The German Peace

by Derek Pennington

  Over the next fifteen minutes he answered various questions on details, and replied to comments made. It was noted that Goering said nothing.

  It was agreed to exchange ambassadors with China. Their request for military aid would be given serious and urgent consideration. The threat of a communist China must be taken seriously.

  Germany had had good relations with China prior to 1937. It had been co-operation between the two countries that helped with the modernisation of China’s industry and armed forces. This was in return for the supply of raw materials by way of a barter agreement, similar to the way they were now doing business. Indeed, in 1936 China was briefly the third largest trading partner with Germany.

  On the outbreak of the war between China and Japan in July 1937, Adolf Hitler chose Japan. He saw Japan as more militarily capable and hence more desirable as an ally against the Soviet Union. Despite this, there was still contact between Germany and China, with elements on both sides wishing to resume co-operation. This was now happening.

  The Minister of Economics now spoke. He commented on the ongoing financial stability of Germany now that there was no war, and no massive rearmament program making great demands on the economy. He was satisfied with the progress being made.

  A minor point he made was the establishment of a bank specifically to provide finance to small businesses on more favourable terms than the normal banks. Small businesses were a big factor in job creation. This bank would also look sympathetically at viable business applications from citizens previously wrongly interned in the camps. The Jews had lost much under the Nazis. The new German government had a duty to make amends.

  He was followed by the Interior Minister. As always his report was factual and brief. There were still problems in certain areas under his jurisdiction but good progress was being made on all fronts. He had, however, finally found two prospective candidates that he considered ideally suited for the positions of Justice Minister and Minister for Food and Agriculture. He had prepared detailed analysis’ of these individuals for the Council’s consideration.

  Of minor interest to the Council at this stage was Speer’s short report on nuclear fission. A nuclear programme had been started in 1940, only months after the discovery of nuclear fission by German scientists in December 1939. It had, however, eventually been assessed by the previous regime that it could not make any significant contribution in the near term towards fighting the war in Europe that was then current.

  The number of scientists working on applied nuclear fission then began to diminish. The army relinquished control to the Interior Ministry in September 1940, on the basis of nuclear fission being considered only for future potential energy production. Speer recognised its potential and now wanted to expand the programme.

  This was approved.

  Now it was the turn of the Minister of defence.

  The reorganisation of the navy had been discussed and agreed at previous meetings. There was nothing over-complicated here that warranted the Council’s attention.

  There was nothing much new to report on the army either, other than that several designs for a new standard automatic rifle were expected to be available for field testing in the next few weeks. If the tests were satisfactory, one of the designs would be used to re-equip the German army. The current bolt action rifle was an old design, and although it had given great service over the years, it was time to move on.

  The Luftwaffe was next on the agenda. Whenever von Brauchitsch spoke about the Luftwaffe he inevitably attracted comments from Goering. As a previous Aviation Minister – and Great War pilot – the Field Marshall imagined himself to be an expert on all things involving aircraft. In fact his record told a very different story.

  Von Brauchitsch informed the Council that the review of the Luftwaffe was now complete. The main points were that the well proven Messerschmitt ME109 would continue to be the main fighter aircraft for a maximum of the next two years. This machine would be subject to continual upgrading during this period, but at the same time, production of new machines would be scaled back.

  The aim was to replace it with a jet powered fighter in about two years. The plans for this aircraft, the ME262, were first drawn up in April 1939 and development was now being given priority. He did not mention it, but this was the same aircraft that Goering had cut back on development only the previous February.

  The same plan was to be adopted for the Junkers JU88 bomber. Tenders will be invited from the aviation industry for designs of a jet powered high speed medium bomber/reconnaissance aircraft which would eventually replace the piston engine Junkers.

  The current transport aircraft, the Junkers JU52, would remain in service as the workhorse of the Luftwaffe for the immediate future. Replacement for this was not a priority.

  All Dornier and Heinkel aircraft currently operational were to be withdrawn from service immediately. They were considered to be inadequate for the Luftwaffe’s current needs, let alone future demands.

  The remaining various makes and models would be relegated for training and gradually phased out and sold or scrapped.

  Lastly. Two items considered to be of great future importance.

  Germany’s rocket research centre, under the direction of the brilliant Professor Werner von Braun, was to be significantly expanded and given further funding, with the aim of developing rockets as weapons. Perhaps the weapons of the future.

  Von Braun was only twenty eight years old. He was effectively in charge of the team of scientists engaged in the military development of rockets at a large, dedicated facility built at Peenemunde, on a remote stretch of northern Germany’s Baltic coast. Von Braun’s own personal dream was space travel. He already had long term plans for a manned flight to the moon. His vision knew no bounds.

