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墨書 Inktalez
Berlin
Guzar Street
Strasser knocked on the iron gate of the Soviet Union Embassy in Germany based on the address given to him by Seeckt. He now seriously doubted that Seeckt was treating him like a laborer, asking him to personally go to the Soviet Union Embassy to pick someone up.
To know, the headquarters of the National Socialist Party in Berlin spanned almost the entire city, about an hour's journey from the Soviet Union's embassy in Germany. If it weren't for the purpose of connecting with the Soviet Union and getting to know some tycoons in Germany's business world, Strasser would not have taken on this task. Although, in Strasser's vision, these businessmen and entrepreneurs would eventually become targets for transformation under National Socialism, he still wanted to retain a portion of independent arms manufacturers.
Germany was only a few years removed from World War II, and in Strasser's plan, that time frame could be even shorter. Therefore, he could not completely purge the capitalists in the arms industry, as doing so would plunge Germany's military production into stagnation and chaos, and what Germany needed most right now was time.
Strasser did not wait long; a Soviet Union soldier quickly came out to open the door for him. After presenting his credentials, he soon met the person he wanted to see.
This was Strasser's first meeting with Kirov, two tragic figures in history who had no intersection yet shared similar fates, now gathered together.
Strasser looked at Kirov, the slick-haired guy whose behavior and attire were nothing like a traditional Russian; he resembled someone from Western Europe instead. "Is this the poor soul who was shot by an unemployed drifter in 1934? What a pity. But then again, it's not all bad for him; after his death, Stalin sent many people down to keep him company." Strasser then realized he had no right to mock someone for their short life, considering Kirov died in December 1934, while Hitler had launched the Night of the Long Knives in June of the same year, which made him chuckle silently.
"This is the diplomat sent by Germany? He certainly has a distinctive appearance, but unfortunately, people from a capitalist country are often all show and no substance. I hope he isn't like that." This was Kirov's first impression of Strasser.
Clearly, due to the ideological conflict between the two countries and the aftermath of World War I, neither of them held much regard for the other.
"Gregor Strasser, Major of the German Army, pleased to meet you, Comrade Kirov," Strasser extended his hand.
"According to the customs of Germany, you should still call me Mr. Kirov, Major Strasser." Kirov extended his hand as well.
"I know what you're thinking; calling someone from a capitalist country your brother is an insult to you, right?" Strasser stated bluntly.
"I never said that, Major. I am quite willing to refer to members of the Communist Party of Germany as comrades, as they also believe in socialism." Kirov, being a politician, spoke more tactfully.
"Then it's simple," Strasser said with a charming smile. "The German Communists are your comrades. The German Communists believe in socialism, and I believe in National Socialism. National Socialism is a form of socialism, so for you, I am equivalent to the German Communists. I am also your comrade, right?"
"That... doesn't seem right, does it? National Socialism is also a form of socialism?" Kirov's mind was somewhat overwhelmed; it was the first time he had heard someone say this.
"That's right, let me demonstrate to you that the National Socialism is also a form of socialism." Strasser knew he should upgrade Kirov's thinking with twenty-first-century theories.
······
Gustav Krupp was checking his appearance in the mirror. He was combing what little hair he had left to make himself look more spirited. Today, he was going to participate in a very important business bid for him, with clients from Leningrad in the Soviet Union.
"Is it necessary to go? I heard Mr. Kovant from the next door say that the Soviet Union's main purpose in coming this time is to purchase technology for heavy industrial production, which seems to be inconsistent with Krupp Company's business scope of producing weapons," his wife Beta Kolkhoznik said worriedly as she tidied up her husband's appearance.
Gustav Krupp was born into a banking family in The Hague, Netherlands. In 1906, he married Beta Kolkhoznik and entered the Krupp family. During World War I, he inherited his father-in-law's industrial rights and became the chairman of Krupp Company.
Krupp Company reached its peak during World War I, producing cannons for the German Empire and once dominating half of Germany's arms market.
Unfortunately, due to Germany's defeat in World War I, the Krupp Company faced severe setbacks. It was forced to destroy the cannons it had produced under Anglo-French supervision and shut down its weapon manufacturing plants. The Krupp Company was on the brink of bankruptcy, and there were even thoughts of suicide by gunshot.
Fortunately, there was a glimmer of hope. Before the war, in 1902, the British ammunition manufacturer Vickers had rented the patent rights for Krupp's fuses. After the war, this company paid royalties based on the casualties suffered by the German army. Although this put Krupp in an awkward position of profiting from the deaths of Germans, the company did not care about others' disdain as long as it could survive.
Gustav took advantage of this money and the subsidies from the Weimar Republic government to reach a cooperation agreement with the National Defense Forces within a year of the ceasefire, secretly rearming Germany.
However, due to the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles, many weapons and equipment could not be openly displayed. The army could only be maintained at a size of 100,000, and the army orders were limited. With so many Germany arms enterprise, the demand exceeded supply, leading to Krupp Company maintaining a half-dead business situation.
Krupp knew that this could not continue. If they could not obtain more orders from the National Defense Forces, they would have to find new buyers for orders. Otherwise, Krupp Company would sooner or later be acquired by other companies, so Krupp traveled far and wide.
Just a few days ago, Krupp received news that someone from the Soviet Union had come to Berlin seeking sellers. After careful inquiry, they learned that the visitors were interested in purchasing industrial production technology. Although this did not align closely with their company's business scope, Krupp decided to give it a try, thinking that perhaps the Soviet Union representatives might be interested in their weapons. "Regardless, I have to give it a shot. Krupp Company cannot end under my watch," Krupp thought, recalling the expectations of German Empire Emperor Wilhelm II during his marriage and the final instructions from his father before his passing, which made him tighten his fist.
Krupp resolutely bid farewell to his wife and drove away in a small car, leaving behind her earnest gaze.
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