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* * *

The sound of gunfire in the Ruhr claimed the lives of German workers in the region.

Taking advantage of this turmoil, the German Communist Party sought to sway the Ruhr to support not the Kaiser, who had fled to East Prussia, but the German Free Socialist Republic.

Thus, they incited the German workers of the Ruhr.

“The colonial empire bastards are firing guns!”

“That’s the true face of imperialism!”

“The French are shooting down fellow Europeans!”

“O workers of the Ruhr! Resist the French who seek to make you their slaves!”

As peculiar as things turned, the climate of terror from France led the German people in the Ruhr to throw their support behind the German Communist Party.

Ironically, it was the French, who were wary of Communist Germany, that ultimately drove the people of the Ruhr to back the German Communist Party.

The international community’s opinion wasn’t exactly favorable either.

“What are you doing? How could you be so brutal to fellow Europeans?”

“But those bastards are Reds! So should we just let them be?”

“If you kill those protesting workers, the Germans will support communism even more!”

Not only had they killed fellow Europeans, but the hostility of the Germans towards France—fueled by the support of the Communist government—also fed into Britain and America’s desire to prevent the power of Communist Germany from growing.

In the end, France began mining coal in the Ruhr by employing its own citizens, while secretly supporting Albert Leo Schlageter of the Free Corps operating in the region, diverting local resentment toward the Free Corps.

“Just find and root out the Reds. If you take on the role of the villain, France will fully support the Free Corps.”

“I don’t like teaming up with you, but if it means catching the communists, I guess there’s no choice.”

However.

Ultimately, as in actual history, it led to a financial crisis in France, only increasing German hostility towards the French.

* * *

Looking at the situation in Europe, it seemed France, just like in actual history, was attempting an occupation of the Ruhr.

And not in a manner any less extreme than historical accounts. They really drenched the place in blood, like they were colonizing it.

Even in actual history, the brutality inflicted by one European on another was horrific, but here it was something else entirely.

It brought to mind the old Russian Empire, which mobilized troops to slaughter protesters.

Well, even so.

“The occupation of the Ruhr has indeed occurred.”

Is this some bitter irony of history?

In the end, this part flowed somewhat similarly as well.

Britain and America, concerned about the German citizens in the core area of the Ruhr supporting the Communist Party, criticized France.

Common sense dictates that if they occupy this place, how will Germany ever pay reparations?

The Ruhr is one of the key regions contributing to Germany’s national strength. It’s the largest industrial area in Europe, so occupying it would be meaningless.

No, wait. Since Communist Germany had outright refused to pay reparations, perhaps that changes things.

If France sent troops to occupy this place instead of taking reparations, that makes some sense.

Having refused to pay reparations, the German Communist Party could flaunt their might as a regime that wouldn’t capitulate to France.

Britain wasn’t in a position to wage war over reparations now either. Moreover, the legitimate government had relocated to East Prussia, complicating the reparations obligations.

Should I start criticizing them as well?

The Ruhr is a region that is essential for Germany’s war efforts.

Personally, I wish France would just annex the Ruhr and prevent Communist Germany from even thinking about war.

But that’s likely to be difficult.

We’re also in no position to meddle so far away from here.

“The movement of the Free Corps in the Ruhr region has become more active.”

Boris Savinkov submitted a report to me on the Free Corps operations in the Ruhr.

“So that’s how things are proceeding.”

In actual history, didn’t the Free Corps in the Ruhr also get sabotaged by French troops?

This would have to be seen as France supporting the Free Corps from behind the scenes.

Well, I guess it doesn’t matter what it is.

“Shouldn’t we issue a statement as well?”

“How so?”

“By supporting France.”

Foreign Minister Vasily Kharlamov seemed eager to side with France immediately, not wanting to fall behind the other major powers.

But a statement from us? Do we really need to?

Let’s call it as it is. Geographically, it’s just too far. How far is it from Moscow to the Ruhr? Unless the Russian army reaches the Rhine, there’s no reason for any state experiencing a fit over the Communists to intervene.

Beyond the distance, if we dig into it, France’s actions were nothing short of colonization of fellow Europeans, leading the Germans in the Ruhr to support the Communist Party.

Reports suggest the Germans in the Ruhr were not particularly supportive of the Communist Party, so isn’t it obvious what comes next?

