Post by Diarist on Jun 23, 2016 22:55:02 GMT 1
I went to the MoD first to inspect my in-tray and it was quite full. I retired to my office and spent an hour reading the correspondence and drinking coffee. I then called COL Wilkins to ask if my Comply-letter is valid outside of the MoD. Apparently it isn't. I need one from 10 Downing Street signed by the PM for that.
"What do you need?" He asked.
"I'd like to know what Germany imports and from where. It has to do with combining TRADOC's mission with that of Combined Operations," I explained. "They would still be doing the combat operations but we'd have a joint intelligence section to avoid duplication of effort."
"I know someone at the Foreign Office."
"So do I. It won't harm just asking for the information. The most they can do is say no."
So I took a stroll to the Foreign Office, showed my credentials and asked to see someone in Anthony Eden's staff. Most of them were in a meeting but I did locate someone who knew about foreign trade. I told him what I was looking for and I was surprised when he introduced me to another person, Malcolm Hewitt, who works at the German 'desk'. Actually there were a lot of desks in the section.
"We get an update each month. If you wish I can send you the old one instead of throwing it out."
"That would be excellent. Could you please send it to CDR Mountbatten at TRADOC. Here is his office address and telephone number."
"What do you need it for?" He asked. A reasonable question so I answered vaguely.
"It's for a report that we have to submit to Secretary Churchill. The MoD is always looking for areas where Nazi Germany is vulnerable." Fairly true.
"Well here is last month's report. I'll forward the next one to CDR Mountbatten when I no longer need it."
"You have been very helpful, Malcolm. The next time I meet the Foreign Secretary I shall mention your excellent cooperation."
I quickly left before he changed his mind. I went straight to the Annex and showed COL Wilkins the thick file then gave it to Louis.
"For the joint proposal. A certain Malcolm Hewitt at the Foreign Office will be sending you an update each month. Here is his contact information."
I then had a chat with AVM Freeman.
"Bristol will be submitting a design for a torpedo bomber. They say that you not only know about it, you also suggested it. Is that true?" He asked.
"Before your times. Lord Beaverbrook wasn't too happy that the Type 142m had been rejected so I suggested they use the design as the basis for a land based torpedo bomber with Hercules engines. AM Spec. M15/35 if I remember correctly."
"That's the one."
"Do we have an AM Specs. for a carrier-based dive bomber and a torpedo bomber?"
"Only biplanes."
"Not good enough. I can't imagine the Germans fielding a biplane dive-bomber."
"When is the meeting this afternoon?"
"Two o'clock at the London and Midlands Bank," I replied. "I'm having lunch at the MoD if you care to join me."
"What do you need?" He asked.
"I'd like to know what Germany imports and from where. It has to do with combining TRADOC's mission with that of Combined Operations," I explained. "They would still be doing the combat operations but we'd have a joint intelligence section to avoid duplication of effort."
"I know someone at the Foreign Office."
"So do I. It won't harm just asking for the information. The most they can do is say no."
So I took a stroll to the Foreign Office, showed my credentials and asked to see someone in Anthony Eden's staff. Most of them were in a meeting but I did locate someone who knew about foreign trade. I told him what I was looking for and I was surprised when he introduced me to another person, Malcolm Hewitt, who works at the German 'desk'. Actually there were a lot of desks in the section.
"We get an update each month. If you wish I can send you the old one instead of throwing it out."
"That would be excellent. Could you please send it to CDR Mountbatten at TRADOC. Here is his office address and telephone number."
"What do you need it for?" He asked. A reasonable question so I answered vaguely.
"It's for a report that we have to submit to Secretary Churchill. The MoD is always looking for areas where Nazi Germany is vulnerable." Fairly true.
"Well here is last month's report. I'll forward the next one to CDR Mountbatten when I no longer need it."
"You have been very helpful, Malcolm. The next time I meet the Foreign Secretary I shall mention your excellent cooperation."
I quickly left before he changed his mind. I went straight to the Annex and showed COL Wilkins the thick file then gave it to Louis.
"For the joint proposal. A certain Malcolm Hewitt at the Foreign Office will be sending you an update each month. Here is his contact information."
I then had a chat with AVM Freeman.
"Bristol will be submitting a design for a torpedo bomber. They say that you not only know about it, you also suggested it. Is that true?" He asked.
"Before your times. Lord Beaverbrook wasn't too happy that the Type 142m had been rejected so I suggested they use the design as the basis for a land based torpedo bomber with Hercules engines. AM Spec. M15/35 if I remember correctly."
"That's the one."
"Do we have an AM Specs. for a carrier-based dive bomber and a torpedo bomber?"
"Only biplanes."
"Not good enough. I can't imagine the Germans fielding a biplane dive-bomber."
"When is the meeting this afternoon?"
"Two o'clock at the London and Midlands Bank," I replied. "I'm having lunch at the MoD if you care to join me."