Chapter 0864: The Poisoned Candy
Germany's ability to defeat Britain and France and emerge as the victor of the world war is beyond question. However, should they choose to launch an offensive against us, we will resist them with every ounce of strength. We will make Germany realize that any attempt to obliterate us will exact a heavy and unbearable price. Such deterrence might give them pause. After all, we are not their only enemy," Ulyanov said.
Germany's strength places it at the pinnacle of global power, yet this also poses a severe threat to other nations. It is foreseeable that other countries will inevitably oppose Germany. For instance, across the Atlantic, the United States watches Germany with predatory intent.
"Indeed, Comrade Chairman. Nonetheless, I believe we must do everything within our power to strengthen our capabilities. Only by doing so can we withstand a German assault and avoid being utterly powerless to resist," Joseph replied.
Ulyanov nodded in agreement. Strengthening the capabilities of Soviet Russia was, without question, a strategy he endorsed. Without it, how could they hope to confront Germany?
"Comrade Joseph, I am quite satisfied with the agreements you reached with Germany this time, particularly the provision for Germany to help us rebuild our industrial system. This represents a critical opportunity for us to enhance our strength," Ulyanov remarked.
"Indeed, Chairman. Russia's industrial base was underdeveloped during the era of the Tsarist regime, and the ravages of war have inflicted near-catastrophic damage on what little we had. Without external assistance, restoring and advancing our industry would be an arduous and time-consuming process. Germany's support is therefore invaluable. It allows us to significantly reduce the time required, enabling us to arm ourselves more rapidly. Perhaps, with a strong industrial base and military, Germany might think twice before attacking us. After all, if invading us results in staggering losses, even the German Kaiser, no fool, would hesitate," Joseph explained.
"True. But will the Germans be so benevolent in helping us rebuild our industrial base? I can't help but suspect an ulterior motive," Ulyanov said, his brow furrowed deeply.
"Comrade Chairman, the Germans are certainly not altruistic. Their assistance is transactional—they intend to profit. The factories and equipment we acquire from them will come at a price. However, any hidden schemes they might harbor shouldn't be a significant issue. Since these factories will be situated on our territory, we can deploy troops to seize control should anything seem amiss. The Germans would be powerless to intervene," Joseph reassured.
After some thought, Ulyanov nodded. As long as the factories were within Soviet territory, there was little to fear from German machinations. Germany's strength notwithstanding, Soviet Russia held the advantage on its own soil—unless the situation escalated into outright war, in which case the Soviets would likely find themselves outmatched.
However, if such a conflict were to arise, the Germans could hardly expect to recover their investments in these factories.
"It seems that Germany's assistance in rebuilding our industrial system poses no direct threat to us. As long as we assign dedicated personnel to oversee the process, there shouldn't be any major issues," Ulyanov concluded.
Despite these reassurances, Ulyanov's instincts told him there was likely a hidden trap. Yet the prospect of rebuilding their industrial base was an irresistible temptation—a poisoned candy they could not afford to reject.
Joseph exhaled a quiet sigh of relief upon hearing Ulyanov's approval. With his nod, this proposal seemed likely to pass without further contention.
"However, Germany's proposal to assist us in constructing a transportation network poses a significant threat. Are we to painstakingly build railroads and highways only to have the Germans later use them to invade us? They must think us extraordinarily foolish!" Ulyanov sneered coldly.
Joseph, sensing Ulyanov's dissatisfaction, pondered for a moment before replying, "Comrade Chairman, the Germans' intentions in this matter are undoubtedly self-serving. Yet we must also recognize the undeniable benefits of improved transportation infrastructure in fostering economic and industrial development. No economically or industrially advanced nation possesses poor transportation systems. While we must guard against the potential for these facilities to facilitate a future German invasion, a robust transportation network would also enable us to rapidly mobilize troops. If Germany were to attack, we could swiftly deploy forces to the border and contain the conflict outside our territory."
The idea of keeping the flames of war beyond the nation's borders was a compelling one for Ulyanov. Since the outbreak of the world war, Russia had endured relentless conflict. Shielding their homeland from further destruction would preserve their hard-won progress.
Yet, when he considered Germany's formidable military might, doubts crept in about whether the Soviet forces could hold the line at the border. After all, Germany's army was overwhelmingly powerful, whereas the Soviets were comparatively weak.
"Will our army be capable of repelling a German assault?" Ulyanov asked.
Joseph hesitated before responding, "Comrade Chairman, I cannot say for certain."
He knew better than to offer false assurances, which might arouse Ulyanov's suspicion. Should war break out and the Soviet forces fail to hold back the Germans, he would bear the blame. Joseph was no fool and would not take such risks.
Recognizing Joseph's limitations as a non-military expert, Ulyanov decided to refer the matter to the Politburo for further deliberation. For all his achievements in negotiating agreements with Germany, Joseph's expertise in military affairs was limited. This latest diplomatic success was already a remarkable accomplishment.