The Promise of a Clean Regime | An Independent State of Croatia TL

[John_Smith]

HSS Representative Dragutin Toth adjusted his necktie before beginning his speech.

„Gentlemen!

There has always been a desire entrenched in the minds of the Croatian people of Međimurje to politically associate themselves with men of the same blood and tongue. The imperialism of the Hungarian state, which by force of Magyarization wanted to create a compact and monolingual Hungarian nation from various peoples of the former empire. However, like with all other non-Hungarian peoples, these poor attempts have had the same effect on the Croats of Međimurje. In spite of great violence and most severe Hungarianization, the Croatian people in Međimurje have preserved their language and a burning desire for liberation from foreign yoke.

Gentlemen!

When President Wilson's brilliant idea of self-determination of the peoples turned triumphant, the Croats of Međimurje felt that they had the right to freedom and life. The Hungarian authorities wanted to give one final blow to the desire of the people for freedom, and many of our sons had to pay the ultimate price with their blood to protect it. Nevertheless, the hour of liberation by the glorious army of sons of our blood and tongue has come. That is why Croatians from the entire region gathered at a public assembly in Čakovec to openly, decisively, unanimously and self-confidently announce to the entire world – We hereby secede from the Hungarian state, to which we have so far belonged to only under the threat of force and against our will.

Gentlemen!

I am incredibly worried about this administration's lack of action regarding the matter of Međimurje. No soldiers of Croatian blood have been there ever since they were forced out in late April. Over a hundred families from Baranja and Međimurje have sought refuge from Hungarian repression. If such concerning events continue to occur, then the incredible determination with which the Croats of Međimurje have freed themselves from foreign yoke two decades ago will evaporate, like a drop of water in a puddle when exposed to the harsh sun.“

When Vladko Maček heard the speech a few hours after the session has ended, he grew concerned. Toth was his colleague, a member of his political party. The fact that the Peasant Party representatives have started to openly criticize his cabinet so early on sent shivers down his spine. Has national unity already started to waste away?

He knew he made a grave mistake by ignoring the issue of Hungary. Despite him working hard on solving issues of western borders, finances and law and order, he still felt like he should have done something with the borders up north.

Tomo Jančiković [1] has appeared before his eyes, taking a seat that was in front of him. This action sent the old man out of his stupor, but he still didn't know if he phased out while the younger man was there or if he only arrived now.

„Arrange a meeting with Regent Horthy, please. The issue of borders has to be solved. And try to have it take place before June.“

„Yes, Your Excellency.“

„You can go now.“

Conducător [2] Antonescu's telegram that has been carefully placed atop the pile of letters on his table brought to his mind yet another headache-inducing issue. The young Republic has been recognized by only six sovereign countries, all of them being members of the Tripartite Pact, with the exception of the Soviet Union due to, as his Internal Affairs Minister Ivanko Farolfi put it, a miraculous set of fortunate circumstances which allowed one of his colleagues Franjo Gaži to be offered the esteemed position in early April by none other than Stalin himself. [3]

However he was still very worried - some of the most important Axis members still didn't recognize the newly formed nation. Vladko Maček knew that there was no easy way for him to urge the Japanese for recognition due to the distance involved, while Italy still waited for territorial concessions. The Ban scratched the back of his head, feeling irritated and helpless. He would have to coax Maréchal Pétain to back his Republic if he hoped for a decent position in the newly established totalitarian order in Europe.

