PART VII: THE NEW
REICH
ECKENER RETURNS TO ZEPPELIN-GOODYEAR
FRANKFURT, Jan 12, 1940- In a ceremony today at
Zeppelin-Goodyear International’s German Headquarters, former President of
Germany Hugo Eckener was named the Honorary President of ZGI. They day to day oppeartion’s of the
company will be handled by Ernst Lehmann, who has headed the Zeppelin Company
since Eckener entered politics 8 years ago. Eckener’s son, Knut, is the head of
ZGI’s European Operations, and has overseen the design of the last several
types of airships built in Germany.
-“Eckener Returns to Zeppelin-Goodyear,” The
New York Times, January 13, 1940.
Eckener
returned to Friedrichshafen amid great pomp and circumstance, as his hometown
welcomed their favorite son. Eckener quickly got back to the Zeppelin Company,
eager to get back to his life’s work, as he continued to refer to the
ligher-than-air development. Named as the Honorary President of ZGI, he mainly
worked in development, helping design teams come up with new innovations at the
Friedrichshafen facility.
However,
his retirement would be short lived. The new regime in Berlin was lacking in
the proper foreign affairs management that Eckener had excelled in. Germany was
eyeing Austria and a possible unification of the two German-speaking nations,
but feared ruffling the feathers of other European powers. And then Italy was
wanting to expand into Africa and asking for German assistance. And the icing
on the cake of mounting international issues was slowly souring relations
between the Soviet Union and the new German Empire.
- Liebermann, Dr. William. The Zeppelin President."Chapter 8: From President to Foreign
Minister ” Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2003
FDR: “THIS IS MY LAST TERM”
The White House, January 30- President Roosevelt today
announced that he would not seek reelection to a third term as President of the
United States. Many had tried to convince the FDR to seek a third term, but he
is quoted by a White House staffer as saying, “Every President since George
Washington has only served two terms. I see no reason to break that tradition
now. We are at peace, and I have served this country quite well, in my opinion.
It is time for me to return to Hyde Park.”
Now
the question is, who will run against Republican favorite and likely nominee
Wendell Wilkie. Most here in the capital believe that current Secretary of
State Cordell Hull will be the likely choice. However there are others that say
a more popular candidate with a better chance of winning over Wilkie would be
Will Rogers of Oklahoma.
-“FDR: This is My Last Term,” The Washington Post, February
1, 1940.
June 14, 1940- Chancellor Adenauer called me today, asking me to
come to Berlin to meet with himself and the Emperor. Apparently they want me to
help the new regime. I told them I’d consider it. I’m very torn as to what to do.
I want to devote the rest of my life to the development of the airship, working
out the kinks in current designs to further improve the technology, but at the
same time, I do not want to see Germany in trouble. I devoted the last 8 years
of my life to make sure that my country would succeed in the future.
June 17, 1940- I’m going to Berlin tomorrow, to meet with the
Emperor and the Chancellor, flying on the LZ-134 Graf Zeppelin II. I
feel that, despite my desire to stay on here at ZGI, I must put my country
first. And in all reality, since I’ve been out of the picture at Zeppelin for
so long that the next generation has already taken the reigns, and me trying to
step back in is really not a good idea.
So, with that said, I’m going
back to Berlin, to serve as the pleasure of the Kaiser.
- From the personal diary of President Hugo Eckener
“Personal Documents of President Eckener.” The Zeppelin Institute,
Friedrichshafen.
ECKENER APPOINTED AS FOREIGN MINISTER
BERLIN, JUNE 24- Emperor Louis Ferdinand today appointed
former President Hugo Eckener as the new Foreign Minister of the German Empire.
Chancellor Adenauer stated that, “Eckener’s ability to negotiate with people
from around the world is an invaluable asset, one that is needed as we enter
into this new decade. He proved that he can fullfill the duties of this office
during the last 8 years, during which time he took on negotiations first hand
that have benifited not only Germany, but all of the world.”
Eckener
told the press after the announcement, “I am willing to serve my homeland one
more. My services are needed, and I humbly offer them to the Kaiser and the
German people.”
There
are several issues facing the Imperial government. Chief among them is the
desire of Emperor Louis Ferdinand to bring the German-speaking nation of
Austria into the Empire to bring about the “Great-Germany” that was the vision
of generations passed. Another worry of the new government is the slowly
worsening relations with the Soviet Union. The Soviet ambassador in Berlin told
the Foreign Ministry that they are concearned about the fact that the Emperor’s
wife, Empress Kira Kirillovna, is the sister of Vladimir Kirillovich, the
Pretender to the Russian throne.
-“Eckener Appointed as Foreign Minister,” Frankfurter Zeitung, June 25, 1940.
