THE FORESIGHT WAR Read Online Free Page B

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, and not allow the politicians to give them up before the war.’
    ‘Noted,’ observed Chairman drily.
    ‘Land-based air cover won’t be enough.   Cheap aircraft carriers will also be needed to accompany convoys.’
    Creamed Curls was becoming increasingly agitated.   ‘But bombers will surely be the main means of fighting war.   They should have priority over any other type of aircraft.’
    ‘They will be important,’ conceded Don, ‘but once again it’s not that simple.   Bombing has the potential to cause great destruction, but as a war-winning weapon it will not be as effective as many people fear.’  
    Don saw real alarm on Creamed Curls’ face and remembered the bitter inter-service rivalry which had followed the end of the Great War, with the two older services trying to return to their pre-war pre-eminence and the newly-formed RAF fighting to preserve its independence.   The RAF under Trenchard had taken to proclaiming the theories of Douhet and others who argued that bombing would be so destructive that it would supersede other methods of fighting.   It had therefore become an article of faith in the RAF that the bomber would always get through, and could win wars by itself.   He had a distinct feeling that Trenchard and his followers would be acutely unhappy about the message he was bringing.
    ‘Turning to other issues,’ Don continued, ‘there are some basic questions of changes in military organisation and equipment which will be needed to enhance war-fighting capability; above all, the closer integration of the three armed forces in developing combined arms tactics, with a particular emphasis on amphibious warfare.   Put briefly, you will need to develop the capability of transporting armoured divisions overseas and putting them ashore on an unprepared coast, closely supported by aircraft sufficient to overwhelm local defences and attack enemy troop concentrations and strongpoints.’   Don recalled the chaos which had affected the Norwegian and Dieppe landings and added: ‘It will also be prudent to acquire during peacetime detailed maps, photographs and other information about areas in which you may need to fight, with particular emphasis on coastlines.’
    Varying degrees of interest, scepticism and dismay were evident from around the table.
    ‘What about the Empire?’   Asked Ruddy Face, returning to his theme of the previous week.
    ‘Actual defence will mainly be provided by aircraft, ships and troops which can be put in place shortly before war is due to start.   However, it will be important to prepare the ground to support the defences.   This means, for example, building substantial bombproof storage for fuel and ammunition, storing plenty of food, providing sufficient airfields complete with shelter for the aircraft, providing submarine pens where appropriate, and so on.   As much military equipment as possible should be pre-positioned ready for troops to use when called up.’
    ‘Some of that has been done,’ observed Chairman, ‘but the cost is considerable.’
    ‘But probably not as much,’ interposed Diplomat, ‘as losing the colonies.’
    ‘There is another alternative,’ Don said hesitantly.   Chairman looked wary.
    ‘I have already indicated to you that, from the late 1940s onwards, Britain starts giving independence to its colonies.   It could be argued that there isn’t much point in fighting for them now, if we’re going to give them up soon afterwards.’
    Ruddy Face appeared close to apoplexy.   Even Diplomat seemed ruffled.   ‘Quite out of the question, dear chap.   There is tremendous popular, and therefore political, support for the Empire.   Just last week the government’s modest inclination toward giving India more home rule was roundly condemned by the Conservative Conference.’
    ‘Besides,’ added Chairman, ‘we could hardly simply cut the colonies free and abandon them to German, Italian or Japanese