Recognition of the Republic of Croatia by the end of May, 1941

Republic of Croatia

Neutral nations that have recognized the Republic [4]

Neutral nations that have not recognized the Republic

Western Allies that have not recognized the Republic

Axis countries that have recognized the Republic

Axis countries that have not recognized the Republic

*****
​

[1] A lawyer who defended many political dissidents of all types of beliefs during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, many among them being HSS members like Ivan Pernar and Đuka Kemfelja, as well as some communists. He was later elected representative of the Croatian Peasant Party in the Yugoslav National Assembly in 1935 and 1938. ITTL he is chosen as the Croatian ambassador to Hungary.
[2] Romanian version of Leader (similar to Spanish Caudillo, Croatian Poglavnik or German Führer).
[3] At this point in time IOTL the Independent State of Croatia was recognized by six nations. ITTL Mussolini did not send the telegram of recognition like he did to Pavelić on April 15 in reality, however Maček's Republic was recognized by the USSR, as IOTL Franjo Gaži (member of the HSS) was in Moscow when Operation 25 became reality and he was offered the position of ambassador for the NDH, but couldn't accept because his party's leadership did not give him permission.
[4] It is reasonable to assume that the Mongolian People's Republic (socialist country heavily aligned with the USSR) would soon follow in Soviet footsteps, thus becoming the seventh country to fully recognize Croatia (sometime by the end of May).

 

[Unknown]

I do expect the Croatians, like others have said, to start (covertly) talking to the Allies when the opportunity is right...

 

[John_Smith]

I do expect the Croatians, like others have said, to start (covertly) talking to the Allies when the opportunity is right...

If extremist and murderous Ustaše began their negotiations with the Allies so early (I can't find the exact source now, but I read somewhere that Mladen Lorković started keeping contact with them since 1942) then it's safe to assume the HSS will do as well, if not even sooner.

 

[Livius wannabe]

So? It's not like any of those German princelings that became kings of Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Albania ever did anything for those countries.

They either had the rank or power.

Didnt you mention just last page how counts are too low or something?

Yes, that's why there's so many of them.
What should they do? Draw lots?

The point about having a king, are to give a country legitimacy or/and create foreign connections. A local noble will only be crowned, if they're very popular locally or gave a lot of power.

Precisely. See the distinction between "king in" and "king of".

But what about Philip of Hessen? He's son in law of the Italian King, highly placed in the Nazi party and had a personal friendship with people like Göring. He also seem to be the kind of scum which flow above water, so he would likely support any attempt to join the ally side, the moment Croatia could get away with it.

Mafalda's hubby? That would do, considering he wasn't directly involved with the SS like his brothers. The T4 programme...who knows, in 20 years time nobody will care since many countries had a troubled past with eugenics.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you King Philip!

Perhaps the timeline will have to be forked?

 

[General Ripper]

No way that Maček and HSS would ever accept foreign or Domestic king. Only exception is Savoia prince in return for not giving Italians not an inch of territory.

 

[General Ripper]

I wonder why Maček/Sabor didn't issue a Proclamation to the World, announcing independence of Croatia and asking for recognition? Also, I would expect that Maček would have a short talk with British consul in Zagreb, before he left for London.

 

[John_Smith]

I wonder why Maček/Sabor didn't issue a Proclamation to the World, announcing independence of Croatia and asking for recognition? Also, I would expect that Maček would have a short talk with British consul in Zagreb, before he left for London.

There really wasn't any point in doing such a proclamation, because all non-Axis nations were either smaller neutral players (Switzerland, Turkey), neutral nations that Maček did not like (USSR), Allied-leaning neutrals (US) or just Allies who were at war with the Tripartite Pact (UK). Plus there are much better, louder ways for the world to find out about Croatian desire for independence.

There was a 9 day period (from April 7 to April 16) that I purposefully didn't cover. Some stuff that happened during that time I will gradually show in the chapters that will follow, as I did up until this point (like mentioning that Kulenović visited Maček on Easter Monday in Chapter I.IV or Zvonko Kovačević's photo description in Chapter I.X).

 

[machine3589]

Yes, that's why there's so many of them.
What should they do? Draw lots?

Nothing as they'd be ignored.

I'm getting the feeling you think this coronation would go by some europe-wide rules of nobility or something, when I've told you time and time again that it wont work that way in 1941. The HSS leadership would pick the guy, and Hitler would approve him. That's it. No elaborate court intrigue. It's not the 18th century anymore.

