-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
And, of course, lots of ships can come in handy for strangling Ireland's chances of getting any outside help (from the Americans?) should things get worse on the Emerald Isle..
Mettermrck: I'm sure this is why cabient documents are kept sercret for so long. 
angryclown: I'm sure the Irish lobby in the US is besieging the Landon Administration with all sorts of pleas. Of course, American companies would be likely to be hindered by government pledges and interferance.
angryclown: I'm sure the Irish lobby in the US is besieging the Landon Administration with all sorts of pleas. Of course, American companies would be likely to be hindered by government pledges and interferance.
9th November 1937
As leader of the opposition to the government of the day, Neville Chamberlain had been placed in a position that would led to an impossible situation. During the time as Minister for Health, Chamberlain it can be argued that he was considerably progressive in his tasks, much like his father. But almost in a necessary move, he had to oppose and press home criticism of government policy. Since the split of the Conservative party and the fall of the government, the dislike held by Chamberlain of Anthony Eden was nothing short of total disgust, he despised the man that had betrayed him, whilst much of the same could be said from Anthony Eden's position as well. It would seem that every day he remained away from Downing street, Neville Chamberlain grew more determined to regain the control of government, and the destiny of the nation.
“Anthony. Is there a basis for these rumours that have been circling in the newspapers, particularly in the Express and the Evening Standard about secret German battleships. Has there been any word from either the German ambassador or our ambassador in Berlin? We cannot after all, be seen to respond to rumours, nor be seen to be spending vast sums of money on battleships and such based on speculation of rumour when the treasury needs to be focusing on national health, education and the welfare of the state. So, please Anthony, what are the facts?” Atlee said, taping his fingers on the large mahogany table that dominated the cabinet room.
Event
“German Warship Rumours”
~> Establish BC Standing Committee.
Eden blew the smoke away from his face, and let out a groan of sorts. “Prime Minister,” he began. He thought that showing respect might ease things with Atlee and reassure him of loyalties past and present.
Eden, in a rather patriotic fashion said, “In a sense Prime Minister, these rumours do not simply manifest themselves from nowhere. Of course when it comes to Naval affairs, the Admiralty likes to get its knickers in a knot over the matter and blow it out of all proportions. I suspect that Admiral Cunningham has already started besieging your private office with his memoranda and soon no doubt with his bodily presence. At any rate Prime Minister, we cannot remain aloof for long. Any new German rearmament plans must be met with some response, if not bettered.”
Atlee was in little mood for blind patriotism that early in the morning. His small glasses that had until now been perched upon his nose were guilefully removed, in a sublet little sign of body language. “Foreign Secretary,” was his response. The atmosphere in the cabinet room seemed to pall of all life. “If this government can not be sure of what is developing abroad, how must we be able to formulate policy that is acceptable not only to us, as a government, but to the British people. If this government cannot establish a firm foreign policy that will protect British lives and interests at home and abroad, Foreign Secretary then I suggest that we seriously look at ways in which foreign policy can be directed and formed more easily.” Atlee said, grasping the firm reigns of leadership. The simple days of equal coalition government can give way to the political reality rather quickly.
Eden squirmed slightly, he thought he could feel the worn seat fabric catching on his skin. Eager to rebut and re-establish his influence, Eden was furious, but was unable to verbal thrash the Prime Minister in such an evenly divided cabinet. “Prime Minister. If the issue is to affect policy, then I can only suggest that you immediately seek an audience with Sir Hugh Sinclair, the Director of the Secret Intelligence Service to clarify the issues at hand. This development, if indeed it can be be verified by sources that are reliable, then it is a matter for the Admiralty and the Treasury to pointlessly argue over what should be done. Our foreign policy will change very little, as has been outlined to you in numerous memorandum over the past week. Our main foreign policy goal is to confront the dictatorships, and if necessary force them to change their ways. Prime Minister, this is really a final matter for the Admiralty and the related departments of the Defence ministry. One more British battle cruiser is not going to drastically change our foreign policy. If any further opinions are voiced, it is best to conduct them through the Committee for Imperial Defence, or better still, the First Lord of the Admiralty should establish a Battle Cruiser Standing Committee. I think that will resolve any crisis that may stem from indecision Prime Minister.” Eden said, in a piece of first class verbal hiding.
