Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: World War II - What Are We Fighting For (8)
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January 17, 1940
Budapest, Capital of Hungary
After receiving a reply from home, we formally signed the treaty with Hungary.
“Though we had some misunderstandings, I'm glad we could conclude this on good terms.”
“Mm. I, too, find this treaty reasonable.”
Regent Horthy and I shook hands. I was smiling, though the Regent wore a more ambiguous expression.
Since Poland and Italy hadn't performed as well as expected, the chances of Hungary openly attacking us were slim. Still, with the future so uncertain, making an unnecessary enemy of a neighboring country would be problematic.
In exchange for signing a non-aggression pact, we agreed to recognize their renunciation of the Treaty of Trianon.
To alleviate their anxieties about a future liberated Czechoslovakia and a Romania unchecked by Poland, we also decided to sell them munitions to aid their rearmament.
We agreed to sell them ten Panzer IV tanks and a small quantity of infantry weapons each month for two years. It wasn't a significant burden for us, but it would be a considerable help to Hungary's rearmament.
Though the quantity was small, the fact that it was Germany's current main battle tank made for a good showing. The military had suggested we only sell Panzer III assault guns or tank destroyers...
...but production of the Panzer III chassis had ceased long ago, and we were only using our existing stock. At this rate, we would run out of chassis before the two years were up. The conclusion was that it was better to decisively win Hungary's favor instead.
Although we were at war, considering the diversion of troops and potential losses if Hungary were to fight us, selling that amount of equipment was a good way to make some money on the side.
After all, having absorbed the military-industrial complex that Hitler had built up and now operating it more efficiently than he ever did, our problem wasn't production capacity—it was money.
“I hope that Germany and Hungary can continue to enjoy a positive relationship and cooperation in the future.”
“...I hope for the same, Vice-Chancellor.”
We weren't helping them recover their lost territories, but it was still a decent deal for Hungary.
With this, we've at least avoided a three-front war. I'm a little curious what expressions Mussolini and Rydz-Śmigły will be wearing.
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January 19, 1940
Eastern France, Alsace-Lorraine – The Maginot Line
The Maginot Line. Here, along the defensive fortifications built across Alsace-Lorraine on the Franco-German border in preparation for a war with Germany, François de La Rocque, leader of the French Social Party, was addressing the soldiers.
“Soldiers of the Grand Army, you who toil day and night for our great fatherland, as a French politician, I offer my deepest gratitude for your efforts.”
Though political rivals and foreign nations eyed him with suspicion, wondering if he was a follower of fascism like Hitler or Mussolini, La Rocque's tone was, unlike the two dictators, perfectly civil.
“But at the same time, I am outraged! As a French politician, I am outraged by this situation that makes it impossible for me to hold my head high before you, who have dedicated yourselves more than anyone at the forefront of France! Our proud fatherland, the great France, has grown weak!”
La Rocque began to deliver a fiery speech to the young soldiers, whose eyes were fixed upon him.
“And why has she grown weak? Because we are divided! Because while the left and the right tear each other apart, engaging in pointless debates, our great fatherland has missed the tide of a rapidly changing era! Because those who call themselves politicians, who should be uniting to lead the nation, and the government, which should be representing France's national interests, have been incompetent and irresponsible, relying only on other nations!”
During the interwar period, France had been plagued by the aftereffects of the Great Depression and political strife from the extreme conflict between left and right, losing its diplomatic initiative.
“And what is the result? Failure! A complete and utter failure! While the Treaty of Versailles was torn to shreds, while Germany swallowed Austria, the Sudetenland, and Czechia, what did our government do? While the Hohenzollern monarchy was restored in Germany, our government did nothing but cling to Britain's coattails!”
The French people had felt a sense of powerlessness throughout the interwar period, dragged along by a total diplomatic failure that had allowed Germany's resurgence.
Just as they began to feel relieved by the outbreak of civil war in Germany, Germany restored the Hohenzollern monarchy, and Britain's decision to side with them plunged all of France into anger and a sense of crisis.
“Since when was France so weak? Why has she become so weak? Because France, which led the way and shed its blood in the last great war, has had its rights denied! When those detestable Germans refused to pay the just blood debt they owed France, and we were forced to occupy the Ruhr, think of the disgraceful actions of our so-called 'allies'!”
In 1922, when Germany defaulted on its reparations from the Treaty of Versailles, France had intended to occupy the Ruhr by force to pressure Germany, but had to withdraw due to pressure from Britain and the United States.
“Britain and America used the money they lent us as leverage to pressure us and aid our enemy! Was that money a gift of their goodwill? No! It was the price they rightly owed us, their ally, who spilled so much blood! If they respected France, if they knew the value of the blood France shed, they could not have done this!”
Listening to La Rocque's speech, the French soldiers began to fill with indignation. France had bled more than any other nation in the last war; how had it come to this?
They had all heard from their friends and families how difficult things were in France today, and they knew well that their once-great fatherland was weakening.
“While France suffered from the Great Depression and was torn by division, Germany used the blood debt owed to the French people to strengthen its army, devour its neighbors, and has now reached the point where it is overwhelming both Italy and Poland in war!”
This was terror itself for the French people. The relief and satisfaction they had felt after avenging their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and witnessing the fall of the German Empire had not even lasted twenty years.
The assessment of the Treaty of Versailles—too punitive for a reconciliation, yet too lenient to prevent Germany's recovery—was coming true.
The French people, who had felt the threat of war keenly as Hitler cast a pall of fear over Europe, were now trembling as they witnessed Germany's true strength—a nation that had swiftly ousted Hitler through a civil war and was now fighting to a standstill against what they had considered the powerful nations of Poland and Italy.
