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love the idea hope ylu can pull it off especially in the later years and also you say historical are you going to maybe loosed certain battle on purpose? for historical ?
good aar enjoying it
 
I've done it myself several times in ICE, though not to the level of exact regiments and so forth. So I'm curious to see how this goes.
does this mean you will limit yourself to about 15 fighter wings as well?
can't wait to see your OOBs and compare them with the RL ones I have on my hard-drive.
highly interested.
 
Nice update :)
do you think you could give us some info on your current OOB, just so we see what it's looking like?

Right now (end 1936), there wasn't any major changes in the starting OoB (exception : the ErsatzHeer, the Landwehr (21 divisions), Borderguard rgts and some misc. units) and the structure stayed more or less the same : one Theater "OKW" (the original Berlin HQ) for the conduct of operations and the other one (former Hamburg HQ) is now the ErsatzHeer.

love the idea hope ylu can pull it off especially in the later years and also you say historical are you going to maybe loosed certain battle on purpose? for historical ?
good aar enjoying it

It's my intend to play historical up to 1941, June the 22nd. But I hate to lose !!! :D
More seriously. It means I'll use the historical OoBs and deployments (as far as the game allows it). I will also start the different campaigns as historically stipulated but since the AI don't follow the same "pattern" as I do, things might differ a bit. Poland is usually quickly defeated (best in 9 days) but Danmark and Norway aren't that simple because of the mighty allied Navies and every player knows how difficult it is to perform the historical "Sichelschnitt" in France. Besides, since the AI don't commit the bulk of its forces in Belgium, the strategic outcome is not the same either. I'm quite happy when France surrenders end of June/beginning of July, i.e. almost historical.

I've done it myself several times in ICE, though not to the level of exact regiments and so forth. So I'm curious to see how this goes.
does this mean you will limit yourself to about 15 fighter wings as well?
can't wait to see your OOBs and compare them with the RL ones I have on my hard-drive.
highly interested.

15 fighter wings ? Yeap, something like that (+/-1, I don't have the figures while typing)... Otherwise, why playing "historical" ?
Stopping/Pushing back the RAF bombers in 1939 will be the first challenge of the newly-born Luftwaffe.
 
Reichskanzlei, Berlin - 1936, November the 17th - 1100
The Führer meets Abwehr Chef Admiral Canaris (Head of Intelligence) and GeneralOberst Werner von Blomberg, Defense Minister.

- "Admiral Canaris, nice to see you back. How was your trip in Spain ?
- Mein Führer, I had a talk with General Franco and he's now agree with the principe of a greater german assistance. Actually, he has no other choice. As you can see on the map, the situation is a stalemate but despite the italian assistance, the soviet help and the involvement of international volunteers would soon give the advantage to the Republicans.

Oi28J1f.jpg

Situation in Spain
In the North, there're still heavy fighting east of Bilbao and the Nationalists have seen their progression stopped.
On the Central Front, the republican offensive of September-October south of Madrid, despite some success at the beginning, has been stopped and finally pushed back to its starting point. Noneless, the Nationalists are making very slow progress in this area.
In the South, the situation has been very hot for the Nationalists. The Republicans have launched a major counter-offensive, which not only liberated Malaga, but also brought them to the vicinity of Sevilla. I don't know how the Nationalists managed to recover but they finally stopped the republican offensive. They're now experimenting great difficulties to push it back.
- Well... It's quite obvious that General Franco won't succeed without our help. Meine Herren, we shall break the Reds !!!
- Mein Führer. On recommendation of Oberstleutnant Warlimont, our military advisor to General Franco, we already worked out a plan in case of a greater german involvement :
Our expeditionnary force, the Condor Legion, will mainly consist of the Kampfgruppe 88, with three squadrons of Ju 52 bombers, some Do-17, He-111 and Ju-87 and the Jagdgruppe 88 with three squadrons of He-51 and Me-109 fighters, the reconnaissance Aufklärungsgruppe 88 (supplemented by the Aufklärungsstaffel-See 88), an anti-aircraft group (Flakbteilung 88) equipped with our brand new 88mm guns, and a signals group (Nachrichtenabteilung 88). Overall command has been given to Hugo Sperrle, with Alexander Holle as chief of staff.

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The Condor Legion
Two armoured units (the Imker Gruppe) under the command of Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma plus some support units will also be deployed over there. The Kriegsmarine will contribute with the deployment of submarines, the Unternehmen 'Ursula'. They will operate secretly , any identification marks being obscured, and they'll have to focus on shipping attack.
The Pocket Battleships Deutschland, Admiral Scheer, Admiral Graf Spee, cruisers Emden, Karlsruhe, Königsberg, Köln, Leipzig, Nürnberg as well as some torpedoboats will also be sent, officially to enforce the Non-Intervention Agreement, but from their base in Ceuta, they will be able to prevent interference from Republican ships while Franco transports his troops from Marocco to the Spanish mainland.
- Sieht gut aus, GeneralOberst. But do you think it will be enough ? It is vital for Germany that Spain don't fall in the "red basket" !
- Mein Führer, there's nothing sure but we can't hardly do much more without risking a major confrontation with the other major european powers...
- I fully agree with GeneralOberst von Blomberg, mein Führer. There isn't much more we can do. Although, we could perhaps increase the number of our agents among the republicans and to try to disrupt their political unity...?
- I'll think about it. Meine Herren, Sie dürfen gehen."


Wilhelmshaven Naval Station - 1936, December the 15th - 1030
VizeAdmiral Saalwächter, OberBefehlshaber Marinegruppenkommando West, is greeting Admiral Raeder, OberBefehlsHaber der Marine (CinC Navy).

