Episode 172 Get rid of Germany

Throughout the first half of March, Xiang Xiaoqiang jumped up and down in the Ming government and the imperial family, exerting all kinds of influence, but the German side urged every now and then, the tone became more and more impatient, and the wording became more and more unpleasant, and Shen Rongxuan and the cabinet ministers felt that it was really difficult to delay any longer, and whether it was to fulfill or break the contract, there must be an answer.

But Xiang Xiaoqiang persuaded every time with "the time is not right" and "wait", and every time he was able to provide Shen Rongxuan with a lot of detailed information about the high-level leaders of Germany and Austria. For example, who did Hush talk to, who did Hitler meet, and so on. Shen Rongxuan also knew that it seemed that intelligence on Germany was the strength of the People's Guard, and anyway, Dongchang was far inferior to others in this regard, and he would accept it humbly. He also used the detailed information provided to Xiaoqiang to analyze and judge by himself, and every time he did feel that it was a little inopportune.

In this way, on March 8, Xiang Xiaoqiang suddenly informed Shen Rongxuan that Xu Shinigg would hold an Austrian national referendum four days later, that is, on the 12th, and let the Austrians choose whether to approve of **. And this news will be announced tomorrow by Hüshchnigg himself. This was a good opportunity to suggest to Xiaoqiang that the Foreign Secretary could also make a speech after Hüshnitge's announcement, saying that the Ming Dynasty had always been in favor of national self-determination or something, and that he also believed that the Austrian people wanted reunification. The Ming government respects the wishes of the Austrian people, or respects the Austrian people's own choice, and this kind of remark is not tantamount to expressing support for the German-Austrian merger. And the wonderful thing is that it was said on the occasion of the Austrian referendum, which seems very natural. On the German side, it cannot be said that the Ming Dynasty has defaulted.

Shen Rongxuan thought for a moment and felt very satisfied. He believes that Xu Shinigg's referendum at this time is actually looking for a step for himself. If the referendum results show that a majority of Austrians support merger, he will justifiably get out of his current painful predicament.

Xiang Xiaoqiang came through time, but he knew the result. Schuschnigg's intention is the opposite. Schüschnitge is absolutely sure that most Austrians support it. Hitler certainly knew this. Otherwise, Hitler would not have been so angry as to order the army to march urgently and enter Austria on the 12th to prevent the referendum.

And in this way, Daming's situation is even more left and right. As soon as the foreign minister of the Ming Dynasty said this, it seemed to support the German-Austrian merger before the 12th. And after Hitler was angry and wanted to prevent the referendum on the 12th, Daming's remarks seemed to be on the side of Austria, in favor of the referendum and against aggression.

In this way, neither the contract is broken, nor the "feathers" are damaged.

Today is the 8th, and Schüshneig announced that the referendum is the 9th, and there is still one day to go. Berlin and Vienna are 7 hours behind Nanjing. Shen Rongxuan called Foreign Minister He Ziguang and told him the situation, and asked him to prepare a speech in such a way and in a short and low-key manner, trying not to attract attention......

Sure enough, the very next day, on the evening of March 9, Vienna time, Schüshnitge announced in his speech that he was ready to hold a referendum across Austria for the Austrian people to choose. The content of the referendum is:

"A free, **, social, Christian and united Austria – are you in favor of it?"

It was the early hours of the morning in Nanjing. A few hours later, on the morning of March 10, Nanjing time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Ming Empire held a small press conference. Under the spotlight of more than a dozen reporters, Minister He Ziguang delivered a short speech:

“…… My Government has always been in favour of the form of national self-determination. We believe that this is also the fairest and most legitimate way. Because the belonging of a region ultimately depends on the will of the people of that region. The north and south of the Ming Dynasty were forced to separate for more than 200 years, and they can deeply understand the desire of the people of the same nationality for reunification. In this regard, the people of Daming and the people of Germany and Austria feel the same way. The Ming Government was pleased to see that Mr. Schüshnitig had made this wise decision to hand over the power to decide the future of Austria to the Austrian people. Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, the Ming government will recognize and respect it. Because this is the choice of the Austrian people themselves. ”

In a flickering magnesium light, He Ziguang took off his glasses, nodded slightly, and then turned to leave. The secretary stepped forward, waved his hand to a group of reporters who were still unsatisfied, and smiled:

"Okay, thank you, that's the end of this press conference......"

The low-key press conference ended, more than a dozen reporters dispersed, and Daming's "secret promise" to Germany could be regarded as fulfilled, and it ended here. Under Xiang Xiaoqiang's arrangement, Daming took advantage of his "historical characteristics" that had suffered from long-term divisions to offer the banner of "empathy", which was very beautiful, and no one in the world could say anything.

This is also the last major obligation that Daming promised to fulfill to Germany. After that, the two countries were left with a simple trade exchange, and the Ming Dynasty was much freer to advance and retreat, and could adjust at any time according to the situation, approaching or alienating Germany.

A few hours later, in the morning of Berlin time, and in the afternoon of Nanjing time, the German ambassador to Daming came to meet the Foreign Minister. He brought a message of thanks from Führer Hitler. The message was written with enthusiasm and full of friendly words. The German ambassador, however, appeared worried. He brought the Führer's verbal request:

"Your Excellency...... I'm afraid your country has misunderstood. The Führer did not expect a good outcome for this Austrian referendum...... The Austrian people were under the pressure of the Schüschnigg dictatorship, and even if they voted, the result would be under Schüschnig's control...... Therefore, the head of state was not optimistic about this referendum and did not approve of it. Even...... If necessary, the Führer will take drastic measures to stop this sham referendum...... At this extraordinary time, the Führer earnestly asks Her Majesty the Empress and the First Ministers to stand by him and give him their full support......"

Daming's side had long expected that Hitler would not be satisfied with his statement. He Ziguang also laughed secretly in his heart: This is really a crow and a sparrow black...... Saying that Schüshnitge is 'dictatorial and high-pressing', then what are you Hitler himself?

But He Ziguang still said with a smile:

"Oh, hehe, what does the Führer mean by 'full support'?"

With a humble smile on the ambassador's face:

"The Führer would be grateful if the Foreign Ministry of your country could make one more statement not mentioning the 'referendum' but only explicitly stating 'support for the German-Austrian merger'...... Your country will also have the unswerving friendship and support of the Führer and Germany in the years to come......"

He Ziguang groaned for a moment and shook his head in embarrassment:

"Mr. Ambassador, as you know the situation of our country now, we are fighting against the Soviet Union and Japan at the same time, and we rely to a large extent on the support of Britain, the United States, France, and other countries...... And although these countries have not taken any measures to stop your country's plot against Austria, their attitude is very clear. At this juncture, it is not easy for Daming to give up his immediate interests and insist on fulfilling his commitments to your country. This, the Führer, and Mr. Ambassador, should understand. ”

The ambassador's face was slightly sweaty, and he nodded and smiled:

"This ...... The Führer, of course, understood. I get it, too. ”

He Ziguang stretched out his hands slightly and made a regretful expression:

"So ......"

The face of the German ambassador darkened. He nodded slightly, sighed, and got up to take his leave.