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20
BERLIN
January 1933
Minki stood with a glass of champagne in a large reception room in the Reich Chancellery, admiring the elegant Baroque architecture. Hitler had just been appointed Chancellor of Germany, and she was one of an intimate group of friends who had been invited to celebrate.
Max had sent a car to take her to the reception. Driving through the streets, Minki had been amazed by the vast crowds standing on either side of a wide boulevard, watching a torchlit parade. The car was forced to a snail’s pace and eventually had to stop. ‘If you want to get to the Reich Chancellery at all tonight, Madam, I’m afraid you’d be better off walking,’ said the chauffeur.
She climbed out of the car and was soon swept along with the throng. Peering over the excited crowds, she caught sight of thousands of men in matching brown uniforms marching in perfect formation, their flaming torches held aloft – like a river of fire.
Finally arriving at the Reich Chancellery, Minki showed her invitation to the guard, and was escorted up to the reception room. Through the open French windows leading to a balcony, she could see the back of the new chancellor, arms raised, acknowledging the roars of approval from the crowd below. After a while they broke into a rendition of the national anthem: ‘Deutschland, Deutschland über Alles.’
Taking a glass of champagne from a silver tray, Minki looked around nervously for someone she knew. Max had warned her that she would be alone for much of the evening, as he was filming the whole event for Goebbels.
Out of the blue, she heard a voice behind her. ‘Minki…how lovely.’ It was Magda, who took her by the shoulders and kissed the air on either side of Minki’s face. ‘Isn’t this evening wonderful?’
‘Yes… marvellous,’ replied Minki uncertainly.
‘They estimate there will be twenty thousand supporters out there this evening… all ex-soldiers, SS troops – men who’ve fought for their country and love what Adolf is doing for them.’
‘It’s very impressive.’
‘I’m glad you’re here… we’ve not seen you in ages.’
‘No, I’ve been quite busy with the baby. And how is your new arrival?’
Magda had given birth to her and Joseph’s first child the previous autumn. ‘Oh, the new baby is no trouble. I’ve done it all before, of course. Harald – my older child – was a very difficult birth, but he’s such a joy now. He’s quite grown up and is away at school, you know. My focus is Joseph…and Adolf, of course. He’s always at our house – he can’t keep away.’ Magda smiled proudly.
Minki had heard the rumours that Magda was secretly Hitler’s mistress. Some said that her marriage to Goebbels was merely one of convenience – to enable Hitler to have a secret liaison with her. Magda often acted as hostess at Hitler’s events, and her marital status protected her from idle gossip. It was no surprise to find her here on such an important night as this.
The two women chattered inconsequentially, but Magda seemed distracted, her eyes darting constantly to Hitler, who was now addressing the jubilant crowd from the balcony. His delivery, Minki noticed, was harsh and staccato – not at all like his normal deep, sonorous voice. Finally, his speech came to an end, followed by a crescendo of applause and cheers. Magda turned to Minki. ‘Will you excuse me…but I must speak to Adolf. He’ll want to know what I thought.’
As if on cue, Hitler swept into the room and made straight for Magda.
‘How was it?’ He sounded anxious, Minki thought, like a child asking for his mother’s approval.
‘You were marvellous,’ Magda assured him, squeezing his arm.
He beamed and led her across the room, where they joined a group of the Party faithful.
Minki desultorily exchanged a few words with the other guests, but their attention was on the new chancellor, and all were keen to grab a few seconds with the great man. She was relieved when Max and Joseph finally arrived. Both looked exhausted, but triumphant.
‘What a night!’ said Goebbels, kissing Minki fleetingly on the cheek. ‘I’m sure Max will tell you all about it – but if you’ll excuse me I must find Adolf…’ He looked anxiously around the room.
‘He’s over there, talking to your wife,’ said Minki, motioning to the far side of the room.
Goebbels hurried away, leaving Max and Minki together.
‘Isn’t it fantastic, darling?’ enthused Max. ‘Have you had a wonderful time?’
‘Oh, yes, wonderful,’ murmured Minki sarcastically. ‘Magda has kept me entertained…’
‘The whole event will make a marvellous film,’ Max enthused. ‘Joseph is delighted. He’s hoping Hitler will give it his seal of approval.’
Minki looked across the crowded reception room at Joseph, now standing beside Magda and Adolf. He seemed nervous, she thought, gazing adoringly at the new chancellor. She’d seen that look before, when he was unsure of himself, and wanted something – a woman, or a job…
‘I’ll let you into a secret, Minki,’ said Max, whispering into her ear. ‘Joseph is in discussion with Hitler about the possibility of a big job in the government – to become the Minister for Propaganda. He’s doing much of the role already, of course, but he’s anxious for it to be formalised. Hitler won’t commit, and the tension is driving Joseph mad.’
