16 Dec 1935 - 10 Downing Street

[Diarist]

We were punctually ushered into the Prime Minister's office and after the usual greetings Winston explained our reason for requesting the meeting. He discussed Germany and the Rhineland first and I was only questioned once about the readiness of the German Armed Forces.
"Mr. Prime Minister, not only are they unprepared they are dreading such an order because they know they cannot withstand the combined military might of Britain and France. Their choice of words, Sir."
"When were you in Germany precisely?"
"This time yesterday I was still in Germany and I had dinner with senior German officers Saturday evening. Officers whose units would be required to make the incursion as well as the Chief of Army Planning and Operations. Which better source could we have, Prime Minister?"
"Very reliable sources indeed. Winston, you have my approval to make all the necessary preparations. Thank you, Bob for the excellent and invaluable information. The second matter is a bit more complicated. On the one hand we can't abandon Palestine and likewise I don't wish our Army to be in the middle of a full-blown conflict. Are you sure the conflict is imminent, Bob?"
"Yes, Sir. Unfortunately I am convinced. I've had meetings with representatives of the warring parties and I've been able to arrange a moratorium on attacks until the end of April next year but there's no knowing how long it will really last. Hopefully I've bought some time for us to prepare. I'd like to clarify, if I may, Sir, that it won't begin as a full-scale conflict but could quickly develop into one if there are inadequate security forces present."
"I understand. Winston, you recommend sending three divisions there?"
"No, Sir. There is a brigade-strength unit already in Palestine and we send an infantry brigade from Britain to reinforce it. Cadres from the 5th Infantry Division in Libya are being used to build the 5th Armoured Division in the Sinai region. The 5th Infantry Division will be coming home soon. The new division can be created in Palestine thus making more troops available. It is at the moment near Alexandria and is a brigade at the most without heavy equipment. The third division is the 51st Highland Division currently in Eritrea and it can be transferred to Palestine swiftly if the situation requires it. We are suggesting that we move it nearer to Palestine anyway in order to show that we are very serious about calming the situation."
"But conflict is still inevitable even with all these extra forces?" He looked at both Winston and me.
I nodded. "I'm afraid so, Sir. The only reason they've agreed to it a truce is because I promised to come back with proposals which can be used for a permanent solution. I'm trying to buy time because there is no Arab solution which we could accept no matter how long we negotiate."
"This truce you have negotiated. How fragile is it?"
"Very fragile and that's why it's a secret truce. To prevent other crazies from deliberately sabotaging it."
"Given the importance of Palestine and the Suez Canal Zone we have no alternative but to maintain peace and thus presence in the region. You have my approval but keep me informed, Winston. You wish to go back yourself, Bob? They know you."
"If you wish I'd be honoured, Sir."
We discussed the situation for a while afterwards. The PM was literally picking my brains but luckily I've had long conversations with Thomas Shaw about recent Arabian history so I was well prepared. Finally Anthony Eden had arrived but more later.

[Diarist]

Locarno Treaty

Article 4, subparagraph 3.

In case of a flagrant violation of Article 2 of the present treaty or of a
flagrant breach of Articles 42 or 43, of the Treaty of Versailles by one of the
high contracting parties, each of the other contracting parties hereby
undertakes immediately to come to the help of the party against whom such a
violation or breach has been directed as soon as the said Power has been able
to satisfy itself that this violation constitutes an unprovoked act of aggression
and that by reason either of the crossing of the frontier or of the outbreak of
hostilities or of the assembly of armed forces in the demilitarized zone
immediate action is necessary.

[Diarist]

"Nice to see you again, Anthony. I have a love letter for you from your German counterpart. Our meeting wasn't crowned with success."
"When did you meet him?"
"It was Saturday morning. It lasted scarcely five minutes. Is it in English?"
"Yes."
Winston asked me to recount my conversation with von Neurath which I did. "So nothing but the Rhineland and the Locarno Treaties?"
"Correct. He appears to be obsessed with the subject."
"The letter contains nothing new," then passed it to Stanley Baldwin. "So why are we meeting?"
"We have information for you, Anthony but it has to stay inside these four walls so don't pass it on to anyone."
"I understand, Sir."
"Bob Carter has managed to organize an uneasy truce between the Arab and Zionist para-military groups in Palestine. He'll be returning soon with proposals for a compromise. There are two possibilities. Either a single-state solution or a partition of Palestine. What is Foreign Office's opinion, Anthony?"
"Neither look very promising at the moment to be honest but we haven't given up hope."
"Do you have any negotiations planned in the near future?"
"No, there is no new initiative planned. Do you have a plan, Bob?"
After receiving a nod from Winston. "The Arabs won't accept any compromise with the Jewish parties as long as the Grand Mufti is in charge. So we look for an Arab solution without the Grand Mufti and his terrorist friends, namely Emir Abdullah of Transjordan. The Grand Mufti is also a fan of Hitler and has contacts with Berlin. That cannot be accepted in any way. That's my third proposal after trying the first two. I know they won't be accepted but I'm hoping to buy time so that we can build up our forces in the region. We need to be able to defend our interests."
"You've resigned to there being a conflict then?"
"You can't partition Palestine peacefully, Anthony and I haven't resigned to anything. It's an assessment based upon an obvious fact - in Palestine there is no will to compromise."
"When do you intend returning?"
"I'm in no hurry and I have other work to do."
"We have plans to finalize within the MoD, Anthony. Then there are the Christmas and New Year Holidays starting next week. There's no hurry." Winston added.
"If there is nothing else," the PM said, "I have other work to care of too. I would like to speak to you alone about another matter, Bob."
A few minutes later the PM and I were alone. "You and Prince Edward are good friends. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir." What is this all about?
"Have your heard that King George is ailing?"
"I haven't spoken to Edward since my return yesterday so I don't know the latest information. Has he worsened?"
"Unfortunately."
"I'll talk to Prince Edward today, Sir."
"The problem is Mrs. Wallis Simpson. She wouldn't be acceptable as Queen of England."
"She is my wife's best friend and if you were to take time to get to know her you would like her too. But like I said, I'll talk to him later today. Anything else, Prime Minister?"
"No. That will be all."
"Then good morning, Sir."
"Good morning."
I don't like that kind of conversation but he's right. Wallis could become a problem for Edward.