I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 652 Poland’s “Good Brother”

At present, several main streets in Paris have been "fully asphalted". They look smooth and comfortable, full of a futuristic sense that transcends this era.

The carriage stopped at the "New Paris Business District" between Paris and the Palace of Versailles. Prince Poniatowski sighed, "I really hope that Warsaw can be so prosperous one day." He stepped out of the carriage and looked up to see the newly built stadium in front of him. The appearance was obviously modeled after the Roman Colosseum.

The surrounding buildings seem a bit sparse, and there are not many pedestrians. There are only two wooden tracks leading to the sports field, which seems a bit lonely. But considering that this place was still a forest and wasteland three years ago, the overall construction speed is quite fast.

Prince Poniatowski first followed the French officials who greeted him into the athletes' hotel to express his condolences to the Polish athletes participating in the Games.

The athletes' food, accommodation and round-trip travel expenses are all provided by the French government - as long as you can achieve the registration score, you can get this money.

So there were 18 Polish athletes coming to Paris. The hotel for athletes was crowded with people. A French official nearby told the prince with a smile that there were more than 200 athletes from all over the world coming to participate in the Games.

You have to know that the first Olympic Games more than a hundred years later had only more than 250 athletes. In the 18th century when transportation capabilities were still very backward, this was definitely an unprecedented grand occasion.

However, Prince Poniatowski's mind was not on the sports meeting at all. He simply encouraged the Polish athletes and rushed to the Palace of Versailles without stopping.

He knew that his visit to France would most likely determine the future fate of Poland.

In the Royal Arsenal on the southeast side of the Palace of Versailles, Prince Poniatowski met the French Prince as scheduled.

Joseph chose this place for the meeting because, firstly, there were few people there and it would not attract attention. Secondly, the place was open and everything including maps and sand tables were ready.

"It is a pleasure to meet you again, Your Highness the Crown Prince." The prince touched his chest and saluted. "His Majesty the King asked me to convey his gratitude for your selfless help to Poland."

Joseph smiled in return, then dragged him to sit down: "We are relatives, you don't have to be polite."

Louis XV married a Polish princess, so France and Poland were indeed relatives by marriage.

"Time is precious, let's get down to business." Joseph skipped the pleasantries and put on a serious expression, "First, you must transfer the Prussian officers in the army."

The prince nodded. "Yes, Your Highness, you mentioned this to me a few years ago, but they didn't..."

Joseph really wanted to slap the stubborn big guy in front of him twice, thinking to himself, do I understand history, or do you?
But he could only suppress his emotions and gave an excuse that the Poles could not refuse: "As you know, the relationship between our country and Prussia is not very good. Well, we have fought in the Southern Netherlands and Silesia in recent years.

“When Poland resists aggression, our country will definitely send a military advisory group and even some volunteer troops to help you.

"I think they don't want to meet Prussians in the Polish army. Conversely, the Prussians should be the same."

Prince Poniatowski's expression became solemn and conflicted - the French Crown Prince's meaning was very clear, he had to choose between France and Prussia.

Joseph felt that he was worrying a lot about Poland. He was clearly helping them, but he had to coax them like a child.

Seeing that the prince remained silent, he continued, "Oh, by the way, I plan to invest in the Port of Gdansk, 400 million francs in the early stage, and then more depending on the situation.

"You know, our trade volume with Germany is increasing, and Gdansk will become an important distribution port for our goods." This time, Prince Poniatowski did not hesitate at all, and nodded with a smile: "That's great. Ah, do you have any additional conditions?"

"No conditions, just invest and get shares in the port, it's that simple." Joseph said.

Prince Poniatowski was delighted.

He had thought that France would demand some trade or port privileges, or even port management rights, just as Prussia had done.

But I didn’t expect it to be just a simple investment!
He nodded immediately and said, "Thank you for your generosity. I will let Count Malachowski take charge of this matter personally and I will make sure that your investment will get you an excellent return."

Poland is now using all its resources to prepare for war. He is naturally happy to see someone invest in the people's livelihood.

Joseph's main purpose was to stop the Prussian army in Gdansk.

For Prussia, obtaining this seaport meant far more than occupying several Polish provinces.

Since the Poles were defenseless against Prussia, we had no choice but to help them.

At the same time, this deal is definitely not a loss for France.

Gdansk is the shipping port that controls most of the Eastern European market. Although it says it does not want any privileges, after the investment, at least French merchant ships will be able to get better services here, and they will definitely not have to queue when docking.

And when war breaks out here, France will become a "good brother" to save Gdansk. At that time, even if France does not want privileges, the local parliament there will rush to give them.

Joseph continued: "In addition, I also want to help Warsaw build an arsenal to produce Charleville flintlock rifles and cannons."

Prince Poniatowski was at a loss for words.

Poland's military equipment production capacity has not been improved, naturally because it has no money to invest in gun factories and cannon foundries.

After the expansion of the Tarnovskaya Silver Mine, the Polish government's purse was finally less dry, but the allocation of funds for the construction of a gun factory was also planned for three years later.

Unexpectedly, the French crown prince was so anxious that he directly invested in building an arms factory. If this factory could be put into production before the Russian invasion, Poland would be more confident in facing the enemy!
You should know that Poland’s current firearms self-sufficiency rate is less than 30%, and a large number of flintlock rifles and ammunition need to be purchased from foreign countries, not to mention large artillery.

He remembered something very important and asked hurriedly, "Your Highness, regarding the funding for this arsenal... I'm afraid the Polish government can't provide much."

Joseph waved his hand nonchalantly. "Don't worry. The French Reserve will provide you with low-interest loans, as well as craftsmen and technicians. Of course, in order to avoid unnecessary diplomatic trouble, the source of the arsenal's funds and technology must be kept strictly confidential."

"Of course I can assure you."

"Oh, one more thing. Investments in the port and the arsenal will all be made in French franc banknotes."

(End of this chapter)