November 10, 1940
Von Schulenburg carefully pressed his tie against his ironed shirt, as he waited in the marble hall. He repressed the need for a cigarette, knowing that the smell might well imperil his chances with the Fuhrer. Suddenly the large ornate doors to the outer office opened and a uniformed aid in brown motioned for Von Schulenburg to enter.
To his surprise when he came in the Fuhrer was alone. He had expected Von Ribbentrop or another senior foreign ministry aid to be present. Instead Hitler was reading over a sheaf of papers. Standing at rest he could see that the Fuhrer was reading over Von Schulenburg's own memo on the Soviet situation. Hitler motioned for Von Schulenburg to sit.
"I have read over your proposals for Molotov's visit." began Hitler "You make some interesting points. I spoke with our foreign minister and various others, many are intrigued with your ideas.” Hitler paused and fixed the ambassador with a casual glance. “Although some consider it a betrayal of National Socialist principles."
Von Schulenburg repressed the urge laugh and to say that the use of the terms principles and National Socialist in the same sentence as bordering on comedy. Still he served Germany.
“I am loyal to Germany, my Fuhrer. I know that we can bring Stalin into our great Axis. Molotov’s trip to Berlin must mean they are ready to negotiate. We simply have to offer them something that every Russian since Peter the Great has desired.”
“Yes, yes, I understand those subhuman’s desires. But Germany too has desires and we have a legitimate claim to the Balkans. The Bulgarians will soon be brought into our camp, why give them to the Russians?”
“Ah, my Fuhrer, we needn’t abandon them. The Russians will need Burgas and few other bases to be able to rattle their sabers at Turkey, but the bulk of the country can remain under German, observation.”
Hitler was silent for a moment. He turned away from the ambassador and stared at a picture of Frederick the Great. The seconds stretched out and Von Schulenburg wondered if he should say something. Then Hitler spoke, “It is done, you will attend the conference with foreign minister Molotov as my personal negotiator. If Von Ribbentrop does not recover in time you will lead the negotiation team. See Hess on the way out to clear it all with security.”
November 12, 1940
The railway station was decorated with alternating Soviet and Nazi flags. Von Schulenburg waited patiently as the train carrying Molotov came to a graceful halt. A military band, some distance back, began to play the Internationale. He couldn’t suppress a smile, thinking that most of the SS on the platform probably heard that song just before wading into a fight with the German communist.
Molotov stepped down off the train and smiled. He noted that Von Schulenburg was not accompanied by Ribbentrop, so the latest intelligence about the German foreign minister’s accident must be true, unless it was some ruse. For a moment he wondered what double game the German’s might be playing, rapidly move and countermove raced through his head. He reached out to shake Von Schulenburg’s hand.
“It is good to see you again Ambassador” said the Russian
“Yes, it is good to see you too.” Answered Von Schulenburg in flawless Russian.
“I take it that Minister Ribbentrop is unable to attend?” Molotov asked
“Unfortunately the minister is still in bed recovering from his fall. But I have been appointed personally by the Fuhrer to meet with you.”
Molotov smiled, but inside he was disappointed. The German foreign minister was an amateur, Von Schulenburg was a professional. He would much rather have dealt with the ‘champagne salesman’ rather than the ambassador. Best to establish some degree of advantage immediately
“I had hoped that your government would have taken this matter more seriously. I am the foreign minister of the Soviet Republic, I would expect negotiations to be between equals, not functionaries.” Molotov gave him a cold smile hoping the barb would unsettle the German.
“Ah then you are fortunate Minister. I have been named acting Reich Minister during Von Ribbentrop’s recover.” He didn’t add that his authority extended about as far as this railway platform and he would have to have Hess, Goering and Himmler all sign an order in triplicate if he wanted to so much as change the order of flags.
“Well then” replied Molotov, not missing a beat “congratulations on your temporary promotion. I am sure the Reich will be well served by your skills.” He looked over and saw another civilian at von Schulenburg’s side. He recognized him, but refused to show he did.
“You know former Chancellor Von Papen, of course” offered Von Schulenburg, stepping aside and offering a formal wave of the hand in the chancellor’s direction. Molotov nodded “He is hear to help us with the negotiations. The Fuhrer himself ordered him to return from Turkey especially for this meeting.”
Molotov smiled, but this time it was genuine.
November 13, 1940
The Germans sat across from the Russian delegation. Von Schulenburg had pulled the large map of the Bulgaria back towards the German side. “Alright we can agree that the Soviet bases and observers will be total in the three Eastern Zone and that German advisors will guarantee order in the West. But we are clear that economically German interests will predominate in all zones correct?”
Molotov nodded, thinking that once Soviet troops were in Eastern Bulgaria the Germans would find it difficult to extract much. They had done it to the Germans in the Baltic already. “I think we can sign off on this division than”
“I think given Chancellor Von Papen’s expertise that he should begin our discussion of the Turkish Issue.” Stated Von Schulenburg.