DEMS NOMINATE HULL, WITH ROGERS AS VP
CHICAGO, JULY 18- The Democratic National Convention has
come to a close, with current Secretary of State Cordell Hull being nominated
as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, with his running mate being
well known radio personality Will Rogers.
Rogers
was the surprise for the ticket, but many here in Chicago hope that he will
inject new enthusiasm behind this ticket as the country gears up for the next
Presidential election in November.
-“Dems Nominate Hull, with Rogers as VP,” The New York Times, July 19, 1940.
ECKENER GOES TO VIENNA
VIENNA, AUG 19- German Foreign Minister Hugo Eckener was in
Vienna today, meeting with officials from the Austrian government to discuss
the topic of possible annexation of Austria by the German Empire. His Imperial
Highness Kaiser Louis Ferdinand has stated that he would like to bring the
Austrian’s into the German Empire, to achieve the “Great Germany” that was the
dream of many Germans before German Unification in the 1870s.
Eckener
stated to reporters in Vienna that, “I am here just to gauge the plausability
of some sort of union between Austria and Germany, in the interest of uniting
the two largest German-speaking nations in the world in some form. This is just
a preliminary visit, and I do not expect any sort of final agreement to be made
this trip.”
France
has stated that they are very leery of any union between Germany and Austria,
and may end up being a major roadblock to any plan eventually developed by the
German and Austrian governments.
-“Eckener Goes to Vienna,” The Times (London), August 20, 1940.
JAPAN LAUNCHES NEWEST ZEP
TOKYO, SEP 1- The Japanese Imperial Airship Service launched
it’s newest passenger airship, the JIAS-03 Amaterasu today at the Imperial Airship Works in
Tokyo. Emperor Hirohito, who has taken an personal facinaction with Japan’s
airship developments, attended the launch ceremony.
Japan
is not really known for it’s passenger airship service, this only being the
third passenger vessel built by the JIAS since the airship program began in
that country in 1931. Most airships produced by the IAW have been for the
Imperial Navy, and are considered “expendable”. They are rather small (smaller
that either the USS Akron or the
LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin) and have what
some airshipmen would call a skelaton crew of 30.
This
new ship, however, is quite a site, at nearly 1000 feet long it can rival most
of the airships currently in service with PanAm or DELAG or the British Air
Service, with room for 75 passengers in comparably spacious cabins. The Amaterasu will soon begin regular flights between Tokyo and Honolulu,
an agreement recently worked out by the US and Imperal governments.
-“Japan Launches Newest Zep,” Honolulu Star-Bulliten, September 3, 1940
ZGI PLANS NEW SHIPS
FRANKFURT- Zeppelin-Goodyear International has released
plans for several new airships that will be muc larger than both the Hindenburg
class or the GZ-9 class craft that the company currently builds. There are currently
plans for two new types of passenger airships, both of which were unveiled
today at ZGI-Germany. The German’s will be building the LZ-135 class ship,
nicknamed the “Kronprinz” Class, and the American’s will be building the GZ-18
class ship, nicknamed the “Americana” Class. Both ships will be over 1,600 feet
long and be capable of carrying over 150 passengers. Once built, these will be
the largest aircraft ever built by human hands. As with all American airships the GZ-18 class
will use helium as a lifting gas.
Unlike all previous German airships the LZ-135 class will use a mixture
of hydrogen and helium and will be designed with an eye toward eventual
conversion to using pure helium.
Although
the finer details of the amenities of these craft have not been officially
released to the public, our sources inside ZGI has stated that one craft may
have the option of being fitted with a small pool. Imagine, swimming in a pool
while floating high in the sky above the world. What an amazing feat something
like that will be.
-“ZGI Plans New Ships,” Popular
Mechanics, October 1, 1940.
HULL WINS PRESIDENCY
WASHINGTON, NOV 5- It was announced late this evening that
Democratic Candidate Cordell Hull won the presidency, beating out his
Republican opponent Wendell Willkie with roughly 52.3% of the vote, trumping
Willkie’s 47.7%.
Some
here in the capital are giving much credit for Hull’s win to the now Vice
President-elect Will Rogers, who travelled even more than Hull, visiting every
state during the last several months, campaining for the democratic ticket.
President Roosevelt stated that “I am delighted at the results of this
election, and feel good knowing that this great nation of ours is in such good
hands when I leave office in January.”
-“Hull Wins Presidency,” The
New York Times, November 6, 1940
December 17, 1940- We
had a secret meeting here in Berlin with the Austrian ambassador the last three
days. And we’ve finally come to an agreement. Austria will become part of the
German Empire next year. We’re going to make the formal announcement on January
1. The Emperor is quite pleased with the agreement, as is Konrad.
We are going to have the Austrian President in Berlin on
January 1 to sign the formal treaty, which will establish a three month
timeline for transition. It’s all very exciting, and I for one am glad
everything has finally be settled. After the ceremony on the First, I am going
to take some much needed vacation down in Friedrichshafen. I am very eager to
see the progress on the LZ-135.
