Empire in Progress

Chapter 327: Vienna Arbitration (3)

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The border issue between Hungary and Romania is indeed very troublesome, especially since there is a hidden issue in it, that is, Bulgaria’s territorial claim is the same as the conflict between Germany and Poland. The border issue between Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania, It also came about after World War I. Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. After the war, it was naturally contained by Britain and France. Slovakia and the northern part of what is now Romania under Hungary's control, as well as part of Western Ukraine and the original coastline of Yugoslavia, the war After being divided up by other countries, Hungary lost all its coastline, and its leader, Admiral Prince Horthy, became an admiral in name only. Although Romania sided with the Allies during World War I, it now occupies an important position because it is the last oil-producing area in Europe that is not controlled by the Soviet Union.

Although the two countries have small territories, their military strength is not weak. Both sides have assembled hundreds of thousands of troops on the border and may start a war at any time. There is also Bulgaria, which is fishing in troubled waters. Lin Wei does not dare to have the slightest contempt for these small countries in Eastern Europe. Who would have thought that Bulgaria, which seems to have a small territory, can mobilize one million troops during World War I. If the power of the three countries can be concentrated, it will undoubtedly reduce a lot of pressure on Germany, so they cannot be allowed to fight under any circumstances.

The meeting just touched on the border issue between Hungary and Romania. The crowd in the venue was immediately divided into two groups. Members of the Romanian Iron Guard and the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party couldn't argue, and both asked the other party to make concessions. This is actually normal. , although they can be called comrades to a certain extent. But they still have their own motherland, and it is impossible to completely let go of their prejudices.

However, in comparison, the Hungarians are still tougher. They have already stated that if Romania does not make concessions, even if the Soviet Union takes them over, they will gather their troops to regain the territory belonging to Hungary. Looking at the people who were already quarreling, everyone on the stage showed helpless expressions. If it was just a problem between these two countries, the key is that when the representatives of the two countries were quarreling, the Bulgarians kept shouting beside them. Fan the flames.

In fact, what Bulgaria means is not incomprehensible. In addition to regaining the territory ceded after World War I, Bulgaria also wants to obtain an outlet to the Mediterranean. Various signs indicate that the northeastern region of Greece is very suitable. When Lin Wei thought of this, he looked at Ciano, who was not far away. Maybe the friction between Bulgaria and Greece would also become one of the excuses for Italy to send troops, right? Lin Wei has always been very cautious about Italy, which has always been restless. The biggest benefit of this ally is that when the German army is fighting on the front line, it can provide Germany with a bit of psychological comfort, reminding them that our powerful neighbor still has millions of troops untouched... so that they can maintain full confidence from beginning to end. Heart.

"Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania? No, there are Yugoslavia and Greece! This is the place Italy wants!" Lin Wei kept weighing in his mind, "It's not easy to handle. From a territorial point of view, Romania has the largest territory. We can sacrifice it, but the key is will they be willing?”

Now the issues in Eastern Europe and the Balkans completely depend on the arbitration between Germany, France and Italy. France’s main interests are not in Eastern Europe. After Germany guaranteed France’s colonies, France now maintains a completely neutral posture between Germany and Italy. France now It is an Axis power, but it is the country with the least combat missions. In addition to preparing to devour nearly 10 million square kilometers of British colonies in Africa with Italy, other things are not included in France's plans, so France's attitude There is no need to think about it for the time being. As long as a decision is made between Germany and Italy, France will definitely agree.

The question now is whether Germany and Italy can maintain the same interests, but this is Lin Wei's biggest headache. No matter from any aspect, Germany should meet Italy's requirements. After all, Italy has already helped Germany once in declaring war on Britain and France. It is definitely not wise to make trouble with Italy for the sake of a few small countries. But Lin Wei clearly knows the strength of his ally. If Italy is a strong ally, Germany will recognize it, and Lin Wei will definitely sacrifice Yugoslavia and Greece to satisfy Italy's appetite. But Lin Wei knew clearly that Italy was just a silver wax gun tip, a useless thing. Italy simply does not have the strength to control the situation in the Balkans.

The different considerations of Germany and Italy make things that were already difficult to handle even more difficult. Germany wants the three Hungarian countries to maintain peace, while Italy has ambitions for Yugoslavia and Greece. However, the complex situations of these five countries are connected. If Italy moves a country, there is no guarantee that it will not cause a chain reaction and ignite war in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. This is what the German military wants to see.

