Chapter 31, Downing Street, 29 May 1940
The final wording of the peace settlement had been received. Halifax and Butler had discussed it and agreed wholeheartedly. With Cabinet consent they would put the Treaty to both Houses (Halifax had decided to announce it himself to the Lords, whilst Butler would brief later to the Commons) and explain the terms that Germany and Italy had laid down. As the members of the cabinet filed in and took their seats Halifax knew that he had only to win this meeting for the peace to be accepted.
“Gentlemen, good morning. I will begin by thanking you all for attending me at such short notice. The Italian and German ambassadors have both called and we have, between us, finalised Britain’s acceptance of the peace treaty.” The cabinet, their interest piqued, waited for Halifax to continue.
“In essence the situation will continue as it is. We will not contest Germany’s territorial acquisitions in Europe and they will guarantee the independence of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Along with this treaty, the Treaty of Milan, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom will sign a non-aggression agreement for ten years’ duration, with further extensions as seen fit by the three governments.” Halifax paused. Gulping down the very hot tea he turned the page and continued.
“In order to ensure our compliance in this agreement we will demilitarise our establishments in Malta and Gibraltar.” Churchill was aroused, furious. Ignoring him, Halifax struggled on. Atlee sat with eyes closed and fingers steepled.
“All territory ceded by Germany by the Treaties of Versailles will be restored to her. We will accept the errors made in 1919 and agree to Germany regaining her rightful territory. These territories will not be used for military purposes in line with the guarantee of independence offered to the British Empire.”
“There is something else. Italy can, and does, expect her role in bringing peace to Europe to be recognised. Italy renounces her claim to Malta and will, in return, receive minor territorial concessions in Africa. It is expected that Italy may gain colonial territory from Germany, though that is a matter for their governments to resolve. Sicily and Sardinia will not be militarised. There will be no financial reparations. The large volume of BEF supplies still in France will not be returned but will be used legitimately by the Wehrmacht as replacement for those consumed in the Battle of France.”
“Finally, His Majesty’s Government will agree to recognise the whatever weplaces the current French government as the legitimate Government of France. In accordance with our recognition of German territorial conq-” Halifax stopped himself from saying ‘conquests’, “acquisitions we will not support any French or other partisan activity against the lawful government. First Lord, you wish to interject?” Churchill had chuckled at the word ‘lawful’.
“Not at this stage, Prime Minister. Pray, go on.”
“Most kind, Mr Churchill. We will not harbour or give aid to any parties preparing acts of aggression against the German Reich. Nor will any such parties preparing action against the British Empire be sheltered in Germany or Italy. I think that’s everything. Deputy Prime Minister?”
“Apologies, My Lord. One question really: any arms limitations?” Halifax shuffled through the papers.
“Erm, yes. None of the treaty powers will be prevented from making such military expansion or deployment that is deemed necessary for defence or action against a power not subject to the provisions of this treaty, subject to the requirements of Articles 5 and 6. Hmmn, that must be the bit about Gibraltar. But a sensible pwovision for all. Indeed, I think the nation will support an honourable peace such as this,” Haliax paused as for the first time in this meeting he looked directly at Churchill. "Ah, I think this is a convenient moment for a short adjournment. First Lord, would you please join me for a moment?”
After the last of the Cabinet had left, Churchill turned to Halifax. He was boiling with rage. Pounding his fist on the table he growled with anger. “Edward, you must not do this! Can’t you see? They’re after the Med. Gibraltar abandoned, Malta defenceless; that would leave us naked in the Mediterranean. Where could we put our Fleet? The route to India, the Orient, wide open for Mussolini to seize! You cannot do this!”
“First Lord,” Halifax began sternly. “I can and I will. And I will require every member of my cabinet to accept this treaty.”
Churchill shook his head. Picking up a copy of the agreement he flicked through the sheets. “But giving them the colonies they lost gives them striking bases all over the world! How can you be so shortsighted?”
“They have given their word. Hitler doesn’t want the Empire!”
“No? You’re giving him one out of the kindness of your heart are you?”
“First Lord. Winston. Be reasonable. This is an agreement amongst gentlemen. Ciano, Ribbentrop, Rab, all of them are resolved to make a lasting peace for all of Europe. We tried war and were soundly thwashed. It is reasonable to expect the weaker party to make a gesture towards peace.”
“And France?”
“They will make their peace. They have shown how much worse it could be. Imagine, a shattered Britain? Mosley leading a defeated Britain as a Nazi satellite?” Halifax shuddered. “What would you have me do?”
“Fight! If you fought as hard for victory as you did for Munich, and now Milan, we would be marching to Berlin!”
Halifax was exasperated. This was the moment both had dreaded yet expected, the moment where they would part irrevocably. “They’ve given their word. We can rely on that.”
“As you and Neville found out last year,” Churchill said tartly.
“Am I to take it, First Lord, that you will vote against the Treaty of Milan in Parliament?”
“You are, Prime Minister,” Churchill replied stiffly. He was calling Halifax’s bluff, unconvinced that he would have the strength to act decisively. He had miscalculated.
“Then you may consider yourself dismissed as First Lord of the Admiralty. I will pay homage to your excellent record in fighting the war, and will thank you for your support to me as your Prime Minister. May I wequest that you return to the Admiralty and prepare your letter of resignation? I will not attack you in the House, and request that you do the same. We are both men of honour, trying to do what we see as right.”
As the rest of the Cabinet returned Churchill had already stormed out. Halifax explained to the others that as the First Lord was unwilling to accept the Treaty of Milan then he was, by mutual agreement, leaving his post to return to the backbenches.
[Game Effect] - And there you have the (moderate terms) of the Treaty of Milan. Essentially, as frequently discussed on this forum, the UK lets Germany do pretty much what it likes in Europe. There are a few colonial concessions, and the wedge is driven between Britain and France. Hold on, the ride gets bumpy...
Enewald: I think you totally missed the point. The Clause was about saving exiled forces from the hands of the Germans.
Nathan Madien: The Army is certainly brave, but has been let down by a total lack of vision from Whitehall and fairly poor generalship.
