Rise of the Argentine Empire

In addition to participating in various affairs of the Argentine Exporters Association, and to legitimize the use of public opinion and establish a lobbying group, Saint-Hesse also established a business consulting company in Buenos Aires to serve himself. One person's wisdom and strength are too small; he also needs a legitimate front for the Falcon Bureau.

The next step is to find people who can speak out for him, which will definitely start with those around him. People like Commander Thompson, Professor Purkins, and those from the Radical Civic Union are all good choices. The forces behind these three parties should not be underestimated.

Saint-Hesse must find a reasonable entry point. This is not like the association or chamber of commerce; there must be more reasonable benefits. Otherwise, others will not always help you; they are not your fathers. Even a biological father needs some mutual need for exploitation.

After comforting Ilena's emotions, Ilena had nothing to do, so she could just help him with some things, such as organizing some information, which deepened their relationship a lot.

"Cohen, are you planning to enter politics? Looking at this information, it's all about strange things, this information."

"Maybe in the future. This is also young people caring about national affairs. Our country has problems. If no one stands up, it will never be solved."

"Cohen, you are becoming more and more amazing now."

Saint-Hesse started working hard again, writing an internal reference for the Radical Civic Union for three full days, revising it more than ten times, totaling tens of thousands of words, exhausting his brains from both his past and present lives. He really put in a lot of effort.

While writing the internal reference, Saint-Hesse also arranged for people from the New Argentina Newspaper to start subtly promoting public opinion.

Since being acquired by Saint-Hesse more than seven months ago, the New Argentina Newspaper has begun to develop into a comprehensive media outlet. In addition to paper content such as evening newspapers, daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, and magazines, it has also established a New Argentina Radio Station, starting the development of audio media. It is now one of the largest newspapers in the country.

The New Argentina Newspaper combined with the Falcon Bureau, Andre having a dual identity, one-way information sharing, and many Falcon Bureau intelligence personnel joining the New Argentina Newspaper as reporters, receiving two salaries.

They can often get first-hand news. Another advantage is some special commentator articles, specifically speaking out for the Argentine lower class and poor people, which has gained many loyal fans. The newspaper will even go to Montevideo next month to open a branch, going international in Uruguay.

For this reason, with Saint-Hesse's support, the Falcon Bureau also secretly established a media fund, specifically responsible for secretly controlling and acquiring some special small newspapers, speaking out for Saint-Hesse's cultural reforms, promoting public opinion, and distributing some special newspapers, such as the New Spanish Church Newspaper, which also has some influence on the Pope.

These small newspapers often have a small audience, but they can influence some special groups, such as some fishing newspapers and worker newspapers. The sales are generally low and they don't make money, but they have a fixed fan base and help Saint-Hesse guide public opinion to more audiences.

Moreover, Saint-Hesse also learned some special information about the Pope through this intelligence, such as the Argentine Freemasons and "Vatican Bank" these special secret organizations. The Vatican Bank raises funds from all over the world and concentrates them in the hands of the Roman Catholic Church, while the Freemasons are a secret organization that opposes the Catholic Church.

Historically, many Latin American uprising leaders, such as Simon Bolivar, San Martin, Mexico's Iturbide, Argentina's Belgrano, and Haiti's Toussaint Louverture, were all members of the Freemasons, so European Catholic countries and the Catholic Church have been particularly critical of the Freemasons.

The Catholic Church has suffered in Argentina for a long time, and the organization of the Argentine Freemasons is relatively weak and hidden. Saint-Hesse did not pay special attention to it, but it may be useful in the future. After all, the influence of the Church in Argentina is indeed very large, which is not in the interest of the Argentine people, nor is it in Saint-Hesse's interest.

Saint-Hesse called himself a lobbying group, and one person is definitely not enough. He also let some elite talents from the New Youth League join his lobbying group.

Argentina's government decentralization system provides Saint-Hesse with many ways to influence the policy process, so interest groups can influence policies in many different ways, such as lobbying elected representatives and members of the executive branch, making campaign donations, voting in elections, shaping public opinion, etc. This is legal, as opposed to vote buying.

In addition, when special interest groups invest in a specific issue, because most people are indifferent to the issue, the group will enjoy disproportionate power. Even if they are few in number, decision-makers will tend to let those who care about the issue accept it, confident that others have no objections.

