The Sacred Grove of Britannia

[Allenby]

I am surprised that there hasn't been more concern on the backbenches, and among the opposition, about the consequences of having occupied Ireland.

 

[unmerged(28944)]

Very interesting, the reactions to events. I agree with Allenby about Parliament's reception of the the Irish news, and I'm a bit concerned about Neville's lack of... perception of the nature of Hitler. Then again, he had the same problem in RL, so why should he be any different here, right?

 

[angryclown]

Excellent work, Sir Humphrey!

I only just got through this whole AAR (don't visit the HoI area too often, since i still haven't taken the time to figure out how to play it), and I'll be following how you go very closely from now on.

 

[unmerged(10426)]

I don't like it when Chamberlain has flashes of assertiveness. I want him to be the nork that he was in real life.

 

[Allenby]

Very interesting, the reactions to events. I agree with Allenby about Parliament's reception of the the Irish news,

With such a tumultuous event as the 1921 Treaty being overturned, one expected there to be pandemonium in the house, with unsavoury blue language, order papers throws liberally and withering criticisms of the government - perhaps this is all still to come?

 

[Sir Humphrey]

cthulhu: Mussolini is pretty pissed at the moment, and doesn't seem to be looking to favorably at Herr Hitler.

Vann the Red: If things can be worked with Italy, it could prove to be another feather in his cap. Afterall, Ireland isn't a total mess - not yet at least.

Darks63: Thanks very much.

Allenby: The shit will/has hit the perverbial fan now. Ireland will become a sideshow for some unfortunate cabinet member.

Draco Rexus: its an early Anschluss, so nout could be done except look on and send a strong diplomatic cable.

angryclown: Thats great to hear. Hope you continue to enjoy it.

Vincent Julien: In that case, the fun is only just starting.

Allenby: In other words, and ordinary Prime Minister's Question time then...

 

[Sir Humphrey]

London, 27th August 1937.

“Sir David Margesson is here to see you Prime Minister.” Chamberlain's private secretary announced. “Any way Winston, I'm not particularly happy about the reviewed white paper. Tell the Chiefs of Staff to stop mucking about and get on with it. Can we finish this some other time Winston?” Chamberlain mused and ushered Churchill out of the office, the Minister for the Coordination of Defense was having trouble with the service heads – Sir John Dill was openly hostile.

“Ah David, please have a seat. How bad is it?” Chamberlain mused, letting his coffee simmer. He welcomed the Conservative Chief Whip who promptly sat down. “Well Prime Minister, things could be better. The troops are getting restless. Having to occupy that retched island is dragging down morale, and the constituencies are starting to voice their concerns, and vocally. Prime Minister, adding to that, the backbenchers are concerned about the situation in Europe. There hasn't exactly been a lot of good news of late. Shall I put a bit of stick about and get them back in line?” Margesson said, his fierce reputation preceding him. “Put the stick about. Ireland is going to be a mess and things are likely to get worse before they get better.” Chamberlain to Margesson who seemed a little worried. “Prime Minister I must inform you, there is discord, even within the cabinet about not only Ireland, but about Palestine and numerous home issues.” This seemed to cause Chamberlain to squirm a little.

“David, who is it?” Chamberlain prodded. “Well Neville, only a general feeling you understand, a reflection of the troops state of mind. After all, the various cabinet members all retain their various retinue of backbenchers from the various factions. Nothing to worry about Neville. Put a bit of stick about and drag them back into line.” Margesson reassured him. “David, one more thing, what is the Chancellor of the Exchequer up to?” Chamberlain prodded him. “Well Prime Minister, at such an early stage – of anything, its better to hedge the bets and wait – should things begin to transpire.” Margesson said, not entirely sure of what the Prime Minister meant. Chamberlain nodded and waved him out of the office. In what was becoming a steady stream in and out of the office, the Foreign Secretary strode in confidently.

“How was Von Ribbentrop?” Chamberlain purred. “Well Neville. Placing aside that certified basket case personally, the German position that we should keep well out of their business – but that is putting it bluntly. Ribbentrop also communicated – I use that term loosely that Herr Hitler is still eager to pursue an Anglo-German treaty, naval or far wider reaching, but offered little explanation on the later, but was insisting that His Majesties government enter into naval agreement talks to limit the sizes of both navies. I merely pointed out that unless it is Germany that seeks to create the end for these weapons of war, well what is the need for limitation. That of course sent him into a right tizz.” Swinton chortled. “Well thats all well and good Phillip, but this “Anschluss” of Austria has placed our Foreign Policy into some doubt, and with the French trying to recover from that series of strikes and god only knows what else, we must cannot approach Germany alone, we must appear to appease Germany with the best of intentions, but from a position of strength, with friends on the continent. On that matter, has their been any response from Rome about our proposals?”

