Joseph left the Kremlin and got into his car. At that moment, he could no longer suppress the wild joy deep in his heart. His face was instantly wreathed in smiles.
This conversation with Ulyanov had left him extremely satisfied, and he had gained enormously from it. He had never imagined that he could also serve as Commissar for the Navy. This was practically snatching a juicy piece of meat from Trotsky's hands! Although the navy was far inferior to the army, it was still part of the military. Once his influence extended into the armed forces, Joseph's strength would greatly increase. Though he still could not surpass Trotsky, he could at least stand toe-to-toe with him.
More importantly, this seemed to represent Ulyanov's intentions. It would undoubtedly give those neutral figures something to think about. If they turned toward Joseph because of this, it would be a heaven-sent blessing for him.
The next day, a Bolshevik Party Politburo meeting was held in a small conference room at the Kremlin. There were now only five Politburo members in the Bolshevik Party. Ulyanov was Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars; Kamenev was Chairman of Moscow; Krestinsky was a member of the Organizational Bureau; Joseph was a member of the Organizational Bureau, People's Commissar for Nationalities Affairs, People's Commissar for Workers' and Peasants' Inspection, and Commissar for Foreign Affairs. Trotsky was Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council and People's Commissar for Army and Navy Affairs.
These men were Buru's highest leaders.
"Comrades, Comrade Joseph's visit to Germany was a success. He met with German Emperor Wilhelm III and reached a series of agreements highly beneficial to our party and our country. Let us applaud him and thank him for his efforts on behalf of the party and the nation!" Ulyanov praised