WesWorld

Frankfurter Zeitung – Tuesday, 1 October 1940 – Editorial Page

No German should doubt that despite the gathering of war clouds in the Far East that the peace of Europe is assured. If the recent visit by the French cruisers Duquesne and Gloire to Bremerhaven, en route to the Baltic via the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal were not sufficient to convince the skeptic that the ancient enmity between Germany and its western neighbor is a thing of the past, then the reports of the tri-national naval exercises in Far Eastern waters – involving vessels of the Kriegsmarine with both the French and the Russian Federation navies – ought to be convincing. The recent announcement by the Admiralty Office that cruisers of the Kriegsmarine will conduct a good will cruise in North American waters is only more evidence that Germany has re-emerged as a member of the concert of nations. The German people look forward to the meeting between Chancellor Adenauer and the French Prime Minister, Monsieur Daladier, scheduled for later this year, as a further signal to the world that the specter of the past has been banished by the light of peaceful cooperation between the nations of Europe for their economic and political well being.


Hamburger Abendblatt – Wednesday, 2 October 1940

Among the passengers arriving today aboard Lufthansa’s trans-Atlantic service from Rio de Janeiro were several representative of the Brazilian firm Industrias e Comerciales Minerios . A spokesman for the group indicated that they were visiting Germany on a fact-finding mission and would be meeting with representatives of the German automotive industry.


Deutsche Presse-Agentur – Thursday, 3 October 1940

The Foreign Ministry has announced the appointment of new ambassadors to Iberia and to France. His Highness Prince Adalbert of Bavaria has been appointed ambassador at Madrid, succeeding Otto von Erdmannsdorff, and His Highness Franz Joseph Maximilian Maria, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, will succeed to the now-vacant post in Paris previously held by Franz Joseph von Papen zu Köningen, who was recalled without explanation earlier this year.


Wiener Postzeitung – Friday, 4 October 1940

The works of the Erste Steiermärkische Fahrradfabriks-Aktiengesellschaft in Graz have been acquired by the firm of Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Steyr requires the additional factory space in order to meet the demand of the Heer for its tactical trucks and for continued development of civilian motor vehicles.

Militär-Wochenblatt – Monday, 7 October 1940

The second sector of the national air warning network, that of the 5th Air Defence Command, has been declared operational; at a ceremony at Stuttgart marking the occasion the Chief of Staff of the Luftwaffe, Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring formally promoted Josef Kammhuber, architect of the network, to the rank of Generalmajor. It is anticipated that the work on the sector of the 10th Air Defence Command will be completed some time this winter, and it has been announced that work has begun on extending the network to the 12th and 17th Air Defence Commands.


Hamburger Abendblatt – Tuesday, 8 October 1940

The eighth Blohm und Voss Bv.222 “Wiking” flying boat was delivered to Deutsches Lufthansa this morning. Registered as D-ANTL and bearing the name “Die Wappen von Magdeburg” this new cruise ship of the air joins the ever-growing Lufthansa fleet. Yesterday her sister, “Die Wappen von Brandenburg” took off on its inaugural flight to South Africa, making the first leg of its journey – Hamburg to Alexandria – in a single flight. The presence of such aircraft in commercial service heralds a new age in world travel, shrinking what once was a journey of weeks into but a few days.


Handelsblatt – Wednesday, 9 October 1940

The Hansa line freighter Braunfels arrived at Hamburg today with a mixed cargo including 43,600 centners of rice, 750 packages of tea, 1,290 cases of vegetable oil, 375 cases of merchandise, 1,880 cases of raw silk, 1,400 cases of fruit, 550 centners of coffee, 400 bales of jute and 3,000 centners of teakwood, in addition to 100,000 Reichsmarks in silver bullion. The bulk of the cargo is consigned to various Hamburg merchant houses while the bullion shipment is consigned to the Reichsbank.

