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And he might need every one of them. Destroyers are going to be very much in demand should Britain decide it has swallowed enough Italo-Nippo-German kimshee.
I personally don't think I'd go for bigger ships right now - not battleships at any rate. It's the Air Force and the Army who need credits most in the dire situation Britain is in.
That's a huge problem. Smuts . .. seriously, smuts? Anyway, Smuts can accept a crummy offer that destroys him politically and possibly even destroy South Africa, or he can refuse the offer and possibly do exactly what Halifax hinted at: destroy the Commonwealth. Neither decision is good, and Smuts doesn't seem like an idiot, so I would not be surprised if he looked behind door number three and simply tried to present a counteroffer. When in doubt, negotiate; it at least keeps your options coming.
Halifax is trying. We have to give him that much.
Halifax is trying. We have to give him that much.
Of course it is a good deal for South Africa, Mr. Butler. You don't live there. You don't have to directly deal with the reaction that Smuts will face.
He is trying, although sometimes "trying" is overrated.
If Halifax manages that it will be the biggest comeback since Lazarus.
The difference is that Lazarus was actually dead. Halifax only looks dead.
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Chapter 51, Downing Street, 19 June 1940
Ironside knew that he had been staving off the inevitable. With Gort emerging from the chaos of the French campaign in a positive light it was obvious who the scapegoat would be. The lack of grip on the campaign, the poor direction between the services and, most damming, the failure of CIGS and Prime Minister to establish a good working relationship all signalled the end for Ironside. The abrupt summons to Downing Street had therefore come as no surprise, and it was a world weary Ironside who arrived at Downing Street. He entered Halifax’s study to find Hankey and Butler present.
“General,” Halifax began. “May I first of all state that I am gweatly indebted to you for your loyal and steadfast service in this twialling time.
“Uh-huh,” Ironside growled.
“And that the three of us value your input into the direction of our military.”
“Yes, My Lord.” Halifax squirmed in his chair. Hankey was looking at the clock with a feigned interest whilst Butler was content with a nod of his flabby head. So I chase this fox myself, Halifax thought.
“It is become appawent to us that we need a change in the military management of this country. With peace assured and the task of rebuilding the armed forces upon us I think a change is required.” Ironside, proud and tall, offered a slight smile.
“I see. For what it is worth, Sir, I agree with what you have said and offer my resignation as CIGS.” Hankey looked sad, knowing the impossibility of Ironside’s position. Butler looked shocked.
“You do?” Halifax spoke carefully, trying to avoid what he thought was a trap.
“Indeed, Prime Minister.” This was, simply, a remarkably brave gesture. Ironside, a courageous officer mentioned in dispatches and bearing a row of medals on his chest was offering himself up as the sacrificial scapegoat. Duty done, Halifax relaxed.
“Well, General, there is much work for you to do. The Secretary of State for War is looking to restructure the Army. We have decided to appoint you head of the Royal Commission for Army Reform.”
“My staff?”
“Viscount Gort will be your Deputy, remaining in command of the BEF until such time as it is again ready for opewations. You will also gain,” here Halifax looked at the list of recommended officers, “Major Generals Hobart, Montgomery and Percival.” Ironside looked suspicious. He knew that Montgomery and Percival had powerful sponsors, whilst Hobart was widely regarded as being a troublemaker, having only recently been retired by General Wavell. Still, it was a powerful position, shaping the BEF of the future, and Ironside was actually relieved that he still could make a difference. He left a happy man.
“Well, that’s that,” Butler concluded. Halifax looked thoughtful.
“He took that blow like a gentleman. I am gwateful for your recommendations, gentlemen.” Hankey and Butler smiled. “Now, whom do we propose to place in the CIGS role?”
Hankey sat up. “The choices are Generals Brooke, Dill, Wavell.”
Halifax had clearly already thought about it. “Dill, I’d like it to be Dill. He strikes me as a thoughtful, discweet man.”
