Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 479 Cabinet Meeting (Part 1)

The postal savings policy was implemented in the surrounding cities and villages centered on Tehran, while Musharraf collected reports from his office next to the parliament hall.

"Since the policy was implemented, we have received 386,321 riyals in the pilot areas. And it is still increasing."

Although the numbers are low, everyone knows it's because the public is resistant to the policy. More publicity will solve the problem.

"In addition, we are also implementing land tax reform in Mazandran, but some people are resisting it."

"Anyone who resists will be locked up for disrupting government work."

Musharraf was determined to implement a tiered land tax; since the landowners owned the most land, they should have the greatest obligation to pay taxes. No one could stop them.

"Grand Vizier, everyone has arrived."

Musharraf tidied himself up and went into the parliament hall to meet with the ministers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you are all aware of the peace treaty signed between our country and Russia. This is not only a peace agreement, but also a cooperation agreement on trade."

"Minister of Industry and Commerce, please speak."

Rabbani stood up, holding the business agreement in his hand.

"Gentlemen, according to the agreement we signed with Russia, Russia will open Astrakhan, Tsaritsyn, Rostov, Sochi, and Sevastopol as free trade zones for our merchants. Russian merchants will also be able to operate in Tbilisi, Tabriz, and Yerevan."

Furthermore, with the war over, the Caspian Sea shipping route will reopen. Our kerosene and cotton cloth, and Russia's wheat, can be traded. It is estimated that this will increase tariffs by over one million rubles, and generate tens of millions more in trade volume.

This is quite obvious; Iran also needs trade with Russia. After all, being close to a country rich in grain and timber significantly reduces your costs.

“That’s true, but we can’t let our guard down about whether Russian businessmen might act as spies,” said Interior Minister Falzadi.

"That's natural; we'll keep a close eye on them. We won't jeopardize national security while enriching trade."

Having discussed that, let's move on to Afghanistan. Some time has passed since the regime change, and the British have acknowledged the situation in Afghanistan. Therefore, it appears that Iran has ultimately won.

But Afghanistan will not end with the change of government in Kabul. There are still rebellious tribes in various places, who hold sway over their own territories and constantly threaten security.

Therefore, Iran's assistance to Afghanistan is unprecedented. Previous economic aid packages included railway construction, mining, telegraph installation, and trade promotion. The total value reached 1100 million rials, arguably Iran's largest diplomatic expenditure to date.

“Our aid to Afghanistan has now increased to an unimaginable level, taking away funds that could be used for domestic affairs, which is also detrimental to our country.”

Farzadi's words resonated with many, but Musharraf was not going to tolerate him.

"So, Minister of the Interior, what do you mean?" "I wouldn't dare to have any opinion, but I must remind Grand Vizier. Don't forget, this is diplomacy, not a handout, otherwise, it would be bad if there were financial problems."

Musharraf could easily understand the subtext: it was a sarcastic jab at him for resorting to any means to raise money. Even this fiscal reform was just another way to raise funds, presented in such a grand and sophisticated manner.

"Thank you for your kindness, but don't forget that we are all working for the Shah. Personal conflicts are a small matter, but if we delay the Shah's affairs, we may all be finished."

Farzadi was just looking at the documents in his hand; it was impossible to know how much of what he was saying was actually being taken to heart.

This meeting focused on diplomatic situations and trade, and in addition to Russia and Afghanistan, two other locations were also discussed: Mexico and Argentina.

Argentina goes without saying. Iran's Patagonia and Paraguay are fighting against the Argentina-Brazil-Uruguay trilateral alliance, and Chile is also involved, so Iran also bombed Chilean ports.

However, the situation has now changed. First, Argentina has lost the vast majority of its territory, leaving only the capital and surrounding areas. Next, Brazil's Pedro II has privately negotiated with Iran, proposing to recognize Argentina as part of Iran's sphere of influence in exchange for withdrawing from the Paraguayan War.

This has always been a sure-fire way to make money, but the only one who can influence Patagonia is the Shah. Prince Abbas is also on the front lines, and he's brought many Shamari warriors with him. Only the Shah can stop them.

“We can take advantage of this opportunity to discuss more specific trade agreements with Brazil and Paraguay. They will certainly be bidding against each other to end the war. We can just sit back and reap the benefits.”

This was approved by the cabinet. To be honest, watching these two countries fight is like watching children fight. Everyone says they were so powerful when they gained independence, but this isn't all that impressive.

Oh, by the way, Brazil declared independence through a monarchy, and Paraguay didn't bleed much. No wonder.

However, even if trade were to occur with Brazil and Paraguay, there probably wouldn't be much to buy. It would mostly be rubber, coffee, and timber. Nothing else. But this would create more markets for Iranian goods.

"By the way, Grand Vizier, I heard that the Mexican president has been successfully re-elected. I wonder if you have sent a congratulatory telegram?"

Speaking of Farzadi, Musharraf said this time, "Of course, I sent him a telegram the day after President Lawrence was elected to congratulate him on his success."

Mexico also entered a rare period of stability, starting in 1858 with Lawrence Davis as president. This was followed by a series of reforms, the most important being economic development and constitutional amendments.

Economically, Lawrence vigorously attracted British and Iranian capital, promoting their development in sectors such as textiles, railways, and shipping. He also unified the domestic market and eliminated trade barriers to create conditions for a unified domestic market.

On the crucial issue of land, Lawrence still favored the interests of large landowners. He stipulated that farmers needed to lease or purchase land from landlords to acquire it, with the government providing loans, and rent to be negotiated between landlords and tenants. As a result, farmers were slightly better off than before, but only slightly.

Thanks to Lawrence's efforts, Mexico has experienced its fastest period of development in recent years. The railway network has expanded to 2685 kilometers, initially connecting various regions. Exports have grown at an average annual rate of 6.6%, while imports have increased by 4.6%. Total foreign trade has surged from 1000 million pesos to 2400 million pesos, more than doubling.

Based on his economic achievements, Lawrence initiated constitutional amendments, extending the presidential term to seven years, followed by elections this year. Lawrence ultimately won the Mexican presidency with two-thirds of the vote. Following his election, Iran sent a congratulatory telegram the very next day.

(End of this chapter)