“Our man in Rome has received positive feelers from the Italians, who are eager to start talks. However, they are likely to have conditions and demands, it would no doubt have stings attached. What if Mussolini himself wished to meet personally with you and hammer an understanding out?” Swinton said. “If Mussolini wishes to invite me to Italy for talks, then I shall go.” Chamberlain replied. “My predecessor, well not strictly speaking my predecessor, but lets not get into the semantics of it just now, but Anthony may voice opposition to it. After all he was opposed to negotiations before, and somehow I think he may not take to kindly to it. He is not without his supporters both in the cabinet and on the back benches. It may be prudent Neville to not shout this about.” Swinton said. “If Anthony can't take it – in which he is in no position to do so, he will just have to live with it. Foreign Policy is no place for morality and sheer bloody minded idealism. If the situation dictates that we must deal, and work with Italy, then we must do it, for the greater good, the end justify the means.” Chamberlain said and continued. “I will raise this in cabinet this afternoon. We will start dealing with Mussolini, for the greater good of Britain, her Empire and Europe as a whole.” Chamberlain declared. “Very well Prime Minister.” Swinton said, as he left, heading back towards the Foreign Office.

As the members of the cabinet slowly drifted into the cabinet room some hours later, Chamberlain had ordered a coffee, whilst the cabinet members shuffled in and sat down, placing their manila folders in front of them, some contents edging from the protective covers. “I would like to announce that the Foreign Office will start initiating representations to Italy, in order to prevent a crisis on the European continent, whilst we appease Herr Hitler and avoid war, we continue to present the final options for maintaining peace in Europe – in this case dealing with Mussolini justifies the mean to preserving the peace in Europe. I would like to think of us as the arbiters of European peace, something that is drawn clearer after the German actions in what was formally Austria. It was regrettable, yes; but what happened over Austria, the use of coercion and force cannot happen again. Some say that what Herr Hitler did was fully entitled to him, in the popular press, some have even drawn comparisons between Austria and Ireland – that I cannot disagree with more, the two cases are utterly and totally different in both their nature and their cause. The Times wrote that it would be a natural event that would occur for Herr Hitler to incorporate Austria into Germany, yet we as His Majesties government can only view these actions as the perversion of the natural order and justice, against every international dictate and treaty – but we were powerless to do anything. If we are unable to stop the tentacles of Herr Hitler expand across Europe like a vast cancer, the ends must justify the means, and if the means show us the road to Rome, then we must not step lightly, and accept what we must do. Italy will become the focus of our diplomatic efforts. I know that some of the members of the cabinet are opposed to negotiations with Italy on various grounds, so in accord with the structure of the government, you can voice your concerns without any ill feeling. The future of the British nation depends on peace in Europe.” Chamberlain announced, perhaps with a little to Hyperbole.

“Prime Minister, with the greatest respect, we have worked for years to contain the dictatorships, and now we totally destroy all our past work, all our past policy. We simply open our arms to this vicious dictatorship in the vain hope of appeasing another. I urge peace, indeed I want peace, but going running hand in hand with Mussolini is the thin end of the wedge, a total reverse of policy, I mean its the beginning of the end.” Eden pleaded, almost exacerbated. “We should not negotiate with the dictators, it would defeat the purpose of our Foreign Policy, it would be disastrous.” Eden belatedly said.

“Is that so Anthony, do you oppose this so fervently because it is with Mussolini, or because it will preserve peace?” Chamberlain tutted. “Do not make me choose between my country and my Prime Minister Neville.” Eden said from the side of this mouth. “It is your choice Anthony, this is a free country after all.” Chamberlain responded. “Neville, please do not make me choose.” Eden replied. “If you disagree with the policy we are to undertake from now, you are free to voice your opposition – just not from the cabinet.” Chamberlain had upped the ante in the verbal game being played out before the cabinet. Although Chancellor of the Exchequer, Eden was still influential in Foreign matters and aside from Sir Robert, maintained strong links at the Foreign Office. “If I am forced to resign, I will not be going alone. No doubt your blood hound Margesson already informed you. End it now Neville, and you can leave it be. Things can continue on, and nobody will mind. This can remain an amicable disagreement.” Eden said. For a number of weeks, dissent had been brewing in the cabinet – it had started over Ireland, and the lid of the cabinet pot was about to explode, along with the discord that was brewing with Chamberlain's style of Prime Ministering. “Neville, you have forced me to say this, but I do so knowing that only I shall be vindicated by the the destiny of history. I can no longer serve in this government whilst this policy and whilst you are Prime Minister. I ask every member of the cabinet to resign with me, in protest of this barbaric abuse of power by the Prime Minister and his dictatorial hold on power.” Eden was almost shouting now, standing tall in the cabinet room.