- From the personal diary of President Hugo Eckener
“Personal Documents of President Eckener.” The Zeppelin Institute,
Friedrichshafen.
GERMANY AND AUSTRIA WILL UNITE
BERLIN, JAN 1- During a surprise visit by the President of
Austria, it was announced that Germany’s southern neigber would be annexed by
the German Empire. Kaiser Louis Ferdinand and Austrian President Wilehlm Miklas
today signed the Germanic Unification Treaty at the Imperial Palace in Berlin,
which estabishes a three month timeline for the dissolution of the Austrain
Republic as it becomes part of the German Empire.
The
other Powers in Europe now look wairly at Kaiser and his growing realm, and
hope that the past expansionism that dragged Europe into the worst war in human
history does not reawaken. German Foreign Minister Hugo Eckener as stated
repeatedly to the foreign press here in the Germanic capital that the Empire
means absolutely no ill will towards it’s European neighbors. Herr Eckener has
a good reputation amongst the leaders of this continent from his time as
President of Germany, and so most leaders, especially those in Britain, are
somewhat soothed by his statements.
Only
time will tell how true they are however.
-“Germany and Austria Will Unite,” The Times (London), January 2, 1941.
HULL AND ROGERS TAKE OFFICE
WASHINGTON, JAN 20- Today, on the steps of the United States
Capitol Building, Cordell Hull was sworn in as the 33rd President of
the United States, as thousands of well-wishers and supporters gathered to hear
his inagural address.
“We
are a nation of peace,” Hull stated during his speech, “We are a nation that
seeks to promote peace wherever we can. Under no circumstance shall this nation
ever willingly allow a conflict of the magnitude of the Great War to ever break
out. But rest assured that while we seek peace, we will not grow weak. Should
some fiend seek to disturb our security or our way of life, America will be
ready.”
President
Hull went on to state that America would seek continued good relations with her
allies around the world, especially the great Powers of Europe, and would also
continue to push the boundaries of technological development. As he said this,
the GZ-09 USS Eagle, the Presidential
Airship, floated overhead, and later sprinkled red, white, and blue confettie
when Hull finished his speech.
Famed
radio personality-turned Vice President of the United States Will Rogers of
Oklahoma was also sworn in today, and those of us from his home state couldn’t
be prouder. In attendance at the capital was Oklahoma governor Leon Phillips
along with several other state officials.
-“Hull and Rogers Take Office,” The Daily Oklahoman, January 21, 1941
RIOTS IN DANZIG
DANZIG, FEB 21- City officials in Danzig are reporting
rioting between German and Polish residents after a young German boy was
murdered by a member of the Polish National movement, which seeks to have the
city joined to Poland. Citizens in the German quarter have tossed out local
police officials from their neighborhoods, and are calling for assistance from
abroad. Danzig’s mayor has yet to make a formal statement, but there are fears
that he will ask for assistance from Poland, which could touch of some sort of
conflict. Things are especially tense in Berlin, where Chancellor Adenauer and
his cabinet have been at the Imperial Palace since the rioting began.
The
British Government has stated that should the City of Danzig need assistance,
they should seek that help from a neutral party, not Poland or Germany, to
avoid any possible conflict, and that should they be asked, Britain would send
assistance.
-“Riots in Danzig,” The
Times (London), February 22, 1941.
RIOTS IN DANZIG WORSEN
DANZIG, FEB 27- The situation in the Free City of Danzig is
worsening as the area enters it’s 7th day of fighting between German
and Polish citizens. Today, the mayor was shot in his home, and is in serious
condition at a local hospital.
The
German neighborhoods have banded together and declared themselves to be the
“Free State of Danzig”, claiming that the Danzig city government was overrun by
nationalist Poles who would turn the city over to Poland.
As
of today, neither the Polish or German governments have taken any direct action
to this worsening crisis, despite calls for involvment in both countries.
-“Riots in Danzig Worsen,” Frankfurter Zeitung, February 28, 1941.
POLAND SENDS TROOPS
DANZIG, MAR 1- The situation in Danzig has seriously
deteriorated. The cities mayor died yesterday from wounds he suffered from on
February 27. Since then, fighing between the Free City of Danzig and the so
called Free State of Danzig has intensified. So much so that the Danzig city
fathers have asked that Poland send troops to restore order. As of yet, troops
from Poland have mobilzed and are expected in the city before nightfall. This
has prompted the Free State to ask Germany to send troops, but Germany has yet
to respond.
If
things do not improve and soon, open war could break out. Many members of the
German Reichstag have been calling for the Emperor to send troops in to protect
the German citizens of Danzig from the Poles, but as of yet the Imperial
government has yet to respond to the situation. Some of the more radical
members of the parliament are calling for Chancellor Adenauer’s resignation if
action is not taken soon.
