Post by Diarist on Apr 21, 2015 10:06:53 GMT 1
I arrived back at TRADOC shortly before 5 o'clock then walked to the hotel. Our 'guest' was already there talking with some of our Navy personnel about the last war. I joined Prince Edward and Commander Mountbatten - they had brought half a dozen ladies with them. I had met Mrs. Wallis Simpson before but not the other ladies. I was asked if I was Prince Edward's boss - no, but I am the assistant to his boss. I was very attracted to one of the ladies, Sally Greenfield, and she was returning my interest. I have her address and telephone number so I hope to meet her again when I return from Gibraltar.
General Gort arrived and I briefed him about the conversations in London. I then invited Admiral Canaris to our table. After the introductions, Admiral Keyes and AVM Freeman were also there, the discussion turned to the talks at the Admiralty. General Gort repeated what I had said at lunchtime that we will no longer honour the Washington and London Naval Treaties. We have informed President Roosevelt of our decision although it hasn't been made public yet. We didn't mention any details but we made it quite clear that our rearmament is a response to the aggressive foreign polices of major nations including Germany but also Italy, Japan and the Soviet Union. I added that it is not Germany that's the problem, it is Nazi Germany that we object to. Hitler is planning a war - he stated his intentions very clearly in the book Mein Kampf. We don't want war but we do intend being prepared, however, with the effects of the Great Depression still lingering it isn't easy.
After about one hour I agreed to drive our guest back to London and I took a couple of the ladies with me, including Sally. I dropped off the two ladies then drove Admiral Canaris to the German Embassy. Admiral Canaris insisted that I come in which I eventually did. I was introduced to the other members of the delegation and Canaris then informed them of his conversations with us about the proposed Treaty. I explained that those wanting a Treaty are a minority and are in my opinion very naïve if they believe it will keep Adolf Hitler quiet. We are not going to legitimize his rearmament policies. I was thanked for being open and candid and indicated that they would consult with Berlin for further instructions. I than excused myself and left.
All in all it has been a very interesting day. Admiral Canaris has promised to send me a copy of Erwin Rommel's book about Infantry Tactics and there has been a tentative agreement to invite some German armour officers to TRADOC sometime in late summer. We can show them how useless are current tanks are hopefully convince that the Infantry generals have the upper hand in Britain. Good old disinformation!
Back at the HQ I called General Gort and told him what had happened at the German Embassy. Now it is time for some sleep. I've already packed my luggage so I'm ready to depart for Portsmouth at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning.
General Gort arrived and I briefed him about the conversations in London. I then invited Admiral Canaris to our table. After the introductions, Admiral Keyes and AVM Freeman were also there, the discussion turned to the talks at the Admiralty. General Gort repeated what I had said at lunchtime that we will no longer honour the Washington and London Naval Treaties. We have informed President Roosevelt of our decision although it hasn't been made public yet. We didn't mention any details but we made it quite clear that our rearmament is a response to the aggressive foreign polices of major nations including Germany but also Italy, Japan and the Soviet Union. I added that it is not Germany that's the problem, it is Nazi Germany that we object to. Hitler is planning a war - he stated his intentions very clearly in the book Mein Kampf. We don't want war but we do intend being prepared, however, with the effects of the Great Depression still lingering it isn't easy.
After about one hour I agreed to drive our guest back to London and I took a couple of the ladies with me, including Sally. I dropped off the two ladies then drove Admiral Canaris to the German Embassy. Admiral Canaris insisted that I come in which I eventually did. I was introduced to the other members of the delegation and Canaris then informed them of his conversations with us about the proposed Treaty. I explained that those wanting a Treaty are a minority and are in my opinion very naïve if they believe it will keep Adolf Hitler quiet. We are not going to legitimize his rearmament policies. I was thanked for being open and candid and indicated that they would consult with Berlin for further instructions. I than excused myself and left.
All in all it has been a very interesting day. Admiral Canaris has promised to send me a copy of Erwin Rommel's book about Infantry Tactics and there has been a tentative agreement to invite some German armour officers to TRADOC sometime in late summer. We can show them how useless are current tanks are hopefully convince that the Infantry generals have the upper hand in Britain. Good old disinformation!
Back at the HQ I called General Gort and told him what had happened at the German Embassy. Now it is time for some sleep. I've already packed my luggage so I'm ready to depart for Portsmouth at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning.