My mistake. Should be Chartwell of course. Thanks for pointing out. Corrected in post...
Explosion heard around the world... Or Elser succeeds
- Thread starter Shaby
- Start date
My mistake. Should be Chartwell of course. Thanks for pointing out. Corrected in post...
November 20th, 0530, Bismarckstrasse
Captain Herzner stood inside the passage opposite the house the two squads under his direct command had surrounded. Men whose duty it was to follow the target, commander of SS Heinrich Himmler, saw him enter the house around midnight. Lights were on for few more hours and since then everything was quiet. His two squads were urgently sent from Dahlemer Dohnenstieg 12, where they staked out the official residence of their target. Hastily conducted reconnaisance discovered that only one exit from the house was available. The single guard left in front should easily be overwhelmed by experienced soldiers of Brandenburg regiment. The task would be much easier then the capture of the railstation in Poland they mistakenly conducted on the eve of war. The general idea was to capture target alive, but the commander of regiment indicated that no harm would be done even if they didn't manage it. Herzner checked his watch. It was almost time. He signalled to the lieutenant to his left to tell advanced squad to prepare. The unit dispatched here was rather top heavy. Abwehr decided not to leave anything to chance. After series of handwaving, Herzner observed three silhouetes emerge from the darkness and move silently across the street, roughly 30 meters on his left. Nobody who didn't know where to look would have noticed them. They moved like ghosts. He whispered "5 more minutes. Get ready." to the sergeant crouching next to him.
The man took his MP38 SMG and chambered it. He saw the men carefully check the safety switch. Next thing he heard was the sound of a cat. It was the signal and the man hiding at the corner of the house silently slid by the wall and approached the tired guard from behind. They saw a flicker of a knife as it reflected street lights, and without a single sound, guard was down. First squad gathered in front of the entrance and sergeant, selected for the mission for his particular skills as locksmith, carefuly opened the door. The house was dark and quiet.
After the ground floor was secured, man left to guard the entrance signalled the second squad to come. Herzner ran across the street and entered the hallway. Two of his men were on top of the stairs. No one in the house has noticed them by now. He climbed the stairs with six soldiers in trail and walked to the door of the bedroom. After taking the position on both sides of the door, men broke into the bedroom. Sudden noise caused their target to jump from the bed. He was naked and looked rather comical as he tried to find his glasses. "Herr Himmler, I place you under arrest under the authority of Reichspraesident." said Herzner, pointing his Luger. Men around him had their SMGs trained and ready to fire. Utterly confused, Himmler just murmored "What? What is happening?". Herzner answered "As I said, you are under arrest." At that moment, another figure jumped from the bed. She quickly pulled sheets around her and screamed. Two of the soldiers quickly shifted their aim. She just continued screaming until Himmler told her to shut up. He collected himself and said "Herr Hauptmann, will you please allow me time to dress?" "Get his gun, sergeant. And let's go outside. Herr Himmler, house is surrounded, there is no escape. You have 5 minutes. Fraulein, you can also get dressed. Herr Himmler is required to come with us. We have no orders concerning you." After that, they exited the room. Few minutes later, woman screamed again. They rushed into room, to find Himmler, lying on the floor. His face was peaceful, and a smeel of almond around him. 'Fool' thought Herzner 'Bloody fool killed himself. To me that proves he was guilty.' "Lieutanant, tell all men to gather in front of the house. Sergeant, run to the truck. We are going back to base. You two" he said adressing two large men from the unit "pickup the carcass! Let's go men. Aufwiedersehen Fraulein."
0638 Near Essen
"Herr General, it is over. The compound has been overrun. We suffered only six casualties, but only light wounds. After we killed off entire first company, they surrendered. They saw there was no chance. Mortars may have helpt a bit to persuade them of futility of resistance, but it was all over once first panzers appeared." reported General Major Stumpff to Hoepner. "Excellent, Herr General. Secure the perimeter, do the headcount and see if anyone is missing. Offer them full amnesty if they choose to renounce the SS and join the army. Dismissed!" As Stumpff left, Hoepner took the phone. After a few seconds he simply said "It is over, herr General. The SS unit is no more.".
Meanwhile in Berlin
Almost every single senior officer of SS and member of RSHA has been arrested by 0700. Single notable exception was Reinhard Heydrich. Goering, who observed entire operation from OKH, was satisfied. It seemed that greatest obstacle to his absolute power in Reich was removed.
0711 Warsaw
Heydrich couldn't believe the announcement he heard on Berlin radio. And it was read by Funk himself. After first shock passed, he decided to go to Modlin immediately. There they would see who gets the last word.
Captain Herzner stood inside the passage opposite the house the two squads under his direct command had surrounded. Men whose duty it was to follow the target, commander of SS Heinrich Himmler, saw him enter the house around midnight. Lights were on for few more hours and since then everything was quiet. His two squads were urgently sent from Dahlemer Dohnenstieg 12, where they staked out the official residence of their target. Hastily conducted reconnaisance discovered that only one exit from the house was available. The single guard left in front should easily be overwhelmed by experienced soldiers of Brandenburg regiment. The task would be much easier then the capture of the railstation in Poland they mistakenly conducted on the eve of war. The general idea was to capture target alive, but the commander of regiment indicated that no harm would be done even if they didn't manage it. Herzner checked his watch. It was almost time. He signalled to the lieutenant to his left to tell advanced squad to prepare. The unit dispatched here was rather top heavy. Abwehr decided not to leave anything to chance. After series of handwaving, Herzner observed three silhouetes emerge from the darkness and move silently across the street, roughly 30 meters on his left. Nobody who didn't know where to look would have noticed them. They moved like ghosts. He whispered "5 more minutes. Get ready." to the sergeant crouching next to him.
The man took his MP38 SMG and chambered it. He saw the men carefully check the safety switch. Next thing he heard was the sound of a cat. It was the signal and the man hiding at the corner of the house silently slid by the wall and approached the tired guard from behind. They saw a flicker of a knife as it reflected street lights, and without a single sound, guard was down. First squad gathered in front of the entrance and sergeant, selected for the mission for his particular skills as locksmith, carefuly opened the door. The house was dark and quiet.