“Thank you, minister” said Von Papen “As you know from your meeting with him last night, Minister Molotov, the Fuhrer has agreed that the Russian, er excuse me, Soviet – desire for freer access to the Mediterranean is a legitimate concern. The Reich is prepared to agree to support your claims on the Straits and to a readjustment of the Iranian border. Unlike our English cousins we feel that you have a legitimate right to expand South.
“Which neatly brings us to the subject of the English. I very much doubt that they will tolerate our moves South. Historically they have always been suspicious of our need for adequate protection in the Southern areas.”
“We have driven the English from the continent, they are confined to their tiny island and will soon see reason.” Interrupted Henrich Muller.
Molotov laughed openly. “Then those bombers last night were what?” The Gestapo chief scowled. Not for the first time he felt out of his depth here. He was supposed to be keeping his eye on all these damn communist and aristocrats, instead he was floundering. Having silenced the policeman Molotov continued. It could well mean war with England if we try to exercise our rights to Iran and Turkey. This was obviously a decision for the boss.
“Your proposal of alliance and a free hand in Turkey and Iran are quite interesting Minister Schulenburg. Of course I will continue my discussion with your Fuhrer tonight, but I also need to consult with Comrade Stalin.
November 20, 1940
It was almost 3 AM but the Kremlin was brightly lit. As usual Stalin had kept his inner circle up drinking and watching movies until quite late, than the drove them to critical matters.
“Alright Comrades we will need to answer the German’s proposal for alliance.” He drew out a large map and beckoned his guest over. “Hitler offers us a 1/3 of Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran. Plus the economic agreement to help our industries.”
Beria studied his master, looking for some hint as to which way Stalin’s mind was working. “It is a generous offer, of other people’s land. But they have kept their word in the Baltic and Poland.” He hoped it was neutral enough to not alienate his boss.
Timoshenko stared at the policeman. He loathed Beria, but he knew his army needed time to recover from the disastrous winter war. An alliance with Germany would give him time to get new tanks and planes deployed. He shuddered to think how his formations would hold up to a German onslaught launched this year. “Peace will give us time to secure our borders, and war with England will be limited. After all how could they attack us? Already it is German trade and machines that we exchange for wheat and minerals, not English. It seems worth the risk. Perhaps they won’t even declare war? The Germans may be right they may be beat, or too weak to risk widening the war to include us.”
“Yes” offered Stalin “I feel I can trust Hitler. The capitalist have had their chance at alliance and offered us nothing. If we join the Axis we also secure our Eastern borders with Japan. Molotov you may cable our German friends and tell them we agree to join the Axis.”
Von Schulenburg carefully pressed his tie against his ironed shirt, as he waited in the marble hall. He repressed the need for a cigarette, knowing that the smell might well imperil his chances with the Fuhrer. Suddenly the large ornate doors to the outer office opened and a uniformed aid in brown motioned for Von Schulenburg to enter.
To his surprise when he came in the Fuhrer was alone. He had expected Von Ribbentrop or another senior foreign ministry aid to be present. Instead Hitler was reading over a sheaf of papers. Standing at rest he could see that the Fuhrer was reading over Von Schulenburg's own memo on the Soviet situation. Hitler motioned for Von Schulenburg to sit.
"I have read over your proposals for Molotov's visit." began Hitler "You make some interesting points. I spoke with our foreign minister and various others, many are intrigued with your ideas.” Hitler paused and fixed the ambassador with a casual glance. “Although some consider it a betrayal of National Socialist principles."
Von Schulenburg repressed the urge laugh and to say that the use of the terms principles and National Socialist in the same sentence as bordering on comedy. Still he served Germany.
“I am loyal to Germany, my Fuhrer. I know that we can bring Stalin into our great Axis. Molotov’s trip to Berlin must mean they are ready to negotiate. We simply have to offer them something that every Russian since Peter the Great has desired.”
“Yes, yes, I understand those subhuman’s desires. But Germany too has desires and we have a legitimate claim to the Balkans. The Bulgarians will soon be brought into our camp, why give them to the Russians?”
“Ah, my Fuhrer, we needn’t abandon them. The Russians will need Burgas and few other bases to be able to rattle their sabers at Turkey, but the bulk of the country can remain under German, observation.”
Hitler was silent for a moment. He turned away from the ambassador and stared at a picture of Frederick the Great. The seconds stretched out and Von Schulenburg wondered if he should say something. Then Hitler spoke, “It is done, you will attend the conference with foreign minister Molotov as my personal negotiator. If Von Ribbentrop does not recover in time you will lead the negotiation team. See Hess on the way out to clear it all with security.”
November 12, 1940
The railway station was decorated with alternating Soviet and Nazi flags. Von Schulenburg waited patiently as the train carrying Molotov came to a graceful halt. A military band, some distance back, began to play the Internationale. He couldn’t suppress a smile, thinking that most of the SS on the platform probably heard that song just before wading into a fight with the German communist.
