Iron Cross

President Inonu made a good guess. Germany's second plan is indeed related to the Kurdish issue, but it is much larger than the Kurdish issue. It involves all aspects of the relationship, the most important of which is the Syrian issue. Ribbent Lopp believed that such an offer would be difficult for the French to refuse:

1. Syria is still under the rule of the French, and Germany is allowed to station and pass in accordance with North African colonial practices;

2. The French army can station no more than 30,000 troops in Syria, including one armored division;

3. Release 500,000 French prisoners in advance again.

Germany’s requirements are:

1. France will hand over all warships (including unfinished ships) still in North Africa to Germany;

2. France will provide 50 Voluntary ships (the drawings are provided by Germany, steam turbine power, 7,500 horsepower, key indicators include a load capacity of 14,000 tons, a maximum speed of 16 knots, and a maximum range of 14,000 nautical miles), which will be delivered in two years;

3. France will provide 500,000 tons of steel and 500,000 tons of aluminum ingots, to be delivered in two years;

4. France provides 2 million tons of grain, delivered in two years.

The actual intention of these conditions is to ask France to use money to buy the colonies that have been recaptured by Germany. The price is a little high, but considering the status of Syria and the image of France, the price is still very appropriate. If someone is willing to pay such a price in peacetime A colony is being sold under conditions, and a bunch of people are jumping to buy it. It's not that Hoffman doesn't cherish the success of the army, but he needs to win over France more. As long as the French are willing to provide supplies and arms to Germany, he doesn't mind taking over. Of course, France's position in French Somaliland near the Red Sea is too important and has been officially designated as part of German East Africa. He will not return it to France.

If Turkey cannot reach an agreement on the anti-Soviet issue, Germany will immediately begin to support the Kurds. Turkey's "second plan" on the Syrian issue is mainly divided into two steps:

The first step is to allow the Kurds in Syria and the Kurds in Iraq to form an independent political entity and achieve autonomy. Germany will be responsible for recovering the lost territory of the two countries from Saudi Arabia, and the amount promised to Iraq will be three times that of For every 1 square kilometer of Kurdish land taken from Iraq, 3 square kilometers were returned from Saudi Arabia to Iraq, and the compensation standard from Syria was twice that. Hoffman believes that once the Kurds have a gathering area, it will inevitably encourage the Kurds in Turkey. Rising up to cause trouble - this is a step to drain the Turks' firepower.

The second step, depending on the position of the Turks after learning about the Kurdish issue, is that if Turkey still refuses to submit, Germany will directly let the Kurds in Turkey declare independence and merge with the other two places. The German army can gain access to the Soviet Union from the Kurdish areas. springboard; if Turkey is willing to submit, Germany will find ways to deal with the aftermath, such as moving the Kurds in Turkey to Syria and Iraq.

Hoffman has no interest in the Turkish mainland and the areas where the majority of the ethnic groups gather, and it is impossible to send troops to attack - even if they win, they will not be able to occupy it, and they will not be welcomed by the people. But the Kurdish areas are different, and Germany will be Welcomed as protectors, the Turks were the aggressors. Moreover, Turkey does not dare to turn to the Allies because of Germany's support for the Kurds. With Inonu's political wisdom, it is not difficult to see clearly that once the Kurds are divided, it will be useless even if they turn to the Soviets. In view of the relationship between Russia and Turkey history, the place was bound to be lost after the war due to Soviet support for the Kurds.

Strictly maintaining neutrality and getting rich is a good choice, and it is very difficult to choose between decisively attacking the Soviet Union; but if they have to risk losing the Kurdish region and "strictly maintain neutrality", Hoffman believes that the Turks will seriously consider it. Of course, he is not in a hurry now. Germany still has enough time. The current top priority is Persia. Turkey also needs time to closely observe the changes in the situation and digest internal differences.

During their visit the next day, Ribbentrop and Keitel could clearly feel President Inonu's inner anxiety. They looked at each other and smiled - they were convinced that yesterday's drink had had an effect, at least more than once. One will put pressure on President Inonu, but they will not be foolish enough to expose this fact.

"Your country's request..." Inonu gritted his teeth and replied in a relaxed tone as much as possible, "It makes us feel very embarrassed. Turkey is not only a small country, but also a weak country. We cannot participate..."

"So, your country is not going to take back the occupied territories it lost in previous wars?" Ribbentrop smiled. "Yesterday, many senior generals in your country burst into tears when they mentioned the lost territories. We thought your country had already lost territory." Be prepared.”

"For a behemoth like Russia, it is really difficult for your country to compete. During the Crimean War in 1856, Britain and France sent troops to directly fight the Russians. Now this role is Germany's turn..." Keitel said with a slight smile. "The public opinion in your country's newspapers all regards it as a God-sent opportunity."

"You see, our military equipment is very backward, and there is almost no radar in the country..." Inonu spread his hands, "Such national strength makes it impossible for the Turkish people to choose a radical path."

Ribbentrop frowned. This sentence was obviously a complaint and a request for help, but he seemed to be implying that because of Turkey's poor air defense monitoring, if German planes crossed the border and attacked the Baku oil fields, Turkey would turn a blind eye, just like the last time Germany Just like the fleet crossing the two straits of the Black Sea to attack the Soviet Union - this was originally a good thing, but now it can also be understood that Turkey is only willing to provide convenience rather than suffer the consequences.

Keitel also heard something wrong. His face changed slightly, but he still said in a sincere tone: "Our country can provide help with the arms issue. This arms support is only the first time, and there will be continuous support in the future - but there is only one chance, and there will not be continuous opportunities in the future. You know better than me that Germany's goal is the same as Turkey's, both trying to break free from the shackles of the Versailles system. As close allies in the last war, why don't we join hands again?"

Ribbentrop assisted: "We can fully anticipate Turkey's concerns and difficulties, but no matter how big the difficulties are, Romania and Finland are bigger? Which of Russia's neighbors is not living in fear? Do you want your descendants to live in fear of polar bears forever? As far as Germany's current status is concerned, even if it signs a peace agreement with Russia now, it will not provoke Russia's backlash, but have you ever considered where the Russians who have lost a large amount of territory will find it back?"

"This..." President Inonu hesitated.

"We suggest that you think about it again..." The two ended the greeting with this sentence.