After the ground floor was secured, man left to guard the entrance signalled the second squad to come. Herzner ran across the street and entered the hallway. Two of his men were on top of the stairs. No one in the house has noticed them by now. He climbed the stairs with six soldiers in trail and walked to the door of the bedroom. After taking the position on both sides of the door, men broke into the bedroom. Sudden noise caused their target to jump from the bed. He was naked and looked rather comical as he tried to find his glasses. "Herr Himmler, I place you under arrest under the authority of Reichspraesident." said Herzner, pointing his Luger. Men around him had their SMGs trained and ready to fire. Utterly confused, Himmler just murmored "What? What is happening?". Herzner answered "As I said, you are under arrest." At that moment, another figure jumped from the bed. She quickly pulled sheets around her and screamed. Two of the soldiers quickly shifted their aim. She just continued screaming until Himmler told her to shut up. He collected himself and said "Herr Hauptmann, will you please allow me time to dress?" "Get his gun, sergeant. And let's go outside. Herr Himmler, house is surrounded, there is no escape. You have 5 minutes. Fraulein, you can also get dressed. Herr Himmler is required to come with us. We have no orders concerning you." After that, they exited the room. Few minutes later, woman screamed again. They rushed into room, to find Himmler, lying on the floor. His face was peaceful, and a smeel of almond around him. 'Fool' thought Herzner 'Bloody fool killed himself. To me that proves he was guilty.' "Lieutanant, tell all men to gather in front of the house. Sergeant, run to the truck. We are going back to base. You two" he said adressing two large men from the unit "pickup the carcass! Let's go men. Aufwiedersehen Fraulein."
0638 Near Essen
"Herr General, it is over. The compound has been overrun. We suffered only six casualties, but only light wounds. After we killed off entire first company, they surrendered. They saw there was no chance. Mortars may have helpt a bit to persuade them of futility of resistance, but it was all over once first panzers appeared." reported General Major Stumpff to Hoepner. "Excellent, Herr General. Secure the perimeter, do the headcount and see if anyone is missing. Offer them full amnesty if they choose to renounce the SS and join the army. Dismissed!" As Stumpff left, Hoepner took the phone. After a few seconds he simply said "It is over, herr General. The SS unit is no more.".
Meanwhile in Berlin
Almost every single senior officer of SS and member of RSHA has been arrested by 0700. Single notable exception was Reinhard Heydrich. Goering, who observed entire operation from OKH, was satisfied. It seemed that greatest obstacle to his absolute power in Reich was removed.
0711 Warsaw
Heydrich couldn't believe the announcement he heard on Berlin radio. And it was read by Funk himself. After first shock passed, he decided to go to Modlin immediately. There they would see who gets the last word.
abc123
Banned
I agree.
Even that is stupid. It's better for him to try make some deal with Goering to save his life while he still can.
Very interesting story. I wonder how the negotiations between the Entente and Germany will work out. For the Entente, their maximum objective is probably independent Czechia (with or without Munich borders) and pre-war Poland plus Danzig (basically the world prior to the Munich Conference, or at least prior to March 1939). Germany's maximum objective is probably keeping Czechia and 1914 borders with Poland. It's going to be hard to negotiate a reasonable peace, but it's certainly not undoable if the negotiators wish peace - which Goering's Germany and the Entente certainly do.
abc123
Banned
Germany really has no reason to want Czechia, because they will allways have only problems with them, so it's better to have free and small ( not dangerous ) Czechia around ( OFC that she will naturally be under German influence economicly ) provided OFC some guarantees ( small Czech army-about 30 000 soldiers, no fortifications, free use of Czech railways etc., maybe even customs union ).
It's better to concentrate on 1914 borders with Poland.
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Eurofed
Banned
Agreed. In the long term, an economic union between Germany and an independent Czechia is to the best interest of Berlin.
For the Entente, to undo the Munich Agreement and return the Sudetenland to Czechia really seems even beyond their reasonable maximum objectives. They agreed to it, the Sudetenland are overwhelmingly German, and to return millions of unwilling Sudetenland Germans to Czechia seems much more trouble than it is worth, since their mass expulsion would be ASBish in 1939 and Slovaks certainly are not going to agree and reform CZS no matter what. Similar reasoning with Danzig, given its overwhelmingly German character, to give it to Poland is much more trouble than it is worth and the mass expulsion of Danzig Germans would be ASBish in 1939.
Moreover, I'd say that in the end, for the Entente it is much more important to set up some sizable military limitation agreement with Germany (for Britain in the naval field, including submarines, for France in the land forces and on the Franco-German border) than to fulfill the nationalist claims of the Czechs and the Poles beyond the restoration of their independence in their ethnic cores.
IMO the final agreement would involve: an independent Czechia with an economic union with Germany; an independent Poland with the 1807 border and a population exchange of ethnic Poles in West Prussia and Upper Silesia and ethnic Germans in Posen and Lodz (perhaps the population transfer might even include the mass expulsion of German Jews to Poland); the restoration of the 1935 Anglo-German naval agreement extended to submarines; a balanced limitation of land forces between Germany and France and a bilateral demilitarization of the Franco-German border (perhaps extended to the Belgian-German border too).
If the Entente makes an especially good bargain, they might even get Poland to keep extraterritorial port facilities and logistical connections in Gdynia. If Germany makes an especially good bargain, it might even get Posen, too. However, given the past bad experiences of the Second Reich with Polish irredentism, I'd expect they would rather focus on ensuring the Germanization of annexed areas first and foremost than getting the maximum territorial objective of the 1914 border. This may easily require them to give up Posen, which would be the most problematic area in this regard.
In Czechia, the political status quo favors Germany, since the legal post Munich, pre-invasion Czech government was pro-German and Berlin kept it nominally in place even during the occupation, so they would have a strong diplomatic standing to restore an independent Czechia but keep it in charge and the likes of Benes (who resigned from president and left the country after Muinich) in exile. In Poland the political status quo favors the Entente, but to make the restoration of Polish independence look effective and save the face of London and Paris, Germany would have to agree to the restoration of the pro-Entente Government-in-exile. So restored Czechia would be a German client, while restored Poland would be pro-Entente by default because they resent Germany and Russia much more but not liking even London and Paris too much, either.
