Chapter 939 D-Day (1)

On June 9, 1944, Truman was sworn in as the new president.

He himself was not an elected vice president, and because of the death of the president, he became president from vice president, setting two records in American politics.

After he became president, the United States no longer had a vice president. In view of the approaching election, Congress recommended that there be no need for another vice president after discussion, and that Secretary of State Hull would perform some of the vice president's powers.

Due to Truman's busy schedule and his succession as president, he had to postpone his travel campaign in various states. Vice presidential candidate Alben William Buckley, who was co-camping with him, had to shoulder most of the daily work and deliver speeches by himself. It was weaker than Dewey's campaign team, but the prestige of President Roosevelt and the entourage of Kennedy, deputy director of the campaign office and American hero, still gained Truman a lot of popularity.

At midnight before Truman's inauguration, "Voice of Europe" published its condolences and life evaluation of Roosevelt. Although it believed that Roosevelt's rash intervention in European disputes was unwise for the United States, it still called Roosevelt a "great man" in view of his huge contribution to the New Deal. ". Dr. Goebbels's speech was very high-level. He listed the past events of Roosevelt's New Deal, which ultimately stimulated domestic demand, solved people's livelihood, and united American society through public infrastructure construction. At the same time, he compared the president's "miracle" in restoring the economy in Germany and achieving economic take-off. ”, believing that “this is the common choice of great people and the only path for a great nation.”

He further concluded, "Why should such two great countries kill each other because of the interests of big capitalists and Jewish oligarchs when they can live in harmony? On the occasion of the inauguration of the new president of the United States, we once again call for the conclusion of a peace treaty with the United States ”

When these words were said, two marine brigades, originally prepared for the second phase of the Icelandic campaign, were led by Krank and left the Mediterranean for Brazil. This time they planned to land in Parana to further expand the territory of the American Republic.

Under the pressure of public opinion, Truman was forced to publicly express his willingness to achieve peace. For the first time, he lowered his tone and stopped saying unrealistic words such as "Germany must return the European territories it invaded." He only proposed three basic principles for peace negotiations:

First, Germany abolished its alliance with Japan and did not support Japan in any way;

second, the withdrawal of Germany’s military presence in South America, including the outlawing of the illegal American republics;

Third, Germany returns confiscated American capital and industries in Africa, Europe and other places.

As for the non-claims between the two parties and the release of prisoners, these are routine conditions and are not included in these principles.

As for the rewards, Truman did not mention them in his speech, but insiders understood that there were two: acquiescence to Germany's control of Europe and Africa (including South Africa), and recognition of Germany's special economic interests in South America.

In the eyes of the United States, these provisions were already huge concessions, and even Dewey himself could not say anything. But in Berlin's view, Truman had not yet recognized the reality and lacked sincerity in peace talks: It would be fine to abolish the Japanese alliance. This was a negotiable clause, but the American Republic was a country that had written in black and white in its constitution that it accepted German protection. If the United States bans the seeds of the German nation that have taken root and sprouted in the Americas, where will the Third Reich lose face?

The peace talks were obviously unsuccessful, but what bothered Hoffman the most was Mussolini. The dreamer of the New Roman Empire and the dictator somehow had a mismatch. He sent Ciano to Berlin to complain, saying that people of Italian descent in Brazil were being treated badly. They have been treated unfairly for a long time, and there is an urgent need to establish an Italian American Republic. The implication is that they hope that Germany will provide support, and they imply that the Italian Navy will follow Germany in the wars in the north and south. The aircraft carrier has been bombed and sunk repeatedly, so there must be some reward, right?

Ribbentrop burst into cynicism at that time, but the message had to be passed on. He was introduced to the head of state's office. After hearing the other party's explanation of his purpose, Hoffmann stared at Ciano for three full minutes, making the other party break into a cold sweat. An uneasy look on his face.

In fact, Ciano and others persuaded Mussolini, saying that Germany treated Italy well: it imported various military industries and heavy industries, and also provided a lot of coal and oil to help Italy develop its economy; although Germany exploited Li-Bel Asian oil, but now Italy is taking advantage and enjoying the benefits every month. Germany was not stingy when it came to territory. It first sent the African Army to let Italy take over the Ethiopian territory, and then cut off a piece of southern Sudan so that Italy could connect Libya and Ethiopia and extend to Eritrea, which is equal to the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. On the European side, it not only allowed Italy to consolidate its rule over Albania, but also ceded Serbian territory to Italy, and made it clear that this was a reward for the Italian navy.

Considering Italy's record and strength, this treatment was very good, even though Mussolini had actually been paid in advance for the naval merits he always talked about. Raising new territorial claims now would not only slap the Germans in the face, but also expose the dictator's insatiable nature.

But Mussolini refused to listen to this persuasion. He believed that the British were about to be defeated. The Italians had made great efforts, and Serbia alone was not enough. Moreover, Tito and the guerrillas were too troublesome. He successively added more than 100,000 troops. All available counter-guerrilla warfare methods were used, including the use of "special pesticides", but it was still insufficient and had to be supplemented by a little extra.

