Chapter 117 Chapter 20 "Unprecedented Disaster" (1)

1939.8.24-1939.9.3 On the morning of Thursday, August 24, people woke up to find the headlines in the newspapers announcing a treaty that surprised not only ordinary citizens but also the diplomatic community. "I expect an ultimatum to Poland," Henderson reported from Berlin. "I doubt very much that the Polish government's last-ditch effort to re-establish ties will work. But I see it as a last hope for peace, if there is one." Although the Polish press tried to downplay the Soviet-German pact as a sign of German weakness, the Polish people were extremely disturbed.The government said it was fully confident that British and French aid would make a difference in the event of war with Hitler.The French communists were caught in the middle, left and right: on the one hand loyal to the Fatherland, and on the other hand loyal to Mother Russia.Their American counterparts were especially confused.At first, the "Worker's Daily" ignored the Soviet-German treaty and seemed to wait for Moscow's instructions.Later, Communist Party leader Browder declared that the treaty had weakened Hitler.The "progressives" of the extreme left meekly accepted a new line of the party without question: a treaty with Hitler would prepare Russia for the final battle against fascism.President Roosevelt responded by sending Hitler another moral telegram urging him "to refrain from active hostilities for a reasonable and prescribed period," but shelving it, as he had done before, Forget it all.

In Moscow, Stalin congratulated himself.Because he firmly believed that the British would compromise in the face of political reality, and he also believed that the sphere of influence that had been promised to him could be obtained through negotiation without bloodshed.Hitler's other allies were less sanguine.The Italians, while acknowledging that Hitler had "played it beautifully," were deeply disturbed; while the Japanese feared that this alliance would encourage Stalin to put pressure on Manchuria.Prime Minister Hiranuma of Japan—whose cabinet has held more than seventy meetings in vain to reach agreement on an agreement with Germany and Italy—was embarrassed and stunned.He actually announced, "Due to the bizarre and complicated situation in Europe recently, this cabinet resigns with immediate effect."

Generally speaking, the German public was happy and relieved: thanks to the Führer, the threat of encirclement, the fear of fighting on two fronts, had miraculously vanished.It was the Führer's staunchest old followers who found it hard to swallow the treaty.But most of them also quickly convinced themselves that the leader knew what he was doing. Hitler flew to Berlin to meet the returning hero Ribbentrop in person.That night, he hid in the Prime Minister's Office and listened to the foreign minister's report.Ribbentrop was eloquent, talking so much about the masters of the Kremlin that Hitler felt "as if he were among the old comrades of the party."Also, the portrait of Tsar Nicholas hanging in the Winter Palace also convinced Ribbentrop that the Communist Party itself respected a tsar who had served the people.Although Hitler listened to these with great interest, what fascinated him even more were the photos taken by Hoffmann.It seems that Hitler had asked Hoffmann to take a recent photo of Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, because he wanted to see if Stalin's earlobe "was a Jewish earlobe that grew inward, or an Aryan earlobe that was separated."One profile was the most convincing: his new comrade-in-arms was—according to an earlobe test—not Jewish.

However, Hitler shook his head at the photos of the final ceremony.Stalin in every photo is smoking a cigarette. "The signing ceremony of the treaty is very grand. How can you attend this ceremony with a cigarette in the corner of your mouth!" After he finished speaking, he ordered the photographer Hoffman to paint out the cigarettes in each photo, and then published the article to the newspapers . The head of state also questioned in detail the military officer who accompanied Ribbentrop on his visit to Russia.He reported that at celebratory dinners, before inviting the guests to their seats, Stalin himself checked the tables to see if everything was ready.What he said reminded Miss Schroeder of the Führer herself, and she said something flippantly about their resemblance. "My servants and my house," he said sullenly, "are perfect all the time!"

