Chapter 84: Negotiation
"Mr. Special Envoy," Akado said with a smile, lounging comfortably on the sofa. He took a cup of steaming coffee from Anna, thanked her with a nod, and turned his attention to the Spaniard seated across from him. "In matters of war, you find yourselves needing our support. Perhaps it would be more prudent for Spain to focus on developing football instead," he joked lightly, a mischievous glint in his eye.
The Spanish envoy, however, did not appreciate Akado's attempt at humor. Visibly displeased, he responded, "Head of State... Mr. Akado, Spain was the first to stand against the Communist International on behalf of the Western world! As a leader among capitalist nations, should Germany not stand with Spain in this conflict?"
Akado's smile did not waver as he set his coffee down on the table before him. "Your words are flattering," he began, his tone still light despite the gravity of the discussion. "However, we must consider the current reality. Firstly, the initial shot in this conflict was fired a decade ago; secondly, Germany is hardly in a position to boast. We are, after all, recognized as a pioneering nation on the global stage."
He rose and walked over to his desk, picking up an economic report. Flipping it casually, he added, "For instance, Ford plans to establish three factories here in Germany to compete with Mercedes-Benz across Europe." Tossing the document back onto the desk, he picked up another. "And Romania now seeks to import our 38t tanks, a deal originally intended for Czechoslovakia but redirected to us."
Seeing the confusion on the Spanish envoy's face, Akado continued, "Germany has only recently reclaimed territories such as the Eastern Province, Sudetenland, and Slovakia. We have much to digest and many areas to improve. Without a compelling reason, Germany is not inclined to complicate its position in Europe further."
The envoy, interpreting Akado's words, quickly replied, "Our leader, General Franco, has assured me that under his rule, Spain will staunchly support Germany's diplomatic positions."
Akado laughed heartily. "Such promises are as easily made as they are broken. What I need is a genuine treaty of mutual interest, Mr. Envoy!"
Caught off guard, the envoy admitted, "Franco sent me to seek assistance out of desperation. The major powers are disinterested due to their economic crises, and while covert support has come from various quarters, public declarations remain non-committal. Now, our hopes rest with Germany and Italy, the latter of which has seen little improvement since the days of the Roman Empire."
"Please draft a list of your needs," the envoy proposed, "and we will see if they are acceptable for a comprehensive cooperation."
Akado, no longer smiling, became stern. "As a former member of the National Defence Force, I must insist on clear benefits for our military."
"I understand Germany desires a naval base in the Mediterranean. Spain is prepared to lease such a port to Germany for 99 years at the nominal rate of one mark," the envoy offered, trying to display some measure of goodwill.
"In the Atlantic, I want three ports; in the Mediterranean, two," Akado countered, holding up five fingers. "All leased, with Spain responsible for the infrastructure."
"Three ports, at most, and we must be allowed to maintain customs operations there," the envoy countered, visibly struggling with the negotiation.
"Agreed. Two in the Atlantic, one in the Mediterranean," Akado conceded. "Additionally, Spain must purchase 15 million barrels of oil from France and the UK, funded by Germany but procured in the name of Spain. Do you understand?"
The envoy nodded reluctantly before Akado added another condition. "I also represent various German consortiums. We require a 30% reduction in tariffs on German goods and permission for unrestricted German investment in Spain."
"Ten percent is the most we can offer without causing issues with Britain and France," the envoy protested.
"Twenty percent," Akado insisted firmly.
"If these are all your terms, I can agree on behalf of Mr. Franco," the envoy said, mopping his brow with a handkerchief.
"Only these? Impossible," Akado scoffed. "Spain must also sign a formal alliance with Germany and Italy, allowing German troops to be stationed in strategic locations to protect against common enemies."
"That is utterly unacceptable! The Spanish people would never support such an agreement," the envoy exclaimed, his body tensing.
"It will be a secret pact, merely a precaution to protect German interests in Spain," Akado reassured him, hoping to alleviate his concerns.
"Even so, your demands are excessive," the envoy said, frustration evident in his voice.
"You have no choice, Mr. Envoy," Akado replied sharply. "I have reliable information that General Franco's defenses are crumbling. Without significant aid, his cause is lost."
The envoy sighed, a look of defeat crossing his face. "The price is steep. Can Germany not offer any concessions?"
"Concessions are not well-received in Germany, but consider what Spain stands to gain," Akado offered, a sly smile returning. "Germany will send 500 officers to train your troops and an additional contingent to take command and secure victory in your civil war."
"And the quality of these forces? Will they be Germany's best?" the envoy asked, wary yet hopeful.
"Rest assured, they will be," Akado confirmed, his mood lightening. "And should the need arise, we can send up to 30,000 more."
The negotiations drew to a close with both parties outlining the terms of their agreement. On September 17, 1934, a secret covenant was signed. The German navy secured a base south of the English Channel, and with the influx of German arms and expertise, Franco's forces launched a fierce counteroffensive, revitalizing capitalist hopes in the Spanish Civil War.
Under the protection of the Italian Navy, German ships transported vast quantities of arms and personnel across the Mediterranean, contributing decisively to the Nationalist cause. This aid not only bolstered the Spanish effort but also revitalized the struggling Czechoslovak industry under German stewardship.
As the year drew to a close, Akado and his associates celebrated their diplomatic cunning and the renewed vigor of their industries, confident in the continued strength and influence of their nation on the global stage.
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