But I think we've gotten way off course here, and a nearly perfect solution has presented itself.

Mafalda's hubby? That would do, considering he wasn't directly involved with the SS like his brothers. The T4 programme...who knows, in 20 years time nobody will care since many countries had a troubled past with eugenics.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you King Philip!

Filip in Croatian.

No way that Maček and HSS would ever accept foreign or Domestic king. Only exception is Savoia prince in return for not giving Italians not an inch of territory.

I'd think Maček and co. would be pragmatic enough to accept a foreign king if it meant minimal Italian annexations (Savoia) or maximal German support (Hesse).

 

[General Ripper]

I'd think Maček and co. would be pragmatic enough to accept a foreign king if it meant minimal Italian annexations (Savoia) or maximal German support (Hesse).

Hitler hates kings and monarchy in general, so fat chance that he would support Croatia instead of Italy/Mussolini because Croats decided to take some German prince as their king. About Savoia, it all depends how much Mussolini is ready to limit his appetites.

 

[Tomislav Addai]

A marquess. Not bad, but not sovereign.



A count. Even less.

I'm not sure there are precedents for such an elevation. Unless one of them guided a national liberation war or something like that, I don't see why they would be more credible than an elected president.

Jelacic? Is he somwhat related to ban Josip Jelacic? If so, he would be seen as legitimate

 

[John_Smith]

Slavko Kvaternik couldn't help but smile at the sight before him. The wooden crates, a sea of them littering what used to be a green meadow, have all been neatly stacked on top of each other. He urged for Josip Šolc, commander of the 79th Home Guard Battalion to follow him to the boxes he was eager to pry open.

„Where is your superior, commander? I see he is not here to see the gifts from the Führer.“

„He is sending his deepest apologies, Colonel Kvaternik, but he is quite busy himself. He told me to accompany you when the shipments arrive in order to give them to people who need them the most.“

„I see.“

The older man caught the gaze of one of the soldiers in the crowd that stiffly stood in formation on the duo's side. He nodded as a quick sign of greeting, which the man returned, while commander Šolc rambled on. Kvaternik, not wanting the younger officer to notice his lack of attention, interrupted him.

„Would you like to do the honors?“

„If I may.“

Šolc was given a large crowbar by two young soldiers. He smiled as a sign of thanks before leaning the pinch point inside in the small opening found between the lid and the side. He applied generous amounts of pressure before the top popped, falling onto the grass below. Kvaternik's wide eyes filled enthusiasm quickly changed their hue, its shine dissipating after seeing the crate's contents.

„What is it, Colonel?“

„Oh it's nothing… I guess I got too optimistic.“

He took the 7,9 mm M.24 Rifle that was almost buried in the hay into his hands. Holding it with his left hand, he beckoned the young private to approach him.

„You, Home Guardsman [1]! Come over here!“

„Y-yes, sir.“

„Do you know how to shoot?“

„I'm afraid not, sir.“

„Then you shall learn. Today.“

Kvaternik threw the rifle into the youngster's hands, who barely succeded in catching it. His gaze nervously followed Kvaternik's eyes, as if waiting for a command.

The rifle in question. Widely used in the Royal Yugoslav Army​

„Go on, then, shoot. If commander Šolc made a living kicking a ball [2] around for ten years then you'll have no problem learning how to protect your own life.“

The Home Guardsman gulped nervously. He aimed the gun at the bright target painted on the wooden stump some forty meters away from him. His hands shook with nervousness and fear.

„Pull the bolt forward, Home Guardsman.“

„Yes, sir.“

„Stand upright. No hunching over. Now raise the rifle to your shoulder level.“

„W-what now?“

„Aim it at the target carefully, let your eye guide your movement.“

„I did it.“

„Good, now take the shot.“

„But..“

„No buts, just pull the trigger.“

The young soldier started hyperventilating with anticipation and adrenaline. His hands started shaking. He felt like his legs are going to collapse on him. His heart started thumping, as if trying to break through his rib cage. He wanted to just drop the rifle and go home, realizing that the patriotic poems of Gundulić, Preradović and Demeter were fluffy fiction when compared to this horror, this machine capable of destroying human life that he held in his hands.

