At 9:30 a.m. on May 6, 1941, Molotov and his four attachés walked into the office building of the German Foreign Office on Linden Street, and then followed the staff who received him to the easternmost conference room on the third floor.

More than half of the seats in the spacious conference room already have the owner.

The participants spoke Japanese, Italian and German, and the room was filled with the cacophony of southern and northern accents.

Seeing Molotov and his entourage appear, German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop hurriedly stood up and greeted Molotov warmly.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshi Matsuoka and Italian Foreign Minister Chiano also stood up and shook hands with Molotov one after another.

During the greetings, Molotov, with his years of diplomatic experience, sensitively grasped the subtle differences in the emotions of the three men.

The most enthusiastic of the three is Yoyo Matsuoka.

Matsuoka was the first to propose to win over the Soviet Union to join the Axis powers, and he also most hoped that the Soviet Union would join the Axis powers.

Japan had already declared war on Britain, and Japan's southward expansion strategy had begun, and of course it did not want to establish another strong enemy in the north.

At the strong initiative of Matsuoka Yoyo, Japan first signed the "Japan-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact" with the Soviet Union, and then actively participated in the four-party talks, striving to draw the Soviet Union into the Axis powers and eliminate the worries of going south.

Regarding the quadripartite talks proposed by Germany, Matsuoka was naturally the most urgent, and he was also the most enthusiastic when he met Molotov.

The coldest of the three was Ziano.

A series of great victories of the Italian armies in the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and East Africa. The self-confidence of a bald leader in the Palazzo Venezia was highly inflated.

God first, I "Augustus" Mussolini second.

The new era of the Roman Empire has reappeared, and the arrogance that the earth must revolve around me once again occupies Mussolini's brain.

What are the Soviets? The Axis didn't need that group of Eastern European barbarians. There is no need for those Bolsheviks.

It was only at the strong invitation of Ribbentrop and Matsuoka Yoyo, and under the persuasion of Hitler, although Mussolini reluctantly sent his son-in-law Ziano to go through the motions, although he was not interested in the so-called four-party talks, which could be regarded as a face-saving gesture for Germany and Japan.

Since he was here to go through the motions, of course Ziano was not enthusiastic, he just greeted Molotov very coldly. Then he stopped talking.

After the three foreign ministers greeted Molotov in turn, a young man suddenly turned behind Ribbentrop.

The young man was dressed in a mid-blue Air Force lieutenant general's uniform. Judging by the appearance, the age is definitely not more than thirty years old.

Almost as soon as Molotov entered the door, he saw the young outrageous general, whose presence stood out as the only person in military uniform in the room.

Such a young lieutenant general, is he the legendary brother-in-law? Molotov secretly speculated.

Really. Ribbentrop introduced: "This is Heinz. Feng. General Rosen, the Führer's deputy envoy for negotiations. ”

Sure enough, it was him.

Diplomatic negotiations, what is he, a military officer, doing? Is there some conspiracy.

Molotov was secretly vigilant while greeting Chen Dao.

After a few pleasantries, everyone sat down again, putting on headphones for interpreting and speaking.

Ribbentrop, as the master, made a few opening remarks, and then went straight to the point, negotiating with Molotov on the terms of the Soviet Union's accession to the Axis powers.

Ribbentrop first spoke of the Sakhalin issue.

The USSR demanded that Japan must give up the right to mine coal and oil in the northern part of Sakhalin. Ribbentrop said that this was a matter between the Soviet Union and Japan, and that Germany and Italy could not participate in it, let alone make commitments on behalf of Japan. He suggested that Molotov and Matsuoka negotiate privately, and that Germany and Italy should be notified directly after the results of the negotiations were reached.

Ribbentrop's suggestion was reasonable, and Molotov and Matsuoka immediately agreed.

Seeing that the two sides had agreed, Ribbentrop then spoke of the second clause: the conditions for the withdrawal of German troops from Finland and the inclusion of Finland in the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union.

Ribbentrop had just re-read the treaty when Chen Dao suddenly straightened up and leaned back in his chair.

In the crowd of people who are all sitting upright. This action of his was particularly glaring and immediately attracted Molotov's attention.

"Mr. Molotov. I have a bit of a problem with this condition. What do you mean by including Finland in your sphere of influence? Could it be that your country wants to re-declare war on Finland and then occupy all of Finland? ”

Molotov first twisted himself in the chair to make it seem as if he wanted to sit more comfortably, but he was taking the opportunity to straighten out his thoughts.

"By including Finland in our sphere of influence, I mean that we will not be interfered with by other countries, especially Germany, in our relations with Finland in all aspects." Molotov said.

"Do you mean that the whole spectrum also includes war?" Ribbentrop then asked.

"The possibility of war is not ruled out." Molotov said.

"As it was, everything was not expected by the Führer." Chen Dao suddenly sighed quietly to Ribbentrop.

