Threads of Despair: The Parallel Nazi - 6 by Ward Wagher

Author:Ward Wagher [Wagher, Ward]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-13T22:00:00+00:00

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January 10, 1944; 2 PM

Reich Chancellor’s office

Reich Chancellery

Berlin, Germany

Peter Schreiber and Karl Rainer sat across from Schloss in his office. For this meeting, Willem sat in to take notes. Schloss reviewed the morning RLM meeting with the two men before moving to the purpose of the current gathering.

“Very well,” Schloss said, “Milch refuses to abandon his obsession with the Greif bomber. This is despite several direct orders from me. I think we need to make a decision.”

“How did Boeing approach this?” Peter asked.

“It was interesting. They clearly want to build a jet bomber for us. That was the bulk of the presentation. The Heinkel modifications seemed like almost an afterthought. I believe they would be happy not to do that project.”

“I also worry about Milch’s influence on Guderian and Rommel,” Rainer stated. “After General Model surrendered, Milch got overly conservative in his approach to military operations, and I think that influence spread.”

Schloss folded his arms. It seemed chilly in the room, and he hadn’t warmed up again since his visit to the RLM. “A lot of people would think he was doing the correct thing after losing a hundred-thousand men in that operation.”

“If we remember correctly,” Peter admitted, “I was in that group.”

“Well, we won’t hold it against you,” Schloss murmured. “We’ll allow you one mistake.”

Peter folded his hands. “God is merciful.”

Rainer snorted. “Yes, but Herr Schloss can put up with your shortcomings. He’s that way with family.”

“It helps to have influence,” Peter replied.

“I asked the American advisors to see me,” Schloss said, forcing a change of subject. “I would like to get their read on the meeting before I make a final decision. However, we ought to select a replacement for Milch.”

“So you have decided to sack him?” Peter asked.

“I don’t think we have a choice. Milch is an able administrator, but I cannot allow the military to defy the civilian leaders in the Reich.” The Generals in the Wehrmacht ignored Hitler anytime they thought they could get away with it, which was not necessarily a bad thing. But, if I allow Milch to do it, we will have no end of trouble.

“I certainly agree,” Rainer stated. “We have a lot of generals in the military who think they sit next to the throne of God. You have clearly communicated your expectations and allowed debate. You cannot allow them to second-guess your decisions. I’m surprised you have put up with Milch for this long.”

“I’ve had no alternative. But now we must find one.”

“I’ve been working on a list. I can have it for you tomorrow.”

“Good. I’ve got the American advisors coming to see me. I want to hear their read on the situation.”

“I think it would be dangerous not to have a replacement for Milch ready to go immediately,” Peter commented.

“Fine. I guess that is all I had this afternoon. Karl, the sooner you can get that list to me, the happier I’ll be.”

“I understand.”

Schloss stood up, as did the other two. Willem continued scribbling his notes. Finally, he snapped his notebook shut and stood up.

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