Stuttgart, American Occupation Zone, GermanyThe aftermath of WWII saw the US emerge on the world stage as one of her most powerful nations. The defeat of Germany and Japan had led to the US practically becoming the world police; with American troops on practically every corner of the globe in some way, shape or form. This elevated presence was especially tense in Europe; where a substantial part of Europe had fallen to the spectre of communism. This was why the US military presence in Europe was so massive; with over 1.3 Million soldiers of the US military's 2.2 Million soldiers based outside of the mainland ready in Europe; with Asia having a presence of 800,000 in retrospect, though with a much more substantial naval presence in comparison to Europe. These were spread throughout the various free nations in Europe; the largest presence being concentrated in primarily Germany. It was here that US soldiers remained on high alert, and here that several high ranking commanders assembled. Here General Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower sat along with several other men. Among them were General George S. Patton, General Jacob L. Devers and Admiral Robert Carney. As the Supreme Commander of US and Allied Operations in Europe, it was his job to oversee and organise military operations across Europe.
"Right then, gentlemen, you all know the issue that faces us here today; firstly, the rising amount of troops being brought about by the French in the West and the Soviets in East," Eisenhower said, "Second, and more immediate, the Spanish blockade of trade and goods in the Gibraltar Strait; I'm all ears gentlemen."
"Sir, this obvious provocation from the Communists can't be ignored; we must face them man to man and not allow ourselves to be cowed in this face of aggression," Patton said, "We've gotta put our troops on high alert, begin positioning our troops in defensive positions; active and prepared. I'd ask our allies to do the same."
"Though General Patton's...rather aggressive suggestion is somewhat questionable, I do agree that we cannot allow ourselves to be inactive," Carney spoke up, "Sir, I can have a naval task force assembled within a short time span; as the Spanish Navy is still rather small and ineffective after the Civil War, even mobilising a small contingent of our fleet should be enough to completely overwhelm them."
"Sir, while I do agree with the sentiment that something must be done, we cannot risk provoking the Communist powers into open conflict," Devers said.
"Like hell we can't! Like what I said, it was a mistake to let the Ruskies have free reign over Europe; we should've followed Churchill's ideas and invaded the Soviets when they were still consolidating their forces!" Patton exclaimed.
"Even then General, no matter our technological superiority not only do the Soviets have overwhelming numbers but they now have the bomb; we've lost our main deterrent and therefore caution must be exercised," Devers replied rather heatedly.
"I think I've got a plan on one of those fronts," Patton said, before turning to Eisenhower, "Sir, I've already talked with German officials and they're willing to create a new border guard made up of the locals and lead by former Wehrmacht officers to help retain order in the country; with the senate back at home trying to force us to de-mobilise further, I think it's excusable."
"You wanna raise up another German military? Are you insane!" one of the officers around the table spoke up.
"Oh, calm down you pansy, the Ruskies already did the same back in '46, and no ones complaining. Besides, it'll be inferior in every way compared to our own boys," Patton said, "But give it enough time and we'll have the numbers to match up with those Ruskies."
Eisenhower thought on the words of his fellow officers and finally spoke up. "While I agree with General Devers' request for caution, I also agree that we cannot allow these actions to go without a response in some way," Eisenhower said, "I don't want any immediate aggressive actions from our boys, but for now put them on high alert, get them ready to move at any moment."
"Carney, I want you to begin assembling a naval task force; but not too quickly, we just wanna catch their attention for now," Eisenhower continued, "And finally Patton? I'll authorise this little project of yours but I don't want anything
too much to begin with, we don't want everyone accussing us of resurrecting the German War Machine all of a sudden."
"Gentlemen, these coming months will be the most important since 1945, I expect all of you to stay vigilant and prepared for any scenario."
Under the direction of Carney, a naval task force began to assemble. This task force would be made up of 2 Aircraft Carriers, 5 Battleships, 15 Cruisers, 20 Frigates and 30 Destroyers.
At the same time, under the guise of helping Allied forces continue the order in the occupied regions, the Austrian and German Bundesgrenzschutz was formed. To be made from German citizens, many of which who were former members of the Wehrmacht, they would be equipped with rebranded Wehrmacht uniforms (the Nazi insignia being replaced with the logo of the Allied-Occupation Forces, an eagle symbolising its German origins) as well as armed with Kar98ks, MG42s, MP40s, Beretta Modello 38s, Walther P38s, along with armoured cars and some light helicopters. Many of these would be commanded by both Allied officers and former Wehrmacht officers; with the German contingent numbering 10,000 and the Austrian contingent 5,000.
White House, Washington DCMeanwhile, in the White House, Harry Truman sat behind a desk, signing documents. Since becoming president in 1945, Truman had worked tirelessly to continue the dream of his dear friend, Franklin D. Roosevelt. From then he had made sure to try and establish a free world; particularly free from the Communist threat. And at this very moment, the Communists were at it again; with this current crisis in Europe.
