Lord Runciman, who felt that everything was under control, once again began to test Lin Wei's thoughts on Czechoslovakia. Just as Lord Runciman expected, Lin Wei was not ambiguous at all on this matter. The foreign intention is very clear, Germany is determined to win the Sudetenland. There is even a push to the east.
Now, Lord Runciman, who has been staying in Berlin for a few days, is about to go to the Sudetenland for adjustment. As Lord Runciman's "year-old friend", Lin Wei will of course come to see him off. At the airport, Lin and Wei seemed to have been friends for many years. Likewise, if you keep saying "take care", your expression should be more solemn and dignified.
"Lord Runciman, I hope you will come again next time. You are always welcome in Berlin."
"Of course, little Lampard, I will be back soon, but you have to be careful about your red wine."
"Haha... Lord Runciman, I'm afraid you won't be able to finish the drink."
The two chatted heart-to-heart, and said goodbye only when the plane was about to take off. The moment the plane door closed, Lord Runciman's smiling smile turned into a sneer, "Czechoslovakia is nothing but a trivial matter. As long as Germany continues to advance eastward, sooner or later it will confront the Soviets. I don't know what this little guy is." After knowing the true strength of the Soviet people, will you regret your hatred of the Soviet Union? In the end, both the Soviet Union and Germany suffered losses."
Lin Wei's smile disappeared without a trace the moment the plane door closed. Heydrich, who had been standing next to Lin Wei in the name of adjutant, smiled disdainfully and said, "He really thought that our enemies were the Soviets."
"Heydrich, our enemy is indeed the Soviets, and they are the most dangerous one." Lin Wei didn't know whether he was saying it to Heydrich or to himself.
Heydrich did not hear Lin Wei's words. Instead, he said, "Lampard, I have told you not to play these tricks. If I was wrong, Lord Runciman would have discovered that I am Heydrich. But That's okay, sometimes letting him discover something can make him more sure of his judgment and convinced that our two boys are no match for him, an old fox."
"By the way, Heydrich" Lin Wei seemed to have just reacted, "How are our forces in Czechoslovakia prepared?"
Heydrich was quite dissatisfied with Lin Wei's departure, but still replied, "Don't worry, everything is under control."
The President of Czechoslovakia, Edvard Benes, was originally full of hope for the arrival of Lord Runciman, but soon the president began to be disappointed. Judging from the night when Runciman arrived in the Czech Republic and the activities in the following days, The Czechs now fully knew that Runciman had been sent by Chamberlain to pave the way for the transfer of the Sudetenland to Hitler. This is a dirty diplomatic trick.
A weak country has no diplomacy. Edward Benes now deeply understands the meaning of this sentence. He clearly knew the German ambitions for the Sudetenland, but was unable to protect that area.
Runciman travels back and forth between the Sudetenland and Prague. There are more and more friendly gestures towards the Sudeten Germans, and the requirements for the Czechoslovak government are becoming more and more demanding. Whatever the Sudeten people want, they need the Czech government to give them. Runcimann almost played a role in the service of pan-Germanism.
Ferlinger, a Czechoslovakian political activist, pointedly pointed out that Runciman's mission was "a cover used to cover the eyes of British citizens so that they could not see the cession of the Sudetenland. The fate of the Sudetenland was predetermined in London." It was decided."
Zheng Zhi also needed military assistance. On June 1, Hitler announced an exercise on the border between Germany and Czechoslovakia. A total of 13 divisions of the Wehrmacht, as well as four divisions of the SS Gendarmerie, Reich, Police, and Skull, participated When the Germans in the Sudetenland heard about the exercise, they rushed to tell each other. This was like giving them a shot in the arm.
On June 13, Goering invited the French Air Force delegation to visit the aircraft factory and flight show. In front of these visiting groups, the Luftwaffe pilots performed scenes of difficult air combat maneuvers, aircraft manufacturing and advanced models in the factory, The chief of staff of the visiting French Air Force was shocked and concluded that "if France goes to war now, the French Air Force will be wiped out immediately."
On June 21, Lin Wei's father, Gustav, invited French business people to come to Germany for exchanges on behalf of German capitalists. At the same time, the major Juncker families in Germany also expressed their friendship. Companies such as Krupp, Mauser, and Rheinmetall are not shy about showing off their latest products, including Krupp's Panzer IV tank, Mauser's six-barreled Gatling gun, and Rheinmetall's amphibious tank. The French colleagues were shocked. It turned out that their German colleagues relied on these things to make money.
At this time, Hitler once again showed Lin Wei his political skills. On the one hand, he used force to scare Britain and France, and on the other hand, he declared that if Germany's requirements for the Czech Republic were met, it would have nothing else to ask for and be prepared to reach a comprehensive agreement with Britain. As Lin Wei expected, Chamberlain was fooled again.
Not only did he fully agree to Hitler's request, but he also hoped that Hitler would visit London with the King of England. Hitler, of course, expressed his attitude modestly and expressed his appreciation for Chamberlain's pacifism.
