Chapter 1335: Chapter 456: The Meeting in Washington (Part 2)
Donnie smiled and asked, “If I’m not mistaken, Mr. Giannini, you are here for the policy on the nationalization of the banking network across the United States, aren’t you?”
Amadei Giannini asked in surprise, “Could it be that Mr. Block, you’re also here for the same reason?”
There was a hint of excitement in Amadei Giannini’s tone as he asked.
Donnie nodded slightly and said, “That’s exactly the case…”
In fact, Donnie Block is now facing the same situation as Amadei Giannini; both the Breton Bank and the Florida National Bank have already acquired numerous commercial bank branches.
This means that the issue the Italian Bank is facing now might very well be something Donnie might encounter in the future.
Therefore, after seeing the situation of the Italian Bank, Donnie also came to Washington, hoping to persuade the White House and the Treasury Department to promote the policy of national banking network integration.
Hearing Donnie’s description, Amadei Giannini immediately felt he had found a kindred spirit.
He had only met Donnie once, but he knew quite a bit about Donnie; compared to his side, Donnie clearly had more influence in the White House and the Treasury Department.
With Donnie’s cooperation, his idea might very well come to fruition.
Andrew Mellon was sitting in his chair, looking somewhat helplessly at Donnie Block and Amadei Giannini as he said, “Gentlemen, your idea is overly simplistic. If this policy is implemented, to be blunt, it would alter the entire structure of the American banking industry. Even if I honestly want to help you, I have no way of successfully implementing this policy.”
Seeing Andrew Mellon say this, Amadei Giannini was slightly surprised.
Before, when he had laid out his plans at the headquarters of the Italian Bank, he believed there was a high possibility of success because he knew that in addition to being the Treasurer of the United States, Andrew Mellon was also the actual controller of Mellon Bank.
If this plan succeeded, it would also be a tremendous opportunity for Mellon Bank.
Now seeing Donnie Block here as well, Amadei Giannini believed his chances of success had increased, because everyone knew that Donnie’s Venus Bank and Andrew Mellon’s Mellon Bank were very close partners.
The two were also very good friends in private!
Even the President of the United States, Coolidge, and Donnie Block shared a friendship that many envied.
But now Andrew Mellon was making it clear to them that making this happen was virtually impossible.
There seemed to be no room for negotiation at all.
“Mr. Mellon, you must understand that if this policy is implemented, it would be an excellent opportunity for the Italian Bank, Venus Bank, and Mellon Bank!”
Amadei Giannini earnestly tried to persuade Andrew Mellon.
Andrew Mellon didn’t respond to Amadei Giannini’s words; instead, he smiled and asked, “Mr. Giannini, haven’t you already publicly stated that you are willing to give up the Italian Bank?”
To this question, Amadei Giannini was quite candid, saying, “Mr. Mellon, hasn’t it not reached the final deadline yet? If the Treasury Department can pass this law, then won’t our Italian Bank be saved?
Even if, as a last resort, we really don’t save the Italian Bank this time, it paves a better direction for the Giannini family’s reentry into the banking industry in the future. Plus, I think, at that time, many of our peers in the banking industry would thank me for getting them this policy!”
Andrew Mellon nodded, acknowledging Amadei Giannini’s point, but still shook his head and said, “I’m really sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about this!”
Donnie advised, “Mr. Mellon, we aren’t hoping you can directly announce this bill. At least, we hope this bill can be submitted to Congress. If Congress can pass this bill, wouldn’t that be a win-win situation?”
Amadei Giannini realized that Donnie was not completely on the same side as him.
Although, no matter what, if this bill is to pass, it definitely needs the vote of Congress, Donnie’s statement essentially prolongs the time for this bill to pass.
According to Amadei Giannini’s original idea, first persuade Andrew Mellon of this matter, and then persuade the President, anyways, Coolidge had already declared not running for reelection, meaning this year would be Coolidge’s last year as President of the United States.
At this time, if Congress doesn’t want to oppose a President who has fewer demands, coupled with his own maneuvers and the support of California congressmen, this bill is very likely to pass.
But now Donnie’s idea was to let Andrew Mellon directly submit this bill to Congress for discussion. Following the style of those in Congress, it might not even be passed until the next President of the United States takes office.
After a moment of contemplation, Andrew Mellon still didn’t agree to Donnie’s suggestion: “This is an impossible bill to pass; even if it’s submitted, it’s useless. I think you two should just give up!”
What followed was a relentless tug-of-war.
In the end, Andrew Mellon never relented.
Faced with such a result, Donnie Block even began engaging with Andrew Mellon in a more intense manner.
But it was still in vain.
Finally, Donnie and Amadei Giannini left the Treasury Department.
“Mr. Block, do you have time?”
Amadei Giannini extended an invitation to Donnie.
Donnie nodded and said, “Even if you hadn’t said it, Mr. Giannini, I wanted to talk with you as well.”
The two hit it off and went to a tavern. By now, these underground taverns in the United States were beginning to emerge, and the previous situation of secrecy had long since disappeared.
This was indeed a sign that the Prohibition in the United States would eventually be repealed.
Once Franklin Roosevelt took office, and the Great Depression struck, the repeal of Prohibition became inevitable.
In the tavern, the two sat together.
“Mr. Block, let’s cooperate!”
Amadei Giannini said directly.
“After all, our goals are the same!”
Donnie nodded and said, “I share the same thoughts as you, Mr. Giannini; only by joining hands can we better implement this bill!”
Amadei Giannini looked somewhat excited. If he could gain Donnie’s full support, he believed the chances of success would be greater.
“But, won’t this affect your relationship with Morgan, Mr. Block?”
Just like the relationship between Venus Bank and Mellon Bank, everyone was also aware of the relationship between Venus Bank and Morgan.
Now, Morgan evidently wanted to seize the Italian Bank from Amadei Giannini; if Donnie were to cooperate with the Italian Bank at this time, he would be opposing Morgan!
“Mr. Giannini, you really asked a naïve question!” Donnie laughed easily, “I admit, there are many collaborations between Venus Bank and Morgan, and my relationship with Jack Morgan is excellent, but business is business. There’s no room for personal relationships. Implementing the national banking network is beneficial to Venus Bank, and naturally, I support this policy!”
Donnie laughed.
Amadei Giannini said seriously, “Mr. Block’s thinking is correct, and I admire your decision!”
Donnie smiled and asked, “Since Mr. Giannini is willing to cooperate, why don’t we be transparent? From your current actions to seek out the Treasury Department, I don’t believe you have no other ideas besides this plan. If you use the same rhetoric you used with Andrew Mellon, then there’s no need for us to cooperate!”