It was clear that the Soviets were at it again in Europe, and Truman needed to counter this mass Soviet influence in Europe. It was because of this that he had told Marshall to send proposals that might even the odds or even tilt them into their favour.
It was at this moment that someone knocked on his door. "Come in," Truman simply said.
A door opened, revealing one of his attaches, wearing a professional suit, walk-in. "Mr President," the attache said, "There's a call from Moscow; they want to talk about the Spanish problem."
Truman sighed. "Patch him through," Truman replied, as the attache nodded. Only a moment later, the phone on his desk began ringing and Truman picked it up.
"This is President Truman," Truman said.
To: The Self-Proclaimed Socialist Republic of "Spain"
From: Supreme Allied Commander Europe Dwight D. Eisenhower
Encryption: Public
To those concerned in the Socialist Government,
The United States asks that the Socialist government lift this completely unnecessary blockade of the Gibraltar strait. There is no reason for the Socialist government to do so, and to continue would harm relations between our two powers. If the blockade continues, the United States will have no choice but to begin sanctions on the Socialist Republic and to cease all trade to her. This would cause extremely extensive harm to your nation's economy; still damaged from the results of the Spanish Civil War.
In return, the US may be willing to recognise the sovereignty of the Socialist Republic as an independent nation separate of The Kingdom of Spain (otherwise known as the Nationalist State of Spain) and to ease the militarisation against it; but in return asks that the Socialist Republic cease their own aggressive militarization policies and provocative foreign actions, and also majorly limits military interaction with the Soviet Union and her puppet states as well as ceases any military support given to the USSR or other Communist states that is directed against the non-Communist powers of Europe and Africa.
The United States asks that the Socialist Republic considers what is best for its people.
Sincerely, Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower.
To: Spanish Nationalists
Encryption: Classified
To those who are concerned,
Some perspective supporters of your cause are willing to deliver your forces with funds and armaments to help in your resistance against the Communist menace.
To: The Republic of China
From: Secretary of State George Marshall
Encryption: High
To those concerned,
We in the government of the United States would first like to congratulate those in the Republic of China for the speedy recovery of their nation, and furthermore congratulates the ability for the government to retain such a stable presence in both the nation and on the continent. It would, additionally, like to remind the Chinese government that a large amount of this recovery was partly due to US economic aid.
It is due to this unexpected friendship forged between our two nations that the United States comes once more for another partnership that would prove beneficial to both of our countries. The United States is willing to lease the Republic of China a surplus of American weaponry and equipment to help arm the Chinese military, as well as the sale of several retired naval warships; including the North Carolina Class Battleship USS Washington and the Light Aircraft Carrier USS Cabot. Additionally, the US is willing to send military advisors to help train Chinese military personal to both use modern doctrine as well as to operate the aforementioned weapons. Furthermore, the US is willing to offer greater economic aid to help build up the Chinese industry, as well as to lessen tariffs and trade restrictions on Chinese goods coming into the US.
In return, the US asks that we forge a mutual military defence pact against the Communist powers of Japan and the USSR, as well as to offer support in any policing duties around Asia. Additionally, the US asks that China allows, at least limited, access to Chinese facilities to US military operations so that the US military may offer assistance in any way and that China both reduces trade volume on the USSR and Japan, and also raises tariffs on respective goods coming from either power.
As perhaps Asia's most powerful local nation-state, and therefore essential to the balance of power on the continent, the US asks that China considers this proposal; for the prosperity of both our powers.
Sincerely, Secretary of State George Marshall.
*In summary, the US is offering China more economic aid, Military advisors, A battleship and an aircraft carrier as well as several other warships, more modern US weapons, a defensive pact and trade benefits. And in return asks that the US military have SOME access to Chinese facilities, puts more restrictions/pressure on Soviet and Japanese trade and to help the US in peacekeeping and military operations in Asia should any problems arise (whether through direct military support or by sending of supplies). To: The United States of Brazil
From: George Marshall
Encryption: HighTo those concerned in the Brazilian Government,
We in the United States applaud you for your actions in attempting to create an economically stable South America rid of Communism and now desires to both acknowledge and work upon this stance. We in the US government wish to follow the actions of our common friend in the British Empire and offer the formation of a defensive alliance. With this, we are willing to offer the United States of Brazil economic and military aid to help continue the good work in our neighbouring continent as well as to help retain order against any Communist influence in the region.
In return, the US asks that both of our powers strengthen trade ties in the form of lessening tariffs and restrictions on both goods of both nations. The US also asks that it allows Brazilian facilities to be accessed by US military forces as to allow for US forces to offer assistance at any moment, and also asks the USB to further restrict trade ties with the various Communist powers.
We ask you, our far southern neighbours, to consider this mutually-beneficial agreement.
Sincerely, Secretary of State George Marshall.
To: Field Marshall Montgomery
From: Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower
Encryption: High
Dear Field Marshal Montgomery,
As the commander of British forces in Europe, I'd like to request that we coordinate our naval forces to prepare for this new crisis in Spain under a joint-command as to help better our chances for a successful operation if necessary.
Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower