Inconsequential Nazi

by Ward Wagher

  “Sit down, Gentlemen,” Schloss said. “Thank you for coming today.”

  Guderian clicked his heels together and sat down. Goering eased himself into his chair carefully. He looked a bit wan and haggard.

  I wonder if Hermann has something seriously wrong with his health. He looks terrible, Schloss thought. I must have a word with his doctor.

  “I wanted to do some brainstorming about the Russian situation,” Schloss said. “Many of us are concerned Stalin is preparing for a war with us. I would like to prevent it, or at least make it very short and unpleasant for the comrade.”

  Guderian snorted softly. “We most certainly do not want a war with them. Only one of us would survive.”

  “I am convinced Stalin is thinking about his survival, personally,” Schloss stated. “If it requires a war to make that possible, I believe he would not hesitate.”

  “I have come to the conclusion that starting a war is never wise,” Goering said. “I have learned from you, Herr Reich Chancellor, that there are many ways to achieve one’s goals that do not require our soldiers dying.”

  “And I have never understood why people like Hitler and Tojo couldn’t see that.” Schloss shook his head. “Hitler was getting ready to put Germany in an impossible position. I am convinced Tojo has done the same.”

  “I believe there is a strong element of self-delusion involved,” Guderian remarked.

  Schloss thought about the lessons he taught in the classroom. “I have always said that one should never underestimate the ability of the members of the human race to deceive themselves.” He caught himself before he said, when I was teaching.

  “I have been philosophizing as I sat here this morning,” Schloss continued. “What we need to do is to develop a practical application for what we believe.”

  “What do you have in mind?” Goering asked.

  “The Russians are in love with Maskirovka. I think we need to study this and develop our own deceptions. And you, General, you need to bring in Walter Model and have him give this some thought. I have heard he is a master at improvising. Maybe, if we have some time before Stalin strikes, he can prepare ways to preserve our armies.”

  Guderian nodded. “I understand and shall certainly do that. I have some ideas myself. For example, if we place a light covering force on the frontier, along with some… false constructs, we could have the bulk of the forces some miles back. The Russians would then enter a fire sack when they came across the border. A rather intense artillery barrage might give them an opportunity to consider the errors of their ways.”

  Schloss nodded. “Very well, I don’t have the experience to judge whether that is a good idea or not. However, as the head of the OKW, this will clearly be your responsibility.”

  Guderian laughed. “That is why I resisted having you put me in that position, Herr Reich Chancellor.”

  Schloss smiled broadly at him. “You have not struck me as someone who evades responsibility Herr General.”

  “I think I would like to transfer Rommel to Berlin,” he replied. “If that meets your approval, Herr Reichsmarshall.”

  Goering raised an eyebrow. “If you think he would be of value, Herr General, then by all means.”

  “Thank you,” Guderian said. “I think we need to concentrate on the following items to get ready. First of all, we need to sort out the reliability problems of the panzers. The new Panther looks promising, but it is having teething problems.”

  “Does anyone have a feel for the Russian tank designs?” Schloss asked. I know what they have. The question is, do we?

  “Their T-34 is coming into service,” Guderian said. “I am getting performance information from Gehlen. I think it might be a dangerous foe.”

  Thank goodness Guderian is paying attention, Schloss thought. The T-34 came as a nasty surprise to the Germany I came from.

  “Secondly,” Guderian continued. “We need to integrate the Luftwaffe more completely into our battlefield plans.”

  “I haven’t agreed to that, yet,” Goering complained.

  Guderian’s eyes twinkled. “I don’t think you will be in the cockpit if a war begins, Herr Reichsmarshall.”

  Goering laughed, clearly against his own will. “Very well, Heinz. You have yet to convince me, but you have structured your arguments well.”

  “What seems to be the problem?” Schloss asked.

  “I feel that we can have a more responsive and organic force structure if the various arms of the military are compactly arranged,” Guderian says. “The Reichsmarshall holds to a more classical view. To be honest, his is the view taught in our military academies.”

  “I see,” Schloss replied. He scraped his teeth across his lower lip as he pondered the discussion. “I don’t pretend to know anything about military strategy, and I intend to leave that to the OKW. However, Herr Reichsmarshall, regardless of the ultimate decision, I think we need to take the opportunity to consider all out options.”

  “I understand, Herr Reich Chancellor,” Goering immediately replied. “Heinz has proven over and over again that he knows what he is doing. I have done well in the past to listen to him.”

  “Very good,” Schloss said. “Now, perhaps we can discuss our readiness levels.”

  The other two men nodded, and the conversation continued.

  § § §

  January 4, 1943; 3 PM

  Reich Chancellor’s Office

  Reich Chancellery

  Berlin, Germany

  “We have a potential problem,” Karl Rainer stated without preamble.

  “You always make me nervous when you begin conversations that way,” Schloss noted.

  “Robert Ley,” Rainer said simply.

  Schloss sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was suddenly even more weary. Robert Ley had been appointed head of the DAF, or German Labor Front by Hitler. He had established a corrupt regime, fed by worker dues and expanded by Ley’s subordinates. Schloss, the historian, knew that in his former world the DAF was probably the most corrupt organization within the Third Reich. In his current world, Schloss had learned things were little different. Not only had Ley enriched himself at the expense of the workers, but he had also embarrassed the government with his heavy drinking and womanizing.

