As the head of the German Propaganda Department, Dr. Goebbels was the first to speak. Pen | fun | pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 ｉｎｆｏ

"Let me first talk about my personal opinion, the advent of "Rabe's Diary" will make Germany and even the entire Axis group fall into the passivity of public opinion in the world, the United States, the British Empire, Russia, China, you see, the territory of these four countries covers most of the world, plus the countries affected by their influence, I think, except for the members of the Axis group, countries all over the world will stand on their side in public opinion, which is very bad for our international image."

Goebbels looked at Hitler, who nodded.

"You're right, keep talking."

Encouraged by Hitler, Goebbels picked up a bulging file bag on the table and pulled out a stack of photographs from it and distributed them to the attendees.

"Let's look at these pictures." Goebbels said as he handed out the photos.

Chen Dao picked up the two photos that were placed in front of him, and the black and white picture of the first photo showed a group of corpses, more than a dozen of them, and the corpses were highly decomposed.

The second photograph is even more striking, with a wide-angle lens showing seven or eight columns of corpses, hundreds of them, lying on the ground in the distance.

Marshal Keitel was the first to ask: "Who is the body in the photo?" It doesn't look like he died on the battlefield, like he was executed en masse. Look at their uniforms are not our soldiers, are they Russians? ”

Seeing that everyone was looking at him with puzzled eyes, Goebbels said: "These corpses are Poles, they came from the Katyn Forest west of Smolensk, and an engineering unit of Army Group Center originally wanted to cut trees in the forest, but it happened to find a large number of rudimentary cemeteries. After a series of excavations, we have now unearthed nearly 3,000 bodies, and the number continues to grow.

Originally, the Propaganda Department wanted to use these corpses in the Katyn Forest to make a big story and use it to attack the Russians, but now because of the appearance of "Rabe's Diary", we can only put this plan on hold for the time being. The reason is simple: even if we were to make the mass murder of Polish prisoners of war by the Russians public, Stalin would probably deny it, or even say that we were the murderers, and blame us for the mass murder of prisoners of war.

If Stalin really did this, which side do you think world opinion would be on? In the eyes of people all over the world, Germany or Russia, who is more suspicious? ”

Including Hitler and Chen Dao, everyone in the conference room collectively showed a thoughtful expression.

Goebbels looked around the crowd and concluded.

"The corpse of the Polish army in the Katyn Forest was a good card for us, but because of Rabe's Diary, this good card has become a good card that is rotten in our hands.

From the point of view of public opinion, we must draw a clear line with Japan in order to play this good card. ”

"Minister Goebbels has a point, what do you think?" Hitler said.

"Minister Goebbels has a point, but we can't just get a propaganda material and throw away an ally, it's a strong ally. I would like to remind you that Japan currently has the most powerful fleet in the world, and they control East Asia, Southeast Asia, and half of the Pacific Ocean.

As for the impact of "Rabe's Diary", I think it is enough for us to symbolically condemn it, after all, people are forgetful, and after a long period of time, they will naturally be forgotten. Chen Dao said.

"Your Excellency the Governor, do you think that the propaganda apparatus of the Americans, the British, the Chinese, and the Russians will let go of such good propaganda material, and I can assure you that at least until the end of the war against Japan, they will use this as the most advantageous weapon against us, even if it is forgotten, it will be after the war is over." Goebbels immediately retorted.

"On a diplomatic level, I also think that it would be unwise to give up a strong ally for the sake of public opinion, and I agree with Governor Rosen's suggestion that it is enough for us to condemn Japan, and that there is no need to break up. I would also like to remind you that our break with Japan is probably what the United States and the British want to see the most. Foreign Minister Ribbentrop said.

Drawing Japan into the Axis bloc and forming a trilateral axis of Germany, Italy, and Japan has always been Ribbentrop's proudest diplomatic achievement.

Seeing that his diplomatic achievements were in a major crisis, Ribbentrop spoke up decisively in support of Chen.

"Let me say what I think," said Marshal Milch, Minister of Aviation, "and I think we have three options, the first is what Governor Rosen and Minister Ribbentrop say, condemning Japan; The second way was to drive Japan out of the Axis bloc and declare war on Japan, as Marshal Goering had said before he was ill and hospitalized. ”

"I've heard Marshal Goering say this method." This was stated by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Colonel-General Jeshunek.

"However, I personally think that the first method is too perfunctory, and the second method is too extreme, so I personally propose the third solution, which is to only expel Japan from the Axis group, so that we can not only draw a clear line with Japan, not give others an excuse to attack us, but also ensure that we will not completely break with Japan, of course, before expelling Japan from the Axis group, we must inform the Japanese in advance and let them know that this is just a diplomatic strategy that we have to choose." Milch said.

