Chapter 401: The Destruction of Cuban Casinos

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The stock market crash in Japan bore a striking resemblance to a financial disaster from the late Qing Dynasty, which had been engineered by American interests.

In March 1910, the Langerz Rubber Company of the United States issued rubber stocks on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. From an initial nominal value of less than 100 taels, the stocks skyrocketed to over 1,600 taels within a month.

This surge was driven by two main factors: the significant rise in rubber prices that year and the company's promise of high dividends. Viewed from today's perspective, it was a classic Ponzi scheme—luring investors with the allure of high returns. This pattern of exploiting human greed for financial gain has remained largely unchanged, only with minor adjustments over time.

At the time, the excitement around rubber stocks was palpable. Banks, institutions, and individuals poured money into these investments, driving the stock prices even higher. The frenzy extended to over thirty different rubber stocks, leading to a vast influx of capital from numerous banks and hundreds of thousands of retail investors. The total amount of funds invested reached 60 to 70 million taels of silver.

However, this frenzy came to a halt in July. The U.S. market imposed restrictions on rubber prices, and other countries followed suit, destabilizing the market. Prices plummeted from 12 taels to unstable lows, and the stock market crash was swift and severe. The collapse led to the closure of numerous banks and institutions, and by August, China's largest bank, Yuanfengrun, had collapsed—equivalent to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty's treasury.

The crash not only drained the vitality of the Qing Dynasty but also triggered a series of revolutionary movements. Behind the scenes, GP Morgan orchestrated this financial disaster.

The Japanese stock market crash mirrored the scale of the Qing rubber stock market collapse, resulting in a staggering loss of $500 million and a significant blow to the Japanese economy and national confidence. Japan, having recently emerged from the throes of war, found itself back in a deep financial pit.

With the situation in Japan settled, Hardy received a telegram informing him that his new private jet and yacht were ready for collection. He had ordered a DC-6 from Douglas Aircraft Company two years prior. While his current private jet, a modified B-29 bomber, was impressive, the DC-6 offered superior comfort and luxury.

Upon arrival at the Douglas Aircraft Company, Hardy was greeted by President John Skelly. Hardy, a prominent billionaire with significant investments, was shown to his new plane, which featured a sleek silver exterior with gold stripes and a personalized signature.

The interior of the DC-6 was lavishly appointed with round sofas, a wine cabinet, a small kitchen, and a large bedroom with a grand bed. Hardy was very pleased with the new aircraft, planning to use it for trips within the U.S. and the Cayman Islands, while reserving the B-29 for longer distances.

During a luncheon with Skelly, Hardy was invited to invest in Douglas Aircraft Company. However, Hardy declined, preferring to invest in companies with a more secure future, such as Boeing and Lockheed. His strategic foresight allowed him to avoid potential pitfalls, a significant advantage in the investment world.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Hardy showed off his new yacht, a massive white vessel parked in the private yacht area of the Bay Marina. The yacht's grandeur attracted much attention, with its four floors and opulent features. Hardy and Andy enjoyed a tour of the yacht, discussing the progress of the Cayman Islands' development.

Andy noted the competition from Cuban casinos, which had become popular among Americans traveling from Miami. The Cuban casinos, run by the American Mafia, had been highly profitable, with significant income from gambling, drug sales, and money laundering.

Hardy, who had been planning to disrupt Cuban casino operations for years, assured Andy that he had already arranged a strategy. The Cuban casinos were thriving, but Hardy's upcoming plans for the Cayman Islands would offer a competitive alternative.

Meanwhile, in Cuba, a revolutionary group led by Fidel Castro was preparing to overthrow the dictatorship. With a mix of idealistic fervor and practical needs, Castro's group acquired weapons and planned to fund their cause through a bold heist at the American casinos.

Their plan involved seizing cash from the casinos, creating a dramatic spectacle to announce their presence, and simultaneously funding their revolutionary efforts. As they prepared for their audacious move, the stage was set for a confrontation that would impact both the casino industry and the broader geopolitical landscape.