The next day, Friday, August 25, was a critical day and the busiest day.Early in the morning, Hitler wrote to Mussolini, explaining to him, somewhat sheepishly, what had happened in Moscow.After assuring him that the treaty would only strengthen the Axis powers, Hitler expressed confidence that the Italian chancellor would understand why he had been compelled to take such a drastic step.Hitler's next move was to ask Schmidt to translate important passages from Chamberlain's recent speech to the House of Commons.Hitler listened attentively—the British prime minister admitted that news of the Moscow Treaty had "surprised and upset people"—but if the Germans believed that Britain and France were no longer fulfilling their obligations to Poland, They labor, then, in "dangerous illusions."

"These words," recalled Schmidt, "made Hitler ponder, but said nothing." Perhaps this confirmed a nagging indecision.The attack on Poland was originally scheduled to start early the next morning, but due to indecisiveness, around noon, he issued instructions to the command headquarters asking them to postpone the time for issuing the execution order by one hour-to 3 pm.Afterwards, he summoned the British ambassador to the Chancellery.Henderson arrived at 1:30 pm.He found that the Fuehrer was a little intent on restoring the old ways, and was preparing "to take a decisive action against England as against Russia - the result of which was the recently concluded treaty against Russia".Hitler said his conscience drove him to make a last-ditch effort to cement good relations.However, this was his last attempt.

From Henderson's point of view, he was normal and calm.But he lost his temper as soon as he recounted the accusations against the Poles, such as shooting down a civilian airliner.These practices, he shouted, "must stop!" The Danzig problem, as well as the corridor problem, must be resolved without further delay.The only possible consequence of Chamberlain's latest speech was "a bloody and unpredictable war between England and Germany".This time, however, Germany did not have to fight on two fronts. "Russia and Germany will never again take up arms against each other."

When Henderson repeatedly emphasized that Britain would never break its promise to Poland, Hitler, who had put on a threatening posture, also made sense. As soon as the Polish problem was settled, he was ready and determined to make another comprehensive proposal to England, for example, his willingness to accept the British Empire and personally guarantee its continued existence. But if Britain rejected his proposal, he said viciously, "then there will be war." And this was his last proposal. Half an hour later, at 3:02 pm, he approved Yu Foxiao's order to attack Poland.On the surface, his bet was originally driven by opportunism.However, it should be admitted that Hitler was a cunning master of everyday politics, and his foreign policy did have its basic goal: step by step control of the European continent.This policy is closely related to its aggressive anti-Semitic program.In Rome, the German ambassador, accompanied by Ciano, was marching into Palazzo Venesia with the unusual letter drafted earlier in the day. At 3:20, Ambassador Hans Georg von Mackensen handed over the document to Mussolini.The Soviet-German Treaty deeply moved Mussolini.Like all statesmen, he greatly appreciates outstanding diplomatic achievements in one fell swoop.However, he was realistic after all, and had to face the fact that the Italian army, which had shown itself so impotent in Albania, did not have the morale, training, and skills to fight a real war.He did not say this to Mackensen, only that he agreed: he fully agreed with the Moscow Treaty, was "unwaveringly anti-Communist", supported the Führer whatever happened (he explicitly emphasized this), and " Unconditional and full support.

As soon as Mackensen left, Mussolini changed his mind, or others made him change his mind.According to Ciano, it was he who persuaded Mussolini to answer in writing by making him frankly admit that Italy was not ready for war and that only if Germany immediately sent Italy enough "munitions and raw materials to Italy can enter the war only if it resists the attacks of England and France directed against us". At the same time, the Italian ambassador in Berlin was also explaining to the Fuehrer that the Italian Prime Minister's reply was already in the middle.While Hitler was waiting for his next visitor, the French ambassador, Colendre, an adjutant sent a British news report.Schmidt, standing behind Hitler, glanced at the report.Britain and Poland signed a mutual aid treaty in London.Hitler was silent, thinking.Obviously, he was very concerned about this.For several months the treaty was delayed for one reason or another.It was not a coincidence that he did not sign any day, but just a few hours after he made his "final" proposal to the UK.The promise of guaranteed military aid (even if it never materialized) might have given the Poles some false sense of security, and thus led them to refuse to negotiate with Germany.

