Opening Moves

“Now, before we proceed with briefing for Plan Diaspora, remove all of this,” Stalin cast an expansive arm gesture at the paraphernalia of Kingdom39, “So that we may include our guests.”

The documents and maps disappeared in record time. Stalin exchanged subtle nods with Beria, who picked up the phone.

“Show our guests in.”

The gilded doors swung open and in strode the diminutive figure of General Michitake Yamaoka, respectfully tailed by the larger Vice-Admiral Kenji Asegawa.

Beria was discretely handed a folder containing two messages by the escorting NKVD General. Marshall Vasilevsky made the introductions, introductions accompanied each time by deep bows from the Japanese Attaché’s. Only one present noticed Beria’s subtle reaction as he read what he had been passed.

“So, now we can proceed.” Stalin’s irritation with the Japanese time wasting was hidden, but only just.

“Comrade Marshall Vasilevsky?”

Vasilevsky proceeded to talk through the planning for the Far East operations, adjusting as best he could for the absence of airlift capacity now dedicated to Kingdom39. Yamaoka and Asegawa both noticed the differences from the figures they had been expecting but decided now was not the time to discuss where the capacity had gone. That the Soviets were going to move in Europe was known and it was not surprising that they did not wish to share the operational details with their new allies as yet.

Surprisingly, Vasilevsky and his staff had found that the original concept and outline by Beria was actually quite sound in reasoning, and certainly achievable. Professionalism required that they improve upon it, and they did that exceptionally well. Nodding assent from politicians was commonplace but the inclination of the head and nod that he received from an impressed Zhukov was welcome professional acknowledgement that the plan he laid before the GKO was indeed excellent.

“The support received from the Imperial Army has been superb, and the details of this plan have been worked out in complete consultation with General Yamaoka. If this is approved by the GKO, the planning document will be taken to Manchuria where General Yamaoka and Admiral Asegawa will present it for ratification. I have ordered Comrade General Savvushkin to accompany them with his staff.”

“Might I also say that Admiral Asegawa suggested the bold naval plan in partnership with Comrade Admiral Yumashev.”

Asegawa bowed deeply to the GKO and Stalin motioned to his NKVD chairman. Beria spoke directly to the Japanese Military Attaché.

“We would welcome your views on this plan General.”

More bows and Yamaoka stepped forward.

The painfully small general was never a man to waste words and so, instead of the lengthy appraisal the room was expecting, he spoke but two sentences.

“General Secretary, it has been an honour to be fortunate enough to consult closely with Marshall Vasilevsky and his staff during the planning, and I have been completely impressed with their professionalism and daring. This plan is wholly acceptable to me and I will commend its adoption, without alteration, to the Imperial High Command.”

The deepest of bows both terminated his statement and took everyone by surprise.

“Thank you General,” Beria, slightly thrown, suddenly found himself speaking well before his imagined time, “Then there remains one matter to establish, and that is the moment of execution. Comrade General Secretary?”

Stalin rose once more.

“Indeed Comrade Chairman. We have exhausted this for now Comrades, and we must congratulate all our Comrades who have laboured to provide us with the means to achieve our Motherland’s goals.”

Stalin tamped his pipe and drew heavily, puffing out thick smoke, which almost seemed to target the two Japanese officers.

“And so, when do we anticipate commencing?”

As was his habit, he looked around the GKO members for assent with what came next. The normal set of compliant nods was given, although they did at least know what Stalin was going to say this time.

“The new arrangements for Kurgan must be factored in, and quickly done. The effect of change upon Diaspora must also be reflected and changes made. In both cases, you are authorised to immediately commence the movements necessary to get forces in place in line with all the plans submitted. This has absolute priority and all your efforts should be directed into preparation. You should prepare to execute both plans from the 3rd August. Please return to your respective headquarters Comrades”

There were no groans, no sounds of dismay, nothing.

Nevertheless, each senior officer present inwardly sank at the timescale forced upon them, none more so than Isakov, who had recently made a claim that he did not know if he could back up.

Vasilevsky who, as yet, had not worked out the effect of loss of transport aircraft on his plans, was silent but in despair.

Zhukov, as ever, took the bull by the horns.

“We will be ready, Comrade General Secretary.”

“Yes you will Comrade Marshall.”