In order not to be left alone, Hitler also took great pains to invite Hungary's regent, Admiral Horthy, and members of the Hungarian government, and met with them when Kilgang was reviewing naval exercises, and bluntly said, "Hungary If they want to have a share of the Czech banquet, they must act quickly. Anyone who wants to sit at the table must at least help cook."
As for Poland, they completely believe it. Throughout the summer, Ambassador von Moltke in Warsaw reported to Berlin that not only was Poland unwilling to allow the Soviet Union to send troops and aircraft to the Czech Republic, but the Polish Foreign Minister, Colonel Joseph Beck, was also interested in a piece of Czech territory called Teqing. Drooling.
The Supreme Commander of the German Army and the Army General Headquarters were working day and night at this time, busy formulating the final plan for the invasion of Czechoslovakia on July 1. At this time, President Benes saw that if peace was to be saved, he would have to take decisive action. Therefore, on July 5, the Sudeten leaders Conte and Sibkovsky were summoned to Hradshin Palace and notified to submit all their demands in writing. Whatever these demands may be, he will accept them.
But this was exactly the last thing the Sudeten politicians and their masters in Berlin wanted to see. On July 7, under the instructions of Germany, Hanlein interrupted all negotiations with the Czech government on the pretext of alleged excessive behavior by the Czech police.
On July 10, Göring delivered a militant speech at the Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg. He said, "A small part of Europe is torturing all mankind... This poor dwarf-like nation is oppressing a civilized nation. Behind them are Moscow and the Jewish ghosts."
Just as Germany was getting ready to attack Czechoslovakia, British Prime Minister Chamberlain sent Hitler a telegram, which Hitler happily opened. The telegram said, "In view of the increasingly serious situation, I propose to come to see you immediately to seek a peaceful solution. I propose to come by plane and prepare to leave tomorrow. Please tell me the earliest time you can receive me, and please I'll tell you the meeting place. I hope you can tell me as soon as possible." Chamberlain showed off his dignity, climbed mountains and waded in rivers, and came to see him after a long journey, which made Hitler surprised and happy. "Oh my God!" Hitler exclaimed when he saw Chamberlain's telegram.
Chamberlain's telegram made Hitler secretly relieved. He knew that he had won the bet again. So in the afternoon of that day, Hitler replied to Chamberlain with excitement, saying that he accepted Chamberlain's proposal and suggested that he would meet at Bech at noon the next day. Meeting in Tesgaden.
The man who holds the fate of the British Empire in his hands, the man who is already 69 years old and has never flown on an airplane, is actually willing to condescend to a 7-hour long-distance flight to the most remote place in Germany, Berchtesgaden. He was overjoyed when Sgaden came to beg him. Hitler was so unceremonious that he refused to even suggest a meeting place in the Rhineland, which would have been possible.
Cutting the Prime Minister's journey in half.
Chamberlain landed at Munich Airport at noon on July 15, then took an open car to the train station, and then took a three-hour special bus to Berchtesgaden. Hitler knew very well that Chamberlain's trip was a God-sent opportunity for him. The German Embassy in Britain had already reported that British leaders were ready to initiate the implementation of "Germany's multifaceted proposals." Hitler was very sure: Chamberlain's visit this time was a further guarantee that Britain and France would, as he had always believed, There would be no military intervention for Czechoslovakia.
It was not accidental that Hitler knew Chamberlain so well. It was based on long-term observation and investigation. Chamberlain was the leader of the British Conservative Party and came to power in May 1937. He was born as a big capitalist in Birmingham, a director of a big arms manufacturer, and a die-hard anti-Soviet activist. However, what was unexpected was that the director of the arms manufacturer was not a tough diplomat, but a pacifist. Or, this is also what puzzled Hitler. Ribbentrop, the German ambassador to the UK, once wrote: "The Chamberlain government was the first government among the post-war British cabinets to make seeking compromise with Germany the most important issue in its political platform."
Not long after Chamberlain came to power, in mid-November of the same year, he sent his minister Lord Halifax to Germany to meet with Hitler and hold an important secret meeting. Hitler promised that he would not seriously raise the issue of returning the colonies for six years, and Halifax stated that he did not oppose German expansion in Central Europe, but Germany must avoid the open use of force. He also complimented Germany as "the Western anti-Bolshevik barrier" and suggested that Germany could march towards Eastern Europe.
The moment the plane door opened, Lin Wei saw the British Prime Minister who was famous for his appeasement policy. Although Chamberlain in front of him was nearly seventy years old, his straight body, bright eyes and regular facial features made people laugh. I know he must have been a handsome guy when he was young.
Maybe he is not suitable to be a politician, Lin Wei thought unnaturally. However, Lin Wei was not rude. Although Hitler could pretend to be a great power and not come to receive people, it did not mean that Lin Wei could do the same. Lin Wei stepped forward and said gently, "Dear British Prime Minister, the head of state is waiting in the official residence. "Looking at you, on behalf of the Führer and the entire German Third Reich, I welcome your arrival." At this point, Lin Wei performed a standard Juncker etiquette.
