The current situation is more interesting, as Li Xiaofeng resolutely rejected the Americans' proposal to use naval battleships to offset the compensation payment. Once again, the Pen & Fun & www.biquge.info Cabinet meeting was caught in a rivalry, which gave Standinus a bit of a headache.

Because the Americans originally thought that the Soviet Union would be easier to dismiss, in their opinion, the Soviet Union should be happy to accept the advanced battleships and cruisers of Western Europe, and this batch of warships that seemed meaningless to Britain and the United States would help Italy to pay a large amount of war reparations. And now, in the face of the Cavour-class battleships, the USSR bluntly said no, which gave the Americans a headache.

Stadinus felt that he had to get to the bottom of the matter, whether the Soviets didn't like the old Cavour, or whether they didn't like the reparations package. If it's the former, the problem is relatively easy to solve, if the Cavour-class can't do it, go to the Veneto-class battleships, anyway, don't the Italians still have one that hasn't been completed? Use it to satisfy the Soviet Union.

In the eyes of Britain and the United States, the unfinished Reich is a good bargaining chip, first of all, it belongs to the Veneto class, which is one of the most powerful battleships of World War II, and this name is quite attractive. Secondly, it was unfinished and did not have any combat effectiveness, and the USSR would consume a lot of resources if it wanted to build it, and if it was done properly, it could also reduce the spare parts of the Veneto-class battleships and resell them to the USSR, that is, it could make a lot of money.

What's more, the US Navy has already made a conclusion about the core of future naval warfare, and the battleship is no longer the most powerful behemoth at sea, and the future naval battle, no! The current naval war is already the world of aviation, and throwing the pot of the Veneto-class to the USSR can play a role in misleading the USSR and allowing the Russians to continue to hang themselves from the crooked neck tree of the battleship.

So whether to give the Veneto class or not is actually not a military issue, but a complete economic one, and if the old Cavour class can send polar bears, why give the Veneto class? Of course, if the Cavour-class doesn't work, the Veneto-class can come out fishing.

Li Xiaofeng has a good idea of the Americans' calculations, but he has already made a conclusion about the battleship Red Navy. Before World War II, under the intervention of Li Xiaofeng, the aircraft carrier became the core, and in World War II, after experiencing the naval and air battles in the Pacific theater, the core position of the aircraft carrier was further determined. It is really impossible to count on sending the USSR away with an old battleship that makes no sense at all.

Li Xiaofeng had no interest in Italian second-hand warships at all, in fact, the Red Navy had already launched a plan to decommission battleships since 1945, and by 1950 at the latest, all battleships and battlecruisers would be decommissioned. These savings will be used for more critical projects, such as aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, as well as submarine-launched missiles.

Therefore, it is impossible for Li Xiaofeng to accept any battleships to pay compensation, and he would rather ask for other materials than junk second-hand naval ships. Of course, the Americans cannot be allowed to know his ideas too early, negotiating, the interests must be maximized. Therefore, Li Xiaofeng's spearhead was only aimed at the Cavour class at first, and it seemed that he disliked that the Cavour class was too old, and this brought Stadinius to the pit.

Because his judgment immediately went awry, he believed that the Soviet Union was still willing to accept the battleship to pay the reparations, provided that the battleship was new enough and good enough. Soon he sent a telegram to Washington, arguing: "The Reich should be marketed to the Russians as much as possible, believing that the 'mighty' Reich will satisfy them...... If this solution is realized, then we will help Italy get out of a large debt and succeed in misleading the Russians......"

Washington's convenient answer was also quite quick, in one word - agree.

Soon Stadinus began to sell the Empire to Li Xiaofeng: "The Empire is strong enough, it is not weaker than the Iowa-class battleships of the US Navy, with a displacement of up to 40,000 tons, which is larger than the largest battleship in your country, and this is a brand-new battleship, I believe that this ship can greatly improve your country's maritime defense capability......

