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On March 4, 1926, after intense arguments and mutual compromises, seven European countries including Germany, France, and Britain successfully signed the Treaty of Locarno. Its main contents include: stipulating mutual guarantees between Germany, France, and Belgium to respect the Franco-German border, abide by the demilitarization provisions of the Treaty of Versailles regarding the Rhineland, with Britain and Italy acting as guarantor powers and assuming the obligation to assist the victim of aggression; stipulating that Germany, Belgium, France, Poland, and Czechoslovakia resolve their disputes peacefully, with each group of contracting parties establishing a permanent conciliation commission to handle issues between them; and the "security treaty" between France and Poland, and France and Czechoslovakia, which provides for mutual support in repelling unprovoked attacks.
Treaty of Locarno ensured the status quo of Germany's western borders, which was beneficial for stabilizing the situation in Western Europe, but it did not restrict Germany from expanding eastward.
In simple terms, Anglo-French was telling Germany not to expand to the west, as there was plenty of land to satisfy its appetite in the east. This marked the beginning of the appeasement policy.
On the return flight of the German delegation, Strasser felt an indescribable sense of relief at the sight of Foreign Minister Aristide from the French delegation across the aisle. Although Aristide looked displeased, he still pinched his nose and signed the treaty. Strasser couldn't help but think about how that guy would react if he found out that the UK and Germany had secretly signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement behind France's back. He hoped that old man wouldn't be so furious that it would be the end for him, Strasser thought with a sense of schadenfreude.
"To be honest, Gregor, you really surprised me, and I might even say I admire you."
Stresemann said sincerely. He had originally intended to assess Strasser's diplomacy skills through the Lugano Conference, but he did not expect Strasser to exceed expectations. Not only did he successfully sign the Treaty of Locarno, but he also reached the Anglo-German Naval Agreement with the British, a deal that Stresemann had never anticipated.
After Stresemann personally reviewed the agreement and realized its significance, he immediately jumped up and ordered someone to send a telegram back home, and he sent it three times.
From a military perspective, the impact of the "Anglo-German Naval Agreement" is even greater than that of the "Treaty of Locarno." Although the agreement ostensibly brought the German navy into the naval treaty system of the interwar period, limiting the development of the German navy, it also restored Germany's right to rebuild its navy and, in practice, allowed Germany to manipulate the specifics of the agreement.
More importantly, the "Anglo-German Naval Agreement" granted Germany the power to rearm itself, enabling the German Army to begin expansion, albeit with a limit of only two hundred thousand troops.
However, for General Siket's one hundred thousand National Defense Forces, every soldier is trained to the standards of an officer. Once a combat mobilization is initiated and new recruits are brought in, these one hundred thousand National Defense Forces will immediately transform into a one million strong army. Currently, Germany has a two million strong army.
It is important to note that the historical Anglo-German Naval Agreement was signed in 1935, and Germany's military power rapidly grew after that. Now, with Strasser advancing this timeline by nine years, Germany's military strength will be even greater by 1935 than it was in history.
"I said it before, I am a professional. Mr. Stresemann believes it now, right?" Strasser said proudly.
"I believe it, I truly believe it. You are not just a professional; you are a genius. With your level of skill, being a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs is an underachievement for you. Why not take my position instead?" Stresemann replied with conviction.
"Pfft!"
As Strasser was savoring the fine wine, he suddenly spat it out, fortunately with no one in front of him. Stresemann quickly patted him on the shoulder with urgency.
"Cough, cough... Don't joke around, Mr. Stresemann," Strasser said irritably as he regained his breath. "I am currently just an acting Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I haven't received a formal appointment from the government yet. Besides, President Hindenburg and the Social Democratic Party would never agree to it. Not to mention a formal appointment as Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, even the possibility of being a deputy is quite slim."
"No, actually the possibility is quite high. Don't forget, you are not alone, you have the support of General Siket. The Social Democratic Party is just a group of weaklings forming a political party, they can be compromised as long as they are coerced. The only thing that can stop you is President Hindenburg.
Moreover, although President Hindenburg suppresses you, it's not because he dislikes you, it's just that the forces behind him see you as an enemy," Stresemann analyzed.
"They just dislike your advocacy of a nationalized economic policy, but compared to The Communist Party of Germany, you are just a small fry, you are not their biggest enemy at all."
"And the revenge-driven militarism you advocate has a significant market among the Royalists, so a considerable number of people can be swayed by you."
"Does this considerable number include you, Mr. Stresemann?" Strasser suddenly asked.
"Indeed," Stresemann admitted candidly.
"Although I am not a monarchist, I also hope that Germany becomes strong. My original plan was to decide whether to cooperate with you based on your demonstrated abilities, but now I have decided to join forces with you."
"Are you serious? Mr. Stresemann! What is the reason?"
Strasser was somewhat surprised; he did not believe that Stresemann's allegiance to him was due to any protagonist aura that a time traveler might possess.
"That's right. My lifelong political ideal is to restore Germany's hegemony in Europe. Historically, Germany has had many opportunities to dominate Europe, the most recent being during the last Great War. Unfortunately, we failed," Stresemann reminisced, feeling a bit sentimental. "After the war, Germany had no choice but to accept a diminished international status, with the Treaty of Versailles constantly weighing down on the German people."
"However, we in Germany have not completely failed yet. The foolishness of the British people has given us the opportunity to rearm ourselves, and Germany has a new chance to rise again, a chance that you have fought for."
Stresemann looked intently at Strasser, a brown flame igniting in his eyes. "I consider myself a genius in diplomacy, but I cannot reach your level. In you, I see the hope for Germany's resurgence, which is why I have decided to lend you my support, as I cannot achieve this alone as the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"Even if the National Socialist Party I lead is only the sixth largest party in Germany? The influence in Congress is limited. I'm not even the party leader yet?" Strasser questioned.
"These are just temporary setbacks. I believe that with your abilities, you will eventually become the leader of the largest party in Congress. And don't forget, I am the leader of the German People's Party, which is the fifth largest party in the German Parliament as of 1926. I have absolute authority within the party. If our two parties merge and we bring in the Communist Party, the combined seats will be enough to rival the Social Democratic Party," Stresemann stated confidently.
"Since that's the case, I seem to have no reason to refuse." Strasser thought carefully and realized that aligning with Stresemann was entirely beneficial for him, even without any drawbacks. Once he had grasped the highest power within the party and consolidated all its forces, he would have the ability to stand toe-to-toe with both the Royalists behind Hindenburg and the ruling Social Democratic Party in the government.
At that time, he would first eliminate Hitler, getting rid of the bastard who was destroying Germany's future. Strasser wouldn't want to wait a second longer. Then it would be Hindenburg, followed by the Social Democratic Party; if Ludendorff didn't recognize the situation, he would be eliminated as well.
Once that step was taken, he would be able to seize the highest power in Germany and become the supreme leader of Germany. After that, he could launch an attack on the Versailles system.
It seems that I need to quicken my pace; if Germany does not achieve victory in the war it starts in 1939, then I will have to act even sooner, Strasser thought.
"Then, for the future of Germany."
"We unite!"
At an altitude of 10,000 meters, two hands tightly held together.
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