Chapter 811: Washington Political Conspiracy (Part 2)

"We sent secret diplomatic contacts with the German side, inquired about the German side's price, and even inquired about the Soviet-German peace talks. The situation was very surprising and very frustrating." In Roosevelt's ward, Harry- Hopkins sighed, "The only good news is that Robert is still alive. The Germans have learned his identity and even brought relevant photos and letters to Geneva for Joseph to see. The Germans even said generously Robert could be released secretly, but Joseph did not accept it, thinking that it would be detrimental to Robert's future political future. Robert himself seemed reluctant - he thought it would be a shame to abandon his companions and men and sneak away, but he said he would never Will not surrender to the Germans.”

Roosevelt nodded and sighed: "He is a good boy. I owe Joseph a lot."

The Joseph mentioned by Hopkins refers to Joseph Kennedy. He is a descendant of Irish immigrants. After two consecutive generations of struggle, he finally established a foothold in the United States and made a lot of money by engaging in various speculations. After amassing hundreds of millions of dollars in assets, Joseph became obsessed with political activities and bet all his money on Franklin Roosevelt, believing that he was the leader the country needed. He also believed that helping Roosevelt campaign would help him enter the political arena.

During Roosevelt's first presidential campaign, Joseph not only provided large political donations of his own, but also spared no effort to help Roosevelt raise funds and accompanied him on many campaign trips. However, after being elected as president, Roosevelt did not entrust him with important tasks, and only appointed him as the chairman of the newly established Securities Administration Commission (Joseph himself engaged in securities speculation and was aware of various insider transactions and loopholes. Arranging this position is undoubtedly a good appointment. ), but the position that Joseph, who has a high heart, is the Minister of Finance. Despite this, Joseph's loyalty remained unabated. In 1935, he asked a reporter to ghostwrite a book "I Support Roosevelt" in his own name. He described the campaign process in detail and praised Roosevelt in the book. Finally, he sent the book to Flatter Roosevelt.

The latter only responded with a text message: "The book is good, I am very happy." However, Joseph regarded this reply as a note as a treasure, framed it and hung it at home, and showed off it whenever guests came. In 1937, during Roosevelt's second term, Joseph Kennedy, who continued to support him, got the position of ambassador to Britain, which was something that an Irish Catholic descendant simply could not even imagine. However, although Joseph Sr. was good at making money, foreign affairs, especially the treacherous European politics before the outbreak of the European War, were obviously beyond his circle of competence. Shortly after the outbreak of the European War, he was recalled to the country after serving as a diplomat for less than three years, and he has not held any important positions since then.

Of course, Roosevelt would never say nonsense like "lack of ability", but found another excuse - as an Irish descendant, Joseph was very pro-German, and the German head of state was more attractive to him than the British Prime Minister. . After the outbreak of the European War, the US diplomatic policy was obviously to unite with Britain and resist Germany, so it was "natural" for Joseph to lose his position. But after all, Joseph had been in the diplomatic circle for a while, knew the diplomatic situation and had a certain reputation. Although he was unofficial and insignificant, he also adhered to the name of Roosevelt's confidants. It was very suitable to carry out secret diplomacy with Germany. In fact, Germany quickly noticed this situation. With the help of the Swiss ambassador, German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop personally held secret talks with Joseph.

Robert refers to Joseph's son Robert Kennedy. He served on a PT torpedo boat and served as captain. He also participated in the Battle of Cape Verde. Unfortunately, the results were not ideal. In the end, he was taken by the Army and became a prisoner of war of the German army. . Joseph hoped that his sons would succeed in the future and even serve as president, so he spared no effort in their training. He sent his sons to the army to be gilded, but he did not expect that the gilding failed and they became prisoners of war.

"Tell me, what are the specific conditions for the Germans?" Roosevelt thought for a moment, "Let's talk about the conditions for peace between the Soviet Union and Germany first."

“The general conditions are basically the same as what we have found out before, mainly including three conditions:

First, the Soviet Union agreed that the currently independent republics would withdraw from the Soviet Union and recognize their independence;

Second, based on the existing lines of exchange between the two sides, retreat 500 kilometers to become the new territory controlled by the Soviet government. Considering that the current battle lines are intertwined, the actual plan is to agree to use the Ural Mountains as the border, while leaving 500 kilometers west of the Ural Mountains as a buffer zone. From now on, there will be Eastern and Western Russia standing side by side, collectively known as the Russian Federation Republic. Among them, Western Russia is called Russia (Mensheviks), and Eastern Russia is called Russia (Bolsheviks). In order to save Stalin’s face, the nominal leaders of this confederal republic are all leaders of Eastern Russia. But in fact, the military, political, and economic functions of Eastern and Western Russia , diplomacy, and currency are all independent. Apart from the fact that they are both called Russia, there is no connection. East and West Russia have established diplomatic relations as equals and are not subordinate to each other and do not interfere in each other's internal affairs.

