I am considering writing a time-line where the Germans, smarting from the Italian opposition to Anschluss of Austria 1934 sends a sizable mission to Ethiopia early 1935, headed by von Lettow-Vorbeck. IOTL, they did sell thousands (probably 8000) of Mauser rifles, millions of rifle rounds, some machine guns and at least twelve 37mm AT guns to the Ettiopians.
I think von Lettow-Vorbeck opposed the nazis and refised honours they wished to eomplace upon him and was generally a pain in the arse for the nazi leadership - they wanted to use him in their propaganda, and he consistently refused. So sendint him to East Africa would be a good way to get rid of him.
So, what do you think? Would von Lettow-Vorbeck accept leading a military mission to Ethiopia? Could he attract former Ascaris (some now serving in the King's African Rifles) to his service? Could the Germans circumvent the arms embargo imposed by Britain and France - historically Madsen, Rheinmetall and Skoda cancelled extensive orders from Ethiopia?
Would the Germans sell some biplane fighters (Ar-64, He-51?) with "instructors" to fly them?
I think von Lettow-Vorbeck opposed the nazis and refised honours they wished to eomplace upon him and was generally a pain in the arse for the nazi leadership - they wanted to use him in their propaganda, and he consistently refused. So sendint him to East Africa would be a good way to get rid of him.
So, what do you think? Would von Lettow-Vorbeck accept leading a military mission to Ethiopia? Could he attract former Ascaris (some now serving in the King's African Rifles) to his service? Could the Germans circumvent the arms embargo imposed by Britain and France - historically Madsen, Rheinmetall and Skoda cancelled extensive orders from Ethiopia?
Would the Germans sell some biplane fighters (Ar-64, He-51?) with "instructors" to fly them?