Post by Diarist on Feb 26, 2017 5:21:05 GMT 1
After helping with the Saturday shopping I drove to our allotment with Mum and Lucy. They have been really busy there. They have planted a dozen plum, pear and cherry trees. Around most of the perimeter there are blackberry bushes. A greenhouse has been built for tomatoes and there are frames for green beans and peas. They also have plots prepared for potatoes, cauliflower and carrots. They told me later that they hired someone to do all the digging. Also Daryl or a couple of his colleagues have also helped out. I'm very impressed. Lucy and Mum have also been busy at the Miller property. They have a very large garden. There is already a small orchard there but now they have a pig sty and a small enclosure for a couple of goats in addition to a rooster and hens. We should have plenty of fresh farm products in the coming years.
I spent time preparing proposals for the Confederation of European States as well as projects or tenders which could be offered by the FDC, (from the British point of view.) I also had time to review my Palestine plans. Next will be notes for my visits to Spain and Italy. We intended staying at home in the evening but decided to go to the hotel for the final couple of hours.
Yesterday, Sunday, Mum and Lady Corinna Gort went to a Conservative Club event so John and I had time to talk about my Federal Defence Council proposal. He was all in favour of the plan until I suggested that he be my 'deputy' and manage the FDC within the MCD/MoD.
"You are the best qualified person for that position and since a full General should have the job it would mean a well deserved promotion for you. You are also an SOE insider." That kept him quiet for a moment. "John, this is the most important event since the end of The Great War."
"Has Winston approved this yet?"
"No, but we have a Defence Council meeting tomorrow at 09:00. The three of us are a good team. Winston has delegated me to represent him within the FDC and if I'm not around you chair the meeting. John Fuller can run TRADOC and he'll need a new deputy, preferably someone from the RAF."
"If Winston approves it then you have my full support, Bob."
"Thank you. Did you hear about the R-2600 engine failures?"
"No." I gave him the reports. "Damn. That's a disaster."
"That's the polite way of putting it. I want to arrange an emergency meeting of our engine manufactures next week. We need this engine or something similar. The Merlin isn't powerful enough for carrier aircraft."
"Anything else for the FDC?"
"Here is a list of possible projects or tenders that I've thought of so far. Add or delete as you see fit? Do you agree that we need to keep the de Havilland aircraft secret?"
"Yes I do."
Sally brought us a plate of sandwiches. "Am I disturbing?"
"No, not at all." We explained my plans and Sally approved. With that we've overcome one major hurdle. At 18:00 we walked to the hotel and left a note for Mum and Lady Corinna.
At the MCD this morning I gave COL Johnny Wilkins advanced warning of possible (probable) changes. John Gort would need an office and Sally's new assistant could also be his secretary. I've also arranged to meet Winston before the Defence Council meeting to discuss my proposals. So it's time to drink some coffee then walk across the road to the MoD.