Atlee was far from impressed, but he was hiding it. “Thank you Foreign Secretary.” He said with a sigh that was most defiantly heard by the members of the cabinet. “Secretary of State for Defence. What is the likelihood that the Germans can build more naval units that could pose problems for the Royal Navy?” Atlee was rather blunt in snubbing Eden. Yet it had placed Harold MacMillan in a tight situation.
Yet MacMillan did not take jump to abandon his leader. “Prime Minister. Without advanced knowledge, nor indeed hard facts, it is unlikely that the Germans, who by all indications are intent to build their land armies and air forces into a formidable fighting force on the continent, in naval affairs they are less of a concern. The Royal Navy is still a tremendous fighting force that can project and protect our Empire around the globe. Only the navy of the United States would be a position to deal the Royal Navy a severe blow, making it incapable of protecting our interests in the Western hemisphere,” MacMillan was interrupted by Atlee.
The Prime Minister glared across at MacMillan, as if about to cane him in front of his class mates. “What is it with your lot at the Admiralty that are obsessed with comparing the Royal Navy to that of the United States? They were allied with us in the last war. They would be unlikely, or unable to challenge our position on the world stage.”
MacMillan looked bluntly back at the Prime Minister and replied bluntly, “Prime Minister. The United States would leave us and our Empire to rot if it suited its interests. However, they are content to to enjoy their splendid isolation. And President Landon is intent to keep it that way. It serves Britain particularly well if the United States is content to stay off the world stage – but, it would not be beneficial should the Royal Navy be usurped in its position as the best navy in the world by amateurs.”
Atlee was truly taken back by the previous statement by the Defence secretary. He was almost unable to speak, until MacMillan continued, “But then again Prime Minister, it is not my job to conduct the foreign policy of this country, merely defend it and it's empire from any situation, and the possibility of armed conflicted with the United States, no matter how unlikely.” MacMillan continued in the same fashion. “Of course Prime Minister, the planners are only thinking of contingencies, and it is assumed that diplomatic action would proceed such action, and through the efforts of the Foreign Secretary, the eventually of conflict with the United States is highly unlikely.”
There was a gasp of air, and the Prime Minister gave a groan of pain aimed squarely at the deliberations of MacMillan. Atlee had the mind to wave his hand in dismissal. “Thank you Secretary of State for Defence. I think you have managed to destroy whatever interest in that subject there was. I think we can safely move on, with the Foreign Secretary placing the necessary wheels in motion.” Atlee said, as Eden's attention was drawn by a telephone call. “For the next cabinet meeting, I have been given the reassurance by the Secretary of State for health that the initial proposals for a nation wide health system that is of the utmost benefit to the British people, regardless of need or wage, will be ready for presentation to the cabinet next week, and soon thereafter the white paper put before the nation. This will be the first step, in creating a better Britain.”
The Victoria Class - the soon to be fruit of Committee deliberation
Event
“Viscount Halifax Invited to German Hunt”
~> Give him Instructions.
Eden placed the jet black receiver down, causing a louder than expected click. “Prime Minister, the Foreign Office has just had word that Viscount Halifax, one of Neville Chamberlain's lot has been invited by Goering to take part in an official hunt. I think Prime Minister, it would be prudent to send him with clear instructions and a message, since this is presumably nothing more than a charade in enticing him into negotiations with the Germans. I therefore suggest that I brief him and instruct him to convey informal messages, he will be a vassal into which our deliberations shall be poured.”
Atlee was depressed towards the matter, and mulled lazily over the matter. Atlee said in a stoic fashion, perhaps lamenting the fact that messages were being relaid through a man almost unbearably close to Neville Chamberlain, “Give him clear and concise instructions. He will be the messenger with which the Germans can lament upon. What harm could do?”
