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* * *

“Those Reds will launch an attack sooner or later.”

“Rather, we need to strike before the German Reds are ready and hit us first.”

“This is what they call a preemptive war.”

“Ah, let’s inform the Poles too. They probably want to play separately from Russia this time.”

“While Russia is distracted by the Yankees’ civil war, it would be nice to pull Russian influence out of Poland this time.”

“What about Austria? They could stab us from below.”

“Austrian intervention is a no-go. That Hitler guy—dangerous. He’s a superman who has unified the fragmented members of the divided dual empire under the banner of anti-communism. It’s not the old, easily dismantled multi-ethnic empire anymore; he’s tied it all together. Plus, he’s pro-Russian and eyeing Southern Germany. While the situation is dire, it is not the right time.”

“There’s even talk that if Goebbels is in the German Communist Party, then Hitler is in the Habsburgs.”

“Compared to the fractured state of the dual empire’s times, he’s worth something. He’s not an ordinary guy.”

“Honestly, it would be convenient if Austria and Germany could engage in a soul-crushing big match and beat each other senseless.”

“If that happens, Austria could easily call on Russia through mutual defense treaties at any time.”

“Even tied to America, considering the Russian population, Austria could use it to send forces to handle at least one frontline.”

“Then, involving Austria would be more toxic for us. In fact, Austria is a country that we will have to deal with someday. Just look at how Hitler has redirected his anger from past defeats towards Britain and France.”

“It could be battled with them at any time.”

“Though we can’t do anything about Austria or the Balkans, Poland will ultimately have no choice but to turn pro-British.”

“What would happen if we surround and attack from the lines of France, the Low Countries, and Poland?”

“Eventually, Communist Germany would fall apart overnight.”

“Trench warfare? How can a weaker Communist Germany withstand attacks from all sides without collapsing?”

“Even if it’s just an old lion, the British Empire encompasses the world, and crushing such Reds in Germany would be easy.”

“It seems too hasty, but wouldn’t a defensive war be better than an invasion?”

“Come on, Mosley. Look at the international scene objectively. The longer we delay, those Communist Germans will poison our colonies. Then, just like the Empress of Russia said, it’s the end.”

“What could Communist Germany be trusting to prepare for war?”

“They know that the British Empire’s strength lies in its colonies, and they’re planning to cripple us before we even engage.”

“We should resolve this beforehand.”

“Then we have to prepare the war budget.”

“Exactly.”

While the British prepared secretly to strike Germany, they also informed French Prime Minister Léon Blum.

“A preemptive strike against Germany.”

Léon Blum pondered the pros and cons carefully.

Apparently, the British already had a justification for war lined up.

Once France is ready, the Anglo-French allied forces would come crashing in one swift motion.

Let’s just hit them suddenly in the Low Countries and Alsace-Lorraine.

In practical terms, this is not entirely impossible.

Recently, with the Commune running rampant inside, using war as a means to unify the divided national sentiment might not be a bad idea.

Not a defensive war, but an offensive one.

It would be very different from the circumstances during the Great War when the German Empire threatened Paris; this time the French army, the strongest on the continent, would cross the Rhine.

Unlike in the original history, France did not install the Maginot Line but instead invested heavily in its military.

Germany could never imagine they’d be the first to be attacked.

If we exploit that flaw, it’s not impossible.

Léon Blum viewed Churchill’s suggestion positively.

As the British and French were setting ambitious plans, Goebbels in Berlin also received this news from the French Commune.

“Comrade Secretary, the Tommy’s movements are unusual.”

“Hmm.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to strike first and aim for France?”

“Strike first. Before their unprepared armies unite against us, we hit them. Not a bad idea.”

However, Goebbels had different thoughts.

Having ousted Karl Liebknecht to take the Secretary position, he managed Germany with even greater cunning than in the original history, enhancing his propaganda skills.

And he actively gathered opinions from the officers in the German Empire Army to restructure the People’s Army.

From his perspective, launching a preemptive attack seemed good, but…

“No, no. It might look good from the comrades’ view. Strategically it seems favorable, but…”

“This could also be a method of invasion.”