Hankey wordlessly wrote down the decision. “In that case I’d suggest moving Brooke to the Middle East command.”
Halifax, not really interested in the Middle East, nodded. “Who is in command in Delhi?”
“Ah, I pwopo…” Hankey sighed “propose to move Wavell out as Commander in Chief India. He’s already requested Lieutenant General Franklyn for GOC Hong Kong.” Butler, feeling left out, nodded. From he had read of Franklyn he had performed well in France.
“Excellent. Tea?” With that the three took tea and relaxed.
[Game Effect] – Halifax juggles the senior Army positions around and begins to address the failings of the British Army. A Royal Commission is a smooth way of shifting the job to someone else – in this case Ironside, and had precedent, most notably Admiral Fisher’s commission to look into the initial disasters in the Boer War. Ironside’s number was up after Dunkirk and Churchill replaced him as CIGS, initially with Dill and then later (and famously) Brooke. I think that Halifax and Dill would get on well. Both were cautious men (Dill’s style has often been compared to the French in 1940 – cautious, thinking, slightly presidential etc) and that is exactly what Halifax would have been looking for. Brooke would have been too direct, Wavell too aloof (though Hankey at this point seems to hold him in regard – the two would have met during his tenure on the dozens of committees) and Auchinleck probably not well enough known to him (he’s still a Corps commander at this time). The choice of subordinates for Ironside’s Royal Commission is based on what I think Halifax would have done: ask around for recommendation. One of Brooke’s endorsements would have been Monty, Dill sponsored Percival throughout his career, and the forced retirement of Hobart caused concern among a number of officers: Hankey was probably the man who recalled him. Gort remains as GOC BEF – I think Halifax would have gone along with a Hankey recommendation for this to avoid upsetting an already deeply unhappy General – remember Halifax dislikes confrontation, and because he would view consistency as important at this stage. Wavell for India is a a bit of a ‘buy-off’, a consolation prize for not being CIGS. Brooke in 1940 was one of the War Office’s choices for an available (and challenging) command (historically, of course, he got the aborted second BEF, suffering the ignominy of being evacuated from France twice). By trying to avoid controversy Halifax has, I think, stumbled upon a decent set-up for a peacetime army. Its big test will be when war comes. Which, I promise, it will.
Enewald: No I didn’t, though it might have saved me a lot of editing! Africa proves to rumble on for a while in this AAR.
Morsky: This is indeed a dangerous game that Halifax is playing, trying to give the South Africans compensation may be like “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic”.
El Pip: Whilst I agree with your assessment, to a point, Hertzog will not have it easy either. At least Smuts got something, which can be a (limited I grant) rallying cry for his supporters.
Trekaddict: Oh dear
Kurt_Steiner: This will, obviously, completely destabilise Africa as colonies are exchanged like the bargaining chips they arguably are.
Faeelin:
Hawkeye1489: The problem any rebellion will face is this: who the hell do you put in power in his stead? The Treaty of Milan is now drawing reasonably supportive noises, as the alternative (which we know, of course, was successful) terrifying for most of the British people.
El Pip: Stranger things have happened. But yes, for 1940 at least I wouldn’t expect a miracle.
Arilou: I genuinely think something as random as this would have been offered by the Foreign Office (with Halifax’s endorsement). Halifax has undoubtedly made some utterly stupid decisions, but as we have seen in this post some are fairly satisfactory when he is given the right guidance.
Trekaddict: :rofl:
BritishImperial: See Trekaddict’s comments.
Arilou: '45 is very different in this AAR!
Trekaddict: [Saves me from explaining]
Atlantic Friend: We’ll be looking at the services in detail very soon. Militarily Milan can be used positively (gives the services time to learn the lessons and build up etc) but Halifax’s team is a mixed bag, with differing opinions as to the priorities.