Molotov stepped down off the train and smiled. He noted that Von Schulenburg was not accompanied by Ribbentrop, so the latest intelligence about the German foreign minister’s accident must be true, unless it was some ruse. For a moment he wondered what double game the German’s might be playing, rapidly move and countermove raced through his head. He reached out to shake Von Schulenburg’s hand.
“It is good to see you again Ambassador” said the Russian
“Yes, it is good to see you too.” Answered Von Schulenburg in flawless Russian.
“I take it that Minister Ribbentrop is unable to attend?” Molotov asked
“Unfortunately the minister is still in bed recovering from his fall. But I have been appointed personally by the Fuhrer to meet with you.”
Molotov smiled, but inside he was disappointed. The German foreign minister was an amateur, Von Schulenburg was a professional. He would much rather have dealt with the ‘champagne salesman’ rather than the ambassador. Best to establish some degree of advantage immediately
“I had hoped that your government would have taken this matter more seriously. I am the foreign minister of the Soviet Republic, I would expect negotiations to be between equals, not functionaries.” Molotov gave him a cold smile hoping the barb would unsettle the German.
“Ah then you are fortunate Minister. I have been named acting Reich Minister during Von Ribbentrop’s recover.” He didn’t add that his authority extended about as far as this railway platform and he would have to have Hess, Goering and Himmler all sign an order in triplicate if he wanted to so much as change the order of flags.
“Well then” replied Molotov, not missing a beat “congratulations on your temporary promotion. I am sure the Reich will be well served by your skills.” He looked over and saw another civilian at von Schulenburg’s side. He recognized him, but refused to show he did.
“You know former Chancellor Von Papen, of course” offered Von Schulenburg, stepping aside and offering a formal wave of the hand in the chancellor’s direction. Molotov nodded “He is hear to help us with the negotiations. The Fuhrer himself ordered him to return from Turkey especially for this meeting.”
Molotov smiled, but this time it was genuine.
November 13, 1940
The Germans sat across from the Russian delegation. Von Schulenburg had pulled the large map of the Bulgaria back towards the German side. “Alright we can agree that the Soviet bases and observers will be total in the three Eastern Zone and that German advisors will guarantee order in the West. But we are clear that economically German interests will predominate in all zones correct?”
Molotov nodded, thinking that once Soviet troops were in Eastern Bulgaria the Germans would find it difficult to extract much. They had done it to the Germans in the Baltic already. “I think we can sign off on this division than”
“I think given Chancellor Von Papen’s expertise that he should begin our discussion of the Turkish Issue.” Stated Von Schulenburg.
“Thank you, minister” said Von Papen “As you know from your meeting with him last night, Minister Molotov, the Fuhrer has agreed that the Russian, er excuse me, Soviet – desire for freer access to the Mediterranean is a legitimate concern. The Reich is prepared to agree to support your claims on the Straits and to a readjustment of the Iranian border. Unlike our English cousins we feel that you have a legitimate right to expand South.
“Which neatly brings us to the subject of the English. I very much doubt that they will tolerate our moves South. Historically they have always been suspicious of our need for adequate protection in the Southern areas.”
“We have driven the English from the continent, they are confined to their tiny island and will soon see reason.” Interrupted Henrich Muller.
Molotov laughed openly. “Then those bombers last night were what?” The Gestapo chief scowled. Not for the first time he felt out of his depth here. He was supposed to be keeping his eye on all these damn communist and aristocrats, instead he was floundering. Having silenced the policeman Molotov continued. It could well mean war with England if we try to exercise our rights to Iran and Turkey. This was obviously a decision for the boss.
“Your proposal of alliance and a free hand in Turkey and Iran are quite interesting Minister Schulenburg. Of course I will continue my discussion with your Fuhrer tonight, but I also need to consult with Comrade Stalin.
November 20, 1940
It was almost 3 AM but the Kremlin was brightly lit. As usual Stalin had kept his inner circle up drinking and watching movies until quite late, than the drove them to critical matters.
“Alright Comrades we will need to answer the German’s proposal for alliance.” He drew out a large map and beckoned his guest over. “Hitler offers us a 1/3 of Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran. Plus the economic agreement to help our industries.”
Beria studied his master, looking for some hint as to which way Stalin’s mind was working. “It is a generous offer, of other people’s land. But they have kept their word in the Baltic and Poland.” He hoped it was neutral enough to not alienate his boss.
Timoshenko stared at the policeman. He loathed Beria, but he knew his army needed time to recover from the disastrous winter war. An alliance with Germany would give him time to get new tanks and planes deployed. He shuddered to think how his formations would hold up to a German onslaught launched this year. “Peace will give us time to secure our borders, and war with England will be limited. After all how could they attack us? Already it is German trade and machines that we exchange for wheat and minerals, not English. It seems worth the risk. Perhaps they won’t even declare war? The Germans may be right they may be beat, or too weak to risk widening the war to include us.”
“Yes” offered Stalin “I feel I can trust Hitler. The capitalist have had their chance at alliance and offered us nothing. If we join the Axis we also secure our Eastern borders with Japan. Molotov you may cable our German friends and tell them we agree to join the Axis.”
