"Tell me, how do you need me to cooperate?" Antonescu asked straight to the point as they were all sitting in the same car.
"It's not what we need you to do, but what do you want to do?" Leon turned sideways, looked at Antonescu sitting beside him with a smile and said: "I think, Minister of Military Affairs, you don't want to put Romania's
Leave your fate to your unreliable king."
Suddenly, there was a brief silence in the car.
Yes, Antonescu had long been dissatisfied with Carol II, and he had quietly begun to think about seizing power. However, before that, he had not yet made up his mind.
After all, his starting point is for the future of Romania, not just because of personal ambition. It can even be said that if Carol II is qualified for this position, Antonescu can restrain his ambitions and assist Carol II with peace of mind.
Roll II.
But the reality is that Carol II is not doing his job all day long. Even when the country's fundamental territory is invaded, he can remain indifferent. Antonescu absolutely cannot accept such a leader.
"You want me to directly force the king to abdicate and establish a military government?" Antonescu asked.
Regarding the advice given to the future leader of Romania, Reinhard had revealed it to him countless times. Therefore, Antonescu said everything smoothly.
"That's right." Seeing that the matter finally got to the point, Leon immediately cheered up and said seriously: "First of all, you can make a fuss about King Carol II's loss of territory and the abandonment of two provinces, and then resolutely oppose the king with great fanfare.
cede the two provinces of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the Soviet Union without any military resistance, and ask the king to authorize you to form a new government."
Is it okay to make a direct claim for power?
Antonescu himself was skeptical about this. After all, even if King Carol II agreed, other royal members would hinder it. The royal family would not allow Antonescu to compete for royal power.
But before Antonescu could speak, Leon immediately continued: "Of course, your king will probably arrest you on the advice of the royal family. However, don't worry, the Third Reich will soon use diplomatic intervention to force you to
The king of your country finally grants you full power to form a cabinet and helps you become the prime minister, effectively controlling the country's full power."
"Since the Soviet ambassador can easily force your king to cut off a large area of land, I, the German ambassador, can also assure you that no matter what you ask of your king, you must be allowed to take power!" When saying this, Leon's expression was very
He was so conceited that Antonescu could not be doubted.
If you think about it carefully, what the German ambassador said is indeed correct. If the king and the royal family were forced by the pressure from the Soviet Union and dared to agree to even the request to cede territory, then German pressure could also make them agree to the request to let them take power.
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In addition, Antonescu has been operating in the Romanian army for many years, and his voice is increasing day by day. How can the weak king Carol II and those stupid royal members be easily arrested and controlled?!
"Please continue." Antonescu said calmly.
It is undeniable that he has been tempted. With Germany's support, the chances of success are naturally incomparable to those of seizing power alone.
"Next, the Third Reich will invite Romania to officially join the Allied Powers group, and support you in purging the dissident forces in the country, and take control of the military and political power. Assist you in declaring Romania a military state according to the Italian system," abolishing the constitution and banning political parties.
Help you establish absolute dominance in the country."
Leon paused when he said this. After observing Antonescu's expression, he confirmed that the other party was indeed interested and then continued: "We will sign a 10-year Rhodes Economic Cooperation Agreement with you. According to the agreement, you will
The country will build roads to improve transportation, buy your products, and send German experts free of charge to help you manage various economic sectors in the country and revitalize Romania’s economy.”
As expected of a diplomat, it is clear that Germany must rely on the agreement to allow Romania to rebuild its transportation lines in the direction of selling its main economic products to Germany, and to accept German experts to manage various economic sectors of the country and control the lifeline of Romania's economy.
As a result, the story was slightly changed, and it turned out that Germany was helping Romania plan to build roads and revitalize the economy!
However, Antonescu was not in the mood to weigh the side content of Leon's words at this time. He was focused on how to plan a promising future for Romania.
Today, one-third of Romania's territory is about to be ceded to the Soviet Union, and the Soviet army is also stationing troops on the Soviet-Romanian border, planning to further control Romania.
France, which had been supporting Romania in its fight against the Soviet Union, had been overwhelmed by the armored torrent of the Third Reich. Their ally Belgium had surrendered, and the United Kingdom was busy withdrawing its troops. It can be said that France was unable to protect itself and was unable to continue to assist Romania in its anti-Soviet cause.
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Germany now at least shows its willingness to help Romania, and is a hundred times gentler than the Soviets, leaving enough dignity for Romania.
If you had to choose between the Soviet Union and Germany, even a fool would know who to choose.
For the survival of the country, Antonescu now has no choice but to play the German card. If he wants to try to lead the country through these chaotic and dangerous waters, he must find a ferry big enough.
The Third Reich was the largest, best and only ferry that Romania could find at this time!
"No matter what, I can only ask you for cooperation now." Antonescu said mockingly: "Fortunately, you took the initiative to find me, otherwise, Romania would really have to humbly ask Germany."
Antonescu was able to speak to this extent because, on the one hand, the conversation was private and there was no need to worry about the impact. On the other hand, he was indeed very grateful to the German government for providing help in times of need.
Giving help in times of need is always more favorable than adding icing on the cake, let alone now that Romania is about to reach desperation.
"I can guarantee that once Germany becomes the enemy of the Soviet Union, I will definitely lead Romania to participate in it and give the Soviets a big gift back." Antonescu secretly made up his mind, and when that day comes, he will be in Romania.
Prepare one million troops as a gift for the Soviet Union. Use these one million troops to take back everything that was taken away today!