Anyway, in Stadinus's mouth, the Reich is a powerful warship that is not difficult to find in the sky and on the ground, and it took him a lot of work to compensate the Reich to the Soviet Union, and it sounds like the Soviets have picked up a big bargain anyway. Even the secretary of state pretended to say: "If it were not for the compensation to your country, the US Navy would want to take over this latest powerful battleship!" ”

Of course, we all know this is, and if the U.S. Navy is interested in the Empire, it would be a hell of a thing. Stydinus's words are nothing more than a typical sales pitch technique. And his sales pitch seemed to impress Li Xiaofeng, who asked rather "hesitantly": "Your navy is also interested in the Empire?" ”

When Standinius heard this, he immediately came to his senses, and hurriedly redoubled his efforts to sell: "Of course, our navy is happy to receive such a powerful battleship, and we are happy to use this battleship to pay compensation, if it is not for your country's interest, we will take over!" ”

Stedinus didn't notice the evil smile on the corner of Li Xiaofeng's mouth, he was waiting for this sentence, Li Xiaofeng immediately confirmed again: "Really? ”

And Stedinius, in his opinion, this is the stupid bite of the Russians, and he immediately patted his chest and said: "Of course! ”

Li Xiaofeng smiled slightly, and replied playfully: "If that's the case, then it's easy to do!" ”

"Did you agree to this plan?" Standinus asked happily.

Li Xiaofeng pursed his lips and replied, "No, it's the opposite. Our country is happy to be a man, and since your country is more than happy to accept the use of this battleship to compensate your country for the Italian team, the Soviet Union agrees. We had no interest in this battleship at all, and asked the Italian government to pay either cash or in full supplies, and the Soviet government did not want an Italian battleship, a rifle, and a tank. We just want to rebuild our homes and are not ready to continue the war! ”

Standinus was dumbfounded, he really didn't expect Li Xiaofeng to come to a divine turn, didn't he want his old life? Hehe, don't worry, the bigger twist is still to come! Because Li Xiaofeng continued: "And since the U.S. government is willing to accept the Italian ships to pay compensation, then the focus of our previous argument does not exist, and the Italian government can completely transfer the part of the materials and cash that was originally used to compensate the U.S. government to our country, after all, the U.S. government wants the Reich very much, doesn't it?" ”

Well, Stedinus is going to vomit blood, how can the US Navy be interested in the tatters of Italy, their own battleships are facing a frenzy of decommissioning, they are too much, where do they want more battleships. And before he was too full of words, and suddenly there was no room for manoeuvre.

Stydinus couldn't come up with a reason, and the next day's meeting could only be temporarily suspended.

"Comrade Andrei, you are so wise. The Americans are so squeezed by you that they are speechless, and now their plot is going bankrupt! Vyshinski complimented.

However, Li Xiaofeng was not very happy, he just smiled: "Don't be too happy too early, the shamelessness of imperialism is unimaginable, and they will do everything possible to deny the terms that do not meet their wishes, not to mention that we have not reached any terms at all." There's something to be done with this! ”

Li Xiaofeng's estimate is very correct, because when the topic continues the next day, Stedinius will play hooligan, he said: "The focus of the US government in the future is disarmament, so it does not plan to accept more warships, so the Empire should be left to the Soviet Union!" ”

How did Li Xiaofeng answer? He said forcefully: "The Soviet government cannot afford to maintain a large navy, and it must be disarmed, whether it is the Reich or other Italian naval ships, the Soviet government will not accept any of them." The Italian government could only pay compensation in cash or in kind as specified by the Soviet government! ”

As a result, the issue of reparations in Italy was also deadlocked. No one wants to be the culprit, not the Soviet Union, the United States, Britain and France, and East Prussia is even more single: "Our sea forces are enough, we don't need more warships." In fact, our parliament has just passed a bill to decommission all the battleships and heavy cruisers in our navy immediately after the victory in the war, and not a single one will be left! ”

Well, things froze. Aiden had to change the subject again: "Since there are too many differences within the allies on the issue of reparations, we might as well put this issue aside for now, after all, the Axis powers cannot come up with all the reparations in one go, and we still have time to slowly resolve this issue." Let's start with the more pressing issues! ”

Li Xiaofeng didn't raise his eyelids and asked, "What's the problem?" ”

Aiden put on a smiling face and said, "Naturally, it is a matter of transforming the Axis powers. According to the previous agreement reached by the Allies, the Axis powers would be completely disarmed and would be occupied by the Allies. And now, the time is basically ripe! ”

Everyone looked at Aiden, and everyone's expressions were playful, because everyone in this room knew that this issue was actually more complex and sensitive than the previous reparations issue, and the difficulty was also higher. In short, the fun is great.

Aiden seemed to be accumulating strength, and it was clear that he also knew that the problem was not easy to deal with, and that the Russians were chirping on the relatively simple issue of reparations, let alone the question of garrisons. But even if it's not easy to get it, Aiden can only rise to the challenge, because this problem is unavoidable.

