20 Dec 1935 - Army and Navy Club

[Diarist]

Since I was the one who had organized the lunch at the Army and Navy Club I made sure that I was the first to arrive. By 13:00 all the invited guests were present. A new person in the team was COL Richard O'Connor who will be taking command of the fledgling 5th Armoured Division in Palestine. I had ordered Steak de porc jurassienne for us and a decent Frankenwein to wash it down. COL O'Connor is now a graduate of the Imperial College for Defence Studies.
"I hope to visit the College in 1937 but I may need a recommendation or even a waver first - hint."
"You'll get one from me, Bob." That was Winston but Duff and Sir Philip added their support.
"Thank you, gentlemen. All I have to do next year then is try not to trip up and fall flat on my face."
"Any foreseeable pitfalls then?" Duff asked.
"Do you mean apart from Germany and Palestine?"
"Where is the problem with Germany? I thought their was fate was already decided."
"What if Hitler surprises us by doing nothing? That would be a smart move because we would be condemned to doing nothing too."
"That isn't very Hitler-like though."
"Hitler isn't the driving force. Von Neurath and Goering are."
"I know who Goering is but who's von Neurath?" Richard O'Connor asked.
"Their Foreign Secretary."
"But Hitler needs a victory right?"
"That's correct. In my opinion it's not a question of if but when. In Erfurt last weekend I was surprised that they were so open to me."
"Maybe they were just returning the favour. We made it quite clear to Canaris that we would respond to the remilitarization of the Rhineland. That's valuable information if you're planning to overthrow Hitler," Admiral Keyes said.
"...and they want us to respond? Is that what you are saying?"
"Isn't that obvious?"
"He's right, Bob. They got you a meeting with von Neurath to ensure that he doesn't like you."
"The meeting didn't go well."
"Canaris also took you to an Officer's Club where you conveniently met the OKH's chief planner for the western front. Finally you met the commanders of units tasked with entering the Rhineland. You confirmed what Canaris had been telling them."
"Canaris is a sly fox. I made it quite clear to them that von Neurath's interpretation of the Locarno Treaties is irrelevant. What counts is how we British and French interpret it."
"You were a very welcome guest, Bob. You received the red carpet treatment." Winston completed the train of thought.
"If you are right then we don't need to worry about a new war. Good news, Sir Philip?"
"I must admit that I do feel better now."
"I'm glad you do because if we end up going to war after all then it's my fault. Great."
"Now that's settled what pitfalls can I expect in Palestine?" Richard asked.
Winston replied. "The good news is that you'll be commanding a division not a brigade. It will be a skeleton division but, fill him in Bob."
"One moment, please. What's the bad news?"
"Palestine might blow up in your face. It's like a gunpowder keg with a burning fuse but we have no idea how long the fuse is." I then told him the general plan. Which units, the local politics and the dangers. "There is good news. It's quiet at the moment, we have a plan and we have allies in the region and General Howard is a good commander. I'll be arriving some time in February to work on a permanent fix but I'm not at all optimistic. I'm just buying time for us to prepare for the inevitable conflict. I'll give you a full briefing later. You won't be going there until next month."
"What else did you learn in Germany, Bob? Did you hear anything about their aircraft."
"Our engines are more powerful than theirs. Their fighter from Messerschmidt has a 800 hp engine. I believe their dive-bomber uses the same engine. Also their tanks leave a lot to be desired. Their Mk.I has two 30 calibre MG's while the Mk.II isn't much better with one 20mm cannon and one 30 calibre. Even their planned Mk.III only has a 37mm cannon which is similar to our 2-pdr. Also they are planning an IFV similar to ours."
"What time have you arranged to meet your Spanish friend, Bob? It's already half past two."
"Then I have thirty minutes, John. Sally intends picking them up at the Dorchester then driving here to get me."
"Them?"
"His wife will be coming with him but not to TRADOC. I'll walk him from our house to the headquarters. We'll eat at the hotel then drive back to London. I intend meeting George Patton here later this evening. Do you still intend coming here this evening, Louis?"
"Of course I do."
"Winston, has there been any contact with France about the Siam question?" Admiral Keyes asked.
"I don't know to be honest. I'll talk with Anthony Eden on Monday. Unless there is anything else."
"I have a question about tank transporters from Scammell. They'll need them in Palestine."
"I know that the requirement is being processed. When I get back at the MoD I'll ask Jim to find out."
COL O'Connor asked to go to TRADOC with us so Sally is taking Mrs. Rodriguez to our home while we four men will drive in John Gort's car."