With their former allies from the Great War now siding with Germany, stabbing France in the back, and even the United States making friendly gestures toward Germany, the sense of crisis felt by the French had surpassed the bounds of reason.
“That weak government has abetted this crisis by cutting the military budget, tying our fatherland's hands and feet! Why did we have to do that? While our enemies armed themselves with our blood debt, the reparations from the Treaty of Versailles that we were rightfully owed, we weakened ourselves, claiming we had no money!”
The soldiers responded to La Rocque with fervent anger. This was undoubtedly an injustice.
The reparations from the Treaty of Versailles were a debt that France, the victim of the Great War, should have received. Why was France suffering for not receiving it, while Germany had used that money to grow stronger?
And why were those 'allies', who had won the war because France bled for them, now supporting such a Germany?
“Now, we must reclaim our rights! We no longer have time for division and conflict! That Germany pays lip service to introducing democracy and liberating Czechia, but has any of it actually happened? In reality, they have shown us only one thing!”
La Rocque deliberately paused, letting every soldier wait for his words with bated breath, before declaring loudly.
“That they are still an enemy that hates us! That they have refused to honor our just rights, the fulfillment of the Treaty of Versailles, and have restored the Hohenzollern monarchy! That is all!”
Seeing the waves of anger and hatred toward Germany spreading through the soldiers, La Rocque began to shout with renewed vigor.
“Our incompetent government has already abandoned Austria and Czechia! Once Poland, our only remaining ally, falls, and once Italy falls, France will be next!”
Even though in the original history it was known that Poland had preemptively invaded Germany, the most fundamental reason that drove France to declare war, despite remembering the horrors of the Great War, was still valid.
As much as France feared Germany, they feared a situation where they would have to face Germany alone even more.
This was especially true now, when a Germany weakened by civil war was struggling against Poland and Italy, making it seem that 'now is a winnable fight'.
“Proud Grand Army of France! Are we so foolish as to wait until the enemy, who has grown strong by stealing our rights, leaves us to stand alone?”
“No!”
Seeing the soldiers' enthusiastic response, La Rocque cried out again.
“Having come this far, are we so foolish as to entrust the fate of France into their hands, still watching the whims of Britain and America?”
“No!”
Seeing the soldiers answer in one voice, La Rocque smiled with satisfaction and shouted once more.
“France must once again become the center of Europe! The center of the world! Now is our only chance! Prepare to walk a path for France alone, a path of glory! We already chose dishonor at Munich! Never again, never again will we allow the great pride of France to be helplessly tarnished!”
“Hear, hear!”
“We must break free from the path of relying on those despicable opportunists and show the world once more that the French are the synthesis of all that is great! Vive la France!”
“Vive la France! Vive la France!”
With his arms outstretched, sweating and catching his breath, nearly every soldier was cheering wildly for La Rocque.
La Rocque, smiling, waved back at the soldiers before descending from the podium a while later.
Even as he stepped off the podium and into the building, the soldiers continued to roar 'Vive la France', to the point where even the commanders, flustered, had to try and calm them down.
“An excellent speech, sir.”
La Rocque grinned at the man with a stern face who approached and greeted him.
“I trust you've gathered enough reporters, Colonel de Gaulle?”
“Ah, of course. In these confusing times, it is a brilliant speech from someone who knows how to face reality. Naturally, every citizen of France should see and hear it, should they not?”
At Colonel Charles de Gaulle's reply, La Rocque gave a satisfied smile.
“When I take power, this old and rigid military establishment will be reformed. Of course, enlightened and forward-thinking men like you, Colonel de Gaulle, will be given important positions.”
François de La Rocque was a politician, but he was also a reserve lieutenant colonel.
He and de Gaulle were of one mind on the point that the French high command was far too antiquated and incompetent.
“I appreciate that. Those high-and-mighty generals are so frustratingly dense that they still doubt the effectiveness of tanks and mobile warfare even after seeing Germany's war.”
But in La Rocque's and de Gaulle's opinion, April was too far away.
By then, they both believed, at least one of either Poland or Italy would have fallen to Germany.
“The French Social Party already has over a million members. The soldiers are on our side, and no matter how indecisive the government is, this time they will be forced to act. If they do nothing, they are certain to lose the election.”
La Rocque said, a triumphant smile on his face.
In truth, since all of the Radical Party's foreign policies had resulted in diplomatic defeats against Germany, they were already in a position to lose no matter what they did.
“Once this speech becomes public, we will pressure the government to issue an ultimatum to those German bastards, using the guarantee of independence as a pretext, the moment they set one foot across the Polish border.”
France could not stand by and watch Germany acquire more territory and grow stronger.
Czechia also had to be liberated quickly to break Germany's power, and if possible, it would be best if this were done under French leadership to increase France's influence.
If Germany accepted the demand for a white peace and capitulated, their national power would be diminished, France could protect its allies, and French influence would soar.
If Germany refused, they would simply go to war. Germany might be showing surprising strength despite its civil war, but it was impossible for them to win a war against Poland, Italy, and France.
The only sticking point was Britain, but if they failed because of Britain, La Rocque planned to pin the blame on the ruling party for the diplomatic failure, drive out the Radicals completely, and seize power.
“I certainly hope the government acts properly this time.”
De Gaulle said this, but inwardly he clicked his tongue. The political establishment and the French military high command held an unnecessarily great fear of Germany.
They alone seemed not to realize that Germany had in fact been feeding on their fear to grow stronger.
“I will make it so. Until then, Colonel. Vive la France.”
“Vive la France.”
The irony of a war to prevent war was dawning on this era as well.