Chapter- 15 His plans (Part-2)

After talking about diplomatic issues, he thought about who should be send in Egypt as a diplomat.

He knew that Greece already had three individual who were eligible for this diplomatic mission. Even then he asked to Kapodistrias while checking the documents about Greek economic condition,

"Who will be the one suitable for the diplomatic visit to Egypt, Kapodistrias?"

Hearing his question, Kapodistrias touched his chin and thought that now Kingdom of Greece had two official diplomats. They were Konstantinos Kanaris was appointed as a diplomat in France and Britain. Spyridon Trikoupis was in Russia as diplomat. So, they could never travel Egypt. As for any other candidate, only Alexander Mavrokordatos remained who did not have good relation with him. Alexander also had better experience in Middle-East diplomacy. He did not know if Alexander would accept his offer or not.

After a brief hesitation, he replied looking straight towards Otto,

"Your Majesty, we only have two official diplomats for now, Konstantinos Kanaris and Spyridon Trikoupis. Well, both are already busy in Britain, France and Russia. You know the reason that we cannot withdraw our diplomats from there. So, only remain candidate is Alexander Mavrokordatos. Who already had an experience as a Foreign Minister. But Convincing is somehow impossible for me. Since he was already at odds with me."

Otto hearing his words somehow got confused. Since he never imagined that Kapodistrias would support Alexander Mavrokordatos when they were already known as enemies. Speaking of Alexander Mavrokordatos, he was a guy who believed in French revolution and a staunch supporter of a Republican Greece. In his past timeline, no one never realised that he would suddenly support Otto of Greece. He would serve as a Prime Minister for several terms in the time of Otto's reign. Every time he left Prime Minister post, it would only for disagreement between him and Otto and he even tried to overthrow Otto once but failed to do so. Regardless of whether his work was in diplomacy or administration, Alexandros Mavrokordatos did a lot of good work. So, he would be best for this diplomatic visit in Egypt but Otto really forgot about him. Otto thought that it was really his mistake so he would need to talk with him. After a long silence, Otto uttered with a vice of reassurance,

" You don't need to worry about it, Kapodistrias. I will persuade Alexander to reassume the role of Foreign Minister and embark on a diplomatic visit to Egypt."

Kapodistrias stared at him in disbelief hearing his confident tone. At last, he decided to let Otto try it out first. Since it was the only idea, they had in their mind. If it failed, Kapodistrias would then go to Alexander to negotiate with him. So, Kapodistrias nodded in approval.

Then Otto instructed him to contact the remaining ministers immediately, urging them to convene for a comprehensive discussion on the crucial policies that needed to be implemented. Otto also told him to call John Stuart Mill, the economic advisor.

A few minutes later, the ministers came into the study. They were a diverse group, representing a wide range of political views. They wanted to know what their King demands. His economic advisor also joined them.

"Thank you for coming,"

Otto said.

"I know that you are all busy in your work, but I need your help and Greece is already in a state of crisis, and we need to act quickly to implement some crucial policies to lessen it."

Minister of Education, Athanasios Kanakaris voiced his thoughts first.

"Your Majesty, we need to make reforms for education quickly."

At the similar time, Minister of Public Works, Nikolaos Souliotis uttered with a sense of urgency,

"Your Majesty, we have dire needs of a lot of roads and infrastructure. It is urgent."

Otto looked at both of them and rebuked at them angrily,

"Hold your tongues! Do you think this is a marketplace? Why are you a group of old men shouting like this? Do you have any sense of shame?"

Otto then silently looked at all of them and declared,

"If everything is alright, we are going to get a new foreign Minister soon. I won't tell you about the name of the candidate for now. Since you will know it later. I am taking the department of Agriculture and Industry Ministry for myself."

After an intentional pause, he spoke,

"Now our country doesn't have enough materials to focus on industries. We also had to go through a severe food shortage. So, we must take a five-year policy where will we only focus on agriculture and its related industries like food industries. It has to be our main focus for these five years. Not any type of steel industry. Also, we need a food safety commission who will watch the quality and safety of marketed food and give advice to the government on food safety laws. You all have studied in different universities so you obviously know a lot of people who researched in several fields. I am going to make a lot of commissions like this where people like these will be needed. So, your work will be to make list of these type of people whom you know and recommend them to me with their all-background history. Do you understand?"

The Ministers nodded in unison. Then, he asked John Stuart Mill,

"What do you think about this five-year policy, John?"

John answered,

"Since, we don't have any minerals, Agriculture is best for us. But we also need a lot of roads and infrastructure to get maximum benefits from this agricultural promotion. It will be really useful to connect farmers with major cities."

Otto thought some time and decided,

"Let's do this. Finance Minister Augustinos Kapodistrias, make a detailed budget on road and infrastructure construction. It will be added in the Five-year policy. These roads will connect all main cities and towns together."

Augustinos nodded. Otto again started

,

"Education has to be free to for Childrens. Make proper books for them which will be free for Childrens. As for University, start renovating Athens University. It will be our First University. It will not be free education. University subjects will depend on how much jobs can be offered to the graduated student. We need to ensure that every graduate from university will get a job. University enrolment exam have to be strict. We will focus over quality in university. Those who get first three positions can get scholarships but it is only available for poor. I will donate the money for scholarship. As for primary education, it has to spread as fast as possible. Do you have any objection, Athanasios?"

Athanasios agreed to Otto's word. Then Otto expressed,

"Make a commission who will survey the availability of minerals and terrains. This commission will also be the only map maker in our country. Their maps will be used by Military and Administrative purpose for now."

"Military education should be made mandatory for individuals after reaching 17 years of age. They need to go through it for two years. It will ensure the better quality of conscripts. Also, for now train everyone who has age of maximum 35 and minimum 17.

Organize the Military and train them as the best army of Balkans. So that we can beat our enemies with quality. Let's take Ottoman's as our target and excel them in quality first. Slowly start stockpiling resources needed for war. Increase the training of soldiers. I can guarantee you that we will be going to war in between 5-10 years against Ottomans. Properly fortify defences around our border. If money is problem, then we will sell bonds in French and British Markets. I hope everything will be ready before war. Do you Understand, Minister of War, Theodoros Kolokotronis?"

Theodoros replied

"I will obey. Your Highness."