Berliner Tageblatt – Thursday, 10 October 1940

Representatives of the Brazilian firm Industrias e Comerciales Minerios toured the Auto Union Volkswagenwerke at Wolfsburg earlier this week. Sources close to Auto Union have suggested that the Brazilian industrialists are interested in reaching agreement with German firms to assist in developing a domestic automobile industry in Brazil; when asked for comment a spokesman for Auto Union declined to answer directly but indicated that the concern would like to follow-up its recent success in Argentina with investments in Brazil.

Lüdenscheider Nachrichten – Friday, 11 October 1940

Auto-Union AG representatives broke ground today for the construction of a new manufacturing facility at Hannover-Stocken. Among the dignitaries attending was the Minister of Economics, Ludwig Erhard, and a delegation of Brazilian industrialists who are visiting Germany. The new factory, scheduled for completion sometime in 1942, is reported to be intended for the manufacture of commercial vehicles rather than passenger cars, which have been Auto Union’s great strength.


Münchener Post – Saturday, 12 October 1940

Officials of the Turkish Government, the Turkish Army and the German Embassy gathered this past Thursday in the city of Bursa to dedicate and mark the completion of the Turkish Automobile Factory’s new motor vehicle assembly plant. Equipment for this facility were procured from the Magdeburger Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik and installed under the supervision of German technical advisors. The new plant will assemble trucks procured for the Turkish Army and marks another step in that nation’s modernisation.


Deutsche Presse-Agentur – Sunday, 13 October 1940

The foreign ministry has announced the appointment of His Highness Otto Christian Archibald, Prince von Bismarck as ambassador to the Court of Saint James in London.


Militär-Wochenblatt – Monday, 14 October 1940

Jagdgeschwader 6, the Luftwaffe’s newest interceptor formation, has been activated within the 17th Air Defence Command. Headquartered at Innsbruck the unit is equipped with the Heinkel He100 and will be responsible for the western zone of the command.

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
Deutsche Presse-Agentur – Sunday, 13 October 1940

The foreign ministry has announced the appointment of His Highness Otto Christian Archibald, Prince von Bismarck as ambassador to the Court of Saint James in London.

Related to THE Bismarck? The name alone would carry weight, I should think...

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
Deutsche Presse-Agentur – Sunday, 13 October 1940

The foreign ministry has announced the appointment of His Highness Otto Christian Archibald, Prince von Bismarck as ambassador to the Court of Saint James in London.

Related to THE Bismarck? The name alone would carry weight, I should think...

Grandson in direct line no less.

His political affiliations are not quite what they were in the OTL, but he is an experienced diplomat and foreign service officer.

Rheinische Post – Wednesday, 16 October 1940

The Industriewerke Saar has acquired the shares of the Stahlberg AG fur Metallwarenerzeugung, integrating that firm’s metal fabrication facility into the concern’s portfolio of industrial affiliates. The acquisition is expected to boost IW Saar’s production of truck bodies for commercial and defence customers.


Handelsblatt – Thursday, 17 October 1940

The Ministry of Transport and the Foreign Ministry have issued a joint special bulletin advising German-flag merchant vessels to exercise extreme caution in transiting the South China Sea. The statement is prompted by rising tensions between China and the Philippines and their conflicting claims in the region.


Wirtschaftswoche – Friday, 18 October 1940

The Board of Directors the concern of Friedrich Krupp has announced that it will establish a truck factory in the city of Kulmbach in Upper Franconia, to be known as Südwerke Motoren und Lastkraftwagenbau AG. Establishment of the new facility – which is expected to be completed sometime in mid 1941 – will allow the concern to better fulfill its commitments to the Heer and other armed services for motor vehicles. The factory will bring more than three thousand jobs to this area within the next four years.


Sächsische Zeitung – Sunday, 20 October 1940

The Junkers factory at Dessau on Friday hosted a delegation of visitors arranged by the Defence Ministry, including the military attaches of Great Britain, the Russian Federation, France, Nordmark, Romania, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. The delegation toured the fabrication and assembly shops of both the Junkers aircraft and engine divisions. A Junkers spokesman indicated that the visitors were impressed with the work ongoing.

