Unecha fought so well that it attracted the attention of the whole world, but anyone with a modicum of military knowledge could see that this was a turning point. If the Red Army can inflict heavy losses on the German 1st and 2nd tank clusters here and have a big meal, it will naturally reverse the passive situation that has been held since September in one fell swoop.

However, what is more interesting is that in this battle, which attracted the attention of the whole world, Comrade Li Xiaofeng, commander and political commissar of the Bryansk Front, was not as energetically directing the battle as the outside world imagined.

Because we all know that the Bryansk Front is really responsible for the military command of Rokossovsky and Lukin, and a certain immortal is actually just a morale-boosting mascot. And someone is actually not in Bryansk at all at this time, not even in the USSR.

So where is Li Xiaofeng now? Iceland.

Yes, on this small island, which originally belonged to Denmark, but was traded by Britain to the Soviet Union. In Reykjavík, a top-secret meeting took place in the utmost secrecy. The two sides of the meeting were Li Xiaofeng, Li Vinov and British Foreign Secretary Roberts. Anthony. Aiden.

You may not be familiar with this Aiden, but a brief introduction, this man is not a cat or a dog, and he also served as the British Prime Minister after World War II. During World War II, Aiden was one of Churchill's closest aides. He served as Minister of War and then as Minister of Foreign Affairs, became a member of the Political War Administration, and also served as the Leader of the House of Commons. During his tenure as Foreign Secretary, he promoted the Triple Alliance of the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union, and is considered an old fox in the political and diplomatic fields.

So what do you want to talk about when this old fox meets with the little fox Li Xiaofeng?

There are a lot of topics, let's talk about them slowly. The first issue is, of course, the question of the anti-fascist alliance. With the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. Churchill believed that the contradictions and antagonisms between Britain and the Soviet Union were decreasing. And the common good is improving. If the two countries can work together to form a united front. Unanimously firing at the Nazis will help you win this brutal war faster.

Yes, Churchill, the old smoker, always believed that it was impossible for Germany to conquer the British Empire, and that it would only be the British Empire that would win in the end. The only difference is what the British Empire will pay for this victory. For Churchill, it was natural to want to win at the lowest cost.

For example, this smoker thinks that drawing the Soviet Union into the Union is the way to do the least, and if possible, he wants to bring the Soviet Union over. It is also hoped that the United States will also be pulled on the warships of the British Empire.

However, there are still many obstacles between Britain and the Soviet Union, such as political issues, both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party have always been anti-communist, and Britain even broke off diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union for a time in the twenties.

This trend of thought was so ingrained that a considerable part of British politicians were disgusted at the mere thought of working with the evil Bolsheviks. They always believed that although Nazi Germany was evil, communism and the Communist Party were definitely not good birds.

Among those who actually thought this was Winston Churchill, the prime minister who, in the twenties faced the spread of communism and the upsurge of the workers' movement, clamored for a lesson in the machine gun for dishonest workers. And judging from the Iron Curtain speech he made after the end of World War II. He was definitely a diehard against communism.

But Churchill, though stubborn, possessed considerable political wisdom. He approaches practical issues in a politician's way. Rather than being impatient or stubborn. In his view, the Bolsheviks were enemies, but they did not come into conflict with the British Empire for the time being, and they faced the same evil Nazis as the Empire. It is entirely possible to cooperate first, defeat the Nazis, and then turn around and clean up the Bolsheviks. Thanks to Churchill's campaigning and lobbying, the Reykjavik talks were able to take place.

Speaking of which, some comrades may wonder, since the issue of alliance is discussed, isn't this a purely diplomatic issue? Wouldn't it be okay to let Litvinov come and talk? Why do you want to catch a strong man from Bryansk?

Li Xiaofeng's presence at this meeting was entirely due to the second issue of the British agenda, which was the future of Denmark, Iceland and Norway. As we all know, after the outbreak of World War II, especially after the German army blitzkrieg in Norway and Denmark, the legitimate governments of these two countries were overthrown and replaced by puppet regimes installed by the Nazis.

What's even more interesting is that after the end of the Danish and Norwegian governments, the British actually took advantage, for example, Iceland was seized by the British and then traded to the Soviet Union. The same Soviet Union took advantage of Norway, which was still under Soviet control north of Narvik.

According to Britain's meaning, to build an anti-fascist alliance, it must not only have a leading big brother (Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union), but also a younger brother who waives the flag and shouts, such as Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Free France, which were invaded by the Nazis. The British wanted a grand alliance to encircle and intercept the Nazis on a worldwide scale.

For example, the Netherlands and Belgium have government-in-exile, and the legitimate governments of these two countries are operating in London, so they naturally wear the same pants as the British, and it is conceivable that they will inevitably be on the side of the British after the war.

The situation of the Free France was peculiar, and for the time being, it was Norway and Denmark that really depressed the British. Not only were the governments of these two countries killed by the Nazis, but even the royal families of the two countries were not spared, which means that Britain could not find reasonable and legitimate agents in these two countries for the time being.

