Father of France

Chapter 119 The war is over
France's current goal is to achieve great things with minimal expenditure, since purchasing military equipment from the United States will definitely cost dollars, and France doesn't have that many dollars.

The Bretton Woods system was a G2 system with the US dollar as the primary currency and the British pound as a secondary currency, in which Britain played a supporting role to the United States.

Of course, the stability of the G2 system depends on the stability of the US role, while the UK's role can be changed at any time.

For example, in the late 1960s, West Germany replaced Britain as the world's largest currency, the Deutsche Mark, accounting for 20 percent of the global market share.

It is extremely important that the supporting entities in the G2 system must be recognized by the United States. Even though Japan's economy is larger than that of West Germany, the Deutsche Mark has a much larger share than the Yen because the United States recognizes the latter.

France certainly has its own financial system, but it is by no means enough to qualify as a financial hegemon. The last time France had financial hegemony was during the reign of Louis XIV of the Bourbon dynasty, when he traveled throughout Europe.

Although France possessed vast overseas colonies such as Indochina and Africa, and its overseas trade was highly developed, its substantial domestic savings and capital became the main source of funding during the French Industrial Revolution.

However, the franc's share of the world market has never exceeded 10%, and it has generally been around 5%.

Why? Because the French colonies were all purely agricultural societies. Typical examples of agricultural societies are the two most populous countries in the world. According to GDP, they should be prominent in the world, but their economic strength is basically self-sufficient, with no surplus capital to expand reproduction.

Agricultural societies cannot support a large circulation of francs. The so-called franc zones are barely able to maintain their separatist status. If the circulation of francs is to be expanded, the French African countries cannot remain in an agricultural society indefinitely.

Only a strong industrial base can support the circulation of currency. France cannot emulate the United States; the only country it can learn from is Germany.

In Germany's economic system, for companies, there is price competition in market factors such as capital, raw materials, machinery and equipment, technology patents, and labor. Competition is an uncertain factor that may cause companies to operate stably and disrupt their production plans. Companies tend to cooperate with competitors to reach price consensus and then jointly pass on the costs to consumers.

Most of this economic system was absorbed by the Soviet Union and became part of its planned economy. France could have learned from some of it and used it to focus its efforts on developing its base in Africa.

Africa is an area that France must manage. As Mitterrand once said, without Africa, France would be a second-rate country.

As Corman took Eva Gardner for a walk at The Breakers, the Metropolitan Art Fair in New York was coming to an end. The next stop would be Los Angeles. After the two exhibitions, Picasso's works would be shipped back to France. The week-long exhibition had brought in $800,000, but after considering the distribution of profits and the efforts of those involved, the total revenue was only a little over $200,000.

Vanderbilt III, of course, also received his share. Judging from the joyful expression on the face of this current leader, it was clear that this exhibition was unlike many of the family's past exhibitions, which were a losing proposition.

At least the property tax and maintenance costs for Tingtao Manor are covered.

“Ava, how about we go to France together? After all, those companies are French brands.” Koman held Ava Gardner’s soft little hand and extended an invitation affectionately. “Several companies have agreed in principle, but considering the international influence, I still think you should go to Paris. That way, it will be easier for me to help you plan.”

Ava Gardner gave him her signature disdainful look, but her gaze softened immediately. "I've never been outside the United States, so I'm always a little scared, and I need my agent's permission."

“It’s not like we’re going to war, what’s there to be afraid of? Your agent will agree.” Koman patted his chest and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.”

Given Ava Gardner's position at MGM, she currently does not have her own agent and shares one with a group of actors, but Corman believes that with his help, she will soon have her own agent.

“I’m getting used to your company, what am I going to do?” Ava Gardner put her hand on Koman’s shoulder, resting her signature chin on it, and gazed at the man who was helping her plan her career.

A mere French lieutenant, seemingly forgetting the ongoing World War, was haggard and bewildered by beauty. At the same time as the Picasso art exhibition in Los Angeles, he dressed casually and, together with the world's first woman, attended several fashion shows.

Fortunately, Ava Gardner wasn't a household name at that time, otherwise Koeman would have been a regular in the entertainment section during that period alone.

At this time, Ava Gardner also successfully obtained MGM's consent to go to Paris for a "gilded" experience.

Seeing that Ava Gardner herself was very willing, her agent, Mayer, finally agreed to the trip. "Ava, you have a very good image. Becoming a star is only a matter of time. Don't be deceived by some men of unknown origin."

