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“Mein Führer.” “It has become obvious, in light of the events of last week, that Germany needs quite a bit more of law and order, don’t you think?” Röhm grinned from his position at the center of the table. “Most certainly, mein Führer.” “And it is obvious that the surest way to restore law and order is with a strong police force, don’t you think?” “Certainly, mein Führer.” “Well, there you have it. Minister Röhm, I want you to arrange meetings with your counterparts in the various states and impress upon them the need for a national police force under your direct command from Berlin. Two point four million strong.” Röhm looked up from his notes with a blank stare at the utterance of the number, then smiled again and resumed his penmanship. “I will meet with all of them this week.” “Good. Of course, all organizations outside of the Army are forbidden to, Rudi, how does Article One Seventy-One put it?” “In particular they will be forbidden to instruct or exercise their members or to allow them to be instructed or exercised, in the profession or use of arms.” Halstead paced to a wall and spun about, his hands firmly behind his back. “Of course, these associations are not forbidden to allow their members to possess arms, now, are they?” Hess glanced down again at his copy of the treaty. “No, mein Führer.” |