“Is that so Anthony. I must say this now, for it cannot be said again. For those that support the former Chancellor of the Exchequer in his stance, please remain. For those that have more sense, please leave now. This cabinet meeting is officially concluded for the moment. Would you mind leaving us Sir Maurice, this is not to be noted.” The cabinet secretary left, and other members of the cabinet eying each other slowly made their way out of the room, that seemed to be an escape from the great jungle that had rapidly encroached the political landscape. “For those that remain, calling you Judas' would be to kind a name. I assume that you are all together on this and are of the position of resignation from the cabinet and my resignation from the premiership?” Chamberlain was oddly calm as he spoke. They nodded in unison. “As I thought. I accept your resignations from the cabinet. You will be slaughtered in the press and your careers are over. Get out of my sight.” Chamberlain sneered. As the disheveled group walked away, Eden turned around. “You have created a tower of Babel Neville, and by god we are going to bring the whole edifice crashing down, and you down with it. You will be roasted alive. You will not survive.” Eden said as he walked away.

The so called British Autumn Crisis had begun, and it would soon become a political bloodbath, and see the fate of the nation and of men hang in the balance.

'Edenites'
Undecided
'Chamberlainists'

P.M. N. Chamberlain
Ld Pres. Vt Halifax
Ld Chance. Vt Hailsham
Privy S. Earl De La Warr
Exch. A. Eden
For. O. Sir P. Cunliff-Lister
Home O. A. Duff Cooper
Admir. Sir S. Hoare
Ag. & Fish. W. Morrison
Air H. Balfour
Dom. Aff. M. MacDonald
Col. O. W. Ormsby-Gore
Min. for Co-ordination of Defense. W. Churchill
Bd Educ. Earl Stanhope
Health Sir K. Wood
Lab. E. Smith
Scot. O. W. Elliot
B. o. T. W. Ranciman
Transp. H. MacMillan
War O. Sir T. Inskip
D. Lanc. Earl Winterton

 

[El Pip]

Blimey. That was somewhat unexpected. More accurately it was far more than I expected, something was coming but I didn't suspect it would be so dramatic!

Excellent work Humph.

 

[unmerged(28944)]

Dear me, that was slightly shocking. I do believe it shall be quite interesting to see where the bodies end up falling when this all gets wrapped up.

As El Pip said, nice work!

 

[cthulhu]

Great that Eden is revolting against Chamberlain!

 

[angryclown]

Courting Musso should prove interesting.

 

[Vann the Red]

Interesting developments and a more interesting catalyst for the coming showdown. Don't envy the dissent that many cabinet changes will entail.

Vann

 

[unmerged(47162)]

wow! very interesting development!

 

[unmerged(10426)]

Pity that there's no means for ousting a Conservative leader back then. Eden is in for a hard time, I feel.

 

[Allenby]

Night of the Long Knives, I see.

With the fearsome Chief Whip Margesson on good form, the government ought to survive without any problem, although it is the perfect opportunity for the opposition to table a no confidence motion.

 

[Darks63]

italy in the britsh orbit a very good devolpment.

 

[Sir Humphrey]

El Pip: Its just a shame that there was no other way to really force the leadership in the conservative party for quite some time, and indeed R. A. Butler was mightly pissed when MacMillian was asked to form a government instead of him after Eden resigned over Suez.

Draco Rexus: Hopefully, someone will remain standing in Number 10.

cthulhu: Hopefully it will be the start of something grand.

angryclown: He's not that bad. From a strategic and geopolitical point of view.

Vann the Red: I've done a proper event for it, so dissent shouldn't be to bad...

lifeless: Merely the start...

Vincent Julien: Where there is a will there is a way. And boo hiss to Chambers.

Allenby: Well historically, Margesson has a pretty mixed record on things, and who knows what ambitions may surface...

Darks63: Very nice strategic position, and I could then move the Med fleet to either the Atlantic/North Sea or the Far East.

 

[Sir Humphrey]

London, 2nd September 1937.

Chamberlain was pacing the floor of his office, when a light knock fell upon the door. “Come in David.” he said, his voice sounded tired. As the Chief Whip entered into the room, Chamberlain ceased pacing and stared out of the window. “What are his demands David?” Chamberlain said, maintaining his stare out of the window. “Your resignation from office. He added it would be for the good of the party.” Sir David Margesson said acting as not only the Chief Whip, but as a messenger. “Tell him no. Tell him no. Let him wage his campaign against me. Let him stand in parliament and do his worst.” Chamberlain said, unwavering. Sir Divid walked over and placed his hand on Neville shoulder. “It is likely that he will now launch a motion of no confidence against us. My chaps cannot work miracles.” He said, as Chamberlain spun round. “So we need a miracle do I. Well, we have survived before, and we shall survive into the future.” Chamberlain his eyes full of life. “Neville, what will you do, if it fails? The Conservative Party cannot take this kind of punishment and its already split horribly.” Margesson said. “If we survive this motion, then we shall go to the British people, once things have been developed with Italy, the British people will not vote for war mongering, but will vote for us and peace.” Chamberlain seemed to burst to life, sensing a great challenge ahead. “Neville, I shall put the word about.” Margesson said as he left Chamberlain to his machinations in his office.