How can an alliance be formed without agents who are reasonably legal and willing to cooperate with the British Empire against the Nazis? Britain and the Soviet Union can't just represent Norway and Denmark, right?

According to the British wishes, two reasonable and legitimate governments of Denmark and Norway must be fostered, and the Danish and Norwegian people must be represented. So how do you find this representative?

To be honest, it's not too hard to find. As the old saying goes, except for three-legged toads, it's hard to find, but two-legged people can grab a handful. Wouldn't it be nice for many of the so-called "elites" of Denmark and Norway to flee abroad, and for the "elites" of these two countries to form temporary governments-in-exile?

Anyway, at this point, the slogans shouted by the British are high-sounding. It was to support the formation of a cabinet by these "elites" who had been exiled to England to represent Norway and Denmark.

It's not impossible to do this. But there is a problem. That is, the identities of these two "elite" governments must be unanimously recognized by our side. Unfortunately, the Soviet Union did not recognize the legitimacy of these two "elite" governments.

Why? The reason is very simple, the interests dictate, as mentioned earlier, the Soviet Union took advantage of the most critical moment for Britain to extort a sum of money, occupying Norway north of Narvik and Iceland, a Danish possession.

Now, in order to recognize those two "elite" governments, is it necessary to recognize their sovereignty over the lands that formerly belonged to Norway and Denmark?

on this. The Soviet Union was very vigilant, and Li Xiaofeng believed that the reason why the British wanted to create those two "elite" governments in exile in London was that the drunkards did not want to drink, but to rob Iceland and Norway north of Narvik in disguise.

For a certain immortal, these two pieces of land were grabbed with great effort, how could they be handed over to the British. This set of tricks made by the British can only fool outsiders, but they can't fool him at all.

Therefore, he strongly resisted and criticized the two "elite" governments in the Politburo, calling them the political conspiracy of the British. In his view, the British were trying to establish a so-called anti-fascist alliance. In essence, it was squeezing the strategic space of the Soviet Union.

Li Xiaofeng's argument was very marketable among the Leninists, and Sverdlov and Ruzutak agreed with him. Strong opposition to alliances for the sake of alliances. It was argued that if the alliance actually harmed the national interests of the USSR, then there was no need for an alliance.

This embarrassed Trotsky, who had always intended to build a grand anti-fascist alliance, and the old Toll, who was inclined to form an alliance, and now that Churchill had handed over an olive branch, he was eager to go ahead. However, he could not ignore the opposition of the Leninists, and in desperation, he could only send Litvinov and Li Xiaofeng to communicate with the British to see if they could find a way to avoid the problem and reach an agreement.

I'm afraid that some comrades here will interject and ask: Are the British weasels uneasy and kind to the chickens? Well, I don't know. But there is a truth that all people should understand - when it comes to vital interests, please use the greatest malice to speculate on all the suggestions of others, and don't become a rake of ears because of favors, face and a few so-called good words, then it is very likely that you will suffer!

You can't have the heart to hurt people, and you can't have the heart to prevent people! Please comrades must firmly remember this and do it, don't say that this life will be smooth sailing and making great achievements, but at least you will not be led to the pit.

In politics, you should pay special attention to it, don't think too well of others, and don't think that everyone you deal with is a gentleman. In this business, there is no gentleman in his meow, only villains. So let's deal with the villain's way of getting along!

Anyway, in Li Xiaofeng's view, Britain is definitely uneasy and kind, he thinks that this is because Churchill feels that the Soviet Union has had a difficult time in the recent period, and he can try to knock on the bamboo. But he, Li Xiaofeng, resolutely refused to be blackmailed, and he didn't think that the British were qualified to be blackmailed!

Naturally, the atmosphere at the beginning of the meeting was a little tense, and when Aiden was talking about the necessity of the alliance and how the two "elite" governments were reasonable and legitimate, Li Xiaofeng couldn't help but be sarcastic: "What is the importance of a group of lost dogs who were directly crushed by the Nazis and hurriedly absconded abroad to the overall anti-fascist situation?" With all due respect, the Netherlands and Belgium, their government-in-exile and the citizens who remained on their homeland played almost zero role in the fight against the Nazis. I don't see any need for an alliance with them! ”

Without waiting for Aiden to speak, Li Xiaofeng continued to sarcastically say: "As for the so-called Norwegian and Danish government-in-exile, Your Excellency the Foreign Minister, why have I never heard of such people in Norwegian and Danish politics before?" They have sprung up overnight, can you explain to me who these gentlemen are? ”

Aiden's face was not very good-looking, probably because the sarcasm of a certain immortal was too straightforward, but he still maintained restraint and politely explained: "Mr. Sbelovich, anti-fascism is the common obligation of all mankind, how can it be said that the Dutch and Belgian people have no effect?" In the current precarious situation, we must unite all the forces that can be united, and as long as we are willing to fight the Nazis, we are comrades. If only we could unite all those who oppose the Nazis. Then there will be no suspense that we will win! ”

It seems to be to increase persuasion and confidence. For the first time, the foreign secretary used red words like "comrade" and "unity". And then he reaffirmed the legitimacy of the "elite" governments of Norway and Denmark: "These gentlemen are the elites of Norway and Denmark, they know Norway and Denmark well, they have extensive influence in both countries, they are loved by the peoples of both countries......"

