Chess not Checkers: A Malenkov USSR TL
- Thread starter Brosip Broz Tito
- Start date
Raunchel
Banned
I must confess that I know next to nothing about Iran in this period, but it looks like it will be a huge mess very soon. Or rather, an even huger mess than it already is. I think that the jihadi's will be weaker than they would have been later on, when the ideology had more time to develop and strengthen itself, but this war can change everything.
And of course, foreign intervention like this can draw in large numbers of shi'ites from other parts of the world. And then there is the risk of conflict between them and the sunni, which always has the ability to escalate horribly, no matter what foreign powers want to do.
Another thing that might happen all too easily is the Soviet and UN forces get very close to each other, in a wartime situation. This could cause incidents, of the very unpleasant kind.
And of course, foreign intervention like this can draw in large numbers of shi'ites from other parts of the world. And then there is the risk of conflict between them and the sunni, which always has the ability to escalate horribly, no matter what foreign powers want to do.
Another thing that might happen all too easily is the Soviet and UN forces get very close to each other, in a wartime situation. This could cause incidents, of the very unpleasant kind.
Alternatively it could lead to increased cooperation between the Soviet and American blocs and better Cold War relations.
Penny for The Guy
Banned
Co-Dominium
I could see this paving the way for Jerry Pournelle's CoDominium series where the USA and USSR split the world between them and work together to enforce "peace".
I could see this paving the way for Jerry Pournelle's CoDominium series where the USA and USSR split the world between them and work together to enforce "peace".
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
First of all, why would the UN go into the Iran-Soviet DMZ? That would just be going full-retard.
Second, where else are Shiites going to come from? Iran is pretty much the only Shia county, except Iraq, where the invasion is be launched from in the first place. A conflict with the Sunni, not likely. But fundamentalist Sunnis and Shias are probably going to view Iran as a lackey the West. But this will take time to manifest.
I agree that the jihadists are starting off weakened and are going to be weakened further. The reasons are manifold, first, if the status quo is restored, only literate people can vote, as always, education often equals secularization. Second, IOTL Iran would get 24% of oil, ITTL they get 50%, that's double the money to put into education. Third. the White Revolution probably starts right off the bat, Fatemi wants modernization, the Shah wants secularization, there's nobody in power standing in the way.
Exactly. Malenkov doesn't really would rather have a working relationship with the Americans rather than the threat of annihilation.
Well the US and Soviet Union may respect certain spheres of influence, the Mideast and Africa are bound to be areas of dispute. Even if the US and Soviet wants better relations, there are great forces already at play that would get in the way.
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
It has returned, first update of the year.
---
Chapter IV, Act I: Arbitration
-
December 2
The delegations gather in Stockholm, and things quickly stall.
Eisenhower has become convinced that he should take the talks seriously, with Nixon helping formulate what the Americans want. Germany can unified, if it can be rearmed, and the Oder-Neisse Line is expendable, the forgiveness of Germany’s debts will be proposed, to initially deny the Soviets of this lucrative source of revenue.
Adenauer wants even more, the ability to rearm, with the ability to develop a nuclear deterrent, and territory beyond the Oder-Neisse. The French want to see Germany reunified, seeing it as potential economic partner, but with a neutered military. The British and French share this position, in addition, they don’t want Germany to get lands beyond the Oder-Neisse, as they don’t want reunified Germany to outgrow them.
The competing interests reveal harsh realities to the Americans, that their allies have differing interests and are not totally submissive. East Germany, on the other hand, is negotiating from the Soviet position, and has not much of say in what the Russians decide to do with them.
Adenauer faces pressure on the homefront, the CSU buckles on the issue, and threatens to split. The coalition government threatens to collapse, and the social democrats are campaigning strongly.
-
Meanwhile in Iran, the UN forces begin clashing with Fedayeen-al-Islam positions. The jihadists fight with unseen ferocity, but lack the logistics to mount a tangible defense.
-
December 4
After the opening blitz, the rebels are left with only Karaj and Qom. The Shia holy cities will be fiercely defended, and rather artillery or airstrikes are to be used is a disputed issue. The UN gives rebels 72 hours to surrender or defect, or else the cities will be taken by whatever means necessary.
-
Meanwhile, the United States tells West Germany to take the talks seriously, and Eisenhower has Adenauer told that he should be prepared to concede the Oder-Neisse, and the United States does will not support his nuclear ambitions.
In a minor breakthrough, the British and French budge on rearmament, allowing a Bundeswehr will 225,000, compared to the original 100,000.
-
December 6
Konrad Adenauer is rightly concerned that his party will fracture. His concerns are manifold, the reunification would mean more voters for the opposition parties. To counter, he proposes that largely Catholic Austria be reincorporated.
Even the Americans reject this ‘second Anschluss’, but propose that Germany and Austria enter a mutual defense organization, a customs union, and share a common currency. Adenauer is enthused with the idea, the French and British are nervous about creating such a large military and economic power.
Mikoyan conveys that an Austro-German currency, customs, and defense union could be acceptable to the Soviet Union, but insists reparations must be paid. Malenkov decides to throw some bacon into the deal to grease things, offering the release of the final German POWs.
-
December 7
Karaj and Qom flat reject the offer, and the UN and Imperial Iranian Army assault poorly armed radicals ready to fight to death. Outside observers report that the defense is as futile and even more fanatic than that in Berlin in 1945.
In Khorasan, the Imperial Iranian Army launches an offensive of its own, backed by UN air support, which demolishes INM frontlines.
-
December 8
West Germany tells the Americans that they are willing to give up the Oder-Neisse, and nuclear arms, should they be allowed to rearm with 500,000. Initially, only the West Germans and Americans find this acceptable. Malenkov, if necessary, is willing to make the concession.
