Darks63 - Thanks old mate.
cthulhu - Glad of that.
therev - Thanks, glad you liked it.
Mettermrck - I hope you have a few spare days ahead then.
Darks63 - perhaps not blind, just his own policy and vision for the way Britain should be run.
Draco Rexus - Thanks old mate.
Lord E - I shall keep it up.
Allenby - The British Army is on the job, no need to worry.
therev - Good film, and no problems should arise, in this update at least.
19th April 1936
London was in a dire mood. There were problems in India, and it was viewed by many as both the strongest and weakest asset that Britain controlled in the period. The cabinet went though another stormy cabinet session, which was followed by a meeting of the CID, which as its members were to show, were the most powerful men in government, which included the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary and the leading civil servants of those departments. A sub committee of the Chiefs of Staff
[COS] were also scheduled for later that day, with the upper echelons meeting in the Prime Minister's Private office.
Sir Maurice Hankey, Secretary to the Cabinet, and Chairman of a majority of the Defence Committees began to speak.
'Gentlemen, Prime Minister and member of the Cabinet. There is trouble in the North West Frontier, but alas we must let Delhi handle the situation for there are more important things to be done here in London, that concern both Germany, Italy and Japan, and its all to do with the failure of the Naval Treaties, which the Admiralty so stressed on breaking in order to set foot in motion the various contracts that will see British supremacy on the seas and oceans maintained to a satisfactory level as was established during the previous meetings of the Defence Requirements Committee. However, the Committee must now take into account the consequences of such an action whilst the Foreign Office and Secret Intelligence Service reports ominous rumblings from both Tokyo and Berlin. [Hankey Paused to take a breath] There are rumblings from Berlin that the recent laying of new battleship tonnage is directed primarily against them, and that it is an act of provocation on our behalf.' Eden jumped in.
'Thats preposterous. They have been rearming since 1934, and their air force is growing at an incredible rate!' Hankey responded.
'Yes that is correct and the DRC, DPC and ODC have all taken that into consideration, but the German words are quite hollow in nature. They are merely blowing hot air. However the real worry is the Japanese and their intentions in the Far East.' Oddly enough it was Neville Chamberlain who spoke, whose tenure was at best warped by the treasury view of the situation.
'It is of primary importance that Japan be on good terms with Britain for the future, for in the light of developments in the continent, the government must order its defences into priorities, for we cannot create everything at the click of the fingers. Eliminating Japan as a potential enemy of Britain would much eleviate the problem facing the defence of the entire empire.' Sir John Simon responded
[Simon's tenure at the foreign office before 1935 was less than spectacular], Eden remaining unable to speak.
'That would be most unwise Neville. In doing that we run a grave risk, for Japan has serious ambitions about becoming a great power in the Far East and become emperor of the yellow peoples. This would jeopardize our entire position in the Far East and the Security of both Australia and New Zealand, not to mention Singapore in direct threat.'
Eden now spoke, frustrated that he, who was responsible for Foreign Affairs was being left out.
'It is the view of the Foreign Office that we should make the benign gestures towards Japan, but it is far from the point that we should let them become a great power in the Far East and to threaten our interests in the region. I will not dictate Treasury policy as long as the Treasury does not dictate foreign policy, however with the restrictions that the Treasury has placed upon not only the armed forces but the entire defence of the Empire is at stake. I have spoken to both Alfred [Duff Cooper] and Sir Samuel [Hoare] and they whole heartedly recommend that the base at Singapore be upgraded so that a fast battle squadron can be stationed there.' [Chamberlain repels slightly] 'My dear Eden, only once the financial situation has improved to a suitable level to recover from the Foreign Office's calls to arms can any work begin on Singapore, and the moving of capital ships to the Far East? Why send them on a fools errand?' Eden now shot back.
'Neveille, this would prove a deterrent to the Japanese other than the Treasuries fore lone hope that a most amicable In a sarcastic way] solution can be solved. You know as well as I do that the CID had discussed many times the possibility of defending the far east, and with a fast battle squadron of the Hood, Repulse and Renown would provide adequate cover for the interests in the region until more capital ships could arrive from either home waters or the Mediterranean. Keeping in mind the two strand strategy [A strategy that entailed either keeping a fleet in the Mediterranean or Far East near permanently] this would give us, that is Britain a great deal more power in Asia, than the treasury would have the CID believe.' Chamberlain lay quite now.
Sir Maurice continuing on, best he could.
'Now can we move on to the Royal Air Force. Under the proposed scheme started in 1935, £124 million would be invested into new aircraft, production and more investment into getting the aircraft industry into shape. The Air Ministry is concerned with the size of the recently renewed German air force and is eager to maintain a parity with them. Hence, that is why the Air Ministry has sent this request to the Treasury to finance the new stage of investment and development. Starting this year, the original scheme will see a massive investment of nearly half a billion pounds in the next four years for new equipment and resources. The Air Ministry is also worried that the aircraft industry is in bad shape, with newer designs like the monoplane fighters slow in production, and hence why we must revert to older, but still worthy types. Some of this money would also be invested in aircraft defence, such as anti aircraft guns guarding key cities and installations in the home isles. However the air Ministry is always worried, so I will let the treasury pass it over.'
Baldwin, who had remained quite now spoke.
'What of our Imperial Defence of India. Anthony makes a valuable suggestion for the fast battle squadron out of Singapore, as the defence of the eastern coast of India through to New Zealand is in danger if we do not take the appropriate measures. I was briefed by Sir Hugh Sinclair yesterday and the rumour of the new Japanese battle cruisers under planning are nothing but rumour. However our esteemed American friends believed it, and are currently trying to get three of their own underway, but alas I have confidence in the Admiralty and the SIS that the information was just a rumour. I know some of the papers have been calling us warmongers and such, but I believe that this is the best scheme, and the best way to approach the problems of our imperial defence. Sir Maurice, what is being down about the North West Frontier, we cannot afford to let our guard down against these tribes. Have Delhi make sure its handled with the usual tact. Also ask Delhi to scotch the story in the Indian Times about the Fakir's up there.' The meeting of the CID run on for some half an hour longer with the usual departmental squabbling and vicious fights between the Treasury and everyone else.
Signs of returning 'prosperity' - Illustrated London News 1936
After the meeting, Chamberlain caught Baldwin over and made a brisk talk.
'Stanley, I want to place the interests of Britain first, but I am torn between the obligations to guide Britain out of the depression, back into prosperity and that of the rearming for national security. We must create an image of power, even if we may not be entirely solid.' Baldwin returned.
'Sounds like you are trying to create a shop window deterrent.' With that Baldwin walked off, down the corridors of power.