Phargle: His Lordship is indeed trying. Smuts is in an impossible position, and the position that South Africa faces itself in is simply horrendous. Smuts is going to have to go home and canvass his supporters to a horrible list of options. But, fear not, he’ll have a plan.
Nathan Madien: Indeed. It’s all too easy for Butler who has limited understanding of the situation. Given his focus on Europe he will struggle in dealing with worldwide issues.
Ironside knew that he had been staving off the inevitable. With Gort emerging from the chaos of the French campaign in a positive light it was obvious who the scapegoat would be. The lack of grip on the campaign, the poor direction between the services and, most damming, the failure of CIGS and Prime Minister to establish a good working relationship all signalled the end for Ironside. The abrupt summons to Downing Street had therefore come as no surprise, and it was a world weary Ironside who arrived at Downing Street. He entered Halifax’s study to find Hankey and Butler present.
“General,” Halifax began. “May I first of all state that I am gweatly indebted to you for your loyal and steadfast service in this twialling time.
“Uh-huh,” Ironside growled.
“And that the three of us value your input into the direction of our military.”
“Yes, My Lord.” Halifax squirmed in his chair. Hankey was looking at the clock with a feigned interest whilst Butler was content with a nod of his flabby head. So I chase this fox myself, Halifax thought.
“It is become appawent to us that we need a change in the military management of this country. With peace assured and the task of rebuilding the armed forces upon us I think a change is required.” Ironside, proud and tall, offered a slight smile.
“I see. For what it is worth, Sir, I agree with what you have said and offer my resignation as CIGS.” Hankey looked sad, knowing the impossibility of Ironside’s position. Butler looked shocked.
“You do?” Halifax spoke carefully, trying to avoid what he thought was a trap.
“Indeed, Prime Minister.” This was, simply, a remarkably brave gesture. Ironside, a courageous officer mentioned in dispatches and bearing a row of medals on his chest was offering himself up as the sacrificial scapegoat. Duty done, Halifax relaxed.
“Well, General, there is much work for you to do. The Secretary of State for War is looking to restructure the Army. We have decided to appoint you head of the Royal Commission for Army Reform.”
“My staff?”
“Viscount Gort will be your Deputy, remaining in command of the BEF until such time as it is again ready for opewations. You will also gain,” here Halifax looked at the list of recommended officers, “Major Generals Hobart, Montgomery and Percival.” Ironside looked suspicious. He knew that Montgomery and Percival had powerful sponsors, whilst Hobart was widely regarded as being a troublemaker, having only recently been retired by General Wavell. Still, it was a powerful position, shaping the BEF of the future, and Ironside was actually relieved that he still could make a difference. He left a happy man.
“Well, that’s that,” Butler concluded. Halifax looked thoughtful.
“He took that blow like a gentleman. I am gwateful for your recommendations, gentlemen.” Hankey and Butler smiled. “Now, whom do we propose to place in the CIGS role?”
Hankey sat up. “The choices are Generals Brooke, Dill, Wavell.”
Halifax had clearly already thought about it. “Dill, I’d like it to be Dill. He strikes me as a thoughtful, discweet man.”
Hankey wordlessly wrote down the decision. “In that case I’d suggest moving Brooke to the Middle East command.”
Halifax, not really interested in the Middle East, nodded. “Who is in command in Delhi?”
“Ah, I pwopo…” Hankey sighed “propose to move Wavell out as Commander in Chief India. He’s already requested Lieutenant General Franklyn for GOC Hong Kong.” Butler, feeling left out, nodded. From he had read of Franklyn he had performed well in France.
“Excellent. Tea?” With that the three took tea and relaxed.
