It appears that diplomacy will fail. Germany may be forced to seize Bohemia by force.
OKH Meeting, 8/29/38, 11:31AM
In Attendence: OKH Members, all Korps and Army Commanders.
Keitel: I believe the directive of the Furhrer makes the objectives of this meeting explicit.
The Furhrer and Supreme Commander of the
Armed Forces
28 August, 1938
OKW/WFSt./Abt.L (I) Nr. 33 408/40 g.Kdos.
Chefache.
Top Secret.
Directive No.1
OPERATION FALL GRUN
The Armed forces of Germany must be prepared, regardless of the result of diplomatic negotiations with relevant nations, to dissolve the nation of Czechoslovakia in a single decisive military operation (‘Operation Fall Grun’)
The Army must be prepared to commit a requisite proportion of force as to guarantee the rapid conquest of Czechoslovakia, while simultaneously defending against possible attacks from our bordering countries, most notable, France and Poland.
The Air Force should provide substantial tactical air support to ground operations, while maintaining air superiority over all of Germany. This is essential to maintaining any protracted operations or engagements that may occur.
If any other nations declare war on the fatherland, then the navy will conduct unrestricted convoy raids to decrease the economic efficiency of all enemy forces.
Operational Plans must be submitted to the Furhrer by 7/2/38.
Panzer Divisions may not be implemented as Korps, but rather as independent divisions for exploitative operations. This will be strictly enforced by OKH.
Signed: Adolf Hitler
Guderian: What? Why wont panzer divisions be implemented as Panzer Forces.
Keitel: The Furhrer believes that we can gain the most experience for our young korps of panzer commanders by having each division operate as its own independent force.
Guderian: Then why am I invited, but not the other 5 Panzer Division commanders.
Keitel: Because you know your shit.
Guderian: ahhh.
Keitel: Anyway, (pulls down a map of Czechoslovakia, which sounds like its ready to snap as it reaches the bottom). We need to formulate our operational plan. Here are my guidelines. We will have 2 Army Groups. Army Group A will be commanded by General von Rundstead, and Army Group B by General von Bock. Other then that, we are open.
Von Kluge: I believe a classic Kesselschacht strategy is appropriate. If we assult hard with our infantry at a few weak points along their long defensive line, we can penetrate and envelope them. We can use Guderians Cars -
Guderian: Tanks.
Von Kluge: Right. We can use those to support these concentrations and achieve fast penetration.
Von Manstein: I take fundamental opposition with von Kluge’s assessment. The best way to approach Czhecoslavakia is to take advantage of its Geographic elongation. If we can cut it right down the middle, we will be in a significantly better position to deal with the rest of the country.
Heinrici: This plan also leaves a more significant amount of force to defend the west.
Von Kuchler: And the east.
Von Kluge: But if we attempt 2 decisive penetrations, the Czechs can allocate all of their reserve to stemming these two assaults!
Guderian: This assumes they will have enough time to reallocate their forces. If we concentrate our panzers, we can break through to operational depth and meet in… 72 hours max.
Von Kluge: That’s preposterous.
Guderian: So are airplanes, but they work
Von Manstein: That didn’t even make sense Heinz
Guderian: Fine. The fact is that all we have to do is find a weak spot in the north, and the south, and we’ll be set.
Von Brauchtisch: I largely agree with that assessment. Although im not sure how this is compatible with the end of Hitlers directive.
Gudreian: Just don’t put them under a single Korps command.
Von Brauchtisch: Under what then?
Guderian: under 2 infantry korps which are aligned next to each other
Von Brauchtisch: ill think about it. Anyway, the weak spot.
Keitel: well. The Sudenten Fortifications only extend to about Tabor and Liborac. If we struck as far east as possible, we hit them at their flank, isolate most of their forces, and avoid the forts.
Von Manstein: It seems that if we put 4 panzer divisions in the north, and 3 in the south, we’ll be to achieve this fast.
Von Kluge: How much are we allocated anyway?
Keitel: Well, as much as we need, as long as we defend the borders.
Von Brauchtisch: Well. We have 75 Infantry, 1 Cavalry, and 7 Panzer Divisions at this point. I think the real question is what is the minimal amount we can allocate to defense?
Keitel: I think General List, commander of Army Group C is most qualified to make this assessment
List: *clears throat* Well. Uhm. I think that if we had 25 divisions or so in the west, we would be fine.
Keitel: On the basis of?