-"Guten Tag Admiral. How was your inspection tour ?
- Interesting but not very satisfying, mein lieber Saalwächter. I first visited the Deutsche Werke in Kiel to see the KMS 'Gneisenau' after her launching. Unfortunatly, her construction must now be delayed due to steel shortage. I hope its temporary but with our aircraft carrier "Graf Zeppelin" scheduled to be laid down on the 28th of this month also in Kiel, I really don't know how we're going to do...

XBPD8aY.jpg

Flugzeugträger "Graf Zeppelin"
Then, yesterday, I was at the Blohm & Voss Werfte in Hamburg where the KMS 'Tirpitz' has just been laid down last month. Same cause, same issue. How are we suppose to match the Royal Navy if we can't even build ships ?!!
- Don't lose your temper, Admiral. Things, here at the Kriegsmarinewerft Wilhelmshaven, are going pretty well. No shortage of what so ever and the construction of both KMS 'Scharnhorst', already launched, and KMS 'Bismarck' is on schedule. We also have 10 escort groups more to our disposal.
- Mein lieber Saalwächter, just one dumb question : what are our escort groups suppose to do if confronted to british battleships ? To scratch their painting ?
- ........................
- Yeap, exactly my word... I see that you now better understand the situation. Reichsmarschall Göring told me that naval aviation could help solving the problem but I don't trust neither him nor his toys.
- And what about our U-boats, Admiral ? Aren't you suppose to meet Dönitz at Bremerhaven tomorrow ?
- Ja, ja, ja... The same song again... I can already hear him pleading : U-boote are the weapon of the future, bla-bla-bla... Mein lieber Saalwächter, what shall we do with the 3 U-boats-Flotillas we currently have : to conquer the 7 Seas ?
- And what about our coastal defence, Admiral ?
- Delayed until further notice ! I've spoken with ReichsMinister Schacht about that but right now, industry, airbases and land infrastructures have priority. We shouldn't expect anything before the end of 1937. Nevertheless, our AAA defenses will still be improved.
- May be those fine people in Berlin will explain us how to face an enemy landing without proper coastal defences. In such a case, our MarineSicherungAbteilungen won't last very long... At least, we now have operational radar stations : they'll have more time to prepare themselves to die "für den Führer und fürs Vaterland".
- Sarcasm won't help, mein lieber Saalwächter, but I understand what you mean. Still, I haven't said my last word...
 
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I thought Germany didn't actually build any land-based radar stations prior to the war (as in; only onboard ships)?
other than that, a very nice update.
 
Actually, the Freya Radar system (or, better said, its ancestor), build by the GEMA Cie, has been first tested in 1937 and the first stations (8 all together) were operational in 1938.
The same company also built a device (later known as Seetakt) mainly designed for the Kriegsmarine for ships and aircraft short range detection. First tested in 1935, it has been deployed for coastal surveillance purpose and then, onboard of ships (Königsberg, Admiral Graf Spee a.o.).

In game, that's the reason why I only deploy radar in 6 locations at first (8 max until 1939), and among them 3 "belong" to the Kriegsmarine.
For historical purpose, I won't research "radar ground control" to help interception until war begins. The first successful radar/radio guided interception occured on 1939, December the 18th. From this date 11 "Freya" installations were set up on the german west border.

This is one of the example of the difficulty to manage historical facts (with all unknowns) and the game.
 
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It is very interesting and I believe very difficult.

Great job
 
Chapter 4 : New Year, new concerns


ReichsWirtschaftsMinisterium (Ministery of Economics), Berlin - 1937, January the 3rd - 0830
Meeting between Hjalmar Schacht, Ministry of economics, and his Secretary of State Hans Posse.

- "Guten Morgen, Herr Reichsminister... und btw, happy New Year !
- Ebenfalls, mein lieber Posse. I'm afraid we're going to have a lot of work this year too. So far I know, things are going from bad to worse.
- Ach, Kommen Sie, Herr Reichsminister ! You've done a terrific job ; there's no reasons you can't keep going. Thanks to your wise investments in our industry, Germany is more productive than ever. You've brought us to a financial balance and we're even making money ! On the top of that, you signed some decisive trade agreements so that we're no longer threatened by a penury of any kind. Steel, raw materials, oil : every indicators are in the green zone. What do you want more ?

Ks2nAEG.jpg

- You perfectly know what's going on, mein lieber Posse. This kind of war-like economy can only be short-termed. We're running a great inflationnist risk and in a near future, either we'll clash against the wall of economic reality or we're going to need a war. Besides, all indicators might be ok but our stockpiles, either supply or fuel, are still quite low. Should a war ever started now, Germany would be in a very difficult situation.
- Is there any possibility to change that, Herr Reichsminister ?
- Unfortunatly no, mein lieber Posse. We have improved our refining capabilities but its not enough. I've urged our scientists to focus their researchs on those 2 points, supply production and refining, but no results are to be expected before at least another year...
- Still, our production is giving satisfaction, isn't it ?
- For some parts, yes. Our industrial capability has been strongly increased and besides Köln which has been planned to be real huge, the construction works on all 7 other airbases will be completed this year. Same goes for the submarine base in Bremerhaven as well as for the new infrastrutures in Mecklenburg and East-Prussia. The Navy will have the opportunity to start the building of its coastal defences sooner as expected, after all...
- Is Admiral Raeder still mad at you since we delayed the construction of some major naval units ?
- More than ever, mein lieber Posse. It's getting even worse since he has been told that submarine and transport ships construction has been prioritized... He needs steel but he isn't alone. Everybody need steel and you know what ? There isn't enough for everyone. The equation is as simple as that !
- I've seen Udet, the responsable for airplane production for the Luftwaffe, the other day. He seemed to be happy.
- As well as Reichsmarschall Göring. That's the good point. Fighters and bombers production is ahead from schedule but not the transport planes. Staatssekretär Milch knows it and HE isn't happy at all !!! He also knows about the hundreds of old airplanes (he-51, ju-86) which should be replaced but won't... at least not now.
- Herr Reichsminister, I wouldn't be in your shoes...
- The worse is still to come... with the Army. Not only they are far beyong schedule but to make matter worse, Himmler successfully diverted war equipment for his SS... with the blessing of our Führer. Guess whom the Army will blame for that ?
Ach, Posse, I really need to go on vacation..."


