Chapter 201 |
< World War II - Turning Point (1) >
The Funeral of Wilhelm II was held by the Imperial family instead of as a grand state funeral.
Britain and Belgium, still our Allied Powers, shuddered at the mere mention of Wilhelm II, public opinion wasn't exactly favorable toward him, and we were in the middle of a war.
Nevertheless, many gathered.
Field Marshal Erwin von Witzleben, Admiral Erich Raeder, and General Hugo Sperrle.
The commanders-in-chief of the three branches of the military and most of the Junkers not currently commanding on the front lines visited to mourn the leader of the old Empire.
What would August von Mackensen, who had taken his own life after the military government's coup d'état, have thought if he had seen this scene?
Wilhelm III did not shed a tear.
However, throughout the funeral, he never took his eyes off the casket where Wilhelm II lay.
“…Thank you for being with my father in his final moments.”
Wilhelm III's tone was perfectly calm, but having known him for a while, I could tell he was desperately suppressing his emotions.
“I’m glad I could be of help.”
Hearing my reply, Wilhelm III gently squeezed my shoulder before turning his gaze back to the casket.
I suddenly thought that the former Emperor Wilhelm, shunned by the people, would rest more peacefully than Prince Wilhelm, who had been hailed as a national hero after dying fighting against Italy in Tyrol.
-
June 5, 1941
Berlin, the capital of Germany
I was meeting with Foreign Minister Erich Kordt and a person who had left his own mark on history.
“It is an honor to meet you, German Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs. My name is Francesca Donner Rhee.
This is my husband, Doctor Rhee, a State Council Member of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.”
“A pleasure to meet you.
I am Dietrich Schacht, the German Minister of Defense.”
After his Austrian-born wife introduced them in German, I shook hands with a man whose face was familiar, though I was meeting him for the first time.
Doctor Rhee. Syngman Rhee, the first president of the Republic of Korea in the original history, was sitting across from me.
“As my wife introduced, I am Syngman Rhee, serving as a State Council Member in the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. You can call me Doctor Rhee.
It is truly an honor to meet Germany’s Minister of Defense, who is so famous in America, and the Foreign Minister who oversees all diplomacy.”
Syngman Rhee smiled naturally and spoke in rather fluent English.
‘Oh, for this era, that’s quite impressive.’
“A pleasure.
I am Erich Kordt, the German Foreign Minister.”
Bringing his Austrian-born wife along to foster a sense of familiarity wasn't a bad attempt either.
Strangely, I didn't feel any great emotion.
Was it because, at this point, my memories as a Korean were nothing more than that—memories?
My loved ones and everything I had to protect were all in Germany, and as my awareness of being a German had grown stronger, I found myself observing Syngman Rhee with the eyes of a diplomat.
While I was observing Syngman Rhee, Foreign Minister Erich Kordt began to speak.
“We welcome you for coming all this way to Germany, but I want to make it clear that arranging this meeting is a highly exceptional case.
As it stands, Germany and the Allied Powers have not yet decided how to treat your… organization.”
The nation of the Republic of Korea did not yet exist.
The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, as their name implied, was merely a ‘provisional’ government, making their situation extremely ambiguous.
It wasn't as if an existing nation called the Republic of Korea had been occupied and they had come as a government-in-exile.
From Germany's current perspective, to put it bluntly, the Provisional Government was little more than a subordinate organization of the Republic of China.
To make matters worse, Jiang Jieshi’s Republic of China was currently in a near-death state after being hit by Operation Ichi-Go.
Like a seasoned diplomat, Syngman Rhee showed no signs of disappointment.
“I am well aware of Germany and the Allied Powers’ stance.
As you said, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea is currently close to a subordinate organization of the Republic of China.”
So, from Germany's point of view, a subordinate group of the Republic of China had requested talks multiple times, and when they were repeatedly postponed, they had taken the step of visiting Germany directly to beg for a meeting.
“But as you know, while the Republic of China is a member of the Allied Powers, it currently lacks the practical capacity to contribute. The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea desires independence as a sovereign nation before joining with the Republic of China, and we wish to request that Germany recognize the Provisional Government as a member of the Allied Powers.”
Erich Kordt gave a vague smile and looked at me.
‘Ah, I know, I know. ’
Kordt had no interest in that distant Asian colony, nor in the Korean Provisional Government.
