Chapter 247: Stauffenberg and Matsuoka
"I believe that the incident happened this time is not what the Japanese government wants to see. The head of state is satisfied with the position held by the Prime Minister of the Guards. At the same time, he asked me to ask the Foreign Minister to convey his greetings and thanks to Prime Minister Kunoe (Koye)." After saying that, Stauffenberg took out an envelope from his briefcase.
"This is a handwritten letter from the Head of State. I hope you can pass it to Prime Minister Kunoe."
"Hi! This is my honor, Lord Earl." Matsuoka stretched out his hands with a solemn expression and took the envelope from Stauffenberg.
This attitude of the foreign minister was not only due to his respect for the German head of state, but also because of the identity of the German major as the earl.
After the Meiji Restoration in Japan, although the ancient rank system of ministers was still preserved, it also began to use European aristocratic titles to divide the ranks of new and old aristocrats. In Japan, the title of Count is quite noble, and it is generally only given to members of the royal family who have left the imperial family, as well as ministers of the court who served as ministers of the court who had been above the middle-class vassals, or the vassal lords of medium-sized vassals, and the meritorious officials of the reformists who established special merits during the Reform Revolution. The titles of princes above this depend entirely on qualifications and bloodlines. It is not the royal family, the vassal, the vassal name, the Imperial family directly belonging to relatives or foreign vassals and royal families, and outsiders do not think of it.
Matsuoka had previously specifically investigated Major Stauffenberg's identity and background and learned that the other party was from the oldest aristocratic family in Bavaria, which of course would make the foreign minister respect the other party.
Stauffenberg wore a brand new army dress today, which was customized in the French Concession fashion store after he arrived in Shanghai. Because he was on a bv222 seaplane when he rushed to Shanghai, he did not carry too much private luggage. The Count's only army dress made his Vietnamese servant accidentally forget in his dormitory in Hanoi. After the Count transferred to the German General Command in Hanoi, he hired a Vietnamese servant in the local area to take care of his daily life. This is very common in French Indochina. The officers of the French colonial army hired a group of Annan servants at their homes.
Stauffenberg was not the kind of poor European aristocrat who had lost his family business. He never worried about economic problems. The price of customized clothing in the French concession fashion store was not cheap. From regular clothes to dresses, they all required the best fabrics, and at the same time indicated that the best skilled tailor should be used to make it. As a result, the Count customized five sets in one go.
Now Stauffenberg's shoulders were wearing the rank of major made of silver thread. At the same time, his loyalty to the head of the empire has been raised. In order to complete the tasks assigned to him by the head of state, he could contribute everything he had without hesitation.
"About the criminal handover" Matsuoka handed the envelope to the secretary behind him, and then took a thick folder from the other party.
"We still have some questions to clarify." Matsuoka placed the folder on the dining table.
"These people on the list are now detained in the Shanghai Japanese Gendarmerie Command, but several of them can be confirmed to be red elements. The gendarmerie has obtained their confession of confession. In view of the anti-Communist International Agreement signed by Japan and Du Yizhi, Matsuoka said with a finger pointing at the cover page of the folder.
"That agreement has actually expired automatically. Is my memory right? Mr. Foreign Minister." Stauffenberg raised his hand and stopped Matsuoka.
As a Japanese-German anti-communist agreement signed against the Soviet Union, it clearly stated that neither party of the contracting party shall sign any political treaty with the Soviet Union alone. However, just three years later, this content was torn apart by Hitler. Germany and the Soviet Union signed the "Soviet-German Non-aggression Treaty" and left Japan alone on the kang. This incident also triggered the resignation of the Hiranus Cabinet General at that time.
"Yes, your memory is indeed correct, but in my personal opinion, the interests of the Great Japanese Empire and the Great Du Yizhi Empire are similar on many international issues. Perhaps there were some unpleasant events between the two countries before, but the Japanese Empire's friendship with the Imperial Republic has not changed at all. If you visit Japan this time, I believe you will feel the inner enthusiasm of the Japanese people. Therefore, Earl, even if this treaty has expired, in the eyes of the imperial government, the Imperial Kingdom is still the most reliable ally of the Great Japanese Empire." Speaking of this, Matsuoka Yoyu bowed slightly and lowered his head.
