But it had been a close run thing. He thought of the plans he been ordered to draw up in case of war with America. He had objected to the concept at the time, but had nevertheless followed orders. If things had gone according to that plan, without any formal declaration of war his carrier force would have launched a full scale air attack on the American fleet at the very port where he now stood, Pearl Harbour.
The planned date would have been more or less the same date as today, 7 December 1941, he reflected.
Most of the German advisors, and all of the French advisors to the Chinese Army were now back in their home countries. An excellent rapport had been established between these former enemies while they had fought together in that strange and foreign country. It was hoped that this mutual respect would grow and eventually permeate throughout all the military forces in the European Alliance.
Some of the Germans had volunteered to stay longer as part of the next batch of advisors, now reduced to only three hundred. These would be under the command of Sieckenius, now promoted to General in the German Army. He was Generalissimo Chiang’s new chief military adviser. The Germans would continue with the still huge task of training the Chinese army.
Colonel von Luck was asked to stay by General Cheng who had grown fond of this young German fighter. He offered him the rank of General in the Chinese army, with a long term contract and other inducements if he would stay. It was tempting, but poor von Luck could not shake the picture he had in his head of four heads in a basket! He had had enough of China. He bade a fond farewell to his Chinese troops and General Cheng, and headed for home.
Klaus von Altendorf was in his dress uniform. He was more nervous today than he had been at any time during the campaigns in Poland, France and China. He was Jeremy Blackstone’s best man at the wedding of Jeremy to his sister Erica.
Jeremy’s entire English family were in Berlin for the wedding. All were accommodated at the von Altendorf estate. Jamie MacLellan was also staying there for the weekend. Here he met Jeremy’s beautiful spirited sister, Katherine.
Jeremy’s older brother James, the Conservative Member of Parliament for a largely rural district in Lancashire, brought his new girlfriend, Fiona, a pretty little thing much younger than James, who had recently celebrated his fortieth birthday. The youngest brother, George, the doctor, had also arrived with his father and mother.
Newly promoted Field Marshall Rommel was there, together with many of Klaus’ past comrades in arms, including von Luck, who had arrived back from China a week later than the rest of the German contingent. He could never again look at a basket without thinking of heads!
In a sign of how close the members of the Governing Council had become, all were there. Even dour old Hjalmar Schacht!
Lord Halifax had arrived in Berlin yesterday. Since their meeting in Lisbon the previous year, the British Foreign Secretary, now about to retire from active politics and become Ambassador to the United States, had been in regular contact with Baron von Altendorf. Halifax brought with him a special gift for the wedding couple from King George. He had another even more special gift for the Baron.
King George Vl invited Baron von Altendorf to Buckingham Palace in May next year, for the investiture of the Baron into The Order Of The Bath, one the highest ranking orders in the land. It had been founded in 1725 by King George 1. It is awarded by the British monarch for exceptional achievement. Baron von Altendorf’s outstanding efforts in creating peace across Europe, was recognised, and now being justly rewarded.
The Baron was astounded when Halifax told him this in private. There was a hint of tears in his eyes after Halifax left him to make the announcement of the honour to the other guests. Von Altendorf regarded this gift from the King as an honour for the whole of Germany, not just himself. He felt enormous pride. After the abominable Nazi thugs, his country stood tall!
He had come to know the British well in the last year and a half. What madness induced Hitler to risk war with this magnificent island race? Thank God we were able to avert a catastrophic world war!
It had been the wedding of the year. The whole of Germany had reacted to the news of the honour bestowed on their Foreign Secretary with an outpouring of affection for Great Britain, cementing their new bond.
It was a good end to the year.
Letter from Jamie MacLellan
Dear Mr President
I few days ago I attended the wedding of the daughter of the German Foreign Minister. I had the opportunity of speaking with many of Germany’s top officials, including the entire Governing Council. I picked up a heck of a lot of gossip.
The Defence Minister confirmed that the German armed forces have now finally been reduced to less than one million men. The regular forces will total three hundred thousand. A professional all volunteer force. The balance of personnel is made up of conscripts, but well trained.
They are maintaining conscription but reducing the period that conscripts serve to eighteen months. The Council are all in agreement that a period in the armed forces is character building for Germany’s youth, as well as crucial in maintaining the country’s defence capabilities. Apparently some sort of educational or vocational training programs will be introduced into the forces to better equip conscripts for future civilian life when their period of conscription is over.
General Beck told me that the European Alliance could now call upon more than fifteen million soldiers in an extreme scenario. General von Mannstein is stepping down from his position as Acting Supreme Commander of the alliance. Field Marshall Rommel is replacing him.
I am glad they are on the same side as us!
Last month I took another whistle stop tour of Poland, Denmark, Holland and France. Since I was last there at the beginning of the year I have detected a greater sense of acceptance of the new order in Europe. Everyone feels safer and a little better off financially. There does not seem to be any desire whatsoever to return to what are conceived to be ‘the times of corrupt, useless and self -serving politicians’.
The Norwegian Government has stated that they are rewriting their constitution and will hold democratic elections in the not too distant future. The problem is, most Norwegians don’t seem to be very enthusiastic about it. It will be interesting to see what transpires.
It is my candid view that the European War exposed the pre-war inefficient and some cases, chaotic or despotic, politics for what they were. Now there is peace, security, stability and prosperity. People are more contented. They are relieved and say to themselves ‘we have never had it so good.’
The Germans have quickly shed their dark recent past and are proud of their country’s contribution to peace in the far east. German businessmen are flocking to China and Japan looking to open new export markets for their goods. Not far behind them are the other European countries, but the Germans were there first!
Little news of interest comes out of the Soviet Union. As far as I can ascertain the Germans believe Stalin does not really fear a war may break out in the near future. He continues the relatively slow pace of re-equipping his armed forces. I suspect he knows that if he picks up the pace, the Germans and Europeans will immediately do the same. They watch Russia with eagle eyes!