[Game Effect] – Halifax juggles the senior Army positions around and begins to address the failings of the British Army. A Royal Commission is a smooth way of shifting the job to someone else – in this case Ironside, and had precedent, most notably Admiral Fisher’s commission to look into the initial disasters in the Boer War. Ironside’s number was up after Dunkirk and Churchill replaced him as CIGS, initially with Dill and then later (and famously) Brooke. I think that Halifax and Dill would get on well. Both were cautious men (Dill’s style has often been compared to the French in 1940 – cautious, thinking, slightly presidential etc) and that is exactly what Halifax would have been looking for. Brooke would have been too direct, Wavell too aloof (though Hankey at this point seems to hold him in regard – the two would have met during his tenure on the dozens of committees) and Auchinleck probably not well enough known to him (he’s still a Corps commander at this time). The choice of subordinates for Ironside’s Royal Commission is based on what I think Halifax would have done: ask around for recommendation. One of Brooke’s endorsements would have been Monty, Dill sponsored Percival throughout his career, and the forced retirement of Hobart caused concern among a number of officers: Hankey was probably the man who recalled him. Gort remains as GOC BEF – I think Halifax would have gone along with a Hankey recommendation for this to avoid upsetting an already deeply unhappy General – remember Halifax dislikes confrontation, and because he would view consistency as important at this stage. Wavell for India is a a bit of a ‘buy-off’, a consolation prize for not being CIGS. Brooke in 1940 was one of the War Office’s choices for an available (and challenging) command (historically, of course, he got the aborted second BEF, suffering the ignominy of being evacuated from France twice). By trying to avoid controversy Halifax has, I think, stumbled upon a decent set-up for a peacetime army. Its big test will be when war comes. Which, I promise, it will.
Enewald: No I didn’t, though it might have saved me a lot of editing! Africa proves to rumble on for a while in this AAR.
Morsky: This is indeed a dangerous game that Halifax is playing, trying to give the South Africans compensation may be like “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic”.
El Pip: Whilst I agree with your assessment, to a point, Hertzog will not have it easy either. At least Smuts got something, which can be a (limited I grant) rallying cry for his supporters.
Trekaddict: Oh dear
Kurt_Steiner: This will, obviously, completely destabilise Africa as colonies are exchanged like the bargaining chips they arguably are.
Faeelin:
Hawkeye1489: The problem any rebellion will face is this: who the hell do you put in power in his stead? The Treaty of Milan is now drawing reasonably supportive noises, as the alternative (which we know, of course, was successful) terrifying for most of the British people.
El Pip: Stranger things have happened. But yes, for 1940 at least I wouldn’t expect a miracle.
Arilou: I genuinely think something as random as this would have been offered by the Foreign Office (with Halifax’s endorsement). Halifax has undoubtedly made some utterly stupid decisions, but as we have seen in this post some are fairly satisfactory when he is given the right guidance.
Trekaddict: :rofl:
BritishImperial: See Trekaddict’s comments.
Arilou: '45 is very different in this AAR!
Trekaddict: [Saves me from explaining]
Atlantic Friend: We’ll be looking at the services in detail very soon. Militarily Milan can be used positively (gives the services time to learn the lessons and build up etc) but Halifax’s team is a mixed bag, with differing opinions as to the priorities.
Phargle: His Lordship is indeed trying. Smuts is in an impossible position, and the position that South Africa faces itself in is simply horrendous. Smuts is going to have to go home and canvass his supporters to a horrible list of options. But, fear not, he’ll have a plan.
Nathan Madien: Indeed. It’s all too easy for Butler who has limited understanding of the situation. Given his focus on Europe he will struggle in dealing with worldwide issues.
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Again, with the dealings - but these are happier. Halifax gets what he wants almost perfectly, which is a lovely contrast with his earlier troubles, even if he had to smoke Ironsides out a bit. He's a scheme, Halifax, and doing better than any of his detractors in this AAR said he'd do early in the comments. I also notice your hint on war, and trust Halifax is moving things in a direction where England will have to find anew.
As the title of your AAR is the King's First Minister and not Ministers, I have a suspicion Halifax will be the hero rather than the goat in that tale.
As the title of your AAR is the King's First Minister and not Ministers, I have a suspicion Halifax will be the hero rather than the goat in that tale.
Frankly there is more chance of Halifax being a hero of the Soviet Union (for bravely surrendering when the Red Tide reaches the Channel Ports) than being a hero of the British Empire.
Poor old Ironside, a decent enough (though far from outstanding) general acting bravely for what he thinks is the best interests of the country. If you were very generous you could draw a parallel with Halifax. But you would be completely wrong to do so as Halifax is far less able, would never be able to summon up a fraction of the bravery Ironside displayed and acts purely out of self interest without giving a damn for the consequences for either the Empire or the country.
I think you are mischaracterizing Halifax if you think he is acting purely out of self-interest: I'd rather say arrogance, (the arrogance all too common among aristocrats
) the arrogance of a man who completely and totally believes that he is Right. And is willing to cut any corners in order to get there and do what he considers to be in the best interests of the Empire.Incompetent and short-sighted he may be, but I don't think he is particularly selfish, at least not in the way the word is usually used.
As opposed to the equally common arrogance of the socialist who knows what is best for everybody in the entire world? Two side of the same control freak coin?I think you are mischaracterizing Halifax if you think he is acting purely out of self-interest: I'd rather say arrogance, (the arrogance all too common among aristocrats
I do concede your point it is more arrogance. Though I would say he lacks the confidence that you would normally expect, after all if he is utterly certain he is right then surely he'd be more confident?
A strange form of weak willed and spineless arrogance perhaps.
"Weak willed and spineless arrogance" sums it up pretty well I think.
After reading this update, I foretell Halifax rising the Union Jack over the ruins of the Kremlin and Trekaddict becoming the president of his fan club.
Or maybe Halifax will be the only King's First Minister, but be succeeded by the Führer's Military Governor of occupied Britain.
Or maybe Halifax will be the only King's First Minister, but be succeeded by the Führer's Military Governor of occupied Britain.
Which is much more likely.
*subscribes*
just finished catching up and reading the whole thing. I very much enjoy how seriously you take the AAR in that you don't make any far-fetched moves that would never have had a chance of happening in RL. Your knowledge of the period in history is also very helpful in shaping the way this AAR is coming along. I do have a question however. What exactly are the terms of the treaty and how did you simulate them? I remember you stating that you kicked france and Belgium out of the alliance in order for them to make their own peace, but after that im confused as to how the rest of the treaty was simulated and what lands exactly were given to the huns.
just finished catching up and reading the whole thing. I very much enjoy how seriously you take the AAR in that you don't make any far-fetched moves that would never have had a chance of happening in RL. Your knowledge of the period in history is also very helpful in shaping the way this AAR is coming along. I do have a question however. What exactly are the terms of the treaty and how did you simulate them? I remember you stating that you kicked france and Belgium out of the alliance in order for them to make their own peace, but after that im confused as to how the rest of the treaty was simulated and what lands exactly were given to the huns.
From my perspective, Halifax has done an decent-enough job. Not perfect, but not as terrible as some people have tried to portray.
Or maybe Halifax will be the only King's First Minister, but be succeeded by the Führer's Military Governor of occupied Britain.
That's assuming Hitler will even bother to waste his time with the British.
*somewhere in Occupied London*
Hitler:...BOO!
Halifax: *wets himself* AHHHH!
Hitler: Mwahahaha!
Chapter 52, Chequers, 21 June 1940
Butler, Hankey, Attlee, Stanley, Dalton and Sinclair gathered in the library. Halifax, a tattered bundle of papers in his hand, entered and wordlessly sat down with his key ministers.
“Gentlemen, I have today received news that the French have signed a peace treaty with Germany and Italy.”
They all nodded, they had been expecting this.
“Essentially the peace seeks to restore what Germany sees as the wrongs of Versailles. Fwance will not be butchered, losing some colonial territory in Cameroon to Germany. Djibouti, Syria and Lebanon will be handed over to the Italians, whilst North Africa, Madagascar, Indochina and French positions in the Americas will remain French.”