-“Poland Sends Troops,” Frankfurter
Zeitung, March 2, 1941.
March 2, 1941- It
seems as though the entire situation in Poland is going to hell in a
handbasket. Polish troops have entered centeral Danzig, securing the Polish
sector of the city. As of yet, they have not entered the so called Free State,
but it’s bound to happen. Chancellor Adenauer is planning on asking the Emperor
to send troops from East Prussia to secure the Free State. If that happens, I
forsee war breaking out. Some of the cabinet members are calling for a
declaration of war against Poland and an outright invasion. This could all get
very bad.
- From the personal diary of President Hugo Eckener
“Personal Documents of President Eckener.” The Zeppelin Institute,
Friedrichshafen.
ECKENER FLIES TO DANZIG
DANZIG, MARCH 5- With Polish troops occupying parts of
Danzig, the German Foreign Minister Hugo Eckener has flown the Graf Zeppelin into the city. The
Imperial Government has stated that Eckener is in the city to try and broker a
peace deal before a conflict breaks out.
The
Foreign Office in London has stated that the Germans are asking the British to
possibly come in as peace keepers between the Polish and German factions in
Danzig. It seems likely that the the Navy and Army will accept the request and
give assistance.
-“Eckener Flies to Danzig,” The Times (London). March 6, 1941.
TRUCE CALLED IN DANZIG
DANZIG, MARCH 7- Foreign Minister Hugo Eckener has been able
to broker a truce between the two sides of conflict. Right now, the Free State
of Danzig and the newly renamed Free City of Gdansk are not fighting. Eckener
is remaining in the city until a formal treaty can be worked out.
“We
cannot allow Europe to be dragged into conclict over one city, no mater how
important it is. Both sides must come to the tabel of peace and negotiate. An
agreement can be found. It must.” Eckener stated this to reporters outside the
conflicted city where he’s maintaining a temporary office aboard the Graf Zeppelin.
Poland
has recalled it’s troops to the boarder of the the Free Zone, and Britain has
sent in troops to maintain order between the two factions within Danzig.
-“Truce Called in Danzig,” Frankfurt Zeitung, March 8, 1941
GRAF BOMBED, ECKENER SAFE
DANZIG, MARCH 12- German officials are reporting that
Foreign Minister Hugo Eckener is safe and unharmed after a disgruntled Polish
citizen of “Gdansk”, also known as Polish Danzig planted a bomb in a package
delivered to Eckener’s temporary office at the Graf Zeppelin. The bomb exploded while Eckener was meeting The
entire craft was destoryed within seconds, engulfed in flame. 17 people were
killed, and over 40 are recovering in a hospital in German Danzig.
Minister
Eckener has stated that he will not let this blatant attempt at terrorism stop
him from pursuing peace in Danzig. “I did not let terror deterr me when I
served the German people as their President, and I will not do it now as
Foreign Minister,”
Talks
have been scheduled between the leaders of Gdansk, Danzig, Poland, Germany, and
Great Britain, and are expected to be held in Copenhagen sometime later this
month or in April.
-“Graf Bombed, Eckener Safe,” Washington Post, March 13, 1941.
The
early part of 1941 was a very dramatic time for Germany. The Danzig Crisis was
the at the spotlight for months, overshadowing the unficiation of “Greater
Germany” with the annexation of Austria on April 1. That transistion went off
peacefully, with the Emperor and Chancellor attending a well done ceremony in Vienna
where the Austrian state officially ceased to exist. Very few in that country
had anything negative to say about it, and were happy to be part of “Greater
Germany”.
After
the bombing of the Graf Zeppelin on
March 12, 1941, Hugo Eckener threw himself all the more at the task of bringing
peace to this troubled city. And his work payed off. In mid April, Chancellor
Adenauer and Dr. Eckener met with their Polish and British counterparts, along
with leaders of both Gdansk and Danzig in the Copenhagen to work out a
permanent solution to the problem of Danzig. On April 29, the leaders all
signed the Copenhagen-Danzig Accord, which did the following:
-Turned
over the southern half of the “Polish Corridor” over to the German Empire,
linking East Prussia to the rest of Germany.
-Gave
full passage rights to Poland to pass through the German section of the Vistula
River.
-Split
Danzig and Gdansk leagly into two cities
-Made
Danzig into a German enclave within the Polish Corridor
-Made
the Port of Danzig/Gdansk controlled jointly between British, Polish, and
German troops.
While
many feared that the situation would cause a major headache and in the end not
solve any problems, the violence in the region subsided. Soon, things were back
to normal and all parties involved adjusted quite well to the new situation. In
reaction to his efforts, Hugo Eckener was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize the
following year.
- Liebermann, Dr. William. The Zeppelin President."Chapter 8: From President to Foreign
Minister ” Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2003
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