Under his roar, Ciano bravely ran to Berlin. As his son-in-law and confidant, he knew why Mussolini would make such a request: It was true that he was jealous of Germany's war dividends, but the bigger reason was that Mussolini was dissatisfied with the distribution of voting rights in the EU - he originally fantasized about Italy adding Britain and France. Any big country can have the power to check and balance Germany. Unexpectedly, Germany's EU principles mean that the three major countries of Britain, France, and Italy combined cannot compete with Germany. This made Mussolini very uncomfortable but inconvenient to show it publicly. So I am ready to balance it elsewhere and ask for remuneration in exchange for agreeing to Germany's EU treaties.

He thought very well, thinking that Germany would not express much opposition in order to gain Italy's support, and would probably hold its nose and endure it. Besides, what he wanted was Brazilian territory, not Germany's own territory. What could the head of state be so stingy about?

Ciano and some senior party officials are not as optimistic as he is, and are very worried about Italy's future: Although Italy is the second-in-command in the European Union system, Italy is too weak. It has more voting rights than Britain and France, but its strength is still not as good as Britain and France. Now Mussolini was not satisfied with being the leader of the second echelon, and even wanted to compete with the top leader. In their view, this idea was very dangerous.

After the armistice on the Eastern Front and the British issue was almost settled, the situation became even more dangerous: 3 million German troops were about to return home, and the invasion across Italy was a matter of minutes. It didn't even take 1 million, but 500,000 German troops could do it; as for what Italy was proud of The fleet cannot pose a threat to Germany - when Germany's domestic aircraft carriers will soon be launched in large quantities and the Northern Sea Route will be connected, Italy may not have much confidence in fighting for its navy. If Mussolini really dares to cut off the route of Middle Eastern oil to Europe according to Mussolini's statement, I'm afraid the Germans will call right away!

Mussolini was originally very close to Pétain and Franco, and even had a vague idea of ​​the three countries joining forces to suppress Germany. But the situation was changing day by day. Franco was shocked by the fact that Germany was about to conquer Britain. He did not dare to think too much, not to mention that there was Portugal nearby to contain Spain. Although Pétain was as cunning as ever, Darlan had reached an agreement with Germany. , he will be the confirmed successor to the head of state of France in the future, and Germany even stated that it will support the reconstruction of the French navy after the European War. If France gets involved when Germany attacks Italy, there will be no place to cry - Turin, **** and Milan are both under the threat of France. Even if the French don't attack the Italian mainland, grabbing Sardinia is enough for the Italians.

As for Albania and Serbia to the east, they are not at ease either. There is a group of German boys watching them: Romania, Hungary, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, and Bulgaria are not fuel-efficient lamps. Italy gained so much territory with its navy. Romania and Hungary followed Germany and fought the entire Eastern Front. What did they gain?

Ciano and others were much clearer-headed than Mussolini, and they trembled at the German power - suppressing the Soviet Union in the east, conquering the United Kingdom in the north, and pushing the United States in the west. They also had a large navy, rockets, and jets to help them. German power was simply boundless. Now, daring to tease Germans is no different than seeking death. Even Comrade Steel and Prime Minister Cigar have been defeated. How dare a playboy leader dare to challenge the head of state?

According to his opinion, Italy should now hold on to its thighs, vigorously advocate for Germany's EU plan, European integration, the United Nations and other post-war ideas, wave flags and cheers for the head of state, and kneel down in many ways, in order to retain its hard-won second-in-command. status and gain some benefits. Seeing that Italy is so well-informed and interested, Germany might give some extra benefits instead of just giving it to him for a slap in the face.

It's a pity that Mussolini didn't listen at all and insisted on acquiring overseas territories of the Roman Empire. He also wanted to imitate the Germans and establish an Italian American republic.

Sure enough, although Ciano had expressed Mussolini's opinions in euphemistic words as much as possible, Hoffman immediately understood it. After staring for a long time, Ciano was horrified to hear the words coming out of the Führer's mouth through gritted teeth: "Where does he want?"

Ciano understood German and understood the dissatisfaction in his voice. While wiping the sweat from his forehead, he stammered: "Saint...Saint Paul State."

Upon hearing this place name, Ribbentrop's eyes widened in surprise and he looked at the other party in disbelief - Ciano was finally willing to say this after hesitating just now.

Sao Paulo State is the most important region in Brazil. Its capital, Sao Paulo City, is the largest city in South America. It is the largest and most modern industrial, commercial, financial and transportation center in Brazil and South America. The entire state has a population of more than 10 million. Sao Paulo City alone is Population of nearly 4 million. Even if the American Republic controlled by Germany reached 3 states, its total population was only 2 million. Even Germany doesn't dare to take the idea of ​​Sao Paulo state, but Italy actually wants to swallow it up?