It is clear that Yegorov is shouting slogans, covering up the army, the USSR is not ready for war, it will take time. However, you have to fight for time, and the Germans will not give up time to you anyway, and how to buy time has become the focus of debate in the Politburo.

Trotsky meant that it was better to communicate with Britain and France as well as possible, and it was better to reach an agreement on a common advance and retreat, in which the three countries would first deter the Germans and buy time by means of intimidation.

Truth be told, this is a rehash of the same old tune, and Lao Tuo has always been inclined to take high-pressure measures against Germany, pushing the Germans back in a needle-to-wheat manner. In Li Xiaofeng's view, this is really out of place, or Lao Tuo is unwilling to accept the failure of his previous line, and is ready to make an improved version.

So how does this route work? To tell the truth, no, if Britain, France and the Soviet Union really advance and retreat together with one heart and one mind, Lao To's method is useful. The problem, however, was that the three countries themselves faced an intricate entanglement of interests, and for Britain and France the Soviet Union was the second rival after Germany, and for the Soviet Union, the Anglo-French hooligan clique was the leading big brother of imperialism. I'm afraid that both sides think that after the settlement of Germany, there must be another war!

In this case, who will really put the force to the death against the Germans? I'm afraid they all have to leave some hole cards, and it's better to let the Germans pit each other first. In this kind of situation of guarding against each other's detachment, engaging in unity is equivalent to three monks having no water to eat, and it is meaningless at all.

Sverdlov's opinion, on the other hand, was: "We should not be in league with the fascist devil or with the imperialist hooligans." The Soviet Union represented the interests of the world proletariat, and imperialism engaged in internal strife because of the uneven distribution of the spoils of the First World War. What does this have to do with us? We do not participate in imperialist infighting. Strict neutrality...... It is better to let the imperialist hooligans die together. Just in time we can start a new world revolution! ”

This was the first time that Sverdlov had put forward his line in public - a new world revolution, and imperialist infighting was the best time!

According to Sverdlov's idea, the USSR should announce to the whole world that it would remain strictly neutral and not participate in imperialist wars!

To this, Trotsky lashed out: "You are the ostrichistic line of each man sweeping the snow in front of his own door. Regardless of whether Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan laughed in the end, it was inevitable that they would target the Soviet Union, and what did the Soviet Union, which had no friends at that time, rely on to deal with the enemy that had swelled up with aggression and plunder? ”

This seems to make a lot of sense. The fight between the two tigers is bound to be an inherent injury, but the victorious tiger will probably be even more difficult to deal with. And those wall-riding factions in history basically did not have a good ending, and the Soviet Union chose to ride the wall at this time, I am afraid that it will do more harm than good?

However, Sverdlov has his own explanation: "Strict neutrality does not mean doing nothing, and strict neutrality will buy us more time to prepare for war and help us better complete our war preparations." As for the two tigers fighting, the remaining one will be unprecedentedly strong? I think this is a false proposition, the destructive power of the First World War is obvious to all, Britain and France were politically stronger, but economically and militarily they suffered heavy losses. ”

After a pause, Sverdlov said confidently: "The current level of science and technology and military is far beyond the level of World War I, and this new world war will be even more brutal." It will drain the last blood of imperialism, whoever laughs at it last. I'm afraid they will all pay a heavy price. This huge effort is not enough for them to attack us right away! And we will use this precious time to grow and develop, and in the face of the advantages of the other, who says that we can only be beaten passively? Who can say that there is no possibility of victory in the new world revolution! I think this time the chances are better and bigger than in 1918! ”

Trotsky's entire chest seemed to be filled with flames, and in the end he compared 1918 with the present, which was tantamount to slapping him in the face. In 1918, it was Trotsky who proposed the world revolution and asserted that it would be victorious, but unfortunately his prediction was wrong and the revolution failed. Compared to the situation in 1918, the Soviet Union was several miles stronger than Russia, which was plagued by internal and external troubles, while the situation of the imperialist bloc was much worse than it was then. Whoever dares to say that Xiao Si is wrong, and who dares to say that the new world revolution has no chance at all.

Taking a step back, others could attack the line of Xiao Si, but Trotsky could not, and to do so would be tantamount to a total negation of his judgment and decision of 1918, and a denial of the basis of the Trotskyist existence. That's a damn thing!

What's more, Sverdlov's killer weapon was still to come, he glanced at the silent Trotsky, and said with a smile: "Besides, is strict neutrality the same as doing nothing?" I don't think so. Strict neutrality can also fight fascism, but it can also make a difference. Our neutrality is a neutrality to imperialist infighting, not to the broad masses of the proletariat that have suffered from fascism. ”

Sverdlov waved his arm and said eloquently: "I have always adhered to the united front of the world proletariat, and have always emphasized the need to rely on the strength of the proletarian brothers to resist fascism. I think we should increase our support for the proletarian brothers in the anti-fascist struggle, use all channels to mobilize and arm them, and strike at the ambitions of the fascist demons from within the enemy! ”

Trotsky still regarded Sverdlov as a high-pitched voice, and that his mention was completely unrealistic. Of course, most importantly, he believed that the proletariat was not strong enough to fight fascism.

