Episode 169 Hitler vs Schüshnigg

Throughout 1937, the Austrian Nazis, financed and instigated by Berlin, there were bombings somewhere in Austria almost every day. In some mountainous provinces, mass demonstrations by Nazi Party members, which often turned into riots, weakened the position of Austrian local government.

Some reports from the Austrian government even suggest that Nazi thugs are ready to kill the current Chancellor, Dr. Hüschnitge, just as his predecessor, Chancellor Taulfis.

On January 25, 1938, the Vienna police raided a Nazi group called the "Committee of Seven" and raided their offices. The police uncovered a secret plan by Rudolf, a representative of Hitler? Hess's signature. The plan showed that the Austrian Nazis would launch an open rebellion in the spring of 1938, and if Schüschnigg suppressed it, the Germans would march into Austria to "prevent the Germanic bloodshed."

The plan also included a document instigating local Nazis in Vienna to assassinate Lieutenant General Moff, the German military attache in Austria, in order to create a pretext for German intervention.

It turned out that the protector of Austria was Italy, but since the establishment of the Berlin-Rome axis, Mussolini was not so concerned about maintaining Austria, and he approached Hitler all day long. Apparently this was an important reason for Hitler's fearlessness. Recently, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain also declared that if Germany occupied Austria, Austria could not count on the help of other powers. The US ambassador to France, Bullitt, also informed Germany that Washington "fully understood" Germany's plans to change the map of Europe. France has also stated that it has no intention of interfering in Austria's affairs.

On 11 February, Austrian Chancellor Dr. Schüschnitge accepted Hitler's invitation to meet with Hitler in Berchtesgaden to resolve "the misunderstandings and differences between the two countries." It can be said that Xu Shinige was very pessimistic and went with a fluke mentality. He intends to do everything he can to save Austria's **. If necessary, all Hitler's conditions could be met, as long as he promised to respect Austria's **.

But in Hitler's mountain cottage in Berchtesgaden, the mild-mannered Dr. Schüschnigg was threatened and intimidated by the "rough Austrian corporal" who slapped the table and hit the bench.

"Once again, I tell you," roared Hitler, dressed in a stormtrooper's brown uniform and wearing a bright red armband, slapping the table and staring at Hüschnitge, "things can't go on like this!" The whole history of Austria is one of constant traitor! It was so in the past, and it's no better now! This situation must come to an end, and now is the time! For a long time, you, Mr. Hüschnitger, have always tried to avoid adopting friendly policies! Mr. Hüshchnegg, I can tell you now that I have made up my mind to bring it all to an end! Germany is a big country, and if it solves its borders, no one will come out against it! ”

It was the first time he had seen Hitler, and he was almost stunned by the hysterical seizures. How can a head of state be so disregarded and look like a madman in such a formal meeting setting? Even basic politeness ......

Hüshnicker told himself to try to maintain a conciliatory attitude and stand firm. He easily waited for a gap in Hitler's space, and said weakly:

"Mr. Prime Minister...... On the role of Austria in German history...... I may have a different opinion from you on this issue...... Austria's contribution in this regard is still considerable...... For example......"

"Exactly equal to zero." Hitler interrupted him and said coldly, "I tell you, exactly equal to zero." Throughout history, the whole idea of German nationalism was destroyed by Austria. ”

"But, Mr. Chancellor," insisted Schüschnitge, "many of the general achievements of German culture cannot be separated from Austria's cultural contributions...... Beethoven, for example, such a ......"

"Oh? Beethoven? Hitler scoffed, "Let me tell you, Beethoven was born in the Lower Rhineland, and he was a German." ”

Xu Shinige blushed, but still insisted:

"However, Austria was the place where he lived, and it was the place that gave him success...... Germany gave birth to Beethoven, and Austria made Beethoven...... The same goes for a lot of others......"

Hitler was impatient, and he clearly did not want to dwell on such trivial matters with Schuschnigg any longer. He waved his hand and said resolutely:

"Maybe so. I'm telling you, things can't go on like this. …… I have a historic mission, and this mission will be fulfilled by me, because God has commanded me to do so. Whoever disagrees with me will be destroyed...... I chose the most difficult path that no German had ever taken. I have achieved the greatest achievement in German history, greater than any German, and not by force. I tell you, I am full of love for my people. ”

"Mr. Chancellor......" said Schüshnegg dryly, "I would like to believe that." ”

After almost an hour of "talks" in this way, Schüshnitge was forced to do so that he demanded that Hitler tell everything he was dissatisfied with. Xu Shinig said almost beggingly:

"Mr. Prime Minister, let us do everything possible to remove the obstacles in order to reach a better understanding...... As long as it's possible......"

Hitler immediately said:

"That's what you said, Mr. Hüshchnigg. …… I tell you, I will solve the Austrian problem, in any way. ”

"But ......," asked Schüschnigg weakly, "what exactly is this 'Austrian question'?" ”

Hitler's eyes widened, and he began to roar, shouting a great deal about Austria's fortifications on the frontier, and it was clear that this was Austria's premeditated plan against Germany.

But Schuschneig immediately denied it.

Hitler slapped the table and roared:

"Listen! Do you really think you can move a stone in Austria and I won't know about it the next day? I tell you, if I give the order, your ridiculous fortifications will be blown to pieces! Do you really think you can stop me for half an hour? I tell you, Mr. Chancellor, that after my Wehrmacht moves in, my stormtroopers and Austrian legions will also go in, and they will retaliate! No one can stop their legitimate retaliation, not even me! …… But I am very reluctant to see Austria suffer such a fate. Because such actions mean bloodshed, the blood of the Germanic peoples themselves!

"Don't think for a moment, Mr. Hüshchnyg, that there is anyone in this world who can make me give up my decision! Italy? Mussolini sided with me. United Kingdom? Britain will not lift a finger for Austria! France? …… When I marched into the Rhineland two years ago, France could have stopped me. At that time France can easily stop me, then I will have to order the Germans to retreat! But now? It's too late! …… Ming Guo? As you can see, Ming is not only a close ally of Germany, but I am sure that they will openly support me in this matter! United States? The United States has just tied itself to Ming Guo for a few dollars......

"Mr. Hüshchnicker, once again, and for the last time, I will give you the opportunity to negotiate terms. If we don't find a solution to the problem now, nothing can be done. …… Think about it, Mr. Hüshchnitger, think about it. I can only wait until this afternoon. After this afternoon, you can only blame yourself. ”

"But ......," asked Schuschnig again weakly, "what are the conditions of Mr. Chancellor?" ”

"I'll talk about it in the afternoon."

Hüshniteg: "......"