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Lüttwitz’s eyes were hard and silent over his inner calculations. “I think just about every German is unhappy. What of it?” “Well, things will continue to worsen, in very short time. The Diktat becomes effective in less than two weeks,” Halstead stated, referring to the Treaty of Versailles with the term most Germans used. “I am well aware of the date, Herr Hitler. Tell me something I don’t know.” “Minister Noske will decree at the end of February that your Ehrhardt Brigade must be disbanded.” Lüttwitz’s position in his chair remain unchanged, even as his knuckles turned white and his face reddened. “Those troops have been fighting in Latvia against the Bolsheviks. They are German patriots!” “No matter, General. The Allied Commission will force Noske to disband all Freikorps not allowed by the Treaty—” Lüttwitz stood up from his chair, and shouted at Halstead as the bearer of bad news. “I shall not permit such an elite band of men to be torn asunder—” “You don’t have to, General, you don’t have to,” Halstead, who was standing now himself, assured him. “The Brigade is being moved to Döberitz military camp, is it not?” Lüttwitz’s glare only intensified. “How did you know that?” Halstead held both hands behind his back. “I have my sources. You know, it is not too late to reject the Diktat. In fact, the timing is perfect for a stand for Germany’s honor and dignity.” Lüttwitz sat once more, and motioned for Halstead to do the same, as his body drained itself of anger. “What are you suggesting, Hitler? A putsch against the Republic?” |