Chapter 326: 326
326
July 26, 1948
Incheon, Korea
While the two countries, which once had a long history of dominating Europe and the world, fell into disrepair, the German-made equipment promised by Hitler arrived in Korea in the Far East.
Even though the equipment was outdated and converted to cosmetics in Germany, it was an extremely valuable weapon for a newly independent country, Korea, which had no money and lived off aid from the United States.
"Those are the weapons that made Europe tremble."
"Hey. Even at first glance, the size is no joke."
For the Korean army, which only used tanks left behind by the Japanese army, German-made tanks were different in size. In terms of performance, the gap widened further.
In addition to tanks, Germany generously distributed equipment that was missing or missing from the Korean military, including armored vehicles, half-tracks, field artillery, trucks, anti-aircraft guns and anti-tank guns, and Panzerfausts.
Even if it was outdated in Germany, it was not outdated by the standards of the world as a whole.
"I didn't know Hitler would really support me."
Syngman Rhee muttered as he watched the heavy equipment being unloaded from the cargo ship.
The purpose of asking Hitler to provide weapons was to stimulate the United States to receive more support.
He thought he would be satisfied if Hitler sent just a handful of equipment. However, Hitler sent more equipment to Korea than originally expected.
Syngman Rhee's suggestion of providing weapons to Hitler is surprising. Of course, in return for equipment support, Korea decided to hand over minerals such as tungsten to Germany, so it was not given for free, but even taking that into account, Hitler's support was enough to surprise people.
Since it was not possible to operate by simply providing the equipment, Germany even sent engineers and instructors to Korea.
"It seems that Fuhrer Hitler is really interested in Korea. There are a lot of things… … ."
Beomseok Lee was so overwhelmed with emotion that he couldn't finish his sentence.
"It looks like there wasn't much space in the warehouse."
Syngman Rhee, who was dissatisfied with Lee Beom-seok's excitement, devalued it, but he also couldn't help but be impressed that Hitler had provided so much support.
"I don't think it was an exaggeration to say that I wanted to remain friendly with Korea for a long time."
Syngman Rhee nodded impatiently at Kim Gu's words.
Syngman Rhee, who had not yet erased his suspicions and prejudices about Hitler, believed that it was highly likely that Hitler's actions were not motivated by pure goodwill but rather was an attempt to use Korea for Germany's advancement into the Far East, but he did not say it out loud.
There was no need to ruin the atmosphere at the auspicious occasion when the door to independent national defense, which we had long dreamed of, was opening.
"By the way, I'm already worried about what America will say about this."
"That's right."
The United States reacted uncomfortably after learning that Korea had requested arms support from Germany. Although it did not block transactions between the two countries, the United States took a wait-and-see stance.
The United States probably thought about how much support Germany would provide to Korea, but now, if they see this, their thoughts may change.
"It's hot. Wouldn't you like to have a bowl of hwachae or something?"
"Oh, that's good."
As he turned around, Syngman Rhee was lost in thought. I should think about what to say to Ambassador Mucho in advance.
***
July 29, 1948
New Fuhrer's Residence in Berlin, Germany
The equipment support promised to Syngman Rhee was carried out as planned.
Weapon sales requested by Chiang Kai-shek are also proceeding sequentially.
Even though China's current economic situation is not good, seeing them use up everything they have to buy weapons and build an ammunition factory made me feel how seriously Chiang Kai-shek is about territorial expansion.
If Tibet had been a little late in requesting diplomatic relations, the National Revolutionary Army would probably have crossed the Tibetan border first.
The Italian and Greek civil wars were currently in progress. The rebels were outnumbered by the government forces, but due to the circumstances of the government forces, they were unable to gain the upper hand and were busy blocking the rebels' attacks.
Italy was not turning back the troops it had deployed on the German border, as if it had no intention of requesting our intervention yet.
Maybe they're worried that we might use this opportunity to try to annex all of northern Italy.
The real Hitler would have done it, but I have no intention of annexing northern Italy.
Italians would not accept living as Germans on German soil, and Germans would not welcome Italians as neighbors.
And Germany's territory is sufficient right now, so there is no need to increase it further.
Most of the Italian army sided with the current government forces, but some pledged allegiance to the National Liberation Committee and participated in the rebellion.
