Chapter 51: Chapter 129 Conspiracy
In these days, the British envoys sent to Poland and the Soviet Union found themselves endlessly talking.
They were also frustrated, and if it weren't for the indulgence of those big shots in the first place, things wouldn't have escalated to this point. Britain's plan seemed good initially, making Germany stronger to balance France and prevent France from dominating the European continent. However, the obedient dog they thought they had trained subtly broke free from its leash, revealing its fangs!
This was not what the British Empire hoped to see; Germany needed to be restrained, and the most suitable solution was to find new countries to counterbalance Germany!
Although Britain had its eyes on Poland, they knew that relying solely on Poland wouldn't be enough to stop Germany. The Soviet Union, which had a grudge against Germany from the Spanish Civil War, seemed like a good ally.
However, what made the British envoy uncomfortable was that the Polish government did not welcome the Soviets and strongly opposed Soviet presence on Polish soil. Meanwhile, the Soviets dismissed the British proposal with disdain.
After all, the history of grievances between the Soviet Union and Poland was complicated and deep-rooted, akin to a century-old feud.
Over 500 years, the love-hate relationship between Russia and Poland persisted. Greedy Russia had participated three times in the partition of Poland, while the ambitious Polish military had invaded Moscow twice.
Historically, Poland was once a great power but succumbed to continuous partitions by Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leading to its demise. After World War I, Poland gained independence. Polish leaders dreamed of realizing a "great power dream" and proposed unity with Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and other countries to form a powerful "Eastern European Federation". However, everyone knew what Poland was up to, and the proposal was promptly rejected.
In 1919, the Polish-Soviet War broke out. The Red Army had advanced to the outskirts of Warsaw but ultimately had to choose a ceasefire due to lack of reinforcements. This event inspired Polish leadership, believing they had the ability to disintegrate the Soviet Union. Poland quickly established multiple intelligence agencies to infiltrate the Soviet Union, targeting separatist forces, minorities, and extremists in the Caucasus, Ukraine, and Central Asia.
Was the Soviet Union one to bear losses passively? After the outbreak of World War II in the original timeline, the Soviet Union aggressively attacked Poland. The German military also handed over all the confidential information from the Polish espionage department to the Soviets. At that time, the Soviets realized how fanatically Poland had been investigating them, even obtaining detailed background information on Soviet officers above the rank of battalion stationed in Ukraine and Belarus.
The Soviets retaliated without mercy, almost annihilating the entire Polish elite class in the Katyn Massacre. During the Warsaw Uprising, the Soviet troops, who had previously agreed to assist Poland, did not honor their commitment, leading to the massacre of social elites and civilians in Warsaw.
Seeing the Polish people stubbornly unyielding, like a stone in a pit, the British envoy gradually lost patience, and a wave of anger rose within him. Despite their own interests in promoting Polish-Soviet negotiations, hoping to use Poland to contain Germany, for Poland, it seemed to be beneficial without harm.
If the Polish people were so confident, then when the Germans came, let's see how you seek help!
As the British envoy left Poland in disappointment, in distant Moscow, a discussion was also underway.
Poland's refusal was very wise because Stalin believed that Britain and France were fundamentally unreliable. After all, the fate of Czechoslovakia was there for all to see, and who knew if Britain and France would stab them in the back at a critical moment.
If Poland agreed to allow Soviet troops into its territory, the Soviet Union would undoubtedly give Poland an unforgettable "help".
"Britain and France are unreliable.", the Soviet Marshal, who was not many at the time and by 1935 had only been granted to five people, a few of whom were eliminated during the Great Purge. Now, this Soviet Marshal with a distinctive two-mustache beard was Semyon Budyonny, a cavalry veteran who had devoted his life to military service and was one of Stalin's most trusted individuals.
"Look at Czechoslovakia's fate, and you'll know that when it's crucial, Britain and France will unhesitatingly abandon their allies.", Stalin spoke. "So, the promises from Britain are unreliable."
Believe in Britain and France? You might as well believe that pigs can fly!
Moreover, while the British envoy had just arrived, a German envoy followed closely behind. In contrast to the hollow and unreliable promises of the British envoy, the German envoy brought only one sentence: Interested in partitioning Poland?
This simple sentence made Stalin's heart flutter.
Although there was some unpleasant history between the Soviet Union and Germany during the Spanish Civil War, what did it matter? National interests always took precedence between nations. As long as there were sufficient benefits, even if they were at odds in the morning, they could clink glasses and make a toast by noon. "Rather than cooperating with those fickle individuals, why not join Germany in partitioning Poland? What do you all think?" Stalin, holding his ever-present pipe, slowly voiced his thoughts.
Upon hearing Stalin's words, many people were stunned. Wasn't Britain hoping that the Soviet Union would support Poland to contain Germany? How did it turn into jointly partitioning Poland with Germany?
Because Germany sent a secret envoy who directly spoke the proposed terms to Stalin, most of those present were only aware of the British envoy's intentions and were unaware of the German secret envoy.
But this idea wasn't bad at all!
Poland and the Soviet Union had centuries of grievances, and both sides wished to annihilate each other. In the last Soviet-Polish War, the Soviet Union clearly suffered a disadvantage. However, if this time they could sandwich Poland together with Germany, Poland would be inescapable!
Although Stalin's tone sounded like an inquiry, his words carried authority in the present Soviet Union. Who dared to voice dissent?
Those who reacted quickly began to flatter. "Comrade Stalin is right; Britain and France are fickle individuals."
"I also agree with this decision!" Others raised their right hands one after another.
"I agree too!" "I support Comrade Stalin's party decision!" "I agree!" Soon, all the attending representatives raised their hands, and the proposal was easily passed.
Stalin nodded in satisfaction, but his face remained somber. Since the disappearance of the mysterious 560 tons of gold that had reached his lips, no one had seen Stalin smile again. "Since everyone agrees, we should sign a non-aggression pact with Germany. Also, let's discuss our joint actions in partitioning Poland."
But who should be sent for this task?
If Tukhachevsky were still around, sending him would be the most appropriate choice. After all, he had a good personal relationship with the German heir. Unfortunately, he had been purged. It wasn't suitable to resurrect him from the underground to send him to Germany. The female staff member in the GRU was a good candidate, but her identity did not match. Marshal Voroshilov, who had visited Germany last time, seemed to harbor less friendly sentiments toward the Germans, so he couldn't be sent either.
Surveying the conference room, Stalin's gaze finally fell on People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov. He was Stalin's close comrade-in-arms and a staunch supporter. "Molotov, go to Germany for this."
"Yes, I guarantee the completion of the mission." Molotov immediately accepted the task. After all, the proposal came from the Germans, and he only needed to sign an agreement with them. It wasn't difficult.
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