Butler was noting all of this down. Hankey looked concerned. “Prime Minister, may I enquire as to the military stipulations?”
Halifax raised his hand. “Not just yet, Maurice, not just yet. Alsace and Lorraine will become German, though there will be no forced population moves. Germany has permanent military access to all Fwench territory. There will be no reparations, no forced disarmaments, no reductions in the French armed forces. Germany has guaranteed the independence of all remaining French territory and France has agreed to German technical advisors working with the French Army.”
“Bloody hell this is lenient,” muttered a wary Dalton. Halifax nodded slowly.
“Ah ha, you are correct. The French have formally ended all treaties of cooperation with the British Empire. There is a clause in the treaty about seeking any new engagements with a foreign power, the only loss of diplomatic sovereignty on France’s part. They’ve also signed non-aggression agreements with Italy and Spain, as well as a treaty of cooperation with Germany.”
“I’m guessing the French have said yes to this?” That was Attlee, looking sceptical.
“Yes, they have accepted. As the dust settles and the Republic’s replacement shapes up the military are claiming the credit for getting such a good settlement. It looks likely that some form of temporary military government will lead France through the transition to a new administration. The Germans are offering a fluwwy of trade deals. In exchange for German assistance in modernising their defences, as well as their outdated industries, the French are giving them all sorts of raw materials.”
“What about the Italians, My Lord?” That was Butler.
“Well Rab, it would appear that Mussolini gets little out of this. Some minor colonial concessions, a share of the trade, but Fwance remains powerful in the Mediterranean.”
“Although I’m no expert on international affairs”, commented Hankey, “I cannot see the Italians accepting a second snub from Berlin. Mussolini was furious that he didn’t get much from Milan.”
“Piffle. You weren’t at the signing ceremony. Sir, you were there, you saw how the Germans ordered the Italians around.”
Halifax frowned. “I think, Rab, that you are correct. Hitler will keep Mussolini under his control. With Fwance and Spain compliant, Italy must wemain loyal to Germany.”
Hankey looked partly satisfied. “Nevertheless, with the Prime Minister’s position I will strengthen our forces in Egypt. The Western Desert is a huge area to defend.”
Halifax nodded. “Measured reinforcement, Maurice, only a reasonable incwease. Where could Mussolini go?”
The problem, as a quiet Oliver Stanley saw it, was that Mussolini could ‘go’ in quite a few directions.
[Game Effect] - France yields Cameroon (Maroua, Yaounde, Ngaoundere, Nkongsamba, Douala) to Germany, whilst Djibouti and Bougainville go to the Italians. Strasbourg and Mulhouse are definitely German. Germany gains military access over the entire French Empire. As Syria and Lebanon had already declared independence I think that Hitler would grant Mussolini an easy opportunity to grab some territory – a divided and weak France won’t care (at this stage) for Middle Eastern adventure.
Phargle: This isn’t really Halifax scheming, but part of a normal change of personnel (something similar happened to old Ironside in reality, when Churchill used him as the scapegoat for the farce in France). Occasionally, when he consults the right people, he can get it right. Halifax, more than anyone else, appreciates that he has (at best) a limited grasp of military affairs, and uses the expertise around him to fashion something adequate.
The title is deliberately singular; I always wanted to keep my options open and so the title refers to the role, rather than an individual.
El Pip: May I just say that your opening remark was quite possibly the funniest thing that I have ever read in this AAR. I still have this image of Halifax holding the line at Kursk or something equally ridiculous. Your assessment of Ironside is of course spot on, a capable man of action who would have been happier leading the BEF than fighting the Whitehall war. His treatment, both by Churchill in reality and Halifax here, is not particularly noble, though at least he has the Royal Commission appointment.
