章節 268: 268
Episode 268: Grand Compromise
Among high-ranking British officials, there was one other human being who was captured besides Churchill.
The main character will be Arthur Harris, a British Air Force bomber commander famous as Butcher Harris.
"no. "How did that person happen to be captured?"
"From what I heard, he was fighting alongside the soldiers, holding a rifle and fighting to the death, but was taken prisoner by our forces who made a surprise attack on the rear. He said he attempted to commit suicide by pointing a pistol at his head, but a soldier, who mistook him for an attack, shot him... … ."
Harris is still in his hospital room under close surveillance by the Gestapo and receiving careful treatment from doctors.
Then wouldn't he be able to go to trial in very healthy condition?
Just as the Allied Forces brought German and Japanese war criminals to trial and condemned them after the end of the war, I too will soon bring these guys to trial and hold them accountable for causing the war.
To impress upon the world that Germany is good and just, and that England, which started the war, is evil.
However, even though Britain has been occupied, there are still a mountain of problems to deal with.
It is important to rebuild Britain, which was devastated by the war, and to prevent the semi-naked British people from starving to death, but the biggest issue is ending the war with the United States.
Now that Christian
"Is it possible?"
"To be honest… … "It is absolutely impossible."
I discussed attacking Iceland with my generals, knowing the answer was obvious, but the result was the same every time.
With the current capabilities of the National Defense Force, it is absolutely impossible to recapture Iceland.
The immediate success of Operation Sea Lion was to disseminate disinformation, force Churchill to redeploy British troops to the Middle East and India, and then carry out a robbery of an empty house.
If Britain had carried out the operation while concentrating its navy on the mainland, Operation Sea Lion would never have been successful.
And there is no way that the enemies who fell victim to Germany's deception will fall victim again.
Since Iceland is a transportation hub connecting North America and Europe, the Allied Forces' defenses are not only average, but the distance is also great, so even if all of the Kryxmarine's forces are mobilized, the chances of success are extremely low.
In the end, the only way left is negotiation... … .
"If you think about common sense, would you return Greenland and Iceland to Denmark unless Wallace goes crazy?"
"That's my opinion too."
Ribbentrop nodded.
Without going too far, consider the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Unlike Cuba, Iceland and Greenland are quite far away, but now that Germany does not have bombers that can travel back and forth from Europe to the North American continent, the only way for Germany to bomb the United States is to deploy bombers in Iceland or Greenland.
The United States has gone to the point where it is willing to start a nuclear war with the Soviet Union just by deploying missiles in Cuba, but is it handing over a strategic location that can bomb its country to a country that is at war with itself and is certain to become its number one enemy after Japan's defeat?
I have to say something that makes sense.
However, it is not possible to hand it over to the United States and say, 'Just keep it for yourself.'
In addition to being territories of Denmark, an ally, Iceland and Greenland are also very important strategic locations for Germany.
If the situation arises, the North American continent can be immediately bombed, and it is the gateway that primarily defends against the United States attacking Europe, but there are many regrets in many ways just handing over this place to the United States.
However, it would be reckless to continue the war because of these two places.
Therefore, I instructed Ribbentrop to conduct negotiations with the sale of Greenland and Iceland in mind.
"This is an extremely wise decision, but the Danish government will not remain silent. "What do you want to do about this?"
"I will come forward and try to persuade you. In any case, it is impossible for Denmark to recapture the two regions with its own strength, and the status of a victorious nation that it has now achieved is all thanks to us, so if I say no, they will eventually follow suit."
"also! "Your Excellency the President's foresight is extraordinary."
Normally, we don't use the expression insight for things like this.
Since I hear flattery every day, I might get used to it by now, but it still feels awkward and awkward when I hear flattery, rather than feeling good.
It may be because the person you are flattering is the other person.
***
Despite the sacrifice of tens of thousands of American soldiers, the United States was ultimately defeated by Germany in the Battle of England.
In Britain, American troops suffered 110,000 casualties. In less than three months, as many as 110,000 people were killed or injured.
Compared to the Eastern Front, where millions of people died, the figure of 110,000 casualties may seem like a game of play, but the difference was that, unlike the Soviet Union, which was a communist one-party dictatorship, the United States was a liberal democratic country where each and every citizen had a legitimate vote.
Each soldier was a citizen of the United States and a family member of citizens who voted in elections, and considering the influence their deaths had on elections, it was impossible to compare them on the same level with the Soviet soldiers who died on the Eastern Front.
Even now, more than 20,000 soldiers were held captive in Germany and were waiting for their release.
The fact that, despite this enormous damage, they had to withdraw from England in an unsightly manner, rather than achieve victory, public opinion was inflamed as if pouring gasoline on a fire.