  Schloss had kept Ley at arm’s length over the preceding year and had tolerated the other man’s activities because he was fighting larger fires in Europe. Since Rainer had now brought up the topic, Schloss supposed they were heading towards a crisis.

  “Talk to me Karl,” Schloss said.

  “The DAF is going to show a budget deficit this year because of the people who have their hands in the till.”

  “And the KdF, Strength through Joy, project is broadly popular with the workers,” Schloss said. If we have to curtail benefits, we risk labor unrest. We do not need that, Karl. Besides, I think we have a moral obligation to the workers. This is one of the few things that has really benefitted them.”

  “It looks as though we will be forced to suspend most of the key individuals in the DAF,” Rainer explained. “I would not say that all of them are on the take, but I am convinced most of them are.”

  “Been running an investigation?” Schloss asked with a grin.

  Rainer nodded. “Some of their activities are really becoming egregious. They are starting to directly take advantage of the workers, and word gets around.”

  “What do you propose to do?”

  “We are going to have to replace a lot of people – dozens if not hundreds. Perhaps if we pension them off quietly, we can avoid turmoil.”

  “You are getting sneaky, Karl,” Schloss observed with a grin. “You probably already know my reaction to your plan.”

  Rainer bit his lower lip and said nothing. Schloss studied him for several moments. Finally, he spoke.

  “You have evidence on most of the malefactors, then?”

  “Yes, Herr Reich Chancellor.”

  “Is there any point of continuing the investigation
at this point?”

  “My people have been thorough,” Rainer stated.

  “I’ll take that as a no,” Schloss chuckled. “Very well, I would like you to get with Peter and Ribbentrop. Identify as many replacements as possible to shift over to the DAF, and then make the arrests. Perhaps you could do as the American FBI does. I think they call it a Press Conference. Get people from the papers in and announce the arrests. Get Peter to help you with that. We will try them and put them in jail. Have them make restitution – enough to empty their bank accounts.”

  “We should put the money back into the DAF, then?” Karl asked.

  “Absolutely. We are probably going to have to appropriate money to keep the programs going. I do not want to correct the situation on the backs of the workers. That would not only be immoral, but also stupid as well.”

  “I understand, Herr Reich Chancellor. When would you like this to happen?”

  “Might I suggest, Karl, that you make that a law enforcement question, rather than a political one.”

  “But everyone will know this is a political action,” Rainer protested.

  “Of course, they will. Can you think of a better way to send a political message?”

  Rainer looked down at his shoes and then gazed around the office. “I just think this is a dangerous action for us to take, Herr Schloss.”

  “Yes. Yes, it is,” Schloss responded. “But it is also the right thing to do. But if a group of high-ranking Nazis spends a lot of years in prison, think of the salutary effect on the rest.”

  “Pour encourager les autres?” Rainer laughed.

  “Exactly.” Schloss joined in the laughter, although it really wasn’t funny. “Honestly, Karl. I think there is little downside to this. Think about it. With Ley and his band of criminals in prison, people will think twice about helping themselves to the public funds.”

  “I suppose I should begin planning for this,” Karl said slowly.

  “Karl!” Schloss spoke sharply. “By bringing this to me, I would assume you have already done most of the planning. And I am glad you initiated the investigation. I have worried about the DAF from time to time, but never had time to do anything about it.”

  “I was reluctant to bring this to you, Herr Schloss, but clearly we must do something.”

  “Was there anything else, Karl?” Schloss smiled to take away the sting.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  January 4, 1943; 2 PM

  The White House

  Washington, DC, USA

  “Very well, Admiral,” President Harry Truman said. “You may begin.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President,” Admiral Leahy said.

  “First of all, let me convey the good news, and it is almost all good, today. Our flight of sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers flew off the carrier Enterprise at 0400 on December 31st. They successfully found their target, dropped their bomb loads, and continued on to their recovery airfield. One aircraft is missing and presumed down in the Sea of Japan. Fifteen aircraft made it to Chunking.”

  “That’s very good news indeed,” Truman said.

  “The aircraft refueled and proceeded to their final destination at Kunming. The wing is now under the command of General Chennault.”

  “Do we have any information on the raid itself?” Truman asked.

  “The crew stated that everyone dropped their bombs on the city proper, and extensive fires had started while they were still in view. One bit of interesting news that we have not been able to confirm is that Prime Minister Tojo was killed in the raid.”

  “Is that so?” Truman said.

  “We are struggling to confirm that, Mr. President,” Leahy said. “Our intelligence assets are pretty thin in that part of the world. It is clear from Radio Tokyo and other radio sources that we have shaken them up badly, which was our intention.”

  “I wish we could confirm that last bit, either way,” Truman commented.

  “Our task force with the two carriers appears to be out of danger,” Frank Knox added. “We expect them in Bremerton within the week.”

  “Did they encounter the Japs at any point?” Truman asked.