Of course, Trotsky thought about this in his heart and did not dare to say it. The Bolsheviks have always emphasized the strength of the proletariat, and this has almost become a spiritual belief. To dare to oppose this belief is to hit and step on 10,000 feet at once.

Trotsky's opposition therefore focused on concrete means of aid: "How can we come to the aid of our proletarian brothers, who are oppressed by the fascist devil?" With the existing means, there is almost no way to arm them on a large scale, and if they cannot be formed on a large scale, what can we talk about dealing a heavy blow to the fascist devils? I think it's a waste of aid to do that. It didn't work again. It's more than worth the loss! ”

However, Trotsky's statement was resolutely opposed by Li Xiaofeng: "As the head of the KGB, I must say two words to Comrade Trotsky. The KGB promised to ensure that the vast majority of aid was safely delivered to the class brothers of the anti-fascist united front, and the KGB had done a lot of work in this area in the past few years, and I guarantee in my party spirit that this is not a big problem! ”

Trotsky was commanded, and suddenly he became a little angry: "Comrade Andrei, please pay attention, empty words. Anyone can do it. What can you guarantee? ”

Li Xiaofeng replied confidently: "I can guarantee a lot, and from 1918 to 1920, I promised the Politburo that I could get food through the imperialist blockade." Did I break my promise? Even I can tell you now that Comrade Trotsky has succeeded in sending large quantities of weapons, ammunition and materiel to the anti-fascist forces led by fraternal parties in Hungary and Czechoslovakia since January 1939. Is this a lie? It's well documented! ”

Trotsky was speechless, because no one could find fault with Li Xiaofeng in this respect, and the fact that he had penetrated the blockade and obtained a large amount of grain from 1918 to 1920 had made a deep impression on the Central Committee, and no one could erase his merits and abilities.

In desperation, Trotsky could only change the point of attack: "Of course, I do not doubt your ability, Comrade Andrei, I want to talk about efficiency and cost. We all know how much it costs guerrilla warfare. Such a way of fighting will not be won in a day or two, it will be an extremely difficult and long process. Incalculable sacrifices will be made during this period. It's too inefficient! ”

Li Xiaofeng immediately asked rhetorically: "Then according to your strategy, it will be efficient?" I must remind you that when the First World War broke out, quite a few so-called experts thought it was just a small war, but what was the end result? It's been a long tug-of-war! I can still assert now that the new world war will not be easier than the previous one, and that it will remain a bloody and protracted war. Any attempt at a quick victory is irresponsible and does not stand up to scrutiny. If the comrades do not believe it, you can ask the Military Commission and the General Staff for their opinion and see what these real military experts say! ”

Li Xiaofeng's proposal was approved by the Politburo, and Yegorov, Ubolevich, and Triandafilov, as well as Tukhachevsky, who had just returned to Moscow as People's Commissar of Defense, and Gamalnik, who was the head of the General Logistics Department, were called to the meeting.

First of all, Yegorov spoke: "Based on the experience of the First World War, the domestic revolutionary war, as well as the recent outbreak of the Battle of the Haraha River, the Zhanggufeng conflict and the Spanish Civil War, the new world war will be much bloodier and more complex than the previous one. According to the information provided by the KGB and the Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff, although Germany at this time did not carry out a full-fledged mobilization, its war capability was already considerable. Judging by their military qualities in the battles for the invasion of western Poland, they were far superior to the Red Army. At the same time, the British and French were quite inadequately prepared for war, and it was possible that they still had absolute superiority at sea, but in the battle on the ground, according to the deduction of the General Staff, the Germans would have the upper hand. ”

Trotsky was not very convinced of Egorov, and the only person he really trusted was Tukhachevsky, but this time Tukhachevsky was going to let him down.

"I basically agree with Comrade Egorov's statement that the Wehrmacht is even inferior to the mechanized composite units of the Red Army from the point of view of technical equipment. But war is not just about weapons, it's more about comprehensive considerations. According to my observations, the overall prima of the German army was indeed above that of the Red Army. Head-to-head, I'm afraid we won't have an advantage. ”

Even Tukhachevsky said so, and Trotsky naturally had nothing to say, but the statements of the soldiers were not finished, and Ubolevich added a knife: "In fact, from the point of view of war potential, the annexation of Germany, Hungary, Austria and Czechoslovakia is already quite terrible. After the initial integration, Germany is already ahead of us in terms of steel, coal and power generation. It would be even more terrifying if Germany could carry out deep integration and then pull Romania and Yugoslavia on the chariot! ”

After a pause, Ubolevich said: "We judge that with the industrial level of Germany, it can hold on to our country and Britain and France for a long time. It is unrealistic to expect to defeat Germany in a short time! ”