I was well aware he was only here because they kept pestering us, and because I had suggested we might as well meet them once.
“Recognition as a member of the Allied Powers, you say. Germany is currently focused on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union.
We are not heavily involved in the Asian Front at the moment. I am curious as to why you are specifically requesting this of Germany.”
For some reason, I didn't like this man.
Perhaps the perception ingrained in me by my modern-day memories was too strong.
Oblivious to my inner thoughts, Syngman Rhee answered my words without a hint of panic, his face relaxed and smiling.
“If you ask anyone in the international community, there is no disagreement that Germany is the center of the Allied Powers, Minister.
Even if you are currently focusing on the front with the Soviet Union, it is clear that your country will eventually step into the war against the Empire of Japan.”
Syngman Rhee paused for a moment before adding.
“The course of action Germany has shown thus far has always prioritized its diplomatic standing and justification in the international community, and I and the Provisional Government have taken note of this.”
“Hmm.”
It was a strange feeling, seeing the historical assessment of Syngman Rhee's considerable eloquence and diplomatic power with my own eyes.
Well, he's certainly a smooth talker.
But I'm no fool either.
Syngman Rhee would have preferred to be sponsored by a directly involved nation rather than Germany, which was in an ambiguous position of being neither a direct party nor a complete third party.
But a directly involved nation? Britain's leader is Churchill. A fine gentleman in his own way, but also a white supremacist and an imperialist.
Naturally, the Provisional Government's pleas wouldn't make a dent.
The Netherlands might be a slightly better case, but they also held colonies in Asia and had little say within the Allied Powers to begin with.
So, by process of elimination, the only place they could rely on right now was Germany.
Contrary to his flattering words, they probably weren't pinning much hope on Germany either.
With their strong sponsor, the Republic of China, in a near-death state, the very existence of the Provisional Government was in jeopardy. They must be clutching at straws.
They wouldn't be going so far as to rely on Syngman Rhee, whom the Provisional Government was reluctant to use, if that wasn't the case.
“I appreciate your high praise for Germany, but there are many obstacles to us recognizing your organization as a member of the Allied Powers.”
Honestly, there were reasons why Kordt didn't want to bother with this.
“It is only natural that your organization desires the independence of your fatherland, but many would react sensitively to an Asian colony becoming an independent nation.”
Britain, which was already struggling with demands for independence from its colonies, and the Netherlands, which was anxious about losing its influence after its East Indies were occupied, would surely oppose Korean independence.
“Furthermore, we doubt whether your organization truly has the capability to exert any meaningful influence over Joseon, which is under the rule of the Japanese Empire.
Nevertheless, if we were to recognize your organization, wouldn't Germany have to gain something commensurate in return?”
Exercising influence was a problem that would be solved if we recognized them.
But us enabling them to exert influence and them having that influence from the start were two completely different things.
Syngman Rhee listened to my words quietly before speaking.
“I had heard the rumors, but Minister Schacht, you truly possess remarkable diplomatic insight.
It is truly admirable.”
…Ah, this man reminds me of Manstein.
Such flattery over a few general statements.
Whatever I was thinking, Syngman Rhee began to speak with considerable passion.
“Of course, profit is very important in international diplomatic relations. The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea is also paying attention to this.
Accordingly, our Provisional Government is preparing to form the Korea Liberation Army and play a part in the war.”
“Hmm, an army.
What is its strength?”
At Erich Kordt's question, Syngman Rhee's mouth tightened ever so slightly.
It was such a slight change one might not have noticed, but perhaps my own experiences in the trenches of diplomacy allowed me to see it.
“We lack troops that can be committed immediately, but the officer corps has been formed and will soon begin to train soldiers.”
“Then what is the size of this officer corps?”
Upon receiving my question, Syngman Rhee bit his lip, looking troubled for the first time.
“The current size is less than 100 men, but we are continuously expanding.”
Erich Kordt put a hand to his forehead and shook his head at me.
Honestly, I also felt my enthusiasm drain away.
What a strange feeling.
As a German politician, I should be flabbergasted that he brought this as a supposed benefit, but at the same time, considering the reality that this was the limit of what the Provisional Government could do despite giving its all, I felt a sense of pity.
Seeing our reaction, Syngman Rhee’s face hardened, but he hastily added.