Matsuoka was once a firm alliance. He firmly believed that if Japan wanted to conquer Asia, it must join hands with Germany, Italy and even the Soviet Union to unite against a powerful alliance formed by Britain, the United States and other powers.
However, the situation of the whole world has undergone tremendous changes at this moment. The old powers such as Britain and France have been defeated by the powerful Germany, but the situation facing the Japanese Empire is becoming even more sinister.
Today, Japan not only has to face the threat from the Northern Soviet Union, but also has to face the increasing pressure from the United States across the ocean. The covetousness of the southern colonies by the army and the navy may lead to a terrible counterattack from the new European Union led by Germany. It is the largest and most complex alliance of countries that have appeared in European history after the anti-Napoleon alliance, which almost encompasses all the old European powers. In Matsuoka's opinion, it is simply a suicide act.
However, although Matsuoka is a foreign minister, he lacks strong allies in the cabinet, which can be said to be alone. Perhaps Moon-ji Konoe can understand his concerns, but facing the aggressive warlords, even the Prime Minister is powerless to do anything about it.
The army and the navy are fully preparing for the southward advance plan. This war will break out no matter what. Now the only way to save Japan is to establish a military alliance with Germany. As long as Germany nods to agree with Japan's plan to control Asia, those Asian colonies will no longer be a problem that troubles Japan. Only by gathering resources from the entire Southeast Asia and challenging the United States' Pacific maritime rights can it be truly possible.
In any case, we must form an alliance with the independent country. No matter how difficult and harsh the conditions are, we must find ways to meet the other side. This is the policy established by Matsuoka for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Matsuoka already has this awareness. Even if he is misunderstood by the Chinese people as a traitor, or even if he is assassinated by a certain deer one day, as long as His Majesty the Emperor and the Prime Minister of the Guards can understand his painstaking efforts, Matsuoka Yoyou is willing to smile at Kudansaka with a smile to bless the imperial country's long-term martial fortune.
"I understand. I appreciate your friendly view of the Great German Empire. This will be very important for the future development of relations between Germany and Japan. I will attach what you just said in my private report to the head of state. I believe he will be very happy." Stauffenberg brushed his right hand across his clothes, and the first-class iron cross logo beside the button was as bloody as blood.
The count revealed an important information to Matsuoka in his words. He had the power to submit reports to the German head of state independently. In other words, it would be called Jane Zaiting. Facing the thriving face of Stauffenberg, Matsuoka Yoyou's gaze became more eager. He immediately made a decision and at all costs, he had to find a way to get on the opposite line.
"Thank you very much, Earl, as for the people you need on your list," Matsuoka paused slightly and pushed the folder towards Stauffenberg.
"Please make an appointment here for a time, and I promise to hand them all over to you."
"These are people who are asked by Berlin. I hope that there will be no injuries before they receive investigations from the Security Bureau." Stauffenberg raised his hand and opened the first page. It was an identity registration form, and there were also a paper clip on the corner with a few black and white photos.
"I can guarantee that when handing over, all prisoners will be healthy, and may be slightly hurt, but it will definitely not be fatal." Matsuoka said confidently.
"I have never doubted your commitment, Mr. Foreign Minister." Stauffenberg smiled and closed the folder.
"The operation on No. 76 is almost over now." The count raised his wrist and looked at the time.
"I have told Lieutenant Colonel Sifang that he will send someone to report the war to me at any time." Matsuoka raised his hand, and immediately a captain officer came forward.
"Our army and the friendly forces of the independent country have now captured headquarters No. 76 and are currently in internal firefighting." The captain reported in Japanese.
"Is the resistance received very fierce?" Matsuoka was a little surprised.
"Yes, Your Excellency. These people are all outlaws. They occupied the main building No. 76 to resist stubbornly. The battle there is very fierce now." The captain nodded and replied.
ps: Thank you for your support, the author will continue to work hard,
Chapter completed!