The power of Saint-Hesse's lobbying group comes from its unparalleled ability to participate in the political game of interest groups. He established Cohen Business Consulting Company, whose core members are from the Falcon Bureau. This is a core base for Saint-Hesse to output through lobbying, and it does not do specific business; it is Saint-Hesse's think tank.

Their basic operation is no different from other interest groups—such as farm lobbying groups, mechanical and textile workers, or other ethnic lobbying groups—or even the operation of the Argentine Trade Association, but these are all trustworthy people, and they can be relied upon.

…

March 1st, headquarters of Cohen Business Consulting Company.

"Boss, this is a telegram from Europe, about the steel plant, one from Brussels and one from Vienna,"

"Okay, Ise, you can go ahead and get busy. I'll ask you to draft a reply later."

Ise is Saint-Hesse's secretary at Cohen Consulting, responsible for some clerical work.

The investment team inspecting the European steel plant is divided into a newly formed steel rolling mill team led by Ian Travis and a Plarrie International team led by Little Knicks.

Saint-Hesse stood up, his expression did not change much. No good news has been coming from Europe, and there is basically a summary report every week.

The first and second industrial revolutions in Europe brought opportunities for the development of their steel industry. With the two world wars, the demand from the military industry greatly stimulated the development of the steel industry in the first half of the 20th century. After the end of World War II, everything was waiting to be rebuilt, and the economic recovery drove the steel industry to usher in rapid development.

Europe now lacks large-scale coking coal and iron ore mountains, and the raw materials for the steel industry have begun to rely on overseas imports, which has reduced the overall competitiveness of the industry.

In order to cope with the fierce competition in the market, European steel plants have started the process of alliances. As the predecessor of the European Union, the European Coal and Steel Community was newly established last year, which has also increased the difficulty of Saint-Hesse's negotiations.

The steel plant team is divided into a newly formed steel rolling mill team led by Ian Travis and a Plarrie International team led by Little Knicks.

March 1952, it has been almost more than 5 months since they went abroad. The two European teams have successively inspected 31 large and medium-sized steel plants.

They have traveled to the United Kingdom, France, the Western German occupation zone, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Albania, and Romania, a total of 13 countries.

Saint-Hesse was also a little disappointed. After all, most countries rejected the request to build a steel plant. I don't know if this is good news or bad news.

Saint-Hesse opened the telegram, examined the contents, and finally breathed a sigh of relief, unable to help laughing wildly, almost laughing out loud.

After many difficulties and obstacles, the negotiation was finally successful, and the goals were achieved in both Belgium and Austria. The reason is that Belgium was squeezed by the recovering West German steel plant.

Belgium produced more than 5 million tons of steel last year, Luxembourg produced more than 3 million tons. As a steel kingdom, Belgium was more impacted by West Germany. Austria was better with more than 10 million tons, and Czechoslovakia also had 3.4 million tons.

In fact, there is another country that is even worse, that is, the Netherlands, which is at the bottom of the European Coal and Steel Community, with 52,000 tons, yes, it is so low.

Now West Germany is no longer a country, but its industrial recovery is still strong. With the support of the Americans, the steel industry is the core industry. No wonder these big countries don't give face. After all, Saint-Hesse doesn't have much face either.

"Ise, draft a telegram and reply as follows: Agree to the request, I will prepare the funds, congratulations on the successful negotiation, write the title and sender."

Saint-Hesse shouted loudly outside the door, and after Ise came in, he ordered,

"It seems that this is the reason I'm looking for. The importance of the steel industry to a country is self-evident. As long as the first phase of this steel plant project is invested successfully, Argentina will at least be a world steel power, and there will be a second, third, and fourth phase."

The construction scale they negotiated is a production capacity of more than 3 million tons of steel in the first phase. Building it for a year or two is not bad enough, and it can still rank among the top fifteen in the world, and it can already meet most of the country's needs.

"This is a solid political achievement, and with such a large scale, don't even think about smuggling or anything like that. It's not like a cement plant or something like that. It must be a legitimate marriage."

The steel plant is a big guy, and it is impossible to do it secretly. Like cement plants and fertilizer plants, it must be done openly and honestly, and the real site selection,

Also, pollution and the like might not be suitable for settling in La Plata. It also needs to be a port city to import coal and iron ore raw materials from Australia.

