WIELKOPOLSKA - Phase 3 - Changes, Firsts and the Plight of Friends
February 2 - March 6, 1940 - Diplomacy:
As I continue to press forward with my diplomatic efforts, I begin to realize that my current Foreign Minister (Józef Beck) is costing me more money than I can really afford. To address this problem, I make the decision on February 24th to replace him with August Zaleski. This will save 19 Money for every influence attempt I make on any foreign country. Since I intend to continue my diplomatic push, the savings over time will be considerable.
February 5, 1940 - 0:00 - Basic Light Tank Research Complete:
PZInz completes research on
Basic Light Tank (Lt Arm II - 7TP). Since I have committed myself to a pathway of building Lt Arm I - TK-S armored divisions and upgrading them to the Lt Arm III - 10TP, I will not be building any 7TP equipped armored divisions. The cost savings is too great to ignore (
see this post). For the next research project, I assign Fab Broni Radom to begin research into Improved Infantry Division. I won't build any further infantry until this research is complete. My goal will be to have completely upgraded my entire infantry force to at least Infantry '41 for my planned invasion of the USSR.
February 8, 1940 - 0:00 - Rear Area Vehicle Repair Shop Research Compete:
Fab Starachowice completes
Rear Area Vehicle Repair Shop (Repair Modifier +20%, Air Base Production Bonus +10%). I decide to leverage this research by beginning a serial run of Air Bases. These are cheap and don't cost any manpower and I anticipate needing large air bases along the Soviet frontier. Continuing my research, I then assign Fab Starachowice to begin research of Semi-Motorized Cavalry Division. Depending on the exact timing, I may consider using upgraded cavalry divisions along with my armored formations.
February 5-30, 1940 - Internal Security Update:
By February 14, I have finished bringing my counter-intelligence forces up to full strength and I immediately begin to conduct counter-intelligence operations. Within a few weeks, I have neutralized 3 enemy spy operations. I still have a long way to go, but it's a start.
February 5 - 30, 1940 - Trade Update:
The Port of Gdynia is booming as I receive a steady stream of trade offers from foreign countries. I'd like to begin warming relations with Romania and Hungary, so I make a few gestures to each of them. Romania accepts my generous offer, but Hungary is less willing. Clearly I'll need to use more diplomacy if I want to get closer to them.
February 19, 1940 - 0:00 - Militia Deployment - Prague:
My 3rd Militia division arrives and is immediately deployed to Prague. The Czechs continue to be a problem from a revolt risk standpoint. Currently I'm focusing my garrisons in German IC-heavy provinces, but to help avoid revolt outbreaks, I'll keep a decent sized militia presence in Czech territory.
February 21, 1940 - 1:00 - Arrival of My First Air Unit:
My first Tactical Bomber arrives and is deployed into Berlin. This is a modest start, but as gearing kicks in and my interceptors begin to come online, I intend to have a strong air force in place in time for an attack on the Soviet Union.
February 22, 1940 - 1:00 - The Empire of Japan:
During my distractions with the preparation for and eventual conflict with Germany, Japan was busily conquering China and expanding it's power and influence in Asia. The have become a formidable power there with an impressive combination of land, air and sea forces. Clearly I'll need to keep my eye on their progress as I move forward.
February 28, 1940 - 0:00 - Garrison Deployment - Cologne:
My 6th Garrison division arrives and is placed in Cologne to help man the frontier and protect the significant Industrial Capacity there. This will free up
3/1 Kawaleria which I'll send to Pilsen to help control revolt risk in the Czech territories.
February 29, 1940 - 01:00 - Winter War Update:
On February 19th, Soviet forces complete a devastating envirclement of Petsamo and destroy nearly all Finnish resistance in the north of Finland. This proves to be a decisive maneuver and by February 28th, the Finns are forced to sign an armistice and cede territory over to the Russians. They may have lost the war, but the Finns have survived to fight another day. I have every intention of giving them that other day.