Well lads, the next update is here, hope you all like.
10th April 1936
London was shrouded in a fog, a
pea-souper as it was called, yet the capital shuffled on. The national government, was foundering along, much like it had for the past years, continuing to carry on the functions of government, yet abroad, there were rumblings, and the great structure that was the British Empire and Commonwealth faced troubles within its own borders, as well as from the outside. India, long the jewel in the crown of the Empire, was constantly in a state of threat. The
Government of India Act 1935 had granted a limited form of self rule, but there was still rumblings for independence. The North West Frontier, ever the front line of the sub continent had been active as usual, the tribes growing ever more dissenting of British, or indeed any outside influence.
Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was meeting with Bolton Eyres-Monsell
[Secretary of State for India] and Sir Maurice Hankey
[Chairman of CID, ODC, DRC, Secretary to the Cabinet, informal defence coordinator]. Sir Maurice was awaiting the Secretary of State.
'Secretary of State for India Prime Minister' His private secretary announced as Bolton Eyres-Monsell strode into the room and sat down next to Sir Maurice. Baldwin now spoke.
'So Bolton [Eyres-Monsell, what is happening in India that seems to have you running up hear?' Baldwin enquired inquisitively.
'Well Prime Minister, Sir Maurice, there are ominous rumblings from North West Frontier, enough to rattle Delhi into moving two brigades into the North West Frontier. Most serious, but the Viceroy [The Most Honourable George Freeman Thomas] has sent word that it is purely precautionary. However Prime Minister, Delhi is concerned that this might be more than the usual local uprising. The tribal leaders are showing the possibility of uniting in a common cause against our presence, however that is unlikely [A small reassuring, if arrogant smile], as many tribes are deeply committed to carrying out centuries old blood feuds. Our presence is but a mere diversion.'
Baldwin waited, not realising that Bolton Eyres-Monsell had finished.
'Well Delhi should worry more about the Indian National Congress and its supporters than the tribes of the North West Frontier. Keep me informed, and even perhaps the War Office should you be so inclined. The North West Frontier will never be pacified, but we must maintain our positions there, for like in the past, what was called the great game is far from over. Afghanistan has always been a thorn in our side. With the rumours of American oil interests, but more important German and Bolshie [Soviet Russian] advisor's running around, we must maintain the prestige of British interests in the region.' Sir Maurice stepped into the discussion.
'Prime Minister and Secretary of India; India is both our strongest and weakest point in our Empire. The greatest threat to Imperial security to a sweeping Russian invasion through Afghanistan, down the Khyber Pass and Hindukush and into India. It is the single greatest threat to Imperial security. A Russian invasion, which would undermine very seriously our entire position in India. The Defence Requirements Committee estimates that if a Russian invasion took place, it would take many months to repel it, but for a large force to advance into Afghanistan and cut off the Russian lines of advance, however, this is but mere speculation, and the Secret Intelligence Service indicates that the Russians are more involved with “Constructing Socialism” as they call it in Russia, rather than playing the great game.'
The HinduKush on the North West Frontier
Stanley Baldwin spoke, almost amazed at the conversation.
'Gentlemen, that was most informative. However, Bolton I must regretfully conclude this meeting, as I have Anthony [Eden], Neville [Chamberlain] and Alfred [Duff Cooper] to see.' Bolton Eyers-Monsell left, however Sir Maurice moved over to the leather chairs moved into a rough circle on the other side of the room. The cabinet members made their way into the Prime Ministers office and took their usual seats. Baldwin was first to speak, his voice slightly tiring.
'Alfred, what is the state of the Imperial armed forces, and what are the plans for the future?' Cooper began to read from a paper.
'At the moment Prime Minister, the Home Forces can muster two divisions at most to send to overseas, with at maximum four territorial divisions to follow, however they would require a month at least to get ready. To mobilise would take even longer.' Chamberlain stepped into the middle of Duff Cooper's explanation.
[As you can see, it would be impossible for any situation to ever occur, and we would never become involved in a European entanglement. It would cost £80 million pounds this year alone [Chamberlain raises his voice, and Baldwin is taken back] to get the territorials up to regular standard. The Treasury won't allow such a disastrous policy to be implemented.' Duff Cooper almost exploded.
'So, when the Germans are marching through Piccadilly Square, will that be disastrous enough? When Italians walk into Alexandria? When the Japanese stroll into Singa-bloody-pore! My god Neville, what will it take you to realise what we are dealing with here?' Chamberlain shot back, not afraid to let his hands get dirty.
'Alfred, why should we have to deal with all those warring European types. We have no reason or any want to get involved in squalled European affairs. I do not want Britain to suffer the grave economic consequences of a war in Europe.' Eden came in, trying perhaps to mediate.
'I do not want Britain to become involved in another Great War. I fought in the last one, as did many of us and we want no repeat of that. However we cannot let our guard down. Now-' Baldwin spoke.
'Gentlemen, please! I know you all feel very strongly about this, however we are at peace, and will continue to be. When we have adequate funds, we will consider the question of the territorial army.'
With that the meeting nearly at an end, the relationship between Chamberlain and Cooper reaching a new low.
'Well, perhaps the situation would improve once the League of Nations acts on Italy.' Cooper said, nodding to Eden.
'Alfred, the Leauge, as much as you or I would like to believe in it it effectivly powerless. As we speak, the Italians are driving on Addis Ababa, and there is absolutely nonthing we can do about it.' Eden said, almost glumly. Chamberlain now spoke, Duff-Cooper holding back.
'Gentlemen, the current contracts for rearmaments are at the atmost of the economic limit, that is without doing damage to the economy and causing a scare on the pound. I have reviewed the reports, and have sent memorandia to the Chiefs of the Imperial General Staff and they are inclined to agree with the Treasury's recomendations.' Baldwin thought to himself
'Neville has knobbled the Generals.'