  A related subject to the rocket research was the development of ‘stand-off bombs’ by the Luftwaffe. The previous year a ‘radio guided glide bomb’ known as ‘Fritz-X’, had been successfully tested. This weapon allowed an aircraft to release it towards a target, probably a ship, at a distance that enabled the aircraft to stay out of range of anti-aircraft fire. There were still problems to be ironed out, but its potential was exciting.

  A similar concept had also been initiated earlier this year by a private aircraft manufacturer, Henschel. Their particular design, however, was to be rocket powered.

  The military benefits of such weapons to Germany were obvious.

  Surprisingly, Goering had no comments. He had been a complete failure as Aviation Minister.

  As von Brauchitsch was nearing the end of his report an envelope had been delivered to Speer. He briefly scanned its contents then gave a slight nod to the General.

  Twenty minutes later von Brauchitsch had finished. There had been interested questions about jet aircraft and rockets, which he had answered to the best of his ability. He noticed Goering was preparing to collect his papers and make ready to depart.

  He spoke. “There is one more important item we have to discuss here today”. Goering relaxed in his seat. Speer handed to von Brauchtisch the document that had been delivered a few minutes earlier. He quickly scanned it, and kept it in his hand.

  The General stared at the document for another minute, and then moved his chair slightly to face Goering. He spoke formally but did not mince his words. “Field Marshall Goering, you are plotting a coup.”

  All the Council members watched the Field Marshall with hard merciless expressions.

  Shock was written all over Goering’s face at the blunt accusation. Shock followed by guilt. He had been caught out.

  His first reaction was bluster. His protestations that he had no idea what the General was talking about were followed by vehement denials. He was perspiring freely. When he finally stopped ranting, von Brauchitsch spoke again.

  “This morning, starting from the time of your arrival here, the police have rounded up eighty five of your accomplices. Their names are on this document. Some of them are already singing like cana
ries.” This last claim was bluff to see what reaction it drew. “The army is on alert and ready to deal with your SS soldiers.”

  A pause to let Goering squirm. Then, “Why, Hermann?”

  Goering seemed to collapse within himself. He stared at the table and papers in front of him. Not a word was spoken. All were waiting for the traitor to say something. The perspiration was pouring down his face and the collar of his beautifully tailored silk uniform was dark with sweat. Finally he looked up.

  “I wanted to be Fuhrer.”

  A simple statement that said it all.

  The others just stared at him in silence.

  “After Hitler’s death I was the obvious choice to lead Germany. For twenty years I had followed the man. I understood his aims and ideals. I knew everything about running our country and its armed forces. Instead, all I am is a figurehead for this Council. A spokesman. I deserve better.” He said bitterly.

  He had admitted the charge. There was no point in prolonging the agony, von Brauchitsch thought.

  “Very well. I am sorry it has come to this, Hermann. We now have to decide what is best for Germany. You will be confined to your home at Carinhall until further notice. Obviously we will have to place you under the protection of the army, but we will let it be known that it is a precaution against any attempt on your life by the newly discovered Nazi plotters. Do you understand?”

  Goering understood. He was starting to think that he might just survive this catastrophe. Under the Nazi regime he would have been hauled off, interrogated brutally, and then shot. He knew this Governing Council did not operate that way.

  “I understand.”

  “In the circumstances you will have no objection if your car is escorted by army vehicles when you leave.”

  Goering nodded meekly.

  “Then you are finished here. We will let you know how this is to be handled in the next day or two. Under no circumstances are you to contact anyone. Am I quite clear?”

  Again Goering just nodded.

  The General now said coldly. “You are dismissed.”

  The deflated Luftwaffe Field Marshall slowly rose from his seat and left the room without saying another word. He did not even collect his working papers from the table. All noticed the dark sweat stains on his ample back and behind.

  Von Brauchitsch slumped back in his seat. He looked defeated. Distressed. All was quiet while he pulled himself together. Then he began to speak.

  “Gentlemen. This has been a most unfortunate turn of events. I am not sure how we, and more importantly, Germany, will appear in the eyes of the world when this plot becomes public knowledge. Are we ever going to escape the curse of Nazism? What will our own citizens think? I am optimistic that reason will prevail, but I find the whole thing quite depressing.” He paused.

  “I have something to say to you.” He searched for the right words.

  “Hermann Goering is a dangerous man. The knowledge that he carries inside his head could tear Germany apart should he ever talk freely. The progress we have made in the past months would all be undone. He cannot be allowed to stand trial for treason.

