Post by Diarist on Dec 31, 2016 21:38:43 GMT 1
After the usual greetings and inquiries about Xmas we got down to business. Winston gave the Prime Minister my Confederation memorandum while I provided a copy for Anthony Eden and John Simon. After carefully reading the memo Stanley Baldwin remarked, "this is only if we are confronted with a Germany without Hitler and the Nazis. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir. Also no hot war and no German Civil War," I answered.
"So after a peaceful transition of power in Berlin?" Anthony Eden asked.
"That's correct. It's a proposal for a permanent peace between three nations which have fought countless wars against each other and to provide a core defence to protect us against aggressors from outside. France and Britain are already working together. Not only in Europe but we have plans to extend that cooperation to the Far East and the Middle East. King Leopold of Belgium has already voiced his support for such a confederation."
"You've listed mandatory federal rules, recommended long term federal rules and areas where consultation would be desirable. The joint defence rules are obvious but I question the need for economic ones especially the national budgets."
"In a confederation the federal administration is subordinate to the sovereign national governments but conversely a single member nation shouldn't have national policies, (foreign, defence or economic), which are detrimental to the Confederation as a whole and if trade is the alternative to war we need to promote trade together. Ideally we'll need a common tax system and customs laws to avoid imbalances. These are long term considerations and the sovereign nations decide which rules should be made federal rules, not vice versa."
"But they can make recommendations?"
"Of course. We need a system which evolves and brings member nations closer together while at the same time retaining our individual strengths and traits. But these are not short term issues. Priority must be given to defence not only here in Europe but also globally. Let's unite against a common threat posed by Russia and Japan. We also need to counter an emerging and very imperial United States of America. Only a united Europe could do that."
"But if German violates the Locarno Treaties then we are technically at war. We then respond and hopefully Germans back down and dispose of Hitler and his cronies. What then?"
"That depends on Germany, Anthony. The ball is in their court." Winston replied.
"And we have contingency plans for other outcomes, including war plans?"
"Yes. But they still have to be approved by the Prime Minister and the French. They'll hopefully be agreed upon at Versailles next month."
"Bob, you are still confident that Hitler will be removed?"
"Yes. A 95% chance with a violation of Article 1 in order to demonstrate to the German people that Hitler's policies have led them into a new war against Britain and France. What is your opinion, John?"
"I believe that it's worth a try. The benefits are obvious. A non-aggression pact and at the same time a mutual defence agreement between our three nations would be ideal. Worth striving for - peace in our times."
"Wonderfully said. You also need to be at RAF Duxford Sunday afternoon. We're flying to France."
"I was warned about this possibility so I'm available."
"This is concerning the Middle East not the Versailles talks," the PM asked.
"We won't even mention what we have just talked about. The memos here are just draft proposals."
"Good, then I wish you bon voyage!"
"Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister."
Outside Winston said, "I've arranged an SOE working lunch at the Army and Navy Club. You are welcome to join us, John. But only if you don't fail the initiation test."
"And that is?"
Winston and I said in unison. "You're paying!"
"If that's all then let's go!"
"There is one more thing though. You don't tell anybody what we discuss there. It's all top secret and could be dangerous if in the wrong hands."
"I used to be in the Foreign Office, Bob. We know that all too well there."
"I know."
"Yes, Sir. Also no hot war and no German Civil War," I answered.
"So after a peaceful transition of power in Berlin?" Anthony Eden asked.
"That's correct. It's a proposal for a permanent peace between three nations which have fought countless wars against each other and to provide a core defence to protect us against aggressors from outside. France and Britain are already working together. Not only in Europe but we have plans to extend that cooperation to the Far East and the Middle East. King Leopold of Belgium has already voiced his support for such a confederation."
"You've listed mandatory federal rules, recommended long term federal rules and areas where consultation would be desirable. The joint defence rules are obvious but I question the need for economic ones especially the national budgets."
"In a confederation the federal administration is subordinate to the sovereign national governments but conversely a single member nation shouldn't have national policies, (foreign, defence or economic), which are detrimental to the Confederation as a whole and if trade is the alternative to war we need to promote trade together. Ideally we'll need a common tax system and customs laws to avoid imbalances. These are long term considerations and the sovereign nations decide which rules should be made federal rules, not vice versa."
"But they can make recommendations?"
"Of course. We need a system which evolves and brings member nations closer together while at the same time retaining our individual strengths and traits. But these are not short term issues. Priority must be given to defence not only here in Europe but also globally. Let's unite against a common threat posed by Russia and Japan. We also need to counter an emerging and very imperial United States of America. Only a united Europe could do that."
"But if German violates the Locarno Treaties then we are technically at war. We then respond and hopefully Germans back down and dispose of Hitler and his cronies. What then?"
"That depends on Germany, Anthony. The ball is in their court." Winston replied.
"And we have contingency plans for other outcomes, including war plans?"
"Yes. But they still have to be approved by the Prime Minister and the French. They'll hopefully be agreed upon at Versailles next month."
"Bob, you are still confident that Hitler will be removed?"
"Yes. A 95% chance with a violation of Article 1 in order to demonstrate to the German people that Hitler's policies have led them into a new war against Britain and France. What is your opinion, John?"
"I believe that it's worth a try. The benefits are obvious. A non-aggression pact and at the same time a mutual defence agreement between our three nations would be ideal. Worth striving for - peace in our times."
"Wonderfully said. You also need to be at RAF Duxford Sunday afternoon. We're flying to France."
"I was warned about this possibility so I'm available."
"This is concerning the Middle East not the Versailles talks," the PM asked.
"We won't even mention what we have just talked about. The memos here are just draft proposals."
"Good, then I wish you bon voyage!"
"Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister."
Outside Winston said, "I've arranged an SOE working lunch at the Army and Navy Club. You are welcome to join us, John. But only if you don't fail the initiation test."
"And that is?"
Winston and I said in unison. "You're paying!"
"If that's all then let's go!"
"There is one more thing though. You don't tell anybody what we discuss there. It's all top secret and could be dangerous if in the wrong hands."
"I used to be in the Foreign Office, Bob. We know that all too well there."
"I know."