Seeking political, economic, technical assistance and support is an unavoidable path for emerging countries. Pen | fun | pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 info is now an open world, self-reliance cannot be discarded, but working behind closed doors will never work.

Even so, Chen Wenqiang was wary and restrictive in his increasingly extensive cooperation with Germany, and absolutely prevented him from becoming a vassal of German industrial and commercial enterprises.

Waiting for news from Guangzhou at the Huangpu Shipyard, Chen Wenqiang was not idle. Machine tools ordered from Germany and the United States are being shipped one after another, combined with the original lathes, planers, steam machines, drilling machines and other machinery and equipment of the shipping bureau, the machine tool factory located in Changzhou Island began to be built in full swing.

A positive machine tool, also known as a machine tool, is a machine that manufactures machines. If the machinery industry is the pillar of modern industry, then the machine tool is the leading product in the mechanical products, so it has the reputation of "the instrument of the machine".

During the 19th century, various types of machine tools such as gantry planers, horizontal milling machines, universal cylindrical grinders, hobbing machines and gear shaping machines appeared due to the promotion of textile, power, transportation machinery and munitions production.

The center of industrial technology development also quietly moved from Britain to the United States, and the successful development of the turret hexagonal lathe by the still famous Whitney Engineering Company marked the beginning of the complexity and refinement of workpiece manufacturing. In 1900, Norton, an American, made a grinding wheel with a large diameter and wide diameter from emery and corundum, as well as a heavy-duty grinding machine with large stiffness and firmness, which was first used by the Ford Motor Company. The development of grinding machines has brought machinery manufacturing technology into a new stage of precision.

As the first cooperation between China, the United States and Germany, not only the German side attaches great importance to it, the manufacturer sent commissioning engineers, and the Qingdao Governor sent people to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new factory; The U.S. side, which has just experienced the movement of arriving in the United States, also sees it as a good opportunity to reopen the Chinese market, and the consul general in Guangzhou congratulates De in person. Of course, Mo Weide is so enthusiastic. There is another reason for condescension.

In modern times, Shanghai, Tianjin and other places once had American concessions, but Guangzhou, which has been baptized by European wind and rain, only has the British and French concessions in Shamian, and there is no American concession. In 1901, the United States requested the opening of a residence area in Guangzhou...... But it was rejected by the Qing government. In fact. What the United States seeks is not a "residence area", but a concession.

At that time, the United States had risen to become a world-class economic power, the Far East's commercial and trade interests were developing vigorously, and the huge Chinese market was conducive to the export of large quantities of goods and capital from the United States. In addition, the United States also discovered that Germany intended to open up a concession in Huadai, a suburb of Guangzhou, and Britain and France intended to "expand their respective concessions," while the United States was lagging behind in the competition in China. All of the above seems to make the opening of concessions a natural part of expansion.

Tao Mo, who was the governor of Liangguang at the time, "insisted on trying to push the case down" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advocated the establishment of a public concession. At that time, the Qing government was not afraid of the United States, but was worried that Britain, France, Germany, and other countries would take advantage of this to gain benefits. Especially the UK.

Therefore, the opening of a public concession instead of a concession is not only in line with Britain's previous request to open up a public concession in Guangzhou, but also a reason to prevaricate Britain and the United States and other countries to seek a concession under exclusive management. As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed this proposal to the countries concerned, and Britain, France, Germany, and other countries expressed their agreement one after another.

However, the U.S. consul insisted on opening up a concession for exclusive management, and questioned why Tao Mo hesitated on this matter. "When countries are mixed with the common realm, it is easy for them to come into contact with each other and cause trouble. Whoever is to blame for anything in the event of an incident is obviously the opposite of those in each special circle," and at the same time believed that the definition of opening up the US lease would be conducive to the revitalization of Guangzhou's commerce.

However, the plan was opposed by the then U.S. Parliamentary and Plenipotentiary Plenipotentiary, a prominent diplomat and sinologist. In response to the US consul's assertion that the US trade in Guangzhou is booming and that the concession is needed, Rou Keyi believes that the development of US trade in Guangzhou is far from reaching this level. If there is a real need for this, "it is also a matter for American businessmen." He claimed that he did not see the need to open up a concession under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States, because he had not yet seen a real American company to engage in commercial activities in Guangzhou, and even if it existed, he could not see any benefit to the United States from a sporadic concession.

