Moreover, the Ottoman Empire and France shared a traditional friendship.
Well, two hundred years ago, King François I of France and Sultan Suleiman I had forged the "Franco-Ottoman Alliance"—the Crescent and Lily Alliance—to jointly face the threat of the Habsburg Family.
Though this alliance had long since died in practice, and allying with heathens was truly shameful when spoken of, strictly speaking, neither nation had formally declared the treaty void.[Note 1]
Grand Vizier Melek continued, "We can purchase weapons from France in large quantities, expand the number of Topjis New Army troops in training, and strive to have France persuade Russia not to interfere in the Empire's war against Austria.
"As far as I know, France and Russia are already linked by marriage. They have considerable influence over the Tsar."
Selim III stopped rolling the Tasbih beads between his fingers. "What can we use to move the French?"
Melek hesitated before saying, "We can pay them in gold, Your Majesty. I have heard that France's finances are not in good shape, with government debts as high as six billion Kuruş.
"Furthermore, the French have a great need for Cane Sugar and Cotton. We can hand over the entire output of both to France for sale."
Selim III did not seem as confident as his Grand Vizier. Though the Ottoman Empire was wealthy, he, the Sultan, was rather strapped for funds and simply could not spare much money for France.
After thinking for a moment, he waved his hand. "Send someone to Paris to speak with that Mr. Talleyrand. Perhaps they will propose some diplomatic conditions. If they are not excessive, agree to them directly.
"In any case, I need the numbers of the Topjis New Army doubled, at least ten thousand French-made Flintlock Guns, and as many cannon as possible."