1.4. Sonderkonto
Fokker was one of the Dutch manufacturers benefitting from the Sonderkonto, later dubbed the 'Germanisch Vereinbarung'
At first glance the plans of the Sonderkonto seemed like a genuine effort by the Germans to promote cooperation with the Netherlands, but the real interest behind it was much less glamorous. Before a Dutch supplier could get paid for his transaction numerous steps had to be undertaken. the Dutch Central bank first had to receive the payment, then create Bankmarks with the same value. Then these Bankmarks had to be bought by Dutch intending to buy German materials, which then would result in a payment to the original Dutch supplier. Although the system was definitely easier than the original system, it also allowed Germany to get supplies without ever having to pay for them. Although the system would reap short term financial success, if it would continue for several years it would drain all the money the Dutch government had invested in the economy.
The Dutch government made the agreement thinking that the Germans would play by international etiquette. The Dutch had very little room to negotiate with the Germans to demand guarantees, because of their self imposed exile. Wilhelmina thought that if the agreement would be abused too severely, she could abolish it. Whether or not this was a realistic option for Wilhelmina is to be debated. With Germany now as their main export country, cutting the ties with Germany would have severe consequences on Dutch economy and morale.
15th of September 1933. Berlin. Reichs Chancellery
Trough the hallways an Admiral walked with a steady pace. Behind him was a navy officer, tasked to carry a small stack of reports. Officially this man was commander of the Berlin, but being a commander of a vessel under the Treaty of Versailles was in name only. His actual job subscription was the secret rearmament project and creating a spy network worthy of a German Reich. The information he had gathered showed an opportunity Germany couldn’t afford to miss. His appointment was in 20 minutes with the leader who now decided the faith of Germany.
He arrived at his office 20 minutes early. The Fuhrer’s secretary didn’t seem to mind and announced his arrival. “Herr Fuhrer, Admiral Canaris is here for your 2 o clock appointment.” A voice inside the open office said “I cannot remember it being 2 PM already, but let the Admiral in.” Canaris went through the open door, with his navy officer following him. When the navy officer walked into the room, he couldn’t help to stare at the man on the other side of the desk. He had never been so close to Adolf Hitler before. The Admiral picked up on the inaction of his navy officer: “You can put those papers on the desk and then you can leave.” He said with a firm tone. “Don’t forget to close the door behind you.” The navy officer quickly apologized, almost dropped the papers of fright, but against all odds managed to follow the Admiral’s direction. He even closed the door without slamming it.
The Fuhrer seemed to be in a good mood and smiled at its favorite Admiral: “It came to my attention you view our appointment today as very prudent. I hope there is not a delay in our special interests I hope?” “You would be aware of any delays already, as is the agreement.” The Admiral grabbed the folder on top and opened it up, so the Fuhrer could see the numbers inside the folder. “This is the balance of the Sonderkonto transactions with the Netherlands. We have only been running the program for several months and we are already in debt.” The Fuhrer responded annoyed: “I can see that, but this is not a German interest. The rebuilding of the Reich has first priority. I hope this is not the reason you came here.” The Admiral was expecting this response. “The rebuilding has first priority and this is exactly why I brought it to your attention, Fuhrer. The Netherlands of today is not the same as it was when we fought the Great War. Let me explain.” The Admiral quickly grabbed the second folder, for he held the Fuhrer was already losing his patient. “This intelligence report goes into great detail about current Dutch internal and foreign affairs. They all show contempt for Great Britain and the Entente at a whole. While most western countries have strongly opposed fascist movements, the Dutch government is guarantying the NSB it’s rights as a political movement. I think that this Holland can be more than a country to extract wealth from, I think it could be so much more. But if we keep this course, we will drive them straight into Entente arms.” The Fuhrer scoffed at the thought and simply put the folder back on the stack without opening it. “The glory of Holland is no more. We cannot align with a washed out colonial power, just because they see England and France for what they truly are.” Canaris was getting more resistance then he expected, but had one more ace up his sleeve. He grabbed the report underneath the folder with detailed Dutch intelligence, which read ‘Prognoses.’ “The greatness of the Reich is not in dispute, Fuhrer, but his natural wealth is. With the current rearmament plans we need more then what we can provide. I’d like the Fuhrer to at least take a look at this, it’s the prognoses of our rearmament initiative with and without Dutch India’s resources. The Fuhrer took the map, opened it and was silent for a few seconds. “Are these numbers…accurate?” Said the Fuhrer. “Yes, I feel they are even a bit on the low side.” The Fuhrer nodded. “I will address the issue at the next major meeting.” Canaris smiled and said: “That’s all I can ask, Mein Fuhrer.”