The cabinet meeting was soon wound up, the patience and the business of government run short, with any outstanding business being held off until another day, when it was presumed that tempers and ego's would be considerably more reigned in than the frivolous display today of political brinkmanship. As the cabinet members filed down the stairs of Number Ten, through the wallpapered corridors and through oak panelled doors.
They were nearing the outside world, Eden took a hold of Atlee's arm and dragged him away from the jeering throng of the cabinet, and into the deserted bathroom. The porcelain bowls and urinals reflected the light emanating from the ceiling above brilliantly, their surfaces were spotless. The white tiling helped further the image of absolute cleanliness, as if measuring the gap between it and the cabinet room. Eden let go of Atlee's arm and uttered rather tersely, “A Prime Minister is first among equals. Don't try and show me up again Clem, you cannot beat me. Just remember that your only in government as long as you have my support. I think we both understand what this relationship between you and I consists of. I have no wish to destroy it, and for your sake, I hope that neither do you.”
Having retired after the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, and with precious little work to be done at the Foreign Office that couldn't wait until the following day. At his London flat, Eden lay sprawled back into a soft chair, a refuge from the world, smoking a ferocious Woodbine cigarette. His wife Beatrice walked in and recoiled slightly from the thick plumes of smoke, and managed to blurt, “I wish you wouldn't smoke those in the flat, they reek.”
Eden looked up towards his wife, staring into her eyes, saddened by what he saw. “I threatened the Prime Minister. I strive against autocracy and the gangsters like Mussolini, but I find myself doing what they did, I have become a political beast, much to my absolute disgust. My darling Beatrice, it is impossible for you to know of the internal divisions of which I speak.” Eden lamented as Beatrice bent down and planted a hug around her husband.
Through the clouds of smoke, she whispered into his ear, “If you put your mind to it, you can do anything. You did what had to be done.” She proceeded to plant the seeds of a kiss on his check. Beatrice felt alone in her struggle, yet across that great political city of London, Annie Chamberlain was reinforcing her husbands convictions as well.
Ah, the joys of a democratic infighting while the dictators of the world march forward. Humps, you play it well and give us a very good understanding of what was really on the minds of the leaders of the West.
Outstanding work... as usual.
Outstanding work... as usual.
Nice update Sir Humphrey, hopefully Eden's stern talking will allow things to run a little smoother in future...
You write the political scenes well, Sir H.
Mighty large guns for a ship of that size.
Vann
Mighty large guns for a ship of that size.
Vann
Sir Humphrey said:
Interesting conception of Anglo-American relations that Supermac has here. It appears that he would like the British to play the part of the Ancient Romans whilst the Ancient Greeks will be imitated by the...er...British.
Pfft, if Landon is anything like what he was in 'Advantages', then the US probably won't even have a navy left in two years' time.
Landon wouldn't just let the Brits rot, he'd probably make a couple nice speechs, send over some fruit baskets and then call it even
Brilliant dialogue, Humphrey. I'm fed up with Atlee already, he's almost worse than Chamberlain. :nods:
CSL_GG: we don't want to spoil the ship now, she must have some flaws...
Draco Rexus: It most likely take a war to create a truely united front.
Jape: Or they will jsut add more shit into the fan.
Vann the Red: Only 15 inch guns, so nothing to powerful, and there's only 4 of 'em
lifeless: Well they could be taken from the 2 Marshall Ney monitors, from the old Courageous turrets lying around or be built brand spanking new. I didn't draw that, alot of cutting and pasting, and some photoshopping.
Allenby: "President Landon, we must initiate War Plan Red!" Only joking. Its good for morale.
Vincent Julien: I doubt that. I checked out the build cue. Lets jsut say there are a few fairly big things in the pipeline...
HateThemCommies: I'm sure Landon is perfectly alright, then again....
cthulhu: The coalition is walking a fine line, it will not take much to send it crashing off.
therev: He wasn't really a peacenik, more concerned with domestic affairs than messing about with the army. Of course, Atlee is a dangerous socialist.
Jape: Chambers for PM. That should send things on the roght course.
Draco Rexus: It most likely take a war to create a truely united front.