Furthermore, the amount of over 30 million US dollars is no joke. He can't handle it alone, so loans are inevitable. Moreover, this is a tangible political achievement and also provides Saint-Hesse with a reason to lower tariffs.

After Isai sent the telegram, Saint-Hesse immediately sent an invitation to Commander Thompson's house. The military's Blue faction needs a position.

"Commander, the situation is like this. I plan to open a steel factory, but the funds are still not enough. I need loan support. I have already negotiated with Europe, and I am just waiting for the equipment and people to come over to invest and construct."

"Great, Cohen, I really underestimated you. I can help with this, but we need some shares in it, just ten percent. I don't want too much. For the loan amount, I can let several banks provide a 5-year loan with a credit line of 15 million US dollars, and then provide 3 million US dollars in funds as equity, totaling 18 million US dollars."

Good heavens, with a first-phase production capacity of over 3 million tons, a 10% stake is not unacceptable. Military investment is at least a protective charm, and this is his reward.

"Okay, I agree, but this 10% only refers to the income and shares of this 3 million-ton steel factory, and only includes the right to income, not the right to manage. This 10% stake is unrelated to future investments. Bank interest can be calculated at a reasonable rate.

At the same time, I also need you, Commander, to speak for our business association. I plan to propose that the customs reduce taxes, especially on the import of industrial production equipment and export taxes."

Saint-Hesse also put forward his own requirements. He cannot give the controlling stake in the steel factory to others. He must have absolute control; no one can take it away. This is the bottom line.

After getting a suitable answer from the Commander,

Saint-Hesse also approached several other large domestic banks and obtained a credit line of 10 million US dollars. This requires collateral. He plans to mortgage the golden goose, Thunder Mining. The remaining few million US dollars, he can just scrape together.

The loan for the Raine Fertilizer Plant has only been partially repaid and also needs attention. Moreover, this time, Saint-Hesse also needs to cooperate with the city mayor to get another loan, and it must be a foreign exchange loan. Pesos are useless.

In comparison, this is a real interest that needs to be repaid, but he can't manage that much. As long as it's possible, he wants to secure the loan, because the more the better. Now, he also needs peso loans. The expansion of motorcycle, tractor, clothing factory, and beverage factory all requires capital turnover.

Saint-Hesse sent several experienced people to seek cooperation with the city. The primary target is, of course, La Plata City. Steel production causes severe pollution, and it is unknown whether they will agree.

After submitting the internal reference message of the Radical Party and the development outline plan of the steel industry, Saint-Hesse was also received by Director Luis.

"Cohen, the internal reference message you provided this time is very good. Also, is the steel factory plan real? If it is real, we will have higher-level people involved."

"Yes, it's real. The first phase of the steel factory will produce 3 million tons, becoming the largest steel factory in Argentina, or even South America."

Saint-Hesse said confidently.

"Okay, this time I will also help you sort it out. Our Radical Party still has many mayors in the country. I can help with the site selection problem you mentioned. I have already contacted Vice Chairman Arturo for you. Come over tomorrow afternoon and chat with him."

"Yes, Director, I will definitely prepare well and contribute to the development of the Radical Party."

"Good, as long as what you said can succeed this time, you will have a position in the young faction of the Radical Party in the future."

Luis looked at Saint-Hesse and said calmly. He was telling the truth. Heroes are not judged by their origins, and in capitalist countries, everyone is more realistic. There are also bankers in the Radical Party. Getting a loan of a few million US dollars is not a problem. They have connections with many countries in Europe.

Moreover, some of the customs tax proposals provided by Saint-Hesse are indeed very high-level. If Saint-Hesse wrote this himself, then it can only be said that this person is a genius, and geniuses are always treated preferentially.

The next day, Saint-Hesse was received by Arturo. Involving an investment of more than 30 million US dollars is enough for Argentine bigwigs to appear.

Saint-Hesse arrived at Arturo's office and saw him. He was wearing black-rimmed glasses, with thinning hair and a receding hairline. He was wearing a white shirt, without a tie, but with a small bow tie, and had a gentle look in his eyes.

"Hello, Chairman Arturo."