But suddenly, something clicked in his mind. He knew that his generation was the first one, among many before, that had the extraordinary chance to release his nation's culture from foreign chains that held it under their boot for so many centuries not by words and social upheaval, but rather by blood and iron. A completely different kind of courage was needed if his peers wanted a free Croatia capable of being an independent actor on the world stage.

With this sudden resolve, he pulled the trigger, mentally declaring himself a part of this ongoing and soon-to-be bloody fight.

But the shot never rang.

„What… There are no bullets…“

„Of course there aren't, Home Guardsman. We're running low on ammunition as is, we better spare as many as possible when we really need them.“

Ambassador Kasche, who stood next to General Horstenau, tried to keep the smile off his face. He approached Kvaternik, lightly tapping his shoulder to get his attention

„Could you spare a moment, Colonel?“

„Yes, yes, of course. What do you need, ambassador?“

„Not here.“

„Oh…“

„Follow me.“

Kvaternik hurried after Kasche, trying to catch up to his quick steps.

„Colonel, as much as I want to keep all this as our sweet little secret, I have to tell you that I am unable to. Horstenau is on our tail as is, and he has control of the army.“

„Can't you do something to stall him, anything at all?“

„With all due respect, Colonel Kvaternik, but Glaise von Horstenau is not a foolish man. He is already deeply suspicious of our operations and the shipments your army is receiving. If you plan on initiating this little charade of yours I suggest you do it quickly. The sooner the better, otherwise we will all be in trouble. I shall stall the Wehrmacht as much as I can, and I will try and convince them to stop the show at the most opportune moment for you.“

„Thank you, ambassador.“

„I am not quite finished. Your predictable discussions with Count Ciano will present themselves as a problem. Do you know, by any chance, when exactly they are going to be held?“

„Tomorrow in Monfalcone, late afternoon I think.“

„There you go, Colonel. That is your main problem. If your representatives agitate Ciano enough, which surely won't be that much of a task, then there is absolutely no reason for Mussolini not to roll his tanks over Agram in less than a week. You need a distraction, something to postpone the following meeting as much as possible, otherwise your whole plan is dead in the water.“

„Alright…“

„And for God's sake, make your soldiers learn the basics, at least. Because, judging by today's embarrassing performance you might as well send them against Italian defenses without any clothes or weapons, that is how useful they are going to be if you don't do something.“

„We already have men working on it, don't you worry.“

„Gut.“

*****
​

[1] Home Guardsman (domobran) is the equivalent to Private ITTL.
[2] Josip Šolc, other than being an official in the Royal Yugoslav Army, was also a midfielder playing for Concordia Zagreb from 1917 to 1928, and briefly for the Yugoslav national football team (being a member of the 1920 Olympics squad).

 

[Magyarország]

Hey, at least you got some rifles now, Colonel, and they aren't worse than what the Germans have!

 

[General Ripper]

Hmm, and why wouldn't he know how to shoot? After all, Croats served their conscription in Yugoslav Army as well as other citizens and I'm pretty certain they lerned at least how to shoot from a rifle.

Also, I believe that Maček would have promoted Kvaternik into a general.

 

[John_Smith]

Hmm, and why wouldn't he know how to shoot? After all, Croats served their conscription in Yugoslav Army as well as other citizens and I'm pretty certain they lerned at least how to shoot from a rifle.

Also, I believe that Maček would have promoted Kvaternik into a general.

He could be very young, thus not of age to serve yet but he joined because it is the Croatian army, and not the Yugoslav one. Then there's a possibility he avoided conscription because he didn't want to serve for political reasons. I left it purposefully vague so the readers could decide for themselves what the exact reason for his lack of knowledge might be.

