Post by Diarist on Jul 6, 2014 22:12:18 GMT 1
After an uneventful crossing of the English Channel we arrived with dry feet in Cherbourg. A truly moving reception by the French was followed by an extravagent buffet. My attempt to become invisible, something which Lieutenants do when surrounded by top brass, was quickly thwarted by me being appointed as an unofficial interpreter during informal conversations. These opportunities allowed me to be privy to much more information than I would have garnered if I had remained invisible.
The French were quick to assure us that they share our concerns about Germany and East Africa but they were not sure which course to take. They were not seeking outright confrontation with Germany or Italy - we confirmed that confrontation was also not our desire but we don't support appeasement either. We informed the French of our intention to transfer more forces to East Africa as a form of a Deterrence but we don't intend to fully disclose the extent of our moves. We reminded Prime Minister Flandin that Italian expansionism threatened French territories in Africa too and there is a need for us to coordinate our policies.
Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden will be in Abyssinia next week and we shall offer to train Abyssinian pilots at our 4th Flying Training School in Abu Suier, Egypt. We announced that we had located 200+ 2nd line aircraft which had recently been retired from active service and they can be offered to them if they so desire. Similar offers can also be made to strengthen their army. The French welcomed these ideas but were not willing to commit themselves yet.
As for Germany, there is not much we can do except to press for their condemnation at the League of Nations meeting planned later this month. France is considering treaties with nations in Eastern Europe including the Soviet Union. PM Stanley Baldwin is not willing to consider any kind of arrangement with the Russians but won't categorically reject negotiations.
We will be talking to a small group of French about TRADOC after dinner this evening, but more about that tomorrow.
The French were quick to assure us that they share our concerns about Germany and East Africa but they were not sure which course to take. They were not seeking outright confrontation with Germany or Italy - we confirmed that confrontation was also not our desire but we don't support appeasement either. We informed the French of our intention to transfer more forces to East Africa as a form of a Deterrence but we don't intend to fully disclose the extent of our moves. We reminded Prime Minister Flandin that Italian expansionism threatened French territories in Africa too and there is a need for us to coordinate our policies.
Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden will be in Abyssinia next week and we shall offer to train Abyssinian pilots at our 4th Flying Training School in Abu Suier, Egypt. We announced that we had located 200+ 2nd line aircraft which had recently been retired from active service and they can be offered to them if they so desire. Similar offers can also be made to strengthen their army. The French welcomed these ideas but were not willing to commit themselves yet.
As for Germany, there is not much we can do except to press for their condemnation at the League of Nations meeting planned later this month. France is considering treaties with nations in Eastern Europe including the Soviet Union. PM Stanley Baldwin is not willing to consider any kind of arrangement with the Russians but won't categorically reject negotiations.
We will be talking to a small group of French about TRADOC after dinner this evening, but more about that tomorrow.