World War II Three: Chronicle of the European Theater

Author: Tang Xiansheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: How tragic it is! As the saying goes: "A man does not weep without sorrow, and a true man does not shed tears lightly." At this moment, Lord Chamberlain, the Prime Minister and already 69 years old, could not help but shed a few bitter tears like an ordinary person. He felt deeply wronged. Since becoming Prime Minister, he had devoted immense effort and traveled tirelessly to handle the complex domestic affairs, intricate international diplomacy, and the turbulent world both within and without. He believed that the phrase "dedicating oneself to governance and managing countless matters daily" adequately summarized his hard work. Especially at a critical time when Nazi Germany's leader, Hitler, insisted on dominating Europe and constantly provoked wars with neighboring countries, it was he—Prime Minister of Great Britain, Lord Chamberlain—who tirelessly negotiated and ultimately signed an agreement to resolve the dispute peacefully in Munich, Germany. Although the agreement relied on compromise and sacrificed the territory of Czechoslovakia, it was still hailed as "bringing hope of peace to Britain and the entire Europe," and perhaps it was "peace for a generation." Throughout this international dispute, he consistently upheld the interests of the British Empire and played the role of a peace envoy. Could there be anything more to criticize? However, precisely because of his actions on the Munich issue and on several domestic policies of the government, he faced severe criticism from (cabinet ministers) and public opinion. Among those who criticized him most harshly was the always sharp-tongued and eager-to-act First Lord of the Admiralty—Winston Churchill. He certainly knew Churchill's background. That man, born into a noble family, was elected as a Conservative Party member of the British Parliament in 1900 and later held numerous key positions in the British government, including Vice-Minister of Colonies, Minister of the Admiralty, Minister of Munitions, Minister of Air, Minister of (Army Minister), and Minister of Finance, among others. "If only I had known then, why did I do it in the first place!" Regret! Nothing could have made him regret more than the fact that during the formation of this government, he had inexplicably included Churchill, that die-hard opponent, in the cabinet, appointing him as the First Lord of the Admiralty. Over the years, it was that Churchill, that bastard! Who constantly opposed the Conservative Party's policies, principles, and guidelines. On issues of free trade, India, foreign policy, and war preparedness, he was the main opponent! On the Munich issue, it was again him who strongly criticized the Prime Minister's weakness, compromise, and incompetence! It seemed that he was dissatisfied with history, the present, everything around him, the entire British Empire, and even the entire world, always complaining. Look at his arrogant demeanor during debates in the House of Commons—"Why not strengthen military preparedness?" "Why recognize Mussolini's occupation of Ethiopia?" "Why allow Hitler to annex Austria?" "Why so vigorously promote the appeasement policy that indulged in the fascist aggression of Germany, Italy, and France?" On page 2, Ribbentrop felt a moment of discomfort but quickly calmed down and even put on a smiling face. He did not want this conflict to jeopardize the signed agreement they had achieved. Therefore, he said, "Marshal, I believe Italy and Japan have no great ambitions. You can rest assured. At least, our two countries—Germany and the Soviet