Arilou/El Pip: Halifax’s psychology is probably vaguely similar to Haig’s (cue Trekaddict having a coronary) in that both were (obstensibly) very religious men who believed that the accomplishment of one aim (peace in Europe, victory in WW1) justified all sorts of sacrifices. Both were quiet, private men, who overcompensated by projecting a forcefulness and personality far stronger than their real persona. Halifax is not arrogant, but when he is comfortable with a subject he probably forces a decision too far. Halifax clearly loathes Parliament and Cabinet; (as a peer he has it easier than a Commonss-based PM) hence his use of small meetings in Downing Street to achieve his aims, indicative of his introverted nature. Attlee has spotted this (remember his insistence that Milan be discussed in Cabinet before accepting it) and will increase the pressure.
Trekaddict:
Kurt_Steiner: More brilliance!
Trekaddict: I’m seriously thinking of a way to alter the story to make this happen…maybe a diplomatic visit to Russia just as Barbarossa commences. Hmmn, this has promise!
Morsky: Not yet!
Maximus323: Welome onboard! Essentially, I immediately edited peace between the Allies and Germany, giving the Italians Berbera and Zeila through the agreement and Germany getting Walvis Bay, Windhoek, Grootfontein, Luderitz, Odangwa from South Africa. Loading the game, I then used acceptall to create the non-aggession treaties and to kick Belgium out of the allies. As Vichy had fired I used Vichy France to represent the new France that arose out the defeat, the 'real' France - well, you'll see. I then played normally, using the game events and what I think would have happened to build the AAR.
Nathan Madien: Your first point is probably true, the second, well, Hitler has got what he wants from the British and French and can concentrate elsewhere.
Hawkeye1489: In accordance with Operation Jacobite Halifax would have left by then!
Enewald: No, nothing like that yet...
Butler, Hankey, Attlee, Stanley, Dalton and Sinclair gathered in the library. Halifax, a tattered bundle of papers in his hand, entered and wordlessly sat down with his key ministers.
“Gentlemen, I have today received news that the French have signed a peace treaty with Germany and Italy.”
They all nodded, they had been expecting this.
“Essentially the peace seeks to restore what Germany sees as the wrongs of Versailles. Fwance will not be butchered, losing some colonial territory in Cameroon to Germany. Djibouti, Syria and Lebanon will be handed over to the Italians, whilst North Africa, Madagascar, Indochina and French positions in the Americas will remain French.”
Butler was noting all of this down. Hankey looked concerned. “Prime Minister, may I enquire as to the military stipulations?”
Halifax raised his hand. “Not just yet, Maurice, not just yet. Alsace and Lorraine will become German, though there will be no forced population moves. Germany has permanent military access to all Fwench territory. There will be no reparations, no forced disarmaments, no reductions in the French armed forces. Germany has guaranteed the independence of all remaining French territory and France has agreed to German technical advisors working with the French Army.”
“Bloody hell this is lenient,” muttered a wary Dalton. Halifax nodded slowly.
“Ah ha, you are correct. The French have formally ended all treaties of cooperation with the British Empire. There is a clause in the treaty about seeking any new engagements with a foreign power, the only loss of diplomatic sovereignty on France’s part. They’ve also signed non-aggression agreements with Italy and Spain, as well as a treaty of cooperation with Germany.”
“I’m guessing the French have said yes to this?” That was Attlee, looking sceptical.
“Yes, they have accepted. As the dust settles and the Republic’s replacement shapes up the military are claiming the credit for getting such a good settlement. It looks likely that some form of temporary military government will lead France through the transition to a new administration. The Germans are offering a fluwwy of trade deals. In exchange for German assistance in modernising their defences, as well as their outdated industries, the French are giving them all sorts of raw materials.”
“What about the Italians, My Lord?” That was Butler.
“Well Rab, it would appear that Mussolini gets little out of this. Some minor colonial concessions, a share of the trade, but Fwance remains powerful in the Mediterranean.”