The Defence Ministry Situation Room, Berlin – Wednesday, 23 October 1940

Since assuming office nearly a year ago Konrad Adenauer had only visited the Situation Room on two previous occasions, and they were for formal briefings. Today’s meeting would be different – guns of war had thundered in the Far East – the long feared conflict between China and the Philippines had come to pass. Personally Adenauer could not understand the reason for the conflict – the sandbanks over which the two nations contended were certainly not worth the treasure they would spend in the battles that were sure to come. Considering the temperaments of the two nations though, war was inevitable – neither side could climb down from the positions they had taken. “Loss of face,” he thought. “But then, we Europeans can be as guilty of such as any Asian”.

He looked at the table, long polished mahogany. Ranged to his right were the members of the inner cabinet – Heuss, the Vice Chancellor; Gessler, Defence; Bruning, the Foreign Office; and Erhard, Economics. Opposite were the service chiefs, von Rundstedt, of the Army; Raeder, of the Navy; Kesselring, of the Air Force; and at the foot of the table was the man to whom they looked for information – Wilhelm Canaris, a navy admiral, but now chief of the intelligence service.

“Admiral Canaris,” the Chancellor began, characteristically coming straight to the point, “what is happening in the China Seas? From your report one might believe that the European powers are planning an immediate intervention.”

Canaris smiled wryly. “And they might do that,” he thought, “but unlikely.”

“Herr Chancellor,” he began aloud, “all we can say with certainty is that hostilities have broken out between China and the Philippines. The preliminary report contained in the dossiers before you suggests that the first battle went badly for the Filipinos – poor intelligence on their part, good luck on the part of the Chinese. Of greater moment is the reaction by the principal colonial powers – Britain, France, the Netherlands.”

“Yes,” said Adenauer, “the French reaction seems most aggressive.”

Canaris tilted his head slightly to one side. “Not necessarily aggressive, and not necessarily wholly in response to the outbreak of hostilities. The French had moved their Force de Raid from Marseille some weeks ago, likely in anticipation of such a conflict breaking out, but more we believe in response to the perceived weakness of their forces in Indochina. Our sources in Paris suggest that the French compromised in sending the forces eastward but only to be prepared for any eventuality – not to force a particular outcome at this time.”

“Four aircraft carriers, two battlecruisers and a host of smaller ships do not sound ‘contingent’ in my mind,” muttered Bruning. “Those large amphibious ships of theirs can only mean invasion.”

“So they might Herr Minister,” Canaris rejoined. “And certainly there are elements of the French cabinet, and the Marine Nationale who would take the opportunity to carry it out. My sources suggest that the Daladier Government is not willing to do so at this time.”

“What of the British Canaris? Your précis indicates they too are reacting strongly.” Adenauer demanded.

“Traffic analysis of the many wireless transmissions made suggests that the Royal Navy is also moving strong forces eastward. Whether this is in response to the outbreak of the conflict or in response to the French we cannot say. The recent cabinet shakeup in Downing Street suggests that the British too will not act hastily and intervene. They do not seem to have called upon the Dominions of the Commonwealth for assistance at this point.”

Canaris paused and looked in the buff folder before him. “The Dutch, closest to the scene, seem to be reacting the least. I believe that they have assessed the conflict correctly as a regional confrontation between the two Asian powers; one that will not expand, unless one or more third powers intervene directly on one side or the other.”

“Herr Gessler,” Adenauer spoke, turning his attention to the Defence Minister, “your recommendations?”

“With your permission Herr Chancellor, I would ask Admiral Raeder to deliver the joint opinion of the chiefs of staff.”

“Very well,” said Adenauer, “Herr Admiral?”

Raeder cleared his throat. “We lack the ability to intervene substantially with our current naval force and lack of bases in the region. If invited to participate in some sort of neutrality patrol we could do so, but organising such for our merchant shipping at this time is not possible. Germany should prepare for possible intervention – should we be called upon to do so – but we advise against action at this point.”