"Thank you!" Chamberlain replied with a gentlemanly manner, "Lampard & Krupp? You are younger than I thought. I really envy you...".
"Prime Minister, you're complimenting me. I'm just lucky. The head of state is still waiting for you. Please get in the car." As he said that, Lin Wei waved his hand and the SS military police guarding the side gave way to a road. A car was waiting for him not far away. The luxurious Mercedes-Benz sedan was parked there quietly. Lin Wei walked over to the Prime Minister and opened the car door, letting Chamberlain sit in, while he sat in the car behind.
After the luxurious motorcade left the airport, it was immediately surrounded by a roaring crowd. Crowds continued to pour out of the streets, forcing the motorcade to slow down. People held high the national flags of Britain and Germany and held flowers. , which made Chamberlain feel that Germany was different in terms of documents. Not only am I full of confidence in this trip.
However, if Lin Wei knew Chamberlain's thoughts, he would definitely sneer at him. In Lin Wei's eyes, what these people hold are not flowers, but bullets. Once necessary, these seemingly peace-loving citizens will pick up their guns and fight the enemy to the death.
In the subsequent World War II, Germany paid a heavier price than many invaded countries. One in eight Germans died in the war. Germany mobilized 17.5 million people to fight for the war. For a country with a population of only 80 million, For our country, everyone knows what it means. After the war, Germany could not even find men from the years 1919 to 1923. If war is based on human will, Germany should be the country that should win the most, because it works harder than others.
After several bumpy hours, Chamberlain finally reached the steep, winding road leading to the Berghof villa. After another half hour of driving, the convoy finally appeared in front of the Berghof Villa. Hitler stood on the high steps of the Berghof Villa, waiting for his distinguished guest.
When the car arrived at the door of the villa, Chamberlain got out of the car with a pale face. After all, he was almost seventy years old. Lin Wei went up to feast on him, and Chamberlain smiled kindly, packed up his gear, and came to Hitler with all his strength. Seeing Chamberlain's slow steps, Lin Wei not only sighed slightly in his heart, "If you hadn't met someone like Hitler, things would have been realized step by step according to your plan."
Entering the villa, the waiter immediately brought snacks and tea. Hitler picked up the tea cup and took a sip and said, "Prime Minister, I believe you have seen it when you came. The German people are living an unprecedented life. Now every German Everyone can work and become an honorable worker. You can even travel abroad in your spare time. We have signed a non-aggression treaty with Poland and a naval agreement with you, the United Kingdom. We Germans are so peace-loving, but some countries They are treating German citizens with cruelty. The Czechs have suppressed the local Germans in the Sudetenland for more than a day or two. I hope to hear the Prime Minister's answer, are you prepared to let Germany do this?"
The meaning of Hitler's words can be simply put into a few words: Germany's contribution, international peace, and Anglo-German friendship. These words really mean what they say. After all, Germany is currently doing quite well, except for Austria's time of course. outside.
At this time, Chamberlain was listening to Hitler's words attentively, with a friendly smile while listening. After Hitler finished speaking, he stared at Hitler with two eyes and said slowly: "Dear Führer, in my opinion, as long as you and your empire decide not to use force, then I am ready to discuss the solution for Germany." The possibility of redress of grievances.”
"Use force?" Hitler said coldly, "The people who used force are in Czechoslovakia. As I said just now, Prime Minister, with your country's intelligence agency, how could you not know that the Germans in the Sudetenland were a few years ago?" How was your life?"
Chamberlain sighed. Of course he knew what Hitler was referring to. Just after the collapse of the Second Reich, life became difficult for the Germans. At this time, who would respect the people of a country that is dilapidated and may be disintegrated at any time? The Germanic people in the Sudetenland were also a problem left over from that time. Not to mention that Germany was the second most powerful country in Europe, so what if it was the most powerful country in the world
Hitler seemed to see Chamberlain's hesitation and shouted loudly, "Don't have any doubts about my determination. I will never tolerate a small second-class country and treat the powerful Germany with a history of 1,000 years as if it were second-class." country. I am 49 years old. If Germany is involved in a world war over Czechoslovakia, I hope that I can lead Germany through the crisis in my prime years. I am prepared for any war, even a world war. World You can do whatever you want to other countries, and I will never take a step back."
Hitler talked endlessly and made nonsense. Chamberlain simply couldn't get a word in. His patience is amazing, but it has its limits. At this moment, he interrupted Hitler and said, "If the Führer has decided to solve this problem by force and does not even want to discuss it among us, then why should I come? I have wasted my time. ."
Hitler was stunned for a moment. No one had talked back to him in Germany for a long time, and he was used to making his own decisions on everything. Chamberlain's retort made Hitler suddenly feel at a loss. However, Hitler immediately calmed down and said, "Prime Minister, let's discuss how to peacefully resolve the Czechoslovakia problem. To put it simply, is Britain willing to agree to cede the Sudetenland? Or should it cede based on the principle of national self-determination?"