Opening Moves (The Red Gambit Series) (73 page)

Ike could sense anticipation growing in the room.

“We have no time for democratic political processes. If we were to try to conduct such processes, events would overtake us and the ability to exercise such democratic rights would be lost to this continent forever.”

Eisenhower opened the folder in front of him.

“The documentation within the blue folder in front of you contains the latest information on what is happening in Europe and intelligence estimates of how things may evolve.”

Nine pairs of hands reached forward and opened the file.

Again clearing his throat, he pressed on.

“Also present in the green folder is a similar set of documents relating to events in the Pacific.”

That caused a few heads to shoot up questioningly.

“Yes. I am afraid that your former allies have seen fit to throw in their lot with the Soviets and, as we speak, hundreds of Americans lie dead and dying throughout the Pacific Islands and Japanese soldiers are rampaging through China driving your tanks, firing your artillery and killing with your rifles.”

Goldstein put the same emphasis used by Eisenhower into each translation of ’your’.

A world at war once more, a thought which no-one present in that room could stomach , no matter which side of the artificial wooden divide they sat.

“I am empowered to constitute here and now the ‘Council of Germany and Austria’, consisting of all members here present, being of equal voice and with responsibility for governing domestic matters as detailed in the report within the red folder.”

The sudden noise of paper and card being eagerly sought out and handled gave Eisenhower a moment’s pause. Clearly some present spoke at least a little English as their eagerness to get at the information caused them to select the correct file before Goldstein had finished translating.

“Perhaps you would like to look at the proposals whilst we organise some more coffee here?”

Taking her cue, the Tech-4 exited the room.

Eisenhower sat down between his two companions and, as they were both doing, watched the reactions of the readers opposite as they digested the contents of the German language versions of what sat in front of him.

Monsabert sat rigidly, impassive but not missing anything before his eyes.

Robertson shifted in his seat, drawing a glance from Ike. Their eyes locked, just for a second, men asking the same question of the other. Do they know what comes next?

Coffee arrived and with it came a selection of marzipan fingers and miniature pastries. Also there was a special platter with a Smörgåsbord of tobacco products and the means to light them. Eisenhower was not a General for nothing, and these, more than the sweet offerings, were homed in on by the visitors. Once one match flared across the table, Eisenhower followed it with his own lighter and his craving was instantly satisfied.

The Tech-4 had resumed her seat unnoticed and silently waited for the resumption.

“The Council will need a leader, and that man would be decided upon by you alone, and he will be known as the Chancellor.”

Interest was peaking.

“There will also be one representative from each of the governing allied powers present as part of the council, non-voting in matters relative to your domestic decision making. However, any two of these representatives may join together and veto any decision made on any matter.”

Willing Goldstein to deliver that quickly, Ike started talking before the Major had finished.

“That is not a power that will be widely used as we see it as imperative that the Council is seen by your countrymen as controlling domestic matters. It is also equally imperative that you understand for yourselves the responsibilities that are being placed in your hands.”

The telltale creak of an antique French dining chair to his left told Ike that Robertson was fidgeting, preparing himself for what was coming.

This time he let the Major finish and found time to light another cigarette.

“Are there any questions at this point?”

He hoped there would not be of course, as the documentation was quite inclusive. The translation complete, Ike watched what amounted to a silent ballet before his eyes, with looks, small shrugs and minute gestures as the group seemed to be sorting out a pecking order. He wondered who it was that would come out on top and be the one to speak.

“The outline of the proposal is most complete Herr General.”

‘
So it was Von Papen. Damn, five dollars lost
.’ He had been so sure it would be Dönitz,

“I believe that all of us here understand that our nations, having been conquered, cannot expect the niceties of freedom of self-determination at this time”, looking around at his cohorts for a dissenting look or gesture and seeing none he continued, “But this seems to go some way towards that goal.”

He pursed his lips, lightly adjusting his small moustache.

“But at what cost to our nations, Herr General, what cost?”

Silence.

He dropped the file on the desk and it sounded like a gun shot.

“Would these niceties have been afforded us were the Russians not knocking on your door? I think not, so let us be free of the illusion that this is a philanthropic exercise on the part of any of your governments.”

As Goldstein completed his words, Von Papen noted them strike home.

This time he took further stock of the attitudes of those around him and was satisfied to see that they seemed to understand his approach, his need to show that they were their own men, even though he knew, they knew, where this was going and what had to be done.

He adopted a more conciliatory tone and approach.

“Herr Generals,” he deliberately addressed the three of them, “As we sit here, the Communist enemy Germany and Austria have been fighting since 1941 is knocking on your door, inflicting death and destruction upon the people and ideals you hold dear.”