“However, there are many of our compatriots who have been forcibly conscripted into the Japanese Army, which will be engaging the Allied Forces. We expect that as the war between the Allied Forces and Japan drags on, we will be able to absorb prisoners of war and increase the size of the Korea Liberation Army.”
When we still seemed unimpressed, Syngman Rhee’s expression changed completely.
“…The above is the proposal of the Provisional Government.
I have prepared an additional proposal.”
“An additional proposal?”
‘Right, if this was all you had, you’d have to give up your reputation as a competent diplomat. ’
“I am aware that Germany is scrambling to import tungsten.”
Oh, finally, a topic worth discussing.
Erich Kordt, who had been on the verge of slumping in his chair out of boredom, immediately straightened his posture. I almost let out a hollow laugh.
“The Korean Peninsula possesses significant deposits of tungsten mines, and in fact, a considerable portion of the Empire of Japan's tungsten demand is met from the Korean Peninsula.”
I thought for a moment on Syngman Rhee's words before speaking.
“Tungsten is certainly a tempting offer, but we are already importing it from Portugal and Spain. Besides, tungsten is the main material for the armor-piercing shells produced during wartime.
By the time we liberate Joseon, or rather, the Republic of Korea, we will be able to trade with the Republic of China, which has even larger tungsten production, and the demand for tungsten will likely have dropped sharply, no?”
“You are correct, Minister. But wouldn't it be a merit for Germany if you were to receive the mining rights themselves, rather than just importing? Even if the military is downsized after the war, there will still be some demand, and with the Korean Peninsula's tungsten production, post-war Germany would no longer need to waste foreign currency on tungsten imports.”
“Oh…”
Erich Kordt's face now showed genuine interest. This certainly wasn't bad.
The Soviet Union and America were blessed nations that didn't have to worry about resources, but for Germany, which lacked rare metals, this could definitely be considered a merit.
However…
“There is, however, something that troubles me.”
Syngman Rhee took out a handkerchief and wiped away a bead of sweat.
“What is it that troubles you?”
“You said this was the proposal of the State Council Member… the Doctor, not the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.
In other words, it seems the Provisional Government does not agree.”
As if he had decided to lay all his cards on the table, Syngman Rhee's expression hardened and he spoke.
“I will be frank. The Provisional Government is nothing more than a group of foolish men mired in the absurd delusion of marching into the homeland with a non-existent army to liberate the fatherland.”
Oh-ho…
I heard he wasn't on good terms with the Provisional Government, but to come out so openly like this?
A special envoy, sent out of desperation by the Provisional Government, is now stabbing them in the back.
Honestly, if I knew nothing about Korea, this would have been amusing.
“The Provisional Government is reluctant to bring foreign powers into the country.”
That's understandable.
The establishment of European colonies usually began with things like resource mining rights, stationing troops in foreign territories under some plausible justification.
Besides, that tungsten was a major source of foreign currency for an independent Korea.
Even if it was temporary, without it, a newly independent Korea with nothing to its name would have nothing left.
For Koreans who had watched in real-time as they were taken over by Japan, it wouldn't be strange to see this as merely swapping Japan for Germany.
“Furthermore, the Provisional Government is divided by severe left-right conflict. Even radical communists wield considerable influence.
It is truly a shameful thing as a member of the Korean race, but I believe there is no hope for the Provisional Government if things continue like this.”
Ooh…
On top of his insight into the Western world and diplomatic circles, he skillfully mixes in truths to persuade with his eloquent speech.
To people who couldn't care less about East Asia, he'd look like a wise yellow monkey who at least cares for his country.
There's a reason America trusted Syngman Rhee and not the Provisional Government.
“But I can sideline those old-fashioned and foolish members of the Provisional Government and the communists, and firmly guarantee Germany's interests within the independent Republic of Korea.”
Syngman Rhee spoke with the face of a confident leader of the nation.
“Sponsor me. If you do so, I will guarantee Germany commensurate benefits.
If necessary, I will also consider granting further unofficial privileges as the leader of a newly independent nation.”
-
We replied that we would review the matter seriously, and Syngman Rhee and his wife departed.
“It doesn’t seem bad. What do you think, Minister of Defense?”
As Erich Kordt asked, it wasn’t a bad deal.