“An intervention to participate in a joint neutrality patrol is unlikely,” Bruning added. “The British and the French, while friendly to our ships visiting their colonies, would be unwilling hosts for a more permanent presence.”

“And we do not wish to have a permanent presence,” added Adenauer.

“Correct Herr Chancellor.”

“We cannot disrupt our foreign trade by ordering our merchant ships off the high seas,” Adenauer continued. “Herr Bruning, I would ask you to open discussions with the principal powers of the region – the Dutch, the French and the British – to ascertain whether they will extend naval protection to unwarranted activities of both Chinese and Filipino warships. In the interim, you will issue instructions forbidding German merchant ships to carry contraband of war to either belligerent. Examine all open export contracts to either side and embargo any contraband of war pending resolution of the conflict.”

Bruning nodded. “My staff has already prepared such documents for your signature Herr Chancellor,” he replied, and handed a slim portfolio Adenauer.

“Excellent,” he replied. “Admiral Raeder, I would ask you and your staff to examine what forces could be spared to participate in a neutrality patrol in the unlikely event we are asked to join one. I do now wish to keep our friends waiting if they should deign to include us in their deliberations.”

“Yes Herr Chancellor.”

“Canaris, you will endeavor to discover whether the British or the French mean to intervene or merely protect their existing interests in the region. I would like to think that they are merely preparing for the worst and not seeking aggrandizement.”

“Of course Herr Chancellor.”

Memorandum
Hand-deliver
October 24, 1940

To: His Highness Franz Joseph Maximilian Maria, Prince of Thurn and Taxis,
German Embassy
Re: Spratley Island Conflict

Sir,

In response to your government's question posed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of France intends to, within reason, assist in the protection of all neutral merchant vessels sailing in the regions affected by the recent Sino-Philippine conflict. As of this time we have yet to see evidence of either the Chinese or the Philippine governments making any efforts to challenge or inspect neutral merchant ships on the high seas, but we expect this may be change with continued conflict in the region. Should this occur, the French government intends to adopt all reasonable and prudent measures to safeguard the maintenance of neutral shipping in the South China Sea and adjacent areas. Cohesive with this goal, the Republic of France is engaged in serious discussions with the British Royal Navy and the Iberian Federation Navy with the goal of forming a Neutrality Patrol in these waters, responsible for protecting (within reason) neutral shipping, including any German vessels which may be engaged in trade pursuant to the rules of neutrality.

As your government is no doubt aware, the Republic of France is keenly interested in the events on the Spratley Islands due to inheriting the longstanding Vietnamese claim on the islands, which we maintain to this present time. While we are extremely interested in resolving the territorial disputes presented by these South Sea islands, our efforts to discuss the issue with the Chinese and Philippine governments has not borne any success. There are, naturally, voices within this country who propose pressing a decisive solution, but at the present time, the policy of this government is to not seek out any conflict which may prove injurious to the state of affairs in Southeast Asia and our relations with both China and the Philippines.

Yours sincerely,

Georges Bonnet
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
“An intervention to participate in a joint neutrality patrol is unlikely,” Bruning added. “The British and the French, while friendly to our ships visiting their colonies, would be unwilling hosts for a more permanent presence.”

The French might surprise you.

French admirals, while patriotic, are additionally less jingoistic than their British counterparts appear to be.

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
“An intervention to participate in a joint neutrality patrol is unlikely,” Bruning added. “The British and the French, while friendly to our ships visiting their colonies, would be unwilling hosts for a more permanent presence.”

The French might surprise you.

French admirals, while patriotic, are additionally less jingoistic than their British counterparts appear to be.

Ah, "La perfide Albion" - true. However, counting on such a welcome could be dangerous... it could so easily turn into "La perfide Allemagne".

S'truth, there.

In any case, this isn't the post-EU era of pan-European cooperation; everybody's still looking out for numero uno.

