Austria, Vienna, Prime Minister's Residence
"Mr. Prime Minister, the ambassador of France wants to see you.”
The attendant walked into the Prime Minister's office and said to the Austrian Prime Minister Schuschnigg, who was reading documents.
"The ambassador of the country?"
Schuschnigg frowned in surprise.
Although he had long expected that Adolf would not give up his ambition to annex Austria because of the failure of the Vienna coup in 1934, it had only been a year since then, and Germany had made a move.
"Invite him in."
Schuschnigg put down his pen and met with the Imperial Ambassador, Van Papen.
"Hello, Prime Minister. The head of state has some suggestions for the exchanges between our two countries. These suggestions have been incorporated into this document and are considered an agreement between our two countries.”
Baben handed over the agreement calmly.
"What? Austria admitted that it was a German country, but the secret agreement required Austria to carry out its diplomatic activities in accordance with the foreign policy of the German government, appoint the 'Austrian National Opposition' to share government affairs, and grant amnesty to the political prisoners of the Nazism!”
Schuschnigg's eyes widened like copper bells when he saw the terms of the agreement.
"Are you joking, Mr. Ambassador?”
he said loudly." This is not an agreement! This is clearly an unfair treaty!"
"Pardon me for being blunt, Mr. Prime Minister."
Papen was not moved at all." These are all the contents of the secret agreement. As for the public bulletin, we will recognize the full sovereignty of the Austrian Federation and the non-interference of the two sides in each other's internal affairs, including the Austrian national issues.”
"I'm sorry, our country cannot accept such conditions!”
Schuschnigg immediately refused.
The corner of Baben's mouth twitched, but he didn't speak immediately.
He paused and continued," So, Mr. Prime Minister, you mean that there is no room for further discussion on this matter?”
"What do you mean?"
Schuschnigg was taken aback. He could hear the hidden meaning in Baben's words.
" The head of state values the content of this agreement very much. He believes that in order to achieve this goal, the Empire is completely willing to pay an appropriate price, such as war.”
Babben lowered his voice, causing a chill to run down Schuschnigg's spine.
"You…you are invading!" Schuschnigg's face turned purple. He braced himself and retorted," Don't forget about Italy! And Britain! And…"
" It's useless, Prime Minister." Papen interrupted him rudely." Prime Minister Mussolini is currently preparing to invade Africa, and Britain is facing many difficulties. Do you still have hope for them?”
Baben stood up. He looked coldly at the ashen-faced Schuschnigg.
"Princeps gave you two days to consider. I'll be back in two days.”
After saying that, he stood up and was about to leave. However, just as he took a step forward, he suddenly turned around.
"There is one thing I want to remind you, Mr. Prime Minister. It is useless to entrust the fate of your country to other countries. No one is willing to go to war with the Empire for Austria.”
With that, Papen strode out of the office without giving Schuschnigg a chance to speak.
……
10 Downing Street, London, Britain
"The German Empire published this 'Letter to the German Compatriots,' calling on all the German people in Austria and the Soviet Slovakia to return to the embrace of Germany.”
British Foreign Secretary Samuel Hall said to Prime Minister Chamberlain, who was enjoying afternoon tea.
"What do you think, Mr. Hall?"
Chamberlain, on the other hand, sipped his Indian black tea unhurriedly, not forgetting to add sugar to it.
"I think Adolf's real purpose is to expand the German Empire. Now it seems that he wants to restore the sphere of influence that Germany enjoyed before the war.”
Hall said calmly.
" The ambassador to Austria called. Prime Minister Schuschnigg met with the ambassador of the Empire, Van Papen, today. The prime minister's expression is very ugly. Germany must be forcing him to make a statement.”
"Are we going to do anything about it?”Hall asked.
"I think it's best if we don't try to oppose Adolf's actions, especially this one, Hall.”Chamberlain finished his tea and put down his cup.
"From a geographical point of view, Italy is the most relevant to Austria's interests, and Italy is now gathering troops to invade the British Empire's sphere of influence in North Africa. Germany is now against Italy.”
Chamberlain said," Italy is now our enemy, and Germany is going against our enemy. Do we need to object to this?”
"However, if Austria joins the German Empire, its strength will greatly increase, and I'm afraid it will be a threat to us.”Hall said.
"But don't forget the consistent policy of the British Empire, Hall.”Chamberlain looked at the gentleman earnestly." They are not strong, but they were too weak before. Germany is the mortal enemy of France. In order to maintain the balance of the continent, we cannot weaken Germany too much.”
"Understood." Hall nodded.
……
At the same time, North America, Washington, the White House
"The ambassador to Austria sent an urgent message asking Mr. President for instructions on the German Empire's upcoming tough measures against Austria.”
The secretary said to President Rothford, who was sitting in a wheelchair.
"Right now, the most contradictory thing to us should be the Japanese Empire in the Pacific Ocean. As for the matters in Europe, we have to keep a low profile for now. Especially for Germany, we'd better try not to let them come together.”
Rosford replied.
" instruct our diplomatic personnel to comply with the German decision. The primary purpose of the United States is to maintain peace and stability on the European continent so that we can expand our economy in Europe. If sacrificing Austria can avoid war, we agree to do so.”
"Yes, sir." the secretary replied.
……
Europe, France, Paris, Elysee Palace
"Germany is really greedy. They annexed the Rhinelands before, and now they want to attack Austria!”
The old marshal said righteously.
"In contrast, I think it's better for us to pay more attention to the domestic situation than this matter, Mr. Ambassador.”
Edward Daladier's tone was slightly disdainful. This deputy prime minister was an orthodox politician, and most politicians looked down on soldiers. Moreover, Marshal Pétain was only an ambassador to Spain.
"Your indulgence of the German Empire will kill France!”
" Have you forgotten Marshal Foch's warning before he died?" Now, Germany was about to make a comeback!”
"Let him come, Mr. Marshal. Our army is the strongest in Europe, and we have the strongest Maginot defense line. The German Empire will not attack France.”
Prime Minister Pierre adjusted his monocle and picked up a document.
"The ambassador to Austria called. Germany did not ask to occupy Austria. They just want Austria to obey their arrangements.”
"Then what's the difference between this occupation!”
Bei Dang was very dissatisfied.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Marshal. The ambassador in Britain reported that Britain has decided not to restrict Adolf's behavior. Without their support, we can't oppose Germany. Have you forgotten how we occupied the Ruhr area and how we were driven back?”
Reynolds, the Minister of Finance, said unhappily.
" Now, our new government has only been formed for less than six months. If we don't want to repeat the mistakes of the previous cabinet, we'd better solve the deteriorating economic situation in the country first.”
Prime Minister Pierre was a little impatient and signaled to change the topic back to his country.
" Austria has its own problem to be solved by the Italians. Now we have to solve how to stabilize the left-wing democratic front..."
……
Later, in Vienna, the Prime Minister's Office.
"Mr. Prime Minister, the envoys of Britain, France, and the United States have met with Adolf in Berlin. They have confirmed that they will not be involved in our dispute with the German Empire!”
the secretary said anxiously.
"What? How could this be! What about Italy?"
Schuschnigg's face darkened, and his voice trembled.
"Today, their army withdrew from the border and set foot on the land of North Africa.”
The secretary's face turned red.
"It's over…this time…it's all over!”
Schuschnigg looked at the agreement that Ambassador Papen handed over and felt deep despair.
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