Reichskanzlei, Berlin - 1937, January the 11th - 1100
The Führer meets Foreign Minister Konstantin von Neurath and Admiral Canaris, Abwehr Chef (Head of Intelligence)

- "Meine Herren : the past year has seen a great success of our politic. Germany got its pride back again and we've shown the world we're now a country which commands respect. It's now time to move on and to get the benefits of this new international situation. But before we talk about that, Admiral Canaris, I would like to hear your evaluation of the situation in Spain.
- Well... Mein Führer, it's quite obvious that our intervention on Franco's side has been a decisive factor. As you can see on the map, the Nationalists are on the move all over the front.

IPEnTa2.jpg

Situation in Spain - 1937, January the 3rd
In the north, progress are slow. For the Republicans, this area is vital since most of the international help they receive come either through the french border or from the port of Barcelona.
In the center, the Nationalists are pushing toward Valencia. Despite fierce resistance, the Republicans are slowly giving ground.
In the south, the Republicans are collapsing. After failing so close from their objective, Sevilla, it seems obvious they're now both exhausted and demoralized. The Nationalists launched an all-out counter-offensive and Malaga will fall very soon.
Our spies Network are now functionning pretty well over there and, according to the intelligence reports of our agents, it's now just a matter of time until the Nationalists win. Soviet help or not, the Republicans are doomed. The same evaluation has been made by GeneralOberst von Blomberg.
- Thanks a lot for this briefing, Admiral. But keep me informed of the situation through regular updates !
- Zu Befehl, mein Führer.
- Herr von Neurath, what is the reaction of the other countries ?
- From none to formal or moderate protests, mein Führer. Nothing very serious. For the public opinion in most countries, the war in Spain is a "spanish struggle" or they pretend it is... Sometimes, it's more convenient to watch "somewhere else".
- And what about China ? You've renewed our cooperation agreement ?
- Yes, mein Führer. I sincerely think it's a good thing for both our countries and we should continue our cooperation as long as we can.
- Well... so far I know, there are rumors of agitation in the Far East. I'm afraid it's just a matter of time until war breaks out between Japan and China. We must get prepared to this eventuality.
The other point is Austria : It came to my hears that the austrian gouvernment put pressure on the local NSDAP. I'm fully confident of the fighting spirit of our comrades across the border but I doubt of their organization. Admiral Canaris, I'm hereby ordering you to send more agents in Austria, first by helping restructuring the Party sections and second by showing them our full support.
In the same time, Herr von Neurath, I want you to warn the Austrian gouvernment that any further threat or pressure over NSDAP members will be seen by Germany as a very unfriendly act. Wrap that in the required usual diplomatic bla-bla-bla...
- Have you anything specific in mind, mein Führer ?
- Not yet, mein lieber von Neurath, but who knows..."

Artillery Training Grounds Königsbrück (Bautzen) - 1937, February the 12th - 0830
Oberst Walter Dornberger, CO, meets Dr Wernher von Braun, technical director.

- "Dr von Braun, it's time to pack our bags : we're moving out in April.
- Where ?
- Wolgast, on the Baltic Coast. More precisely, Peenemünde on the island of Usedom. Do you remember the site you've picked up last year ? Well, the Army bought it and now, our new research center is ready to welcome us. There's still a lot of work on the installations over there, nevertheless, we can start working. We're going to have much more space to make our rocket-tests. I'm fully confident we're going to succeed.

A5QuIMl.jpg

Peenemünde Research Center
- Well, Herr Oberst, it's true we are on the right way. Our research on rocket engines will be completed this year but that won't be enough. There's still a lot of fundamental researchs to do, ballistic, electronic, guidance systems, fuel, etc, etc... before we could speak of success. It's a long way to go ! Besides, there's still no consensus on the path we should follow either the ballistic missile or the unmanned airplane.
- Right now, it's not that important. I know that you would concentrate on ballistic missiles as guys like Dr. Fritz Gosslau would rather work on unmanned airplanes. As we get financing from both the Army and the Luftwaffe, we can orientate our work in the 2 directions and see what's the best."


ReichsFührung der SS, Berlin - 1937, March, the 6th - 1500
Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler meets Gottlob Berger, his Chief of Staff, and Reinhard Heydrich, Chief of Reichssicherheitshauptamt (RSHA).

- "Berger ! I've just met Theodor Eicke. He keeps going with his idea to regroup some Totenkopf regiments into one division. I think its a great idea as the SS has to expand but I would like to know how it would be possible to realize.
- Herr Reichsführer, I fully support you on that point but it will be a harsh fight... against the Army ! You know how strongly opposed they are to the creation of armed SS-units and they'll do everything they can to impede our progress. Each man enlisted in the SS, each weapon, each vehicle we possess is one less for the Army.
- I didn't get the impression that the Leibstandarte or the other VT units had some problems...
- Herr Reichsführer. The Leibstandarte is the personnal guard of our Führer and its commander, Sepp Diettrich, is a close friend of him. I don't see anyone sane doing something against it ! And the VT units, Germania und Deutschland, are led by Paul Hausser, who is not only a very capable officer but a former Generalleutnant (Army Corps Commander) of the Reichswehr. Numerous high-ranking officers of the Wehrmacht see him as "one of them" : they do respect him and his judgement. Despite this, Hausser has a hard time to get what he needs... Artillery for instance. Theodor Eicke hasn't the same reputation. Even if we can create his division, we're going to experiment a lot of difficulties to provide equipment...
- Well... Theodor Eicke might not be "one of them"... but he's one of us ! What they consider a foul temper is for me a great skill. I have faith in him.
Give him a "Go" to form his division : I'll have to think about a name. Mhmmm... What about "Totenkopf"...?