Of course, there is nothing that either Germany or the Entente can realistically do about the eastern Polish territories annexed by Stalin (or for that matter, about the former Baltic states and Karelia).
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Absolutely. The CSR between Munich and March '39 already was moving towards this. IIRC, the building of an Autobahn connecting Vienna with Silesia and moving through the CSR had been agreed upon. If it hadn't been for the greed for power and gold, the occupation of Prague was absolutely unnecessary. Given the geographical situation and its very industrialized economy, the Czech Republic will need a reasonable agreement with Germany to function economically.
Same would go for a Czech army. The Czech could spend money on an army of 300,000 men, stripped of their natural defensive lines after Munich, they are in an indefensible position against Germany.
What I want to say, Germany doesn't have to waste diplomacy to press on restrictions here.
By late 1939, though, a significant number of German Jews had already fled the Reich, the writing on the wall was there after November '38; for Austrian Jews after the Anschluss - but certainly not to Poland. Why go from worst to worse? I cannot imagine a Polish government being too welcoming on them.
Göring will most probably leave the Nuremberg laws in place, as well as the measures to ensure fleeing Jews leave most of their assets behind.
I think the question of Jews would be too touchy to be included in the conference. The emigration of Jews out of Germany would go on at a smaller pace.
Not an enviable diplomatic position, but better than OTL 39-45 for Poland. I am quite sure that a post-war Polish government with the experience of
a) being overrun in three weeks
b) the 4th partition - even if short-lived
c) its allies making peace with Germany at the first occasion
will seek to play nice to everything West of it. If the German government is commited to being saturated after what they regained in 1935-39, there will be no problem with that in the future.
Voelkischer Beobachter, OpEd piece
This morning the entire Reich was astonished. Yesterday the Praesident of the Reich, upon receiveng an incontrovertible evidence, decided to bring to justice people responsible for conspiring to end the life of Der Fuehrer Adolf Hitler. The identity of conspirators necessitated secret, quick and decisive action. We now can all see that blind ambition turned men entrusted with the guarding our Reich and our leaders into rabid dogs. And just as rabid dogs, they bit the hand that fed and trusted them. This was only possible due to unlimited power given to those terrorists and subversion of the ideals of National-Socialism in the way only perverted minds are capable of. The aim of those people was to violently overthrow the established order and take over the government. That they were stopped in time we can only thank the vigilance and courage of Reichspraesident, who without hesitation ordered the Armed Forces to take decisive action and apprehend the criminals and putschists. The special Volksgerichtshof has been established in order to process the arrested criminals. Mastermind of this rebellion, SS Reichsfuehrer took his own life in the course of arrest, no doubt for fear of just revenge that would be exacted on him. This act can only be interpretted as confession of guilt. The rest of this lot will be processed according to harshest law - the law of Volk - and there is no doubt of verdict should they be found guilty by Volksgerichtshof. Commiting such tracherous act at a time of national emergency is beyond pale for any true German.
Following days will show us the depth of this betrayal. Reichspraesident has demanded of all Volksgenossen to remain calm. The actions he took this morning have alleviated any danger and no doubt remains that continous march to prosperity will go on. Peace negotiations, expected to open today, will in no way be endangered by the events of this morning. Reichspraesident has invited the remaining members of SS and its related organizations to surrender and cooperate fully with the Armed forces of the Reich. He points out that he is fully aware that only the hotheads at the top of the organization were the ones responsible. Full amnesty is offered to all members of Allgemeine SS and Waffen SS who decide to cooperate with Reich authorities. Senior officers responsibility and trustworthiness will be judged individually. However, it has been pointed out from the office of Reichspraesident that any and all resistance to lawful authorities will be severely punished. Let us all learn a lesson from these events. Let everyone be aware that no body is above the law of the Volks and no body transgressing this law will be spared.
1200 The Hague, Permanent Court of International Arbitration
Dirk Jan de Geer stood at the speakers stand "Ladies and gentlemen. I welcome all of you to The Hague. We have met here again to continue discussions terms of peace agreement that would end the ongoing conflict in Europe. As the representative of the Government of The Netherlands I wish you good luck and pleasant stay in our neutral country. On behalf of entire humanity I would like to express hope that peace can be restored as result of this process. I invite herr Konstantin von Neurath of Germany to stand."
"Ladies and gentlemen, as herr de Geer has already expressed hopes of all of us, I do not feel the need to repeat his words. Let us just say that hopes of people of Greater German Reich and her Government are the same. We have come here in good faith and with intention to agree on lasting peace. For three days the truce between our armed forces has been upheld. After consultations within the Government of the Reich, we have decided to accept preliminary conditions for the truce, as laid out by sir Neville on 17th. We request only these minor changes in the conditions:
a) That there will be simultaneous withdrawal of all military forces from our common border to no less than 2 km from the administrative border.
b) That all sorties of the airforces of both countries be restricted to their own airspace
c) That illegal naval blockade of German ports by naval units of Royal Navy and French Navy be lifted immediately
d) That truce is maintained during the course of the negotiations and no offensive preparations be executed during this period
e) That guarantee of status-quo regarding certain border changes and agreements achieved bilaterally or multilaterally and prior to September 1939. is issued by all involved powers.
These requests are what Government of Greater German Reich deems minimum acceptable in order to continue these negotiations in good faith. I emphasize that these are not our peace terms, which will be mater of negotiations. Ladies and gentlemen thank you for your attention. I hope that my esteemed colleagues will consider these requests reasonable." finished Neurath.
Halifax took stand next and started talking in slow, measured words "Herr Neurath, the position of His Majesty's Government is well publicized. We request that sovereignity of nations diminished by agression be restored. We cannot accept any border changes not achieved as consequence of multilateral negotiations and made under direct or indirect military pressure. We would prefer that the question of borders be solved in direct negotiations and without any prejudice. On others questions we will agree, except that blockade of imports of arms and dualpurpose items will be prohibited. All ships going to German ports will be inspected for these items and detained to British or French port for unloading and storaging goods until such time that they are deliverable to Germany. Other than these, and I speak in the name of Entente, we find preliminary conditions acceptable."