  “No, Mr. President. It appears God smiled upon our endeavors.”

  Truman crooked a smile and raised an eyebrow. “It would be churlish for me to ask God where He has been recently.”

  The other men in the room chuckled nervously.

  “All in all, Sir,” Leahy took over again, “I think we can safely say that we achieved the objectives of the mission.”

  “Thank you for the good briefing, Admiral. First of all, let me congratulate you on this accomplishment. Also, I want to prepare letters of congratulations to each of the airmen. Lastly, I think it would not be breaking security if we notified the families of the missing airmen, rather than keeping them guessing.”

  “We can do that, Mr. President,” Leahy said.

  “Also, send my congratulations to Admiral Fletcher and ask him to pass along a well done to the crews of those ships. I do not want the Navy to be forgotten.”

  “Of course, Mr. President.”

  Truman rubbed his hands together. “Now. I trust you have determined a probable reaction from the Japanese. What should be our expectations?”

  “Everyone in the analyst section agrees that we very likely shocked the Japanese to the core,” Leahy said. “This was a direct affront to their honor. Also, their propaganda machine has invested a lot into convincing the populace that the home islands would never be attacked. Strategically, we think this will force them to pull significant forces back for defense. We may have bought ourselves some time to get our carrier forces ready.”

  “Good news all around, then,” Truman commented. “I trust you boys have been thinking about a follow-up to this raid so that we can give them the one-two punch.”

  Knox shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Leahy glanced over at him and then turned to face the president again.

  “We are working on some ideas. The problem with the last raid is that it would work exactly once.”

  “Have we considered an attack on Pearl Harbor?” Truman asked. “Or perhaps Midway?”

  “That is one of the things we are looking at,” Leahy admitted.

  “Not to teach my grandmother to suck eggs, but don’t take too long to think about it.”

  Truman grinned to draw the sting of his statement. The American armed forces and the Navy, in particular, had a recent tendency to avoid risks wherever possible. Of course, they had good reason for this. But he wanted an aggressive force. He expected to lose ships and men. But he also wanted this to count for something.

  “I would gladly exchange a carrier or two if we could sink some significant tonnage,” Truman said. “I don’t say that lightly, gentlemen. I am fully aware we are sending our young men into harm’s way. But, if we do not get ourselves engaged in this war, we will lose a lot more of our young men. I have no intention of spending a decade’s treasure on this war.”

  “But, Mr. President,” Leahy protested, “that is exactly what we expect we will have to do.”

  “You may be, but not me. The conventional wisdom says it will take a decade to win this war. I do not accept that. I think we should aim to win this thing in five years or less.”

  “Yes, Mr. President. I would feel better, though, if we can wait a few more weeks until the other three carriers get to the Pacific. That would give us five decks, which would be a respectable force.”

  “I can understand that,” Truman said. “And, please understand that I have no intentions of micromanaging the war for you. But I do want to install a bit of urgency.”

  “I believe we are very much aligned with your desires, Mr. President,” Leahy said.

  § § §

  January 5, 1943; 9:55 AM

  Imperial Palace

  Tokyo, Japan

  Emperor Hirohito walked his private garden and contemplated the current state of the nation. Following the advice of his cabinet and military leaders, he had led J
apan into war against the Americans and the British. He concluded that Japan had experienced an astonishingly successful war so far. They were now in possession of the Philippines, much of Southeast Asia, Midway, Hawaii, Indonesia, PNG, Australia, and New Zealand. They had successfully raided the West Coast of the United States and closed the Panama Canal. The Imperial Japanese Navy had returned from a raid on San Francisco with nearly twelve-thousand kilograms of gold, looted from the Federal Reserve Bank. Things had gone well, although the Army had yet to pacify China.

  And then a treacherous attack came with the morning sun on the first day of the New Year’s celebration. The attack had turned Tokyo’s celebration into mourning. As the news flashed around the country like lightning, the people reacted in shock. Things like this simply did not happen to the people of the Empire. Making things worse, the prime minister was killed in the raid. Nearly a dozen high-ranking Army and Navy officers had committed suicide in shock and shame at the event.

  Now that the traditional New Year’s holiday was complete, it was time to return to the governing of this land. Hirohito would once again be required to lower himself to helping the people of the nation. He considered them his children, and children often required guidance. He sighed, thinking about the effort he would have to undertake. Yet, it was necessary.

  One of the house servants eased into view. It was time. The emperor walked over to the servant, who bowed deeply.

  “Your visitor has arrived, Majesty,” the servant said.

  Hirohito looked around his garden regretfully. It was pleasant here, and a wonderful escape from the pressures of government. However, he had to attend his calling.

  “Very well. We will go.”

  Following the servant, he walked in a measured pace back to the palace. They moved through the hallways and entered the reception room. He walked over to the ornate chair, which was placed along the back wall and in the center. He slipped into the chair and waited while the servant fussed over his appearance. It would not do to be disheveled for a meeting. Finally, everyone agreed that it was time. One of the servants walked over and pulled open the double doors at the front of the reception room. A fleet admiral stood waiting. He marched in and bowed deeply in front of the emperor. He then waited.