It can be said that Poland's military operation inadvertently helped Reinhardt a big favor.
Under the threat of Poland, the fifth military power in Europe with nearly 800,000 troops and more than 600 fighter planes, the Czechoslovak government quickly collapsed, and Germany was able to annex the entire territory of Czechoslovakia in the name of protection.
The German troops of only 5 divisions marched straight in without any resistance from the Czech army, and quickly occupied the major towns in Czechoslovakia as if they were entering uninhabited territory.
What is even more gratifying is that the image of the German army during this trip was not that of an invader, but that of a protector. Under the shameless threat from Poland, the kind and noble German government selflessly sent troops to protect the people of Czechoslovakia from Polish enslavement.
Although anyone with a discerning eye knows that the German government's calculations are not very glorious, on the surface, Germany has indeed not done anything that violates international norms.
Although Germany had a stalemate with the Czechoslovak government over the Sudetenland issue, it was Germany's lost homeland after all, and it was a region dominated by Germans.
The Germans just took back their past territories, and even though their methods were a bit tough, they were still excusable after all.
Besides, Reinhard, the head of state of Germany, did not act arbitrarily. Germany's actions were based on the opinions of mainstream European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain.
On the contrary, in Poland, France's Eastern European ally, he made a private decision to send troops to Czechoslovakia, and signed a treaty with the Czech government on his own behind the back of his allies.
Later, regardless of the opinions of the French government, it forcibly launched war mobilization in an attempt to trigger another large-scale war on the European continent.
It was Poland's short-sighted behavior that directly led to Reinhardt, who was good at manipulating the situation, to his advantage. He crossed the "Little Maginot Line" that Czechoslovakia had spent a lot of money to build without any blood, and occupied it with only 5 divisions of troops.
Czechoslovakia with 40 standing divisions.
In the Reichstag Residence in Berlin, Germany, Reinhardt was celebrating the successful merger.
"My respected head of state, after this merger operation, you have once again demonstrated your foresight to the German people. In this battle, we won the most glorious victory in German history with the smallest loss in history."
As a military Junker noble promoted by Reinhard, Manstein made no secret of his respect and admiration for the Führer.
Being praised by the strategic master he most admired greatly satisfied Reinhard's vanity. He smiled modestly and said politely: "It's nothing, I just accomplished some things that were logical.
It's not worth mentioning, it's not worth mentioning..."
Although Reinhard meant that he had accomplished something that had happened before in history, so the process was a smooth process. However, to Manstein, the meaning of these words was completely different.
The two merger operations gave Germany nearly 10 million more people and added a total of 82 well-trained army divisions to the army that were not restricted by the Treaty of Versailles. If such achievements are not worth mentioning, then there are
What is worth mentioning!?
"Führer, I participated in the last world war. At that time, we lost millions of outstanding soldiers, but what we gained was the loss of 30% of the country and a heavy indemnity treaty. And our army also
At that time, it began to be unreasonably restricted by foreign countries." After saying these words, Manstein said with emotion from the bottom of his heart: "I once pessimistically thought that Germany had fallen into a desperate situation and would not be able to get up in a hundred years.
Until, I met you..."
Seeing Manstein, who followed Reinhard later than him, praising the president one after another, SS Chief of Staff Steve, who knew that Reinhard liked to hear such words, quickly seized the opportunity to speak:
"Yes, the head of state led Germany out of despair. Such achievements are comparable to Emperor Barbarossa!"
Barbarossa!? Reinhard's heart tightened when he heard the name. The term reminded him of the "Operation Barbarossa" in history that brought Germany to its knees.
And in this life, even if Germany will not take the initiative to attack. When the Soviet Union launches the "Thunderstorm" offensive, Germany will still have to fight against the terrifyingly large Soviet army. As a result, Germany, which seems to be prospering now, is still far from enough.
.
Seeing Reinhardt frown slightly, Steve thought he had some unknown taboo against the name Barbarossa, and it felt like he was flattering the horse on the leg.
After clearing his throat, Steve quickly turned the topic back to business and said in a serious tone: "After this merger, we received a large number of Czechoslovak-style equipment, but you, the head of state, have always emphasized the need to simplify logistics. If
The installation of these weapons by the Wehrmacht is likely to have a great impact on the army's logistical supplies. Therefore, I suggest that these weapons and equipment that are not commonly used in our country should be given to the SS as a reserve force. Since most of the SS will stay in the rear
, This can also greatly reduce the logistical pressure on frontline troops."
Regarding Steve's "fair and selfless" proposal, Reinhard smiled and said nothing and asked the confidential secretary to record it.
"After taking over the entire army of Czechoslovakia, including the Austrian army we merged before, the military strength of our Greater German Empire has now doubled. Within 3 months, we can use these well-trained troops to reorganize
At least 55 divisions will be deployed. Counting the troops we already have, the German Wehrmacht will have a huge army with a total strength of more than 800,000. In terms of the number of troops, we have reached the same level as the Polish Army." Defense Minister Shi Shi
Reicher objectively reported on Germany's current military strength.
After listening to Steve and Schleicher's introduction, Air Force Commander Catherine, who had long been Reinhard's confidant, also reported the good news: "The Air Force is now equipped with 85 Messerschmitt 109E fighter jets. According to us.
Based on the combat experience in Spain, the performance of this fighter has already reached the world's leading level with the existing tactics of the Air Force. Coupled with the additional fighters from Austria and Czechoslovakia, our number of fighters now exceeds 750, and we have
The confidence to fight with the air force of any major European power."
There is a reason for Catherine's confidence. Thirteen years ago, behind the backs of Britain, France and other countries, Reinhard secretly sent Catherine, who had joined his camp at that time, to the Soviet Union. From that time on, the seeds of the Luftwaffe began to develop secretly.
.
10 years of hiding in Tibet, 10 years of boring training. Those energetic young men back then have now grown into the backbone veterans of the German Air Force.
When the German Air Force first put its skills to the test in the skies over Spain, this formidable force was immediately proven brilliantly.
The sharp blade is unsheathed and unstoppable!
If the German Air Force when it first fought in Spain only had the strength and numbers to ensure local air supremacy, then the new German Air Force, which now supplements the huge base of the Austrian Air Force and the Czechoslovak Air Force, will have the confidence and strength to crush any enemy.
Looking at Catherine who was triumphant in the spring breeze, Reinhard waved his hand gently in relief, motioning for his confidant to sit down. Then he stood up from his seat and said: "Since the situation is already very good, there is no reason for us to repeat the same situation as before.
World War I is a mistake. I give you one year to digest the newly received troops as soon as possible and train our army to be stronger. One year later, I hope that the German army can become the best in the world.
Elite, destroy any enemy who tries to destabilize us."
"Yes! Long live the Führer!" All the generals quickly stood up and solemnly raised their right arms to salute Reinhardt. Among them, Navy Commander Raeder, who remained silent throughout the meeting, was the most embarrassed.