Ludendorff, seconded by General Hoffmann, was adamant. If Trotsky would not talk, the German military would create facts. There was no need for long-winded discussions let alone any further consultation with the German parliament. As far as the Kaiser was concerned, the mere mention of the Reichstag was enough to trigger an outburst that was profoundly symptomatic of the crisis-ridden atmosphere pervading Germany.