All eyes were on Chen Dao and Ribbentrop.

Britain was already on the verge of collapse, and the power of the Axis powers was so powerful that the German barbarism would not budge.

However, if Germany wanted to reject the demands of the Soviet Union, it would certainly not invite the Japanese and Italians to participate.

But now that Germany has offered to restart the Quad talks, and has also invited Japan and Italy to participate, is it Germany's decision to make major concessions? Maybe your chance has come.

Molotov couldn't help but suffer from gains and losses.

Chen Dao and Ribbentrop muttered a few words, and Ribbentrop said: "The Führer has great sincerity in this negotiation, and the Führer has decided to show Germany's sincerity by deeds. Germany could withdraw most of its troops in Finland and no longer interfere in all disputes between the Soviet Union and Finland. Can you agree to such conditions? ”

Molotov was unmoved, and said indifferently: "We want Germany to withdraw all its troops in Finland and no longer interfere in our relations with Finland. ”

"Mr. Molotov. As you said, your country and Finland do not rule out the possibility of war. And our country must keep part of its army in Finland in order to guarantee the inviolability of the German diaspora in a future war. Moreover, the Führer also promised that the number of troops garrisoned could be decided through negotiations, and this was already the maximum concession that the Führer could make. Ribbentrop said.

After a brief exchange with the attaché around him, Molotov agreed that this condition seemed acceptable.

"Thank you Yuan for the sincerity expressed by Mr. Yuan to promote the friendship between us, he is such a generous person. We can start with the Finnish question, and we will convey your country's sincerity to the General Secretary. I think we will soon be able to make decisive progress on this issue. Molotov said excitedly.

Ribbentrop said with the same excitement: "Great, I also hope that our friendship will not be affected by this small disagreement, and that your country will give an answer as soon as possible." ”

The two men exchanged another round of high-sounding diplomatic rhetoric, and the negotiations moved on to the third issue.

"About Turkey. Are you satisfied with the answer that the Führer said that Turkey does not belong to the Axis bloc and that all the interests between Turkey and your country are not within the scope of Germany's concern? Mr. Molotov. ”

A smile appeared again on Molotov's stiff face.

"I am very satisfied, the Führer is really a generous person. It's just that, on the Bulgarian side, what explanation does Yuan Xiansheng have? That's what I'm most concerned about. ”

Ribbentrop said: "Your country wants to build a military base in Bulgaria, and this matter is more troublesome. I must warn you, Mr. Molotov. Bulgaria is not the same as Turkey, it is a member of the Axis powers, an ally with an equal status with us. We cannot take it upon ourselves to use Bulgaria's interests as guarantees.

And, in a sense, Bulgaria was an ally of Germany, and the USSR was not, and in comparison, we would feel closer in the face of Bulgaria.

The Führer meant that your country could negotiate with Bulgaria to resolve the issue. Germany is in no way involved, but except for negotiations. If your country takes other drastic measures, as allies, we can only stand on the side of Bulgaria, I hope you can understand.

What I personally mean is that you can join the Axis and then negotiate with Bulgaria as a member of the Alliance, so that you can eliminate the resistance of the Bulgarians to the greatest extent and not be perceived as aggression against Bulgaria, you may wish to think about it. ”

As soon as Ribbentrop's voice fell, Ziano, who had not spoken, suddenly interjected: "Mr. Molotov, I also have a suggestion about Bulgaria. Bulgaria shares a border with Turkey, and if you have included Turkey in your sphere of influence, you may wish to make certain commitments to Bulgaria in the Turkish direction, and perhaps an outcome satisfactory to all of us will be obtained. This is a little bit of my personal reflection, and I would like you to think about it. ”

"I agree with Mr. Ziano's suggestion, and I suggest you give it more consideration." Matsuoka continued.

Chen Dao glanced at Qi Ano, and said in his heart that this boy really has some real skills.

To make up for Bulgaria with Turkey, to try to resolve the Soviet-German differences in Bulgaria by a peaceful means.

If the Soviet Union could agree, both sides could end up in a happy situation.

Molotov fell into deep thought.

Germany made it clear that it would do its best to protect Bulgaria from aggression.

If the answer is known without the threat of force, simply by means of negotiations, and the answer can be known with the heel, Bulgaria will certainly not agree to the demands of the USSR.

At this time, luring Bulgaria is indeed a very good option, and it can be used as a backup plan.

Molotov made up his mind, turned his head to Ziano and nodded and smiled: "Thank you, Mr. Ziano, I will convey your suggestion to the General Secretary." ”

"Now that there has been a breakthrough in the Bulgarian and Turkish issues, let's move on to the last issue." Ribbentrop said.

"That's up to me." Chen Dao continued.

He finally spoke, and Molotov subconsciously raised his alert.