At 5:30 in the afternoon, Kollandre was finally led into the head of state's office.Hitler was furious at the Polish provocation and expressed regret at the possibility of war between Germany and France. "Sometimes I had the impression," recalls Schmidt, "that he was repeating mechanically what he had said to Henderson, but absently. He was obviously anxious to end the interview." He stood up Come, to indicate the end of the meeting, but the proud Collendre did not refute, but he was not reconciled.His words were resounding, and Schmidt will never forget them: "In such a serious situation, Mr. Chancellor, misunderstanding is more dangerous than anything else. So, I want to make it clear that, as a French officer, I swear If Poland is attacked, the French troops will stand with Poland and fight with Poland." He then assured Hitler that his government was ready to do whatever it takes to keep the peace, to the end! "Then," shouted Hitler angrily, "why did you give Poland a blank check and let it do what it wanted?" Before the French ambassador could answer, Hitler jumped to his feet and once again ranted about attacking Poland. "It hurts me too to have to go to war with France, but the decision is not up to me." He sent the ambassador away with a wave of his hand.

A minute later, at 6 p.m., Attolico came in.He had with him the letter from Mussolini - dictated by Ciano over the phone.The news that Italy was not preparing for war fell "like a bomb" on the Führer, after the pen was dry on the Anglo-Polish Treaty and after Colendre had clearly declared France's intentions.For him, this was a betrayal of an "ally" and was completely unexpected.He restrained himself, however, and sent Mussolini's emissary on his way, simply saying "I will answer immediately."As soon as Attolico left, Schmidt heard Hitler muttering to himself: "The Italians behave exactly as they did in 1941." In the living room, people are sending a few words of news, making the living room a trap for rumors and anti-rumors.War seemed inevitable.Take Weissack, for example. He puts the chances of preventing a world war and the chances of Italy leaving Germany behind after it breaks out leaving him in trouble at only two per cent.In his office, Hitler told General Keitel: "Stop everything at once. Bring Brauchitsch at once. I need time for negotiations." Keitel hurried out and entered the living room. "The marching order has to be postponed," he told his adjutant nervously.And so word spread: the threat of war had been dropped at the last minute.The head of state went back to negotiations again!Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at the news—except for Hitler's chief aide-de-camp, Rudolf Schmondt. He said darkly to Vallimont: "Don't get too excited. It's just a delay." Colonel Engel shared Schmund's deep concern.The army adjutant has never seen such a "big mess" from the prime minister.Even the Führer, whose opinion the Führer had always respected, was at loggerheads with Hervel.Hitler made a bet that if there was a war with Poland, Britain would definitely not go to war. "My Führer," Hewell asserted, "don't underestimate the British. Once they see no other choice, they will stubbornly go their own way." Hitler was too angry to continue the debate, turned and walked away. Goering also believed that the British' warnings were not just lip service, and they wanted to secretly negotiate peace.He was a go-getter and consulted with Britain without Ribbentrop because he didn't trust Ribbentrop.However, this matter was not as bold as it seemed, because he told the Führer all the developments.His desire for peace is hardly altruistic.He was a gangster with the air of a robber, and his first object in life was to enjoy the fruits of his powerful position.War threatened to end his drunken life.Hitler, on the other hand, was a man of principle—though crooked—and unmoved by bribes.He may compromise, but only if it brings him closer to his ultimate goal.Goering understood all this, and that's why he was careful to implement his policy of smooth curves. He picked a wealthy Swedish businessman, Birger Dalerus, to act as an unofficial intermediary in the scheme.His wife was German, and he was earning interest in Germany. Therefore, he and Goering shared the same desire to prevent war between Britain and Germany.Also, he was in a position to do so, because he had many influential British friends - people who were also willing to run secretly for the matter. Earlier that month, Dahlerus arranged for Goering to meet seven Britons in a house near the Danish border.Here, it was Marshal Goering who first clarified his views and expressed his desire for