Chapter 612: Is This Still Neutrality?
Queen Wilhelmina met the German ambassador in the reception room.
The reception room was simple yet subtly adorned with royal elegance. Several European-style sofas surrounded a central coffee table, temporarily decorated with small Dutch and German flags to symbolize friendship between the two nations. The room was perfumed by the fragrance of tulips, mingled with a faint hint of French perfume that the queen favored.
Unlike previous occasions, German Ambassador Stephan was accompanied by Colonel Mark, the military attaché of the embassy.
The two men walked briskly towards Queen Wilhelmina. After bowing respectfully and receiving permission, the ambassador sat opposite the queen, while Colonel Mark stood beside him, upright and alert, resembling a bodyguard more than a diplomat.
The queen cast a quick glance at Colonel Mark, immediately understanding Germany's implication—if diplomacy failed, force was not far behind. It was both a psychological hint and a veiled threat.
Wilhelmina remained composed, smiling gently. "It's been a long time, Stephan. Your timing is excellent—I was hoping to discuss import issues with you. We're planning to expand imports of oil, weapons, and other supplies from the United States."
The Netherlands, as a neutral country, wasn't restricted by Britain and thus could freely import supplies, notably oil and arms—commodities also crucial to Germany. By mentioning this, the queen subtly reminded Ambassador Stephan that if negotiations soured, Germany would lose these vital Dutch imports, suggesting they tread carefully.
Stephan understood the underlying warning. Normally, such a diplomatic opening would have delighted him, allowing other issues to be temporarily sidelined. But now, with more than two hundred thousand German soldiers trapped and time running out, such matters couldn't be postponed.
"Certainly, Your Majesty," Stephan responded diplomatically, his tone tinged with regret. "We deeply appreciate your nation's understanding and assistance. But now, war has reached the Dutch border. We hope the Netherlands can exercise humanitarian compassion by opening your borders to refugees."
"Refugees?" Wilhelmina's voice carried profound skepticism.
"Yes," Stephan leaned forward slightly, emphasizing sincerity. "I promise these refugees won't be armed or in uniform. They're simply fleeing for their lives."
The queen hesitated.
This provided a convenient loophole. All she needed to do was feign ignorance, nod in supposed innocence, and permit their entry. To Britain and France, she could later claim innocence, insisting the Dutch had been deceived.
However, Wilhelmina clearly understood that Britain and France wouldn't easily buy such a flimsy excuse.
She took a sip of coffee, her voice tinged with regret. "I hope you understand our position, Stephan. The Netherlands has always sought to avoid involvement in this war."
As queen, she couldn't openly admit, "We have to consider the British and French positions." Such a statement would amount to admitting national humiliation, bowing to foreign pressures, and inviting foreign interference in Dutch affairs.
"I understand, Your Majesty," Stephan answered calmly, but firmly. "Yet I believe this is precisely how the Netherlands can preserve neutrality. Don't you agree?"
His words were clear. If the Netherlands refused this arrangement, Germany might resort to force.
Before Wilhelmina could reply, Colonel Mark interjected pointedly, "Your Majesty, Germany respects Dutch neutrality. I'm sure Britain and France do as well."
His remark was a subtle threat. Britain and France, fearing the Netherlands might openly support Germany, were unlikely to retaliate openly against Dutch neutrality.
Wilhelmina smiled faintly.
No explicit words about war were exchanged, yet every syllable crackled with tension.
Weighing the options, it seemed the Netherlands' wisest choice would be to quietly accept these German "refugees" to defuse immediate danger, and later appease Britain and France with increased supplies.
As Wilhelmina was about to reluctantly accept Germany's request, her secretary quietly entered and whispered something urgently into her ear. The queen's expression immediately changed. She stood, addressing the ambassador politely but firmly, "My apologies. I must step out briefly. I also require some time to consider this matter further."
"Of course," the two Germans rose respectfully as the queen left the room.
As soon as she left, Colonel Mark turned to Stephan with suspicion. "Ambassador, what do you think that secretary just said to the queen?"
Stephan nodded gravely. "She wasn't stepping out to consider. She's going to meet someone—most likely the British or French ambassador."
Mark's eyes widened in realization. "They've already guessed our plan to cross the Netherlands?"
"Absolutely," Stephan replied bitterly. "Charles planned this encirclement via Hasselt—he clearly anticipated our response."
"Then why didn't you stop her just now?" Mark asked, confused.
"We couldn't," Stephan sighed, reclining casually. "And there's no need. Eventually, she'll realize she has only one viable choice."
Colonel Mark nodded slowly. Germany posed an immediate threat, right next door. British and French threats seemed distant, perhaps nonexistent. Logically, the Dutch would have to manage the immediate threat first, and deal with future diplomatic repercussions later.
At that moment, a messenger rushed into the room, breathless. "Ambassador, urgent news: Charles' First Armored Army has advanced beyond Hasselt to the Dutch border. Meanwhile, the main British naval fleet is assembling in the North Sea."
Stephan jumped up from the sofa, alarmed. He finally realized Charles hadn't just anticipated Germany's plan—he had fully prepared a decisive response.
Now, if the Netherlands agreed to Germany's demands, they wouldn't face a distant, abstract threat, but rather an immediate, overwhelming danger from both land and sea.
At sea stood the mightiest fleet in the world—the British Royal Navy.
On land loomed Charles' First Armored Army, capable of reaching the Dutch capital in days, conquering the entire Netherlands within weeks.
Could Germany's threats still work under these circumstances?
Unsurprisingly, in another room, Wilhelmina was meeting the French ambassador, who straightforwardly advised her:
"Your Majesty, we deeply respect Dutch neutrality and sincerely hope you can maintain it. However, if the Netherlands grants certain privileges to Germany, Britain and France will naturally expect equal treatment."
Wilhelmina stared, momentarily stunned.
His meaning was crystal clear. If the Netherlands allowed German "refugees" through, they would also have to permit British and French "refugees."
Would this still be neutrality?
Or would the Netherlands suddenly become another battlefield?
(End of Chapter 612)
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