List: we can have appx. 18 divisions opposite the Maginot Line, and the rest spread north along the Rhine as reserves or to defend against possible attacks from the low countries.
Keitel: Fine. How many to defend against Poland? Von Kluge? Im sure you have something to say.
Von Kluge: Probably 40 divisions.
Keitel: Please. Lets be a bit less selfish
Von Kluge: I could work with 20.
Keitel: Will we need to make arrangements to send anymore to East Prussia?
Von Kluge: no. But you should make arrangements to send Guderian and Manstein to Paris so they can learn more about military tactics.
Guderian: That’s why your in charge of defending against Polish Offensives.
*room erupts in laughter
Keitel: Order! We have appx. 40 divisions for the offensive, I assume we split them north and south?
*resounding yes
Keitel: Then we will get working on drawing up these, plans. Any objections? Nope? Wonderful.
Keitel: I leave the Navy/Airforce to draw up their own plans as i have no knowledge in the matter. But for those in the Army who are curious, our Navy and Airforces have grown tremendously in size. We have 45 total ships in our navy, of which 23 are subs, and 1 is a carrier!
Generals: oooooooooooooooooooooo
Keitel: And our Airforce is now 22 squadrins, of which 13 are for your tactical support!
Generals: yay!
Keitel: Good. Adjourned.
Paris, September 22, 1938.
Chamberlain: It seems there is no other way for us than to reach an understanding which will guarantee the long term containment of Germany.
Daladier: … Its unfortunate that this may not be possible. Germany has doubled its military size in a year and a half!
If Hitler truly wishes peace for land, then we can accommodate. But, not at the expense of the central Europe!
Chamberlain: It would be more reasonable if his demands were exclusive to German speaking areas.
Daladier: It would be more reasonable if his demands didn’t exist! We have a pact with the Czechoslovakians, what ground do we have to endorse that Germany consumes half of their country!
Chamberlain: Well, what ground do you have to sentence them to Nazi rule?
Daladier: Isn’t that my point?
Chamberlain: In principle. But in course of action? Not a bit.
Daladier: Look, lets be frank. Germany is in no position to carry out protracted war against us. Our latest estimate was what? 50? 60? 60 Divisions?
…shuffles through papers…
61 divisions have been identified by our intelligence. … 6 “Panzer”… I wonder what that means… 4 U-Boats. So much for unrestricted submarine warfare. *chuckles
Chamberlain: Its irrelevant, your betting the future of the Czechs on a political gamble. Your position is premised on the assumption that Germany
1. wont beat the Czechs fast
2. will lose to your counter offensive
3. will eventually come to terms because of economic pressure.
I don’t think any of these are completely accurate. Germany will probably be able to beat the Czhecs by spring… assuming that they can break through the
Daladier: the sudenten forts? They are impenetrable by German means considering the Terrain.
Chamberlain: Were you paying attention to when we won World War One? We broke through the Hindenburg line, etc. Fortifications are no longer impenetrable.
Daladier: considering the terrain, the germans will struggle to advance across Czechoslovakia. Especially with their advanced technology.
And our political positions are on the line. If we don’t stand up to Hitler now, whats next? Danzig? Alascas Lorraine? And what of the nations of central Europe. How will they trust us again! What will stop them from departing from our influence and fledging in the open arms of Hitler’s sphere!
Chamberlain: And what will war do? It cant stop Hitler. It cant get Czechoslovakia back. Its useless.
Daladier: This is how I foresee conflict: Germany Slowly advances across Czechoslovakia. 3,4 months atleast. Right as this reaches its climax, we launch our counter attack. We’d probably launch it right before winter, so that we will have superior defensive advantages when it hits. Since the Germans only have 60 divisions, they can probably afford a thin screen at best across our territory. I believe that our efforts will be successful enough to force the germans to come to the table, and they’ll probably settle for something near their present demands.
Chamberlain: But wait! Why not just accept their offer, and avoid the pains of war?!
Daladier: Because if we bloody the german army now, Hitler could never attempt this again, and peace will be ensured. At the least, we’ll have enough time to build up our forces, so that when he does strike again, we can be prepared. I am resolute in my stance Mr. Chamberlain. This is the only option.
Chamberlain: I can assure you that it is not the policy of Britian to sacrifice lives for political gain. We seek a pragmatic solution that guerentees peace in our time.
Daladier: I am sorry it must come to this.
Chamberlain: As am I. It appears Hitler has the cards now. I will propose that Germany get the Sudentenland. ... Maybe that will placate the reich.