He will be, don't you worry.

 

[John_Smith]

„Try number two, gentlemen. I sincerely hope you have your pens ready.“

Ciano's fake smile disappeared after he caught Košutić's deadpan glare. He cleared his throat uncomfortably, having lowered his glass of brandy on the table before taking a seat across from Ivan Šubašić and his colleagues. His convivial voice quickly changed its tone to that of a serious, almost threatening figure.

„Shall we begin, then?“

Milutin Kvaternik replied in an instant.

„That's what we're here for, Minister.“

„Right…“

Ciano was evidently nervous, since his brief rendezvous with German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop in Vienna some two to three weeks ago did not go as well as he wished it would [1]. He replayed the exchange between them.

Ribbentrop (left) and Ciano (right) right before their (un)fortunate conversation​

„No, and that is the final. Minister Ciano, Italian pretensions on the Dalmatian coast as you have presented them are nothing short of grandiose dreams that would only spell trouble if they were to become reality. Italian control of the coast stretching from Pflaum [2] to Cattaro [3] and going so deep into the country? And don't even get me started on your proposal for a personal union between Italy and Croatia. Your demands run counter to the wishes of der Führer, who has stated numerous times that Croatia belongs to the German sphere of influence. If Italy tries to annex the territory west of the Jastrebarsko-Foča Line then this act will cause significant damage both to Duce's and Führer's interests and to the relationship between them...

​

...Der Führer is far too busy with other important matters so he demands that you and Croatian representatives come to an agreement on your own.“

„Il Duce demands that the Croatian state transfers under Italy's control any and all islands, rocks and reefs found in the Adriatic Sea and a small, almost insignificant expansion of the Zara enclave, covering the towns of Argimbusi [4] to the south, Nona [5] to the north, Polissano [6] to the east and everything in between them.“

Šubašić countered.

„Not going to happen. The islands are essential for the Croatian national identity. Croatia without them is like Italy without Rome. They can't go, especially not all of them.“

Kvaternik backed him up.

„The Croatian Navy must exist…“

Ciano calm composure suddenly burst into a manic one. He sharply rose out of his seat, and his wild hand gesture threw his glass filled with alcoholic beverage on the wooden floor, crumbling it into pieces, making a loud noise.

„No! Absolutely unacceptable!“

Two guards rushed through the opened door, their rifles in hand. They aimed their guns at the three representatives. Both Košutić and Šubašić were shocked, not expecting the situation to escalate in such a quick manner. Milutin Kvaternik was currently the calmest person in the room. He looked Ciano straight in the eye, smiling subtly.

„Minister, I suggest you tell these two fine gentlemen to lower their guns. There is really no point in using violence in this instance.“

This infuriated Ciano even more, because he knew the old Major was right. This situation would turn even messier if they just shot them all. He hated the fact that the feeling of power and control of the situation slipped right out of his hands at the blink of an eye. He knew that nothing was going to be solved today. This meeting was just another of Maček's ploys to delay the inevitable. But sooner or later he will have to admit defeat. Galeazzo Ciano was not a man to be trifled with, and with additional support of the Duce he will prove to be victorious against the old ciarlatano. He took a deep breath before responding.

„Lower your weapons, there's no reason to have them aimed at our esteemed guests.“

He uttered the second-to-last word with venom, obviously saying it just to lower tension and try to grasp control of the situation again.

„You may go now, close the door behind you.“

The two men looked at each other, as if doubting Mussolini's son-in-law's words. They left the room cautiously, closing the door behind them softly. With the click of the door Ciano continued.