During the whole meeting, the brother-in-law seemed to be asleep except for asking a painless question.

He must have said something astonishing when he suddenly spoke now.

"I heard what you just said. I would like to say two things. First, I would like to remind Mr. Molotov, and I hope you will convey it to Mr. Stalin. Don't always think about what the Axis powers could do for the USSR. Also think about what the USSR could do for the Axis powers.

At today's meeting, in the Axis group, why are there only three of us countries to negotiate with you, because our three countries are not only the initiators of the Axis powers, but also the countries that have made the greatest contribution to the Axis powers.

The Japanese Navy inflicted heavy losses on the British Indian Ocean Fleet and is now fighting against Britain in Southeast Asia, and Italy in Africa. In the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Mediterranean, tens of thousands of British Army forces were eliminated. and inflicted heavy damage on the British Royal Navy.

As for Germany's contribution, I will not say much more. In short, the contribution of our three countries to the Axis powers is obvious to all. I would like to ask Mr. Molotov what the Soviet Union could contribute to the Axis after joining the Axis Powers. How many troops can be sent to fight the enemy? How many enemies could be eliminated for the Axis powers? Please give me an answer now. ”

Molotov was stunned by the cannon-like language, and was stunned for a while before he said: "General Rosen, do you think that the Soviet Union is a country that only knows how to ask and does not know how to give?"

The Soviet Union is not yet a member of the Axis powers, and of course it is not suitable to send troops, especially to areas where the Axis ** team exists, if it causes unnecessary misunderstandings, none of us want to see.

If, one day, the Soviet Union did join the Axis powers, the Soviet Red Army would certainly prove to you with their combat effectiveness that the Soviet Union would be one of the most loyal and reliable members of the Axis powers. ”

Chen Daodong looked around. Without looking at Molotov squarely, it was clear that he did not believe his empty promises, and said lightly and perfunctorily: "Okay. Mr. Molotov, I hope that one day will come.

The second thing I'm going to say is a notification.

You know, a lot of people think that Britain is going to surrender soon, but until today, the British have not offered us to negotiate, so the war will continue.

India was the most important British colony overseas. The Führer believed that it must be conquered.

He had already given the order that the German garrison in the Middle East was about to march into Iran. And use Iran as a springboard to attack India, and then join forces with the Japanese army in India.

Since Iran is a country bordering your country, the Führer has sent me to inform you and ask you to convey it to Mr. Stalin, so as not to cause a misunderstanding between our two countries. ”

Molotov's face flashed with joy, and then he immediately regained his composure.

The Germans really wanted to fight India, and this is exactly what the USSR dreamed of.

With the long supply lines and the vast territory of India, Germany will definitely not be able to end the war against India in a short time, and a considerable part of the German army will also fall into the Indian battlefield, at this time, Germany will definitely not launch an attack on the Soviet Union, as long as it is delayed until winter, the Soviet Union will be safe.

However, Germany's attempt to use Iran was a great threat to the Soviet Union.

Iran shares borders with the Soviet Union in the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and Central Asia, and if a war breaks out between Germany and the Soviet Union, if Germany uses Iran as a base, even if it does not launch a ground attack, simply using bombers to destroy the Baku oil fields will be enough to deal a heavy blow to the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Union must guard against such a possibility.

Molotov's mood was mixed, but Chen Dao had no scruples and continued to put pressure on Molotov.

"Mr. Molotov, after the end of the meeting, I ask you to immediately inform the country, especially the military, so that there will be no misunderstanding because of our military operations. The time of our invasion of Iran is next Monday, please inform you of this time, but please be sure to keep it confidential. ”

"Next Monday? So fast?" Molotov exclaimed.

"It is next Monday that the blow to Britain cannot be delayed, and it cannot be delayed for a day." Chen Dao said.

"Time is too rushed, and I have to have enough time to get domestic approval." Molotov said without thinking.

Chen Dao said dissatisfiedly: "Please pay attention, Mr. Molotov, I am not asking for your consent, I am just informing you." Iran is not your country's territory, your country has no reason to oppose it, and the battle plan of the German ** team will not be changed by the will of others. ”

Seeing Chen Dao's irrefutable posture, Molotov knew that no matter how much he said at this time, it was meaningless, so he hurriedly said: "This news is too important, I suggest that the meeting be adjourned for the time being, and the meeting will be held after I get orders from the country." ”

"I can understand your feelings, this weekend is an extraordinary period, I will work overtime in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if you have something, you can come to me at any time." Ribbentrop said

Twenty minutes after the meeting, Chen Dao and Ribbentrop walked into the Chancellery to meet with Hitler and Goering, who had been waiting for a long time.

After listening to Chen Dao's report on the progress of the meeting, Hitler nodded and said, "Hermann, it's up to you next." ”

"I promise that in three days at most Roosevelt and Churchill will hear the news of this meeting." (To be continued)