Chapter 109: Decision
"Adolf Hitler has just been executed," announced an officer as he approached Akado, presenting a proof of Hitler's death along with a photograph of the scene. "He remained composed at the end, proclaiming 'Long live the head of state' with his final breath."
"And what was the reaction of those present at the execution?" inquired Akado.
"The spectators seemed to perceive his public confession as an act of repentance. It has reinforced their belief that Hitler was indeed affiliated with the police," the officer replied, his head bowed slightly.
Akado nodded thoughtfully before turning to address Sindra, who stood quietly to the side. "How is the initiative to change the national flag progressing?"
"Actually, there is still considerable sympathy for the plight of the Nazi Party, which many believe was manipulated by the Communist International. Numerous mid-level Nazi officials have willingly integrated into the Grand German Party. The transition is proceeding smoothly," Sindra responded. "However, the matter of officially changing the national flag is still a significant issue for Congress to deliberate."
"And what about public opinion? Is there any resistance to the change?" Akado continued his inquiry.
"According to reports from the SS, the majority of the populace supports the change, and many have already begun purchasing the new 4D national flags," Sindra explained. "Fanny's groundwork has been excellent, and the campaign to sway public opinion has been a success. The 4D flag is no longer seen merely as a symbol of the Nazi Party but has been elevated to represent the resilience and unity of the German people."
Just as Akado was about to pose another question, there was a knock on the door. Gascol entered briskly, announcing, "My leader! Top-secret information from Moscow!"
"Moscow?" Akado's brow furrowed, puzzled by what could be unfolding with the Soviets at this juncture. He gestured for Sindra and the reporting officer to leave. Once the door closed behind them, he turned to Gascol, "What's the intelligence?"
"My head of state," Gascol began gravely, "we've lost a spy in Moscow, but not before they sent back two critical pieces of information. The first concerns military developments: the Soviet Union has introduced a new type of tank, the KV-1, which features enhanced armor and a larger caliber gun, apparently designed to counter our tanks."
Akado smirked internally at the mention of the KV tanks. It seemed the setbacks the Soviet Union had faced, including the purges and the technological exchanges, had altered some historical trajectories. "And the second piece of news?" he prompted, not visibly disturbed by the enemy's advancements.
Gascol was momentarily taken aback by Akado's seemingly casual dismissal of the new Soviet weaponry, given the leader's usual keen interest in military technology. Nonetheless, he relayed the second piece of intelligence, "There's been confirmed troop mobilizations along the Soviet-Polish border. It appears they are preparing to launch an offensive against Poland. The consensus among Soviet leadership is that Stalin is aiming to solidify his military stature and erase the humiliation of past Soviet defeats by orchestrating a second invasion of Poland."
Akado pondered this development deeply. An offensive by Stalin into Poland was unprecedented in history, making its outcome difficult to predict. Yet, it clearly represented a bold stratagem by Stalin to consolidate power, allowing him to station loyalists strategically and bolster the military for potential larger conflicts.
"Is the source reliable?" Akado questioned, his expression serious.
"The intelligence is deemed reliable, corroborated by multiple channels, though we've withheld some specifics to avoid compromising our spies," Gascol explained.
"Go, summon General Brauchich and General Bock... actually, I will visit the National Defense Force headquarters myself," decided Akado, rising from his seat. He called out, "Anna! Prepare the car! I'm heading to the General Defense Command with General Gascol! Have Sindra alert them and ready the meeting room."
At the headquarters, Akado was greeted by high-ranking military officials who stood and saluted, "Long live the head of state! Long live the Greater Germany!"
Returning their salutes, Akado directed, "Please, be seated." Once everyone was settled, he began, "Before I arrived, I understand you were briefed on the intelligence reports. The crux of our discussion must be the accuracy of this information."
General Boke spoke up, "Indeed, Head of State. While the news of the Soviet assault on Poland is yet to directly impact us, it offers a strategic opportunity. We could potentially leverage this information with Poland, allowing us to execute General Ronderstedt's plan to engage France and secure a victory."
In mid-1935, the international political landscape had shifted. The British Prime Minister MacDonald had resigned amid an economic crisis, replaced by the Conservative Baldwin. "Britain is currently preoccupied with its governmental transition. Should we strike against France now, we could gain a significant advantage," added Boke.
The consensus among the military leadership leaned towards preempting France, given the likelihood of the Soviet actions distracting Poland on the Eastern Front.
"What if we delay our move?" Akado proposed, pointing at the map spread across the table. "Let's wait for the Soviets to make their move on Poland, then we can intervene opportunistically, claiming to be preventing further Soviet expansion westward, thus avoiding a direct conflict."
"My head of state, what if this intelligence proves inaccurate? If the Soviets delay or do not act against Poland, wouldn't we miss a critical opportunity for engagement?" General Brauchich expressed his concern, emphasizing the risks of indecision.
"There is a precise moment for action. If we attack France abruptly, even a victory won't end the war, as the British forces remain a threat. Conversely, if we delay too long, we risk becoming embroiled in a protracted conflict that could draw in Britain more directly, potentially to our disadvantage," Akado analyzed.
"In light of this," General Brauchich stood, "I propose the Army draft a plan within a week for an assault on Poland, with necessary support from the Air Force and Navy."
Akado nodded in agreement. "Develop a feasible plan quickly. I'll be inspecting the Siegfried Line shortly to ensure the French remain preoccupied with our fortifications. However, we must also prepare diplomatically."
"We should discreetly send envoys to the Soviets, clarifying our position and demands," Akado suggested, pointing to the map. "We want half of Poland, including Warsaw. We must also secure Danzig to complete the territorial integrity of Germany."
"Once the conflict begins, we have about six months to overpower Poland before the French and British discern our strategy and counterattack," Akado concluded, his eyes narrowing. "I expect rapid and decisive victory."
The room echoed with resolute affirmations, "Long live the head of state! Germany must prevail!"
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Stalin addressed his generals with fiery zeal, "Prepare for an offensive by the end of 1936! By spring of 1937, we will reclaim our lost honor!"
Despite the bravado, the Soviet military readiness was questionable, weakened by purges and lack of training. The generals remained outwardly supportive, though internally skeptical, knowing the challenges ahead.
As the meeting progressed, an officer interrupted, "Comrade Stalin, the German envoy has arrived. They are ready to meet immediately."
Stalin, buoyed by the arrival of the Germans, declared confidently to his doubtful generals, "See! Our strategies will prove successful. We will triumph!"
Each leader, wrapped in their own strategic calculations and political machinations, prepared for the unfolding events that would soon reshape the European continent.
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