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“Stop your shouting and allow me to continue, Herr Hitler! Your forces are in existence only because my government says they may remain in existence. I hardly trust you more than the Reichswehr generals, I assure you, and I will not accept the so-called ‘protection’ of a party that has made the destruction of the Weimar Republic one of its central aims.” Halstead threw his napkin on the table and rose from his seat, rose partly to begin his departure and partly to add strength to his parting words. “I have only the best interests of the German worker at heart, Herr Premierminister, just like you Social Democrats. My armed forces are in existence thanks to the benevolence of the Reichswehr, who hold the real power in Bavaria. And in the next few days, the generals will show their true colors. I see things everywhere as they truly are, surely I have demonstrated that to you. “You will have to see the truth of my warnings with your own eyes. When Sunday comes and the army sends in its troops, my men will be waiting for your protection. I had rather see your SPD remain in power in both Berlin and Munich, rather than have the Reichswehr and the Conservatives try to turn the clock back to an era that no longer exists. Yes, I am against the Weimar Republic, but if it’s a choice between the Republic and anarchy, and it will be a real choice this weekend, then I choose the Republic. Good day, gentlemen.” Halstead bowed his head and stiffly marched out of the Premier’s private dining room in the Bavarian Reichstag, leaving Hoffman and his lieutenants to consider his words. |