The Fox of France

Chapter 301: The Art of Rumor-Mongering

Once the plan was set, the next step was its execution. The first move in the entire plan was to spread rumors. Creating rumors, in reality, was quite a skillful task. Who spreads the rumor and how it amplifies—each detail holds significance.

Generally, high-end, sophisticated newspapers like "The Scientific Truth Gazette" don't indulge in actively creating rumors. Rumors are usually seeded in smaller newspapers. This time, the rumor originated in a fiercely nationalistic small paper called "The Frontline of France."

According to "The Frontline of France," a Turkish envoy arrived in France on behalf of the Grand Sultan to negotiate the purchase of a major cannon factory to produce artillery.

"The Frontline of France" was notorious for its exaggerations. It was filled with outlandish claims of invincibility and nations kneeling at the sight of certain events, treated mostly as a form of entertainment rather than news.

So when this rumor appeared in "The Frontline of France," it didn't catch much attention. Neither the general citizens nor the Turkish and Russian ambassadors in France paid heed to this rumor—embassies had other affairs to attend to.

However, what followed caught some people's attention. The French Ministry of Public Safety suddenly acted, shutting down "The Frontline of France" and arresting its reporters and editors on grounds of spreading false information. In a country with freedom of speech like France, spreading rumors did carry legal responsibilities, but usually, they weren't seriously pursued. But now, the Ministry's actions drew the eye of the media.

Soon, other media outlets noticed something wasn't quite simple. Normally, these cases of spreading false information resulted in civil responsibility at most. Even if one lost in court, they wouldn't end up in jail but rather issue an apology in the paper and pay a fine. Hence, the detention of "The Frontline of France" editors and reporters was unusual, and even a journalist from "Traditional France," visiting the editorials of "The Frontline of France," got caught up and remained detained.

"Traditional France" claimed to preserve the nation's heritage and essence during times of major change, and many suspected it had royalist affiliations. Nonetheless, despite its leanings, it was a legal media outlet. Thus, the arrest of a journalist just for a visit was a clear affront to freedom of speech.

"Traditional France" boldly protested, printing a special edition with large words on the front page: "Release Them!" followed by a scathing article condemning the abuse of power by the Ministry, violating press freedoms, ending with: "Though we are small, we too have a backbone!"

The public, now intrigued, eagerly gathered in cafes, ordering coffee and pastries, settling down comfortably, ready for the drama to unfold.

However, the developments exceeded everyone's expectations. Suddenly, almost all newspapers fell silent, with "Traditional France" even publishing an article stating that the media shouldn't interfere with judicial independence.

In the cafes, new rumors emerged. They spoke of the Ministry urgently summoning leaders of major media outlets and briefing them on something, leading to their silence. But what was discussed remained a state secret—unmentionable.

This incident drew the attention of diplomatic circles. Upon investigation, they discovered the issue of "The Frontline of France" was nowhere to be found. It seemed someone retrieved and destroyed all copies. Then, "The Scientific Truth Gazette" published an article: "Spreading rumors is not within the bounds of free speech."

This article strongly condemned the practice of reckless rumor-mongering and manipulation of public opinion. It stated that whether the rumor from "The Frontline of France" or the recent rumors about so-called 'state secrets' circulating in cafes, all were baseless and irresponsible uses of free speech, detrimental in the long run.

The reports from "The Frontline of France" were erased, but grasping their gist wasn't difficult. This startled the Russians and convinced the Turks that it was indeed a rumor.

However, the sudden debunking by "The Scientific Truth Gazette" worried both the Russians and the Turks. They knew the Gazette never lied but was also the master of deceit.

Initially relieved, the Russians, relying on the Gazette's denial, grew tense again. The Gazette never lies, but it also deceives expertly. What if the rumor wasn't entirely false? If it mentioned a cannon factory but meant a gun factory, wouldn't it be a rumor? Or if it cited one factory but meant two, or a factory producing both guns and cannons? The Gazette was cunning, so caution was paramount—not to be deceived.

Meanwhile, the Turks, acknowledging the Gazette's denial, also grew anxious. Aware of the Gazette's truthfulness and deceitful ways, they pondered what it aimed to conceal.

They knew no cooperation on factories existed between France and Turkey—no cannon or gun factories, or any other for that matter. But what if the only lie was the word "Turkey" in the message?

Though France and Turkey had a long-standing friendship, recently, France had grown closer to Russia. France welcomed many Russian students and exported weapons to Russia. France... well, in the past, when the French admired the moon with me, they called me 'Sweetie.' Now, with new people winning over the old, would they now label me a heathen?

In the end, both the Russians and the Turks couldn't contain their curiosity. They discreetly inquired with the French government if there was any truth to the factory sale.

The French government responded, emphasizing their friendship with any nation willing to maintain mutually beneficial trade relations. They had no trade embargo with Turkey or Russia and wouldn't intervene if legal trade transactions occurred.

This was a clear message: If you have money and find a seller, you can buy whatever you desire.

So the Russians ventured forth, "Um, could we purchase the Lorraine Steelworks' related technologies?"

The reply was straightforward: "You can discuss this with the Lorraine Steel Company."

Of course, engaging in such discussions now was akin to entering the lion's den.

The Russians inquired further, "What if we wish to acquire technology related to firearms? Can we approach 'Bonaparte Armaments' directly?"

This query received a positive response. Moreover, 'Bonaparte Armaments' seemed keen on this deal. Negotiations swiftly commenced, and Russian negotiators were promptly lodged in the hotel attached to 'Bonaparte Armaments.' Soon, they discovered a group of Turks residing next door...

This arrangement was deliberate, not coincidental. Such strategies were common in later times. During the Iran-Iraq war, both countries sought 152mm shell bricks. Iran and Iraq couldn't produce them and scoured the world for sources. Only the Big Hair camp and the Red Hare country manufactured these shells. Big Hair's quality was top-notch but pricey. As none could afford Big Hair's, they all flocked to the Red Hare country.

Then shameless little White Rabbit arranged their representatives in adjacent rooms, and both countries, fearing a shortage, purchased more shells, allowing the little White Rabbit to profit merrily.

This time, France's arrangements had a similar effect. Soon, both the Russians and the Turks reached agreements with 'Bonaparte Armaments' for purchasing the armament factory and related technologies.