"Sir Edward" started Neurath, standing up from his desk "Although my Government considers all treaties between two powers as legal and binding, in order to show our willingness to achieve lasting peace in Europe, we will accept that certain border issues be negotiable. However, we adamantly refuse any corrections of borders achieved as consequence of Munich Treaty. Also, we are not willing to negotiate contiguity of our territory. Reich demands that status of the Polish Corridor and territories within pre-war Polish borders inhabited by Germans be returned to Reich. Conditions to Polish access to sea can be negotiated, but we demand that the land corridor to Eastern Prussia remain within the borders of the Reich as well as City of Danzig."
"His Majesty's Government cannot offer any part of territory not under her sovereignity. When this issue comes under discussion we will request presence of legal Government of Poland now in exile in United Kingdom. I can only offer assurances that special interests of Germany will be taken into account in solving this issue. I must state that my Government is reluctant to accept any changes to the borders as a result of force. Furthermore, His Majesty's Government and Government of Republic of France have agreed to request, pending success of this peace process, establishment of permanent demilitarized area between France and Germany. The parameters of this zone is to be established, but its existence is not negotiable. Mechanism of permanent controls of military readiness must be established as a guarantee of lasting peace and reducing threat of armed agression between countries of Europe. His Majesty's Government envisions this mechanism as multilateral in nature and applicable to all major powers in Europe. We also hope that mutual guarantees and non-agression treaties as well as binding agreements of commitment to non-violent arbitrage of all outstanding issues, either present or those that might arise in future, can be agreed upon in this conference. We invite German representatives to state the acceptable armed forces limitations, so that initial discussions can begin. I will once again emphasize the determination of His Majesty's Government and Government of Republic of France to reach just and lasting peace. We hope that Government of Germany will find these conditions acceptable as starting points to these negotiations."
"The Government of Greater German Reich has already negotiated with Government in Poland, prior to the 1st September. We were unable to achieve any headway in the efforts to diplomatically solve our outsanding issues" started Neurath "No doubt, this was consequence of the fact that Entente governments have guaranteed the Polish borders unconditionally. We request that Polish Government be notified that changes to the borders can be negotiated and that we will not back down from the requests for border amendments we made since March 1939. We are willing to guarantee that no further requests toward Poland will be made by Government of Greater German Reich. I would also like to remind your excellency and Government of Poland that Germany now controls the territory, but is ready and willing to offer evacuation of parts of Poland if Entente offers guarantee that Reich will keep land connection to its eastern province."
"His Majesty's Government cannot negotiate on this issue without Polish Government. However, we are willing to propose and support any solution that satisfies the interests of both sides. We will recommend Government of Poland to take into consideration your offer and have in mind expressed goodwill of Government of Germany. However, this Government cannot and will not guarantee what it cannot foresee. I hope this answer is acceptable to German delegation, for I cannot offer anything else at this moment. As regards to former Czechoslovakia, this Government is aware that irreversible changes have taken place upon Slovakian declaration of independence. We demand that sovereignity of Czech republic be restored and Czech people allowed the right of self-determination."
"Sir Edward, the Government of Greater German Reich is convinced that interest of Czech people are best served if they remain under protection of Greater German Reich. Their country borders Reich on almost all sides. The economic life and welfare of the country are wholly depended on Reichs economy. We are willing to offer Czech people some involvmenent into decision making process on their territory, even full local authonomy and self governance. However, restoration of full sovereignity is not something I am authorised to negotiate. We will now request that recess of half an hour be granted, in order to formulate precise suggestions on issues presented here."
De Geer said next "We invite all delegations to lunch, organized by Government of Netherlands. The recess will last until 1500."
This morning the entire Reich was astonished. Yesterday the Praesident of the Reich, upon receiveng an incontrovertible evidence, decided to bring to justice people responsible for conspiring to end the life of Der Fuehrer Adolf Hitler. The identity of conspirators necessitated secret, quick and decisive action. We now can all see that blind ambition turned men entrusted with the guarding our Reich and our leaders into rabid dogs. And just as rabid dogs, they bit the hand that fed and trusted them. This was only possible due to unlimited power given to those terrorists and subversion of the ideals of National-Socialism in the way only perverted minds are capable of. The aim of those people was to violently overthrow the established order and take over the government. That they were stopped in time we can only thank the vigilance and courage of Reichspraesident, who without hesitation ordered the Armed Forces to take decisive action and apprehend the criminals and putschists. The special Volksgerichtshof has been established in order to process the arrested criminals. Mastermind of this rebellion, SS Reichsfuehrer took his own life in the course of arrest, no doubt for fear of just revenge that would be exacted on him. This act can only be interpretted as confession of guilt. The rest of this lot will be processed according to harshest law - the law of Volk - and there is no doubt of verdict should they be found guilty by Volksgerichtshof. Commiting such tracherous act at a time of national emergency is beyond pale for any true German.
Following days will show us the depth of this betrayal. Reichspraesident has demanded of all Volksgenossen to remain calm. The actions he took this morning have alleviated any danger and no doubt remains that continous march to prosperity will go on. Peace negotiations, expected to open today, will in no way be endangered by the events of this morning. Reichspraesident has invited the remaining members of SS and its related organizations to surrender and cooperate fully with the Armed forces of the Reich. He points out that he is fully aware that only the hotheads at the top of the organization were the ones responsible. Full amnesty is offered to all members of Allgemeine SS and Waffen SS who decide to cooperate with Reich authorities. Senior officers responsibility and trustworthiness will be judged individually. However, it has been pointed out from the office of Reichspraesident that any and all resistance to lawful authorities will be severely punished. Let us all learn a lesson from these events. Let everyone be aware that no body is above the law of the Volks and no body transgressing this law will be spared.
1200 The Hague, Permanent Court of International Arbitration
Dirk Jan de Geer stood at the speakers stand "Ladies and gentlemen. I welcome all of you to The Hague. We have met here again to continue discussions terms of peace agreement that would end the ongoing conflict in Europe. As the representative of the Government of The Netherlands I wish you good luck and pleasant stay in our neutral country. On behalf of entire humanity I would like to express hope that peace can be restored as result of this process. I invite herr Konstantin von Neurath of Germany to stand."