“So Anthony, what are we to do if we cannot secure enough for a no confidence motion?” Alfred Duff Cooper said, as a supporter in the Eden camp. “Rumors have it that if we fail, then Chamberlain will call a general election. That places us in a difficult position, for we can no longer remain as part of the conservative party. We must fashion something new, something that says unity and nation. That is the last resort. We owe much to the party, but nothing to Neville Chamberlain.” Eden said, reassuring Alfred Duff Cooper. “I support you Anthony, and we will win.” Duff-Cooper said as he left for the soon to commence Common's session. Then he appeared, walking down the hall, almost unmissable, a certain aura surrounding him. “The Conservative civil war. Tory troubles. The end of an era. Sounds like the newspapers are hardly supportive of our dear leader.” There was a pause. “What do you Sir David?” Eden said to the Chief Whip. “Looks like you have the Prime Minister worried about your little scheme. For the good of the party, I want to help you.” He said. “Sir David, your interests lie in two camps, how can I possibly trust you?” Eden replied. “I am on your side Anthony. If you help me a little, I can help you a lot.” He replied. “I knew there was a catch. So what is it?” Eden said, hardly flattered. “You don't have the numbers to win the Commons vote. Winston and his faction are abstaining along with others, but it is enough to force our dear leader's desire to crush you in a general election.” Margesson said. “Thank you for being honest about it. This now means we must prepare to fight a general election against Chamberlain. You can be our inside man, once the election is over and we have won, you can have any office you want in my government. Your support means that much.” Eden said. “I must be off to brief the backbenchers for the vote.” Margesson said as he walked off. Eden still was unsure whether he could trust the chief whip, a man with loyalties only unto himself, was a dangerous foe - both were gambling that the other was telling the truth.

The debate was fierce in the House of Commons, with rising speeches from both sides, as the Labor Party watched on and delighted in the civil unrest that was brewing in the Conservative Party. Before long, Eden stood tall and made the great announcement that he was calling a vote of no confidence “...not in the elected government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, but in the Prime Ministership of Neville Chamberlain” The vote was soon underway, the press and the journalists rapidly growing outside, awaiting the results. Since the split, government had been parylised, with little work being undertaken, but it was widely expected that Viscount Halifax would become the new Foreign Secretary, though the expectations were muted before the vote with focus on the vote.

Both titans now appeared to teeter and sway, the House of Commons the arena in which they dueled unrelentingly. Eden and Chamberlain – once political allies, now political opponents jostled and cajoled the swirling masses of the commons. Passionate speeches, unrelenting rhetoric, all the whilst the Labour Party schemed and watched. Soon the final bell would toll – and the whole of Britain was awaiting the political future of the British empire. The division began, and soon the result was beyond doubt.

Eden was walking away from the Common's towards the Members Bar, when in the opposition direction appeared Chamberlain. Both were flanked by their subordinates. One could have presumed that a brawl might have started, but much like a film from Hollywood, the two stared deep into the other – waiting for the other to speak. “Will you resign for the good of the party Neville?” Eden spoke first. “The Conservative Party shall destroy your rebellion.” Came the reply from Chamberlain. “Such a shame Neville, such a shame.” Eden said as he walked off, followed by is supporters. Neville stood glaring at him, but for Neville Chamberlain, there was much to do before an election could be called, and Eden's bastardized party could be fought and destroyed.

The British National Unity Party, or BNUP was a diverse and composite creature, made up of disparate Conservatives, National Liberals and Labour Nationals, it had no manifesto, no direction other than opposition to Chamberlain's rule, no structure and little organization. The announcement was greeted with a deal of shock and awe, and as the tension and expectations grew, the nation grew anxious. Tempered perhaps by the announcement of new Home and Foreign Secretaries, those being Sir Samual Hoare was promoted from the Admiralty to the Home Office, and the new Foreign Secretary was Viscount Halifax. The scene was now set for the some of the most tense domestic and international affairs that Britain would undertake in the 1930s.

 

[Vann the Red]

Great update, Sir H. Lively scene.

Vann

 

[Darks63]

shaky political situation will hitler take early advantage