“Didn’t we see the tedious nature of trench warfare during the Great War?”

“This time, we’ll purposely block that route.”

“Moreover, this is not the era of the German Empire anymore. Communist Germany has sufficiently secured tanks now.”

Thanks to the Communist Party of France and the so-called right-hand man of Hitler, Göring, designs for tanks were extracted from Austria and produced in various German tank design departments before the Communists could capture them.

Of course, there were also claims that they might lag behind Russia.

However, as long as we can handle England and France, we could topple the ultimate imperialism of Russia, masquerading under the name of revised capitalism.

“We will withstand the trench warfare while inciting a revolution within France. If we manage to make France communist, what could England do?”

Unlike during the Great War, preparations were being made to do our utmost to endure the harsh winters.

If the gamble to turn France communist works, then we can wipe out all the British forces trapped in Europe.

Though the Royal Navy remains strong, what can an army-less faction do beyond their petty schemes?

“Truly, Comrade Secretary! I cannot help but admire your foresight.”

“Then, how do we address the request for support from the National Government?”

“It’ll be hard to provide military aid if war breaks out, but what’s really needed for our comrades in China now is military advisors to train them as elite troops. This should suffice for now.”

I’ve heard that weapons are being imported from Russia, even if it’s not desirable.

Thus, military advisors alone should be adequate.

What China needs more than anything is military advisors to train its army as elite forces.

“Now that I think about it, wasn’t that strange strategy all forced by the need to impose something on China?”

If she considered that, that witch from Moscow is quite the brilliant figure.

Therefore, it was even more necessary to disrupt the air defense agreement.

Gradually breaking down those within the air defense agreement, we would then strike Russia.

So we adopt a defensive posture intentionally to create gaps.

Moreover, there are workers who have suffered for so long under Karl Liebknecht’s leadership.

If these workers were to launch a preemptive attack, would they actively cooperate in an invasion war?

It would be better to conduct a defensive war and unite all the strength of the German people.

With the conservatives strong in Bavaria and the Free Corps, they might either be suppressed by the People’s Army or flee to East Prussia or Austria, where the outdated imperial rule still exists.

Only now have we managed to unify the workers.

What if we fail? That probability cannot be entertained.

The moment we think of failure, it equates to defeat against imperialism. Communism would completely collapse.

Instead of pondering defeat, this war is one we absolutely must win.

In the original history, Germany would have invaded Austria and Poland, but under Goebbels’ lead, they decided to hold their ground.

They possess enough power already.

Paul Joseph Goebbels approached the window of the Secretary’s office.

Outside the window, the red flags of the workers hung from the lampposts, reminiscent of red waves, proclaiming this place as the heart of communism.

The sky seemed to gleam down on Berlin as if welcoming the rise of such communism.

Goebbels clenched his hands behind his back.

“Bring it on, you specters of imperialism.”

“They are all going to be crushed beneath the workers’ red flag.”

“Um, Comrade Secretary.”

“What is it?”

“What about Italy? They are still fighting in Ethiopia.”

Why are we talking about Italy at such a tense moment?

Right. Italy. Italy poses a problem.

Not some other country, but if it were a second-rate country like Spain, it would be different.

They’re putting their national strength against Ethiopia, a country in Africa.

Unlike in the original history, Ethiopia remains firmly in the grip of Italian hands, armed with Russian weapons.

Though Ethiopia has been somewhat civilized and armed with Russian weapons in Africa, this is a bit much.

“Still, they’ll win, right? They can’t just relinquish naval superiority. It’s almost dinner time, so please, let’s not talk about Italy and ruin my appetite.”

“Yes, Comrade!”

Even if Italy is conducting an all-out war against Ethiopia, they’re just trying to wrap things up quickly. They will absolutely not lose to an African nation.

Right. Let’s hope that remains true.

* * *

As the Second Sino-Japanese War began to intensify, Russia grew more vigilant.

With the U.S. Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War, it felt like a new war was about to erupt.

But it seemed like it would erupt from an unexpected place.

“Britain and France preparing for war?”

Today, I thought it was merely another paperwork approval session in the Duma, only to be caught off guard by shocking news.