  For this reason, and with great reluctance, I took it upon myself to make arrangements that the Field Marshall does not live out this day. It is a shameful action, but one that had to be done. I could not discuss it with yourselves as I did not want you to be burdened by it. I alone take full responsibility.

  I accordingly have no alternative but to tender my resignation to this council.”

  This was greeted with shocked silence as the thunderbolt sunk in.

  Amazingly the first member of the Council to recover was the dour old Economics Minister, Hjalmar Schacht. He stiffly levered himself out of his seat, walked around to von Brauchitsch, and grasped his hand, his other hand he placed on the General’s shoulder.

  “I gladly share your burden.” He maintained his handshake in this unprecedented show of solidarity. “Everything you have said is true. Goering is a traitor and under any other circumstances would have been brought to trial. His guilt is undoubted, indeed he has admitted it. He would have received the death sentence, and rightly so. Nothing less would have been acceptable. Your actions will save Germany much pain. Please accept my humble thanks for taking this matter upon yourself.”

  He looked von Brauchitsch in the eye. “I think I speak for all my colleagues here when I say that we are all in agreement with your handling of this. It was the only way. We all take collective responsibility.

  Please General, I beg you not to resign from this Council. You have led us in an exemplary fashion. Germany owes you a great debt. Our work has only just begun. Without you it would be a lot more difficult. Please stay with us.”

  Immediately the rest of the Council were on their feet. They all shook the General’s hand, General Beck even embraced him. They were unanimous, they all agreed with his course of action and there was no need for regret. He was needed. There was still much to be done before the Council could consider handing over the reins of government to any alternative.

  Von Brauchitsch was overwhelmed at the depth of feeling displayed by his fellow Council members. It made all the worries and hard work of recent months worthwhile. Some of the weight was lifted from his shoulders.

  “Thank you gentlemen. Thank you friends, if I may call you that. As much as I dislike being a politician, I humbly agree to continue to serve. I am honoured that you so wish it.”

  Everyone was relieved.

  Goering’s car exited the Reich Chancellery building and was immediately sandwiched between two military vehicles. The first drove about forty metres in front of him, and the second stayed the same distance behind. Another civilian car trailed somewhere behind them.

  Goering was thinking furiously. He had to escape from Carinhall quickly. He had established some good contacts in Italy, not least being Mussolini himself. Relations between the unrepentant fascist Mussolini, and Germany’s new regime had deteriorated into cold formality. He was sure that with all the secrets and information he had in his head, he would be welcomed with open arms.

  He had more than sufficient cash and assets stashed away in Switzerland to live comfortably for the rest of his life. His wife could follow later. There was no way those self-righteous liberals in the Governing Council would take reprisals against family members.

  He started to plan with his two henchmen. The same two who had killed Hitler. He would come out on top of this setback!

  They had left the suburbs of Berlin behind when his beautiful Mercedes blew up. All three occupants were incinerated.

  The military vehicles and their occupants escaped serious damage although the rear one sheared off the road in an effort to avoid the conflagration. Another civilian car screeched to halt behind it and its frightened driver jumped out. He looked at the carnage with fear written on his face. He was quickly chased away by the officer in charge of the army unit.

  As he drove back to Berlin, the Abwehr agent congratulated himself on a job well done.

  The news of the Nazi plot and their apparent assassination of the President of the Governing Council was released that evening over the radio by the Interior Minister. Speer later held a press conference. The uncovering of the plot by the police was praised and held up as an example of the efficient working of the new police policy. Speer would take the credit for this on behalf of the Governing Council.

  His statement explained that, on being made aware of the plot, the army had provided extra guard units to the Governing Council members, but despite this, the plotters had managed to penetrate the President’s security. Field Marshall Goering had been a tireless worker for Germany for many, many, years. He would be greatly missed.

  Speer was a very straightforward person. He was a super-manager. A grand administrator, rather than a politician. Although he managed the radio broadcast and press conference extremely well, he hated every minute that he had to spout lies about the departed Goering. Lies, damned lies. Just like a polit
ician!

  The German public accepted that they had been saved from reverting back into a warmongering totalitarian Nazi state. The death of Hermann Goering created no outburst of hysteria or national mourning. In the minds of many he was the last of the old discredited regime. At Goering’s own request, according to a document newly discovered at his home, he was not given a state funeral.

  The Governing Council heaved a collective sigh of relief that everything had gone smoothly.

  The trial of the Nazi plotters was due to begin the following month.

  NOVEMBER

  Jamie MacLellan finished his latest personal report to the President.

  Dear Mr President