America 1919-Chapter 930 - 317, the second batch of Tarot Society members_3

Currently, the number of military factories in the United States is not small, but this figure has already declined following several years of a severe downturn in the military-industrial sector. One must know that before World War I, the number of military factories in the United States was more than double the current count.

It can be said that the American military-industrial sector is now in its winter period, and yet Donnie is considering entering this field at such a time.

This caused a few of the previously enthusiastic individuals to feel slightly disappointed.

However, amidst them, there was someone with an unusual expression.

This person was Pierre DuPont, a newly inducted 12th-level member of the Tarot Society!

Although Pierre DuPont is currently the nominal president of General Motors, the DuPont Family’s arms business has never ceased.

In fact, to some extent, before 1900, the DuPont Family’s influence in the military-industrial sector exceeded even the Rockefeller Family’s dominance in oil.

In its early years, the Rockefeller Family, due to its monopoly on oil, faced intervention by the White House and eventually had to dismantle its family oil empire. Although, thanks to Old Rockefeller’s extraordinary skills, on paper, the Rockefeller Family’s oil business was split up, in reality, those fragmented oil companies resembled extensions of the Rockefeller Family.

Nevertheless, the splitting event did indeed occur.

On the other hand, the DuPont Family in the arms sector did not face such a situation. One reason is that arms enterprises are distanced from daily livelihood, making it hard for the public to observe the DuPont Family’s business in ordinary times.

The second reason is that the DuPont Family is comparatively more low-profile and adept at navigating relationships than the Rockefeller Family.

Now, Donnie’s intention to establish his own military factory essentially means stepping into the DuPont Family’s business territory. Although the military-industrial business across the United States is currently in decline, the influence of the Venus Consortium cannot be ignored by DuPont.

"Donnie, you should understand the current international situation. While there are indeed many regions facing instability, overall, the global situation is relatively stable. Entering the military-industrial sector at this time might not be a wise choice, don’t you think?"

Pierre DuPont couldn’t help but voice his thoughts to Donnie.

The others in the room nodded upon hearing Pierre DuPont’s question.

Donnie acknowledged Pierre DuPont’s reasoning with a nod but did not refute it. "Pierre, you’re correct. The current international situation is indeed relatively peaceful, but that doesn’t mean this peace will last long. If you carefully study the history of these nations, you’ll realize that perhaps within a few years, some countries might face significant unrest. When that time comes, our military products will naturally find a market!"

Coolidge and other White House personnel nodded after hearing Donnie’s explanation. It wasn’t that they agreed with Donnie’s analysis of the international situation but rather with his point: if significant unrest does occur in certain countries, the United States would certainly intervene. In such scenarios, both the U.S. Army and the countries in turmoil would need weapons!

"Donnie, I admit your argument is valid, but you must also realize that the result of your analysis is predicated on the assumption of unrest occurring in some nations. What if no major global unrest takes place?"

Andrew Mellon posed the question to Donnie.

The others also turned their inquiring eyes toward Donnie.

Donnie replied with a confident smile: "If no unrest occurs, we’ll simply create some chaos ourselves. Wouldn’t that solve the problem?"

It has to be said, Donnie’s idea left everyone in the room taken aback.

The United States at this time is not the post-World War II superpower. Currently, the prevailing mindset within the country is to focus on domestic economic growth, regardless of the external world’s state. There wasn’t yet the thought of actively provoking wars.

But now, Donnie had presented them with an intriguing concept.

Indeed, if there’s no war, then why not create one?

"It’s a good idea, but pulling it off successfully won’t be so simple!"

Old Rockefeller weighed in with a prudent comment.

Donnie confidently responded: "A few years ago, I believe none of you here would have imagined that a poor boy from Atlantic City would, in just a few years, have the opportunity to sit with all of you discussing such matters, right?"

Donnie’s words plunged everyone into silence.

It seemed that Donnie had indeed never undertaken a business deal that resulted in a loss.

What’s more, present in the room were the United States Army Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff. Although they couldn’t fully support Donnie in matters like these, their backing would undoubtedly bring certain advantages to Donnie’s arms business!

The attendees couldn’t help but seriously consider whether this venture aligned with their expected return on investment.

Breaking the silence, Abbas Clow suddenly asked Donnie: "Mr. Block, may I ask how much you plan to invest in your military factory?"

Seeing someone finally touch upon the critical question, Donnie explained: "In the initial phase, an estimated $15 million will be invested, followed by an annual research and development budget of $5 million. Moreover, in my plans, this military factory is unlikely to generate substantial profits within the first five years!"

This statement served as yet another deterrent to the others considering investing.

An initial $15 million, an annual $5 million for R&D, and minimal profitability for the first five years—coupled with operational costs during that time—meant the total investment would likely approach $50 million.

Although the business magnates present could all afford this sum, the prospect of a five-year period with no visible returns still daunted many of them!

At this point, Jack Morgan remarked with a laugh: "Our firm, Morgan, will pass. This business doesn’t align with Morgan’s investment strategy!"

Old Rockefeller also interjected: "We’ll pass as well, but we hope your investment succeeds, Donnie!"

In response to the rejections from these two, Donnie’s expression remained unchanged as he turned to look at the others.