Milch's proposed approach was immediately met with approval from the congregation.

"I agree with Marshal Milch's plan." Goebbels was the first to jump out in favor.

Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess followed: "I also think this plan is more suitable. ”

The Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Marshal Raeder, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Marshal Brauchitsch, and others nodded their heads one after another, expressing their approval of Marshal Milch's plan.

Himmler had just been reminded by Chen Dao to be in line with the majority, and when he saw that everyone in the room agreed with Marshal Milch's plan, he was about to speak, when he heard a cough.

I saw Chen Dao say in a loud voice: "Marshal Milch is right, compared to Marshal Milch's proposal, my proposal just now is a bit shallow, and it is too perfunctory to merely verbally condemn Japan, as for Marshal Goering's proposal to declare war on Japan, I think it is very likely that he said it in a moment of anger after reading "Rabe's Diary", and we must not adopt this method. ”

I don't know whether it was intentional or coincidental, Chen Dao's gaze swept over the faces of Brauchitsch and the others sitting across the conference table in turn, and when he said the last sentence, his gaze just fell on Himmler's face.

"We certainly cannot do anything about declaring war on Japan, after all, it is only Marshal Goering's casual words, so, at present, it seems that Marshal Milch's proposal is the most appropriate way to deal with it, and I agree with his plan."

Somewhat chaotic, Himmler felt that his political intelligence was being put to the test.

Obviously, the gaze of the "Your Excellency Brother-in-law" in front of him was conveying some kind of message to himself, but unfortunately he did not have the tacit understanding between Marshal Goering and the "Your Excellency the Brother-in-law", and could not comprehend the deep meaning.

If you need help yourself, just say it, why is it always so complicated? Himmler felt tired in an instant under Chen Dao's gaze.

Just as Himmler was struggling with his heart, Hitler's voice reached his ears.

"Heinrich, why didn't you take a stand, what do you think about this?"

"My opinion is ・・・・・・"

"I don't think Mr. National Leader can come up with a fourth option, it's nothing more than choosing one of the three options." Chen Dao said casually.

If you don't hear what he means anymore, you'll really become an idiot.

Before the meeting, the Governor of Lawson had said that he should not accommodate his ideas, and that of the three proposals in front of him, the first was proposed by the "Brother-in-law" himself, and the third was supported by the "Brother-in-law".

If you don't accommodate your "brother-in-law", there is no other option except the second option, which is the easiest way to eliminate.

What's more, the words of "Your Excellency Brother-in-law" just now almost nakedly reminded himself that he could only choose one of the three options.

Himmler made up his mind in an instant and chose the second option, declaring war on Japan.

"My Führer, I think we should draw a line with Japan with the most resolute attitude, and we must declare war on Japan."

"Why?" Hitler asked.

Himmler frowned, pondering as Hitler watched him, trying to find a reason for his choice.

"Mr. National Leader, are you afraid that the United States, Great Britain, Russia, and oh, and China will unite against us in public opinion, so you use the declaration of war against Japan to destroy their alliance?" Chen Dao said.

Hearing Chen Dao's reminder of the "right talk and the other talk" mode, Himmler immediately found an excuse for his choice.

"Governor Rosen, you are only half right, what worries me is not that they will unite against us in public opinion, but in military unity."

Chen Dao snorted coldly and said, "Do you know what you're talking about? Mr. National Leader. ”

Seeing that Chen Dao was targeting him, Himmler felt more and more that he had found out what Chen Dao was thinking.

"Führer, ladies and gentlemen, have you ever wondered what would happen if the Rabe Diary reached Russia and the Russians used it as a pretext to declare war on Japan? Will Russia, the United States, and Britain form a military alliance against Japan? If this alliance is formed, the United States will certainly provide military assistance to Russia under the banner of allies, and I think the Americans will certainly not want to see a strong Germany appear on the European continent, and the British will not want to.

When the war against Japan is over, will this military alliance of Russia, the United States, China, and Britain be the next target for us?

In order to avoid this from happening, we should immediately issue a statement expelling Japan from the Axis bloc and at the same time declare war on Japan, and then the Propaganda Department will publicize the Katyn Forest incident to the outside world and worsen the image of the Russians in the world. The United States and the British had scruples and did not dare to openly ally with Russia. ”

Marshal Raeder said: "Mr. National Leader has a point in his analysis, and what he says is indeed possible. ”

"If Russia were to join the military alliance of the United States and Great Britain, it would indeed put us in a very dangerous situation. You reminded me, Heinrich, that I had to reconsider my attitude towards Japan. Hitler said.