In the end, Egorov concluded: "Predictable. The new world war will be an even more difficult tug-of-war. In terms of the current level of readiness of the Red Army. The oil only lasts for two weeks. Coal can last only three months, and ammunition reserves only for one month. What is even more crucial is that our army is still undergoing readjustment and reform of the military structure and is in the transition period between the old and new systems. Among them, the new technical equipment has not fully formed combat effectiveness...... The construction of the General Staff is that in the short term, such as half a year to a year, it can only take a defensive position, and I am afraid that a forced offensive will pay a heavy price! ”

Trotsky completely stopped talking, because Yegorov had already made it clear. This would be another new war of attrition, and with Britain and France in a head-to-head confrontation with Germany, victory would be very difficult. What's more, Britain and France now have other calculations, once their plot to bring disaster to the east is achieved, it will be very difficult, or very dangerous, to defeat the continuous annexation of the powerful Germany by the power of the Soviet Union alone. This is tantamount to saying that the military does not support his Trotsky's line.

With no advantage in the Politburo, and the military not supporting it, Trotsky naturally knew that his ideas were very dangerous. But he was not willing to give up lightly. He was determined to make a last-ditch effort: "I still advise Britain and France to advance and retreat together, and unite against fascism." You've just said that. Through a series of annexations, Germany has already surpassed us in industrial capacity, which is very dangerous. It is tantamount to saying that we cannot resist German aggression alone by our own strength. In this case, a united front can ensure that we win! ”

Sverdlov immediately said: "I am not against a united front, I am against being used by Britain and France to fight for them." If Comrade Trotsky could persuade Britain and France to fulfill their duty to defend West Poland and to fight the fascists in earnest. Then I agree to an alliance with Britain and France. If, on the other hand, Britain and France continue to propose something similar to the idea that our country would first declare war on Germany, or even that we should send troops to Germany first, I can only think that they have bad intentions, and I am resolutely opposed to this so-called alliance! ”

Speaking of this, Sverdlov looked directly at Trotsky and said solemnly: "If you can't do this, Comrade Trotsky, I think it is more in the interests of the Soviet Union to remain neutral and let imperialism go to infighting!" ”

Could Trotsky do this? Truth be told, it's not possible. If Britain and France were really that reliable, they would not have watched West Poland be beaten. Their inaction shows their true intentions - they are still calculating!

However, for Trotsky, even if there was a 1 in 10,000 chance, he would not give up, because he really could not afford to lose this one. Despite his injuries, he boarded another airliner to London.

"Let me go!" Ulitsky dissuaded Trotsky for the last time, "the last time something almost happened." Why are you still so stubborn? Or will it be up to me to go to London and persuade Chamberlain that you stay in Moscow to preside over the overall situation. Even if something happens again, it won't be as messy as the last time! ”

Radek similarly advised: "I don't think you and Comrade Ulitsky should be left to care, and it is better for me and Comrade Litvinov to do the work of Britain and France!" ”

Trotsky, however, firmly refused: "The future of the Soviet Union is at stake, and this is my last chance, which I can only go to." The last incident should indeed be taken seriously, but there is no need to worry about it. On the cusp of this storm, no one has risked the world's condemnation! ”

After saying that, Trotsky still boarded the special plane heading west and flew straight to London under the escort of four Pe-2 high-altitude fighters. And at the same time, Sverdlov's coterie was meeting.

Xiao Si was not entirely sure whether Trotsky would succeed: "What if he succeeds? ”

Li Xiaofeng grinned and said: "There is no convivium, Comrade Trotsky will not be able to convince Britain and France!" ”

Sverdlov was still not at ease: "What if? ”

Li Xiaofeng and Ruzutak glanced at each other, and smiled bitterly in unison, after experiencing the turmoil caused by Stalin, Xiao Si's courage became smaller and more cautious. Presumably, in his opinion, Stalin's meticulous planning ultimately fell short, and who can guarantee that there will be no more accidents, in case Britain and France take medicine and cure the problem of brain damage?

In any case, Sverdlov was very worried, and from the moment Trotsky arrived in London, his heart hung in the air, and he was not relieved until Trotsky's gloomy return to Moscow. Afterwards, Ruzutak quipped: "Comrade Yakov is concerned and confused, it has come to the last moment, and he is too afraid of falling short." ”

In Li Xiaofeng's view, Sverdlov is not cowardly, this is a lack of self-confidence and courage, and if it were Stalin, I am afraid that steel would not be nervous at all, and even if there was an emergency, he would have used decisive measures to make Trotsky happy. And Xiao Si just lacks such means and courage, and to put it bluntly, he may not be able to be the supreme leader in this state.

Sverdlov was finally relieved, and after Trotsky returned to Moscow, he automatically stopped mentioning any alliance with Britain and France, and instead came up with his previous theory of permanent revolution, emphasizing that the historical mission of anti-fascism and anti-imperialism must be undertaken only by the Soviet Union, which is the master of the proletariat...... (To be continued......)

PS: Bow and thank Zeng Yan, Fat Cat ICK, Wang Er Master, Kamen Angel 555, remonslm, kk30 and Comrade Southern Wanderer!