Fletch
Kicked
My gratitude knows no bounds at the wisdom of the British people, who elected my Government for the next term of Parliament. A majority of twenty-seven was a clear and decisive answer. As such, I must hand my thanks to being allowed longer to re-arm and ensure the national security of the United Kingdom.
The week following the election was yet another stressful time in my time as Prime Minister. News filtered through that Germany, Japan and Italy had concluded a tripartite pact, which, it could reasonably be assumed, was aimed at the Soviet Union. During cabinet discussions, we made the point of declaring our support for the Soviets, should there be an invasion of their territory.
In what could only be construed s another act of support, Anthony Eden visited Moscow; during which time he stated that he stated our support for the Russian government should an invasion occur. Despite all of the abuses and of which we all know the Soviets to have perpetrated, in doing so we should be supporting the lesser evil.
Around this time, intelligence reports started circulating that the Yugoslavians were being pushed into becoming a signatory of the Axis pact. This would have grave consequences on our policy towards the defence of Greece, and as such I personally visited Belgrade. The response of the Yugoslavian people was immense. I was overwhelmed by the cheering in the streets, and as such gained confidence when I visited Prince Paul.
The Prince however, was wedded absolutely to the idea of complete neutrality. This concerned me, and I pointed out that should he decide that instead of joining the Axis, should he join our alliance with France, Norway and Greece, then he would be supported by us in terms of both fiscal aid and military support.
I have to say, he was not impressed by my promise, stating that the Germans had just defeated us and the French, what was to stop the same happening again in the south? I did however manage to convince him that whatever the outcome, Yugoslavia would remain neutral. I also promised support in case of invasion by Axis forces.
October saw my visit to Washington D.C. I have to say that I was shocked by the state of Phillip. He joked upon my commenting on his health that he would not last much longer than John Buchan. Despite this, I have to admit that I was worried and offered to recall him, so that he could spend the last few months in England. He declined, stating his role was too important. We could all learn lessons from such a man.
He advised me that the President was of the opinion of support for our cause in Europe, but could not gain support from within the US Government, which still, in the main, took an isolationist stance. He also pointed out that our credibility as a defence against the tide of fascism went down following Versailles.
Upon meeting the President, I must confess to warmth in relations between us. We discussed many areas, on which we agreed, and I believe I managed to turn his opinion around on the issue of the peace deal. I am now, as I was then, stridently in favour of gaining the support of the United States of America. Our common, shared values meant that we gained more support than I expected. I did, however manage to gain from Roosevelt, the promise of that should war break out anew in Europe, we should gain material aid at a discounted price from the United States.
There was a condition, that should we not be able to take the goods, we should still have to pay for them, but the deal was in our interests. As such, whilst not gaining an outright alliance, I had gained some form of direct support from the Americans.
The week following the election was yet another stressful time in my time as Prime Minister. News filtered through that Germany, Japan and Italy had concluded a tripartite pact, which, it could reasonably be assumed, was aimed at the Soviet Union. During cabinet discussions, we made the point of declaring our support for the Soviets, should there be an invasion of their territory.
In what could only be construed s another act of support, Anthony Eden visited Moscow; during which time he stated that he stated our support for the Russian government should an invasion occur. Despite all of the abuses and of which we all know the Soviets to have perpetrated, in doing so we should be supporting the lesser evil.
Around this time, intelligence reports started circulating that the Yugoslavians were being pushed into becoming a signatory of the Axis pact. This would have grave consequences on our policy towards the defence of Greece, and as such I personally visited Belgrade. The response of the Yugoslavian people was immense. I was overwhelmed by the cheering in the streets, and as such gained confidence when I visited Prince Paul.
The Prince however, was wedded absolutely to the idea of complete neutrality. This concerned me, and I pointed out that should he decide that instead of joining the Axis, should he join our alliance with France, Norway and Greece, then he would be supported by us in terms of both fiscal aid and military support.
I have to say, he was not impressed by my promise, stating that the Germans had just defeated us and the French, what was to stop the same happening again in the south? I did however manage to convince him that whatever the outcome, Yugoslavia would remain neutral. I also promised support in case of invasion by Axis forces.
October saw my visit to Washington D.C. I have to say that I was shocked by the state of Phillip. He joked upon my commenting on his health that he would not last much longer than John Buchan. Despite this, I have to admit that I was worried and offered to recall him, so that he could spend the last few months in England. He declined, stating his role was too important. We could all learn lessons from such a man.
He advised me that the President was of the opinion of support for our cause in Europe, but could not gain support from within the US Government, which still, in the main, took an isolationist stance. He also pointed out that our credibility as a defence against the tide of fascism went down following Versailles.
Upon meeting the President, I must confess to warmth in relations between us. We discussed many areas, on which we agreed, and I believe I managed to turn his opinion around on the issue of the peace deal. I am now, as I was then, stridently in favour of gaining the support of the United States of America. Our common, shared values meant that we gained more support than I expected. I did, however manage to gain from Roosevelt, the promise of that should war break out anew in Europe, we should gain material aid at a discounted price from the United States.
There was a condition, that should we not be able to take the goods, we should still have to pay for them, but the deal was in our interests. As such, whilst not gaining an outright alliance, I had gained some form of direct support from the Americans.