Lin Wei poked Goebbels next to him, pointed to his wrist and said, "Goebbels, it's almost noon. Let's adjourn the meeting. We also need to know the attitudes of France and Italy. If we can remain consistent, , the situation in the Balkans is not unsolvable!”

"Well, good!" Goebbels looked at the venue that looked like a vegetable market and said with deep approval, "It seems to be very democratic. According to my idea, with a military strength of three million Wehrmacht, these countries are absolutely If you dare not raise objections to our arbitration, there is no need to go to such trouble!”

After getting angry with the people in France and Italy, Hess announced that the meeting would be temporarily adjourned. The border issue between Hungary and Romania would be discussed specifically, and then he walked out of the venue. With the exit of Goebbels and several other people, Hess continued to The silent German representatives stood up and walked out of the venue. In just a few minutes, only rows of neatly arranged chairs remained in the crowded venue just now.

The 1,400 rooms of the Schönbronn Palace are enough to provide a resting place for these people, because having a meal at noon is just an excuse. The real intention now is to unify the views of Germany, France, and Italy during this period. In other words, before the arbitration conference in the afternoon, the representatives of the three countries must consider the issue with an attitude.

At this time, not only Germany is preparing to unify its opinions, but in the room of representatives from various countries, they themselves are also thinking about strategies and how to obtain benefits from the afternoon arbitration conference. Hungary and Romania, as parties, may be the busiest right now. I can’t look back. Not necessarily for lunch.

The leader of the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party, Salocci Ferenc, was giving a speech in the room of the Hungarian representative. It was nothing more than that the winner of this arbitration must be Hungary. In Salocci Ferenc’s view, Hungary and Germany The relationship has always been good. It was Germany's traditional ally during World War I. There was no reason why Germany would not help Hungary, so Salocci Ferenc said, "We will definitely regain Romania's Northern Transylvania." , this is just the beginning, the sea ports of Western Ukraine and Yugoslavia belonging to Hungary will definitely return to Hungary’s hands in the near future! All we need now is to prove Hungary’s sincerity to Germany!”

"Leader, how can we prove our sincerity to Germany?" A middle-aged man wearing glasses frowned and said, "Germany is now the most powerful country in Europe. What can we do for you?"

"Of course! I believe the Germans have also noticed this." Saloch and Ferenc replied affirmatively. For a moment, Saloch and Ferenc thought of the Soviet Union, which had always made them sleepy and uneasy. & Ferenc believes that Germany must also be wary of the Soviet Union at any time. Unlike other members of the Arrow Cross Party who are full of confidence and even arrogance, Saroch Ferenc has always maintained a clear head since joining the Arrow Cross Party. It is precisely in this way that he can achieve the position of leader of the Arrow Cross Party.

"In this case, it seems that we will definitely be able to take back our territory this time. Britain and France took away most of our territory, and now we have to take it back one by one!" The middle-aged man pushed his eyes and said fiercely.

"Yes!" Saroch and Ferenc affirmed the attitude of the man with glasses and said loudly, "We want to restore the honor of Greater Hungary and recreate the glory of the Shield of Christ! Just like our predecessors protected Europe. , we also want the world to recognize Hungary again. Hungary is no longer a Hungary that was forced to cede territory, but a military power!"

In another room, the debate became increasingly heated: "The issue of Hungary and Romania is nothing to consider. Germany must support Hungary in regaining its territory and maintaining the borders before World War I. If we don't do this, it will be tantamount to fighting ourselves." Mouth, don't forget that we used this as an excuse to attack Poland. If there is a rift on this issue, some country may use this to attack Germany in the future!" Lin Wei seemed to use his voice to strengthen his unquestionable authority, Lin Wei was the only voice in the whole room.

"Yes, now we can only sacrifice Romania. Bulgaria and Hungary are both our traditional allies! And now Romania's territory was forcibly divided from the two countries by Britain and France!" Goebbels tilted his head and pretended not to see it. Went to General Wei Gang and expressed his views. General Weygand also turned a deaf ear to Goebbels's words. Anyway, Eastern Europe and France are thousands of miles apart, so it has nothing to do with it. Romania's interests have nothing to do with France. After all, France no longer has to win over countries to deal with Germany.