He looked around him enquiringly, searching each man for some sign of rebellion, some indication of discontent. There was none to be seen.

“Our own people will suffer even more outrages and this time without the hopes we had before.”

Slowly he rose to his feet.

“How can I, as a German citizen, contemplate doing anything other than using every part of me, every effort, and all my energy, and dedicate myself to the preservation of my country and countrymen?”

He adjusted his waistcoat with a dignified tug.

“Personally, and I must speak solely for myself at this time,” a unnecessary statement but one appreciated by his comrades in the absence of formal discussions, “I will accept the proposal here as it stands but understand that I am not a fool, and neither is any man here. I know this comes with a price tag but it is a price the German People will have to pay, no, will gladly pay to stand tall once more. It is the Army that you need, and we old men are required to persuade our peoples of the correctness and necessity of it all, after six long years of blood and pain”

He gestured loosely at the documents in front of him, in a way bordering on contempt, certainly by way of total disregard.

“You may give us some rights to self-govern but you and we all know they will be few and unimportant for now. Maybe later when we have earned your trust and proved our worth, but not now. None the less I will lend my support and ask my people to rise up again.”

He looked around him.

“Kameraden?”

One by one, each of the men stood in agreement until no one save the stenographer was seated.

She had witnessed an historic moment.

“Now Herr Eisenhower, what is it that you wish of our countries and peoples?”

Even in his wildest dreams, Ike had never foreseen that these men would throw their full support behind the Allied cause so readily and so easily. None of his concessions had been sought or offered and yet he had all he dreamed of from the Council.

“Gentlemen, I would ask that you inform your people of the contents of the documents in front of you.”

Trying to ensure that his German allies felt in control in some small way he conceded.

“If and only if you all feel able to support it fully and with honour.”

Eisenhower paused before the big one.

“We want the German Army,” Goldstein translated Army precisely as he had been briefed, “Der Heer, Luftwaffe und Kriegsmarine”, the German words punched from his mouth in the Teutonic style, “To be placed under our command, under my orders and reconstituted as best can be done in the time available, to join us in defeating these attacks, and then…”

Their collective attention sharpened at the meaningful pause.

“…And then forming part of the forces that liberate Europe, restoring all states, restoring all peoples, and to put an end once and for all to the threat of a communist Soviet Union.”

The group stood transfixed.

“Beyond the Polish Border, Herr General?” Von Papen posed the question that sat tantalisingly on everyone’s lips.

“You bet your ass, Chancellor.”

Von Papen looked at his group, taking each man’s gaze in turn, understanding what lay behind each man’s eyes and then, when all had been appraised, he turned to Eisenhower and nodded.

He moved around the head of the table, being met half way by an American General who believed he had just been handed the means to save Europe as easily as plucking a rose from its stem. Hands were grasped with a sincerity and comradeship that both sides appreciated there and then, and came to fully understand in time.

The full documents prepared and presented to the Council members detailed how the German Wehrmacht, occupation forces and prisoners alike, would be formed and integrated into the allied structure, firstly as small units supplementing allied divisions and given time and resources in larger formations, albeit still under allied corps command.

The de-Nazification of the forces was to be undertaken before any units were committed, from the removal of the swastika from the uniform eagle through to scouring the same symbol from medals and awards. The national flag was to revert to the three horizontal colour bars of the years prior to Nazi rule, with a central device considered appropriate by all parties.

German forces of battalion size or above were to be commanded in the field by Allied officers, with German or Austrian officers of equal rank as liaison. Guderian and Von Vietinghoff could see the humour in that and assured the other members of the Council that such stupidity would not stand past first contact.

Specifically mentioned and excluded were the Waffen-SS, for whom there was to be no place regardless of their élan and skill at arms. Their inclusion was deemed too much for the American and British public to accept, even in the face of adversity.

In return, the document reiterated stated Allied intents on the independence of the German State at some time in the near future, guarantees on national boundaries, alliances, and support across the whole spectrum, in order to facilitate the return of Germany to as close to normality as was possible post-apocalypse.

The document was fully endorsed by Truman, Attlee, and De Gaulle and for at least two of them it was sincerely done.

And at the moment of their signatures, the Council was born.

That evening orders were sent out to civilian and military posts throughout the western occupied area of Europe, warning of an important radio broadcast at 1500 hrs on Wednesday, specifically for the attention of German civilians and POW’s alike. Camp commanders were directed to ensure maximum audience amongst their German charges for the transmission and those officers dealing with civilian administrations were to ensure that as many high-ranking officials were able to listen as was possible in the available time.