[Diarist]

When I arrived at the Army and Navy Club I joined George and Louis sitting with Admiral Roger Keyes and General John Deverell. I decided on beer for this evening so I ordered a bottle of White Shield. I sat next to Roger and showed him the piece of paper that Juan Rodriguez had given me. "Franco's adjutant. That didn't take long, did it?"
"No, it didn't. Have you called him?"
"I called to arrange a longer chat on Monday when I have more time. He asked me what I meant with 'trustworthy' officers. I told him that I meant officers who General Franco trusts. Do you realize that at this time last week I was at a German Officers Club in Berlin. It seems ages ago. It's been a busy week and it's not finished yet."
"How was it in Berlin?" General Deverell asked.
I stood up, clicked my heels and gave a Hitler salute. "Melde gehorsamst that the snow was this high, Herr General! Actually I had a good time. I also liked Tel Aviv in Palestine. It has a very European character. Better weather than here too."
Sir Philip had arrived now. "What's this about a Hawker outing tomorrow, Bob? Did you arrange that?"
"I don't know where the idea originated but Major Wales informed John Gort and myself a few hours ago. If we can get the French to produce the Hawker fighter under licence it would greatly improve the air defences in our part of the world. Belgium and Holland have already shown interest."
"Do we have enough Merlin's?"
"Philip, that's no problem because the aircraft won't be produced before '37 and we shall have Merlin production lines long before then."
"How many aircraft are we talking about?"
"Without France I envisage 300 aircraft at the most over a period of 3-4 years. It would double with France and treble if Italy were also interested."
"I've heard that we won't be producing biplanes anymore," John Deverell inquired.
"We are still producing them but there will be no new contracts unless to fill an export order and that's doubtful too. It's aircraft production capacity which we are short of at the moment so allowing others to produce our aircraft under licence is an ideal solution. This time next year we shall have double the capacity and a dozen new designs flying and all of them monoplanes. The Royal Air Force, and Fleet Air Arm, will be entering a new age next year. By the way, that was a good presentation this morning, Philip."
"Prince Edward, I mean Major Wales did well too."
"You didn't know that I'm also a talented ventriloquist?"
"King George is very pleased with the new arrangement but do you know what his plans are when he becomes King?"
"I don't know what's planned but I don't believe that he wants much to be changed. I was with him when he talked to Prince Albert. He told him that he'd become Major Windsor and would probably move to Windsor Castle. That doesn't look as if he is expecting any special treatment. Anyway, it's up to Winston which position he has within the MoD. He'll probably stay where he is and receive a promotion."
"He is already a honorary Colonel."
"Any chance of me being transferred to the 5th Armoured?" George asked.
"That's not up to me. As far as I know 5th Infantry personnel are being given priority for the top jobs. You need to talk to Richard O'Connor, the designated commander of the division."
"I already have. He said I should consult with you."
"My job is Force Readiness. I'm not in the Personnel Section at the War Office. If he wants you he should ask for you, George."
"Irvine wants to go there too."
"The same applies to him. Look, you both have my support. Good enough?"
"Tell him that because he'll be here soon." When he arrived I did. "George will have to put on British uniform but that can be arranged. Irvine's English isn't the best either."
"I know that, Bob. They are both good combat officers and I could use that," Richard replied.
We spent most of the time afterwards talking about New Year's Resolutions and how long they expect to keep them. "I'll probably keep mine the longest. Some time during the year I want to start wearing my uniform again."
"Is it that bad, Bob? Being a civilian?"
"No, Louis. It's not bad at all. Sally likes it and that's what counts."
"If you go to the Imperial Defence College in '37 you would be better off as a civilian."
"I can't be a civilian at college and a cabinet minister at the same time, Richard. I'd have to resign as minister. Most of the planning will have been done by the end of next year. Someone else can oversee the realization of the plans. The Air Ministry, Admiralty and War Office should do that."
"That's true. They should also earn their living."
"I heard that," Sir Philip said. You're not implying anything are you?"
"Wouldn't dream of it. Duff, are you working next week?"
"I'm at work Monday and Tuesday. Why are you asking?"
"I have a couple of ideas for our new Royal Navy. Could you arrange that we meet someone well versed with carrier tactics?"
"RADM Guy Royle, my Naval Secretary, should be available. Is Monday afternoon fine?"
"That's good. Your place or mine?"
"Yours. That way I can drop in at the MoD at the same time."
"Then we have a date."
I'll have time to chat with Louis first because he'll also be at Chequers this weekend. Sally arrived shortly afterwards to drive George and I home.