"Ladies and gentlemen, as herr de Geer has already expressed hopes of all of us, I do not feel the need to repeat his words. Let us just say that hopes of people of Greater German Reich and her Government are the same. We have come here in good faith and with intention to agree on lasting peace. For three days the truce between our armed forces has been upheld. After consultations within the Government of the Reich, we have decided to accept preliminary conditions for the truce, as laid out by sir Neville on 17th. We request only these minor changes in the conditions:
a) That there will be simultaneous withdrawal of all military forces from our common border to no less than 2 km from the administrative border.
b) That all sorties of the airforces of both countries be restricted to their own airspace
c) That illegal naval blockade of German ports by naval units of Royal Navy and French Navy be lifted immediately
d) That truce is maintained during the course of the negotiations and no offensive preparations be executed during this period
e) That guarantee of status-quo regarding certain border changes and agreements achieved bilaterally or multilaterally and prior to September 1939. is issued by all involved powers.
These requests are what Government of Greater German Reich deems minimum acceptable in order to continue these negotiations in good faith. I emphasize that these are not our peace terms, which will be mater of negotiations. Ladies and gentlemen thank you for your attention. I hope that my esteemed colleagues will consider these requests reasonable." finished Neurath.
Halifax took stand next and started talking in slow, measured words "Herr Neurath, the position of His Majesty's Government is well publicized. We request that sovereignity of nations diminished by agression be restored. We cannot accept any border changes not achieved as consequence of multilateral negotiations and made under direct or indirect military pressure. We would prefer that the question of borders be solved in direct negotiations and without any prejudice. On others questions we will agree, except that blockade of imports of arms and dualpurpose items will be prohibited. All ships going to German ports will be inspected for these items and detained to British or French port for unloading and storaging goods until such time that they are deliverable to Germany. Other than these, and I speak in the name of Entente, we find preliminary conditions acceptable."
"Sir Edward" started Neurath, standing up from his desk "Although my Government considers all treaties between two powers as legal and binding, in order to show our willingness to achieve lasting peace in Europe, we will accept that certain border issues be negotiable. However, we adamantly refuse any corrections of borders achieved as consequence of Munich Treaty. Also, we are not willing to negotiate contiguity of our territory. Reich demands that status of the Polish Corridor and territories within pre-war Polish borders inhabited by Germans be returned to Reich. Conditions to Polish access to sea can be negotiated, but we demand that the land corridor to Eastern Prussia remain within the borders of the Reich as well as City of Danzig."
"His Majesty's Government cannot offer any part of territory not under her sovereignity. When this issue comes under discussion we will request presence of legal Government of Poland now in exile in United Kingdom. I can only offer assurances that special interests of Germany will be taken into account in solving this issue. I must state that my Government is reluctant to accept any changes to the borders as a result of force. Furthermore, His Majesty's Government and Government of Republic of France have agreed to request, pending success of this peace process, establishment of permanent demilitarized area between France and Germany. The parameters of this zone is to be established, but its existence is not negotiable. Mechanism of permanent controls of military readiness must be established as a guarantee of lasting peace and reducing threat of armed agression between countries of Europe. His Majesty's Government envisions this mechanism as multilateral in nature and applicable to all major powers in Europe. We also hope that mutual guarantees and non-agression treaties as well as binding agreements of commitment to non-violent arbitrage of all outstanding issues, either present or those that might arise in future, can be agreed upon in this conference. We invite German representatives to state the acceptable armed forces limitations, so that initial discussions can begin. I will once again emphasize the determination of His Majesty's Government and Government of Republic of France to reach just and lasting peace. We hope that Government of Germany will find these conditions acceptable as starting points to these negotiations."
"The Government of Greater German Reich has already negotiated with Government in Poland, prior to the 1st September. We were unable to achieve any headway in the efforts to diplomatically solve our outsanding issues" started Neurath "No doubt, this was consequence of the fact that Entente governments have guaranteed the Polish borders unconditionally. We request that Polish Government be notified that changes to the borders can be negotiated and that we will not back down from the requests for border amendments we made since March 1939. We are willing to guarantee that no further requests toward Poland will be made by Government of Greater German Reich. I would also like to remind your excellency and Government of Poland that Germany now controls the territory, but is ready and willing to offer evacuation of parts of Poland if Entente offers guarantee that Reich will keep land connection to its eastern province."
"His Majesty's Government cannot negotiate on this issue without Polish Government. However, we are willing to propose and support any solution that satisfies the interests of both sides. We will recommend Government of Poland to take into consideration your offer and have in mind expressed goodwill of Government of Germany. However, this Government cannot and will not guarantee what it cannot foresee. I hope this answer is acceptable to German delegation, for I cannot offer anything else at this moment. As regards to former Czechoslovakia, this Government is aware that irreversible changes have taken place upon Slovakian declaration of independence. We demand that sovereignity of Czech republic be restored and Czech people allowed the right of self-determination."
"Sir Edward, the Government of Greater German Reich is convinced that interest of Czech people are best served if they remain under protection of Greater German Reich. Their country borders Reich on almost all sides. The economic life and welfare of the country are wholly depended on Reichs economy. We are willing to offer Czech people some involvmenent into decision making process on their territory, even full local authonomy and self governance. However, restoration of full sovereignity is not something I am authorised to negotiate. We will now request that recess of half an hour be granted, in order to formulate precise suggestions on issues presented here."
De Geer said next "We invite all delegations to lunch, organized by Government of Netherlands. The recess will last until 1500."
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Eurofed
Banned
Very good update. I only have a couple remarks to make.
First, the statement
is clearly untrue (if it wants, Germany can certainly restore the independence of Czechia) and so it is not something a professional diplomat should utter. It might perhaps be changed to "However, restoration of the Czecho-Slovak state is beyond the power of the Reich" which is much more factually true (Slovaka is not under the direct control of Germany).
Second, I dunno if besides the Sudetenland, Danzig, and West Prussia/the Corridor, Upper Silesia too is notable enough or not to deserve an explicit mention in Neurath's opening statement among the territories that Germany is not open to return Poland, or it is an issue to be clarified in later negotiations. It certainly would be an area that Berlin is not willing to return, however. The German position would be that the area was quite economically valuable and the 1921 plebiscite had awarded it to Germany, but Poland had "cheated" by using violence to overturn the outcome and forcing a partition of the territory.
