Bayei continued, "After the agreement is signed, the Industrial Development Foundation will immediately pay for one year's worth of goods. If necessary, payment for the second year can also be made in advance."
Because Poland's industry was extremely backward, it had always been reluctant to join the Stuttgart Trade Agreement. Therefore, the "long-term agreement price" was the best way to strengthen the economic ties between France and Poland.
Moreover, as large advance payments flowed into Poland, the influence of the franc would further expand across Eastern Europe.
As for the concern that Poland's low-priced goods would affect the income of French businesses in the same trades, Joseph had long since made arrangements.
First, apart from wheat and lead, all the materials purchased from Poland were things France desperately lacked, especially copper and timber. Lowering the purchase price of these goods would greatly benefit both French industry and the military.
Second, wheat was an important weapon in this Financial War against the United Kingdom. Once purchased, it would not be released directly onto the market, but stored entirely as strategic reserves. Given France's current financial capacity, stockpiling three million francs' worth of grain would not create much pressure.
As for lead, it too was essential for military production. Though the trade volume was not large, as long as it could help raise the United Kingdom's imported inflation, they might as well buy some along the way.
Count Potocki cautiously asked about the "long-term agreement prices" for wheat, oak wood, and other goods.
When he heard that Bayei's quoted prices were only slightly below market prices, delight immediately appeared on his face. He nodded to Stanisław II and said, "Your Majesty, I believe His Highness the Crown Prince's proposal is entirely acceptable. In fact, it is highly beneficial to our country."
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