Down the Marble Stairs

Well the Allies screwed themselves more than OTL. No Dunkirk Miracle and Russia doing a reverse Barbarossa. Things are worse for France for now, though I wonder if Italy will join or stay neutral.
 
July 12, 1941 – Repatriation Site, Antwerp



“The embarkation line to the right is for those officers with wounds that require assistance in boarding. Officers who are capable of entering transports without assistance should move to the left.” Then there was a pause and the order repeated in German. Two dozen or so English officers, most sporting broken or missing limbs began to move over to the right. Captain Carpenter hobbled over on one broken leg to stand behind an officer who had one arm and one leg wrapped tight. As they moved close Carpenter offered to help the officer to seat on the bench. The man, a major in the signal corps by the look of his insignia, smiled and joined his one good arm with Carpenters and together they sat down.


“Captain Carpenter, Royal Irish Fusiliers” offered Carpenter. “Major Abbot, attached to General Montgomery’s staff for the 3rd.” replied the major. Carpenter was silent. “I was sorry to hear that Montgomery didn’t make it. Were you with him at Lille?” Abbot nodded. “It was a hard day. Still I suppose we have a few of those ahead of us. Have you gotten much news?”


Abbot reached into his breast pocket for a smoke. As he fumbled with it. Carpenter took out a lighter and offered a light. Abbot took a deep breath. “I was taken to a German hospital after the surrender, Koln at first then transferred to Antwerp when they patched me up.” He hesitated and took a long draw on the cigarette. “At first I didn’t get too much, just German radio and what I could pickup overhearing the Jerries. Then when they signed the Armistice they let me listen to Auntie*. I suppose you heard that Chamberlin is out and Halifax is in.”


Carpenter laughed, “I hoped old Winston might get the call, but I suppose that cockup in Norway……”


Abbot continued. “The French gave it up about a month ago. Armistice for now, suppose the treaty comes later. The Russians came in but apparently they haven’t gotten too far. They managed to overrun the Baltic, for all the good that that will do them. But, they haven’t gotten very far against the Germans or the Finns. I heard yesterday they are stalled the other side of some big swamp. They are still trying to get to Warsaw, but….” He let the sentence drift and took another draw. “Halifax signed an armistice last week, hence all this and our free trip home.” He gestured to the debarkation area. “I hear they are still talking about the bulk of army, this is all gesture of good will from Lutz. I can’t quite figure out if the Italians are in or out, it seems pretty mucked up down in the Adriatic.”

July 18, 1940 – Berlin, Office of the Chancellor


Lutz looked at the men in the room. Several seemed in a buoyant mood, the others were harder to read. “First I think congratulations are in order. We have a new field marshal in our midst and for his leadership in the late campaign I think it only right we acknowledge his leadership.” The men slapped the table or tapped it modestly while Von Brauchitsch offered a short nod of his head. “Of course we also have a few changes here. I think recognition of our new Vice Chancellor is also appropriate. Again there was some polite applause, more retrained perhaps than the first time. Vice Chancellor Goering smiled broadly and puffed out his chest. “Personally” observed Lutz “I think that his promotion is small enough compensation for the Luftwaffe’s contribution. I only regret it may prevent application of his full attention to our problems in Poland. Which I suppose brings us to the primary reason for our meeting here today. I think that we should invite in our other new field marshal for a report?” He motioned for his aid to open the door.


Von Leeb walked into the conference room, flanked by two staff officers. He pointedly offered a standard military salute and stood facing the room. “Field Marshal” began Chancellor Lutz “thank you for your attendance here today. I think we can forgo the standard greetings. What need from our new commander of the Eastern Armies is a few questions answers.” He paused, “If these gentlemen don’t mind, I’ll begin.” Taking the silence for assent he began “I understand that you have only had a few weeks to adjust to overall command, so I appreciate that some of your answers might be tentative. The central question I have for you is, can we stop the Russians?”


Von Leeb did not hesitate. “In fact Herr Chancellor we have already blunted most of their advance. General von Bock has done well. He has funneled the Russians along two axis of advance, one roughly North of Warsaw and the other South. Because he lacked proper reserves or mobile units he was limited on his ability to counter attack. Of course that will quickly begin to change as more troops become available.” He paused. “My central concern is how rapidly these units can be made available.”


Lutz spoke, “I am afraid Field Marshal, that much of that is dependent just what kind of settlement we can get in the West.”


“Or” interrupted “Von Papen, if we can convince the Russians of the foolishness of continuing this war.” Lutz turned to the Foreign minister and smiled, the point was nicely raised.




*The popular nickname for the BBC
 
August 4, 1940 – Berlin, Office of the Vice Chancellor


“So what you are saying my dear Heydrich is that you want me to move against the Chancellor and, lest we forget, the army while we are still at war with Russia?” Heydrich scoweled at Goering and replied, “What I am saying Herr Field Marshal is that your power and our power is in the eclipse. Lutz and Von Papen have the army and the navy backing them. They are carefully removing loyal party members from positions of responsibility and undermining the vision of the Fuhrer.”