OOC : Still talking to folks on how to proceed and still rather busy with other stuff. Which is the main reason for a lack of reaction. That and an impressive chunk of my navy is already there.

Quoted

the Dutch, the French and the British – to ascertain whether they will extend naval protection to unwarranted activities of both Chinese and Filipino warships.

My Dear Sir, I am informed that the Admiralty is exploring the possibility of providing the courtesy of regularly scheduled escorts for a route from Jakarta to Bangkok and thence to San Hianando. Merchants belonging to SAE or the AEGIS or SAER alliances will be welcome to accompany our escort vessels. While unlikely to be necessary, we believe this would be of service to our merchant marine and help avoid any potential incidents.

At this times, there was not an intent to extend protection to unallied vessels. A request for such assistance would have to be submitted.

However, I am informed we have no objection to allowing non-belligerent naval forces to base from one of our ports, say Batavia (Jakarta) and offer protection to that nations merchants engaged in civilian pursuits.

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk
My Dear Sir, I am informed that the Admiralty is exploring the possibility of providing the courtesy of regularly scheduled escorts for a route from Jakarta to Bangkok and thence to San Hianando.

Cam Ranh Bay or Saigon would be more in-line with the line of advance; the former, as the French Navy's main anchorage in these waters, is presumably secure.

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk
My Dear Sir, I am informed that the Admiralty is exploring the possibility of providing the courtesy of regularly scheduled escorts for a route from Jakarta to Bangkok and thence to San Hianando.

Cam Ranh Bay or Saigon would be more in-line with the line of advance; the former, as the French Navy's main anchorage in these waters, is presumably secure.

OOC: As I indicated, still working on details. Overall why I posted the base concept in the OOC thread. Brits declined, French didn't seem interested. So I'll share the Aerial reconn data with them.

As for this, I expect to cooperate with the Thais to send 4 escorts off every couple days on the route, with merchants that choose to go along being able to split off if they want to stop in Saigon, and just catch the next batch when they want to leave. I expect only some captains will bother, but the DEI-Thai-San Hianando and the stops on the way should be a pretty robust trade route. Tankers at the very least.

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk

Quoted

the Dutch, the French and the British – to ascertain whether they will extend naval protection to unwarranted activities of both Chinese and Filipino warships.

My Dear Sir, I am informed that the Admiralty is exploring the possibility of providing the courtesy of regularly scheduled escorts for a route from Jakarta to Bangkok and thence to San Hianando. Merchants belonging to SAE or the AEGIS or SAER alliances will be welcome to accompany our escort vessels. While unlikely to be necessary, we believe this would be of service to our merchant marine and help avoid any potential incidents.

At this times, there was not an intent to extend protection to unallied vessels. A request for such assistance would have to be submitted.

However, I am informed we have no objection to allowing non-belligerent naval forces to base from one of our ports, say Batavia (Jakarta) and offer protection to that nations merchants engaged in civilian pursuits.

The German ambassador in the Hague, in speaking with the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, would submit such a request for inclusion of German-flag merchant vessels in Dutch convoys, if the circumstances of the conflict demand such. He of course expresses the hope that the scope of the conflict will not expand.

As to the question of temporary basing, the German ambassador would acknowledge the courtesy of the Government of the Netherlands and would report to Berlin the offer.

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan

The German ambassador in the Hague, in speaking with the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, would submit such a request for inclusion of German-flag merchant vessels in Dutch convoys, if the circumstances of the conflict demand such. He of course expresses the hope that the scope of the conflict will not expand.

As to the question of temporary basing, the German ambassador would acknowledge the courtesy of the Government of the Netherlands and would report to Berlin the offer.

My Dear Sir, in view of the ties between our nations, the Admiralty has consented include German-flag merchant vessels which choose to participate in the escort services offered.

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan

The German ambassador in the Hague, in speaking with the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, would submit such a request for inclusion of German-flag merchant vessels in Dutch convoys, if the circumstances of the conflict demand such. He of course expresses the hope that the scope of the conflict will not expand.