At the next general staff Hitler talked about The Germanic Agreement, which would favor paying Dutch suppliers compared to other foreign obligations. It also pushed for involvement of Dutch industry in the rearmament of Germany. The plan got the support of most of the General Staff. Von Blomberg saw the Netherlands as the perfect place to expand the army without drawing attention. Schacht had been trying to get several South American countries to keep delivering raw materials, the Agreement would lighten his workload to get enough materials. The most surprising supporter was Goebbels. Goebbels was excited the opportunity it could provide for the propaganda effort. It would prove the good intentions the Reich had towards other Germanic races. Goering was the most vocal about his disapproval of the plan, feeling the Low Countries did not deserve such respect. He was persuaded by the promises there would be negotiations about the involvement of Fokker in the expansion of his Luftwaffe. Canaris himself would be sent to the Dutch Government with the Germanic Agreement.
Aftermath
Canaris travelled by railroad, fearing a plane would draw too much attention to himself
Canaris got an audience with the Queen Wilhelmina on the 5th of October. Germany had made the right choice with sending the Admiral. The Queen looked at Nazi’s with suspicion, but this man made a sensible impression on her. The Queen was favorable for the agreement. The army orders were just the thing the Netherlands needed to get lifted out of the Depression. Canaris left the plans with the Queen and returned to Germany.
Colijn was not amused with the German attitude. He felt deeply insulted that Canaris chose to visit Queen Wilhelmina instead of the prime minister. And besides ignoring democratic chosen leaders, they want the Dutch to get themselves involved with German warmongery? Colijn in anger declared his resignation if the plan was pushed through, but strangely found himself alone. Although the coalition of the Christian parties seemed an unity, none of the other parties were happy with ARP leading it. Even inside the ARP Colijn’s leadership was contested. The resignation of Colijn could only mean a power shift, so they decided to remain silent. Colijn handed in its resignation, but it was flat out refused by Wilhelmina. She thought that an early election would not be in the country’s interest. Instead Colijn would lead until the new elections, which were only a year away. Colijn grudgingly agreed. After the elections in 1934 he withdrew from politics and lived out his life quietly. He never made his resignation public. The Germanic agreement was signed and made public the following day. Although the military orders were designated as the first phase in Dutch rearmament. With the tensions in the world growing, none of the major powers saw Dutch behavior as suspicious, let alone dangerous.
Wilhelmina now had only one thing to do, before the major elections she had to put through a special Amendment change. In the Netherlands a change like that would require 2/3 of parliament to agree and then a newly formed parliament must to do the same. By making the changes right before an election, it made sure that the changes could be made swiftly. needed one of the opposition parties to vote together with her government. The only option seemed to be the NSB.
NSB leader Mussert respected the strength of leadership Wilhemina had shown in recent years, but didn’t care much about the Christian parties that were backing her up. Now and then he would clash with the government in parliament, disregarding protocol. Yet even he couldn’t deny the power Wilhelmina had over the population. Mussert had seen himself as the Dutch Fuhrer, who together with the German one, would usher in a new age of Germanic domination. But he found that his followers would much rather idolize the Queen then some German Austrian. He had to change his plans. If he wanted to keep his powerbase, he had to introduce a more Dutch oriented fascism. He based his new teachings of the idea of the Dutch spirit, which by its bravery and intelligence would triumph were no other can. He still refused to acknowledge Queen Wilhelmina as a leader figure though, in his eyes only he was destined to become one.
When a request for an audience with the Queen came in, Mussert was surprised. After trading formalities Mussert was presented with two new laws to be added to the Amendment change. One of these was fitted to match one of the major demands the NSB had made in recent years. Altough Mussert was hesitant to support both laws, the Queen promised that his support now would not be forgotten. Mussert, afraid that refusing the deal would damage his position as NSB leader, agreed.
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…And that’s the end of this update!
Did theoracle not say what the changes were to create suspense (yep! Not to be revealed till ’36 update. But maybe I'll end up revealing one anyway)
Did theoracle lie when he said this update would cover everything till 35 (yep! There is still one update coming. When I started writing, I felt I had to include more then just this. Luckily, that update is mostly done and will be posted on Friday.)
Will theoracle just start playing the game already? (Pff, unlikely.)