Not only the protesters but also the Republican Party openly argued that defeat in Britain should be acknowledged and a peace treaty should be signed with Germany as soon as possible.
Even the lawmakers who voted in favor of sending troops to help Britain, saying that Britain's safety was America's safety, could not refute the argument that now was the time to negotiate with Germany.
The fact that Germany's goal was to punish Britain, not to conquer the United States, and that Hitler had previously shown himself to be friendly to the United States on several occasions also gave strength to the arguments of the consolidationists.
It was also extremely correct to say that there would be no benefit to the United States by continuing this war.
"Damn Frank. "I guess I'm done with this."
Wallace couldn't help but laugh bitterly at the report that Germany had proposed a second meeting. He was at least fortunate.
It is now possible to avoid leaving a record in history that the United States bowed down and entered Germany first.
"But I can't hand over Greenland and Iceland. If these areas fall into German hands, it will become a disaster incomparable to what it is today, threatening the security of the United States."
"I guess so."
Hull also agreed with Wallace's comments.
It was important to end the meaningless war with Germany, but I also wanted to avoid Iceland and Greenland returning to the Axis powers.
Withdrawal from these areas not only meant that the United States would be completely driven out of Europe, but it would also mean that Germany would gain complete supremacy in the Atlantic.
Therefore, it was necessary to prevent those areas from being returned to the Axis powers.
Hull boarded a plane to Europe with a solemn heart. The fate of America and the world depended on him.
***
August 28, 1943
Limerick, Ireland
"I saw you last time in Portugal, and today I see you in Ireland. "Hehehe."
"haha… … "Let's say that."
No British representative appeared in these ceasefire negotiations.
Prior to negotiations with Germany, the United States informed the British government-in-exile in Canada of the negotiations.
The British government-in-exile's position was that no negotiations with Germany were possible, but it did not express opposition to the United States negotiating with Germany.
Not only could Britain's opposition not stop the United States from negotiating, but it was also in no position to tell the United States what to do since it was surviving on American support.
Attlee secretly informed Wallace that if he negotiated with Germany while his predecessor Churchill was a prisoner of Germany, he would be betraying him and asked for his understanding as he could not participate in the negotiations.
Wallace sympathized with Attlee's position and decided to convey the British side's demands for this negotiation through Hull. It was up to Germany to accept Britain's demands or not.
Germany's demands were simple. Returning Greenland and Iceland to Denmark, the original government, immediately ending the war and signing a non-aggression pact with Germany, strengthening economic cooperation, and recognizing the Mosley government as the new British government.
The American - and British - demands were for the non-return of Greenland and Iceland, neutralization of Britain and recognition of the British government in Canada as the traditional British government, and the repatriation of Churchill, who had been taken prisoner by Germany.
Naturally, Germany rejected the United States' proposed plan to neutralize Britain and repatriate Churchill, and the United States rejected Germany's return of Iceland and Greenland.
'Is this a mistake again...? … .'
I had a feeling that this meeting, like the previous one in Portugal, would end without results.
Ribbentrop suddenly made an unexpected proposal to Hull, who was sighing in frustration.
"You previously said you would purchase Greenland and Iceland from the United States government."
"That's right."
Hull listened with half worry and half anticipation, wondering what would come out of that mouth. Ribbentrop said:
"I accept that offer."
As soon as Ribbentrop finished speaking, Hull jumped up from his seat.
"Are you serious about what you say?"
"So you're joking? The Danish government has already agreed to sell Greenland and Iceland to the U.S. government at a reasonable price if it is difficult to return them.
Let me ask you directly. How much can the U.S. government pay for purchases from Iceland and Greenland?"
Hull was dumbfounded by the unexpected question, but his eyes changed when he realized that this was an opportunity to end the war.
Germany also knew that continuing the war would be burdensome and that it would be impossible to recapture Iceland and Greenland by force, so it was highly likely that they would turn to a solution through negotiation.
Denmark didn't know if they had the same idea in mind or if Germany put pressure on them, but they said they agreed anyway, so all that was left was price negotiation.
Hull sat down and answered.
"Greenland and Iceland combined are willing to pay $300 million."
"300 million dollars? "I think the amount is too small."
Hull responded as Ribbentrop frowned.
"Then to what extent are you thinking about it?"
"The Danish government asked for $1.5 billion. Including compensation for damage suffered by Denmark during the war."
1.5 billion dollars. Hull struggled. Although $1.5 billion was an amount that could be paid with U.S. finances, it did not mean that it was an amount that could be paid willingly.
"$1.5 billion is unreasonable."
