"If we only look at the economic perspective, I cannot refuse the conditions offered by your country, but we must not only consider economic issues, but also the diplomatic and political issues that have been triggered. We have a lot of trade with the British, and even if there is no military conflict between the two sides, the British can still take many measures to deal with us. This profit cannot compensate our losses." Nicholas II shook his head and said.

"What I am talking about is the funding for ship purchases. The material and economic losses caused to your country by the British will naturally be compensated through other means! How about the 80 million rubles of national debt? After your country agrees to our conditions, the United States of America will subscribe to 40 million rubles of national debt within three months, and when the fleet is handed over to us, we will subscribe to the remaining 40 million bonds in no more than two months!" Day said.

"Haha, it's a pity that you can't represent your country, otherwise I will trust you more." Nicholas II smiled slightly, and there was no attitude in his language.

"Whether I say is trustworthy can be proved by time. If your Majesty you agree to this transaction, then we will subscribe to at least 15 million rubles of foreign debt in the next month. During this period, you have no losses, and it can even be said that you have no losses before delivery. Isn't it?" Day said with a smile.

Although Day is not a formal representative of the US government, it is undeniable that behind him is the president, the support of the Department of the Navy and a considerable number of members of Congress, as well as the big entrepreneurs and financiers behind them. Treasury bonds do not mean being given for free. After subscribing, you can still benefit if you do it properly. Therefore, it is not expensive to convince the American business community to subscribe to a batch of Treasury bonds. The most important thing is that if the Spanish-American War breaks out, the fleet expansion is inevitable. At this time, Russia is naturally undesirable for selling the fleet. Whether it is the purchase of ships or the subscription of remaining Treasury bonds, it is not a problem.

"This suggestion is very interesting." Nicholas II had to admit that he was defeated by the wealthy American imperialism with money. To be honest, Nicholas II is very dissatisfied with his own financial owner, France. Not only because of this ship purchase incident, he found that the French had gradually controlled Russia's politics and military through money! Do you want to build the Far East Railway? Do you want better weapons? Do you need money? I can give it to you! But you must listen to me! You will buy whoever I ask you to buy! You have no choice!

The intervention of the Americans not only gave the Russians a chance to make a fortune, but also gave the Tsar the hope of getting rid of French economic control and ensuring the diversified source of funds! If two or more countries provide financial support to Russia, then Russia's financial environment and autonomy will definitely be much better than it is now. Therefore, even if the funds provided by Americans now are nothing compared to France, it is also an excellent start. In this case, Nicholas II could hardly think of a reason to refuse!

"In principle, I agree with this matter. I have to discuss the specific details with my ministers, but I think Brigadier General Sheli next to you can already talk to General Makanov about some handover matters." Nicholas II agreed with this matter in principle. This made Day breathed a sigh of relief. You can talk about the details slowly, anyway, there is still time!

In the eyes of ordinary people, since the big guys agree, isn't it enough to talk about the handover? In fact, it's not that easy! The reason is very simple! The main force of the Russian fleet is stationed in Vladivostok! At this time, Russia has not yet signed the "Travel Grand Loan Treaty" with the Qing Dynasty! Where is Vladivostok? If Americans want to ask for a ship in February, it's almost impossible! If you want to go out in March, you also need to open the road. How to hand over, when to hand over, and logistics supplies, etc. need to be chatted slowly.

Fortunately, the Americans had already made plans! "Your country can let some warships go to the south of Qing Dynasty by the end of 1897. For example, France's concession in Shanghai is a very good place. Then it can also carry out training, supply and maintenance in the Far East. If you need to hang the bottom of the ship, you can also go to Germany's base in the Pacific." Shelley made his own suggestions.

"It's okay. But I'm more interested in some of these reasons. I always feel that your country is hiding something, for example, why are your country buying cruisers? If you just guarantee that Hawaii Island will be included in the territory of the United States of America, it doesn't seem to be so hard." Makanov was not very interested in the details of communicating ship transfers, and this was not his main task. The specific things were the commander of the Far East Fleet, and his mission was to figure out what the Americans were thinking through the other party's naval deployment.

"Our battleships have very low freeboards and are not suitable for ocean deployment. And our fleets in the Far East are all cruisers, so naturally I want to buy cruisers to strengthen our fleet. The speed of the fleet is an important tactical indicator. You should be very clear about this." Shelley said.

"In fact, if you just strengthen the cruiser force, your country's several cruisers on the land are a good choice. The newly-in-service Brooklyn and New York, plus several other warships, can completely replace warships such as Liurik. So what is the reason why you would rather spend a lot of money to buy warships than call the remaining warships of the country? I'm very curious about the reason." Makanov was very dissatisfied with Sheri's explanation.

"I feel that this is not the issue we should discuss. As generals, what we need is to implement the will of the country, why we buy and why your country sells it is a big deal, and what we need to do is to complete the delivery of the warships. Do you think? And your curiosity is a bit too great. What we signed is a secret agreement. If outsiders know what they shouldn't know, it will not end well, whether you or me, do you think?" Xie Li said with a smile.

"It makes sense, but I hope that in the near future, these warships can return to Russia safely. I always feel that something big happens." Makanov said with some suggestion.

"Actually, the transaction between the two countries is a big deal, you are right." Sheli also made a fuss. It was considered that the matter was over.

On December 8, 1897, Russia and the United States finally reached an agreement on the issue of fleet transfer. When all this was settled, the Admiralty, dominated by Roosevelt and Simpson, finally began to make the final plan for the upcoming Spanish-American War! At this time, the Spaniards also adjusted their fleet deployment for the last time.
Chapter completed!