Walsh neither confirmed nor denied the matter of a loan, instead asking, "Are you planning to use this money to keep your port business in Rotterdam afloat?" "Yes." Pride flashed in Broad's eyes. "You know, the Broad Family has operated there for over a century and owns..." But Walsh raised a hand to cut him off. "If that is the case, then I am sorry, but I cannot lend you money."
Broad's expression instantly dimmed, yet he struggled on. "For God's sake, at least lend me 3,000 pounds sterling. Have you forgotten? A few years ago, when you were at your lowest, I did not turn you away."
His liquid funds had nearly run dry. If he could not secure financing within a month, he would have no choice but to sell off his precious warehouses.
Walsh nodded. "I have always remembered, but I do not wish to throw money into the sea."
Broad said urgently, "No, you will not. The war is over, and trade will soon recover to its previous levels—perhaps become even more prosperous. At most, in two and a half years, I will repay you with both principal and interest."
Walsh lowered his eyes. "Forgive my bluntness, but you are being overly optimistic.
"First, France and England have not yet made peace. The English Fleet has been prowling outside Brest and Le Havre Port, while the Franco-Spanish Allied Forces continue their siege of Gibraltar."
"But the French Government has already tacitly permitted trade between the German Territories and England."
"Correct. That is the second point I wish to make." Walsh said, "You have looked into the Stuttgart Trade Agreement, have you not? France has obtained Most-Favored-Nation Treatment for most categories of goods in the German Territories. In the future, whether iron goods, machinery, glass, or chemical