Opening Moves

Which in essence Zhukov was, but probably because of the disruption the loss of a Front Commander would cause to his military progress.

Drawing a line under the matter, Zhukov pressed on.

“Comrades, before we progress into the purpose of this gathering, can I confirm with all of you that you have had opportunity to read this document,” holding up a copy of Vasilevsky’s report on progress with Operation Diaspora he turned the cover towards him reading aloud, “Version B dated 10th August?”

It wasn’t a question as such, because every man there was required to be totally aware of Diaspora in case a change in leadership came about due to unforeseen circumstances.

“I must say, Comrade Marshall Vasilevsky is performing brilliantly, hand in hand with our Japanese Allies.”

He smiled broadly.

“It seems our new friends have adapted well to the gifts we sent, and all of us here know how effective they could be in the hands of the green toads.”

Dropping the ‘Diaspora - B-10/08 - MRBF - Chief Intelligence Office – AMV’ report like it was a hot coal, he snatched up another small report.

“However, you will probably not be aware that the Americans are sending a considerable number of units to the Chinese mainland, as listed in appendix ‘B’ of this document.”

Waiting hands eagerly grabbed this new report from a young major issuing out copies.

“Appendix ‘A’ deals with naval allocations and, as such, is of limited interests to us, except to say that Diaspora is doing exactly what we hoped and more so.”

Chuikov, the roughest by nature of the gathered Commanders, speed-read and gave vent to his surprise.

“Govno!”

“I think you will find I am correct Comrade Colonel-General.”

There was a general ripple of laughter, especially as Marshall Zhukov was rarely given to public displays of humour.

Chuikov started to rise to his feet.

“Apologies Comrade, I was just surprised by this,” he indicated Appendix ‘B’.

Zhukov gestured the man back down into his seat, knowing that Chuikov may well be rough by nature, but he had stood his ground when no other had stood, Hero of the Mamayev Kurgan in Stalingrad.

He liked the man immensely.

“I think Comrade Chuikov expresses it well. The list of units they are sending to China will definitely inconvenience Vasilevsky but is undoubtedly of advantage to us.”

There was no intended humour in that and, in any case, Rokossovsky stood requiring the floor.

“Comrade Zhukov, is this information accurate? Has it been tested?”

The man, never given to excessive verbiage, resumed his seat.

Zhukov nodded accepting the sensible question.

“Comrade General Pekunin has received this through his own agents and assures the General Secretary of its factual nature.”

A small rumble of positive noises needed to be quelled before he could press on.

“In fairness, our beloved Marshall Beria,” such talk was safe amongst Military men, even Konev, “Has not been able to verify this list, but then you wouldn’t expect him to would you?”

The rivalry between GRU and NKVD was the stuff of legend.

“I think we must look at this report with a view to believing it to be true. After all, Pekunin’s lot have done well for us so far.”

Chuikov stood and was given the floor by Zhukov.

“I note from this list that a number of formations that we anticipated would be deployed in my area of operations are no longer slated for Europe. If this second phase of our attack proceeds as we have planned, then the front opposite me will be weakened by the Allied movement’s we anticipate into Southern Germany and Austria.”

That was window dressing for his next question, nay statement.

“In that case, are we planning to initiate phase three earlier and also proceed with the Iberian option?”

Holding out his palms in surrender, Zhukov cut straight in before others could get a word in.

“Wait Comrade. I appreciate your aggressive intent but we cannot yet be sure what assets the Allies will move from Italy northwards when we unleash our armies. Let us not get ahead of ourselves.”

Zhukov paused.

“And while we are on the subject, NKVD seems to feel that the Spanish change of position will be of little effect, a view I am inclined to agree with.”

There was no contrary view put forward, although there certainly would have been had Nazarbayeva’s report been to hand.

Indicating the next covered area on the rear wall Zhukov stepped aside as the orderly repeated his unveiling.

“This is the situation you are all aware of.”

Sitting down he gave the floor to his deputy Malinin who stepped forward, ready armed with long handled pointer.

“Comrades, our progress has, for the main part, been less than we would have hoped. However the purpose has been served and served well.”

As he started speaking, another staff officer was distributing the latest figures on losses and strengths.

“I cannot recall the figures from memory but you will see that overall we are not suffering casualties as we expected, either in manpower or equipment.”

Clearing his throat, he added a cautionary note.