The Tempest (Kirov Series Book 37) by John Schettler

Author:John Schettler [Schettler, John]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Writing Shop Press
Published: 2018-05-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

“You speak of consensus,” said Himmler, “yet you seek to impose your will on me by force, and would no doubt do the same with the Reichsmarschall here.”

“Then consider the Army first among equals,” said Zeitzler. “We have here the men responsible for the military operations on every front. They have all earned the ranks they hold, with decades of service to the Army and the nation. Yet we all know that the Army cannot function without support from the Navy and Air Force, and the Party you wish to lead. We must all agree here, for dissention among us will only serve our enemies. So this is what I propose. Herr Himmler will be head of all internal affairs, security and intelligence, but the Gestapo is not to arrest, try, or execute any member of the Wehrmacht. Should they have reason to accuse a man, he may be detained only long enough to be turned over to our own military police, and his case will be tried by an Army Court Martial. And in that regard, we will not be hearing a single case where accusations are made of disloyalty to the Nazi Party.”

At that, Himmler’s eyes narrowed. “Yet that Party is the very center of our government. Disloyalty to the Party is disloyalty to the Reich itself, and to Germany.”

“I would not go so far,” said Zeitzler. “Only three of every ten men in the Army have joined the Party. That must remain a personal choice, for every man among us, and not an obligation.”

“What about my claims?” said Goring, flustered.

“What claims? You say you have a document there in hand that names Joseph Goebbels as the new Führer, not yourself. What claim do you assert?”

“These documents aside, I am Reichsminister, and legally second to the Führer.”

Manstein turned to him, for all the other key officers at OKW had anticipated this, and they had reached a decision among themselves as to who and what they would support. “Herr Goring, with no disrespect, it is the Army’s wish that you remain in exactly that role, as Reichsminister and Chief of all Luftwaffe Operations. If the former title overburdens the latter, then we suggest that you delegate operational matters to General Kesselring, so that you may focus instead on your duties as Reichsminister. In so doing, it will be necessary indeed, essential that you can work in harmony with Himmler.”

Now Zeitzler spoke, seconding Manstein’s comments.

“If the two of you cannot agree as to which one should be Chancellor, then I second General Manstein’s proposal that Gross Admiral Döenitz assume that role and title, and he may appoint the successor for his position in the Kriegsmarine.”

“Shall we put this to a vote?” said Von Rundstedt.

“In that, the Army would have too great an advantage,” said Himmler.” The word ‘vote’ sent a chill down his spine. “There are too many officers here. Shall I summon Bormann, Goebbels and other Party officials before you start counting hands?”

“That will not be necessary,” said Zeitzler.

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