peace to the seven foreign businessmen.For the next two weeks, they did little except talk.Two weeks later, the Berghof War Council was held.So Goering called Dalerus, who was in Stockholm, to come as soon as possible.He was careful to reveal that the situation had deteriorated and that a peaceful resolution was rapidly becoming less and less likely.Göring advised Dalerus to fly to England as soon as possible.He complied, carrying with him an unofficial letter to Chamberlain's government urging Britain and Germany to begin negotiations as soon as possible. So, on the eventful morning of August 25, Darlerus took an ordinary passenger plane to London, but was not led into Lord Halifax's office until that night.The British Foreign Secretary was in an upbeat mood—because, the reader recalls, Hitler had just called off the invasion—feeling that the services of an intermediary were no longer useful.Dalerus was not so optimistic, so he called Goering for his opinion.Field Marshal Goering's answer was surprising.He was afraid that "war may break out at any time." Dalerus repeated this to Halifax the next morning, and offered that Halifax write to Göring—the only German in Dalerus' eyes who could have prevented the war— —Confirmation of British sincerity in wanting a peaceful solution; this letter was personally delivered by Dahlerus.Halifax resigned in order to consult with Chamberlain.He came back half an hour later and said Chamberlain had agreed.After the letter was written, Darlerus rushed to Croydon Airport immediately. In Berlin, Ambassador Attolico went to the Chancellery with another letter from Mussolini.In the letter, Mussolini made a dire manifesto.If Italy is to join the war, he wants Germany to provide 6 million tons of coal, 7 million tons of oil, 2 million tons of steel and 2 million tons of timber.Since Attolico himself opposed the war, he deliberately made Mussolini's terms unacceptable.When Ribbentrop icily asked when such a large quantity of raw material was due to be delivered, Attolico replied: "Yes, immediately, before hostilities begin." This is an unreasonable request.Given the pressure Hitler was under, his answer was surprisingly calm—an answer telegraphed back to Mussolini at 3:08 p.m.He said that he was able to meet the needs of Italy for most items, but unfortunately, due to technical reasons, he could not deliver them before the outbreak of war. "In the circumstances, Prime Minister, I understand your situation, and I only ask that you actively increase your propaganda and restrain the military forces of Britain and France by the appropriate displays of force that you have suggested to me," he concluded, in view of the fact that he had Signed a treaty with Stalin, "even at the risk of complicating relations with the West, he will not take a step back in solving the Eastern problem." This is not just empty talk and scaring.The army was ready to attack on September 1, and all that was missing was the Führer's last word.On Saturday afternoon, the heat wave over Berlin was overwhelming.Although the newspapers reported that "in the 'corridor', many German farmers were burned", "Polish troops pushed into the German border", many Berliners still enjoy cold water baths in the lakes around the city's suburbs. More concerned about temperature than politics. At 6:42 p.m., Attolico received another call from Roma.The call was from Ciano, another urgent letter to the Führer.In the letter, Mussolini apologetically explained that Attolico had misunderstood the delivery date.He doesn't think it will be delivered within a year.Regretting his inability to help at this critical juncture, he went on to make an unexpected plea for peace.He said a satisfactory political settlement was still possible.As soon as Hitler read these words, he felt that his allies had abandoned him.Controlling his emotions, he made another compromising reply. "I respect the reasons that led to your decision," he said, trying to cheer his partner on with his optimism. Disappointed and exhausted, the Führer went to bed earlier than usual, only to be woken just after midnight.Göring wanted to see something: the Swede he had mentioned the other day returned with a rather interesting letter from Halifax.It was midnight on August 27 when Dalerus was hurriedly ushered into the Führer's study.Hitler stood solemnly, staring intently at this middle man who was running for peace. Göring stood beside him, complacent.After a few brief conversations, Hitler went on to talk about how Germany hoped to reach an understanding with Britain.Discussions turned into diatribes against the British.After explaining his latest proposal to Henderson, he