Daladier: I only hope.
OKH Meeting, 8/29/38, 11:31AM
In Attendence: OKH Members, all Korps and Army Commanders.
Keitel: I believe the directive of the Furhrer makes the objectives of this meeting explicit.
The Furhrer and Supreme Commander of the
Armed Forces
28 August, 1938
OKW/WFSt./Abt.L (I) Nr. 33 408/40 g.Kdos.
Chefache.
Top Secret.
Directive No.1
OPERATION FALL GRUN
The Armed forces of Germany must be prepared, regardless of the result of diplomatic negotiations with relevant nations, to dissolve the nation of Czechoslovakia in a single decisive military operation (‘Operation Fall Grun’)
The Army must be prepared to commit a requisite proportion of force as to guarantee the rapid conquest of Czechoslovakia, while simultaneously defending against possible attacks from our bordering countries, most notable, France and Poland.
The Air Force should provide substantial tactical air support to ground operations, while maintaining air superiority over all of Germany. This is essential to maintaining any protracted operations or engagements that may occur.
If any other nations declare war on the fatherland, then the navy will conduct unrestricted convoy raids to decrease the economic efficiency of all enemy forces.
Operational Plans must be submitted to the Furhrer by 7/2/38.
Panzer Divisions may not be implemented as Korps, but rather as independent divisions for exploitative operations. This will be strictly enforced by OKH.
Signed: Adolf Hitler
Guderian: What? Why wont panzer divisions be implemented as Panzer Forces.
Keitel: The Furhrer believes that we can gain the most experience for our young korps of panzer commanders by having each division operate as its own independent force.
Guderian: Then why am I invited, but not the other 5 Panzer Division commanders.
Keitel: Because you know your shit.
Guderian: ahhh.
Keitel: Anyway, (pulls down a map of Czechoslovakia, which sounds like its ready to snap as it reaches the bottom). We need to formulate our operational plan. Here are my guidelines. We will have 2 Army Groups. Army Group A will be commanded by General von Rundstead, and Army Group B by General von Bock. Other then that, we are open.
Von Kluge: I believe a classic Kesselschacht strategy is appropriate. If we assult hard with our infantry at a few weak points along their long defensive line, we can penetrate and envelope them. We can use Guderians Cars -
Guderian: Tanks.
Von Kluge: Right. We can use those to support these concentrations and achieve fast penetration.
Von Manstein: I take fundamental opposition with von Kluge’s assessment. The best way to approach Czhecoslavakia is to take advantage of its Geographic elongation. If we can cut it right down the middle, we will be in a significantly better position to deal with the rest of the country.
Heinrici: This plan also leaves a more significant amount of force to defend the west.
Von Kuchler: And the east.
Von Kluge: But if we attempt 2 decisive penetrations, the Czechs can allocate all of their reserve to stemming these two assaults!
Guderian: This assumes they will have enough time to reallocate their forces. If we concentrate our panzers, we can break through to operational depth and meet in… 72 hours max.
Von Kluge: That’s preposterous.
Guderian: So are airplanes, but they work
Von Manstein: That didn’t even make sense Heinz
Guderian: Fine. The fact is that all we have to do is find a weak spot in the north, and the south, and we’ll be set.
Von Brauchtisch: I largely agree with that assessment. Although im not sure how this is compatible with the end of Hitlers directive.
Gudreian: Just don’t put them under a single Korps command.
Von Brauchtisch: Under what then?
Guderian: under 2 infantry korps which are aligned next to each other
Von Brauchtisch: ill think about it. Anyway, the weak spot.
Keitel: well. The Sudenten Fortifications only extend to about Tabor and Liborac. If we struck as far east as possible, we hit them at their flank, isolate most of their forces, and avoid the forts.
Von Manstein: It seems that if we put 4 panzer divisions in the north, and 3 in the south, we’ll be to achieve this fast.
Von Kluge: How much are we allocated anyway?
Keitel: Well, as much as we need, as long as we defend the borders.
Von Brauchtisch: Well. We have 75 Infantry, 1 Cavalry, and 7 Panzer Divisions at this point. I think the real question is what is the minimal amount we can allocate to defense?
Keitel: I think General List, commander of Army Group C is most qualified to make this assessment
List: *clears throat* Well. Uhm. I think that if we had 25 divisions or so in the west, we would be fine.
Keitel: On the basis of?
List: we can have appx. 18 divisions opposite the Maginot Line, and the rest spread north along the Rhine as reserves or to defend against possible attacks from the low countries.