Goering removed a large cigar from a humidor on his desk. He fingered in running it under his nose before cutting it to smoke. After lighting it he took a long draw. Then casually he replied, “I can see why the SS is upset with the Army. They did stop you from expanding your own forces and they did remove you from security concerns for most of the front. But you still have the protectorate and you have a measure of control over the some of the occupied West.” He paused and took a draw and blew the smoke out towards the ceiling. “That is not to mention that you still have quite a bit of authority over the Reich itself.” He stared at the policeman, then added “What exactly do you expect would be your position if the current chancellor was removed? Does the SS feel it warrants its own army? Perhaps you want a freer hand dealing with the Poles or the internal enemies of the Reich. It almost seems you rare rather ungrateful. Lutz did confirm your appointment as head of the SS after all.”


Heydrich seethed but kept a placid outside appearance. “Herr Field Marshal, what is given with one hand can be taken away with the other. He might have confirmed me as head, but tomorrow he may well ask for my head.” He stared directly at Goering now, “Even vice chancellors can be removed from office. For the good of the party and of the dream of our late leader we must act to stop this man from dragging Germany back to the past. He must be removed. Voluntarily if possible but with direct action if necessary.” He paused “He is only there because the army took direct action themselves. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”


Goering stood up, signaling that the meeting was over. “I will consider your proposal quite carefully, but I fear you should remember one thing. This city has ten times more army troops in it that SS officers. If you take direct action without the support of a significant body of men, say the Luftwaffe, you will be outnumbered and outgunned.”


Heydrich stood, “Which is exactly the reason for this call. An agreement between the party, the SS and the Luftwaffe can tip the balance. We can restore the old order.”


August 11, 1940 – Huis Doom, Netherlands


Admiral Canaris looked out over the grounds. He rather liked the small ornamental moat that flowed around the house. It made it a tad surreal and that nicely fitted the whole atmosphere of the place. He watched the sentries patrolling outside the far gate, their steady route back and forth across the road to the entrance. He shook his head sadly and turned back into the house. As he stepped in Oster was waiting in the foyer. “Admiral it is a lovely house, not as nice as Potsdam I suppose but a castle none the less.” Canaris was about to reply, but just then two boisterous dachshunds rushed into the room. Now the admiral smiled broadly, like his former Emperor the Admiral shared a strong fondness for the breed. He reached down and scuffed the head of one. “You’re a fierce one you are, guarding the castle are you?”


The door directly in front of the officers opened and a tall, slightly built man in civilian clothes came out. “Admiral and,” he paused looking at Oster’s rank insignia “General, if you will come in my Grandfather will receive you.” Each offer gave a correct nod of respect and followed the man into the next room. It was a magnificent dining room they entered. Portraits of the royal family, men in uniform, flanked each wall. The old man himself sat at the table as they entered. Four places were laid and a large samovar rested to the right. Their host did not raise. Instead the two officers bowed more deeply towards him and then when offered took the seeks opposite him and his grandson.


“Your majesty, it is good to see you again.” Began Canaris “Let me introduce General Hans Oster formally of my staff and recently appointed Military governor of the Netherlands.” The Kaiser looked at Oster and then returned his gaze to Canaris, who continued. “I would also like to thank Prince Louis for arranging this interview.” Louis gave a friendly smile. “We came here today your majesty to discuss the return of your family to Germany.” The former Kaiser remained silent. Canaris continued, “There are those in government that feel even if a formal restoration of the monarchy is not yet possible, that the mere presence of the family in Germany will provide the Reich with stability and strong symbol. You are that symbol to millions of Germany. We are here to ask you to serve your people again.”

August 22, 1940 – Raleigh, North Carolina – News and Observer (editorial page)


...The armistice that was announced this week between the German and Russian forces in Poland brings an end to the European war but does not bring peace. The current German army accomplished what the Huns could not accomplish in the Great war, they have compelled a realignment of the borders of continental Europe in favor of Germany. Now having won with arms a victory they must win a peace, a peace that cannot be imposed simply by force of arms. Germany must demonstrate it is fit to join the peace loving peoples of the world instead of plunging Europe into further bloodshed. Whether the Germans desire this remains to be seen.
 
Oh My!

“Your majesty, it is good to see you again.” Began Canaris “Let me introduce General Hans Oster formally of my staff and recently appointed Military governor of the Netherlands.” The Kaiser looked at Oster and then returned his gaze to Canaris, who continued. “I would also like to thank Prince Louis for arranging this interview.” Louis gave a friendly smile. “We came here today your majesty to discuss the return of your family to Germany.” The former Kaiser remained silent. Canaris continued, “There are those in government that feel even if a formal restoration of the monarchy is not yet possible, that the mere presence of the family in Germany will provide the Reich with stability and strong symbol. You are that symbol to millions of Germany. We are here to ask you to serve your people again.”