"Peace has been made in Italy, the Nazis and fascists are being effectively liquidated under the effective control of the Allies, and with the cooperation of the Italian Provisional Government, everything is changing for the better...... For this reason, our Government believes that maintaining stability in Italy is the first priority, which will effectively consolidate the gains of previous victories and avoid other twists and turns......"

Aiden's words could not be clearer, it is nothing more than that Italy is in a very good situation at the moment, Britain and the United States have done a lot of work and made great efforts, and now it is time to maintain stability and not toss around. How do you maintain stability? That is to say: "Polar bear, you honestly stay in the Arctic, you are a cold animal running to the temperate belt to spread fun, honestly gnawing your ice and playing with your snow, delicate pasta is not suitable for rough people like you!" ”

Li Xiaofeng's answer to this was: "On behalf of the Soviet government, I would like to welcome and affirm the work of the British and American governments in Italy in the previous period, and with your help, the Italian people were liberated and the fascists were tried and punished, all of which showed that your work was excellent." Li Xiaofeng applauded in makeup, and then continued: "Your work has laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive elimination of Italian fascist rule formulated by the allies before, and it also means that the work of the allies in Italy can enter the next link - the complete implementation of partition and occupation, the complete transformation of Italy, and the complete elimination of fascist tumors!" ”

If Li Xiaofeng's words in the first half made Aiden and Stadinus feel happy and comfortable, then the second half made their faces change greatly. The praise in front of the relationship is completely for the self-talk in the back. After talking for a long time, the Soviet Union still supported the partition occupation, or did it go to Italy to get a piece of the pie, isn't this Nima busy in vain?

Aiden couldn't sit still, and hurriedly said: "For the time being, this is not mature, after all, we still have to fight against Germany, and since Italy has been settled, there is no need to implement partition occupation immediately." After all, our primary enemy, Nazi Germany, has not yet fallen and cannot be distracted, right? ”

Stadinius also hurriedly chimed in: "Yes, President Roosevelt also hoped that the Soviet Red Army would focus its main efforts on fighting against Germany. It doesn't matter on the Italian side, it's appropriate for the time being to be borne by our country and the British army! ”

Li Xiaofeng didn't answer this at all, and asked directly: "Then can I think that the British and American governments mean that Italy will not engage in any partition and occupation?" The occupation obligations of the allies are directly on your two behalf? ”

"Well," Aiden replied after a moment's thought, "we have always insisted on the partition occupation of the Axis powers, which is the basic consensus that the Allies have reached, and we have no intention of changing it...... However, in view of the special situation in Italy and the current tension in the war against Germany, we hope to ......"

Li Xiaofeng interrupted him directly: "You want the Soviet Union to give up the occupation of Italy, do you?" ”

Aiden was a little embarrassed, but he was cheeky and immediately replied: "We never meant this, we always respect the contribution of the Soviet government in this war between justice and evil, and we are willing to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Soviet government, but the current situation is special ......"

Li Xiaofeng interrupted him again and asked bluntly: "If I tell you now that the Soviet government will not give up its demand for a garrison in the partition and occupy Italy, but is immediately ready to send a force of no less than 10,000 troops into the Soviet occupation zone of Italy to carry out the task of maintaining peace, will your country agree or oppose it?" ”

Aiden's expression became more and more exciting, and he replied: "My government will not agree, my government's attitude is clear, and the current situation is exceptional......"

Li Xiaofeng sneered: "I don't think the situation is special, it's that some people have repented and are ready to openly violate the previous agreement, right?" ”

Aiden hurriedly said: "Our government absolutely does not mean this, please do not misinterpret our government's statement." Our government has always adhered to the established policy ......"

Li Xiaofeng sneered: "That is, to agree with the Soviet garrison? ”

Aiden replied: "Yes, of course, but in view of the current special circumstances, we advise your government not to rush it!" ”

"Alright then!" Li Xiaofeng became more and more disdainful, "Your Excellency Foreign Minister, I only need you to answer a simple question: when will the Soviet government go to Italy to garrison troops!" ”

"Well, this," under Li Xiaofeng's persecution, Aiden's cold sweat came down, and he replied hesitantly: "Naturally, when the time is ripe!" ”

"When is the time ripe for the destruction of the Nazis or the complete defeat of the Axis powers? You have to give a timetable, right? Otherwise, you can say that the time is not ripe today, and tomorrow you can say that the time has not yet arrived, I know what kind of time you are talking about? Or are you just trying to procrastinate? ”

Aiden was a little overwhelmed, and he began to signal Stadinius with his eyes, hoping that the Americans would come up and help. The latter naturally responded gladly, after all, on this issue, Britain and the United States are rarely highly consistent.