NI9cfo4.jpg

Totenkopf Division
Und jetzt zu uns, StandartenFührer Heydrich. I've read your last report about foreign spy cells on our soil which you've identified. A very good job ! However, it shows that we have numerous foes abroad and we must stay alert. Frick might still be Minister of the Interior, he's now out of all internal security affairs and Göring is off-play since I took over the Gestapo. Now that we have control all police forces, we must strike without mercy against the enemy of the State.

E3j9vRW.jpg

Internal Security
- I fully agree, Herr Reichsführer, but it isn't as simple as that. Goebbels has diverted some parts of the budget to increase the Party organization and its popularity among the population and the Abwehr of Admiral Canaris managed to do the same to increase the number and the efficiency of his agents abroad. So far I know, the Führer himself gave the orders and...
- Ach, Sauerei !!! Goebbels, Göring...!!! Those intriguers !!! Anyway, do your best, Standartenführer, I'll take care of them..."


OKW Hauptquartier, Berlin-Wünsdorf - 1937, March the 15th - 1100
Meeting between General Werner von Fritsch, Chief of the Army, und General Ludwig Beck, Chief of the General Staff.

- "They did it again, Beck !!! Those bast.... did it again !!!
- I beg your pardon, Herr general ? Who did what again ?
- Himmler and his SS-clique ! They're forming an other division ! Without asking us !!! I've already told von Blomberg it was going to happen. And see, now it is !!! First, war equipment was diverted for the Leibstandarte ; then, Hausser pointed out that he really needed trucks and artillery for his VT units. As if we didn't have enough difficulties already...!!! What's the situation with OUR motorized units, General Beck ?
- Hummm... Well... 1. and 2. Panzer-divisionen have received their motorized artillery regiments and the 3rd PzD will soon get it. From our planned motorized infantry divisions, only the 13. ID (mot.) received enough trucks and material to equip 2 regiments.
- That's all ?
- Unfortunatly yes, Herr General. All the trucks and motorized anti-tank or artillery equipment has been awarded to the SS. However, the formation of infantry divisions is a bit ahead from schedule. Everything goes fine on this point. General Fromm told me that over 12 Infantry-divisions has been added to our mobilization pool. This man is doing a great job and this new structure works perfectly.
We also started an intensive training programm for our landwehr units. They will soon be as good as regular infantry divisions... for the most part, at least. The 3 landwehr divisions of the Schlesien Group, as well as the 97. (WK VII) and 14. (WK V) will have to wait a bit.
However, our borderguards units (Grenzschutz-Abschnitt-Kommandos) are now operational. A little bit more training wouldn't hurt, of course...

2m0ZjdC.jpg

ErsatzsArmee and Borderguard units
- Good point : what about the training, in general ?
- General von Fritsch : we've worked very hard to improve our combat readiness and we will continue this year. Actually, the Army has never achieved such a good level, in every field. We have now enough officers, the required number of specialists. Morale is higher than ever and our men know what they have to do and how to do it.
- Stop pulling my leg ! You know better than I do that, even if training is very important, it doesn't mean anything if our guys have to fight with slings and reach a battlefield on foot or with cardboard boxes !
Ok... Enough is enough ! I might not be agree with Lutz, Guderian and all of those gentlemen of the Panzerwaffe, but in NO WAY, I will accept to let the SS get all the modern equipment.
- Do you want to start a war with Reichsführer Himmler, Herr General ?
- If necessary, yes ! Up to the end of next year, I want our motorized divisions combat ready ! Speak with Guderian and give him a "Go" for his 2 new Panzer-Divisions. The Führer is listenning to him, so we may have a chance. Look also with him, what's possible to do concerning the planned light Panzer-Divisions. Jetzt ist schluss mit lustig !!!
- Zu Befehl, Herr General !"

Truppenübungsplatz Grafenwöhr, N-E of Nürnberg - 1936, April, the 7th - 1430
Meeting between General Oswald Lutz, Inspektör der PanzerTruppen, and GeneralMajor Heinz Guderian, CO of the 2nd Panzer-Division.

- "Guten Tag, Heinz. Na... Alles klar ?
- Jawohl, Herr General. So far so good... My boys are doing better every day.
- Is this the new KampfPanzerWagen III ?
- Yeap... The brand new Pz III A. But it's only a prototype, Herr General. We're currently running suspension and firing tests. I like this new toy. Nothing comparable to the old Pz I and II. It's 2 to 3 times heavier, has a better armor and its 37mm gun is quite good. I would rather have a 50mm, however...
May be on the next versions. Anyway, it's a good compromise between speed and resistance.

Bl9SpIV.jpg

Panzer III, Ausf. A
- I'm glab to see you happy, mein lieber Heinz. Btw, have you been told the good news ?
- You mean, the authorization to form 2 other Panzer-Divisions, Herr General... Of course, I have. It was about time !
- I've scheduled an appointment with the Führer next week... for both of us. I rely on you to convince him to give us priority on war equipment.
- I'll do my best, Herr General, but you know how the industrial situation currently is. it won't be that simple. Besides, the assembly lines haven't been modified yet : they're still going to produce Pz I or II.
- it's better than nothing...
- Herr general. You know as well as I do that the Pz I is totally obsolete and the Pz II isn't much better. See what currently happens in Spain !!!

CWqdzyh.jpg

Situation in Spain - 1937, March the 30th
- Yeap... I've heard of this Republican counter-offensive. Totally unexpected... 3 months ago, everybody thought they were doomed. And now...
Anyway, it's not our concern, mein lieber Heinz. Let's focus on what really matters to us..."
 
