Claws of an Eagle
September 21, 1938 German diplomats and Czech diplomats tried to hammer out a deal of what was to become of the Sudetenland. Hitler wanted the land to be annexed into the greater Reich. While the Czechs, needless to say, wanted to hold onto it. This part of the country offered mountains, hilly terrain and heavy fortifications. If a conflict betweent the two nations was to erupt, Czechoslovakia needs the Sudetenland as a defensive barrier it is to survive.
But Hitler, and the High Command knew this as well. "We need that territory, if we are to go to war with Czechoslovakia in a later date those mountains will prove to be a nightmare" Hitler pointed out. His Generals listened, they knew this without Hitler needing mentioning it.
Guderian, the Inspector of the Panzer Arm spoke out "Yes Mein Fuhrer, I agree with you. But the Sudetenland is not worth entering a war with the Czechs and possibly the western powers. Our military is not ready to fight a war as of this time."
In the end, Hitler came to terms, and agreed that it is not worth going to war over the territory, but he did have an idea. "We don't have to go to war, but we can sure make the Czech Goverment think we are. Mobolize our forces and place them on alert. Mass our divisions at the border. Try not to hide the movement of the troops, so that they see what we are doing" Hitler continued "This way they will realize we mean bussiness, and maybe come to terms."
The Generals agreed, even though it was going to take time, the order was carried out. Over 50 divisions surrounded the Czech border. Ofcourse the Czech goverment took note of this, how coulnd't they.
Soon, the Czech goverment came to terms. They agreed to give up the Sudetenland to the Reich. The Czech president Benes sent the telegram personally to Hitler, confirming the deal. At the end of the letter it read "This act shall not go unpunished. We all know what your actions and what you are realling doing. Just remember, what ever happens now, will have consequences later. It will cost you, and you will ask yourself if, is all this really worth it? Just remember my words'
With this, the Sudetenland became part of the Greater German Reich.
The territory gained.
German troops enter the Sudetenland.
So far, Hitler has been succesfull. Germany is regaining all her lost territory that she lost after WWI. So far, without a single shot being fired, whitout a single German soldier loosing his life.
The people were happy as well. They once more felt proud. But now, some worried. How far is Hitler willing to go? What is next? Hitler has publicly statated his intentions. He wants to return, all 'German' land into the Reich. But how far will let the Western powers let him go. When will they intervene, and say this is it, or will they? So far they haven't said a word.
A few months after the Sudetenland crisis, Hitler calls a meeting with the High Command. The topic is the expanding military and how it's progressing. He first turns to Guderian and ask for a report on tank development. "General Guderian, where do we stand with our tank arm?". Guderian responds without hesitation "Mein Fuhrer, Porshe has development a new light tank. The Pz-IIF, it's armed with a 20mm gun, and 14mm armor at the front. Personally, this tank is inedequett for our needs. We need a heavier tank." Showing signs of concern, Guderian goes further "Honestly, we should not produce anymore armor untill we have developed a new tank. Preferbly one with at least a 37mm gun. I'd prefer a 50mm, but 37mm will do if we have to."
Hitler, listening to guderian, and time to time writting down notes in his notebook waits for him to finnish. Then he stands and responds to Guderians comments "I agree with you General. However we need armor, even if it is inferior to our neighbors. We need to field a panzer arm now. So that we have troops fimiliar with tanks, and when we get new tanks, they will have no problem adapting. I have already orded Krupp to start developing a tank with a 37mm gun. So you will get your
medium tanks soon." Then he smiled and nodded. Guderian, somewhat satisfied sat down and kept quiet the rest of the meeting.
Next, Hitler ask for a report from the Kriegsmarine. Admiral Reader gives Hitler an update "Herr Hitler, the production of our Graz Zeppelin carriers is right on schedule. They will be complete at the end of the year." Hitler, with a smile on his face comments "How wonderfull, I can't wait to see these beauties for myself. And how is our submarine fleet?" Reader nods and continues "We will have 9 submarine fleets ready by the end of 1939 if they are on time. The Kriegsmarine has also ordered the construction of new Naval Bombers. I see them as a playing a crucial role in the future navy." Hitler interuprs, "You ordered Naval bombers? I didn't hear of this? When?" Reader, now a little nervous responds "Herr Hitler, I personally ordered this about a month ago". Hitler smiles and says "I know, the ordered passed my desk, and I am glad to see that my Generals have some initiative."
The almost complete Graf Zeppelin Carrier. Not visible is it's brother carrier, the Peter Strasser.
Now, Goering, without the Fuhrer even asking, presents his report on the Luftwaffe. "Mein Fuhrer, the Luftwaffe, has been equiped with the new fighter, BF-109F. Or what the flyboys like to call it,
Franz." Hitler, a little annoyed looks at Guderian sitting next to him, and rolls his eyes. Showing his annoyence with Goering. He continues without noticing the Fuhrers' aggrevation. "So far we field 900 Fighters, they are umatches by any other combat aircraft in the world." Goering bolsters proudly, with his head rasied and chest all puffed up. Then Hitler interupts "Great, great...thank you. Thanks for the meeting everyone. DISMISSED!"
Goering, shocked that the Fuhrer would just cut him off like that voices his thoughts to Hitler. "Mein Fuhrer, I was not done, I still had other things to..." Hitler interupts him again "Agh...you are so full of yourself Goering, and I don't mean that litteraly. Get a grip!" With this, Hitler turns around and walks out the meeting room. Goering is just left standing there speechless.
Out of the room, Hitler turns to Guderian and comments "I can't stand that man, Goering. He is such an imbocile. As soon as I can find another man for the job, Goering is gone." Guderian just nods, not knowing what to say.