It's just that this is not true, for Li Xiaofeng, these are, and there is no value for a dime, because immediately he laughed again: "I don't agree with the so-called influence of those gentlemen you call it." They are insignificant nobodies who do not represent the will of the Norwegian and Danish peoples. The Soviet government did not accept and would not recognize their legitimacy! ”

Aiden frowned, he felt more and more that someone was hateful, and he couldn't help but stab: "That's just what your government thinks!" ”

Li Xiaofeng sneered and stabbed back: "Since you think that the attitude of our government is irrelevant, then we have nothing to talk about next." My Government has no interest in such a so-called alliance in name only......"

As he spoke, Li Xiaofeng walked away directly, leaving Aiden there so that he was not depressed. After a long time, the foreign minister asked Litvinov hatefully: "Is this the attitude of your government?" ”

Litvinov also smiled bitterly in his heart and spoke from the heart. He was a pro-Anglo-American faction of the Soviet Union, like Trotsky. He was also inclined to forge alliances, and this time Trotsky gave him an important task - to bridge differences and lead to unity.

However, Litvinov also knew that this task was not easy, and he knew very well that the Politburo was quite wary of Britain, especially when it came to Denmark and Norway, and he was extremely vigilant, and if it was something else, he could still help persuade him, but he did not dare to touch it on the issue of these two countries. What's more, Li Xiaofeng is still reasonable, why do you British say whatever you Britons say? Thinking it was Victorian? Wake up!

Therefore, he could only euphemistically say to Aiden: "Your Excellency the Foreign Secretary, it is difficult for our country to agree with your country's position on the issue of Norway and Denmark, and we strongly believe that only the general will of the two peoples can represent Norway and Denmark!" ”

This is actually very straightforward, Litvinov just said: "Big brother, let's not be funny, okay?" You just find two passers-by to put on a vest and prepare to pretend to be the legitimate governments of Norway and Denmark, hey, isn't my brother stupid, we can't see your obvious purpose? Stop acting, let's disperse! ”

This made Aiden lose face for a while, but as foreign secretary, he had to save the face of the country, and he couldn't help but argue again: "Then who does your government think can represent Norway and Denmark, it can't be your country, right?" ”

This is actually a satire on the bad intentions of the Soviet Union, our eldest brother doesn't laugh at the second brother, you said that we John Bull have bad intentions for Norway and Denmark, hehe, we are just ill-intentioned! Look at you polar bears, their claws have been extended, a hundred steps is embarrassing to laugh at us fifty steps?

Both Britain and the Soviet Union attach great importance to the strategic interests of Norway and Denmark, and when the interests of the two powers collide sharply, if they cannot exchange interests and achieve a win-win situation, the result will naturally be a one-shot split.

Not long after the Reykjavik talks, the British media began to promote the five-nation alliance of Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Denmark in a high-profile manner. In particular, large-scale propaganda of the Provisional Governments of Norway and Denmark. In any case, in the propaganda of the British media, these two provisional governments are the hope of all, and they are the hope of saving the people of Norway and Denmark from the dire situation.

It is clear that the British were preparing to create a fait accompli in order to put pressure on the Soviet Union. However, there are still many people who are skeptical about such hard-line measures, such as Churchill, a wise man who wrote in his diary worriedly: "Will this move provoke rebellion in Russia? Will it lead to the fact that an anti-fascist alliance in Europe and even in the world will never be formed? It's hard to say, but I know that those in power in Russia are much tougher than we thought, and I have a bad feeling about it......"

Churchill's hunch was indeed very good, and the Soviet Union first attacked Iceland before the British government's high-profile propaganda was down, and a few days later a referendum on Iceland was put on the agenda, and Iceland would discuss the following issues through the referendum: whether Iceland would break away from Danish control and become an independent country.

The British were surprised by this referendum, and even more to their surprise, the referendum began with the efficiency characteristic of communism, and ten days later, after a referendum in Iceland, the decision to independence from Denmark was adopted by an overwhelming majority!

As soon as Iceland declared its independence, the Soviet Government recognized it and immediately announced the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the ambassadorial level, and once again promised that the Soviet Government would safeguard Iceland's independence and autonomy at all costs and would never allow any country or force to provoke Iceland's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The British were completely stunned, the Soviet Union's hand was too strong, and what they didn't expect was that this was only the first blow to the polar bear...... (To be continued......)

PS: Bow and thank you to xuyiqing1985, agz00025 and Comrade Juventus!