Chapter 136: Chapter 136: Request to Buy Armaments

“Your Excellency, we understand the current situation of your nation, and we’re not against a reasonable price increase. However, doubling it seems quite excessive, doesn’t it? We have a good relationship with the British Empire, and Australia also has excellent ties with the British Empire. I believe we and Australia are natural friends. I hope your country can make some concessions on the price of mineral resources, which the entire Island Nation would appreciate.” Yukichiro Tamura slowly broached the subject.

Even though the Island Nation could bear double the price, this did not mean that Yukichiro Tamura would not negotiate for a lower price.

If they could further reduce the price, it would indeed be good news for the Island nation’s finances.

After all, the current state of the Island Nation’s industry, military, and warships could only be maintained by belt-tightening at all levels.

Every bit of saved money counts. The sum of these savings can mitigate significant expenses.

The money saved could well be used in other areas, possibly playing an even more crucial role in other aspects of development.

“Perhaps you’re right, Mr. Yukichiro Tamura. The Island Nation and Australia naturally have a positive relationship, and there are no conflicts of interest. However, the reality of the situation is as it is. We’re more than willing to help the Island Nation address its resource poverty, but the issue of pricing greatly affects the livelihoods of Australians. This isn’t something that can be resolved in a short period.” The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs agreed with Tamura’s opinion at first, then feigned helplessness and regretfully continued.

“Old fox!” Yukichiro Tamura sighed in frustration, but his facial expression didn’t change at all. He continued in an amicable and modest manner: “In any case, the Island Nation is grateful for Australia’s help. We respect Australia’s opinion on pricing, but we also hope Australia can consider the friendly relationship between our two countries and make some reductions.”

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia nodded sincerely on the outside but felt contempt from within.

Leaving aside whether the price reduction falls within his authority as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, what good relationship is there between the Island Nation and Australia?

Even the alliance between the British Empire and the Island Nation could be seen as a master-pet relationship, with the British Empire only needing a docile and aggressive dog to compete against the Russian Empire, the current master in the Far East.

That’s why the Island Nation’s diplomatic delegation is so humble toward Australia. No choice, as Australia has an excellent relationship with both the world’s number one military power—the German Empire, and the maritime superpower—the British Empire. Moreover, Duke Arthur of Australia comes from the British royal family, is a legitimate member of it, and is the most cherished grandson of former Queen Victoria of the British Empire.

Under these circumstances, should the Island Nation dare to provoke Australia, it is likely that the angry British people have already started protests urging the government to sanction the Island Nation.

Do not underestimate the current influence of the British Empire. Although the United States has surpassed it in terms of industry and economy, the actual influence of the British Empire remains the most powerful in the world.

Furthermore, the Island Nation is merely a pet dog kept by the British Empire. Naturally, it can only wag its tail to welcome a relative of its master.

“Of course, Mr. Yukichiro Tamura. I’ll consult the Duke on the possibility of further reducing the export prices of resources in the future. Besides this, does your country have any other requests?” The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded and inquired.

“Mr. Minister, I heard that your country has many British and German weapons, even possessing the capability to produce battleships, is that true?” Yukichiro Tamura revealed his real intention and asked eagerly.

“We do have many British and German weapons. We currently have production lines for both the British standard Lee-Enfield Rifle and the German standard Gew98 Rifle. This includes German artillery and British artillery, as well as our independently researched Maxim heavy machine gun. These are exceedingly advanced weapons, even in Europe. We are among the few nations that possess full production technology.” The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs confidently answered, bragging about Australia’s current military industry and types of weapons.

In terms of current weapon types and advanced levels, Australia is not inferior to the powerful nations. In light weapons, it has integrated the technical essence of Britain and Germany.

The Australian Army is equipped with the world’s most advanced Lee-Enfield Rifle and also uses their self-developed Maxim heavy machine gun, along with the production of German and British artillery on a large scale.

In terms of weapon advancement and firepower output ability, the Australian Army is second to none.

If they faced the technologically backward and lower-quality Russian army with similar numbers, the Australian Army would certainly win.

This is the revolution that technology brings to national military power. Advanced technology often determines the strength of a nation’s military power and is the most apparent distinction between emerging and declining countries.

Hearing the affirmative response from the Australian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yukichiro Tamura revealed an excited smile. He asked impatiently, “Can we import the production lines of these weapons from your country? We can pay double the market price and cover the transportation costs.”

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs wasn’t surprised that the Island Nation was interested in these weapons. Although these technologies are owned by more than one country, they are definitely top-tier technologies, and Australia is no exception.

Although exporting production technology to the Island Nation would not harm Australia’s interests, Arthur would definitely not do so.

Unless Australia acquires more advanced weapon production technology, these weapon production lines will absolutely not be exported. The arms business that Australia deals in only involves the sale of weapons.

“I’m sorry, Sir. The military factories currently holding these weapons’ production technology are under the royal financial group, 100% owned by His Highness the Duke. I’m afraid I can’t answer your question. If your country insists on importing the production lines, I can consult the Duke, but I can’t guarantee he’ll agree,” the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs apologized while shrugging his shoulders and decisively refusing.

Australia plans to use these weapon production technologies to engage in arms trade in the future war. How could it export these production technologies to cultivate another competitor in the arms business?