"You are Cohen, right? Sit here, let's have a good chat about the steel factory."

"Your internal reference is very good, and the situation within the Radical Party is the same. I am considered a central figure in the House of Representatives, but there are also several Radical Party officials in the country, such as the four Radical Party officials in Santa Fe, Jujuy, Corrientes, and Mendoza. But overall, there are very few in the government."

Arturo provided some good internal news."

"Cohen, do you like playing soccer or something like that?"

"Because I am usually quite busy, I rarely play soccer."

Saint-Hesse answered truthfully.

"Haha, I used to play soccer. In the mid-1920s, I played soccer in the lower levels of the Almagro club. If it weren't for an arm injury, I wouldn't have quit soccer."

"I didn't expect you to have been a soldier. Amazing. I still remember that my first choice was the Royal Military Academy, but I failed. Later, I came to the law department of the University of Buenos Aires and graduated in three years, but I refused the diploma. Later, I was imprisoned for twenty days for participating in a march. I hate that prison. If I become president, I will definitely tear it down."

Arturo talked about some of his school days. He is indeed a remarkable person.

"I remember at the end of 1932, I was detained for the second time. After being released, I joined the Radical Civic Union. In December, I was arrested for the third time, suspected of an anti-government armed uprising. It's hard to imagine that it was all 20 years ago. At that time, I originally planned to be a teacher... Pukins was my classmate. He later went to the United States and returned to the University of Buenos Aires to teach..."

Haha, it turns out that Arturo also engaged in armed uprisings when he was young. No wonder he was arrested so many times. It is said that Arturo also supported Rico and others in last year's Socialist Party incident and was almost arrested. They were already engaged in a military coup, but obviously, Perón's power was very strong, and his prestige was also very strong, so failure was inevitable.

"Last year, I served as the Radical Party's candidate for National Vice President, while Ricardo Balbín served as the candidate for President. Our Radical Party received 31.81% of the vote and was defeated by the Peronist faction's plan composed of Juan Perón and Hortensio Quijano, who received 62.49% of the vote."

Arturo said with regret. The two chatted a lot. Obviously, Saint-Hesse's internal reference and steel factory were very useful to him, and he regarded Saint-Hesse as someone who could be cultivated.

"Rico Gioiodi, representing the Socialist Party, is too gentle. Speeches are not enough.

Later, he hastily launched an uprising and was eliminated and arrested by Perón. Well, he used the mafia, but the level of the mafia, you know,

Also, Reinaldo Pastor, representing the National Democratic Party, is not bad as a conservative, and is still in prison to this day. He can't be released. Poor Reinaldo."

These two parties were once important allies of the Radical Party, but the complete decline of the Socialist Party last year led to the arrest of many core members,

It also led to the dissolution of the National Democratic Party, which in fact also weakened the Radical Party. They attempted to launch a coup against the constitutional government headed by General Perón, and even last year, anti-Peronist civilians and military departments were arrested,

This also led to the decline. The Socialist Party and the National Democratic Party split into smaller parties such as the Free Civic Front and the Blue Alliance, and never recovered.

Saint-Hesse mostly understood these things, and he listened carefully.

"Also, Benjamín Menéndez, this guy is also quite miserable. What kind of armed uprising is he doing?"

No wonder Perón is cleaning up these underworld societies. These underworld societies are not simple. It is estimated that they are their private armies for the uprising, used for rebellion, but unfortunately, their combat effectiveness is too poor. The police also have his weapon blessing, which is not considered his backstab. At that time, he had not yet joined the Radical Party.

"Your proposal this time is not bad. La Plata City can engage in the steel industry,

The mayor is a member of our Radical Party. The suburbs of Buenos Aires can also work. You can calculate it then,

I can also let the bank we cooperate with provide a credit line of 3 million to 5 million US dollars for the loan,

Regarding the issue of customs tariff reform, I will submit it to the council. Perón's next term has not yet begun. We can take advantage of the situation to do it, and this is not against him personally at all. There is absolutely no problem. This is indeed a very important thing. Our Argentina already has very serious problems."

"The Propaganda Department can also speak out appropriately."

Arturo affirmed Saint-Hesse's actions and news. The two chatted for more than an hour, and Saint-Hesse was still somewhat unsatisfied when he left. Inside information is really gossipy.