America 1919-Chapter 905 - 309, the East Market_2

The Rothschild family, leveraging their status in the financial industry, wielded influence over the financial markets of various European countries. Coupled with their political investments, they became close friends with leaders across Europe.

Thus, members of the Rothschild family typically held noble titles.

But having noble titles alone did not satisfy the Rothschilds. They also aspired to enter the political arenas of various countries, especially a global powerhouse like the United Kingdom.

Ned Rothschild’s father, Lionel Rothschild, had harbored ambitions to join the UK’s House of Commons ever since taking over the British Rothschild operations.

At the time, the UK operated under a constitutional monarchy, with national power concentrated entirely in Parliament. Members of Parliament enjoyed an unparalleled level of social status.

Back then, the British Prime Minister, Disraeli, was of Jewish descent. In order to become Prime Minister, he converted to Christianity. Disraeli was a close friend of Lionel Rothschild.

In truth, given the Rothschild family’s immense influence, it shouldn’t have been difficult for Lionel Rothschild to join the House of Commons.

However, the oath required for MPs upon taking office included the phrase, ’I, in the name of a true Christian, swear to faithfully carry out the duties of a Member of Parliament…’

Such an oath was impossible for Lionel Rothschild, who adhered to Judaism, to recite.

The powerful Rothschild family ultimately managed to sway the British House of Commons to allow Lionel to modify the oath upon taking office. However, this decision was rejected when the House of Lords overturned the bill!

For the following 11 years, Lionel Rothschild found himself trapped in a cycle of ’running for election - being denied the seat - running again - being denied again.’

Over the course of 11 years, spanning six parliamentary terms, his application to assume office was vetoed by the House of Lords 10 times.

It wasn’t until 1858, when the House of Lords could no longer withstand the Rothschild family’s influence, that Lionel Rothschild’s application was finally approved.

Lionel Rothschild was finally able to fulfill his wish of becoming a Member of the House of Commons!

As for his meeting with Churchill, it was merely an investment made in advance!

Donnie had learned the exact time of their meeting from Walker and proceeded to ask Walker about his personal business affairs.

"How’s your connection with Maersk Company coming along?"

Walker smiled and replied, "Discussions are underway. I’ve already traveled to Denmark to meet with the people from Maersk Company, but you know, given that their headquarters are in Denmark, controlling them from across the Atlantic is somewhat unrealistic. So for now, I’m focused on becoming Maersk’s largest shareholder!"

After hearing this, Donnie nodded.

Maersk Company was founded in 1904, becoming the world’s largest container shipping company in later years.

Its potential was undoubtedly significant.

Walker’s path to becoming Maersk’s largest shareholder was actually thanks to a prior joint acquisition by Donnie and Morgan involving the Vanderbilt family’s assets.

When Maersk Company was first established, it had received help from the Vanderbilt family, which subsequently held a substantial number of shares in the company.

Selling off assets is something that can become addictive!

The current generation of the Vanderbilt family seemed to lack any vision for the future, leading them to sell off nearly everything they had that could be sold.

Nowadays, the Vanderbilt family resembled an open supermarket—if someone offered the right price, they’d sell off the family’s fixed assets.

Through numerous discussions with Donnie, Walker bought into Donnie’s idea that maritime shipping would become the primary method of global transportation in the future. After careful consideration, Walker worked with his wife Maholi and her Grain Empire Food company to jointly purchase the shares held by the Vanderbilt family in Maersk Company.

"The people from Maersk Company have now gone to Trident Shipyard to conduct evaluations. Whether they place an order with Trident Shipyard, however, remains uncertain. But rest assured, I will cast my vote in favor of this matter!"

Walker continued talking with Donnie.

Given that Maersk Company’s focus was on maritime shipping, Walker naturally intended to deepen his collaboration with Donnie on multiple fronts. So after becoming Maersk’s largest shareholder, Walker immediately proposed that Maersk Company evaluate Donnie’s Trident Shipyard for ordering vessels from the facility.

Donnie smiled and said, "You can let Maersk know that if they’re willing to place orders with Trident Shipyard, Breton Bank can provide full financing for them."

Upon hearing Donnie’s proposal, Walker also broke into a smile. "If that’s the case, it’ll be much easier for me to convince them!"

After the two finished discussing this matter, night had completely fallen.

Donnie called Janine Warburg, and the three of them dined together at the hotel’s western restaurant!

The next day, Anthony Rothschild paid another visit to Donnie and expressed that the Rothschild family would seriously consider Donnie’s suggestions, but they would need time!

Donnie naturally had no objections to Anthony Rothschild’s statement. The two parties agreed on the timing of their next negotiation.

Afterward, Anthony Rothschild inquired about Donnie’s upcoming plans and assured him that no matter what he needed in the United Kingdom, the Rothschild family could fulfill those requirements!