„Seeing as you are just biding your time, next meeting will be decisive. I expect Maček to show up with his entourage in Duce's office in Palazzo Venezia on June 2, 10 AM. Now that is quite a generous time gap for you all to finally pull yourselves together and benefit your country for once, but that is only because the Duce is quite busy with his African dealings. There will be no exceptions, no postponements, no dancing around the issue. Il Duce will draft the agreement himself, and if Vladko Maček refuses, we will have no other choice but to occupy your territory as we see fit. If he really wants his homeland safe, then he will be there right when I expect him to be.“

August Košutić nodded blankly, replying.

„So be it.“

Galeazzo Ciano forced a smile on his face and extended his right hand toward the Croatian Foreign Minister, expecting the handshake to signal the end to this round of negotiations

„It was a pleasure, gentlemen. I am always glad to see proof that diplomacy is the superior way of solving such important issues, rather than physical conflict. I am well aware of the te...“

The young count stopped his monologue when he realized Košutić will never return the handshake, instead opting for glaring daggers at him. He awkwardly retracted his hand, trying to keep his rage under control.

„Have a good day, Count Ciano.“

And with those parting words Šubašić, Košutić and Kvaternik left the room. The Italian man's face contorted with anger, hitting the wooden table with his fist. He scratched the oak surface with his nails, creating small incisions in it.

„That bald-headed pezzo di merda…“

*****
​

[1] IOTL the conversation between Ribbentrop and Ciano didn't go over well, with each and every Ciano's demand being refused by Ribbentrop. However the following day Hitler, who was too caught up in planning Barbarossa, told Ribbentrop that Germany is disinterested in Pavelić's Croatia and that he recommends direct negotiations between Rome and Zagreb. ITTL Hitler still recommends the direct negotiations, but is more interested in Croatia because Maček (his choice) is the leader of the country and not Italian-backed Pavelić.
[2] German for Rijeka / Fiume
[3] Italian for Kotor
[4] Italian for Bibinje
[5] Italian for Nin
[6] Italian for Poličnik

 

[General Ripper]

I would expect that Maček, in his adress to Sabor, sets date for elections for real Sabor? In say late July or early August?

 

[John_Smith]

I would expect that Maček, in his adress to Sabor, sets date for elections for real Sabor? In say late July or early August?

Yes, that will be addressed very soon.

 

[John_Smith]

Vladko Maček apprehensively wiped shiny droplets of sweat from his forehead. His vice president August, the man tasked with the job of diplomacy, was sadly unavailable at the moment trying to appease Ciano, so he had to face the intimidating man on his own for a second time. He took a deep breath before asking the emotionless officer that hit him with his briefcase a month ago.

„Where do I sign?“

He grinned, his seemingly cartoonish aura of villainy never leaving his posture or voice. He pointed his finger to the bottom of the paper.

„Right over there, Your Excellency.“

This was it. Four days of tense negotiations started upon Ribbentrop's insistence finally came to an end. The old man was still torn over his decision to give Hum na Sutli [1] up to the Nazis. On the one hand he is ruining his credibility by selling away Croatian land for seemingly vague promises, as Kasche told him the day before, but on the other hand he may be able to sway German favor to his side.

„I warmly recommend that you drop the tough guy act you have been keeping up with Duce's cronies. It will never work on Veesenmayer. Any and all demands he makes you should be accepting, if you are still interested in German support when you finally go through with solving the Italian question.“

SS-Oberführer Edmund Veesenmayer, German signatory of the border demarcation agreement​

He was worried about the six thousand lives he was about to leave at the mercy of the ruthless totalitarian monsters, but he had no choice. If he meant to recover the vast territory under Italian control then sacrifices would have to be made. Stjepan and Pavle Radić, as well as Josip Predavec [2], Milan Šufflay [3] and many others realized that the hard way. Vladko Maček was still a hopeful man, despite many setbacks and horrors he has already witnessed in his month-long tenure. He knew deep inside that liberal democracy will take root in European soil again, despite how bleak and hopeless things were at the moment.

„Your Excellency?“

The man's deep voice broke him out of his contemplative thoughts with the additional help of his snapping fingers.