exclaimed, "This is my last magnanimous proposal to England." His face tightened and his gestures became "very Strange," constantly boasting about the superiority of the Empire's armed forces. Dalerus pointed out that the armed forces of Britain and France have also been greatly improved, and they can block Germany.Hitler was silent, just pacing up and down the room.Suddenly, he stopped and spoke again (Dahlerus recalls) but this time as if in a daze. "If war breaks out, I'll build submarines, build submarines, build submarines, build submarines, build submarines, build submarines," his voice was getting weaker and weaker, like a record with a stagnant needle.Suddenly, he seemed to be addressing a large audience again, but the words kept repeating. "I'll build planes, planes, planes, and I'll destroy the enemy!" Dalerus was dumbfounded, looking back to see Goering's reaction.The Imperial Marshal remained motionless, and Dalerus was terrified: these are the two men whose actions can affect the world! "War does not frighten me," Hitler continued. "It is impossible to encircle Germany. My people admire me and follow me faithfully." He could make them exert superhuman strength.His eyes were dulled. "If there is no butter in the future, I will be the first to stop eating butter and eat butter." He paused. "If the enemy lasts a few years," he said at last, "I use my power over my people to outlast them a year. So I know I am superior to all." Suddenly he asked, Why don't the British always reach an agreement with him. Dalerus hesitated, not daring to answer truthfully.Finally, he said, the trouble was Britain's lack of confidence in Hitler.Hearing this, the head of state beat his chest and stamped his feet. "Stupid!" he yelled. "Have I lied all my life?" He continued to walk up and down, then stopped suddenly.He said, You Darlerus have listened to our advice.You must return to England immediately and tell the Chamberlain government what you have heard. "I don't think Henderson understands me, and I really need to come to an understanding." Darlerus retorted that he was only a private person, and he could only go if the British government invited him.First, he needs to clarify the points on which a deal can be reached.For example, what exactly was Hitler asking of Poland?Hitler laughed. "Ah," he said, turning to Goering. "Henderson never asked about this!" Marshal Goering tore off a page of the map and circled the land requested by Germany with a red pencil. The meeting thus became a discussion of clarifying several points in Hitler's proposal to Henderson: that Germany needed a treaty with Great Britain to remove all trouble, political or economic; In return, Germany would secure Poland's frontiers and give her a corridor to Gdynia; the Germanic minority in Poland would be protected; and, whenever the British Empire was attacked, Germany would Provide military assistance. Dalerus is too honest, he believes what Goering says.He also thought of the best for Hitler.Also, he had no diplomatic training, only a sincere desire for peace and admirable courage and perseverance.Once back at the hotel, he immediately made a long-distance call to an English friend.It wasn't long before he heard back: the British government welcomed him as a messenger.He boarded a German plane at Tamberhof Airport at 8 a.m. on Sunday (without incident).As the plane flew low towards London, he wondered if he was a pawn in a conspiracy?He was quite convinced that Goering was sincerely working for a peaceful solution.But, was Hitler? Hitler also considered the Sabbath a working day.He canceled the upcoming celebration at Nuremberg, inappropriately titled "Day of the Peace Party," and instituted wartime food and clothing rationing.Then the Armed Forces were also placed in a semi-emergency state, with military attachés from the armed forces being ordered to stand by in Berlin. In this atmosphere of war, two important Polish diplomats secretly contacted Peter Kleist, a staff member in Ribbentrop's office, with a mediation proposal.They implied that Foreign Minister Baker had been compelled to act belligerently against Germany solely to satisfy fanatical Polish patriots.All Baker needed was time to calm things down.Kleist faithfully reported to Ribbentrop.After a while, the foreign minister met the head of state in person.Hitler listened impatiently, and declared that if Beck could not even stand in Poland, how could he be expected to help.In addition, Kleist will not engage in semi-official contacts with the Poles in the future.The Fuehrer was a bit harsh in issuing this order, and he added that you, Herr von Ribbentrop, should have issued such an order