"What do you think, sir? You likely know far more than I about the changes and what they will mean for England and the Empire."
Sir Cyril motioned for the nearest waiter to come over and he placed his empty glass on the tray. The waiter left without further ado.
“Obviously it’s a far less aggressive foreign policy. No doubt you’ve already heard that we are being very nice to the new Spanish government all of a sudden.”
“I’d heard there was a trade deal in the offing?” Fitzpatrick questioned.
“Not that I know of but then, that’s a civilian issue and hardly something I’d be told about.” Sir Cyril suddenly realised that people were far more likely to talk about such things around a US Naval Attaché than around him, he made a mental note to check out that story. He then continued,” At the moment, the rate of military spending has been maintained, improved in certain areas even.”
“Can I ask what areas Sir?”
“You can ask.” Sir Cyril said with a smile. The Yank went to ask but seemed to realise that Sir Cyril meant it would not receive an answer. He nodded, almost to himself in approval of having caught the meaning of that comment and waited for Sir Cyril to continue.
“However capital expenditure is down on what we were promised from Stanley. I’m not going to list specific items you understand but certain projects have been delayed.”
”It sounds almost as if he’s just more cautious about showing his hand than Baldwin was.” The American commented.
“Exactly, in the lead up to the Great War the bluster of the government and the economic expenditure was all about bottle.”
“Bottle sir?”
“Oh, pardon me. I believe you Americans would say nerve, or guts or front. Anyway, the idea was if Britain looked like a tough nut to crack then the Kaiser would never dare start anything. Stanley’s policies reminded the people of that time….. and the outcome.
“Neville is taking a different tack. He’s attempting to calm the situation by presenting a far more conciliatory outlook. By making it appear that differences can be sorted out around the table he’s hoping that he can avoid a war while maintaining Britain’s authority and power through trade and diplomacy. However the key to that is the other fellow knowing what you’re trying to do.”
”How so Sir?”
“Well take Hitler. If he believes that Neville is acting like he is because Britain truly is weak then he may just feel like pushing twice as hard and getting as much as possible while we are.”
“and you’re afraid that Neville will start a war before you're ready?”
“Not really, I'm worried he'll wait too long. Stanley always thought war could be avoided by being tough, Neville thinks war can be avoided by looking friendly. You and I, we don’t have that luxury. We have to assume war is coming and prepare to win it. Now if Neville does attempt to appease Hitler and fails I’m concerned we’ll end up fighting our war from a weakened position. That could lead to something far worse than the Great War.”
“Like what, how do you know this strategy won’t work?”
“Because we’ve tried it before son. 'Nothing new under the sun' as they say!
"Britain tried to appease Napoleon but in the end we just ended up fighting him from a position of massive disadvantage. Back then three men saved our nation and gave the Europeans the time needed to sort out their own houses and take Boney down. Pitt kept the people strong, Nelson kept the Frenchies penned in and Wellington showed everyone that Boney could be beaten on land.
“That war almost destroyed the nation. High tax, massive disruption, constant fears of invasion all for close on 15 years! It took us four attempts at a European coalition before we finally beat him. Now imagine the Great War if France had fallen.”
”Surely you would have negotiated a truce rather than continued?”
“We don’t like losing you know. Letting you Americans go is the closest we’ve come to a defeat for a long time.”
“Um, Sir, I think you’ll find we won that contest.” Fitzpatrick looked slightly defiant as he made his correction, yet also concerned about correcting a superior officer.
Sir Cyril let out a chuckle, “Yes, I know Captain. Just a bit of humour. Anyway, the only time we’ve been beaten since then is by the Australian cricket team. If you’d watched the 1932-33 series in Australia then you’d know just how serious we take winning.”
“Sorry Sir?”
”Never mind, just look up Bodyline one day when you get the chance. Your opinion of cricket and English gentlemen may well change. The point is, if France were to fall we’d have to abandon the continent and just contain the enemy until someone else came in on our side.”
“You mean us.”
”Most probably. I can’t see Comrade Stalin or Mussolini turning on Hitler for our benefit, can you?”
”No sir. But I don’t think the American public would be all that eager to help either.”
“No, but we’d hang on regardless. It may take you years before Hitler finally stepped on your toes but eventually he would and then with your help we’d take him down.”
“Seems pretty far fetched sir.”
“So did losing our American colonies to mad King George, doesn’t mean it can’t happen, what?”
A small laugh finally escaped the young Captain’s lips. “No sir, I guess it doesn’t.”
“Ah good. Glad to see I can still convince someone these days.” His eyes wandered towards the Ambassador. “Now if you’ll excuse me Captain I have an early inspection in the morning. I wish to thank our host for his hospitality, and take leave of his lovely wife. It's been a pleasure, until next time.” With that he set off across the room leaving the Captain with a quick pat on the shoulder and a smile.
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