“Although I’m no expert on international affairs”, commented Hankey, “I cannot see the Italians accepting a second snub from Berlin. Mussolini was furious that he didn’t get much from Milan.”
“Piffle. You weren’t at the signing ceremony. Sir, you were there, you saw how the Germans ordered the Italians around.”
Halifax frowned. “I think, Rab, that you are correct. Hitler will keep Mussolini under his control. With Fwance and Spain compliant, Italy must wemain loyal to Germany.”
Hankey looked partly satisfied. “Nevertheless, with the Prime Minister’s position I will strengthen our forces in Egypt. The Western Desert is a huge area to defend.”
Halifax nodded. “Measured reinforcement, Maurice, only a reasonable incwease. Where could Mussolini go?”
The problem, as a quiet Oliver Stanley saw it, was that Mussolini could ‘go’ in quite a few directions.
[Game Effect] - France yields Cameroon (Maroua, Yaounde, Ngaoundere, Nkongsamba, Douala) to Germany, whilst Djibouti and Bougainville go to the Italians. Strasbourg and Mulhouse are definitely German. Germany gains military access over the entire French Empire. As Syria and Lebanon had already declared independence I think that Hitler would grant Mussolini an easy opportunity to grab some territory – a divided and weak France won’t care (at this stage) for Middle Eastern adventure.
Phargle: This isn’t really Halifax scheming, but part of a normal change of personnel (something similar happened to old Ironside in reality, when Churchill used him as the scapegoat for the farce in France). Occasionally, when he consults the right people, he can get it right. Halifax, more than anyone else, appreciates that he has (at best) a limited grasp of military affairs, and uses the expertise around him to fashion something adequate.
The title is deliberately singular; I always wanted to keep my options open and so the title refers to the role, rather than an individual.
El Pip: May I just say that your opening remark was quite possibly the funniest thing that I have ever read in this AAR. I still have this image of Halifax holding the line at Kursk or something equally ridiculous. Your assessment of Ironside is of course spot on, a capable man of action who would have been happier leading the BEF than fighting the Whitehall war. His treatment, both by Churchill in reality and Halifax here, is not particularly noble, though at least he has the Royal Commission appointment.
Arilou/El Pip: Halifax’s psychology is probably vaguely similar to Haig’s (cue Trekaddict having a coronary) in that both were (obstensibly) very religious men who believed that the accomplishment of one aim (peace in Europe, victory in WW1) justified all sorts of sacrifices. Both were quiet, private men, who overcompensated by projecting a forcefulness and personality far stronger than their real persona. Halifax is not arrogant, but when he is comfortable with a subject he probably forces a decision too far. Halifax clearly loathes Parliament and Cabinet; (as a peer he has it easier than a Commonss-based PM) hence his use of small meetings in Downing Street to achieve his aims, indicative of his introverted nature. Attlee has spotted this (remember his insistence that Milan be discussed in Cabinet before accepting it) and will increase the pressure.
Trekaddict:
Kurt_Steiner: More brilliance!
Trekaddict: I’m seriously thinking of a way to alter the story to make this happen…maybe a diplomatic visit to Russia just as Barbarossa commences. Hmmn, this has promise!
Morsky: Not yet!
Maximus323: Welome onboard! Essentially, I immediately edited peace between the Allies and Germany, giving the Italians Berbera and Zeila through the agreement and Germany getting Walvis Bay, Windhoek, Grootfontein, Luderitz, Odangwa from South Africa. Loading the game, I then used acceptall to create the non-aggession treaties and to kick Belgium out of the allies. As Vichy had fired I used Vichy France to represent the new France that arose out the defeat, the 'real' France - well, you'll see. I then played normally, using the game events and what I think would have happened to build the AAR.
Nathan Madien: Your first point is probably true, the second, well, Hitler has got what he wants from the British and French and can concentrate elsewhere.
Hawkeye1489: In accordance with Operation Jacobite Halifax would have left by then!
Enewald: No, nothing like that yet...