First, the statement
is clearly untrue (if it wants, Germany can certainly restore the independence of Czechia) and so it is not something a professional diplomat should utter. It might perhaps be changed to "However, restoration of the Czecho-Slovak state is beyond the power of the Reich" which is much more factually true (Slovaka is not under the direct control of Germany).
Second, I dunno if besides the Sudetenland, Danzig, and West Prussia/the Corridor, Upper Silesia too is notable enough or not to deserve an explicit mention in Neurath's opening statement among the territories that Germany is not open to return Poland, or it is an issue to be clarified in later negotiations. It certainly would be an area that Berlin is not willing to return, however. The German position would be that the area was quite economically valuable and the 1921 plebiscite had awarded it to Germany, but Poland had "cheated" by using violence to overturn the outcome and forcing a partition of the territory.
Eurofed
Banned
Absolutely true. Conditions are such that in the long term close economic ties between Germany and Czechia are in the best interest of both nations.
Well, the settlement that is taking shape ITTL certainly is orders of magnitude better than OTL 39-45, and in all likelihood substantially better than OTL 45-89, too. The experiences you mention surely should teach the Poles that their 1919-39 foreign policy was untenable and suicidal, and a good neighbor policy with at least one of the great powers on its borders would be absolutely necessary. Theoretically speaking, the Poles have the option to pick either Germany or the USSR as their patron. If Germany is indeed turning into a satisfied great power with little Lebensraum urges, in all likelihood economic integration with it may be more advantageous than closer ties with the Soviets.
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abc123
Banned
IMO, von Neurath was too modest at his opening speech. He asked for things that he want's to get at the END of negotiations. You have to ask more, to get what you really want at the end, otherwise, you won't get anything.
@abc123 and Eurofed
Thanks for suggestions. I edited the post to incorporate some of it. BTW this diplo lingo is hard... No wonder they go to special schools. The point of opening speech was to lay out terms for continuing negotiations. Germans aim to secure recognition of everything before 1939 as de facto and de iure situation. That was the general idea. Translating it into writing got me lost a bit.
Thanks for suggestions. I edited the post to incorporate some of it. BTW this diplo lingo is hard... No wonder they go to special schools. The point of opening speech was to lay out terms for continuing negotiations. Germans aim to secure recognition of everything before 1939 as de facto and de iure situation. That was the general idea. Translating it into writing got me lost a bit.
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The Times, evening edition
"The Peace in Europe?"
Once again in this century Europe was entangled in conflict between its major powers. As before, this conflict largely erupted due to unsolved issues in Eastern Europe. This time however there were no large masses of troops clashing in the plains of Europe. After Germany and Soviet Union more or less effortlesly captured and dismembered Poland, question on everyone's mind is "Should we continue this fight?". The answer only a week ago was "Yes, until our requests are met!". The leader of Germany didn't appear disposed to talks or offered peace. His demise allowed more moderate policy to come to forefront. Germany initiated peace negotiations and appears willing to offer reasonable concessions. First round of peace talks, held today offers a lot of promise. It is early to say that peace is imminent, but first steps have been taken. At the end of todays session, both sides have agreed to prolong the truce established three days ago. According to Lord Halifax, significant progress has been made. Our reporter has interviewd sir Edward upon his return to Croydon airport.
These are the words of Lord Halifax "Today we agreed to immediately stop all offensive preparations by all involved powers. Military forces will retreat along the mutual borders of Germany and France to the distance of 2 miles from the administrative border lines. Only skeleton crew of troops necessary to maintain the fortifications on both sides of the border will remain within this zone. Governments of United Kingdom and Republic of France have agreed to partially lift naval blockade of German ports. However, since the embargo on imports of weapons and war material remains, ships bound to German ports will be inspected for prohibited items. Both sides agreed to limit airforce sorties to within their borders."
Lord Halifax also pointed out that German side demanded that, as precondition to any negotiation Entente governments recognize all borders as they existed on outbreak of war, and to guarantee that land connection between German mainland and Eastern Prussia will remain within Reich, as well as all areas formerly part of Poland inhabited by German majority to remain within German borders. Government of United Kingdom, supported by Government of Republic of France has declined to recognize any border changes established by aggression or by threat of force or preclude the result of the peace talks.
However, representatives of both sides agreed to commit to approach the issues of borders with goodwill and involvement of all interested parties. Our government promised to take into account special interests of Germany, and representatives of Germany promised that Poland will retain some modality of access to sea. Germany promised to take into consideration interests and right to self-determination of Czech people, and make it subject of further negotiations. Both Governments promised to establish effective international arms control and arbitration mechanism. Although no commitment to demobilization of military forces by any side has been mentioned, expectations of both sides is that once credible progress has been made towards peace, this step will follow logically.
Next session will take place in two days, by which time concrete suggestions as to the issues of borders will be formulated by both sides. At this time, it is hard to predict how long the process will take, but important thing is that countries are no longer in state of war with each other.
"The Peace in Europe?"
Once again in this century Europe was entangled in conflict between its major powers. As before, this conflict largely erupted due to unsolved issues in Eastern Europe. This time however there were no large masses of troops clashing in the plains of Europe. After Germany and Soviet Union more or less effortlesly captured and dismembered Poland, question on everyone's mind is "Should we continue this fight?". The answer only a week ago was "Yes, until our requests are met!". The leader of Germany didn't appear disposed to talks or offered peace. His demise allowed more moderate policy to come to forefront. Germany initiated peace negotiations and appears willing to offer reasonable concessions. First round of peace talks, held today offers a lot of promise. It is early to say that peace is imminent, but first steps have been taken. At the end of todays session, both sides have agreed to prolong the truce established three days ago. According to Lord Halifax, significant progress has been made. Our reporter has interviewd sir Edward upon his return to Croydon airport.