Right now. Mo Weide, who had been promoted to consul general, was interested in bringing up the matter again because of the growing shortage of land in Shamian, and the fact that the American consulate, which was rented to a British comptoir, had suffered from rising rents for many years, and that "rents had at least doubled" compared to 1900. He took this opportunity to use the US State Department as an excuse to play a role, claiming that if the US State Department and the late President McKinley had supported the opening of the American concession in Guangzhou and were determined to build it, the consulate would not have to bear the high rent of British commercial properties today.

Regarding the tentative request of tacit virtue, Chen Wenqiang was hypocritical and hypocritical, only saying that he was a lowly official, and he pushed it to Yuan Shuxun, the governor of Liangguang. However, as a gesture of goodwill, Chen Wenqiang suggested that American businessmen could set up warehouses on Cheung Chau Island to store goods, and he offered preferential land rent and guaranteed that there would be no problems with law and order.

Obviously, the idea of acquiescence has not yet been agreed to by Rou Keyi, who has been transferred to the post of US minister to China, and the US State Department, and the cost of the concession is extremely costly, and it is not in line with the attitude of the United States toward the concession. Therefore, Chen Wenqiang thinks that there will be no result if the old matter is brought up again.

"Regarding the centigold, can Lord Chen give exemptions to domestic goods in Guangdong, as well as in Hunan and Hubei provinces?" Mo Weide also knew that whether or not he could open up the Guangzhou concession also depended on the differences within the United States, Chen Wenqiang did not categorically refuse, and the rest was his job, so he diverted the topic and sought greater benefits and benefits.

Chen Wenqiang thought for a while, shook his head and said: "In terms of tariffs, your country and other countries' goods have taken advantage, if the gold is reduced, how can China's industrial and commercial enterprises still have competitiveness?" Of course, if it's a joint venture, that's a different story. ”

It is Chen Wenqiang's consistent principle to suppress the commodity exports of the foreign powers, but selectively welcome the export of capital. To put it simply, it is to attract investment and promote the development of domestic industry, commerce, and science and technology with foreign capital and technology.

"Mr. Chen's cooperation with Germany can be said to be unsparing, I wonder if the United States can also enjoy such treatment? In the previous movement to the United States, Mr. Chen's industry made a lot of profits! Mo Weide smiled, quite intriguing.

The U.S. arrival campaign did bring great benefits to Chen, who, for example, had a lot of market share seized by Chen's refineries. There are other American goods as well. After the arrival in the United States, a large number of sales were also lost.

In this regard, Chen Wenqiang only smiled faintly and did not answer, but only gave a not very detailed explanation for another question, "Can your country enjoy the treatment of Germany?" It also depends on the sincerity of your country's industrial and commercial enterprises and the preferential conditions they can offer. Personally, I would like to welcome your country's participation in the modernization of your country. ”

"That's probably a good start." Mo Weide smiled and pointed to the factories that had been built and were being built, "For China's industrial and commercial enterprises, they are still very interested in investing and building factories in China. In terms of the level of science and technology, China is not weaker than Germany, and in some areas even surpasses Germany. ”

"I agree with that." Chen Wenqiang nodded honestly, paused, and said, "If only the top level of your government could talk less. With more practical actions that make the Chinese feel happy, the bad impact of the wave of resistance to the United States can be calmed down. ”

The wave of arrivals to the United States has not only caused losses to US commerce, but more seriously, the good image of the US government, which has been painstakingly operating in southern China for many years, has been seriously damaged. This battle in Sino-US relations has seriously damaged the foundation of mutual trust, and this is obviously not something that the United States, which pursues an active China policy, is happy to see.

As the saying goes: the bell needs to be tied to the bell. Tacit Weide, who is well versed in Chinese affairs, naturally knows the role played by Chen Wenqiang in the tide of his arrival with the United States, and also knows that he is quite reliable in improving Sino-US relations. Unlike the procrastinating and mediocre Qing court officials, Chen Wenqiang has a global vision. And there is a mind that is close to Western thinking.

However, relations between Japan and the United States are gradually strained, and public opinion on "anti-American" in Japan is rising. It also makes it necessary for the United States to adopt a more active China policy in order to contain Japan and maintain the status quo in the Far East. What Chen Wenqiang did not know was that US President Franklin D. Roosevelt had decided to send a huge fleet around the world to show Japan and other countries the strength of the US Navy.

