretly met with the representatives of the major German industrial oligarchs, including Krupp, Siemens, Farben and other six giants - now everyone recognizes that the United Group is qualified to sit on an equal footing with them, and the Italian national focus group of 100,000 workers is not a small person, but it is impossible for the top leader to attend, and Contini is only a 21-year-old young man after all, which everyone knows in their hearts.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the case, I must save this Mr. Adolf Hitler, no matter what you say, just let him stay alive."
"Mr. Ziano, we all know what you mean, in fact, Mr. Antonio sent us a telegram a few days ago to express this meaning, and we have also contacted the government and the military, and their attitude is very tough and there is no room for negotiation."
"Yes, yes, the National Socialist Party has made too much trouble, so that the Wehrmacht and the government can't come down, and if even Hitler doesn't die, the government can't cover up this matter......"
"I know it's going to be difficult, so I'm asking you to help me figure it out......," Contini smiled slightly, "As a sign of sincerity, the United Group will spend $10 million to buy relevant industrial equipment and products from you, and I hope you will continue to put pressure on the government and Junckers until this goal is achieved." In fact, it is perfectly okay to sentence life imprisonment, why do you have to kill someone? ”
Representatives of major companies looked at each other and shook their heads in unison: $10 million is a lot, especially in this extraordinary period of the occupation of the Ruhr area, $10 million to buy equipment and products can save the production lines and workforce of many enterprises, but everyone retreats at the thought of the attitude of the Albert government.
"20 million!" Contini held up 2 fingers.
Some moved, others shook their heads.
"30 million!"
Several people looked eagerly, but still no one spoke...... Mobile phone users should browse and read for a better reading experience.