Opening Moves

“Each of you is a figurehead, a leadership icon to your people, to varying degrees and with appeal to different sections of your societies, from the military across the spectrum of your homelands political make-up.”

Eisenhower’s craving gave him a moment’s pause. He coughed.

“I have today spoken with the President of the United States, the British Prime Minister, and the French Head of State. They all support the view that we stand on the threshold of Europe and the World’s darkest days, and all three fully endorse these proceedings.”

Ike could sense anticipation growing in the room.

“We have no time for democratic political processes. If we were to try to conduct such processes, events would overtake us and the ability to exercise such democratic rights would be lost to this continent forever.”

Eisenhower opened the folder in front of him.

“The documentation within the blue folder in front of you contains the latest information on what is happening in Europe and intelligence estimates of how things may evolve.”

Nine pairs of hands reached forward and opened the file.

Again clearing his throat, he pressed on.

“Also present in the green folder is a similar set of documents relating to events in the Pacific.”

That caused a few heads to shoot up questioningly.

“Yes. I am afraid that your former allies have seen fit to throw in their lot with the Soviets and, as we speak, hundreds of Americans lie dead and dying throughout the Pacific Islands and Japanese soldiers are rampaging through China driving your tanks, firing your artillery and killing with your rifles.”

Goldstein put the same emphasis used by Eisenhower into each translation of ’your’.

A world at war once more, a thought which no-one present in that room could stomach , no matter which side of the artificial wooden divide they sat.

“I am empowered to constitute here and now the ‘Council of Germany and Austria’, consisting of all members here present, being of equal voice and with responsibility for governing domestic matters as detailed in the report within the red folder.”

The sudden noise of paper and card being eagerly sought out and handled gave Eisenhower a moment’s pause. Clearly some present spoke at least a little English as their eagerness to get at the information caused them to select the correct file before Goldstein had finished translating.

“Perhaps you would like to look at the proposals whilst we organise some more coffee here?”

Taking her cue, the Tech-4 exited the room.

Eisenhower sat down between his two companions and, as they were both doing, watched the reactions of the readers opposite as they digested the contents of the German language versions of what sat in front of him.

Monsabert sat rigidly, impassive but not missing anything before his eyes.

Robertson shifted in his seat, drawing a glance from Ike. Their eyes locked, just for a second, men asking the same question of the other. Do they know what comes next?

Coffee arrived and with it came a selection of marzipan fingers and miniature pastries. Also there was a special platter with a Smörgåsbord of tobacco products and the means to light them. Eisenhower was not a General for nothing, and these, more than the sweet offerings, were homed in on by the visitors. Once one match flared across the table, Eisenhower followed it with his own lighter and his craving was instantly satisfied.

The Tech-4 had resumed her seat unnoticed and silently waited for the resumption.

“The Council will need a leader, and that man would be decided upon by you alone, and he will be known as the Chancellor.”

Interest was peaking.

“There will also be one representative from each of the governing allied powers present as part of the council, non-voting in matters relative to your domestic decision making. However, any two of these representatives may join together and veto any decision made on any matter.”

Willing Goldstein to deliver that quickly, Ike started talking before the Major had finished.

“That is not a power that will be widely used as we see it as imperative that the Council is seen by your countrymen as controlling domestic matters. It is also equally imperative that you understand for yourselves the responsibilities that are being placed in your hands.”

The telltale creak of an antique French dining chair to his left told Ike that Robertson was fidgeting, preparing himself for what was coming.

This time he let the Major finish and found time to light another cigarette.

“Are there any questions at this point?”

He hoped there would not be of course, as the documentation was quite inclusive. The translation complete, Ike watched what amounted to a silent ballet before his eyes, with looks, small shrugs and minute gestures as the group seemed to be sorting out a pecking order. He wondered who it was that would come out on top and be the one to speak.

“The outline of the proposal is most complete Herr General.”