Jape: Or they will jsut add more shit into the fan.
Vann the Red: Only 15 inch guns, so nothing to powerful, and there's only 4 of 'em
lifeless: Well they could be taken from the 2 Marshall Ney monitors, from the old Courageous turrets lying around or be built brand spanking new. I didn't draw that, alot of cutting and pasting, and some photoshopping.
Allenby: "President Landon, we must initiate War Plan Red!" Only joking. Its good for morale.
Vincent Julien: I doubt that. I checked out the build cue. Lets jsut say there are a few fairly big things in the pipeline...
HateThemCommies: I'm sure Landon is perfectly alright, then again....
cthulhu: The coalition is walking a fine line, it will not take much to send it crashing off.
therev: He wasn't really a peacenik, more concerned with domestic affairs than messing about with the army. Of course, Atlee is a dangerous socialist.
Jape: Chambers for PM. That should send things on the roght course.
16th November 1937
The room was warm and cosy, were it not for the brooding that was partaking within the walls. The Prime Minister was resting his eyes, after a day that had been long and tiring for him. The proposals for a 'national' health system lay sprawled across his desk, like some great monument to idealism, now dying, straddling the desk as a virgin might. Clement Atlee quite moment of thought was disturbed by the entrance of his private secretary. “The Foreign Secretary to see you Prime Minister.”
Event
“SS Live Oak Intercepted”
~> Impound Crew and Cargo.
-10 relations with United States.
Anthony Eden quickly strode into the office, with a look of fierce determination upon his face. He immediately sat down in the chair directly facing the Prime Minister, soaking up the sunlight that was penetrating through the window, and he took a deep breath, though without removing the look of impending doom from his face. “Prime Minister. We have just had a flash telex from the admiralty. One of our ships out on patrol has intercepted a vessel that was partaking in gun running to Ireland. She was flying the flag of the United States, but under strict instructions she was ordered to stop, and was boarded to be inspected. A scuffle ensued, and she was found to be carrying amongst other things ten thousand rifles and plentiful stocks of ammunition. The Live Oak has been placed under tow and its crew arrested. It is more than likely Prime Minister that this will cause a straining of relations with the United States, and annoy President Landon no end.”
Atlee sat wide eyed at Eden as he spoke of the rapidly unwinding situation. Atlee regained his attention. “So, what in a sense is our position, and what can be done to maintain relations with Washington?”
Eden gave a slight wave of his hand, and gave a half laugh. He began to speak to the Prime Minister as if he were a virgin in foreign policy circles, and Eden felt duty bound to politely inform him of the prevailing winds. “Prime Minister. It is more than likely that Washington will already know about the incident, and will more than likely send Ambassador Edge around for a visit sooner rather than later. Its unlikely that this was sanctioned by the either their government of President, but the Irish lobby is incredibly powerful in the United States, and once this breaks to their press, it is likely to cause a great upset. But at any rate Prime Minister, we have the law on our side, and we shall just have to explain to the Americans that we cannot simply have people smuggling arms all over the place, especially to places like Ireland that are at the moment under intense pressure. And if that fails, we merely say that its an impossible situation that has arisen where American sanctioned arms are being used to kill British soldiers and conduct terrorist activities in Ireland, which is under our absolute authority, if in principal and not in name.”
Atlee seemed to react to the last element of commentary on the situation in Ireland. It was a well known fact that the occupation of the Irish Free State was a vast drain on men and machinery, yet the leadership had remained on the run, conducting raids and leading a large scale guerilla campaign. Tea and coffee was brought in by quietly by one of the sterling tea ladies of Whitehall, and was quickly drained by both Eden and Atlee. “Given the current situation, I best think that I should speak to the American ambassador, before he speaks to me, lay out our position. I think it best that I conduct the briefing myself.”
Eden's eyes almost burst out of their sockets at the suggestion. “Prime Minister, with the greatest possible respect, I think given the gravity of the situation and the delicate touch that is needed, particularly with the Americans, I think it really ought to be me that speaks with Ambassador Edge about this matter. I am after all foreign secretary.”