"Führer, as long as we declare war on Japan before the Russians, we will become potential allies of the United States, Great Britain, and China, and at least in the hearts of the people of these three countries, we are on the same front. As for the governments of the three countries, I think we have another way to put pressure on them. Goebbels said.

"What's the solution?" Hitler said.

"My approach was that it was not Germany that declared war on Japan, but the Axis bloc that declared war on Japan. In this way, if the Americans and the British wanted to engage in any conspiracy, they had to consider bearing the wrath of the entire Axis bloc. Goebbels said.

"I object, your excuses are purely imaginary and exaggerated. Have you ever thought that after declaring war on Japan, we will lose one of our most important foreign trade partners, and we ・・・・・・," Chen said.

"Heinz, we're talking about the survival of Germany, and you don't want to look at it at business level, because it will make your thinking very narrow." Hitler said with a straight face.

Himmler had already figured out Chen Dao's routine at this time, and immediately cooperated: "After all, Governor Rosen is still young and very immature in politics, so we can't blame him too much. ”

"I know what is the real purpose of your alarmism? You are simply trying to use the declaration of war on Japan to create an opportunity for your subordinates to receive the Iron Cross・・・・・・" Chen Dao said, staring at Himmler.

"Enough, Heinz, don't talk nonsense, don't think people so darkly." Hitler rebuked sharply.

"We must take Heinrich's analysis seriously, so that you vote by a show of hands, and I make a decision based on the results of your vote, and agree to a show of hands to declare war on Japan."

Himmler was the first to raise his hand, Goebbels followed, and surprisingly, Marshal Raeder was the third to raise his hand in favor of declaring war on Japan.

Admiral Jeshunek hesitated slightly, then raised his hand.

Marshal Milch was stunned for a moment, and also raised his hand in favor of declaring war on Japan.

In the final vote, only Chen Dao and Ribbentrop were opposed, and all the others were in favor of declaring war on Japan.

"Seven votes to two, everyone's opinion is very clear, it seems that the matter of declaring war on Japan should be put on the agenda as soon as possible. Dr. Goebbels, you know the gravity and urgency of the matter, and when you go back, you will immediately prepare a declaration of war and an article condemning Japan's evil deeds, which will be published the day after tomorrow. The Foreign Office had two tasks, one was to inform the Japanese Foreign Ministry of our attitude, and the other was to immediately summon the ambassadors of the Axis powers to Germany and urge them to declare war on Japan as soon as possible. In two weeks' time, will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs be able to handle this well? ”

Ribbentrop said listlessly: "My Führer, the Foreign Ministry will complete your order on time. ”

Hitler had just announced the adjournment of the meeting, and Chen Dao did not greet anyone and strode out of the conference room.

Himmler trotted all the way to catch up with Chen.

Chen Dao waved his hand to stop Himmler.

"Don't say anything now, you're doing a good job. But I have important business to do now, and I must leave immediately, and we'll see you tomorrow. ”

Standing beside his car, Himmler watched in confusion as Chen's Mercedes-Benz was the first to rush out of the parking lot, snorting exhaust fumes and driving away.

Chen Dao's Mercedes rushed into Karin Manor, stayed for less than five minutes before turning around and driving out, and stopped in front of the Japanese Embassy in Germany more than 20 minutes later.

Chen Dao had a serious expression and strode into the embassy, and Second Lieutenant Lorenz followed behind him with a rectangular wooden box.

Less than two minutes after Chen Dao reported his identity, Hiroshi Oshima appeared in front of Chen Dao and personally took Chen Dao to his office on the second floor.

Second Lieutenant Lorenz put down the wooden box in his hand and pushed the door to leave, Hiroshi Oshima glanced at the wooden box on the ground, a little suspicious in his heart.

This wooden box looked very familiar, as if it had just been given to Marshal Goering.

Could it be that Marshal Goering was not satisfied with his gift, so the "Your Excellency the brother-in-law" personally came to the door to return it.

Seeing Chen Dao's gloomy expression, Oshima Hao's heart felt heavy.

Chen Dao raised his right hand, deep index and middle fingers.

"I want to say two things, 100,000 urgent."

"Your Excellency, please speak."

"The first thing is this thing, the bronze you gave to Marshal Goering, I will return it to you for Marshal Goering now, and I apologize to you, he can't accept this gift."

