“Here it comes,” Halifax thought, “We always thought the Germans would want their old territories back. And we will have no choice but to give them back.”
“We have no claim on them,” von Altendorf stated. “We regard the British Empire as a great stabilising force in the world.”
Again the British delegates were pleasantly surprised. Things were progressing far better than expected.
The German Foreign Minister then spelt out some changes that were to take place with regard to Germany’s internal governance and policies. The drift towards a totalitarian state of the previous regime would be reversed. The message here was that the need for change was recognised, but the Military Council first had to be reconstituted into a Governing Council with civilian members.
This required another week or two.
He advised the meeting of sundry other items of lesser importance before ending his speech.
“The time is now ten o’clock, gentlemen. You have been given a lot to think about. The dossier in front of you explains things in more detail.
I think that we should now retire for some refreshment and meet again at twelve o’clock. Would this give you sufficient time to discuss matters between yourselves and prepare any questions or response?”
Halifax answered. “Baron von Altendorf, — gentlemen. On behalf of the British Government we thank you for the disclosures you have made to us. Your frankness is deeply appreciated. As you suggest, we need to thoroughly appraise the points raised. Two hours will be sufficient.”
The delegates now rose, shook hands again, and filed out of the room.
Not a word passed between the British until they were inside their own villa. As arranged with their hosts, there were refreshments laid out, and a plentiful supply of ice. The day was warming up!
Jeremy Blackstone, ignoring a slight frown on General Brooke’s face, poured himself an ice cold Portuguese beer and took a swig. Beautiful! Once they all had their drinks, the talking started.
First and foremost was the news of Hitler’s death.
“This puts a totally different complexion on everything” Halifax stated. “Damn, that is very good news. The Prime Minister will be very pleased when he hears it.” He continued, “I strongly suspect that the army may be behind it all. They have got rid of the whole Nazi rabble. Good riddance, I say. This helps our own negotiating position a little. They are anxious to conclude a deal with us before the news of the death of their hero reaches the German public.”
“Positive development it may be, but the terms on offer are extremely generous. What else could we possibly ask for?” Brooke, as usual, went straight to the point. “Even if Britain won the bloody war we would not end up with better terms.”
“You are right, and to be quite frank, General, there is nothing of substance that I can think of to improve the terms offered. But I would feel happier if we can find something. I was prepared for many alternatives but their more than reasonable proposals have taken the wind out of my sails.”
For the next two hours the discussion went back and forth with everybody having a comment to make. They could not think of anything substantial that would improve on the German proposals. It seemed as though their opponents had thought of everything and were leaning over backwards to ensure a successful outcome.
It was time to go back to the meeting.
They settled down in their respective seats. This time Lord Halifax opened the discussions.
“We have to commend you on the thoroughness of the proposals submitted to us. We can find no reason not to submit these to our government with a recommendation that we attempt to successfully conclude peace negotiations with the German Provisional Government — here today — on the basis outlined.”
There, it was said. Perhaps some small sense of relief was apparent on the German side?
“We have only a few small questions to clarify certain points. If I may?”
Please, Lord Halifax, go ahead,” answered von Altendorf.
“Firstly, the future expanded Governing Council for Germany that you mentioned. Will this include any Nazis or prominent members of the previous regime?”
“I cannot give you a simple answer to that. In Germany for the past several years many people joined the Nazi party for reasons other than being dedicated Nazis. I can, however, assure you that there will be no trace of Nazi ideology in the new government. Neither will there be any communists.”
A pleasing answer for Halifax.
His next questions were on various matters concerning the London based Governments-in-Exile of Poland, Norway, Holland and, (probably soon to be), France. Belgium’s government was also based in France at that moment and would need to be considered.
The Germans were ready to negotiate with them, in London or anywhere else, on the basis already outlined.
The plight of Czechoslovakia was raised.
Von Altendorf’s answer was that this, unfortunately, was not open to discussion. That country was now considered to be an integral part of Germany. He gave firm assurances that there would be no discrimination of any kind against the Czechs and Slovaks. They would be integrated into German society and become full German citizens with all rights and obligations. They would benefit greatly from this. Alternatively there would be no barriers to them leaving the country if they so wished.
General Brooke asked what their attitude to Japan was.
It was Rommel that answered, in response to a look from von Altendorf.
“Although Japan is considered an ally of Germany at this particular moment in time, the Japanese never actually signed the Tripartite Pact. We in the military, have had many discussions about the value of Japan as an ally. We have some concerns. While we welcome their anti-communist stance, their barbaric behaviour in China poses a dilemma for us. Also it appears that they could end up in a confrontation with the United States and the European powers that have colonial territories in Asia. This is not acceptable to Germany.”
Brooke looked for something more. “So if Germany and Britain have a peace treaty, and our two countries are co-operating militarily in some form, how do you stand if Japan attacked say Hong Kong, or one of our other territories?”
This one wasn’t so easy for Rommel. “I can only give you my personal view, if you want it.”
“And that is?”
“The logical outcome of these talks here today should lead to an eventual alliance or understanding between Germany and its territories, and the British and French Empires. And ultimately, perhaps, the United States. That is what should happen.
The potential for technical co-operation and standardisation within the armaments industries of these countries is staggering. As an example, just look at the jet aircraft you British are developing. Our intelligence is that you are at least one year away from it flying”. He looked directly at Brooke. “We have had one flying since last year.”
That gave Brooke something to think about.
Rommel carried on. “In the meantime should Japan attack one of your colonies, I believe it is possible Germany would assist you in some form, even if there is no alliance. We would take the same position if one of the colonial territories of France or Holland was attacked.”
Most reassuring to the British.
Finally the discussions, inevitably, got around to the Soviet Union. Again it was Rommel who took it upon himself to answer this. In front of him lay a report.
“Your own Mr Churchill is reported to have said ‘Russia is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.’
The Soviet Union has been the subject of intense study in recent years by some of our leading academics — and military strategists.”
He paused searching for the right words.