We have to intervene in the Asian Front anyway.
Even if we don't pour our entire national strength into it like on the Eastern Front, we at least have to do enough so that Britain and the Netherlands don't condemn Germany.
The problem is, the colonies the Empire of Japan holds all originally belonged to Britain and the Netherlands, so it's ambiguous what we stand to gain.
We could receive reparations from the Empire of Japan, but it would be reckless to rely solely on that when we can't even be sure how the war will end.
While we must act for the sake of our diplomatic standing and justification, securing benefits to convince our people is a separate issue. Securing interests related to the Korean Peninsula would give Germany something to gain.
Even if not through anachronistic colonization, securing tungsten mining rights on a fixed-term basis would be a profitable business for us.
And if we invest in Korea's infrastructure for the smooth mining and transportation of tungsten, that would in turn expand Germany's influence and help Korea's development, so it wouldn't be bad for Korea either.
But I shook my head.
“Not that man.”
“Pardon?”
Kordt looked puzzled, but I was certain.
“All of that man’s foundations and connections are in America.
Right now he has no other choice but us, but in the unlikely event that America enters the war, he will immediately try to bring in America or switch sides.”
“…That could be a possibility.”
Since Japan is sailing the waters off the Philippines as if it owns them, it is highly likely that America will intervene in some way once its domestic situation is sorted out.
No, rather, with the Royal Navy crippled, America must enter the war to reduce the sacrifices that will occur in the war against the Empire of Japan and to end it quickly.
However, when the sleeping giant awakens, we cannot gain superiority over them, especially on the Asian Front where naval power will be crucial.
Separate from our desperate need for America to enter the war, we can't do all the work just to have someone else reap the rewards.
“In any case, the benefits we can secure have become clear. Whether they are reluctant or not, is there anything we can't persuade them of when we have something they want, and they have something we want?”
“Hahaha, that's true.”
“We’ll have to get approval from Mr. Heuss and the Parliament, but I’ll trust the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the negotiation of this matter.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been a bit idle since the front lines were organized and the war against the Soviets intensified. It’s good to have something to do!”
Kordt laughed cheerfully.
Unlike Syngman Rhee, who might bring America into the mix or, in the worst case, switch sides to them, the Provisional Government currently has no one to turn to besides the Republic of China.
At this point, no country would show interest in an organization that could be a government-in-exile of an East Asian colony or just another independence group.
So, if we use Germany’s diplomatic status to have the Provisional Government officially recognized by the Allied Powers, Syngman Rhee will be left with nothing.
The original history's America only took an interest in the Korean Peninsula to check the Soviet Union.
The geopolitical value of the Korean Peninsula as a place to check both future great powers, China and Russia, is a story for the distant future.
The America of today has no reason to antagonize Germany and the Allied Powers over a place like the Korean Peninsula.
As for the Provisional Government's severe left-right conflict and division, that is, frankly, none of Germany's business.
We will sign a treaty with the Provisional Government and sponsor them, and after that, we just need to receive our due interests for our investment, one way or another.
Once Germany, which is at war with the Soviet Union, starts to exert influence on the Provisional Government, the radical communists, including Kim Il-sung, will have no choice but to break away on their own.
Then it doesn't really matter if their counterpart is Kim Gu, Lyuh Woon-hyung, or anyone else.
The leader who will decide Korea's fate is for them to decide.
“While we’re at it, let's tell them to cut the nonsense about military action with that so-called Korea Liberation Army.
Instead, they could be very useful for propaganda against the Japanese Army and for interrogating prisoners of war. Let's export our specialty to Asia.”
“That’s a thought worthy of you, Minister, but will the British or Dutch armies want to use them?”
I grinned at Kordt's question.
“There’s someone who will.
Let’s ask Emperor Haile Selassie. We can ask him to make a spot for them in the Ethiopian army units deployed to the Asian Front.”
If I were someone who knew nothing about East Asia, I would have chosen Syngman Rhee without the headache. He must have believed that too, showing all his cards.
But what can you do? I'm not that person.
Syngman Rhee is probably over the moon right now, thinking he's finally on the verge of success after coming to Germany and waiting for months.
Sorry about this, Doctor Run Syngman.
Ah, in this history, he won't have the chance to blow up a bridge and run away, so maybe he won't be derided as Run Syngman.