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Keep it coming!! Wont the Heer be less offended knowing that the SS Divisions will be under their control?
 
Keep it coming!! Wont the Heer be less offended knowing that the SS Divisions will be under their control?

As a matter of fact, IRL, subordoning SS-units to the Heer was THE condition to create the so-called Waffen-SS.
However, this subordination was just of operational matters. In numerous fields (recruiting, military justice, etc, etc...), SS-units remained totally under control of the "Schwarze Ordnung".

In-Game, the SS is still small by 1937 (Corps HQ) but it will grow up very soon to the level of Army Group.
"Off-operations", all SS-units will be attached to their parent SS-HQ but as soon as they are deployed on war operations, they become subordonate to the Heer.
 
AussenMinisterium (State Department), Berlin - 1937, July the 29th - 0730
Meeting between Foreign Minister Konstantin von Neurath and Admiral Canaris, Abwehr Chef (Head of Intelligence)

- "Guten Morgen, Admiral. I'm afraid there's nothing good seeing you that early...?
- In der Tat, Herr Reichsminister. War has broken out between Japan and China.
- What ?!! How did that happen ?
- You've heard about the so-called "Marco Polo bridge incident" on July, the 7th... haven't you ?
- Of course, Admiral. One japanese soldier wen't to a whorehouse on the chinese-controlled territory and was "missing" for a few hours. The Japanese first thought he has been kidnapped and some local skirmishes occured. But I thought the problem was solved by now...

C6wI6ma.jpg

- Well, Herr Reichsminister, it now appears that this "incident" has been seen as very convenient by some pro-war high-ranking japanese officers and gouvernment members. From midnight of July the 9th, Japanese and Chinese violations of the ceasefire began to increase, and a buildup of reinforcements on both sides continued, with four divisions of Chinese troops moved to the border, and three on the Japanese side.
A lull in tension occurred when Lieutenant General Kanichiro Tashiro, commander of Japanese China Garrison Army, died of a heart attack, and was replaced by Lieutenant General Kiyoshi Katsuki. Efforts to defuse the escalating conflict failed, largely due to actions by the Japanese Northern China Area Army commanders and militarists within the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff. Wanping was shelled on July the 20th and full scale fighting erupted at Langfang on the 25th.
- And now ?
- Now, Herr Reichsminister ? It is my duty to inform you that a "de facto" state of war currently exists between China and the Empire of Japan !
- And Germany will have to pick up a side, at least on a diplomatic field... I guess we can say good-bye to our cooperation agreement with China.

NKsOyR3.jpg

I'm slowly getting tired of all that. Why bothering to gather intelligence and to provide advices if nobody at the Wilhelmstrasse is listening...?
- Don't look at me like that, Herr Reichsminister. It's not my fault..."


Reichskanzlei, Berlin - 1937, August the 12th - 1500
The Führer meets Abwehr Chef Admiral Canaris (Head of Intelligence).

- "Guten Tag, Admiral. Is your report about our agents ready ?
- Jawohl, mein Führer. Here is the up-to-date stand of our field officers currently operating in Europe. As you can see, thanks to the financing you've granted us, we have been able to greatly increase their number.
- But what about their efficiency ?
- Mein Führer. As Chancellor Bismark used to say "Intelligence gathering is a gentleman's work". These things take time. Right now, we have strong cells in France, Britain and USSR. Our agents have been ordered to keep a "low profile" ; there's no need to take the risk of being discovered if we don't really need them right now. In time, they'll be able to perform any task you want...

uzpNiPt.jpg

The Abwehr presence in Europe
- And in Austria ?
- As ordered, our agents down there are a bit more active to support our party comrades. Needless to say, the austria counter-intelligence and police managed to catch some of them but it's not a big deal as they weren't really "spying". Actually, it's even a good thing : there are strong dissensions within the austrian gouvernment and a political crisis is about to break out, mein Führer.
But I'm quite sure that was your goal from the very beginning, nicht wahr...?
- Is it that obvious, Admiral ?
- It is now, mein Führer... Anyway, in a few weeks, a few months at the latest, Austria will fall like a ripe fruit.
- Sehr gut, Admiral. What about south-east Europe ?
- Our efforts have now been rewarded, mein Führer. As far we know, the hungarian gouvernment is seriously thinking of joining the Axis. It has been confirmed by the AussenMinisterium and it might even just be a matter of weeks. In Romania, King Carol II isn't a friend of us but a lot members of his gouvernment are, so our oil supply is more or less secure. We are also strongly established in Bulgaria but mainly as observers. Yougoslavia and Greece, on the other side, are some tough nuts to crack because of the british influence.
- What about the situation in Spain ? Göring told me that General Franco is experimenting some difficulties.
- Mein Führer, I'm afraid reichsMarschall Göring was kind of optimistic when he spoke of "difficulties". Actually, the Nationalists are in real trouble...
- That is, Admiral ?
- The republican spring counter-offensive is a success. Not only that the Nationalists have been stopped everywhere, but they are now retraiting. We have identified 4 axis of advance :

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Spanish Civil War on August the 12th
2 small thrusts, in the north and in the south, aiming respectively the cities of Bilbao and Malaga. They aren't a major threat as such but they're fixing nationalists forces in those areas.
In the same time, the 2 main thrusts are developping in a pincer movement, north and south of Madrid. Thanks to the soviet help and to the International brigades, the Republicans outnumber the Nationalists and they're using this advantage.
- What's our Condor Legion doing ? What about the Italians ?
- Oh, our planes are there, as well as the italian ones... but most of the time, they stay on the ground because of a lack of fuel.
- And now ?
- As far as I know, we've signed a commercial agreement with the nationalist gouvernment and we're currently shipping some fuel over there. Furthermore, our military advisors are helping to the creation of some new nationalist divisions. My evaluation is that the republican counter-offensive will eventually be stopped, mein Führer, but the end of this war is not for tomorrow..."


