Chapter 134 Chapter 22 Even the winner is destroyed by victory (Dryden) (4)

Hitler still hoped to force Britain to the negotiating table, but not by means of air strikes or naval attacks, but by capturing the largest strategic fortress in the world: the Strait of Gibraltar.After it was occupied, not only would the British Royal Navy not be able to enter the Mediterranean, thus ensuring that Germany could occupy North Africa and the Middle East, but it could also dramatically extend the lifeline of the empire to the Far East.If so, how could Britain continue the war on such a basis?Hitler argued.In particular, he was willing to grant them an honorable peace and make them a silent partner in the battle against Bolshevism.

Franco's Minister of the Interior, Ramon Serrano Sunier, happened to be in Berlin at the time, discussing with Germany Spain's entry into the war, and in particular an attack on Gibraltar.On that eventful morning, on the way to the Prime Minister's Office, he had lingering fears.Yesterday's meeting with Ribbentrop both worried and angered him because he feared that Ribbentrop's arrogance was a reflection of the Führer's anger at the Franco regime. Hitler received the Spaniard with civility, to his delight and surprise.He explained that he had been sent to Berlin as Franco's personal representative and as a representative of the Spanish government.His wife, Zida Polo, is the sister-in-law of Chairman Franco.The purpose of his visit, he said, was to clarify the terms of Spain's participation in the war on the German side.The main condition is "to ensure the supply of food and strategic materials in Spain."

The Führer seems more interested in politics than war.Europe, he said, must unite into a continental political system, establish its own Monroe Doctrine, and place Africa under its umbrella.His reference to Spain's entry into the war, however, was "indirect and ambiguous." Hitler's stance became clear only when his guest emphasized the use of cannon over Gibraltar - shells being less superior than bombs.Citing various figures, he eloquently explained that long-range guns need to be repaired after firing two hundred shells, and each shell has only 75 kilograms of explosives, while the "Stuka" dive bomber fleet consisting of 36 aircraft 120 bombs can be dropped at one time, each containing 1,000 kilograms of explosives, and can be dropped indefinitely.How long, Hitler argued, could the enemy last under these dive bombers?At the sight of these planes, the British Navy would have fled Gibraltar.So, using cannons is not necessary.Also, he added, Germany was unable to provide 38-centimeter guns for the Gibraltar campaign.Hitler's eloquence and sharp tongue left his guests dumbfounded and speechless.Then, Hitler assured the guests that Germany would try its best to help Spain.

Serrano Sunier left the Prime Minister's office with a sense of relief, as his masters were persuading Franco to accept their proposal that the leaders of the two countries meet at the Spanish border as soon as possible for more definite discussions At the time, Hitler did not use intimidation or coercion.Hitler was equally impressed with Serrano Suner, and decided to deal more directly with his brother-in-law. "Spain's entry into the Axis and war," he wrote to Franco the next day, "must begin with the expulsion of the British fleet from Gibraltar and the immediate occupation of this fortress." Well-meaning guarantees that once Spain joins the Axis powers, Germany will try to provide it with economic and military assistance.In other words, quick wins will pay big dividends.

In his reply of September 22, Franco seemed to agree with all Hitler's suggestions.However, the Serrano Sunier-Ribbentrop talks held two days later foresaw difficulties.Germany's claim to several strategically important islands off the African continent was politely and firmly opposed by Spain.Even the translator Schmidt felt that when Ribbentrop raised the issue of land in Africa, Serrano Sunier was quite "stingy".Schmidt commented: "This is the first chill in the passion of Franco and Hitler." If Ribbentrop was dismayed by the difficulties that arose while negotiating with Franco's relatives, later that month he was justified in signing his masterpiece, the Triple Pact with Japan and Italy in Berlin. — feel elated.In the Tripartite Treaty, Japan recognized the leadership of Germany and Italy in establishing a new order in Europe—as long as they recognized Japan's new order in Asia.The signatories also pledged that "if any of the three signatories is attacked by a country that is not currently involved in the European War or the Japan-China conflict, they will use all political, economic and military means to assist each other."

From the perspective of the United Kingdom and the United States, this was further proof that Japan was no better than Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy; three "bandit" countries that had banded together in an attempt to conquer the world.The Soviets expressed concern, but Ribbentrop told Molotov that the treaty was signed against certain warmongers in the United States.Why not turn it into a four-power treaty?he urged.Then, he wrote a long letter to Stalin saying, "The historical task of the four countries - the Soviet Union, Japan, Italy and Germany - is to formulate a long-term policy that stipulates the long-term interests of the peoples of the four countries and the future of their peoples. development into normal channels."