“So are you suggesting Anthony, that as Prime Minister I cannot deal with foreign affairs in a proper fashion?”
Eden bit his tongue. He almost had a thought to throw a punch, the anger was so great. The position of Foreign Secretary was difficult, and Prime Minister had been known before to interfere in the conduct of foreign policy. Eden's tenure at the Foreign Office had been blighted more by personality clashes than failure of policy. There was a tension in the air as Eden replied, “Prime Minister, you can have my resignation any time you wish.”
Atlee normally demure and calm was almost incensed at the suggestion. “I know that Anthony. Don't tempt fate. I am perfectly capable of conducting foreign policy. Have the briefing prepared, please have the Permanent Under-Secretary see me as soon as possible.”
Eden clenched his fist, working the fingers together. “Yes Prime Minister. I shall deliver you Sir Robert Vansittart at once.”
Eden could feel something that he had only reserved for Chamberlain. Atlee could not last. Deep in his throat, he knew that he, nor One Nation could move against Atlee and the Labour Party. Eden departed immediately from the office in total disgust, managing to keep his seething anger behind a calming exterior. As Eden stalked down the corridor towards the Foreign Office building, he passed Sir Philip Sassoon, Secretary of State for War and a One Nation college. Eden spoke through pursed lips. “Philip, please telephone Harold and get Oliver for a meeting in my office. At once.” Eden said, in a terse fashion. Sassoon stood looking at Eden, who replied, “Don't stand there gawping at me, move!”
The call went out, and the relevant people filed into the delicate office of Anthony Eden at the Foreign Office. It was a small, informal gathering, Eden sat on the swivel chair, occasionally drifting from side to side as he brooded, his hands clasped together, almost inseparable. “Harold, Philip, Oliver I have called you here at this very moment, because ti is my firm belief that we have no a changed situation within the cabinet. The Prime Minister is confused about which direction this country should going, and it is hence, that he must be forced to see this. I have no intent on destroying Atlee just yet, there are yet to be certain things that must fall into place. My view is that the labour party is like a vast mouse, we have two options in stopping its rot. We contain it in a pudding bowl, sot that it runs around and can't get out or damage the head in such a fashion that the body is limp, and watch the body wither away and then we come in and do the job properly. In a sense gentlemen, we must oppose everything from that originates from the Prime Minister down, whilst endlessly promoting our own policies, green papers and so forth, totally destroying his ability to function. We control the treasury, foreign affairs, and just enough everywhere else to make it impossible for them to carry out the functions of government. Quite simply, we shall starve the Labour government out, then walk in and govern properly. Oliver, what is the budget looking like?”
Oliver Stanley was paying close attention. “Well Anthony, its not looking to bad, exports are picking up again and the income tax rise from last year has helped keep inflation down. Why?”
“The Prime Minister needs money, a lot of money to carry out his domestic plans. Starve him of money, and he grows desperate. We then leak to the press that the plans will cause economic instability and force massive tax increases. Without the treasury, he can do nothing. Are we clear, total opposition, I don't care, lie, manipulate, ignore, at this stage of affairs, the sole aim of One Nation is the removal of the Labour party from this government.”
A deadly silence fell over the room, a pin could be hard to drop, the silence was so permeating the atmosphere of the room, fouling the air. “If those are you instructions Anthony, we shall do our utmost. Of course, once we start down this path, there is little question where it will led, and what will have to be done.” MacMillan said rather glumly. “Have no doubt that the end has thus far justified the means, however we must give some ground on issues, so as not to force them to call our bluff and let this spill out into the public, which would damage our chances in the election, would would not doubt be called when Atlee is removed. Anthony, can we not wait for a little longer, to use up what little support from Labour that we have?”
Eden was not in a mood, and his hands unclenched. “Harold, we are on a course that will make us the true party of government, a destiny that we cannot deny no longer. It is my firm belief that what we are doing is write, and I have not discounted the thought that should the conservative party emerge into a post Chamberlain era, then we shall consider the possibility of coalition, but not while that prize fool Chamberlain is still in charge, that of which we have little control over these day, but then again, I hear there are dissenting voices with Chamberlain's style of government, so perhaps sooner rather than later he will be removed, and we can do business with them, they maybe more akint o our way of thinking than that of Atlee's mob.”