These are the words of Lord Halifax "Today we agreed to immediately stop all offensive preparations by all involved powers. Military forces will retreat along the mutual borders of Germany and France to the distance of 2 miles from the administrative border lines. Only skeleton crew of troops necessary to maintain the fortifications on both sides of the border will remain within this zone. Governments of United Kingdom and Republic of France have agreed to partially lift naval blockade of German ports. However, since the embargo on imports of weapons and war material remains, ships bound to German ports will be inspected for prohibited items. Both sides agreed to limit airforce sorties to within their borders."
Lord Halifax also pointed out that German side demanded that, as precondition to any negotiation Entente governments recognize all borders as they existed on outbreak of war, and to guarantee that land connection between German mainland and Eastern Prussia will remain within Reich, as well as all areas formerly part of Poland inhabited by German majority to remain within German borders. Government of United Kingdom, supported by Government of Republic of France has declined to recognize any border changes established by aggression or by threat of force or preclude the result of the peace talks.
However, representatives of both sides agreed to commit to approach the issues of borders with goodwill and involvement of all interested parties. Our government promised to take into account special interests of Germany, and representatives of Germany promised that Poland will retain some modality of access to sea. Germany promised to take into consideration interests and right to self-determination of Czech people, and make it subject of further negotiations. Both Governments promised to establish effective international arms control and arbitration mechanism. Although no commitment to demobilization of military forces by any side has been mentioned, expectations of both sides is that once credible progress has been made towards peace, this step will follow logically.
Next session will take place in two days, by which time concrete suggestions as to the issues of borders will be formulated by both sides. At this time, it is hard to predict how long the process will take, but important thing is that countries are no longer in state of war with each other.
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November 21st, 0700, Modlin Warsaw
Heydrich sat in a makeshift office improvised hastily in one of undamaged buildings of NCO Academy. what remained of senior officers of SS was in this room. Attempts to contact HQ building in Berlin ended in demands to identify and give the position. It was clear that no hope of organizing any resistance remained. Although they had unit of 15400 men, mostly army trained conscripts and few hundred enthusiastic, but utterly untrained Hitler Jugend volunteers. Sepp Dietrich was the only one with any military experience of the officers, while other 'senior' officers present were mostly members of Totenkopf and Einsatzgruppen. Though uniformed and nominally having officer rank, their only activity in the war so far was rounding up innocent civilians and killing them. Heydrich knew that in confrontation with real soldiers, this makeshift bunch would crumble despite all eagerness.
"Mene Herren" started Heydrich "We have but three options. We can surrender and hope for amnesty. I am not fooled by offer of amnesty they talk about. I think we will all be shot at first sight, as has happened to the Reichsfuehrer. Don't we all know what fair trial at hands of Volksgerichtshof means. We are as good as dead. Trumped up charges, against which we can have no defence at all, guarantee death sentence to us all. Maybe not the common soldiers, after all it is hard to kill that many people, as you all know, but I am certain that none of us is going to survive capturing. Thus the route of surrender is closed to us.
We can choose to fight here. We might defend ourselves against garrisons of Wehrmacht around us and forces that can be gathered on short notice. However, we do not have ammo nor supplies to last us for more than a month, and as soon as sizable force can be deployed here we are done for.
In my opinion best option is to start guerilla resistance. I propose to split our units into 10 groups an march independently toward Reich, where we will further split and organize into small groups able to hit and run. There we can find people sympathetic to our cause and willing to cover us. I am sure that there are people in Reich who can be persuaded of truth. Of course, this course is also the hardest and most dangerous. I do not want to have anyone on my side who is not willing to do his utmost and sacrifice everything. I am sure most of you wouldn't be here if it wasn't so. Is there anyone here unwilling to follow me?" he finished his harangue with question. He didn't have to wait long. Everyone in the room jumped and saluted in Nazi way. They were all willing to die.
Heydrich sat in a makeshift office improvised hastily in one of undamaged buildings of NCO Academy. what remained of senior officers of SS was in this room. Attempts to contact HQ building in Berlin ended in demands to identify and give the position. It was clear that no hope of organizing any resistance remained. Although they had unit of 15400 men, mostly army trained conscripts and few hundred enthusiastic, but utterly untrained Hitler Jugend volunteers. Sepp Dietrich was the only one with any military experience of the officers, while other 'senior' officers present were mostly members of Totenkopf and Einsatzgruppen. Though uniformed and nominally having officer rank, their only activity in the war so far was rounding up innocent civilians and killing them. Heydrich knew that in confrontation with real soldiers, this makeshift bunch would crumble despite all eagerness.
"Mene Herren" started Heydrich "We have but three options. We can surrender and hope for amnesty. I am not fooled by offer of amnesty they talk about. I think we will all be shot at first sight, as has happened to the Reichsfuehrer. Don't we all know what fair trial at hands of Volksgerichtshof means. We are as good as dead. Trumped up charges, against which we can have no defence at all, guarantee death sentence to us all. Maybe not the common soldiers, after all it is hard to kill that many people, as you all know, but I am certain that none of us is going to survive capturing. Thus the route of surrender is closed to us.
We can choose to fight here. We might defend ourselves against garrisons of Wehrmacht around us and forces that can be gathered on short notice. However, we do not have ammo nor supplies to last us for more than a month, and as soon as sizable force can be deployed here we are done for.
In my opinion best option is to start guerilla resistance. I propose to split our units into 10 groups an march independently toward Reich, where we will further split and organize into small groups able to hit and run. There we can find people sympathetic to our cause and willing to cover us. I am sure that there are people in Reich who can be persuaded of truth. Of course, this course is also the hardest and most dangerous. I do not want to have anyone on my side who is not willing to do his utmost and sacrifice everything. I am sure most of you wouldn't be here if it wasn't so. Is there anyone here unwilling to follow me?" he finished his harangue with question. He didn't have to wait long. Everyone in the room jumped and saluted in Nazi way. They were all willing to die.
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November 21st, 1030 Moscow, Kremlin
Paasikivi was ushered into Molotov's office. "Welcome, mr. Paasikivi" Molotov greeted him instantly.
