As the European Continent's most important financial center, Amsterdam attracted not only domestic capital, but also large numbers of Germans, French, Spaniards, and Italians seeking to invest.
Thus, Amsterdam also drew major companies from across Europe to raise capital.
And as the country with the largest scale of industrialization, the United Kingdom naturally had many companies listed there as well.
If the matter of the Cape of Good Hope could be used to stir up Dutch hatred toward the United Kingdom, it might very well trigger a wave of capital withdrawals, driving the market value of those British companies into the floor.
Companies able to list in the Netherlands were usually major corporations. Once the impact on their share prices spread back to the United Kingdom, it would surely cause a scene of chickens flying and dogs leaping. At the same time, the funds withdrawn from British companies would need to find new investment targets.
As long as the companies in the Rhineland swallowed a third of those funds, their financing goals could be easily met.
Joseph rapidly mapped things out and said to Gaudin, "Immediately allocate a sum from the treasury. It need not be much—three or four million francs will do. Then send people to Amsterdam in the name of investors and do this..."
The Minister of Finance looked at the Crown Prince in surprise. "Your Highness, can this really work?"
Joseph gestured toward Lavalette beside him. "The Security Bureau will assist you in stirring up hatred. Besides, that Mr. Scheller has quite a talent for such things. Leave it to them."
He then instructed the Director of Security Bureau, "Make good use of the limited intelligence personnel at the Cape of Good Hope. On one hand, contact the Zulu and Xhosa. There is no need to discuss