Post by Diarist on Feb 20, 2017 17:59:38 GMT 1
Stanley Baldwin congratulated us upon entering his office at number 10. "I hear you have a new admirer, Bob."
"I have an effect on women, sir. I'm sure you did too in your wild days."
"To business. Is there anything I need to be made aware of?"
"The French like the idea of a confederation and will support it if the conditions arise. They have advanced invasion plans if peace talks fail. We've been caught off balance by that but we shall be presenting Winston our plans not later than Thursday. In fact we already have a plan, it's now a question of assigning units to it and preparing orders. Now all we can do is sit back and wait for Germany to make their move. And keep quiet too. No telephone calls with Germany being mentioned." I looked at Anthony Eden smiling. "Do I need to send a squad of troops to rip out all your telephones?"
"No. I've received the message loud and clear. I'm truly impressed with what you have achieved."
"I can confirm that," the PM added.
"We've had invaluable support from you and Winston, sir."
"Good, I need to speak to Major Wales about King George. The news isn't very encouraging is it?"
"I'll leave you alone then." Anthony Eden departed.
"He's hanging on a thread, sir."
"Winston and I have discussed our options when you become King. A permanent rank of Colonel and command of the Royal Parachute Regiment. You will of course delegate the work to deputy commander. You retain your current position within the War Office but a cabinet post is not possible."
"That wouldn't be appropriate, Prime Minister. Could Defence Council meetings be held in the MoD? I can be present there."
"That is acceptable. In fact I believe they should convene there."
"You're quiet, Bob."
"What do you want to hear? I'm glad that Edward has the regiment. Since you are in the War Office you need to organize a recruitment plan. You're missing jump qualified majors, lieutenant-colonels, senior NCO's. Your regiment is missing a shit-load of key personnel, Colonel! Maybe I should be quiet again."
"No, you are right about the regiment."
"You need a unique Dress Uniform, too. Can we reintroduce unit identification patches, Winston?"
"I see no reason not to."
"Can we find some more work for him? Just delegate it, Edward."
"What is your next project, Bob?"
"Palestine. On the way there I would like to visit Rome and organize a few divisions to move through the Brenner Pass. I would also like to follow up on our contacts with General Franco in Madrid. They have elections next month and the communists are looking strong. I can meet my contact for lunch. The Army and Navy Club isn't far from the Embassy."
"Do that."
While I was on the phone Edward went back to the MoD and Winston obviously wishes to join me.
"I have an effect on women, sir. I'm sure you did too in your wild days."
"To business. Is there anything I need to be made aware of?"
"The French like the idea of a confederation and will support it if the conditions arise. They have advanced invasion plans if peace talks fail. We've been caught off balance by that but we shall be presenting Winston our plans not later than Thursday. In fact we already have a plan, it's now a question of assigning units to it and preparing orders. Now all we can do is sit back and wait for Germany to make their move. And keep quiet too. No telephone calls with Germany being mentioned." I looked at Anthony Eden smiling. "Do I need to send a squad of troops to rip out all your telephones?"
"No. I've received the message loud and clear. I'm truly impressed with what you have achieved."
"I can confirm that," the PM added.
"We've had invaluable support from you and Winston, sir."
"Good, I need to speak to Major Wales about King George. The news isn't very encouraging is it?"
"I'll leave you alone then." Anthony Eden departed.
"He's hanging on a thread, sir."
"Winston and I have discussed our options when you become King. A permanent rank of Colonel and command of the Royal Parachute Regiment. You will of course delegate the work to deputy commander. You retain your current position within the War Office but a cabinet post is not possible."
"That wouldn't be appropriate, Prime Minister. Could Defence Council meetings be held in the MoD? I can be present there."
"That is acceptable. In fact I believe they should convene there."
"You're quiet, Bob."
"What do you want to hear? I'm glad that Edward has the regiment. Since you are in the War Office you need to organize a recruitment plan. You're missing jump qualified majors, lieutenant-colonels, senior NCO's. Your regiment is missing a shit-load of key personnel, Colonel! Maybe I should be quiet again."
"No, you are right about the regiment."
"You need a unique Dress Uniform, too. Can we reintroduce unit identification patches, Winston?"
"I see no reason not to."
"Can we find some more work for him? Just delegate it, Edward."
"What is your next project, Bob?"
"Palestine. On the way there I would like to visit Rome and organize a few divisions to move through the Brenner Pass. I would also like to follow up on our contacts with General Franco in Madrid. They have elections next month and the communists are looking strong. I can meet my contact for lunch. The Army and Navy Club isn't far from the Embassy."
"Do that."
While I was on the phone Edward went back to the MoD and Winston obviously wishes to join me.