On October 2, 1936, Rommel's German-Spanish Combined Corps, as expected, broke through Madrid's third line of defense.
Immediately, the Madrid Provisional City Government announced its surrender to the German-Spanish Combined Corps. More than 90,000 People's Guard soldiers were disarmed by the German-Spanish Combined Corps in despair and began their career as prisoners of war.
In less than six days, Rommel accomplished the goal he had set out to do. He completely wiped out the Madrid defenders and occupied the entire city of Madrid.
At the same time, the success of the northern Italian expeditionary force in capturing the capital of Varas province pales in comparison.
In the central square in the city of Madrid, row after row of soldiers of the People's Guard of the Republic are lining up to receive custody assignments from the National Army's German Armored Infantry Division.
The reporters who originally stayed in Madrid, preparing to witness a protracted trench battle, turned around and immediately became reporters of a blitzkrieg.
"Blitzkrieg" is a tactic named personally by German Head of State Reinhardt. More than 10,000 "Spanish Medals of Valor" were awarded to soldiers of the German-Spanish Combined Corps, both living and dead.
As German journalists took the lead in using it, the term "Blitzkrieg" was also reported by journalists from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Mexico, Austria, Denmark... and many other countries.
Large numbers of People's Guard soldiers lined up and were repeatedly photographed and recorded by the "Pro-National Army Newspaper" arranged by Franco in advance.
With Reinhard's gracious consent, those escorting Republican prisoners of war in the photo were all German armorers of the Spanish National Army. There was not a single German in the photo, which greatly satisfied Franco's face.
.
"This group of trash who pretends to be powerful really brings shame to us Spaniards." A Republican Army lieutenant who was being escorted to the central square for a publicity photo said scornfully: "If it weren't for the Germans, how could they defeat us so easily."
"Come on, a week ago, you were the one who laughed at the Germans the most. At that time, you swore that the Germans were all cowards." A Republican Army captain shook his head.
"Then... at that time, who would have thought that the Germans would be so capable of fighting?" the lieutenant continued to quibble.
"Quiet!" A second lieutenant wearing a gray-green uniform exclusive to Spanish German armorers interrupted the prisoners of war's discussion and shouted loudly: "It's time to take pictures, don't give me any trouble. When you get to the square, stand up quickly.
The men stand on the right, the women go to the left, and grab a gun and stand in the middle."
Soon, the queue of prisoners of war who did not want to die became quiet.
…………
Germany, Chancellery in Berlin.
Reinhard warmly received the Italian Foreign Minister Count Ciano, Mussolini's son-in-law, who came from afar.
Ciano, who rushed to Germany in a hurry, did not mince words. He clarified his intention as soon as he saw Reinhardt: "Presumably Mr. Prime Minister has heard about the war in Spain."
Although Ciano spoke standard German, Reinhardt, who had not heard anyone call him Prime Minister for a long time, did not react for a while.
In Germany, due to the hard propaganda of the Gestapo under Ross and the consensus of the top management, almost everyone is downplaying the title of Reinhardt as chancellor and using the title of head of state instead.
"Mr. Prime Minister?" Ciano called again.
"Oh oh oh!" Reinhardt reacted only after a second or two: "I'm listening, you tell me."
Ciano, who looked a little confused, had no choice but to say it again: "Our Italian leader, Mr. Mussolini, asked me to come to Germany to communicate with your country about the war in Spain."
As soon as he heard about Spain, Reinhard immediately said with pride and complacency: "The war in Spain? Well, actually that's nothing. Who made our German army so capable? Besides, General Franco hasn't even come to thank him yet, so Musso
Don't be too hasty to thank us, Mr. Rini."
Thanks?! Ciano snorted coldly. It seemed that the other party was not clear about his purpose of coming: "As far as I know, your Major General Rommel sat back and enjoyed the success and did not move. He waited until the Italian Expeditionary Force attracted the main force of the Republican Army to move north before sending troops.
Madrid, steal the fruits of victory of the Italian Expeditionary Force. Shouldn’t your country give us an explanation?”
After hearing this, Reinhard realized that the Italian leader had a short-circuit in his brain again, and he actually came to trouble Germany at this time.
"Explanation?" Reinhardt pretended to be confused: "We worked hard to help our Italian friends pick up the fruits of victory. What do you want to say?"
Ciano frowned and said: "I mean, the German army stole the fruits of victory that originally belonged to the Italian Expeditionary Force, and we didn't ask your team for help."
"Then? How about I ask that bastard Rommel to return the fruit to you." Reinhardt pretended to share the same hatred with his Italian friends: "To be honest, I have long seen that grandson is dissatisfied. Don't worry, there is
I'll beat him up for you when I get the chance."
Ciano was dumbfounded by Reinhardt's ability to change the subject, but he didn't come here just to watch Reinhardt act stupid.
"Mr. Prime Minister!" Ciano said angrily: "Please answer my question seriously! The Italian government believes that the actions of the German Expeditionary Force have caused far-reaching adverse effects, and it is necessary for your government to compensate!"
The fox's tail was finally exposed, and Reinhard sneered. It seemed that Italy's request for explanation was false, and "compensation" was the real purpose.
"Tell me, what kind of compensation do you want?" Reinhard said with a smile on his face: "If you have any requests, feel free to make them, but I won't agree to them."
"What did you say?!" Ciano asked in disbelief.
"I didn't say anything." Reinhard said in a rogue manner.
Ciano stared angrily into Reinhard's eyes, raised his voice and said, "You just said that you would not agree to any of Italy's demands."
"Yes." Reinhard nodded seriously, showed an approving smile, and confirmed Ciano's completely correct answer: "Didn't you hear everything clearly? Why are you still asking me?"
"You...!" Ciano was so angry that he could only say half of what he said.
"Forget it! Let's stop beating around the bush. If Italy likes any equipment from Germany, just tell me directly. We are all allies, and I won't deny it." Reinhard put away his smile and became serious.
He waved his hand.
It seems that the other party is still a leader who understands the righteousness, but he only accepts softness rather than hardness. Ciano secretly defined Reinhardt in his heart.
Unfortunately, Ciano's father-in-law was not a generous master. Before departure, Mussolini just stubbornly asked Ciano to get at least 100 German tanks as compensation. In addition,
In addition, Mussolini showed no sign of paying any benefit.
"Free!?" Reinhardt was shocked by Ciano's next words: "Why doesn't Mussolini ask us to pay him in return?"
Ciano also knew that Mussolini's request was a bit excessive, so he embarrassedly stretched out his hand to shake Reinhardt's hand: "Mr. Prime Minister, I will go back to discuss with the leader. Please..."
"Then you go back and discuss it." Reinhard turned around and left, ignoring Ciano's right hand that he extended, and left without any grace, cursing in a very unclean manner.