Third, when Western Russia joins the European Union and Eastern Russia is regarded as an Asian country, the Axis will initially station about 1 million troops in Western Russia, which will gradually decrease in the future. Western Russia’s own armed forces will not exceed 1 million, and Eastern Russia’s armed forces will not be larger. At 2.5 million, neither party can enter the buffer zone for 30 years, and another solution will be found after 30 years.

In addition, there are some contents such as the transfer of prisoners of war and economic compensation, which are not essential. Germany will probably not impose conditions that would make it impossible for Eastern Russia to survive. "

Roosevelt nodded: "The conditions are harsh enough, but the Bolsheviks can survive, right?"

"Then it will become a second- or even third-rate country. We have calculated that after this division, although the territory controlled by the Bolsheviks will still exceed two-thirds of the Soviet period, the population will drop to only 50 million or even less - it depends. Will the population migrate after the border is drawn? The only thing that can be ensured is that the Bolshevik regime can be maintained. Hitler does not seem to have the intention to kill everyone, which is very different from his previous propaganda. "

"It used to be just political propaganda, but now it's the sophistication of politicians." Roosevelt sighed, "What does Stalin think?"

"Stalin admitted that the two sides were in secret contact and refused to admit the word peace. He only said that they were discussing an armistice. In addition, he repeatedly warned that this was forced. If he could get sufficient US aid supplies, he would be willing to continue the war. But if the whole The world has abandoned him, and he can only take care of himself.”

"Does he know this news?" Roosevelt did not say, but both of them knew that "he" was referring to Wallace, who was currently acting as president.

"I know, but I don't take it seriously. I think Stalin has to kneel down regardless of whether he aids or not. Instead of wasting the money in vain, it is better to keep it and build it on our own." Hopkins explained, "Because of this attitude, I did not use Joseph's Tell him the news and information about Su De's peace talks, so as not to cause more trouble."

"You did a good job. Joseph is my man. He is not a government representative at all. There is no need to report to him. As for the rest...he can't keep secrets anyway, so there is no need to inform him."

Li Hai interjected: "In fact, I think it is possible to continue aid to the Soviet Union. We have communicated and adapted to the greatest extent with the Soviet side. The US aid fleet was handed over to the Russians in the Aleutian Islands. From then on, it was Whether Soviet property pays Japanese tolls actually has nothing to do with us. It is an agreement between the Soviet Union and Japan. Moreover, the Soviet side believes that no matter what Horikichi's position is, his current status as the actual controller of the Japanese navy cannot be shaken. It has a decisive influence, and what he promised is largely credible, and we will only be fooled once.”

"I guess he won't agree. If he does, he won't be Wallace."

"Yes, as you expected, he not only refused, but also had a hysterical quarrel with us, thinking that we were fooling the people and deceiving the Congress." Li Hai became a little angry when he mentioned this matter, "He didn't even want to think about it. Look, more than half of the material transport to Britain is lost, and often even the ships and people cannot come back. Although paying protection fees to Japan sounds ugly in name, it is all done by the Soviets. What does it have to do with us? The ratio is only 40%. Moreover, the personnel and ships can be preserved. Which multiple-choice question is more cost-effective? Moreover, the Soviet Union has also negotiated an additional condition with Japan and agreed to release a batch of detained Chinese people after receiving the first batch of protection fees. The number of citizens, expatriates and captured soldiers (those who were injured and unable to continue fighting) was no less than 300. He kept saying that for the sake of the country and the people, why didn't he want to get our people back when the Jews paid protection fees to Germany? Why don't you criticize him for the opportunity to escape? "

"It's a good thing to be naive when you're young, but when you grow up to be so naive as an adult, what do you think I should do?" Roosevelt showed a wry smile.

"His logical starting point is that it is not necessary to aid the Soviet Union, or even to aid Britain! For this matter, Marshal John Deere, chairman of the British Joint Chiefs of Staff, was very nervous. He had come to me many times and told me seriously: If the United States refuses to continue to aid Britain, Great Britain will not be able to survive for a day. Churchill's cabinet will soon fall. By then, Edward VIII will be restored to power. He is pro-Axis. There is no question about Britain's future position and attitude. Don’t expect the British to fight until the end, Great Britain has made enough sacrifices for this war!”

Roosevelt's mouth was full of sarcasm: "Britain doesn't need to assist? Great! So, does Australia want assistance? Does New Zealand want assistance? What about South Africa? What about Brazil? What about Canada? Doesn't it mean that the United States only needs itself and doesn't care about its allies? "

"That's what he means! He thinks that we just need to close the door and retreat to the North American continent, gain an understanding with Germany, and at most defeat Japan..."

"Asshole!" Roosevelt angrily slammed the table.

"Still immersed in the dream of isolationism, you are really hopelessly stupid." Hopkins mocked, "Would you like me to tell you two about Germany's conditions?"