Fengxian Jiangshan

Chen Jing and Yao Yimin were accommodated in a pretty good hotel. Due to the enthusiasm for arms sales just now, the Chileans were quite polite and arranged comprehensive services for them.But these two people didn't care about these at all. As soon as they sat down, they called all the members.

With a gloomy face, Chen Jing said to everyone: "Everyone, the situation is obvious. The Chileans do not intend to purchase warships from us, but I believe that opportunities are won. We must work harder to convince them that we must not embarrass the country. "

Yao Yimin also said: "We have two main tasks. One is to figure out what kind of warship the Chileans want, and at the same time, we also need to figure out what plans are offered by other countries, so that we can know ourselves and the enemy and win every battle. Let's go now. Split up."

After they made arrangements, with the cooperation of the embassy staff, the delegation started active activities.In order to compete for the order, it is necessary to understand the operational needs of the Chilean navy and at the same time understand what the Chilean leadership is thinking. Only by prescribing the right medicine can it be recognized by Chile.

At this time, there were three strong South American navies, namely Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.These three countries are all voluntary rich countries. They rely on purchases to form relatively powerful navies.

When the Navy entered the era of dreadnoughts, these three countries also started to order warships from the West. The first to start was Brazil, which ordered two Minas Gerais-class battleships from the United Kingdom, which were built by British shipyards. In 1910 Completed in 12, it is equipped with a 2-inch main gun and has a full-load displacement of more than [-] tons.

The first is the Minas Gerais, and the second is the Sao Paulo. After these two dreadnoughts joined the Brazilian Navy, Brazil became the overlord of the South American navy.

Then the Argentines also took action. After soliciting proposals from more than a dozen shipyards in Europe and the United States, they placed an order for two warships with American shipyards.That is, the Rivadavia-class battleship. This class of battleship basically started construction after the Brazilian battleship was launched, so the displacement was also expanded, and the full load reached about 3 tons.

Moreover, it is equipped with 12-inch main guns with 50 times the caliber and 6 dual-mounted main guns. The side firepower is obviously stronger than that of the Brazilians. In addition, they have advantages in armor and speed.

The two old enemies have produced new battleships, and the Chileans who came late also joined in the action. They chose to place an order with the British.Build Chilean super battleships with reference to British Iron Duke class battleships.

The time gap between the three countries is a bit different, so it is determined that the Chileans have a higher starting point and more advanced battleships, which should have been an advantage.Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of World War I.Chile's planned battleship Admiral Latorre was requisitioned by the British.became Canada.Also took part in the Battle of Jutland.

As for the second ship, which was also changed to the Eagle aircraft carrier, although the British sold the first battleship to the Chileans at half the price after the war, it was already second-hand after all.And as the saying goes, a single tree cannot make a forest, so Chile just wanted to get another battleship.

After clarifying the cause and effect, Chen Jing and Yao Yimin were thinking in their hearts: "I didn't pay attention in the past. It turns out that there is such a large arms market in South America. It seems that we should manage it well and compete with the United States and Britain."

Yao Yimin smiled and said: "I don't think so much. The most important thing at the moment is to find out what the Chileans want. According to my judgment, their warships don't need to be too large, just around 3 tons, but they are seaworthy. The performance must be good, and the cruising range must be outstanding. After all, Chile is a long and narrow country. In addition, the main gun must overwhelm Brazil and Argentina, that is, it must reach 14 inches, and the price must be as cheap as possible. After all Such a small country has limited capacity to bear."

Chen Jing smiled and nodded: "Mr. Yao, have you figured it out in your heart?"

"Well, we have prepared three sets of plans, and now it seems that we can make a little adjustment to the second set of plans, and it will be done in one afternoon."

"Okay, Mr. Yao, please do your work first. I'll contact the Chilean officials to see if I can use a back door."

Speaking of which, Chen Jing left the room. As soon as he came out, a guy in a tuxedo and holding a civilized stick walked up to him in a few steps, and then bowed deeply.

"Master Chen, I am the representative of Sasebo Shipyard in Japan, called Matsushita Rongqing, who also came to bid on behalf of the empire. I hope to invite Mr. Chen to have a brief chat."

Chen Jing saw that he was Japanese, so he was a little impatient, but he couldn't speak directly, so he could only say: "It's okay to chat, but I'm very short on time."

"It doesn't matter, just a few words are enough. We are all Asian and yellow. In this country of white people, we should have a common language."

While talking, Panasonic Rongqing dragged Chen Jing to the seat beside him, ordered two cups of coffee, and said with a smile: "As a rising maritime power, China has made remarkable achievements, especially the expensive The development of China's aircraft carrier is even more impressive. I don't know what Chen Sang thinks about the future naval warfare, whether the aircraft carrier will dominate or the battleship will rule the roost!"