„Yes, yes.“

He took the fountain pen from the officer's coarse palm and set the nib on the important paper, but he stopped his actions before he started moving it to form his name.

Six thousand lives put at risk… Only because of some ink thrown on a piece of paper… How will I live with myself… The risk is too great… What other choice is there, though? None, that's what. I will be putting a hundred times as many people in danger if I don't sign this. I simply have to…

He reluctantly moved the pen around, forming his signature, thus sealing the deal.

Veesenmayer chuckled, a big grin stretching across his cleanly shaven face. His gleeful titter resembled that of a hyena signaling its comrades that it has caught its prey.

Siegfried Kasche, who returned from an errand only a few minutes before, sat on the side of the table quietly and smiled slightly while drinking his whiskey. Veesenmayer shook Maček's hand, with the old man's hand almost being crushed under Ribbentrop's subordinate's vice-like grip.

„It has been a pleasure, Your Excellency.“

„Oberführer Veesenmayer, would you kindly leave the Ban alone with me for a few moments? We have important matters to discuss.“

„Of course, Obergruppenführer Kasche.“

And with those words Veesenmayer hastily left Maček's office, his documents in hand.

„See? That wasn't so bad. You get to keep your old borders relatively intact, with the small exception of Hum am Sottl. I would definitely celebrate if I were you.“

Borders in northern Croatia

German-Croatian border - defined

Croatian-Hungarian border - undefined

Croatian-Italian border - undefined​

Vladko Maček rubbed his eyes, tired from the exchange and the conflicted feelings that warred deep inside his heart.

„I really do not feel like it, ambassador.“

„That is quite alright. Stressful situations such as these often tend to be heartstoppers for men of your age.“

Maček had no strength to respond to Kasche's apparent insult. He just took a swig of his own drink that was beside the documents. He felt the drink burning his throat, the painful sensation numbing the growing lump in his throat.

„I don't know if you have heard, Your Excellency, but your play, or as you might call it - election, has been mentioned many times during today's session of the National Parliament.“

That made Maček look up from his relaxed position in surprise. He stared right at Kasche's eyes. He gulped before asking

„And?“

„I must admit you really have a way with people. Each and every time Sunday, July 13 was mentioned, a shower of praises for your party and most of all, you and your determination, fortitude, so on and so forth soon followed. This kind of intellectual masturbation merely increased the headache I felt before so I left the building, which is why I'm here. And another reminder - you better mop up the mess you will create with the Italians, because if July 13 comes and you lose… You will lose badly.“

„Duly noted. Thank you, ambassador. You may leave now.“

„Have a great day, Your Excellency.“

*****
​

[1] (Hum am Sottl in German) Municipality in northern Croatia (Zagorje; shown in the tiny protrusion beneath Rohitsch) that Germany wanted annexed. That didn't come to fruition because of the nonstop complaints from the Croatian side IOTL, which is not the case ITTL.
[2] Vice president of the Croatian Peasant Party until his murder in 1933.
[3] Historian, writer and albanologist credited with writing the first Croatian science fiction novel. His murder at the hands of men loyal to King Alexander I was protested worldwide by the likes of Heinrich Mann and Albert Einstein.

 

[John_Smith]

Buda Castle, setting of the first meeting between Maček and Horthy​

Vladko Maček couldn't help but be in awe when looking at the luxurious interior of Buda Castle. Bulky baroque chandeliers were hanging from the beautifully painted ceiling, giving the place a spacious and grandiose, albeit somewhat cold atmosphere. The building felt empty, with Maček having seen nobody yet, with the exception of two guards who were escorting him. This room alone looks more expensive than the entire St. Mark's Square, the old Ban mused to himself. He looked outside, seeing the sunset hiding behind the trees, painting the sky with relaxing purple colors. Nervousness that he felt when talking with Veesenmayer was slowly melting away, with the whole setting making him feel like he was going to meet an old friend, and not a representative of an Axis nation threatening his republic's northeastern borders and repulsing all attempts on rightfully Croatian soil made by the military.