Despite the strict warnings of the King and the Fascist Party, strikes and protests continued in many cities, and prices, which had already risen sharply, soared even further, making it difficult to buy even a week's worth of food even if you spend your entire monthly salary.
Here, in colonial Libya, the independence movement fever is blowing very strongly.
It seemed clear that even after the civil war ended, Italy would suffer from the aftereffects of the civil war for a long time.
The situation in Greece was even more serious. Fortunately, parts of southern and northern Italy are far from the scene of the civil war, so peace and order are maintained, but Greece can be considered a safe zone as civil war is taking place throughout the country. There was no place other than Crete and a few small islands.
I couldn't help but feel saddened by the news that even in rural villages with a small population, dog fights were taking place between communists and right-wingers, killing each other.
… … I'm done with the joke. There was something else to worry about.
Unlike Italy, which has its own weight class, even though it is ugly, Greece has a small weight class and there are too many enemies around.
Albania, Bulgaria, Türkiye. All three countries have been at war with Greece.
As soon as a civil war broke out in Greece, a bitter enemy, the three countries began to lose their appetites.
I can bet the only testicle in my body that when they heard the news that a civil war broke out in Greece, King Jogu I, Boris III, and Inonu gave a toast.
"Albanian, Bulgarian, and Turkish troops are all moving toward the Greek border."
Keitel displayed the movement status of the Albanian, Bulgarian, and Turkish troops on a map with a map and added his personal opinion that the three countries are expected to intervene in the Greek civil war within a month.
"If we don't do this, the country of Greece itself may disappear from the map."
"So, why did you create so many enemies around you for no reason… … "It's like looking at Poland."
Poland also suffered the karma of touching neighboring countries out of greed for territory and ended up being deleted from the map.
If we hadn't joined hands with Yugoslavia, we could have at least kept Albania neutral.
"Are there any damages to our Navy and Air Force?"
"No, Mr. President. "Hold on to your worries."
"The Navy is also fine."
As a condition of pacifying Albania and Bulgaria, Germany acquired the right to freely use Greek ports and air force bases, and our navy and air force were stationed in Greece even while the civil war was ongoing.
Even if they were communists, there was no way they would attack us first without going crazy.
Even the communists probably don't know that even if they hate us, they can only survive by looking at the other person and touching them.
"Mr. President, there is a telegram from Turkey."
"What did you say?"
"They say they are considering intervening in the Greek civil war for the safety of the territory and the people."
Ribbentrop let out a laugh, as if what he was saying didn't make any sense.
It's for the safety of the territory and the people. I don't think we know that Greece's territory is coveted.
Of course, he probably doesn't think we'll fully believe what he says. But he probably sent the telegram to find out what we wanted.
"Similar telegrams will soon arrive from Albania and Bulgaria."
"Maybe so."
Given the opportunity to expand its territory at minimal cost, what country would tolerate this? Especially if it is a country that has gone to war.
"What shall I reply?"
"Wait and see. "I need some time to organize my thoughts."
The most convenient option would be to watch Turkey, Albania, and Bulgaria divide Greece, but in this case, there is a strong possibility that Greece will remain a hot potato in Europe for decades to come.
There is no way the Greeks will meekly accept the rule of the three countries, and there is no way the three countries will treat the Greeks mildly either.
Therefore, the option of allowing Greece to perish is rejected.
"I think the best way is to save Greece and turn it into a puppet country. "He may be upset, but this is the best for future peace in Europe."
After much deliberation, I decided to save Greece.
The Greeks will undoubtedly continue to resist the invaders in order to revive their country, and Turkey, Albania, and Bulgaria will also continue their oppressive rule to silence the resistance of the Greeks.
Of course, the resistance of the Greeks will only increase rather than decrease.
Furthermore, Macedonians and Cypriots, who are in the same situation as the Greeks, will also resist like the Greeks, and there are concerns that it will soon spread throughout the Balkans.
Just as a small spark becomes a huge forest fire that burns the entire mountain.
Something like that should be prevented in advance.
"Tell Inönü. Turkey's intervention will only stimulate anti-Turkish sentiment among Greeks and risk causing chaos within Turkey. "Germany will step in and solve the Greek problem."
"I understand."
"And tell it to the Greek government. "If the Greek government requests it, Germany will provide the necessary assistance to end the civil war."
As Ribbentrop was about to leave the room, Weizsäcker entered.
