mesbooks Chapter 428 OCBC Bank’s Gold Reserves (2)
Chapter 428 OCBC Bank’s Gold Reserves (2)
As the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia, OCBC Bank Singapore has branches and service agencies in Singapore, as well as in the Republic of China and Southeast Asia.
Including Boss Chen, overseas Chinese and Chinese businessmen in Pegu, Siam, Malay, Borneo, Annan, Luzon and other places have deposits in OCBC Bank.
In addition, many White Party officials and compradors of the Republic of China also deposited money or borrowed money from it, so OCBC's position in the financial world of the Chinese circle was second to none.
However, although this bank claims to be controlled by Chinese capital and Chinese directors, it cannot now completely break free from the control of its colonial overlord, the United Kingdom.
Along the way, Chen Zhenchuan appeared to be observing the street and chatting with Secretary Liu, but in fact his brain was working rapidly, thinking about the upcoming meeting and conversation.
Soon, Chen Zhenchuan and his secretary entered a quiet room under the guidance of Liu Shengnan.
"Please wait a moment. Commissioner Zhang has already made time for this meeting and will be here soon to discuss it with you in person." Liu Shengnan bowed slightly and added, "He has always spoken highly of you, calling you the 'beacon of the Nanyang economy' and the future king of the banking industry."
"Mr. Zhang, you are too kind." Chen Zhenchuan smiled modestly, but his eyes became more profound.
Liu Shengnan served the tea and turned to leave. His secretary came closer and whispered:
"Director Chen, are you really planning to cooperate with this Commissioner Zhang? He's just an upstart military leader who rose to prominence in just a few years..."
Chen Zhenchuan raised his hand to stop the secretary's nonsense and said calmly:
"He's not just some commissioner or military leader. He's the King of Nanyang, commanding hundreds of thousands of troops and ruling over thousands of miles of land. If you keep talking nonsense, your life will be in danger..."
He knew that Zhang Chi, the King of Nanyang who was only two years younger than him, was not a polite person.
This arrangement, and the various compliments he received through Secretary Liu, simply showed that Zhang Chi had long regarded him as a potential talent and hoped that he could work for him and display his abilities.
Rather than just treating him as a banker and discussing with him the little gold that OCBC has.
And doesn't he have such a plan?
Isn't it better to work for Zhang Chi and the People's Army than to be a second-class citizen for the John people?
You have to know that in Singapore, Chinese people don’t even have citizenship rights.
The sunlight shone through the car window onto Chen Zhenchuan's gold-rimmed glasses, reflecting a hint of calm sharpness.
He played with the passport in his hand, the words "British Overseas Territory Resident" on it were so eye-catching.
It is obvious that these Chinese are the locals who have lived and multiplied in Singapore for dozens or even hundreds of years, but they have become "residents" living under the protection of others, while the colonists like the Johns have become the "masters".
Now that the An Min Army has liberated Singapore, the opportunity to become the master of the situation is right in front of us.
As the managing director of OCBC Bank in Singapore, he naturally had to be the first player to place a bet in this game of new order, and his bet was himself and the gold.
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Soon, a young man in casual clothes pushed open the door and walked in with great strides.
Upon seeing Zhang Chi, Chen Zhenchuan immediately stood up, smiled, and extended his right hand:
"I've long heard of Mr. Zhang's great name. Seeing him today, I can see he's truly extraordinary."
Zhang Chi smiled and shook his hand warmly. "No, no, I've heard a lot about Mr. Chen's reputation. Please take a seat. You must have had a hard time traveling here."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two quickly got down to business.
"Mr. Chen has come from Mumbai this time, so he must have some needs. Let's not beat around the bush."
Chen Zhenchuan put away his smile, and a hint of seriousness appeared in his eyes:
"Since Mr. Zhang has liberated Singapore in one fell swoop, how can we, as Chinese, continue to be dependent on the colonizers? This time, I am here on behalf of the OCBC Bank board of directors to discuss several important matters with Mr. Zhang."
Zhang Chi also had a serious expression on his face. He knew that Chen Zhenchuan was delivering a message on behalf of those wealthy local tyrants in Singapore.
As for using the name of the OCBC Bank board of directors, it is simply to make the conversation less formal and leave enough room for maneuver for both parties.
So he nodded and said, "Please go ahead."
"First, regarding OCBC Bank's existing real estate and capital reserves in Singapore, we hope that your army will return them in their original condition after taking over the city's affairs so that we can resume business as soon as possible."
Zhang Chi pondered for a moment and said, "Regarding the bank's real estate, that's no problem. I will instruct the Municipal Administration Committee not to requisition your buildings, land, and equipment for the time being, and will return them in their original condition after a thorough accounting. As for other Chinese-owned enterprises and personal property of Chinese nationals, they will also be returned in their original condition after the martial law ends, according to the same conditions."
As the old saying goes, he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world.
Zhang Chi knew that if he imitated the future White Party and took over enemy property, like in the TV series "The Disguiser", after the Japanese surrendered, they would go to Tianjin and label any good things they saw as "enemy property" and take them for themselves.
That would only enrich a few people, but would push all the local people in Singapore to the opposite side, and even make them join the John people in opposing their own rule.
Therefore, he said this with a firm tone, and immediately won Chen Zhenchuan's favor.
"However, the fighting was fierce, and many buildings were destroyed in the flames. Regarding this situation..."
Chen Zhenchuan naturally continued, "That's naturally the Japanese's fault. Once the Allies completely defeat the Japanese, we will naturally seek compensation."
Zhang Chi naturally agreed: "Of course, I will take charge when the time comes and demand a large compensation from the devils on everyone's behalf!"
The two smiled at each other, feeling that they saw the same thing.
"Secondly, the gold we have in reserve at OCBC Bank in Mumbai is still under the financial supervision of the Japanese. Although it was spared from plunder by the Japanese at the time, it has now become a hot potato."
Zhang Chi asked seriously, "Is the gold still under your control? Or has the John people forcibly confiscated it?"
Chen Zhenchuan shook his head. "It's still in the branch's underground vault. Although the Johns are thieves, they also understand the importance of commercial credit. At most, they will delay the procedures and create obstacles, but they won't commit open robbery."
Zhang Chi sighed, "That's hard to say. To avoid any further complications, we should get it back to Lion City as soon as possible."
"But that batch of gold is huge after all. Everyone knows about it now. If we want to transport it back from Mumbai, I hope General Zhang can send troops and warships to escort it and ensure its safety during the journey."
Since Zhang Chi had no bad record and there were no rumors of large-scale looting by the An Min Army during the liberation of Pegu, Siam and Malay, Chen Zhenchuan easily agreed to transport the gold back as soon as possible without worrying about the gold falling into the hands of the enemy.
"Of course," Zhang Chi said without hesitation. "We've been deployed in the Bay of Bengal for a long time, so deploying a few frigates and destroyers won't be a problem. To bring the gold back, we have to make a grand display and let the whole world know that the Chinese in Singapore have control over their own money."