One of the guards told the Ban.

„Right through this door, sir.“

„Thank you.“

He entered the office slowly, his eyes immediately setting on the Regent who sat at his desk, calmly writing. Miklós Horthy stood up the moment he heard the sound of the opening door and approached Vladko Maček. The two shook hands, politely smiling like old comrades meeting after years of no interaction.

„Pleasure to meet you, Ban Maček.“

„Likewise, Regent Horthy.“

„Would you like to accompany me for a walk along the Danube? I believe it will prove to be much more beneficial to the matters at hand than the dusty humorless confines of my office.“

The HSS President was taken aback by the Regent's proposal, but his offer was too enticing not to accept.

Which is why the duo found themselves walking along Europe's longest river, taking in the serene scenery around them. Maček started the inevitable conversation.

„I have to admit I do not like how Hungary has taken Croat-majority areas of Međimurje and Baranja so carelessly, without consulting our side.“

This statement made Horthy chuckle.

„With all due respect, Ban Maček, but Croatia has no say in the matter. I have said as much to the Führer – if Croatia secedes from Yugoslavia, Hungary is free to cancel the Treaty of Eternal Friendship that was signed in December last year, which is precisely what happened. And the territory your man [1] kept blathering about? It rightfully belongs to the Kingdom of Hungary, as it has for four hundred years, dating back to Árpád and his Hungarian federation [2]. I see no point in you trying build a case defending your claims, since you don't have a leg to stand on.“

„The area has always, since the days of Dukes Mislav and Trpimir, had a clear Croat majority, no matter who was in charge. Kings of Croatia, Kings of Hungary, Habsburgs, anyone… Each and every time, for over a thousand years, Croats have called the area their home.“

„That is all fine and good, but I do not care. Muraköz [3], Baranya and Bácska are rewards won by brave Hungarian soldiers fighting to restore their homelands to their former glory. Hungary has justly occupied and reattached these territories that have been unfairly stolen from it in Trianon.“

„Be reasonable. Forcing a million non-Hungarians into your country will only prove to be trouble in the future.“

„It will be taken care of, as it has been until now [4].“

„I see there is no point in trying to convince you to return the territories.“

„Correct, that will never happen. Recovered Southern Territories [5] are just that – recovered, therefore they are not, and will never be for sale.“

„Fine.“

„Do you have anything else to add?“

„I do. Can you… Can you guarantee the safety of the population there? No killings, no retaliations, no repression, no crackdowns on dissenting opinions. Can you at least guarantee the freedom of thought, freedom of movement and freedom of speech for the people living between the rivers [6]? I need some sort of assurance that these simple wishes will be upheld.“

Horthy's gaze turned to the younger man. A grey-haired, meek little man who almost begs him for the safety of a million people he has never met or seen before, a man who would be classified as weak and overly emotional in any other scenario, still gives off an aura of patriotism, love and impeccable strength Horthy has rarely seen in his seventy two years on this Earth. He has heard of the man's resilience and resolve in fighting the Belgrade regime for years now, and he was glad he finally got a chance to meet him. His lips contorted into a subtle smile which he hid from him, feeling that the two, despite the feeble state of Maček's republic were equals after all.

„… I will see what I can do.“

*****
​

[1] Horthy is referencing Tomo Jančiković, Croatian ambassador to Hungary.
[2] Horthy is referencing the occupation of the territory up to Sava (including Međimurje) that happened in 896.
[3] Hungarian for Međimurje.
[4] Referencing Horthy's treatment of Jews.
[5] Hungarian term encompassing Bačka, Baranja, Međimurje and Prekmurje.
[6] Međimurje is a region between the rivers Drava and Mura.

 

[Magyarország]

I hope Maček was driven to Buda castle, because I'd hate to walk up castle hill, only to walk it back down for a 'leisurly' stroll by the Danube.