Hoch der Kaiser! :D

Come home, Willie, your folk need you,
 
September 11, 1940 – Office of RSHA, Princz-Albrecht Strasse No. 8, Berlin

Heydrich had put on Schubert, he decided he had to hear the Adagio one last time. Outside the gunfire was dying away. He walked over to the corner of his office and took out the record, placing it lovingly on the turntable. As the first violin began to play there was a sharp of an explosion, close but not too close. That, he thought, will be the army bringing up something heavier. His troops were well armed but lacked serious firepower. One of the violins was softly, almost passionately plucked. More gunfire came from downstairs. He walked over to his window and standing just far enough back to avoid a sniper he looked at the street. He could just make out the Potsdamer Platz and could see a number of light tanks forming up. Involuntarily he looked up, the sky was clear, no surprise there the thought. He wondered what price Goering had extracted, he wondered what he would have asked for. Just then there was a shutter in the building and seconds later the blast sound echoed through the building. Now the violins were reaching the end, fitting he thought. He took out this pistol and wondered sighed, it had been a dream, but now the awakening.


September 15, 1940 – Report of Hiroshi Oshima*, Japanese Foreign Ministry


It is therefore the logical culmination of events that those elements inside Germany that had sought an accommodation with the Soviet Union have been removed. My sources in Berlin estimate that the problems of September 11th have been resolved. Director Heydrich is dead and his offices have been distributed to appointees largely under the influence of Reich marshal Goering. Also several party officials have been removed and Chancellor Lutz appears to have a stronger hand both in the capital and the government. I think it important that the government understand the Lutz’s power has moved from a base solely in the army to one that extends to the naval and air forces of the Reich. With the removal of the independent threat of action by the internal security forces only the party has the possibility of removing him, unless his support base fractures.


I also have confirmation that the former German Kaiser will return to Berlin and participate in the announced ‘Victory and Renewal’ parade scheduled for October 1st. While the monarchy enjoys only limited support among the general population he remains a figure of some reverence for much of the senior officer corps. It is likely then that Lutz will attempt to identify the Emperor with the current government either thru restoration or some lower level of recognition. Again Goering seems to be an important figure here. One of my sources stated that Goering himself is going to be associated with the restoration, although again details of the relationship remain unclear. It may well be that the final relationship between Lutz and Goering will determine German policy for quite some time.


September 22, 1940 – London, Prime Minister’s Residence


“And I repeat” continued Churchill “that any accommodation that leaves Germany in possession of its’ continental gains will mean that will be forced to fight her later when she is much stronger.”


The Prime Minister looked up and down the cabinet. He straightened in his chair and began, “It is hard to see how the German position could be much stronger Winston. They have completed control of France and the low countries, they have an armistice with Russia that will likely evolve into a formal partition of Poland, and they have the growing support of near all of the Balkan states. It is therefore the duty of this government to find a way to peace.” Churchill tried to speak but Halifax held up his hand, “No Winston. This government was assembled to save this country.” He nodded to Atlee the Lord of the Privy Seal, who sat to his right. “We need to negotiate now not bluster. As you know Eden at my orders went over to see the Germans to discuss some preliminary matters, let’s hear what he has to say. Anthony the floor is yours…”


Eden began to speak slowly “I would like to stress that much of this is preliminary. Von Papen himself did not meet with me, but his senior staff did discuss the groundwork for an end to the war. Basically there are a few main points that I think we should discuss;
First, as to the French. The Germans are prepared to include a British delegation within the negotiations for a formal peace with France. They have future agreed that they may occur outside either occupied France or Germany. The preferred location is Switzerland, although no firm commitment was made. The major points here will be reparations, disarmament, colonies, occupation and of course the old chestnut of Alsace-Lorraine. The German initial position is flexible and we will have some leverage to preserve France as a strong economic if not military counterweight to the Germans. I think the reparations will be significant, but perhaps limited to something not crippling.
Second, the Belgians and Dutch. Again I think the Germans are more interested in financial reparations and controlling their frontier than any annexation. The colonies are another matters, I expect that trading all or some of the colonial possession will be part of any deal here.
Third, the Poles. The Germans seem fixed on at least restoring the old Imperial boundaries, so Danzig is likely lost. With the Russians taking a good chunk of the East, I don’t think more than a rump state will be left. Our goal will be to achieve maximum independence for the Poles, hopefully outside the Reich. That will be a tricky one as I think even the ‘moderates’ inside the German delegation have little time for the Poles. Any deal here is likely to go poorly for them I’m afraid.
Finally our own position. The Germans made no direct territorial claims. There was some mention of former colonies, but I’m not sure that it wasn’t a stalking horse. They didn’t bring up reparation either so the major sticking point will be getting our army back. They did provide me some figures for the Belgian and Normandy prisoners, they expect after repatriating the wounded that they should have more than half a million Imperial and Dominion troops. They constitute the Germans’ principle bargaining chip here.” He paused “We gentlemen will have to decide just what we are willing to stomach to get them back.”

[FONT=&quot]Oshima had resigned after the signing of the original Nazi-Soviet Pact in 1939, seeing it as a betrayal. In fact the pact [/FONT]
 
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