章節 321: Chapter 321: Hardy and Seven Consortiums
A middle-aged man in a suit walked in, bowing deeply as he approached Hardy. "Hello, Mr. Hardy. I am Ryozo Kato, the Japanese ambassador to the United States. I am honored to meet you and to learn that you have been appointed as Japan's Special Economic Envoy. The Japanese government is very pleased and looks forward to your visit to Japan to provide economic guidance."
Hardy nodded. "I have several objectives for my trip to Japan. First, I aim to address the current economic difficulties there. Second, I will oversee the implementation of economic policies. Third, I will guide Japan's future economic development."
"I'm not fully familiar with Japan's current economic situation. Before I go, could you provide a comprehensive and accurate list of all companies in Japan, including their status? This will be crucial for my guidance."
Ambassador Kato bowed again. "Yes, I will inform my government to prepare this information. When do you plan to travel to Japan?"
"Please prepare in advance. My trip is not only about economic guidance but also about investment and addressing economic challenges. As you know, the Japanese Diet has rejected additional aid for the new year. Relying on aid is not a long-term solution; self-help is the way forward."
"Given the current sluggish state of Japanese industry, I'm considering encouraging other consortia to invest in Japan to stimulate its economy. What are your thoughts on this?"
Ambassador Kato's face brightened. "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Hardy, for your dedication to the Japanese people."
He bowed deeply once more.
Hardy smiled gently. "It's one thing to encourage companies to inspect Japanese industries, but another to ensure their continued investment. This opportunity is rare, so please have the government prepare a list of investment-ready companies. These companies should be ready to invest upon arrival in Japan."
"When we invested in Europe, other European countries also had lists of investment targets. I hope Japan will show similar sincerity, as this may be a unique opportunity."
"Understood. I will inform the Prime Minister of your plans," Ambassador Kato said with a bow.
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The plane landed at New York's airport, and Hardy disembarked to find David Rockefeller waiting by the car. Hardy smiled and embraced him.
"Thank you for picking me up, David," Hardy said.
"It's been four or five months since the President Johnson inauguration reception. Let's get in the car and catch up," David Rockefeller replied.
David's small manor on Manhattan Island, though not large, was a rare gem of land in such a prime location. This manor was not David's official residence but a place where he could relax while working.
David poured Hardy a glass of wine, and they settled in the yard, with bodyguards standing at a respectful distance.
"Hardy, are we going to lose our investment in Hong Kong?" David asked right away.
He was referring to HSBC Bank.
"I've been in Hong Kong recently and made several investments. I can only say I'm cautiously optimistic," Hardy replied with a shrug.
David was curious about Hardy's renewed focus on Japan. "Given your background and experiences in Asia, including your past encounters with the Japanese, what's driving your interest in Japan now?"
Hardy smiled. "My goal is straightforward: to make money. I believe Japan presents a significant opportunity for future profits, so I'm preparing to invest. My appointment as Special Economic Envoy was an unexpected bonus."
"President Johnson and I discussed investing in Japan and acquiring industries there, which may involve dealing with government-seized assets. The U.S. government has imposed economic sanctions on Japan, splitting its consortium and seizing many industries and pieces of equipment. If I'm to proceed, I need to coordinate with him."
"Following the Dodge Plan, Japan's economy has taken another hit, worsening its already sluggish state. Last year, Japan's total industrial output was just $58 million, and this quarter's figures are worse."
"Japan is facing food shortages and a severe economic recession. Despite numerous requests for aid, President Johnson has rejected further investment. That's why I proposed my visit. Johnson viewed my investment as a response to Japan's request and granted me the title of Special Envoy, making my role semi-official."
David listened thoughtfully. "Given this context, do you believe Japan's economy is worth investing in?"
Hardy pointed to a large globe in David's study. "Do you have a map or globe?"
"Certainly. There's one in my study," David replied.
They went to the study, where David's globe was impressive and meticulously crafted. Hardy spun the globe to the east, pointing out key locations.
"Japan's strategic position and its industrial base make it a critical piece in the global economic puzzle," Hardy explained.
David nodded. "So Japan is an important strategic asset."
"Exactly. Once the strict control policies are relaxed, Japan's large population and industrial infrastructure will make it relatively easy to recover. While I can't guarantee a tenfold return, our investment should yield significant profits," Hardy affirmed.
David expressed confidence. "I trust your judgment, even more than I trust the Hong Kong investments."
Hardy smiled wryly. "Hong Kong is indeed risky, but let's focus on Japan."
"David, I propose that if we invest in Japan, we should aim to control key industries. This way, even if Japan recovers, it won't easily shift away from our influence. Local competitors may emerge, but we can work to suppress them and maintain our advantage."
David considered this and suggested, "I can help contact other consortia to join in."
David Rockefeller reached out to the Morgan Consortium, Cleveland Consortium, Texas Consortium, DuPont Consortium, and Mellon Consortium, leveraging his connections as a prominent member of the Rockefeller family.
These consortia, though competitive, often collaborated on mutual interests. For instance, Morgan and Rockefeller had joint ventures, and several consortia had overlapping investments and political ties.
Hardy admired the Rockefeller family's influence but focused on his own burgeoning efforts.
At David Rockefeller's manor, Hardy met with representatives from the seven consortia. Despite being a newer player, Hardy was respected for his rapid rise and significant assets.
David introduced Hardy, who explained his vision, starting with the post-war world order, the Cold War, Japan's geographic and economic significance, and his forecast for Japan's economic resurgence.
"Japan is a country that can be both a valuable investment and a strategic asset. Given its large labor force, consumer market, and regional influence, controlling Japan's industry will yield substantial and sustained profits."
The consortium representatives agreed that Japan was a promising investment opportunity. They committed to joining Hardy's economic guidance team.
Representing a diverse array of industries—finance, metallurgy, steel, petroleum, aviation, railways, automotive, transportation, rubber, textiles, food, chemicals, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing—the consortia prepared to begin extensive investments in Japan.
Hardy was clear about his intentions: while he expected Japan to recover economically, his strategy was to insert his influence deeply, ensuring he capitalized on its resurgence while maintaining control.
His plan extended beyond economic control to cultural influence, though he kept that part to himself for now.
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