This force, which consisted of 16 elite battleships of the U.S. Navy and seven small mine-strike ships (the predecessor of destroyers), all of which were painted in festive white, led to the world's call the "Great White Fleet" on the east coast of the United States. Two more months. The anchor will be pulled.

Mo Weide looked at Chen Wenqiang's side face, with a look full of confidence, neither humble nor arrogant, looking into the distance, as if everything was under his control.

"For the prospect of joint venture banks, China's Citibank is extremely optimistic. It is also hoped that, like Deutsch-Walsch Bank, it will be able to inject capital into the shares. After a pause, Mo Weide said slowly: "Of course, the conditions should be the same as those enjoyed by Deutsch-Hua Bank. ”

Chen Wenqiang thought about it, but did not show the surprise that Mo Weide expected. After a while, he shook his head lightly and said, "This is not the best advice. The expansion and development of the joint venture bank is obvious to all, and the prospects are naturally promising. Your country's capital injection at this time is the icing on the cake, in Chinese terms. If you don't say something good, then be greedy and profit-seeking. ”

Mo Weide was a little surprised, he didn't expect Chen Wenqiang to have such a lukewarm attitude, nor did he expect that there would be such an explanation for a move that should have been welcomed.

"The icing on the cake is better than charcoal in the snow." Chen Wenqiang sighed lightly, "You are foreign devils in the end, and you are far from familiar with the various situations of China and the Chinese!" ”

Mo Weide was very unconvinced, he had been in China for many years, and was promoted from consul to consul general, although he did not dare to claim to be an expert in sinology like Rou Keyi, the minister in China, but he also claimed to be a "China expert".

Chen Wenqiang looked at Mo Weide, smiled faintly, and said: "To put it mildly, in Guangdong, with my strength, I am afraid that even the governor will be willing to bow down." The Guangdong Army is almost entirely under the command of Wu Luzhen, the land commander, and the relationship between me and Wu must be known to the noble envoy. Guangdong will soon rely on the police force, militia groups, and township groups to maintain law and order. The police were formed at my expense, and no one could command them without my orders. The militia and township regiments are also gradually being mastered by me, the general office of the coaching office. It all seemed smooth and wonderful, but I also had a very practical difficulty! ”

Mo Weide frowned, hesitated and said, "Borrow money?" What nature? In what name? ”

"I need a $3 million unsecured low-interest loan." Chen Wenqiang said very blandly, as if he was talking about a very small and ordinary thing, "The risks are indeed there, but the benefits are also real." The loan will be deposited in the joint venture bank in the name of the China-US Friendship Construction and Development Fund, mainly to provide financial support for the construction of infrastructure related to people's livelihood in Guangdong or South China. ”

Mo Weide grinned slightly, if it is a commercial loan, the industrial and commercial enterprises and consortia in the United States are still very willing to take advantage of it. However, although this friendly construction and development fund can enable the United States to gradually gain the favor of the Chinese and rebuild a good government image, it is not a small difficulty.

Chen Wenqiang is not in a hurry, in the final analysis, he is also in the calculation of "opening his mouth to make three points of profit, and if he does not give it, it will be enough." Whether the US side agrees or not, it is just slowing down the pace of construction and development.

"If it's a commercial investment loan, I can guarantee it." Mo Weide said euphemistically: "With Lord Chen's international reputation, it is not difficult even if there is no collateral. However, I still need to report to the government for this kind of public welfare fund. ”

Chen Wenqiang nodded, expressing understanding, and then diverted the topic, "To promote Guangdong's economic development, railways are very important. I am going to raise funds to build the railway from Guangzhou to Chaozhou, I wonder if your country has any investment intentions? ”

Although Chen Wenqiang was very cautious in borrowing foreign debts to build the railway, the conditions were also very principled, so that the railway rights (construction rights, management rights, and borrowing rights) were basically not controlled by outsiders. However, the construction of railways requires a large amount of investment, which is in line with the need for monopoly capital to export "surplus capital" to China and obtain high profits. At the same time, the land, population and mineral resources along the railway line, as well as the need to further penetrate trade into the Chinese mainland, make the subsequent benefits of railway construction considerable.

"That's really good news." Mo Weide stretched out his thumb and exclaimed: "Lord Chen's courage is indeed unmatched in China. It's just—" After a pause, he said without concern: "Regarding the turmoil in the southwest, what does Lord Chen think of the situation?" Will the construction of the railway at this time cause accidents in the future? ”

…………… (To be continued.) )