Life of Being a Crown Prince in France - Chapter 1271: 1176: France Becoming Wealthy

Chapter 1271: Chapter 1176: France Becoming Wealthy

As for the staple crops, after France acquired the vast grain-producing region of Algiers, there were no longer any concerns—

The current wheat production in Algiers, after retaining its own rations, is enough to feed one-fifth of the French people.

Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture began promoting potato cultivation in Tunisia and Tripoli last year. These regions have suitable climates and abundant water resources, and many lands that are relatively less fertile are ignored by people for wheat cultivation.

The Ministry of Agriculture encouraged people to plant potatoes on these “barren lands,” offering a subsidy of 3 to 5 francs per acre. After that, no further management is needed, just harvest at maturity. Even with this method, the yield is nearly 40% of the per-acre yield in Europe.

We can say that France’s grain production is now sufficient not just for itself but can also support the entire military food supply for Spain and Northern Italy.

Thus, after the Crown Prince instructed on the matter of canned food factories, the Minister of Agriculture had nothing more to do.

Surprisingly, after that, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince skipped over all the cabinet ministers and looked at the editor-in-chief of the Paris Commercial News sitting by the east window.

“Mr. Denico, from today onwards, we will begin a stricter news censorship,” Joseph said. “The direction of propaganda is set as this—to firstly denounce the shameless aggression of the Anti-French Alliance led by England, Prussia, and Austria against our country. Especially the British, who always aim for the demise of France. We must resist to survive.”

Hmm, if the British heard this, they would probably cry to death. Not to mention actively wanting the demise of France, should France show signs of collapsing, they would lend a helping hand, as they most hope to see the various powers on the European Continent balanced. If France collapses, who will check Austria and Russia?

But since the propaganda machine is in my hands, if I say you have malicious intent, can you possibly come to France to rebut on the newspaper?

The news censorship is to prevent the few pro-British elements inside France from disrupting public opinion.

Joseph continued, “At the same time, we must discuss the certainty of our ultimate victory to boost public confidence.

“In the mass of news, we should also ‘inadvertently’ include snippets of our strategic military deployments. The General Staff will provide you with the specific content periodically.”

This strategy came to Joseph when attending a meeting with General Staff officers, seeing the strategic plan developed by Bertier.

Since the generals of France believe they should fight a defensive war, it’s likely the high command of England, Prussia, and Austria thinks similarly.

So, he decided to use newspapers and public opinion to bolster this perception. For instance, occasionally mentioning in the news about the strengthening of defensive forces in certain areas or the transportation of significant supplies to the Cologne Fortress.

The intelligence departments of England, Prussia, and Austria will certainly scrutinize all kinds of French publications, seeking clues to piece together the conclusion that “France will fully defend.”

In fact, historically, Napoleon also used this trick. He published news that France had sent untrained recruits to the Italian front on newspapers, which relaxed Austria’s vigilance, and then used veterans to break through the Lombardy front.

At noon, except for the King and Queen who went to the banquet hall according to court etiquette, everyone else had a simple lunch in the conference hall, and the meeting continued after Louis XVI and his wife returned.

Joseph first discussed a plan with Talleyrand, Bertier, and others to require the Mediterranean Security Organization member countries to dispatch troops for cooperation, and then finally brought up the most concerning issue for everyone—funding.

In today’s meeting, he had already issued numerous orders that required huge investments, such as “mobilizing large quantities of war materials,” “laying railroads,” “expanding arsenals,” “expanding canned food factories,” and more.

All it takes is for any official attending to casually calculate, and they’d see that this is a financial black hole.

More so when the war begins, countless military expenses will be needed. Where will this money come from?

Joseph gestured towards Finance Minister Godan, “So, how much funding can the government’s finances currently provide?”

“There are only 43 million francs available for immediate use, Your Highness,” Godan replied without consulting his files, clearly having memorized these financial numbers thoroughly. “If we use the Industrial Development Fund to expand arsenals and canned food factories, as you know, it doesn’t contravene the fund’s investment regulations. This would add another 27 million francs.”

Frankly, after so many years of industrial development, France can surely be considered wealthy now. Just a decade ago, the Finance Minister was so poor that they had to borrow even a million livres from the bank, yet now they could easily produce over 40 million francs.

Even the Industrial Development Fund has nearly 30 million in liquid funds.

Godan continued, “If we pause all projects like dredging rivers, agricultural irrigation, and road and bridge construction, we can free up nearly 140 million francs within six months.

“Additionally, there’s the option of loans and issuing national bonds. The Bank of France Reserve can provide about 70 million francs in loans.

“Based on current market estimates, we should be able to sell between 60 to 80 million francs in national bonds domestically and in Northern Italy.”

He directly ignored Spain. Although Madrid has gained from North American mines, their constant wars have kept their fiscal deficit growing, leaving them with virtually no spare funds.

Joseph mentally calculated that by around June of the following year, they should be able to muster at least 340 million francs.

The last war with the Anti-French Alliance within six months cost 140 million francs in military expenses.

The French Army’s size has since more than doubled, and a reasonable estimate would put normal military expenditures at about 300 million francs.

Thus, only about 40 to 60 million would be available for pre-war preparations.

At an estimated cost of 180,000 francs per kilometer of railway—using the former wooden track foundations—just building from Paris to Verdun’s 200 kilometers would require an investment of 36 million francs. Adding the extension to Strasbourg’s 170 kilometers brings the total cost to 66 million francs.

While the expansion of the arsenal for over 3 million francs and the canned food factory for 1.5 million francs may not seem much, starting cannon casting would demand tens of millions in further investment.

This amount of money isn’t nearly enough.

Of course, laying railways might attract private investment, but before the train showcases its power, few people would be willing to invest in it.

Goaded by the Crown Prince’s expression, Godan cautiously suggested, “Your Highness, perhaps we could impose some temporary taxes.”

Honestly, the French people’s standard of living has improved significantly over the years, so a slight tax increase could be manageable.

However, Joseph didn’t want to resort to tax increases yet, reserving it as a last resort.

He thought about it and shook his head slightly, “We should think of a way regarding national bonds.”

“This…,” the Finance Minister hesitated, “market purchase willingness won’t change much. Unless we significantly increase the interest rate.”