Yes, Britain and France had indeed begun preparing for what had seemed like a far-off war.

And unlike the air defense agreements, they aimed to create their own justification for war, preventing Russia and other countries from meddling.

What in the world are they trying to do here?

“Yes, Your Majesty. It seems something is brewing.”

Puffing out my cheeks, I tapped the edge of the desk with my finger.

That Churchill guy is rather annoying.

It practically showcases cracks among the air defense alliance states.

“Could it be that these lunatics are really?”

“Are they intending to start the Second World War first?”

That can’t be right, can it? Well, of course, I had said this before. But still, the thought that they would start just to comply with me, the Tsar, would be odd.

They’re likely planning to strike before Communist Germany poses a greater danger.

Moreover, Britain knows we’re preparing for war. We have strong firearms, armored divisions, and even airplanes.

Churchill certainly wouldn’t want to give an excellent opportunity to that savage Slavic race to take Germany’s territory.

So, he probably intends to make a move.

Even if they’re preparing for war, the British would be quicker than Germany.

Additionally, since the Low Countries are monarchy states, if they also receive assistance from them while France, afraid of revolution, wants to suppress the Communists quickly, it’s plausible.

This could indeed work.

At this very moment, while Russia is tied up with America, Churchill is likely trying to seize Europe.

“So, he aims to gain control of Europe while we’re bound up in the American civil war.”

I could have guessed that from Churchill.

It’s only natural that he’s wary of Russia’s expansion.

Still, using strength to tackle it might be challenging. Instead, gaining Europe as a strategy to keep Russia in check.

Setting Germany in his sights.

With the communist Germans available for a good beating and creating an external enemy before the colonies rise, it could strengthen their unity.

Churchill might think this way, believing that’s the only way to make the British Empire great.

“Yes. That seems a valid perspective.”

“Hmm, we can’t move yet.”

We couldn’t move, and at first, I only planned to join in once the Second World War broke out.

Even if Churchill is pushing for it, I’m thinking along those lines anyway.

“It might be better to create a justification for us to enter.”

“Not at all. But we must avoid preemptive attacks. Moreover, it is possible that Communist Germany might want this.”

“If we take the defensive stance, the justification will lie with Germany.”

Goebbels is aiming for a defensive war.

That’s exactly how I see it.

Unlike in the original history, there are no Anschluss, no Munich Agreement, and no invasion of Poland.

We can’t avoid fighting, so it would be a suitable move for Communist Germany. One at a time.

That being said, we can’t just launch an offensive ourselves, so we will wait for the right moment to defend.

Yet, merely defending doesn’t allow us to deal a decisive blow, so we’ll also engage in some trickery.

So perhaps we should add another spoonful of our own.

If we can’t mobilize our military, it’s not just Churchill who benefits.

That’s a friendly reminder that Communist Germany isn’t all bad. It might actually work out perfectly for us.

While Russia digs its own grave, we’ll make a grand splash with the Anglo-French and wash our hands of it. That’s one potential outcome.

“We can let them fight each other while we completely settle the American civil war.”

Hmm? Isn’t this also advantageous for us?

“This could be to our benefit as well. Those two fighting before Russia intervenes would buy us time to project our influence in America.”

That’s not inherently bad.

We don’t know how the American Civil War will turn out.

Those pesky interventionist cunts who always meddle and the Communist Germany dreaming of world revolution and war against Russia—

Those two are tangled together in a mud fight.

Trotsky can tackle things his way, while we can terminate the American Civil War.

“That’s quite true. So, while it benefits both sides…”

“Of course, this assumes that the war won’t end abruptly at someone’s whim. If the war breaks out, we’ll hope it drags on until we can participate.”

It feels like the war might not end quickly.

It’s all about Britain and Germany.

As long as Britain holds its Royal Navy, it won’t lose.

As for Communist Germany, they seem to have a decent amount of armored divisions.

The threat of a winter offensive is somewhat ominous, but if Communist Germany can hold out until we conclude our civil war, we might just make it through.

“Hmm, hopefully it all works out well.”

Just thinking positively means this isn’t a bad situation.

At least when we consider that the war won’t end anytime soon.

* * *

 

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