America 1919-Chapter 1726 - 649: End of Negotiations (Part 2)

"Mr. Molotov, why don’t we be honest about our respective needs?"

Donnie seemed to speak with apparent ease.

"Venus Bank needs the Soviet market, especially the Soviet financial and energy markets. This can enhance Venus Bank’s global influence.

Similarly, the Soviet Union needs Venus Bank’s influence in Europe and America, and its financial resources, to help the Soviet Union economically surpass Europe and America."

Donnie’s sudden frankness left Vyacheslav Molotov momentarily unsure of how to respond.

However, Vyacheslav Molotov, having weathered many storms, quickly composed himself, "Indeed, the reality is just as Your Majesty has stated!"

Donnie nodded, saying, "Everything the Soviet side is doing now, whether it’s reclaiming the Baku Oil Field, letting Frigga Pharmaceuticals establish branches in the Soviet Union, or some previous actions by the Soviet Union, are all attempts to break free from dependence on Venus Bank!"

Though this was indeed the case, being directly pointed out by Donnie made Vyacheslav Molotov somewhat embarrassed.

"That’s correct!"

Donnie nodded and said, "I understand the Soviet Union’s thinking. If I were the Man of Steel, I would make the same choice.

But the timing is not right!"

Donnie’s final words left Vyacheslav Molotov puzzled.

"I don’t know what Your Majesty means by saying the timing is not right?"

Donnie explained, "It’s simple. The current Soviet Union has not yet reached the point where it can leave the influence of Venus Bank in Europe and America.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be you, Mr. Molotov, negotiating with me here. Rather, I should be going to the Soviet Union to negotiate with you and the Man of Steel."

Vyacheslav Molotov gave a wry smile, "Your Majesty, you are indeed very candid!"

Donnie leaned back on the sofa with a smile on his face, "Since we are in cooperation, I hope we can be honest with each other.

So I can also tell you, Mr. Molotov, that Frigga Pharmaceuticals cannot establish branches in the Soviet Union.

Because that would enable the Soviet Union to accelerate its break from dependency on Venus Bank.

As the president of Venus Bank, I do not wish to see such a situation occur!"

Vyacheslav Molotov was taken aback, and a trace of discontent rose within him!

He initially thought Donnie’s mention of Frigga Pharmaceuticals was meant to build branches in the Soviet Union for Frigga Pharmaceuticals.

But now Donnie straightforwardly tells him it’s impossible!

"Your Majesty, so all those things you just mentioned are actually threats to the Soviet Union, telling us the current Soviet Union cannot do without the support of Venus Bank?"

Faced with Vyacheslav Molotov’s questioning, Donnie did not get angry.

"Mr. Molotov, the Soviet Union can certainly do without the support of Venus Bank, but losing support from Venus Bank would result in a failure for both sides.

The only difference is that Venus Bank can bear losing the Soviet market, but can the Soviet Union bear losing support from Venus Bank?

Moreover, if the Soviet Union truly intends to reclaim the Baku Oil Field through military means, will it still get the trust of other countries’ commercial companies at that time?"

In this negotiation, Donnie held the upper hand.

Thus, he remained even more composed.

Vyacheslav Molotov, on the other hand, began to feel helpless.

Venus Bank is not just any insignificant group.

This is a large-scale conglomerate with global operations.

If such a conglomerate cannot receive fair treatment in the Soviet Union,

it would be a devastating blow to the reputation of the Soviet Union.

After all, the Soviet Union still cares about its face. If not, they would behave like San, holding an attitude of deceitfulness. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

No matter what, first trick the money in and then talk.

Seeing that Vyacheslav Molotov’s mentality was becoming unstable,

Donnie offered an additional condition.

"I know the Soviet Union has always been seeking loans from Europe and America. If the Soviet Union can agree to my conditions, I am willing to represent Venus Bank to provide the Soviet Union with a low-interest loan of 500 million US Dollars, with a term of ten years."

This was a decision Donnie made after thorough consideration.

Ten years later, it would be right before the first major conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States.

Even if there were conflicts at that time, Donnie could still ensure the loan is recovered, relying on the influence of Venus Bank and the Brock Kingdom.

By using a 500 million US Dollar loan to gain access to the Soviet Union’s energy sector, it was undoubtedly a profitable and risk-free deal for Donnie.

It’s worth emphasizing here that in Donnie’s plan, ten years later, the Brock Kingdom would already be established and become a neutral country.

By then, for the sake of its international reputation, the Soviet Union would not dare to deny the existence of this 500 million US Dollars loan!

This is the advantage brought by an understanding of the world situation.

Vyacheslav Molotov fell into silence.

Donnie’s proposal tempted Vyacheslav Molotov.

After all, the Soviet Union still had an eye on European and American industrial equipment, equipment which the Ruble had no purchasing power to acquire!

"Additionally, the Breton Bank can establish a branch in the Soviet Union to engage in commercial investment but refrain from entering the savings business of Soviet citizens, and guarantee that 50% of the profits will remain in the Soviet Union!"

Donnie gave Vyacheslav Molotov a condition that was hard to refuse.

Previously, they always rejected foreign capital entering the Soviet banking sector, mainly because they feared opening that door.

It would facilitate some of the Soviet middle class to transfer their assets out.

It’s not that the Soviet Union wasn’t worried about the wealthy, but because the wealthy had more channels that were impossible to block.

Now, with Breton Bank not participating in citizens’ savings business, it effectively prevents this possibility.

Moreover, most Soviet industries were state-owned. Investing in these industries meant supporting the Soviet economy.

"Then Breton Bank’s investment is permissible, but it cannot interfere with the operation of the companies it invests in!"

Vyacheslav Molotov stated.

Donnie knew Vyacheslav Molotov was intrigued.

Smiling, he said, "Of course, but our investment from Breton Bank is aimed at obtaining better returns. Therefore, if a company we invest in does not perform as expected, we reserve the right to swiftly withdraw our investment!"

Vyacheslav Molotov considered Donnie’s proposal seriously. Though it seemed like a routine proposition,

Vyacheslav Molotov knew full well that in this negotiation, every statement must be scrutinized!

After much thought, Vyacheslav Molotov didn’t find anything problematic with this condition and agreed to Donnie’s terms.

"Alright, since this is standard practice!"

Donnie smiled, saying, "So, you agree to our conditions, Mr. Molotov!"

Vyacheslav Molotov gave a bitter smile, "Your Majesty, I must say, you are a very skilled negotiator!"

Donnie shook his head, saying, "Mr. Molotov, you are mistaken. I am not skilled at negotiation. I simply uphold one attitude, which is to seek mutually beneficial entry points as the basis of this negotiation."

Vyacheslav Molotov shook his head. Although he had agreed to the negotiation, many matters still required consulting with the Man of Steel back home.

Donnie’s conditions might seem ordinary in capitalist countries.

Yet they are different for the ideologically distinct Soviet Union!

Vyacheslav Molotov shared his thoughts with Donnie.

Donnie was not worried about this because, on another timeline, the Soviet Union acted similarly.

They needed more loans to develop, so they turned to European and American bankers.

Then, they agreed to the conditions those bankers proposed in political and economic demands.

Now he was simply replacing other bankers with Venus Bank!