Stedinius immediately stepped forward and said, "Please calm down, Mr. Andrew. I believe that Your Excellency the Foreign Secretary has absolutely no intention of delaying or perfunctory, after all, the actual situation does not allow it, and we cannot foresee when the time will be ripe. Who can guarantee that you unilaterally ask for a timetable regardless of reality? Be patient, be more forgiving, and the time will always be right, won't it? ”

Li Xiaofeng smiled, but he didn't chase after him, but sneered: "I hope that the time will come when the time is ripe." In any case, my country is highly dissatisfied with the statements made by the two Excellencies, and my Government will express its formal grave concern and protest to the two countries on an official occasion at a later date. ”

For this kind of mouth cannon Stadinus and Aiden are not afraid, in their opinion, the Soviet Union is only a mouth cannon, as long as Britain and the United States work together to exert pressure, the Soviet Union will succumb, otherwise what else? It is difficult to land on the Apennine Peninsula. Anyway, at that time, the two of them were thinking more about how to talk about what words to use to shirk.

Just when the two thought they had finally passed this hurdle and were ready to move on to the next topic, the Soviets had just begun the third day of the meeting, and when they entered the conference room, they did not see a single Soviet delegate, and it was not until the meeting officially began that Vyshinsky walked in and announced directly to the two: "Your Excellency Secretary of State and Foreign Minister, I would like to inform you only on behalf of the Soviet Government that the Soviet Government is quite dissatisfied with your position on the Italian question. In order to safeguard our national interests and the relevant agreements of our allies, our government will not accept any further discussions and talks until the two of you have formally made a reasonable and convincing explanation on the 'ripe time' and the 'special circumstances', and our government has officially announced its withdrawal from this meeting of the foreign ministers of the five countries. ”

As he spoke, Vyshinsky glanced at Aiden and Stedinus, who had been petrified, and continued: "I have officially made an obligation to tell it, so I take my leave!" ”

After saying that, Vyshinsky walked away without looking back, not taking the two of them seriously at all. It took about five minutes for Aiden and Stadines to react angrily:

"Damn the Russians, what do they want to do?"

"This is absolutely unacceptable, it is so rude! How can the Russians do this? ”

"This is a serious provocation and must be resolutely resisted!"

But don't look at these two shouting lively, but in fact, there is not much way, the Soviet Union directly announced that it will not play, what else can you do?

When the news reached Washington and London, Roosevelt and Churchill had a somewhat different attitude. Roosevelt's physical condition was indeed not ideal during this period, he always felt dizzy and lacking energy, and he felt tired after reading the documents for a while. However, he did not pay attention to it, believing that it was just the result of too much pressure and too much fatigue from work, and the old president believed that after a while, when victory came, he would be much more relaxed.

However, the sudden withdrawal of the Soviet Union from the talks still worried Roosevelt, because such a strong resistance was beyond his and Churchill's previous judgment. At first, he and Churchill judged that the Soviet Union should have to accept it tacitly, and at most it was to bargain twice and get a little more benefit. And now, the Soviet Union directly announced that Lao Tzu is no longer playing, see how you end!

The intensity of this resistance was staggering, and it was clear that there must have been a reason for the Soviet Union's toughness, and Roosevelt believed that the Soviet Union might still have cards that Britain and the United States did not know. Churchill believed that the Soviet Union did not have such cards, and that the Soviet Union's reaction was more like a posturing, a bargaining in another situation, that is, forcing Britain and the United States to give him more compensation.

When the two heads of state disagree on this issue, it is natural that the pace behind them is not exactly the same. Churchill tended to be tough, even if the Soviet Union exposed the British and American statements such as "immature time" and "special moment" in the international community, Qiu Fatman still had a tough hard top, and continued to use the previous set of circling statements to fool things. Roosevelt, on the other hand, sent Stedinius to Moscow for the next round of testing to find out the true intentions of the Soviet Union.

"You say yes, the USSR really had ambitions to enter the Mediterranean, to acquire a base in Italy?" Roosevelt asked Stedinius.

"Yes, the Soviets feel quite good about themselves now, and there is a possibility that they will go their own way!"

This answer worried Roosevelt, once the Soviet Union and Britain and the United States had a direct collision, the consequences would be unimaginable, and Britain and the United States really had no moral basis on this issue, at least the reaction of public opinion was not so good.

After some thought, Roosevelt made up his mind, and he wrote in a telegram to Churchill: "In the present situation, I am afraid that we can only carry out Plan B!" (To be continued.) )