"Good morning, mr. Molotov. I came here to announce that three days ago, my government has agreed to concede to your demands. We were hoping that some amendments to your original demands are still possible. My government requires that Soviet Union and a third party of our choice guarantee the finality of this treatment. We fully agree to territorial concessions, however, our hope is that retention of our defensive works on Karelian isthmus is not contrary to interests of USSR. Provided these amendments are made, and with provision that Government of Kingdom of Sweden is included as guarantor and present in signing of the treaty between our two countries, I am authorized by my government to sign such a treaty. Government of Kingdom of Sweden, whom we contacted earlier, has expressed her willingness to participate in the treaty in manner I already explained. The Ambassador of Kingdom of Sweden in USSR mr. Assarsson has been notified and authorized to sign the treaty immediately."
Molotov relaxed in his chair and answered "Mr. Paasikivi, Government of Soviet Union has already stated that this agreement can only be signed with provision that your defensive line in Isthmus is dismantled. However, in view of your objections to this and since your Government has shown goodwill, this provision will be modified and Soviet Union will require of Finland only disarmament and neutralization of the fortification, rather than total dismantlement. Government of Soviet Union sees no objection to including Sweden in the process of signing as the guarantor of the treaty. Soviet Union has no further interest in Finland, beyond purely economic cooperation. Our sole goal is to secure all approaches to Leningrad. I can only express my hope that this would mark a new era in Soviet-Finnish relations. I propose that the date for signing ceremony of this beneficial treaty be set for 18th December. On the part of Soviet Union, I will sign the agreement as Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars and we expect that similarly high ranking official of Finland take part in signatures. Soviet Union proposes that signature ceremony be held in Leningrad."
"Mr. Molotov, my Government agrees with these proposals. We require that Finland be granted two weeks transition period upon signing of treaty in order to properly evacuate the areas ceded to Soviet Union." continued Paasikivi.
He has already gained as much of concessions on part of Soviet Union as his Government expected. Finns hoped that Soviet Union appetite towards their country would be sated by this. If not, at least Swedes agreed to support them. They probably wouldn't be able to do much in case Soviets decide to do something more, but the security of Sweden was tied to Finland. Should Soviets roll over Finland, next country on their menu would undoubtedly be Sweden. Even their seemingly easy acceptance of Swedish guarantee was ominous in itself. He wondered if Soviet plans included this eventuality. He decided not to be paranoid and have at least benefit of a doubt towards Soviet intentions. Even they couldn't totally disregard world opinion.
On the other hand, Molotov was pleased that Finland has agreed to demands and that no war was necessary. Europe has shifted from war to peace, whereas Soviet Union expected Germany to be preoccupied with war on the west for at least two to three years, by which time Soviet Union would be impregnable. Now, however, western front seemed to be quieting. German attention could now be switched entirely to its east. It was clear that, although the main proponent of their violent ideology has disappeared, Nazism was still predominant in Germany. Would they heed the call of their late Leader to east? Whatever the answer to this question, Molotov knew that Soviet Union has decided (which meant that Stalin has decided) to move its borders as far west as possible without risking war.
Paasikivi was ushered into Molotov's office. "Welcome, mr. Paasikivi" Molotov greeted him instantly.
"Good morning, mr. Molotov. I came here to announce that three days ago, my government has agreed to concede to your demands. We were hoping that some amendments to your original demands are still possible. My government requires that Soviet Union and a third party of our choice guarantee the finality of this treatment. We fully agree to territorial concessions, however, our hope is that retention of our defensive works on Karelian isthmus is not contrary to interests of USSR. Provided these amendments are made, and with provision that Government of Kingdom of Sweden is included as guarantor and present in signing of the treaty between our two countries, I am authorized by my government to sign such a treaty. Government of Kingdom of Sweden, whom we contacted earlier, has expressed her willingness to participate in the treaty in manner I already explained. The Ambassador of Kingdom of Sweden in USSR mr. Assarsson has been notified and authorized to sign the treaty immediately."
Molotov relaxed in his chair and answered "Mr. Paasikivi, Government of Soviet Union has already stated that this agreement can only be signed with provision that your defensive line in Isthmus is dismantled. However, in view of your objections to this and since your Government has shown goodwill, this provision will be modified and Soviet Union will require of Finland only disarmament and neutralization of the fortification, rather than total dismantlement. Government of Soviet Union sees no objection to including Sweden in the process of signing as the guarantor of the treaty. Soviet Union has no further interest in Finland, beyond purely economic cooperation. Our sole goal is to secure all approaches to Leningrad. I can only express my hope that this would mark a new era in Soviet-Finnish relations. I propose that the date for signing ceremony of this beneficial treaty be set for 18th December. On the part of Soviet Union, I will sign the agreement as Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars and we expect that similarly high ranking official of Finland take part in signatures. Soviet Union proposes that signature ceremony be held in Leningrad."
"Mr. Molotov, my Government agrees with these proposals. We require that Finland be granted two weeks transition period upon signing of treaty in order to properly evacuate the areas ceded to Soviet Union." continued Paasikivi.
He has already gained as much of concessions on part of Soviet Union as his Government expected. Finns hoped that Soviet Union appetite towards their country would be sated by this. If not, at least Swedes agreed to support them. They probably wouldn't be able to do much in case Soviets decide to do something more, but the security of Sweden was tied to Finland. Should Soviets roll over Finland, next country on their menu would undoubtedly be Sweden. Even their seemingly easy acceptance of Swedish guarantee was ominous in itself. He wondered if Soviet plans included this eventuality. He decided not to be paranoid and have at least benefit of a doubt towards Soviet intentions. Even they couldn't totally disregard world opinion.
On the other hand, Molotov was pleased that Finland has agreed to demands and that no war was necessary. Europe has shifted from war to peace, whereas Soviet Union expected Germany to be preoccupied with war on the west for at least two to three years, by which time Soviet Union would be impregnable. Now, however, western front seemed to be quieting. German attention could now be switched entirely to its east. It was clear that, although the main proponent of their violent ideology has disappeared, Nazism was still predominant in Germany. Would they heed the call of their late Leader to east? Whatever the answer to this question, Molotov knew that Soviet Union has decided (which meant that Stalin has decided) to move its borders as far west as possible without risking war.
Oh, I forgot to comment on this earlier. And thus, Lone Bomber Conspiracy theory was born in Third Reich.