long ago.When Kleist walked out of the Chancellery with his head sullen, he knew in his heart that a decision had already been made—it was war! Hitler also spent much of that hot Sunday dealing with another appeal for peace—that of Chancellor Daladier.This encounter was fought as veteran against veteran. "As a veteran of the front," he wrote, "I know as well as you what the horrors of war are." There is no need to argue, for since the return of the Saar River to Germany, Germany has nothing to ask of France. mentioned.It was the British who played the prank there, waging "a wild propaganda war against Germany" instead of trying to persuade the Poles to reason.He asked Daladier, a patriotic Frenchman, to put himself in Hitler's shoes.What would you, Daladier, think if someone prevented a city in France—Marseille, for example—from swearing allegiance to France because of losing a battle?What do you think of the persecution, beating and even brutal murder of French people living in the area? "Under any circumstances, I can't imagine, Mr. Daladier, that Germany will attack France on this ground." Hitler agreed with all the points mentioned in Daladier's letter.He appealed once again that Mr. Daladier should understand that it is absolutely impossible for a glorious country to abandon nearly 2 million people and watch them being mistreated on its own borders. of.Danzig and that corridor must be returned to Germany in good faith. Shortly after noon, a German plane landed at Croydon.Birger Dalerus emerges from the plane.The airport was dead silent as air traffic between the UK and continental Europe had ground to a halt.On the drive to the Foreign Office, he glimpsed anti-aircraft agents patrolling the streets and shop windows covered with notes.They took a detour to No. 10 Downing Street.Chamberlain, Halifax and Juddgan were waiting there.Their faces were serious, but "very calm".Dahlerus recounted his long meeting with Hitler, and at the same time detected an air of suspicion.Since what he reported differed from Henderson's in several points, Chamberlain asked if he was absolutely sure that he understood Hitler.Dalerus—whose German was better than Henderson's—answered that misunderstandings were out of the question. Throughout the conversation, Chamberlain spoke with distrust of Hitler.He asked how the Führer made an impression on Dalerus?His answer (“I don’t want him as my trading partner”) made the prime minister smile — the only smile that day.Since the British were skeptical of his explanation, he suggested that he return to Berlin to bring their reaction to the German side.Chamberlain hesitated because Ambassador Henderson, still in London, was due to return that same day to Berlin with an answer to Hitler's proposal.He then proposed to postpone the ambassador's return for a day.In this way, he could give the British a grasp of exactly what Hitler was thinking before they came to an official answer (based only on Henderson's assessment). He suggested calling Goering and asking him straight to the point if the German government would agree to a one-day delay for Henderson. "Would you like to call from the Foreign Office?" Chamberlain asked. Darlerus said yes, and Chamberlain agreed.A few minutes later, the middleman was on the phone with Goering in Judd's dry room.Goering said he could not answer immediately without consulting the Führer.Half an hour later, Dalerus spoke to him again.This time, Goering announced that Hitler accepted the plan "on condition that it be sincere."Jadgan insisted that Dalerus be secretly flown back to Germany.So the plane that originally carried him to England was diverted from Croydon to Heston, a smaller airport. It was already eleven o'clock in the evening when Dalerus arrived at Goering's apartment in Berlin.He told Goering that he personally believed that the British government and people sincerely wanted peace and kept their promises.He also briefly relayed the British government's reply to Hitler's proposal.Goering wiped his nose.He said that the UK's answer is hardly satisfactory, and the whole situation is in a precarious state.He had to consult with Hitler alone. After returning to the hotel, Dalerus paced the room while waiting.At 1:30 in the morning, Goering's call finally came.He said in a loud voice that Hitler did respect Britain's views and welcomed his desire for a peace agreement.He also welcomed Britain's decision to commit to its guarantee on the Polish border, insisting that the matter should be guaranteed by the five powers.Dahlerus was particularly relieved by the latter concession, since it would have meant that Hitler had put other plans for Poland on hold.