章節 41: Tense situation
The sound of leather boots echoed down the long corridor, resonating with a rhythmic cadence from far to near. As they approached the door of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the footsteps halted abruptly. A series of sharp knocks followed: "Dang, Dang, Dang."
"Please come in," came the response from inside.
Inside the room, Strethman was deep in conversation with Akado and Carl Benz. They were discussing plans to establish a factory hidden deep within a forest, a strategy designed to evade the prying eyes of the Joint Arms Control Committee. The sudden knock at the door interrupted their scheming, and all eyes turned towards the entrance.
A diplomat burst into the room, urgency written all over his face. He snapped to attention and saluted, "Long live the Great German Party! Sir, I bring urgent news." He handed a folder to Akado, stepped back, and waited respectfully to the side.
Streisman, Benz, and the others crowded around to see the contents of the document. Their expressions turned grave as they read: Early this morning, staff from the French embassy lodged a severe protest with our Ministry, accusing the German Wehrmacht of covertly producing submarines in several Dutch dockyards. Moreover, France has pressured the Dutch government to assist in investigating and to seize any submarines produced.
"It's bad this time. If the French have solid evidence, we are in a very passive position," Streisman remarked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Carl Benz, his eyes narrowing, coughed twice before speaking in a gravelly voice, "This won't be easy to handle."
Akado, looking equally troubled, paused before responding, "Haven't we anticipated such a scenario? We must stick to the plan. However, I believe that while the French have some information, they likely lack a complete chain of evidence."
"Why do you think that?" asked the young diplomat, unable to contain his curiosity.
Akado glanced at him, a wry smile playing on his lips, "Because if they had conclusive evidence, they wouldn't be engaging in diplomatic maneuvers. They would have launched a military operation and taken me out without hesitation."
The diplomat blushed, embarrassed by his outburst, and bowed his head. Akado patted his shoulder reassuringly, then directed him, "Go to the party headquarters. Inform the propaganda department to prepare for a meeting. I'll be there shortly to assign their tasks."
Turning to Streisman, he continued, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must act decisively. Deny all French allegations outright and accuse them of slander."
"Send a telegram to Dennitz in The Hague. Tell him to initiate Plan C and act immediately," Akado instructed, then addressed his secretary Sindra, who had just entered, "Contact General Hamelstein at the Ministry. Instruct him to execute Plan C without delay!"
Plan C, known to its architects like Carl Benz, was a contingency operation designed to obscure the truth should their covert 'Pluto Project' be compromised. This included various sub-operations, such as Dennitz leading a squadron of submarines out to sea to evade capture, and General Hamelstein temporarily dispersing parts of the National Defense Forces to avoid detection during inspections by the arms control committee.
After issuing these orders, Akado approached Streisman's desk and picked up the telephone, dialing the president of the Krupp plant. When the call connected, he didn't waste a moment: "Krupp, what's the situation on the Dutch side? Can you manage this diplomatic crisis? The French in the Netherlands are aware."
"I've done everything possible," Krupp's voice came through the line, somewhat strained. "The outcome now depends on our friends in the Netherlands. If they forsake those investments and side with France, there's little we can do. If that happens..."
"Then I will take full responsibility! The future of our National Defense Forces relies on your actions!" Akado asserted, his voice firm. "The mission of the Great German Party must continue, with or without me!"
"Long live the Great German Party!" Krupp responded, a note of resignation in his voice. "Let's wait for further news. The outcome is uncertain."
Hanging up, Akado then led Streisman and the others to the Great German Party headquarters on William Street. There, they met with Matterhof and Fanny, who were already waiting.
Without preamble, Akado asked, "What countermeasures do we have?"
Matterhof, visibly agitated, suggested, "We must clarify the situation and retaliate through the press immediately! The French accusations are baseless and fabricated!"
Fanny, playing idly with her fingers, smiled subtly. Noticing her demeanor, Akado inquired, "Miss Fanny, do you have any suggestions?"
"Not yet, but I advise against hasty actions that could lead to errors," Fanny replied, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Clarify through the newspaper? Minister Matterhof, do you think our paper is an army spokesman? How exactly do you propose we clarify? Are you planning to raid the IDF archives for all the confidential documents?"
Her rapid-fire questions left Matterhof speechless, his face a mask of frustration.
"Enough, Miss Fanny," Akado interjected, cutting her off. "Minister Matterhof is overly anxious, but his loyalty is well-known to the party."
This subtly implied that while Matterhof's loyalty was appreciated, his capabilities might not be as robust. However, this reassured Matterhof, who had risen to his position more through his early and steadfast support of the party than through any particular skill in governance.
Fanny, after a moment's thought, added, "The only thing we can do now is use the French's excessive actions to stir up resistance among the German people and build support for the party. As for other countermeasures, we'll need to wait and see how things develop."
"Excellent," Akado concluded, standing. "Let's begin the incitement campaign immediately. Encourage people to boycott French goods and march in the streets. This will complement Streisman's efforts and force the government to support us."
Meanwhile, the Dutch government was also in turmoil, holding an emergency meeting to address the serious allegations made by France.
"Gentlemen, the discovery by the French at Hiv's ivs company has precipitated a severe diplomatic crisis," began one politician, his voice trembling slightly. "We must resolve this matter swiftly to prevent further damage to our diplomatic standing."
A young Dutch official frowned, "Why should we surrender our submarine technology and equipment just because the French demand it? Do they consider themselves the rulers of the world?"
Another, a middle-aged official with a thick beard, slammed his hand on the table, "We represent the interests of the entire Netherlands, not just those of French stooges! If the French demanded your wife, would you hand her over too?"
The room erupted in laughter, though it was quickly quelled by an older politician who demanded order. "This is a high-level meeting, not a marketplace! Let's settle this democratically. We'll hold a vote."
Outside the British embassy, Akado stepped from his car, assisted by his aide, Anna. He straightened his jacket and approached the entrance where Colonel Smith, a middle-aged man in a British military uniform, greeted him warmly.
"General Akado, it's been too long! I'm delighted to see you. Please, come in," Colonel Smith invited him inside.
"Colonel Smith," Akado nodded politely, "It's good to see you. How have things been?"
"With Japan's expansion in the Far East contained and our interests in China secure, I've been promoted," Smith replied, pointing to his insignia with pride.
Akado paused, choosing his words carefully, "I find myself in a bit of a predicament. Could you share the British government's stance on this matter?"
Their conversation continued as they entered the embassy, the weight of impending diplomatic strife hanging in the air.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票