"A telegram has arrived from the Greek government."
"Did you ask me to lend you a hand in beating down the communists?"
Weizsäcker nodded.
It will make things easier.
***
"Are you in your right mind to ask for support from Germany?"
"Are you trying to sell the country to Germany!"
"There is no other way!"
"Do you know that someone is doing this because they like it? "In reality, there is no alternative!"
"You traitors!"
"Did you say everything?!"
There was a lot of heated debate within the Greek government regarding the request for support from Germany.
The opponents opposed it, saying they did not know what demands Germany might make in the name of support, while the supporters argued that the civil war should be ended as quickly as possible, even with Germany's help.
King Pavlos was in a state of confusion, not knowing which side to take.
"It's urgent!"
"Bulgarian and Turkish troops are moving along the border?!"
"Albania too?"
"These bastards... … !"
The confrontation between the opponents and the supporters, who fought tightly without backing down even an inch, ended with the victory of the supporters.
When it was reported that the armies of three countries with deep enmity with Greece had begun to stir up trouble on the Greek border, a miracle occurred where all the opponents turned to the support side.
It is better to grant Germany's demands than to have the country disappear from the map by being swallowed up by Turkey, Bulgaria, and Albania.
Even if it becomes a puppet of Germany, the country called Greece will remain. Won't Germany at least treat Greeks like human beings?
"Mr. President. Please help Greece."
"Without German help, Greece is finished!"
The Greek ambassador in Berlin, following instructions from his home country, met with Hitler and requested support.
Queen Friederike Louise also wrote a letter to Hitler asking for help for Greece out of the same German sentiment.
"What happened?"
-Rest assured, Your Majesty. Führer Hitler promised to send reinforcements.
When the ambassador said that Hitler had accepted the request for assistance, Pavlos let out the breath he had been holding.
With this, Greece lived. They barely succeeded in crawling out of the threshold of the underworld.
"To Führer Hitler… … "Tell them that the Greeks will not forget Germany's kindness."
-Yes, Your Majesty.
***
Hitler dispatched two mountain divisions, an airborne division, an aviation corps, and a Mediterranean fleet to help the Greek government forces.
Marshal Eduard Dietl, considered one of Germany's greatest mountain warfare experts, was appointed commander of the German Military Support Forces in Greece.
The German Greek contingent arrived in Greece using two routes: land and sea.
The German Mediterranean Fleet, departing from the port of Pula, passed through the Adriatic Sea and arrived in Greece, while the ground forces passed through Croatia-Montenegro-Albania and reached the Greek border.
"Marshal Dietl. "What are the plans of the Germans, or rather the Marshal?"
"That's a good question, Your Majesty. Please pay attention to this place first."
With the King, senior government ministers, and the Greek military leadership looking on, Dietl explained his operational plan.
The rebels' main stage is the mountainous region of northern Greece and the small islands of the Sporades Islands and Cyclades Islands. We mobilize naval power to block sea routes and recapture the islands occupied by the rebels one by one, like crossing stepping stones.
"If the resistance of the rebels is strong, there is also a way to isolate the island and stop the enemy and kill them. It may take some time, but there is no damage to our troops, so this method is also worth mentioning."
"that… … "What about the civilians stranded on the island with the rebels?"
When a Greek general raised his hand and asked a question, Dietl smiled and answered.
"Those who did not cooperate with the rebels would have escaped the island long ago. Do you understand?"
"… … I understand."
After recapturing all the islands and coastal areas, they join forces with the ground forces brought in from the Albanian and Bulgarian borders to surround and attack the rebels camped in the northern mountainous area from front and back.
In any case, the only countries surrounding Greece are Albania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, which are hostile to Greece, so there is no room for the rebels to escape.
The armies of all three countries are on high alert to prevent Greek communists from crossing their borders, so the rebels are like rats in a poison.
"No matter how stubborn the communists act, they won't be able to last even a year at most."
For Dietl, who fought against the Italian army in the Alps during World War II, fought against the British army during Operation Sea Lion, and wiped out the remnants of the Soviet army hiding in the Caucasus Mountains, subduing rebels was a piece of cake.
The officers under his command are experts in mountain warfare, so what is there to be afraid of?
Dietl rubbed his palms and smiled. It's time to start the exciting red-hunting.
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