“No, Corman has no reason to deceive a nobody like me.” Ava Gardner spoke with the air of an independent woman, but her words betrayed her deep involvement. “Think it over yourself. I won’t hurt you.” Mayer had seen similar situations countless times in his years in the industry. Hollywood was fiercely competitive with an astonishingly high attrition rate, and he simply felt sorry for Ava Gardner.

In his view, Ava Gardner would eventually become a star like Greta Garbo or Bergman.

If Koeman were here, he would definitely be furious and accuse the agent of making empty promises. Based on his understanding of Eva Gardner, Eva Gardner's career is still far from that of a star like Greta Garbo.

The main problem was that she didn't achieve fame at the right time. The 1950s marked the end of Hollywood's golden age and the beginning of its decline. Although Ava Gardner had the advantage of age, it wasn't a significant one.

"I finally don't have to go back to France by myself." Koeman breathed a sigh of relief. The members of the arms sales procurement delegation had already returned to France, and he would have had to go back on his own if he hadn't caught Eva Gardner.

"A French soldier afraid to return home alone?" Eva Gardner feigned surprise, covering her mouth and glancing at Coman before whispering, "I thought you couldn't bear to part with me, that's why you insisted on taking me back."

“That’s part of the reason.” Coman seized the opportunity, immediately transforming his overflowing hormones into admiration for Ava Gardner. “So, sister, would you be willing to go back to France with me?”

On September 2, the Japanese government signed the surrender agreement with the Allied forces aboard the USS Missouri, an American battleship anchored in Tokyo Bay. Japan officially surrendered, and World War II officially ended.

On the same day, Koeman landed in France and heard reports of the end of the World War on French radio. However, in his observation, it was clearly not as exciting as when Germany surrendered.

"Japan is indeed a supporting actor." Koeman's return was rather opportune; I wonder if the United States is currently celebrating enthusiastically.

However, even if there is a celebration, it probably won't be as enthusiastic as when Germany surrendered. The "Europe first, Asia later" principle wasn't just a saying. Besides, the importance of Japan and Germany is far different.

In terms of combat power, Japan and Germany were far inferior. Apart from a few battles such as Iwo Jima and Okinawa, the United States almost unilaterally slaughtered its enemies in the Pacific War, with an exchange ratio of one to ten.

The Pacific War, especially the war dominated by the navy, saw a significant disparity in naval strength, which amplified America's advantage and forced Japan to pay the price with lives.

On the same day Japan surrendered, Ho Chi Minh declared the establishment of the Republic of Vietnam in distant French Indochina. British troops, who had arrived earlier, quickly took control of the major cities and informed France of the situation.

The war was over, but France’s war seemed to have just begun. When Corman returned to Paris, the provisional government was studying the military operations to be carried out in French Indochina.

When Coman arrived home and knocked on the door, Adeline's appearance surprised Eva Gardner, as did Coman, her stepmother, who asked, "And who is this lady?"

“Adeline was my father’s second wife.” Koman forced a straight face, feeling genuinely embarrassed to mention Adeline’s identity in front of Eva Gardner.

Ava Gardner hadn't expected that Corman's family background was so complicated. Luckily, her years in Hollywood had paid off, and she managed to hold back her laughter even though she wanted to.

Admiral Dragon didn't return home until almost sunset. Only after entering the house did he belatedly realize there was someone else there, such a beautiful woman. She looked vaguely familiar. When he asked her what was wrong, he discovered she didn't understand French at all. "The woman you brought back from America? She looks a lot like one of those war posters you collected before."

“That’s Rita Hayworth.” As Corman answered General Dragon’s question, he produced a very timely report, which, in the context of requesting military aid from the United States, led to the rapid expansion of pro-Soviet forces in French Indochina.

Coincidentally, this was precisely the main topic of discussion at today's military conference, which surprised General Dragon greatly, as it seemed too coincidental.

"The British relayed a message today that a political organization called the Viet Minh has declared independence," General Dragon remarked with a hint of surprise. "It seems we should deal with this political party to stabilize the local order."

Upon hearing this, Koeman immediately said, "There are three groups that can be trusted: the Catholic community, the Chinese in French Indochina, but I suggest we don't target this group yet, as it requires some political maneuvering. Besides these two groups, the Hmong people can also be trusted."

The Chinese are not suitable to start immediately, but the Catholic community and the Miao people have already proven in another world that they are trustworthy allies of the reactionary ruling class.

(End of this chapter)