"But we can't continue the war, can we? What is your reason for coming here? Isn't it to end the war?"
"exactly. But $1.5 billion is realistically unreasonable."
"By the way, how far can you go?"
Hull shook his head.
"We can pay up to $800 million. But anything more than that is difficult."
"… … For now, I understand. Let's talk tomorrow. "We need to listen to the opinion of our home country."
"All right. "I will do that."
***
Before the meeting was held in Ireland, I met King Christian X and spoke candidly.
Although the Allies have now been driven out of England, it is difficult to continue the war any longer.
In particular, even if all the forces of Germany and the Axis powers were mobilized, it would be nearly impossible to break through the Allied forces in the Atlantic and land in Iceland.
The Americans would never give up Greenland and Iceland out of concern for their country's safety, but as time goes by, not only does the United States, with its overwhelming industrial power, have an advantage, but the longer the war lasts, the greater the burden on the German economy, so it becomes more difficult here. This means that we must move towards ending the war as quickly as possible.
Perhaps because he felt that we had little reason to shed blood for our territory, King Christian
"Then do you think the President should dedicate Greenland and Iceland to those bastards?"
"It's not a dedication. "I'm selling it to them for money."
"You're selling it for money?"
"At the previous meeting, the United States expressed its intention to purchase Greenland and Iceland. Since it is difficult to find it by force anyway, selling it for money is the least expensive way to lose money. That would be a better choice for Denmark's future."
"Umm… … ."
In the end, Christian X accepted my offer. Decided to sell Greenland and Iceland to the United States.
The amount offered in return was $1.5 billion. In fact, in 1946, Truman proposed to Denmark to purchase Greenland for $100 million, but the proposal fell through due to Denmark's refusal.
Therefore, although $1.5 billion may seem too large, it was also not an amount that could not be paid considering that the United States invested $2 billion in the Manhattan Project.
However, the United States offered up to $800 million. When I told these words verbatim to King Christian X, King Christian X became furious.
Even 1.5 billion dollars is not enough, but 800 million dollars.
I wasn't surprised because I expected this reaction to some extent. I just think it's annoying.
I felt like my tongue would ache from repeating exactly what I had said to Christian X, but I held it in, thinking that this was my fate.
After much difficulty, I was able to get an answer from Christian X that he would consider up to 1 billion dollars.
It was a problem that could be resolved quickly if pressure was applied in the form of 'Why don't you take care of it without Germany?' rather than persuasion, but I didn't want to damage the relationship between Germany and Denmark, which was almost a blood alliance, by using coercion.
To that extent, Christian X was not a very tight-lipped person.
Just... … It's because I'm very old.
"One billion dollars. "Isn't this an amount that even Americans can think about?"
-also! You are amazing, Mr. President!
"I'm done flattering you, so let's finish the negotiations tomorrow. "I want to end the war as soon as possible and have fun."
***
August 29, 1943
Limerick, Ireland
Negotiations, which had been sluggish so far, gained momentum as Germany and Denmark responded to the United States' proposal.
"One billion dollars. "You can't go below that."
"… … 900 million dollars."
"One billion dollars."
"$950 million. "No more than that."
"… … Please wait a moment."
Ribbentrop, who returned to the conference room after completing the phone call with his home country, added $20 million to the $950 million amount proposed by the U.S. delegation.
In this way, ownership of Iceland and Greenland was transferred from Denmark to the United States for $970 million.
Now that the most difficult issues had been resolved, it was time to agree on the remaining issues.
Hull stated that he could not recognize the puppet government established in London as the official government of Britain out of consideration for the British exile government in Canada, but at the end, he stated that he had no intention of maintaining a country-to-country relationship with the UK under the Mosley cabinet.
It means that the justification is justification, but the practicality is taken. Ribbentrop smiled and nodded his head.
"great. "That's enough."
Germany's proposal to conclude a non-aggression pact with the United States was also rejected.
However, the proposal to continue economic exchanges with post-war Germany as before the war was readily accepted.
Even though it was under Nazi rule, the European market was a market that the U.S. could not afford to give up. For Germany, exchanges with the United States were also essential for rapid economic recovery.
"Churchill and Harris cannot deliver. They are war criminals who started a war and committed various war crimes. "They will be tried in Germany according to due process and will be punished for their own crimes."
"… … All right."
Other minor details were easily agreed upon.
Like Greenland and Iceland, the United States also agreed to legally purchase the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, which was occupied by the Allied Forces, through negotiations with the Norwegian government.
After agreeing on all matters, the delegations of both sides signed the document.
The war between the Axis powers, led by Germany, and the Allied powers, led by the United States and Britain, came to an end.
After turning the entire island of Britain into ashes.
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