As to the question of temporary basing, the German ambassador would acknowledge the courtesy of the Government of the Netherlands and would report to Berlin the offer.

My Dear Sir, in view of the ties between our nations, the Admiralty has consented include German-flag merchant vessels which choose to participate in the escort services offered.

The German ambassador expresses the thanks of his government and again expresses the hope that the belligerents will respect the rights of neutrals in all cases.

The German Government has issued the following statement:

Whereas a state of war now exists between the Chinese Empire on the one part, and the Republic of the Philippines on the other, the duty and interest of the German Reich requires that it should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial towards the belligerent powers.

The German Government therefore believes it fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the German Reich to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those powers respectfully; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the German Reich carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever that might in any manner tend to contravene such disposition.

And the German Government hereby also makes known that whosoever of the citizens of the German Reich shall render himself liable to punishment of forfeiture under the laws of nations, by committing, aiding or abetting hostilities against either of the said powers, or by carrying to them those articles that are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the German Reich, against such punishment or forfeiture; and further, that the German Government has given instructions to those officers, to whom it belongs, to cause prosecutions to be instituted against all persons, who shall, within the cognizance of the courts of the German Reich, violate the laws of nations, with respect to the powers at war.

Hamburger Abendblatt – Shipping News – 25 October 1940

Arrivals -

Belgrano, Hamburg Sud Amerika – from the River Plate via Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco – 5,378 cases of tinned beef; 5,530 bales of wool, 16,350 sacks of milled flour, 830 bales of leather and 4,480 sacks of cottonseed

Elsa Essberger, John Essberger – from the River Plate via Montevideo – 5,879 cases of tinned beef, 6,360 bales of wool and 14,600 sacks of milled flour

Marienfels, DDG Hansa – from Batavia via Suez – 5,020 sacks of coffee, 297 bags of sago, 83 cases of cinnamon, 1,060 bags of ginger, 418 chests of tea, 803 bales of jute and 4,230 sacks of rice

Wigbert, Woermann Line – from the Cape Town – 9,686 ingots of copper, 1,996 bags of mica waste, 2,466 bags of corundum ore, 40 barrels of mica skimmings, 5,130 bags of chopped wattle bark, 41 cases of beeswax, 100 bags of chrome ore, 208 bales of sheepskins, 110 bales of wool, and 2,300 packages of grapes

Clearances –

Heinrich von Reidemann, Deutsche-Amerikansiche Petroleum – for Caripito in ballast

Moni Rickmers, Rickmers Line – for Rio de Janeiro with 5,260 tons of steel products including rails, wire rope, merchant bars, tinplate and ship plate

Wuppertal, Hamburg-Amerika Line – for New York with a general cargo including chemical products, machinery, porcelain, glassware, sundries, toys and musical instruments


Das Andere Deutschland – Editorial Page – Sunday, 27 October 1940

How ironic it seems that the governments of Europe, who solemnly speak for peace and prosperity in the halls of the League of Nations in Geneva, should rush to protect their imperial interests the moment a skirmish over sand banks in the China Sea breaks out. How quickly do they gather like vultures ready to pounce upon whom ever emerges victorious in the conflict between China and the Philippines? Or do they intend to descend upon the defeated? Only time will tell. Your editor is in the uncommon situation of speaking praise for the German Government, who has turned its back on such adventurism and declared its complete and impartial neutrality. It is our hope that the other major powers of the world will follow Germany’s lead and not involve themselves in either the unfortunate conflict that has begun, or follow those powers who seem poised to take advantage of the misfortunes of the combatants.

(Das Andere Deutschland is a pacifist and socialist newspaper, and in no way represents the opinion of the German Government)

Militär-Wochenblatt, Monday, 28 October 1940

The Defence Ministry has announced formation of a unit for special employment, Sonderverband 288, under the command of Major Fritz Bayerlein. The unit is currently stationed at the Prinz Eugen Kaserne, München.