Von Papen spoke rapidly to Goldstein, causing Eisenhower to stop.
“Sir, the Chancellor asks if the name ‘Pantomime’ is now finished?”
“Apologies. Pantomime refers to the ground operations subsequent to Indigo, which is the amphibious phase.”
Von Papen seemed satisfied, so Ike continued.
“Here, the German Army will launch a two pronged offensive, the initial intent of which is to relieve pressure on the Ruhr. These two assaults will be aimed at… Berlin… and Dresden”
Eisenhower paused for no other reason than a muscle twinge, but the delay allowed the others present to conjure up the sights and sounds of horror that would accompany any clash in the German capital.
“The French Army will drive on Prague, again on a relatively narrow front.”
“US forces will attempt an encircling of Soviet forces in south-west Germany,” the pointer described circular motions north of Switzerland, “Intending on sealing the enemy forces by taking Munich by south and north-west assaults.”
“More German and Austrian forces will drive eastwards, securing the Danube at Vienna.”
Last tap on the map highlighted a difficult area, and one that had caused some division amongst the planners.
“North-east Italy will see no great action on our part. Messages from Tito are unclear, but the Yugoslav commitment has remained at the volunteer level first spoken of. Our forces will be under strict orders not to violate Yugoslavian territory or air space.”
Ike realised he had raced through his last statement, so paused to allow Goldstein to interpret.
“In any case, we will be reducing the British, Commonwealth and Free forces in Northern Italy, whilst we assess the feasibility of the operation suggested by the Prime Minister.”
Churchill had come up with another idea of hurting the Soviet Union and Eisenhower could only admit that it had some merits, although previous looks at the general concept had ensured rejection because of a lack of assets.
None the less, a mission had been sent to establish whether such an operation was possible, and the mission, led by Lieutenant General Sir Frederick E Morgan, was due back from Tehran within the week.
“Spectrum is a far-reaching plan with many facets, and it will need to be revised as we go along, but the general principles are sound.”
Placing the pointer on the table in studied fashion, Eisenhower tugged his tunic into place.
“Sirs, this winter has been hard on both sides, but we think harder on the enemy. Our Air Forces have destroyed huge quantities of their supplies, laid waste their infrastructure, disrupted their own recuperation, whereas, our own forces have been able to build-up and strengthen. We are more powerful as an Allied Army than ever we were before, and we have the materiel behind us to go all the way with Spectrum, whereas recent intelligence suggests that the average Red Army soldier in the frontline is starving, literally.”
Eisenhower coughed nervously.
“This will not come cheap, by any means, but with air superiority and speed of attack, we can prevail and…..”
Eisenhower ceded to the man who had raised his hand.
“General Eisenhower, whilst your plan seems to have merit, and I understand the advantages of speed of attack, the American public saw huge numbers of their boys die in the first few months of this awful war, in larger numbers than in the previous conflict too. I know that our allies all face the same public outcry on casualties. What happens when the telegrams start flooding into post boxes, come the start of this?”
The question was purely rhetorical, the moment orchestrated, and Truman exchanged glances with Churchill, before continuing.
“I’ll tell you what will happen. There’ll be an outcry; mothers from Maine to Missouri will grieve for lost sons, and in numbers we’ve not yet experienced.”
Churchill stood, gathering himself, looking at the powerful men around him.
“Gentlemen, some while ago we came together as Allies, attacked and betrayed, united by communist treachery. At that time, in those dark hours, we resolved to resist with all our might, and we set out our goals for this present conflict. They were simple and morally sound. They have not changed; no, for indeed, they cannot change. But perhaps now, here, I think we can all see the awful spectre that is the potential bloody price of our commitment.”
Grasping his lapel in time honoured fashion, Churchill spoke with real passion.
“I would that no more sons of our nations died in this abomination, but that is beyond our control.”
“We must end this war, as quickly as possible, staying true to our morals, for the good of all nations, for we cannot let this, any of this, stand.”
Looking at Truman, the old campaigner, gathered himself.
“If I may borrow some words from a fine and noble man, who once held me at great disadvantage*,” those who knew exactly to whom Winston referred smiled involuntarily, “He said…you cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow, by evading it today.”
He left the quote from Abraham Lincoln to be absorbed in silence.
Gesturing at the map, Churchill waved his free hand over its lines and arrows.
“Regardless of whether this plan is approved, or the next, or the next, there will be a devil’s bill of monumental proportions, and we must prepare our people for it, as well as ensure that they understand how much worse it could be if we did nothing.”
For some reason, all eyes swivelled to Von Papen.
Surprised by the attention, the elderly politician took a moment to compose himself.
Gesturing Goldstein closer, he whispered into the Major’s ear.
“Gentlemen, when Germany entered into this relationship, most of its lands were already under the Communist boot. Since then, more has been taken from us, and in that time many young men have bled and died.”
Goldstein leant close in once more.
“Germany cannot be Germany without a plan such as Spectrum, and so Germany accepts that, for it to become whole again, there is a price to pay… and don’t think for one moment that we do not understand what losses that,” he punched out the word as his finger fired out at the capital of his country, “Will represent for the fathers and mothers of Germany.”
The US President looked at both de Gaulle and Franco in turn, seeking a sign that they wanted their input, but neither man was particularly forthcoming, each looking to the other to speak first, which was, in itself, unusual for both men.
After some awkwardness, De Gaulle eventually spoke.
“France stands ready, and the French people, who have already suffered so much, will shoulder their part of the burden. We are committed.”
Eyes turned to Franco, who spoke simply, accompanying his words with typical Spanish shrugs and hand gestures.
“Communism cannot prevail. Spain was committed to that cause from the outset. We have always known the high price of opposing it. I see no reason for change here.”
Truman, lips pursed as he digested the words of the others, beckoned Eisenhower forward.
“General, please proceed with the details.”
Eisenhower moved sideways, giving the floor to Bedell-Smith and Tedder, who would impart the details to the political leadership.
[*Churchill was referring to his famous encounter with Lincoln’s ghost during a stay in the White House. He exited his bathtub and, without clothing, walked into the nearby bedroom, only to find Lincoln leaning on the mantelpiece. The encounter was much to Churchill’s embarrassment, and according to the British PM’s account, Winston only managed to say “Good evening, Mr. President. You seem to have me at a disadvantage,” before Lincoln apparently vanished, probably as discomfited as his living counterpart. Source Wikipedia and an article by Esther Inglis-Arkell ‘When Churchill met Lincoln. Naked’ at http://io9.com/5852898/when-churchill-met-lincoln-naked.]