Opening Moves

The company took the short journey up the spiral stairs to the dining room where a silver tray, glasses, and bottle lay awaiting their arrival, all twinkling in the light of the roaring fire that warmed the room splendidly.

“A toast to our venture, one for the benefit of both our countries.” De Walle grabbed the bottle displaying the label to everyone close by. “A fine bottle of cognac, which the concierge here assures me was laid up on completion of the renovations in 1908. I had to threaten life imprisonment for him and his family to secure the rights of consumption on the contents obviously”.

A faint wave of laughter spread through all, although the comment served to remind everyone of the power of the affable Frenchman.

Glasses filled and raised, De Walle ventured the toast and was immediately followed by a chorus from the others.

“Biarritz!”

Cognac bit into throats, warmed bellies, and glasses smashed into fireplace as the tradition toast was taken, a toast that marked the start of something that was to have more significance than anyone could ever have imagined.

Chapter 12 – THE PROVOCATIONS

No matter how enmeshed a commander becomes in the elaboration of his own thoughts, it is sometimes necessary to take the enemy into account.

Sir Winston Spencer Churchill

1250 hrs Monday, 9th July 1945, The Kremlin, Moscow, USSR.

During the German War, the work done at Bletchley Park in England had been extremely useful. The German’s had no idea that the Allies could read their private communications, and that fact alone had shortened the war considerably.

Of course, the Soviet Union had its mole’s. Some had been motivated by a sense of equality; in that what was known by some should be known by all fighting the German. Others were politically inclined towards the Motherland anyway. One particularly productive source worshipped on the altar of the pound.

Information filtered out to the Soviet Union and, on occasion, made a major difference.

Whatever the motivation of each mole, since the surrender there had been a huge cut in message traffic and what had been sent had been worth comparatively little. It was with some surprise that, having been summoned to Stalin’s office, Beria should be confronted with something of considerable interest originating from that sleepy corner of rural England.

“Well Comrade Marshall?”

Pekunin, the GRU officer who had brought the message to Stalin, remained impassive as the head of the NKVD floundered in front of him.

“We knew for certain that some German Generals were being courted in some way, as was announced to the military group some while back. Apple Pie is the name they use, as you will recall. However, my own sources have no definite knowledge of these groups Comrade General Secretary. Rumours abound of course, but I would not bring unsubstantiated talk to your office. I deal in facts, as do you Comrade General Secretary.”

It was a reasonable dance but did not cover the fact that the GRU had hit the target long before the NKVD. It was a rare triumph for the senior GRU General and he silently savoured every second as Stalin spoke directly at Beria.

“GRU assessment of this information is that these groups may pose a threat. That their existence shows, at minimum, deep suspicion and at worst case aggressive intent by our former allies. They could also be used as a possible rallying point for any organised German force once Kingdom39 is initiated. Your assessment?” Stalin sat back, aware of Beria’s discomfort.

“I can only agree with the interpretation of my GRU comrades and congratulate them on their diligence.” Both listeners knew how much that hurt the head of the NKVD, who was already promising himself a none too pleasant conversation with his top insider in the GRU.

“In my view we should eliminate these groups as soon as is practicable,” using the prospect of definitive action to mask his hurt.

Beria paused and conceded, “However, we cannot do so before the initiation of Kingdom, so it must be part of the initial assault plan.”

“And your reasoning for that is what comrade Marshall?” Stalin purred reasonably.

“Simply that we have beaten the German and he is cowed. A further assault on the remainder of his country, complete with destruction of the armies and air forces of his newfound friends should be sufficient to keep him cowed. We have not considered the German entering the fight in numbers and organised, having always believed the large number of refugees and POW’s would prove a huge encumbrance for the Western Allies.”

He indicated to General Pekunin and the message was passed to his expectant hand. Beria picked up where he had left off.