Chapter 392 Sultan’s Agreement with the Russians
Chapter 392 Sultan’s Agreement with the Russians
October 3rd, 1821. At the Topkapi Palace in Constantinople.
Sultan Mahmud II was in his study when one of his advisors hurried in with a copy of a French newspaper. As the Sultan read the news, his expression turned to one of mild annoyance.
“The French are actually admitting to helping the Greeks,” he said with a hint of frustration in his voice. “If they’re supporting a rebellion against us, it’s clear we can’t consider them allies.”
His advisors, gathered around, nodded in agreement, understanding the significance of this development. The Sultan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought about the implications.
“It’s a good thing that the Russian submarine was effective in cutting off the Victoire Class merchant ships. Is there a way where we can buy more of it to cut off the Greeks?”
“I have a Russian ambassador and a representative of a company that build the Karp Class submarine,” another one of the advisors said.
Sultan Mahmud II immediately responded, “Good, set up a meeting with those two. We need to explore the possibility of acquiring more submarines to strengthen our naval capabilities.”
His advisor quickly noted the order. “I will arrange the meeting as soon as possible, Your Majesty.”
***
Two days later, Sultan Mahmud II sat across from the Russian ambassador to the Ottoman Empire and a representative from the company that manufactured the Karp Class submarines. The atmosphere in the room was serious, with the Sultan getting straight to the point.
“We are interested in acquiring additional Karp Class submarines,” the Sultan began. “Their effectiveness in intercepting the French ships has proven invaluable. How quickly can your company provide more units?”
The representative from the submarine manufacturing company responded, “We can expedite the production for the Ottoman Empire. However, the timeline will depend on the number of units you’re looking to acquire and the specifics of the deal.”
The Russian ambassador added, “This can also be a stepping stone for further military cooperation between our nations. Russia understands the strategic importance of the Ottoman Empire’s position in this conflict. TThe French can’t just do whatever they want to a country that has sovereign rights over its subjects and territories,” the Russian ambassador continued. “Russia is prepared to support the Ottoman Empire in maintaining its territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Sultan Mahmud II nodded in agreement. “That is reassuring to hear,” he replied. “We value Russia’s support in this matter. As for the submarines, we are interested in acquiring a significant number to ensure effective control over our sea routes and to counter any further French involvement.”
“We’ll need a detailed proposal, including costs and delivery schedules,” the Sultan added, turning back to the submarine company representative. “We are prepared to proceed with this acquisition as soon as we have all the necessary information.”
The representative nodded, “Understood, Your Majesty. I will provide a detailed proposal with all the specifications and timelines at the earliest.”
***
One week later, Sultan Mahmud II received the detailed proposal from the representative of the Russian shipbuilding company. The document outlined the technical specifications and costs associated with the Karp Class submarines.
According to the proposal, each submarine would cost approximately 120,000 rubles. The document also detailed the submarines’ operational range, diving depth, speed, and endurance capabilities. Each unit could stay submerged for up to one hour and had a range of 8000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 6 knots.
The proposal included a timeline for delivery, stating that the first batch of submarines could be delivered within six months of the contract signing, with subsequent units following at regular intervals.
In addition to the cost per unit, the proposal covered training for Ottoman Navy personnel in the operation and maintenance of the submarines, as well as potential options for co-production and technology transfer in the future.
Sultan Mahmud II reviewed the proposal carefully, considering the significant investment and the strategic advantage these submarines could provide. However.
“Six months? That’s a long time. I’m going to need it within this month. Don’t you have a batch ready for transfer? In six months, the French would have delivered everything to the Greek revolutionaries to the point that buying submarines would be pointless.”
Upon hearing Sultan Mahmud II’s concerns, the representative from the Russian shipbuilding company shifted uncomfortably. “Your Majesty, the standard production time for a submarine is quite extensive due to the complexity and technology involved. However, we understand the urgency of your situation. We do have a limited number of submarines that are nearing completion. We could prioritize their final assembly for the Ottoman Empire, but this would require additional resources and thus come at a premium cost.”
Sultan Mahmud II, understanding the constraints of submarine production, responded, “What would be the additional cost for expediting these submarines?”
The representative took a moment to calculate, then replied, “To expedite the completion and delivery within a month, it would cost an additional 20,000 rubles per submarine. This covers the overtime, additional workforce, and expedited testing required to ensure they are battle-ready.”
The Sultan considered this, not even flinching at the cost. “Very well, as long as it can be delivered within a month, we are going to pay what you ask. Now, for the Russian ambassador, I’m sure you have been authorized to sign an arms deal on behalf of your government. We need to formalize this agreement as soon as possible.”
The Russian ambassador nodded, “Yes, Your Majesty. I am fully authorized to finalize this arms deal. We can provide infantry weapons, aircraft, and other military equipment necessary to help you address the rebellion.”
Sultan Mahmud II responded with a nod of approval. “Excellent. We need to reinforce our military capabilities quickly. The Greek rebellion, fueled by French support, poses a significant threat to our sovereignty. We’ll need a comprehensive list of what you can supply, along with costs and delivery timelines.”
The ambassador replied, “I’ll coordinate with our military and ensure you receive a detailed proposal covering all aspects of military support, including infantry weapons, aircraft, and other necessary equipment.”
Turning to the submarine representative, the Sultan added, “Proceed with the expedited production of the submarines. The additional cost is approved. Ensure they are delivered within the stipulated timeframe.”
The meeting reached its conclusion, and both sides prepared to sign a contract to formalize the agreements. The Russian ambassador produced the necessary documents, which detailed the terms of the arms deal.
Sultan Mahmud II carefully reviewed the contract, ensuring all agreed-upon points were accurately reflected. Satisfied, he signed the document, followed by the Russian ambassador’s signature, formalizing the military alliance and arms deal.
The Sultan then turned to the representative from the Russian shipbuilding company. “And now for the submarines,” he stated. The representative presented a separate contract for the expedited production and delivery of the Karp Class submarines, including the additional costs for the expedited schedule.
After a thorough review, Sultan Mahmud II signed this contract as well.
Sultan Mahmud II is determined to not lose Greece.
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