Chapter 0152: Heavy Losses
The Deutsche Lottery Company, founded by Qin Tian, has become the most profitable enterprise in all of Europe, having expanded its operations across the continent and into the United States. Each month, the profits accrued are astronomical. Even though a significant portion is allocated to welfare initiatives and local interests, Qin Tian's earnings remain substantial.
Various nations have long envied the Deutsche Lottery Company. However, due to Qin Tian's standing and the company's prestigious reputation throughout Europe, they have refrained from taking any rash actions.
Yet, should the Germans leverage the profits from the Deutsche Lottery Company to bolster their military, it would provide a convenient pretext to shut down its operations across various countries. This would allow local firms or direct government involvement to replace it, generating a considerable income that could be used for military expansion or other governmental needs.
"Prime Minister, Sir Churchill's proposal is simply excellent! The wealth that the Deutsche Lottery Company siphons from the UK amounts to millions of pounds annually. Securing this fortune would significantly alleviate our fiscal burdens," exclaimed Chancellor Lloyd George, the first to voice his support.
Following suit, Naval Minister McKenna recognized that if the government acquired this wealth, it would likely be invested in constructing new warships. Although Britain's finances were robust and military spending was ample, no one would ever refuse an increase in funds.
"Prime Minister, we cannot stand idly by while the Germans use our money to build warships to turn against us! This is an affront to the entire British populace. We must terminate the Deutsche Lottery Company's operations in the UK!" McKenna insisted passionately.
"However, such actions might further deteriorate our relations with Germany!" Prime Minister Asquith expressed concern.
"Prime Minister, the tensions between us and the Germans have already reached a critical point. To put it bluntly, we are on the brink of war. In this climate, we need not concern ourselves with their sentiments. If it serves the interests of the British Empire, we should act, even if it incurs the Germans' wrath!" asserted Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.
The other ministers echoed their agreement, rallying behind the idea of closing down the Deutsche Lottery Company's operations in Britain.
"Prime Minister, we should not only shutter the Deutsche Lottery Company's UK operations but also inform France and Russia. If possible, we should reach out to the American government to close down their operations there as well. This would severely impact the Deutsche Lottery Company's profits, diminishing the resources they could provide to the German Navy. Without sufficient funding, their ambition to surpass us at sea would be nothing but a fantasy!" Churchill continued.
"Sir Churchill's suggestion is truly splendid! Without adequate financial backing, the development of the German Navy will undoubtedly suffer greatly, rendering any competition with the Royal Navy a mere pipe dream," McKenna beamed.
"Then let it be so! Churchill, you will oversee the termination of the Deutsche Lottery Company's operations in the UK. Our goal is not only to close them down but to secure this portion of their profits. Foreign Secretary, the notifications to France and Russia will be managed by your department. We must also lobby the Americans as much as possible. I believe the enormous profits of the Deutsche Lottery Company will undoubtedly pique the interest of those avaricious Americans," Asquith concluded.
"Yes, Prime Minister," Churchill and Sir Edward Grey affirmed.
"Prime Minister, cutting off the funding for the German Navy is merely one strategy. The primary focus must remain on the development of the Royal Navy itself. Only by strengthening our own forces can we face the Germans without fear," Churchill declared.
Asquith nodded, "All profits derived from the lottery will be entirely reinvested into naval development. Within the next few years, the Royal Navy must establish itself as the world's preeminent naval force. No other nation shall challenge the supremacy of the British Empire in this regard!"
In June 1910, the governments of Britain, France, and Russia simultaneously announced the unlawful nature of the Deutsche Lottery Company's operations within their borders, leading to its closure!
In an instant, all of the Deutsche Lottery Company's activities in Britain, France, and Russia were halted. Additionally, the funds in their banks, which had not yet been transferred, were frozen. The most detrimental blow came from the fact that the British and French markets had long been key revenue streams for the Deutsche Lottery Company. Losing these markets would undoubtedly result in a loss of nearly one-third of their profits, delivering a crushing blow to the company.
"Your Highness, what are we to do now? The heads of our subsidiaries in Britain, France, and Russia have been arrested. Our company has been shut down, and our bank accounts are frozen," Carl von Jonalett, President of the Deutsche Industrial Group, said with visible anxiety.
Though the Deutsche Industrial Group had evolved into a large conglomerate, the Deutsche Lottery Company remained its most lucrative entity. Losing the markets in three countries would spell disastrous consequences for the company.
"Have we been involved in any tax evasion in our operations in Britain, France, or Russia?" Qin Tian inquired.
"Your Highness, absolutely not. Our business has always been conducted with utmost integrity. To avoid giving our rivals any leverage, we have maintained a policy of transparency in our dealings," Carl von Jonalett assured him.
"Damn it, this clearly indicates that the governments of Britain, France, and Russia are targeting me," Qin Tian cursed. While he had anticipated that once the governments discovered the Deutsche Lottery Company was rapidly siphoning their wealth, they would not take it lightly, he had not expected such a swift and decisive reaction, resulting in significant losses before the company's wealth could be relocated.