Eden quickly concluded the meeting with the brisk wave of his hand, shooing the members out of his office. MacMillan turned to Sassoon and commented in a quiet voice, “Has our fearless leader gone to far Philip?”
Sir Philip Sassoon gave a hollow laugh. “He may know what he is doing, but I wish that we could get on with things a little more before spoiling it.”
Event
“A Meeting with Ambassador Edge”
~> Less Than Spectacular Results.
-10 relations with United States.
Grosvenor Square was unusually quiet, and even the trees were silently as they bristled in the slight breeze. The car came quickly a halt, lurching forward on its heavy suspension. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom with various advisor were briskly greeted by the American staff and shown into the bowls the great building. Ambassador Edge was waiting in the heavily wooded office, that overlooked the square. He outstretched his hand to Atlee, “Prime Minister, a pleasure to see you.”
“As is always the case when I visit here.”
Ambassador Edge offered Atlee a drink, and it was readily accepted. “So Prime Minister, is there anything serious, or is this a social call?”
Atlee took a sip of the bourbon and pulled from his waistcoat pocket the sheet of paper that contained his brief. “Mr Ambassador, as I am sure you are aware, I am not here merely for drinks. Although that would be a pleasure unto itself, but I must read you this statement as the Prime Minister of His Majesties Government. This morning, a British warship intercepted a vessel off the coast of Ireland, and as per regulations was ordered to heave to and be inspected before proceeding into an Irish port. This ship was flying the flag of the United States, and when boarded it was found to be carrying large numbers of rifles and plentiful stocks of ammunition. A scuffle ensued, and consequently the cargo and the crew have been detained until charges can be brought against them. I'm sure you understand the seriousness of this matter, and as you are no doubt aware it is our governments position to inspect all ships entering or leaving what was formally the Irish Free State. If the government of the United States so wishes, once the crew has been charged and the vessel in the question, the SS Live Oak has been returned to the United States, minus its cargo, which will be impounded in the United Kingdom.”
Ambassador Edge sat unmoved by the details. “Prime Minister, this is a very serious matter, and although this vessel was not sanctioned by the government of the United States, we must insist that the members of the crew, if they are citizens of the United States be extradited immediately to face trial in the United States. IF there is a case to answer that is.”
Atlee was not shocked by what the Walter Edge was saying. “Mr Ambassador, His Majesties government cannot have the illegal shipping of arms and ammunition to ports which are under British authority at this point in time. It was an illegal shipment of arms Mr Ambassador, but the full legal details should be further discussed with our respective legal officials, who are better equipped to discuss the finer points of the international law.”
Ambassador Edge was beginning to show a frown. “The President will not be pleased with that explanation, I am afraid Prime Minister. He is anxious not to cause a deterioration between our two nations, but I have been instructed to inform you that the President is somewhat anxious about your naval expansion.”
Atlee interrupted the Ambassador promptly, “Mr Ambassador, His Majesties government does not seek a conflict any more than that of the government of the United States, but should the dictatorships force us into action, we must be ready to defend ourselves. If the President wishes us to reduce the amount of tonnage currently under construction, he shall have to speak with the dictatorships as well. We are aware that the United States is laying down new battleship and aircraft carrier tonnage as we speak, there can be no denying, but are you suggesting that the United States and the United Kingdom are engaged in some form of arms race?”
Ambassador Edge replied almost immediately in a rushed fashion. “The idea is abhorrent to be and to the President, but as you suggested Prime Minister, we must be prepared to defend ourselves, come what may.”
With that, the meeting was effectively over. Atlee's baptism of fire in direct foreign affairs had not gone well. As he was driven back to Downing Street, he could not help running the meeting through his head over and over again, wondering if had been prudent to let the Foreign Secretary speak with the Ambassador, rather than himself.
Last edited: