THE FORESIGHT WAR Read Online Free Page A

lanced.’
    Don said nothing, feeling overwhelmed by a sense of hopeless inevitability.
    ‘Japan is an even worse case,’ continued Dunning.   ‘They may not have a defeat to avenge but they are looking to expand their empire and are chronically short of the raw materials they need, which happen to be conveniently available in nearby territories occupied by the USA or European countries.    Conflict is becoming increasingly inevitable.’
    ‘It just seems so absurd, pressing on down the road to war knowing full well what the cost will be.’
    ‘Perhaps the world has to go through this experience,’ Dunning said gently, ‘before nations are ready to put conflict behind them as a way of solving problems.’
    Don thought of Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia and the Middle East, and put his head in his hands.
    ‘In any case, by helping this country to win the war more quickly you will be reducing the period of suffering to a minimum.’
    Don sighed.   ‘Very well, it doesn’t seem as if I have any other option.’
     
    It was clear that much discussion had been going on in the week since the previous meeting.   Chairman seemed quite jaunty.   ‘Let me begin by summing up.   We agreed last time that we would make no changes to our existing foreign policy but we would take care to ensure that our political masters enter into no further commitments, with particular reference to Poland.   What we need to do now is to concentrate on any fundamental changes we should be making to our Imperial defence policy in order to come out of the forthcoming conflict as well as possible.   Dr Erlang, do you have any observations to make?’
    Don, who had firmly placed himself by a window which he had managed to open slightly, wondered briefly what conclusions they had reached already.   They seemed remarkably confident of their ability to cope without detailed advice once they had grasped the basic issues.   Still, he had already prepared what he was going to say.
    ‘I will start with defensive measures before going on to the question of offensive action.   First of all, top priority has to go to the measures needed to repel an invasion of the British Isles.’   He had their full attention.   ‘This will involve a sophisticated aircraft detection and fighter control system backed by plenty of fighters, and fast bombers capable of attacking any invasion fleet.   Strong fighter defence will also be necessary to provide cover for the naval units which will be engaged in attacking enemy vessels.   Finally, mechanised divisions containing tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft vehicles and armoured troop transports need to be held in south-east England to respond rapidly to any landings.   Above all, timely and accurate information will be needed to guide the defence effort so a robust communications network needs to be set up and thoroughly tested.   I don’t just mean telephones and radios, but a co-ordinated, multi-service system for gathering information from a range of sources, analysing it and ensuring it is passed on to the relevant military commands as quickly as possible.’
    Much thoughtful nodding around the table.
    ‘The next priority will be to prevent the North Atlantic supply lines from being cut by submarine warfare.   It nearly happened in the last war and is still the biggest threat.’
    Ruddy Face stirred uneasily and appeared to be about to say something.   Don continued quickly.   ‘I know the Navy feels confident that sonar – I mean Asdic – is the ultimate answer to submarines, but I can assure you that it isn’t that straightforward.’
    Ruddy Face looked appalled, but at a gesture from Chairman held his tongue.
    ‘Air cover is the key to defeating submarines,’ continued Don, warming to his theme and slipping into lecturing mode.   ‘Maritime patrol squadrons should have priority in being issued with long-range aircraft.   Incidentally, it would be advisable to hang onto those bases in