"Who has an advantage and who has a disadvantage, you have to fight on the battlefield to know, but I can only tell you one thing, that is, the Chinese navy has the confidence and ability to protect its own maritime rights and interests, and the sea is like a copper wall. "

"Yo Xi, Chen Sang really has courage, but as far as I know, one aircraft carrier can only control a few hundred kilometers of sea area, and even three aircraft carriers can hardly protect thousands of miles of sea area, does it mean that your country needs to build more What about the warship?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jing's vigilance increased to 120. It was obvious that this guy had no good intentions and wanted to get information on the development of the navy from him.

Chen Jing sneered: "War is played by the sea, land and air force together. I think your country has already experienced it in North Korea. If you want to die, come here!"

After Chen Jing finished speaking, Panasonic Rongqing was choked up immediately, and the atmosphere was extremely dull.Chen Jing grabbed the coffee, drank it in one gulp, and said with a smile: "Mr. Matsushita, I'm still busy, excuse me."

Chen Jing turned around and was about to leave, Panasonic Rongqing said with a sneer: "Chen Sang, I think you should stop busy, do you think China has hope to grab the order, to tell you the truth, it has already been pre-ordered, we are just Just come here to take a look at the scenery. I advise you not to wishful thinking, some things cannot be snatched away."

"If you can't grab it, you have to grab it. It's not Bushido's style to just admit defeat like this!" Chen Jing said with a sneer, and then left without looking back. Invite Mr. Matsushita to drink the wedding wine."

"Baga!" He didn't ask anything, and was teased for a while. Matsushita was furious, but there was nothing he could do.

Chen Jing was actually not as calm as he appeared on the surface. Panasonic Rongqing's words still revealed some content. The bidding has been set by default, and it will undoubtedly fall into the hands of the American and British shipyards.The failure before the start made Chen Jing, who was full of hope, a little reconciled. He found Bachelet immediately.

"Old friend, I want to know if the bidding has already been set by default?"

"How?" Bachelet smiled unnaturally. "Of course the bidding will continue, but to tell you the truth, Secretary of the Navy Mr. Antonio is inclined to purchase warships from the United States."

"America?" Chen Jing frowned: "Can you tell me the reason?"

As Chen Jing pushed a check over, Bachelet glanced at it. There was a 1 followed by 1 4s, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Mr. Minister bought a lot of stocks in the United States, and one of them is from a shipyard. If there are more orders, his stocks will rise, and he can also get rebates."

"Ridiculous!" Chen Jing couldn't laugh or cry when he heard it: "Battleships are the most important weapon of a country, how could it be decided for such absurd reason?"

"There are even more absurd things. Forget it, old friend. Don't argue. As long as you operate well, you may purchase more aircraft, which can be regarded as compensation."

"No, we are determined to win this order, old friend, can you do me a favor, I want to see your president, to tell you the truth, the country has already authorized me, for this order, China will carry out more cooperation with Chile , we can come up with enough things to make you tempted."

Bachelet glanced at Chen Jing, and Chen Jing took out four more checks from his sleeve, all of which were 1 yuan. After receiving the money, Bachelet shrugged and smiled: "Okay, tonight There will be a ball, I wish you a long way."

After Chen Jing bid farewell to Bachelet, he immediately worked hard and began to study the Chilean president. This guy is called Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, and he has been in the military for 30 years. , Served as the Minister of Military Supplies and the Minister of the Interior, holding real power, came to power in a coup in 27 years, and became the dictator of Chile.

In fact, this kind of drama was very common after the independence of South America. First, the democratically elected government came to power, but when it encountered troubles and economic problems, it had to step down, and at the same time, the military strongman came to power.As a result, it was difficult for the dictator to solve the problem, and after a period of time, he was ousted from power.

That's it, alternately, the political arena has become a mess. In the final analysis, if the economy is not independent, it is impossible to think about political independence.Chen Jing was not interested in these matters, he only thought about how to impress the dictator.

Soon it was time for the dance party. Under the feasting and feasting, those mixed-race beauties from South America danced like a group of elves, but Chen Jing didn't even bother to take a look.After 9 o'clock, President Campo finally came. The old guy warmly embraced those ladies.

After dancing for almost an hour, Bachelet dragged Chen Jing to the back lounge to meet the president.

After seeing Chen Jing, Campo looked him up and down, and said with a smile: "Friends from the East, I only give you 5 minutes to convince me. In fact, I like those goblins outside more than these boring negotiations. "(to be continued...)