I continually hear of increasing opposition to Mussolini in Italy and his North African ‘empire’. It is something of a pressure pot and the lid could blow off soon. Some people have asked why Germany does not forcibly depose him. The German’s answer is that Italy is a sovereign country and they must choose their own destiny. They scold Mussolini when it is necessary, but they are not willing to be seen as imposing their will on other people. They are not the world’s policeman! I suppose this is a reaction to Adolf Hitler’s previous aggressive policies.
Apart from the Italian situation, Europe is in a good position.
The German inspired peace is working!
I wish you a happy New Year, Mr President.
CHAPTER FOUR - STABILISATION
It was the first meeting of the Governing Council following the New Year holiday recess. The Council now consisted of nine ministers, following the appointments of Speer’s two nominees to the positions of Ministers of Justice and Agriculture. Deputy defence Minister Kesselring had also been elevated to Minister of Aviation.
Von Brauchitsch welcomed everyone and enquired with genuine interest if their holiday period had been good for them. Then straight down to business. As usual the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke first.
“We have finally received the British application to join the European Alliance. This pleases me personally, and I believe both they will greatly benefit the organisation. Within the confines of these four walls I will go as far as to say that I believe they will prove to be far better allies than the French, and a lot easier to work with. They have the strongest navy in the world, and an air force more or less equal to our own in quality and only slightly inferior in numbers.
Their application will be vetted by the applicable ministries and then discussed further. I hope it can be approved as a matter of urgency as I believe it is possible the British may hold elections for a new government during the course of this year, probably May or June. Although I consider it unlikely, it is not impossible that a new British government could view the European Alliance in a different light.
Next. The US State Department has approached us with the idea of dissolving the League of Nations and forming a new successor, possibly to be called ‘The United Nations’. They have what I perceive to be lukewarm support from Great Britain for this concept.”
The League of Nations had been formed in 1920 with its principal mission being the maintenance of world peace. It had failed miserably and had practically ceased to function by 1940, the year war exploded in Europe. The League had proved to be completely incapable of preventing aggression by Germany, Italy or Japan in the 1930’s. Mussolini expressed his contempt for it when he said, “The League is very well when sparrows shout, but no good at all when eagles fall out.”
Various members had already left the League over the years, including Germany. The United States had never even joined.
“This new, ‘United Nations’ has much the same objectives as the League had, namely international co-operation. My personal view is that it will be just another ‘talk shop’ for self-inflated politicians. Probably a complete waste of time and money.
I need the opinions around this table before I can formulate a response to the Americans.”
The entire Council were united in their low opinion of the failed League of Nations. There was no enthusiasm to participate in a similar scheme, no matter how laudable its objectives. Individual member countries of such an organisation would always put the interest of their own country before others.
Von Altendorf suggested that he should reply using suitable diplomatic language that would not upset the Americans but at the same time indicate their less than enthusiastic interest in the proposal. This was agreed by the Council.
“The next item is of more importance. It concerns a note I received yesterday from the Soviet Ambassador. As you know, they made no significant remarks when we first formed the European Alliance with Norway and Denmark. Their comments were both negative and stronger when the Alliance was extended with the inclusion of Poland and Holland. They lodged a strong protest when France, Spain and Portugal joined.
All of this was dealt with diplomatically and the Soviet ruffled feathers were smoothed — to a degree. It was pointed out to them such an alliance was a natural reaction in a Europe that had come close to a world war. Also they should note that the armed forces of the two major powers, Germany and France, had been progressively and significantly reduced over the past eighteen months. Finally it should not be forgotten that the European Alliance is a purely defensive organisation.
We have now received another, more serious, communication from the Soviets in response to Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria joining us. They have said that they regard this as an unfriendly act and that these three countries have traditionally been within their sphere of influence. The Soviets insist on urgent face to face talks to discuss the matter. If we do not respond urgently to this, they reserve the right to take whatever actions they deem appropriate.”
The Council members pondered on what they had been told. It was von Brauchitsch, in his capacity of Minister of Defence, who replied.
“As regards the claim that those three countries are in the Soviet sphere of influence — we all know it is rubbish! We went through the analysis of the historic facts before agreeing to them joining the Alliance. The only claim the Soviets had was for Bessarabia in Romania, and that territory was given to them by Romania in July 1940 in terms of the pact previously made with the Soviet Union by Hitler.
Copies of our assessment, suitably edited, should be forwarded to the Soviet Ambassador.
The question is, how do we answer their demand for a meeting? By simply agreeing to this, are we in effect acknowledging to some degree that they do indeed have a claim? Would we be seen to be weak if we accept their demand? We all know that the Soviets probe for the slightest political political weaknesses.”
It was Speer who came up with a possible solution. “What if we tell them that we have also been thinking for a long time now, that a high level meeting between our two countries is much overdue. We deliberately do not mention their claim, but instead we raise other issues. For instance my department needs to revise our trade agreements, particularly with regards to oil imports. There is also the ongoing situation of the Soviet occupation of Eastern Poland. There must be other things we can think of to cloud the issue and avoid giving the impression we are simply bowing to their demand. We could even broach the possibility of the Soviet Union becoming a member of the European Alliance. All they have to do is meet our standards of government, etc, and apply.”
This caused a few chuckles. Von Brauchitsch looked at Speer. “Why Albert, you are starting to think like a politician!” He smiled, “It is an excellent idea. Thank you”.
All the Council agreed, and there were some amused comments at Speer’s expense. The Interior Minister had always expressed his intense dislike of politicians.
The Foreign Minister now knew how to handle the matter.
The only item of note from the Interior Minister was his recommendation that Germany and Britain should consider sharing resources and co-operate in nuclear research. This would result in considerably reduced time and money being spent to bring nuclear power to fruition.