Chapter 298: The Flames of War Ignite Across the World
Cough, cough.
As the tactical discussion drew to a close, Kallio's quiet cough finally made Mannerheim realize that someone else was standing at the door.
"Your Excellency, the Prime Minister?"
Mannerheim straightened slightly.
"Why have you come?"
"Marshal, I wanted to discuss the question of the left flank with you."
Moscow.
The first traces of green had begun to appear on the withered branches.
Several small birds perched in the treetops, chirping like messengers of some spring goddess announcing the end of winter.
Crunch.
The harsh grinding of a malfunctioning truck engine shattered the calm.
Dense smoke poured from the factory district and drove the birds away, sending them fluttering toward the trees outside the Kremlin as the wind stirred the branches.
Looking at the birds beyond the window, Stalin set down the operational plan and patted Kirill on the shoulder.
"Well done, Comrade Kirill."
"This is the operational plan I wanted."
"Fast and precise."
Stalin looked down at the document once more.
"You will command the frontline forces."
"Yezhov will accompany you during the first stage of the offensive."
"The Cheka has many agents inside Finland, and the civil unrest within that country will provide us with our best opportunity to strike."
Feeling the warmth of Stalin's hand on his shoulder, Kirill nodded.
His words sounded confident, but the conviction behind them was thin.
"I will do my best, Comrade Stalin."
Not long afterward, Molotov knocked on the office door.
"Comrade Stalin, a representative from Free Britain wishes to discuss the situation in the Middle East and North Africa."
The mention of Free Britain immediately stirred Stalin's anger.
Had Britain not surrendered, Germany would still have been trapped in the awkward position of fighting on two fronts.
But now, everything had changed.
Soviet Russia had been left to bear the pressure of almost all Europe alone.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Stalin understood the difference between personal anger and matters of state.
"Continue."
"The Free British representative believes Germany is highly likely to launch an offensive against Egypt in the near future."
Molotov carefully repeated the message.
"If we dispatch forces from the direction of Volgograd, we could place considerable pressure on the Middle East."
"This would relieve part of the burden on Egypt."
"At this moment?"
Rather than showing concern, Stalin's expression brightened.
"This is good news."
"Germany attacking Egypt means it will not interfere in Finland immediately."
He turned toward Kirill.
"Comrade Kirill, do not waste this opportunity."
"Begin organizing the specific operations for the attack on Finland at once."
Kirill nodded and withdrew.
Only Stalin and Molotov remained in the office.
Molotov hesitated before asking, "Comrade Stalin, what of the British request?"
"Are we not going to become involved?"
"Involved?"
Stalin gave him a faint smile.
"Of course we will."
"We will put on a performance for Free Britain."
"That is all."
"Our principal strategic objective is Finland, not defending British colonies."
Molotov avoided discussing the military details.
His greater concern was political.
If Soviet Russia refused to send troops, it might lose a useful friend and one of the few remaining allies available against Germany.
Stalin noticed the crease between Molotov's brows and waved dismissively.
"This is no longer the past, Molotov."
"Before, we needed Britain."
"Now Britain needs us."
"Besides, Churchill broke his word."
"I have not yet settled that account with him."
The flames of war were about to ignite far beyond the Soviet-Finnish border.
Two days later, on March 29th, Finland began actively mobilizing its population for resistance while Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov publicly condemned the Finnish government.
As the eyes of the world turned toward Northern Europe, another meeting quietly began elsewhere.
United States President Nance Garner arrived in Berlin under the cover of a diplomatic visit.
It marked the first step in dividing the world with Jörg.
April was approaching.
The last traces of winter had disappeared from Berlin, and the breeze carried a faint warmth through the streets.
The easing of the international situation had also relieved some of the pressure weighing upon the German people.
That change could even be seen in their clothing.
The austere black garments that had once blended almost completely with military uniforms were giving way to brighter colors.
Young women hurried through the streets in pink dresses.
Factory workers who had once thought only of bread and wages now occasionally considered buying rouge or face powder.
If Jörg had been asked to describe the scene, he might have said only one thing.
Spring had arrived.
And once again, it was breeding season for the animals.
"Mr. Garner, allow me to express my deepest regret over President Roosevelt's death."
Jörg's expression was solemn.
"Violence is never a reasonable means of resolving political disputes."
"The assassination of a president is an unforgivable crime."
A capable politician was often also a capable actor.
Jörg embodied that truth perfectly.
Although he knew exactly what had happened, his expression remained innocent and sympathetic, as though he possessed no knowledge of the affair.
As though Roosevelt had truly been the dear friend he claimed.
Garner adjusted the collar that sat slightly too tightly around his neck and sighed.
"The American presidency is a cursed throne."
"Anyone who sits upon it must accept the possibility of assassination."
After a brief pause, Garner turned quickly to the purpose of his visit.
"Mr. von Roman, I have come primarily to ease relations between Germany and the United States."
"I also wish to correct certain negative consequences caused by improper messages issued through the State Department."
Garner shifted the blame onto the State Department and smoothly moved the conversation away from Roosevelt.
Jörg's expression did not change.
"Germany and the United States are natural friends."
"Millions of Americans are of German descent."
"They helped forge America's greatness, and they also forged the enduring relationship between our two nations."
"As for the brief disruption caused by Britain, it cannot overturn ties built across generations."
Jörg deliberately ignored the Anglo-American relationship.
Garner loosened his suit jacket slightly and continued.
"You are entirely correct."
"To speak frankly, the United States intends to take further military action against Mexico in early April."
"As Germany's friend, our request is that Germany refrain from interfering in American affairs and respect the interests of the United States throughout the Americas."
"It appears everyone has taken a liking to April."
Jörg gave a quiet laugh.
The remark was little more than a passing joke.
Then his tone became serious again.
"Rest assured, Mr. Garner."
"Germany has no intention of interfering in the Americas."
"Nor has Germany ever intended to interfere in America's colonies or regional affairs."
His voice then rose slightly.
"However, all of this depends upon one condition."
"German interests must not be touched."
"I hope we will not see another foreign trade blockade, or another campaign of aid to Britain, as we did before."
"As long as that principle is respected, Germany and the United States can take the Atlantic as their boundary."
He extended his left hand.
"And peace will always remain our first priority."
Garner looked at the offered hand for a moment before taking it.
"I cannot promise 'always,' Mr. von Roman."
"Always is too long a measure of time."
"But I can guarantee this."
"During my term, Germany and the United States will place peace first."
....
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