Keitel: Fine. How many to defend against Poland? Von Kluge? Im sure you have something to say.
Von Kluge: Probably 40 divisions.
Keitel: Please. Lets be a bit less selfish
Von Kluge: I could work with 20.
Keitel: Will we need to make arrangements to send anymore to East Prussia?
Von Kluge: no. But you should make arrangements to send Guderian and Manstein to Paris so they can learn more about military tactics.
Guderian: That’s why your in charge of defending against Polish Offensives.
*room erupts in laughter
Keitel: Order! We have appx. 40 divisions for the offensive, I assume we split them north and south?
*resounding yes
Keitel: Then we will get working on drawing up these, plans. Any objections? Nope? Wonderful.
Keitel: I leave the Navy/Airforce to draw up their own plans as i have no knowledge in the matter. But for those in the Army who are curious, our Navy and Airforces have grown tremendously in size. We have 45 total ships in our navy, of which 23 are subs, and 1 is a carrier!
Generals: oooooooooooooooooooooo
Keitel: And our Airforce is now 22 squadrins, of which 13 are for your tactical support!
Generals: yay!
Keitel: Good. Adjourned.
Paris, September 22, 1938.
Chamberlain: It seems there is no other way for us than to reach an understanding which will guarantee the long term containment of Germany.
Daladier: … Its unfortunate that this may not be possible. Germany has doubled its military size in a year and a half!
If Hitler truly wishes peace for land, then we can accommodate. But, not at the expense of the central Europe!
Chamberlain: It would be more reasonable if his demands were exclusive to German speaking areas.
Daladier: It would be more reasonable if his demands didn’t exist! We have a pact with the Czechoslovakians, what ground do we have to endorse that Germany consumes half of their country!
Chamberlain: Well, what ground do you have to sentence them to Nazi rule?
Daladier: Isn’t that my point?
Chamberlain: In principle. But in course of action? Not a bit.
Daladier: Look, lets be frank. Germany is in no position to carry out protracted war against us. Our latest estimate was what? 50? 60? 60 Divisions?
…shuffles through papers…
61 divisions have been identified by our intelligence. … 6 “Panzer”… I wonder what that means… 4 U-Boats. So much for unrestricted submarine warfare. *chuckles
Chamberlain: Its irrelevant, your betting the future of the Czechs on a political gamble. Your position is premised on the assumption that Germany
1. wont beat the Czechs fast
2. will lose to your counter offensive
3. will eventually come to terms because of economic pressure.
I don’t think any of these are completely accurate. Germany will probably be able to beat the Czhecs by spring… assuming that they can break through the
Daladier: the sudenten forts? They are impenetrable by German means considering the Terrain.
Chamberlain: Were you paying attention to when we won World War One? We broke through the Hindenburg line, etc. Fortifications are no longer impenetrable.
Daladier: considering the terrain, the germans will struggle to advance across Czechoslovakia. Especially with their advanced technology.
And our political positions are on the line. If we don’t stand up to Hitler now, whats next? Danzig? Alascas Lorraine? And what of the nations of central Europe. How will they trust us again! What will stop them from departing from our influence and fledging in the open arms of Hitler’s sphere!
Chamberlain: And what will war do? It cant stop Hitler. It cant get Czechoslovakia back. Its useless.
Daladier: This is how I foresee conflict: Germany Slowly advances across Czechoslovakia. 3,4 months atleast. Right as this reaches its climax, we launch our counter attack. We’d probably launch it right before winter, so that we will have superior defensive advantages when it hits. Since the Germans only have 60 divisions, they can probably afford a thin screen at best across our territory. I believe that our efforts will be successful enough to force the germans to come to the table, and they’ll probably settle for something near their present demands.
Chamberlain: But wait! Why not just accept their offer, and avoid the pains of war?!
Daladier: Because if we bloody the german army now, Hitler could never attempt this again, and peace will be ensured. At the least, we’ll have enough time to build up our forces, so that when he does strike again, we can be prepared. I am resolute in my stance Mr. Chamberlain. This is the only option.
Chamberlain: I can assure you that it is not the policy of Britian to sacrifice lives for political gain. We seek a pragmatic solution that guerentees peace in our time.
Daladier: I am sorry it must come to this.
Chamberlain: As am I. It appears Hitler has the cards now. I will propose that Germany get the Sudentenland. ... Maybe that will placate the reich.
Daladier: I only hope.