Still, France’s occupation of the Ruhr would inevitably lead to a weakening of Germany’s national strength, and that’s not a bad outcome.

It would be great if they extended the occupation beyond actual history.

Yet, given the aspirations of the Saintly Nation, it’s tough to openly support France outright, so my pride is at stake here, isn’t it?

Conversely, any statement supporting Communist Germany would be utterly unacceptable for an anti-communist state.

It’s best to just keep quiet about it.

“Let’s just maintain neutrality.”

“Yes?”

“Neutral. I don’t want to see the Communist Germany thriving, but I can’t stand France’s actions, which will only turn the Germans in the Ruhr red. If we feel the need to make a statement, it should be that we hope for a peaceful resolution regarding the protection of France in the Ruhr intended for reparations. That’s all.”

Doing this will likely present to France as support for their occupation of the Ruhr, while not appearing too biased toward them internationally or domestically.

That’s enough.

“Understood.”

“So, what’s the situation with Makhno’s Free Territory right now? There should be some impact there too.”

“They’re reaching their limit, and cannot intervene in the Ruhr.”

They’re already at their limit, huh?

It’s hard to believe that the Free Territory is functioning smoothly.

After all, who in their right mind would think joining a system that promotes anarchy is a good idea?

Only those wanting freedom from everything would be there, so it’s impossible for the Free Territory to launch and maintain operational effectiveness.

They want to create a truly free region without a country, yet suddenly a nation called the Free Territory appears.

“If that’s the case, there must be some local organizations as well.”

“Yes.”

So, it’s only organizations, huh?

I’d imagine there might even be family councils or something, right?

“But that’s making the Ukrainians uncomfortable, leading to their dissatisfaction, isn’t it?”

“Yes. They don’t seem to be adapting to the new system.”

Given this strange concept is likely their first experience.

They’re heavily coated in all sorts of councils, yet under the Makhno regime—meaning there are numerous councils below the regional defense councils all operating under directives.

Ultimately, beneath the top council, there are many councils, and it operates in a Soviet-like fashion even if they’re merely called councils.

Some of the soldiers from the reds were also from Ukraine.

They must be thinking they made the right move coming to the United States.

In reality, Makhno’s Free Territory is maintained under Nestor Makhno’s leadership.

Something created to liberate everything ends up functioning in a manner more similar to the Soviet regime.

But there’s no helping it.

Because some communists who could be of use to Makhno are starting to trickle in.

Being close to the Reds, they will likely get along well with the communists, so I’ll let the ones switching sides over to Makhno’s Free Territory be.

Even the name of the army in Makhno’s Free Territory is unique.

The Free Defense Force wants to show that they aren’t just any army, but something free.

But what benefit did we gain from this?

“After the civil war, what conditions did we demand for the establishment of the councils?”

I seem to recall we did require something in exchange for looking the other way at Makhno’s Free Territory.

That was entirely up to the White Army, and I don’t know it well.

“To supply food and limit the army size to 50,000 men.”

Right. Perhaps we left them be because it didn’t seem good to provoke them right now.

But indeed. Leaving them freely to stew is certainly much better.

While they’re messing everything up within their so-called Free Territory, won’t they realize how ludicrous it is?

“Is that being properly observed?”

“Yes.”

Well, if they didn’t adhere to that, Anton Denikin’s forces, masters of special military operations, would roll into Ukraine without warning.

Originally, they shouldn’t even be in a position to strengthen their army right now, should they?

What on earth could they have in the way of an army in a Free Territory? Still, this is Ukraine.

Especially given that it’s an anarchist nation, and it’s bound to correlate more closely with Communist Germany.

If by any chance they don’t integrate Makhno’s Free Territory until World War II?

“What about the quality of the army, aside from Makhno’s forces?”

Do they possess the capacity to strengthen their army in Makhno’s Free Territory now?

Even though it’s half Ukraine, one cannot underestimate the capabilities of the Reds.

They’re always inciting others, after all.

Makhno is no different. Although they call it a Free Territory, they’re just Reds at heart.

Then, one thing must be made clear.

If their dissatisfaction builds up and reaches a breaking point—

“What would happen if it collapses?”

“There are pro-Russian factions within Ukraine. Those wishing to join the United States. They’ll likely band together around those types.”

“That’s not bad.”

Hmm, if that happens, Makhno could potentially reach out to Communist Germany.

Teaming up with Communist Germany could present complications.

* * *

 

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