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Chapter 1296 New Appointment

"It should be because of Batavia! The shares of the Asiatic Cargo Company are falling after losing the Spice Islands, and you are the only one who knows the situation there best. Mr. Andris and the representatives of the Council have been waiting for two days. They are mentally prepared. Everyone is in a bad mood."

Rainier seemed to be unaware of the specific content of the meeting with the Council. He just made a rough guess based on the current situation. As he spoke, he accompanied Cohen to the large conference room on the second floor.

The large conference room was already full of people, all of whom were familiar faces to Cohen. There were seven representatives from the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce, four from the Zeeland Chamber of Commerce, two from Rotterdam, and one each from Delft, Holland, and Enkhuizen. Except for Cornelis who was on his way, all 7 members of the Council were present.

According to convention, the Council holds three plenary sessions every year to decide on major resolutions of the company. Today is not a meeting date, so it is a special meeting convened on short notice.

"Good day, distinguished delegates!"

This situation is rare, and it is obvious that there is something very important that needs to be decided collectively. Cohen took off his hat and whispered hello, feeling inexplicably nervous, as if he had returned to the time when he first came to apply for the job more than 20 years ago.

The model of the 17-member council was very similar to Hong Tao's imperial meeting. Representatives of various chambers of commerce sat on both sides of the long table. The chairman of the council sat at the end facing the door, and the temporary seats were at the end closer to the door.

"Clap, clap, clap... Welcome back our hero!" Seeing Cohen come in, the chairman of the council, Andres, at the end of the long table, was the first to stand up and applaud, and the room suddenly broke out in thunderous applause.

"Please take a seat, Mr. Cohen. I'm sorry for not letting you go home and rest for a few days. We had no choice but to do so. The company is in big trouble and needs your help." What followed was the opening remarks and explanation, and everyone in the room turned their eyes to him.

"Although I have resigned from the post of Governor, I am still an employee of the company and am willing to continue to serve the company! If allowed, I would like to briefly report the situation in Batavia and the Spice Islands to the Council."

Cohen was a little moved by this scene. It was very unusual for a 17-member board of directors to collectively welcome employees. It was a good thing to be valued.

"First of all, I want to make it clear that the Council has not received any resignation application and has not made any resolution, so you are still the Governor of Batavia of the East India Company. But today the representatives want to get a report not on Batavia and the Spice Islands, but something else.

Two days ago, the parliament voted to choose the Republic to participate in the European coalition's eastward expedition. Given the Republic's military capabilities, the navy will definitely participate as the main force.

After evaluation, the Parliament planned to select some of the merchant ships withdrawn by the East India Company and convert them into armed cargo ships to join the Republic Navy. The Council also agreed to this plan and prepared 30 merchant ships for conversion to form the East India Squadron.

But this fleet cannot be completely handed over to the navy. Those idiots have never been to the Cape of Good Hope, let alone understand the Asian way of naval warfare. And you are the only person the company can trust at present! In order to ensure that the company's property is not squandered and wasted, the Council decided to appoint you as the commander of this fleet.

In return, in addition to all the benefits enjoyed by the Governor of Batavia, after the war, the Council will give you one to three percent of the shares based on the course and results of the war, and recommend you as a candidate for the next Council representative.

Governor Cohen, the Council would like to know whether you are willing to accept this appointment, as well as your suggestions and requirements for the new position. Please, the following time belongs to you! "

Compared to Cornelis, Andris looked more like a superior in both appearance and temperament, and was more direct in his words and deeds. He did not make too many small talk, but directly explained the main topic of the special meeting of the Council, which had a strong official effect. "…First of all, I would like to thank the Council for its trust and generosity, but I must also remain honest with the company. Please forgive me for being frank, but there is no possibility of defeating the Ming Navy and occupying Enniao Port with only the Republic Navy and the East India Squadron. Although it sounds discouraging, it is the truth."

Still retaining the treatment of the governor, and being able to get company shares and representative nominations, really made Cohen very excited, and it was also the result he had been striving for all these years. But compared with the lives of dozens of armed merchant ships and thousands of sailors and soldiers, it was insignificant.

Relying on this squadron and the Dutch Navy to attack Enniao Port was like a moth flying into a flame. Cohen had no idea who came up with this stupid idea, but he was determined not to become an executioner. In his eyes, those who knew the result and still took the people of the Republic to die were murderers.

"I think you misunderstood, Mr. Cohen. The main force that launched the attack on Port Enbird was a joint fleet composed of the Spanish, British and Republican navies. The East India Squadron served as a supplement to the main fleet, mainly providing transportation, reconnaissance and surveillance services.

Of course, your personal experience in Batavia is also very valuable. If you wish, you can provide appropriate advice to the commanders of the combined fleet on the way of operation and specific tactics. "

After listening to Cohen's uncooperative speech, Council Chairman Andris did not get angry like his brother, but explained with a smile, further explaining the duties and tasks of the squadron.

“…Is this the final decision of the Council?”

"Yes, and he's the only candidate!"

"If I can, I would prefer to select my own fleet members."

At this moment, Cohen finally understood how accurate the Ming Emperor's warning was. Returning to the Netherlands would not necessarily keep him out of the conflict. Even if he resigned as governor, he would still be dragged into the war.

But it was too late to regret. Refusing the appointment was tantamount to breaking with the company. Without the company's protection, he and his family would be in danger in this land. One day, a group of people might rush in and accuse him of being a traitor and a spy, and his family would be destroyed.

The only way is to pray for God's mercy, bless the combined fleet to fight smoothly, and meet a commander who is more willing to listen to honest advice. But before that, we must first ensure that we have enough say in the squadron and there is no troublesome captain.

"The squadron is completely under your command, and no one is allowed to interfere. Of course, during combat, the squadron must still obey the orders of the commander of the combined fleet. However, on the issue of how to avoid causing too much loss to the company's property, the Council and I still believe in your ability and will give you full support!"

Andris readily agreed to Cohen's request and handed over all personnel control of the fleet.

In addition, he also implicitly proposed the Council's inclination that if necessary, in order to avoid the loss of the squadron, the order of the commander of the combined fleet could be violated. But it should be done more subtly, so that the Republic and the company could come forward to smooth things over afterwards.

(End of this chapter)