"Why is that? Could it be that Marshal Goering was not satisfied with this gift. ”

"The reason is the second thing I said, the second thing is ・・・・・・ alas, I really don't know what to say・・・・・・ let's put it this way, in two days, Germany and Japan will enter a state of war, this is the decision that the Führer has just made."

"What did you just say? Is Germany going to declare war on our country? Hiroshi Oshima felt like his head was going to explode, the news was so shocking that he couldn't accept it at all.

"Speaking of which, it's not because of the damn Rabe's Diary, that's why I gave this gift back to you, things are the way they are, and Marshal Goering and I are really embarrassed to accept this gift from you." Chen Dao said.

"Why, exactly? How could a book cause such an outcome? Hiroshi Oshima asked with a pale face.

"The reason doesn't matter now, you just have to remember that it was not only Germany that was going to declare war on Japan, but it was likely that the entire Axis bloc would also declare war on Japan in the near future, and this was also the Führer's decision."

Listening to Chen Dao's words, Hiroshi Oshima almost fainted.

"Mr. Ambassador, cheer up, it's not the worst yet." Chen Dao said loudly.

"Your Excellency the Governor, is there anything worse than this?" Hiroshi Oshima's voice was already crying.

"What I'm going to say next is the turn of events, you must remember." Chen Dao said.

"The turn of events? Do you have a way to get the Führer to change his mind? Hiroshi Oshima said.

"No, no, no, I can't change the Führer, but I have other options. You must remember what I said below. First, I will do everything I can to delay the dispatch of troops from Germany and even the Axis powers, and buy you time. ”

"You mean that Germany will only declare war and not send troops?" Hiroshi Oshima asked tentatively.

"Yes, I'll try to delay the dispatch as much as possible."

"I remember, how long can you delay?" Hiroshi Oshima asked.

"Half a year at most, and I can't guarantee it after half a year." Chen Dao said.

"Okay, half a year, half a year." Hiroshi Oshima shuddered and walked over to his desk, took out a pen from the pen holder, and took out a notebook to record Chen Dao's words.

"The second thing is to inform General Yamamoto that during these six months, do your best to implement the Diablo plan and eliminate as much of the living forces of the US Navy as possible, which is the best way to deal with the crisis. Otherwise, half a year later, once the Axis bloc intervenes in the Pacific theater, Japan's defeat will only be a matter of time. Therefore, your country must change the balance of power in the Pacific theater as soon as possible within the next six months. ”

"Okay, I've got it, is there anything else?" Hiroshi Oshima asked anxiously.

"The third thing is ・・・・・・"

A phone rang interrupted Chen Dao's words, and Hiroshi Oshima impatiently walked to his desk to pick up the phone.

"This is ・・・・・・ it turned out to be Mr. Minister, what is the matter with you?" Okay・・・・・・ okay・・・・・・ I'll be there later, goodbye. ”

Sitting back beside Chen Dao, Hiroshi Oshima said: "It was Minister Ribbentrop's phone call, and he asked me to meet him at the office building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ”

"He probably also wants to inform you of the Führer's decision, time is pressing, and I will make a long story short, if my plan to delay time fails, then I will try my best to go to the Pacific theater as commander of the German expeditionary force, and by that time, do you understand what I mean?" Chen Dao stared at Hiroshi Oshima and asked.

"You're the commander yourself・・・・・・ do you want to ・・・・・・?"

"Bluffing, not working hard, that's what it means." Chen Dao said.

"Yes, I know, thank you so much for your help." Hiroshi Oshima was pleasantly surprised to note down Chen Dao's words.

"Actually, I should say sorry for Marshal Goering, I can be regarded as compensating for Marshal Goering's mistakes by doing this, you don't need to thank me."

Chen Dao said as he stood up and said goodbye to Hiroshi Oshima.

"Minister Ribbentrop may have some means to help you through this difficult time, and Mr. Ambassador had better go and see him at once, and I will take my leave." Chen Dao said.

"Wait," Hiroshi Oshima called out to Chen, "I still ask Your Excellency the Governor to bring back this box, I will not take back the gift that was given, if Your Excellency the Governor is still a friend of me, please accept this gift." ”

"Although we will soon become enemies, and we may meet again on the battlefield, I firmly believe that our friendship will last forever."

After Chen Dao finished speaking, he called in Ensign Lorenz, picked up the wooden box on the ground and walked away, and Hiroshi Oshima personally delivered it to the door of the embassy.

Watching Chen Dao's car go away, Hiroshi Oshima stood in front of the gate with a sad face, muttering to himself: "How can this be, how can it be like this・・・・・・" (To be continued. )