Interactive History IV: Manstein's Woes

**MoROmeTe** · 08-30-2005, 16:02

I say A2 and B2... Guderian is the best of the mentioned General's and most likely to persuade Hitler. And the second plan has its chances...

**discovery1** · 08-30-2005, 16:21

Hmmm, I don't know.While Guadarian has the experience to back it, I'm not sure that Hitler would be too keen to listen to him. Guadarian I don't think was on very good terms with Hitler.

I would go Speer also. Competent, trustworthy(at least in Adolf's eyes I think) and he doesn't know much of war so he will be easily persuaded either way.

Needless to say, backhand blow is the way to go(I think.....)

**Kagemusha** · 08-30-2005, 19:16

I would say A4 and B2.While Keitel and Jodl are spineless they are still ambitious.They know you and if you can sell the plan to them, they can convince Hitler that its good.While they will take all the credit you can make it work.

**Kraxis** · 08-30-2005, 23:34

The Recruit
As you look around the room you begin to evaluate the candidates. At once you dismiss 'Lakeitel' and Jodl, they would end up stabbing you in the back as soon as you went before Hitler. You can't forget Hitler's comment that Keitel is as loyal "as a dog". No the 'Strutting Fool' and the 'Blustering Moron' should not go with you.
You frown at Zeitzler. A hugely competent staff soldier, but not much of an operational commander. And his often brash and aggressive ways would end up antagonizing Hitler, despite his respect for the general. That belief alone has to reeling from him.
Guderian... Ahhhh.... Good old Schneller Heinz. You are certain that he would love your Backhand Stroke, and his position would make it happen. But you realize that he would have to work with Kluge to an important degree, and they absolutely hate each other. Kluge has several times mentioned duelling, he has even asked you to be his second. Not a chance there. Besides you and Heinz are not even on friendly terms, he has often critized you and given few positive comments. You know that he admires you, and you him, but this is personal. You don't want him that close, it would be far too uncomfortable. And it has been said: "Too many cooks spoils the food." Very suitable here.
Finally you reach Speer. His non-military position has great appeal to you. This way you can bombard Hitler from not only two individuals, but from two very seperate branches of society and command. You are on the other hand not so sure about his position towards you pet operation, but if he is opposed to it you can likely convince him easily. His knowledge of military matters is simply too little for him to understand what you are talking about. Ignorance makes a great ally.

You walk over to the table. Speer looks up at you, his eyes warm and friendly, then stands up and shakes your hand. "Field Marshall, it is so nice to see you. I can't believe what you have done on the Eastern Front. The numbers are simply astounding, so many tanks, so many guns, captured and destroyed. I have estimated several months worth of effort from the Soviet Union."
"Thank you Minister Speer. It is not over yet, however it is winding down as we speak. But I'm not here for trivialities or smalltalk, we need to talk seriously now."
Speer ushers away his experts and numbercrunchers and beckons for you to sit at the table. "Speak up... I fear I can't help you much in military matters, but for some reason I believe that is what you wanted to speak with me about."
You chuckle lightly. "Indeed it is. We need to deliver a serious blow to the Red Army. This years there is no room for strategic maneuvers, we should forget Moscow and the Caucasus for the time being and concentrate on removing the best the Red Army has to offer."
"Agreed, but I fail to see how. I mean, I know there is large bulge in our line around Kursk."
"Well, the bulge is tempting and since even you, no offence, know it is a good target we can be sure everybody does. We should ignore it for now, weaken our lines and appear exhausted from the counteroffensive."
"But that would just invite the Russians to attack with their strongest..." Speer then lights up in smile. "You sneaky bastard. You want to draw in the Red Army in a massive version of your counteroffensive!"
You smile and shrug your shoulders.
"I cannot but stay positive towards it. We might get a lot of important metals from the occupied territories, but if we were to detroy yet another, and much larger echelon of Soviet armour and equipment, we would have a free hand for the rest of the year. Also we could strengthen our position free of commitment, and my men could finally iron out the problems with the new Panther tank." Speer mumbles a short curse under his breath against the Panther.
"I was hoping you would agree it is a good chance, and now it is my hope that I could bring you with me when I'm to discuss this with the Führer. Your scematics, tables and general good position with him would go a long towards convincing him."
"Fine... But how. We have to have a strategy, or else Hitler will just duck evade, and talk about other matters. We can't let that happen."

So, you have recruited Speer with great success, but now the two of you have to find a strategy to overpower Hitler's legend ability to dodge othe people's opinion.

1: Lay out the plan before Hitler, and stand on the right to finish it (you know Hitler will try to interfere). Then have Speer use his influence and his persuasive talk to batter at Hitler with the strategic and statistical advantages. Then when Hitler grows irritated you step in and assumes the attack with the proof of your recent campaign as well as the moraleboost such a complicated strategy would grant the troops. A straightforward tactic that gives you good flexibility.

2: Let Speer soften Hitler up with a wish for a bluntening of the Russian armour. Then present the plan as a solution to that problem while Speer cheerfully agrees with it. Effectively the two of you leaving out Hitler of the talk. Thus undermining his own opinion. A tactic worthy of an intelligence agent.

3: Rush in and in a bouyant mood present a cheap and effective way to contain the Russians while leading up to a more general offensive later on. When Hitler begins to complain Speer will soak up his attacks with his statistical evidence and his own complaints of an active battle, particularly noting the problems of the Panther. Meanwhile you use logical arguments to force Hitler to conceede points until he finds himself in a position where he can see the greatness of the plan. A psychological persuation.

4: Remain silent while Hitler either waits or talks with Speer. Then present your plan when he calls for your reason to be here. Flow with Hitler's attacks on it, make small concessions and in general appease him enough for him to finally agree with the plan. Have Speer support you now and then to make certain that Hitler does not push his demands too far, and in the end out loud say that it is a great plan in terms of production and strategic demands. You dance like butterfly and sting like a bee.

**MoROmeTe** · 08-31-2005, 03:04

For me 1 seems appropiate...

**discovery1** · 08-31-2005, 03:30

The toughest part of the battle by far.

Not 4, too much will be given up I can see it now.

Nor 3, isn't Hitler starting to lose it?

2, I don't know. It seems odd that Speer should want to blunt the Russian armored forces or , but maybe it's just me.

I guess one....

**dgfred** · 08-31-2005, 04:32

I believe #3 might work. Maybe Hitler wouldn't completely loose it on
Speer and you could still judge the situation somewhat, adding your
strong points if able.