ReichsWirtschaftsMinisterium (Ministery of Economics), Berlin - 1937, August the 30th - 0830
Meeting between Hjalmar Schacht, Ministry of economics, and Admiral Raeder, CinC Navy (OberBefehlsHaber der Marine.

- "I'm sorry, Admiral, but your so-called X-Plan is totally unrealistic !
Have you thought about it ? I mean, have you thought, even a minute, to all it implies in matters of costs and ressources ? Just one of those SH-Panzerschiff requires as much industrial ressources as 10 medium panzer-regiments. And you want 10 of them ?!!! Same goes for your 8 planned aircraft carriers : one of them, alone, costs as much as 14 panzer-regiments !
And I don't want to speak of the other Battlecruisers, Pocket Battleships, cruisers, destroyers, etc, etc...
Admiral, with all due respect, have you lost your mind ? Don't you think we have enough problems to provide you the required amount of steel for your ships currently under construction ?
- I'm fully aware of that, Herr Reichsminister. In the event of war with Great Britain, the Führer decided to build a fleet capable of challenging the Royal Navy and he asked us to provide plans for such a fleet. Here's the plan and here's what we need.
- Admiral, I'm afraid your plan is far too ambitious. I strongly advise you to lower your expectancies..."
 
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PropandaMinisterium, Berlin - 1937, September the 5th - 1000
Meeting between PropagandaMinister Joseph Goebbels and Admiral Canaris, Abwehr Chef (Head of Intelligence)

- "Guten Morgen, Herr Reichsminister. You wanted to see me ?
- Indeed, Admiral... As you know, our ReichsParteiTag will begin tomorrow. This year, it's main topic will be our success on the "labour front" and the reduction of unemployment in Germany since the "Machtergreifung" (Rise to power). This rally will be particularly notable due to Albert Speer's Cathedral of light: 152 searchlights that cast vertical beams into the sky.

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Reichsparteitag der Arbeit
- I'm aware of that, Herr Reichsminister, but...
- That's not all, Admiral. We badly need to use this opportunity to restore our public image which has become slight tarnished since the tragedy of LZ 129 "Hindenburg" last May. Representing the Volksgemeinschaft as a whole, the rally MUST serve to demonstrate, once again, the might of the German people.

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1937, May the 6th - Lakehurst
The attendance of Prince Chichibu, a brother of the Emperor of Japan, who will have a personal meeting with the Führer to boost relations between the Empire of Japan and the German Reich, will serve this purpose.
- But before making it public, you want to make sure, you bet your money on the "right horse", gell ?
- Exactly, Admiral. Since japan is at war with China, I don't want to experiment the same thing as with Spain where General Franco's troops are, gently formulated, in dire strait.
That's why I want your evaluation of the situation in China, Admiral.
- Actually, we have only limited knowledge of the situation over there, Herr Reichsminister, but it seems that things are going quite well for our japanese friends.

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Chinese Front - 1937, September the 3rd
As you can see, their main thrust is heading toward Beijing and it's just a matter of days until the city will fall. The Japanese also managed to land on the coast, north and south of Shangaï. They're expending the bridgeheads quickly : Shangaï is under siege and Nanking is being threatened. These 2 cities will fall before the end of the month.
They're also rumors of incoming japanese landings in the Hong-kong/Macao region but nothing has been confirmed so far...
- So... The situation isn't bad for our japanese friends.
- Quite so, Herr Reichsminister. Personally, I think the chinese army won't held but China is such a huuuuge country. Logistic will be the key of success... or failure. Foreign help can also come, as in Spain. Remember : at the beginning of the year, we all thought the Republicans were doomed and see now...

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Situation in Spain - September 1937
Their offensive is making progress all over the front. slow but steady...
Malaga is about to fall and there're heavy fighting east of Bilbao. In this area, the Nationalists barely managed to avoid encirclement. In the center, fights have begun in the outskirts of Madrid and the Republicans are closing-in from the south. Nationalist reinforcements are on their way but..."
- Thank you for your evaluation, Admiral. I wish you a pleasant day."
 
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yeah, I've seen the SCW go back and forth a few times myself. probably going to be a matter of who runs out of soldiers first.
 
yeah, I've seen the SCW go back and forth a few times myself. probably going to be a matter of who runs out of soldiers first.

Speaking for myself, it's the first time I see such back and forth evolution in the SCW. It's probably due to the fuel shortage of the Nationalists, which hampers them of making the best use of their aviation and amored units.
I just hope the situation will evolve positively for the Nationalist since their victory is an important part of the german future strategy.
 
Chapter 5 : the Hossbach Protocol


Reichskanzlei, Berlin - 1937, November the 5th - 1430
The Führer meets Foreign Minister Konstantin von Neurath, GeneralFeldMarschall Werner von Blomberg, Defense Minister, General Werner von Fritsch, Chief of the Army, Admiral Raeder, OberBefehlsHaber der Marine and ReichsMarschall Hermann Göring, OberBefehlsHaber Luftwaffe.

- "Meine Herren...
Hereby, I would like to present my basic ideas concerning the opportunities for the development of our position in the field of foreign affairs and its requirements. In the event of my death, and in the interests of a long-term German policy, you might consider this exposition to be regarded as my last will and political testament.
The aim of German policy is to make secure and to preserve our "Volksmasse" (community) and to enlarge it. It is therefore a question of space.
The German community comprises over 85 million people and, because of their number and the narrow limits of habitable space in Europe. As such, it implies the right to a greater living space than in the case of other peoples.
Before turning to the question of solving the need for space, it has to be considered whether a solution holding promise for the future is to be reached by means of autarchy or by means of an increased participation in world economy.

Autarchy :

Achievement only possible under strict National Socialist leadership of the State, which is assumed ; accepting its achievement as possible, the following could be stated as results :
A. In the field of raw materials only limited, not total, autarchy.
1) In regard to coal, so far as it could be considered as a source of raw materials, autarchy is possible;
2) Concerning rare materials, the position is much more difficult. Iron requirements can be met from home resources and similarly with light metals, but with other raw materials -copper, tin- this is not the case.
3) Synthetic textile requirements can be met from home resources to the limit of timber supplies. A permanent solution is impossible.
4) Edible fats-possible.
B. In the field of food the question of autarchy is to be answered by a flat "No."

Participation in world economy :

To this there are limitations which we are unable to remove. The establishment of Germany's position on a secure and sound foundation is obstructed by market fluctuations, and commercial treaties afforded no guarantee for actual execution.
The boom in world economy caused by the economic effects of rearmament could never form the basis of a sound economy over a long period, and the latter is obstructed above all also by the economic disturbances resulting from Bolshevism.
There is a pronounced military weakness in those states which depend for their existence on foreign trade. As our foreign trade is carried on over the sea routes dominated by Britain, it is more a question of security of transport than one of foreign exchange, which could revealed, in time of war, the full weakness of our situation.
The only remedy, and one which might appear to us as visionary, lay in the acquisition of greater living space.
If, we accept the security of our food situation as the principal question, the space necessary to insure it can only be sought in Europe. It is not a matter of acquiring population but of gaining space for agricultural use. Moreover, areas producing raw materials can be more usefully sought in Europe in immediate proximity to the Reich, than overseas.
The development of great world political constellations progressed but slowly after all, and the German people would find the most favorable prerequisites for such achievement in the heart of the continent of Europe. The history of all ages - the Roman Empire and the British Empire - has proved that expansion could only be carried out by breaking down resistance and taking risks ; setbacks were inevitable. There had never in former times been spaces without a master, and there are none today ; the attacker always comes up against a possessor.

The question for Germany ran : where could she achieve the greatest gain at the lowest cost ?

German policy has to reckon with two hate-inspired antagonists, Britain and France, to whom a German colossus in the center of Europe is a thorn in the flesh, and both countries are opposed to any further strengthening of Germany's position either in Europe or overseas ; in support of this opposition they are able to count on the agreement of all their political parties. Both countries see in the establishment of German military bases overseas a threat to their own communications, a safeguarding of German commerce, and, as a consequence, a strengthening of Germany's position in Europe.

Because of opposition of the Dominions, Britain could not cede any of her colonial possessions to us. After England's loss of prestige through the passing of Abyssinia into Italian possession, the return of East Africa was not to be expected.
Serious discussion of the question of the return of colonies to us could only be considered at a moment when Britain is in difficulties and the German Reich armed and strong.
The british Empire isn't unshakable. Beside her, it exists today a number of states stronger than she. The British motherland is able to protect her colonial possessions not by her own power, but only in alliance with other states. How, for instance, could Britain alone defend Canada against attack by America, or her Far Eastern interests against attack by Japan ?!!
The emphasis on the British Crown as the symbol of the unity of the Empire is already an admission that, in the long run, the Empire could not maintain its position by power politics. Significant indications of this are :
(a) The struggle of Ireland for independence.
(b) The constitutional struggles in India.
(c) The weakening by Japan of Britain's position in the Far East.
(d) The rivalry in the Mediterranean with Italy.

To sum up, it could be stated that the position of the Empire could not in the long run be maintained by power politics.

France's position is more favorable than that of Britain. The French Empire is better placed territorially ; the inhabitants of her colonial possessions represent a supplement to her military strength. But France is going to be confronted with internal political difficulties. Today, nonetheless, Britain, France, Russia, and the smaller states adjoining them, must be included as factors in our political calculations.

Germany's problem could only be solved by means of force and this is never without attendant risk. The campaigns of Frederick the Great for Silesia and Bismarck's wars against Austria and France had involved unheard-of risk, and the swiftness of the Prussian action in 1870 had kept Austria from entering the war. If one accepts as the basis of the following exposition the resort to force with its attendant risks, then there remain still to be answered the questions "when" and "how." In this matter there are three cases to be dealt with :

Case 1: Period 1943-1945.

After this date only a change for the worse, from our point of view, could be expected.
The equipment of the army, navy, and Luftwaffe, as well as the formation of the officer corps, is nearly completed. Equipment and armament are modern; in further delay there lay the danger of their obsolescence. In particular, the secrecy of "special weapons" could not be preserved forever. The recruiting of reserves is limited to current age groups; further drafts from older untrained age groups are no longer available.
Our relative strength would decrease in relation to the rearmament which would by then have been carried out by the rest of the world. Nobody knew today what the situation would be in the years 1943-45. One thing only is certain, that we could not wait longer.

The necessity for action before 1943-45 would arise in cases 2 and 3.

Case 2:

If internal strife in France should develop into such a domestic crisis as to absorb the French Army completely and render it incapable of use for war against Germany, then the time for action against the Czechs has come.

Case 3:

If France is so embroiled by a war with another state that she cannot "proceed" against Germany.

For the improvement of our politico-military position our first objective must be to overthrow Czechoslovakia and Austria simultaneously in order to remove the threat to our flank in any possible operation against the West. In a conflict with France it is to be regarded as likely that the Czechs would declare war on us on the very same day as France. The desire to join in the war would, however, increase among the Czechs in proportion to any weakening on our part and then her participation could clearly take the form of an attack toward Silesia, toward the north or toward the west.
If the Czechs were overthrown and a common German-Hungarian frontier achieved, a neutral attitude on the part of Poland could be the more certainly counted on in the event of a Franco-German conflict. Our agreements with Poland only retain their force as long as Germany's strength remains unshaken. In the event of German setbacks a Polish action against East Prussia, and possibly against Pomerania and Silesia as well, has to be reckoned with.
It would of course be necessary to maintain a strong defense on our western frontier during the prosecution of our attack on the Czechs and Austria. And in this connection it has to be remembered that the defense measures of the Czechs are growing in strength from year to year, and that the actual worth of the Austrian Army also is increasing in the course of time.

The annexation of Czechoslovakia and Austria would mean an acquisition of foodstuffs for 5 to 6 million people. The incorporation of these two States with Germany means, from the politico-military point of view, a substantial advantage because it would mean shorter and better frontiers, the freeing of forces for other purposes, and the possibility of creating new units up to a level of about 12 divisions.
Italy is not expected to object to the elimination of the Czechs, but it is impossible at the moment to estimate what her attitude on the Austrian question would be; that depended essentially upon whether the Duce is still alive.
The degree of surprise and the swiftness of our action are decisive factors for Poland's attitude. Poland -with Russia at her rear- will have little inclination to engage in war against a victorious Germany.
Military intervention by Russia must be countered by the swiftness of our operations ; however, whether such an intervention is a practical contingency at all is, in view of Japan's attitude, more than doubtful.

Should Case 2 arise -the crippling of France by civil war- the situation thus created by the elimination of the most dangerous opponent must be seized upon for the blow against the Czechs.

I see Case 3 coming definitely nearer; it might emerge from the present tensions in the Mediterranean, and I'm resolved to take advantage of it whenever it happens, even as early as 1938.
In the light of past experience, the I don't see any early end to the hostilities in Spain. If one considers the length of time which Franco's offensives has taken up till now, it is fully possible that the war would continue another 3 years. On the other hand, a 100 percent victory for Franco is not desirable either, from the German point of view.

Rather are we interested in a continuance of the war and in the keeping up of the tension in the Mediterranean. Franco in undisputed possession of the Spanish Peninsula precludes the possibility of any further intervention on the part of the Italians or of their continued occupation of the Balearic Islands. As our interest lay more in the prolongation of the war in Spain, it must be the immediate aim of our policy to strengthen Italy's rear with a view to her remaining in the Balearics.
But the permanent establishment of the Italians on the Balearics would be intolerable both to France and Britain, and might lead to a war of France and England against Italy. The probability of Italy's defeat in such a war is slight, for the road from Germany is open for the supplementing of her raw materials.
I picture the military strategy for Italy thus : on her western frontier with France she would remain on the defensive, and carry on the war against France from Libya against the French North African colonial possessions.
As a landing by Franco-British troops on the coast of Italy could be discounted, and a French offensive over the Alps against northern Italy would be very difficult and would probably come to a halt before the strong Italian fortifications, the "Schwerpunkt" of the operations lay in North Africa. The threat to French lines of communication by the Italian Fleet would cripple, to a great extent, the transportation of forces from North Africa to France, so that France would have only home forces at her disposal on the frontiers with Italy and Germany.

If Germany makes use of this war to settle the Czech and Austrian questions, it is to be assumed that Britain -herself at war with Italy- would decide not to act against Germany. Without British support, a warlike action by France against Germany is not to be expected.
The time for our attack on the Czechs and Austria must be made dependent on the course of the Anglo-French-Italian war and it would have to be carried out with "lightning speed".
Ja, Herr von Neurath... ? Do you have anything to say ?

- Mein Führer, with all due respect, I have to object to your evaluation of a possible Anglo-French-Italian conflict. So far we, at the Auswärtigen Amt, know and according to the Abwehr reports, such a conflict is not yet within measurable distance. Furthermore, hoping that such a crisis would let our hands free to act, is in my opinion, a great mistake.

- Quatsch ! I'm telling you, mein lieber von Neurath. Such a conflict is much closer than you think. May be not yet but wait until next summer and you'll see...

- Mein Führer, as Defense Minister, I have to support Herr von Neurath : the reaction of both France and England might be quite different of the one expected. In this case, the Wehrmacht is currently not able to resist both of them.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that our present "fortifications" on our western border have, at best, an insignificant value as. On the other hand, the strength of the Czech fortifications, which have acquired by now a structure like a Maginot Line, could gravely hamper our attack. This is the very purpose of a study which General von Fritsch has ordered made this winter, namely, to examine the possibility of conducting operations against the Czechs with special reference to overcoming the Czech fortification system.
General von Fritsch... ?

- Danke. Our study isn't ready yet but it's already a known fact that the Czech fortification system will be a formidable obstacle. Furthermore, our evaluation concerning french military power are quite different of yours, mein Führer. France IS a great military power and, even in the event of a Anglo-French-Italian conflict, France would not be so committed by the war with Italy that she could not at the same time enter the field with forces superior to ours on our western frontier.
I estimate the probable French forces available for use on the Alpine frontier at approximately twenty divisions, so that a strong French superiority would still remain on our western frontier, with the role of invading the Rhineland.
In this matter, moreover, the advanced state of French defense preparations must be taken into particular account, and it must be remembered that the four motorized divisions intended for the West are still more or less incapable of movement.
To sum up, we are not ready for a direct confrontation... not yet.

- Meine Herren, I've heard your concerns and objection but I want to reassure you : the possibility of a conflict needs not yet be regarded as imminent. Even in such "worse case", I'm fully convinced of Britain's non-participation, and therefore I do not believe in the probability of belligerent action by France alone against Germany.
Having this point cleared, I would now like to see with everyone of you the state of the current german armed forces..."
 
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breaking off just when it gets interesting. you are very cruel.
 
Looking forward to it.