Although the concession is seemingly radical, he reasons correctly that 1) Germany will be only neutral on paper 2) but like Finland, it is potential economic partner. 3) In peacetime, a large neutral German economy would be beneficial to the Soviets whilst threatening France and Britain. 4) In the advent of war, a German that large army wouldn’t matter, since they would reduced to ashes in atomic fire. 5) Also in the advent of such a war, Germany will lack time to coordinate with the Wallies, while the Eastern Bloc can quickly strike in unison, after German defenses have been nuked.
-
December 9
Iranian government troops push towards Nishapur, supported by UN air raids. The INM positions take heavy casualties, but hold, the offensive is perceived as the Shah’s bridge too far. The Iranian Imperial Army decides to wait to the UN ground forces to arrive.
-
December 10
Konrad Adenauer had been suffering from a bad cough and reports to the hospital. Konrad feared the worst, but is diagnosed with only pneumonia and hospitalized, his deputy, Ludwig Erhard assumes responsibilities. His is still briefed on what is happening, and for now intends to reassume office when his health improves.
-
December 11
Adenauer’s doctors urge him to retire, as he’s already 77, and the stress of office could shorten whatever time he has left. Meanwhile in Stockholm, the talks draw closer to a resolution.
Germany will be able to rearm with .40% of its population, or 400,000, Austria can rearm up to 100,000, not counting reserves or gendarmerie. Germany will have a moderate air force, and a minimal, limited naval force.
-
December 13
Karaj is retaken, with tens of thousands of jihadists dead and over 1,000 UN deaths. Qom is so far twice as bad, and bitter resistance continues.
Meanwhile in Russia, Malenkov’s agriculture reforms have seen to it that millions of livestock have been bred in time for birth in spring. Malenkov not completely contented with this benchmark, covertly resolves that Lysenkoism is not going to be used in next spring’s planting, and Lysenko is to ‘disappear’.
-
December 14
Trofim Lysenko is reported to have died in ‘car accident’. In reality Malenkov ordered him removed, and Ivan Serov saw to it. Lysenko was awoken around 2:00am by NKGB agents and driven to the forest northeast of Moscow where he was shot.
-
December 15
As Qom falls, Ghasem Kashani and Navvab Safavi vow to fight to the death. Kashani issues a fatwa, calling for a ‘righteous fight to the end’, declaring the guerilla warfare must be used until the decadent regime collapses. He calls any who support the regime deviants and proxies of the infidels, and declares that they are not to be trusted and must be killed. He declares that all who fight the long, holy war to liberate Iran will be martyrs.
Taiwanese troops storm the central mosque were the leaders are staying, the fighting vaguely resembles the final defense of the Reichstag. Kashani and Safavi requisition rifles, fix bayonets, and go down shooting.
When the battle is over, over 3,000 UN troops are dead and nearly 100,000 jihadists.
-
Meanwhile in Mashhad, the leader of the INM, Ayatollah *Basim Khushnoomshahi declares Safavi and Kashani, and all those who died martyrs, but he realizes his days are numbered. As the UN troops pick up on the drive towards Nishapur were the Iranian government left off, the rebels have a couple weeks at best. With defeat immanent, he packs up, leaving things to his deputy and departs with a couple dozen well-equipped true believers for a cave in eastern Iran.
Khushnoomshahi sends out orders that resistance is to continue, as long as it takes. The Iranian government will crack down, use authoritarian measures, and distrust the people, thus the support of the regime will eventually erode.
-
December 16
As Adenauer recovers, he receives word that Erhard has accepted a final agreement.
The final settlement of World War II, the declaration of Austro-Germany neutrality, and reunification stipulates the following terms for the resolution of all Austro-German international issues.
Military Provisions:
-The Final Settlement of the Second World War, Germany recognizes the loss of territories east of Oder-Neisse Line as a fait accompli. Reunified Germany will assume all responsibilities in the paying of owned damages minus previous contributions from East and West.
-All foreign powers are to withdraw all military personnel within by April 2.
-The establishment of the Nationalen Verteidigung Kraft (NVK, National Defense Force) in Germany, and the Bundesheer in Austria. The NVK is limited to 400,000 personnel, the Bundesheer to 100,000. The NVK and Bundesheer will work for mutual defense and are permitted to work conduct exercises together, but with no other nation.
-The establishment of 30km demilitarized zone around the outer borders of Austria and Germany.
-Germany and Austria renounces the right to issue a declaration of war, and all uses of force are strictly no-first-use.
-Germany and Austria are permitted to deploy abroad in UN security missions (all signatories possesses a veto on the UN Security Council.)
-Germany and Austria will not develop or possess, nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.
- All four signatories ( USA, UK, France and Soviet Union ) will guarantee the borders and independence of Germany and Austria. weapons
-Germany and Austria will have no more than missiles or artillery weapons with range of more than 20 miles
- German Navy will have not more than 75 000 t of ships
- Germany will not have, develop or produce submarines
- Germany and Austria can produce or buy all kinds of military equipment, except those items forbidden by this agreement.
- Signatory governments have the right to block any appointment of commander in NVK or Bundesheer in the rank of colonel and higher (until 1970) if they were previously high ranking officers (major or higher) in Wehrmacht.
- Former Waffen SS members can't serve in German Armed Forces
-
Political Provisions:
-Reunified Germany will officially be dubbed the German Federal Republic.
-The UN will organize an Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC), to oversee elections in the West and East Germany, the members of the commission will be from Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland. The elections are to be held within April 9(a week after the withdrawals of foreign forces.)
-The new capital of Germany will be Berlin, Austria Vienna
-The temporary establishment of a transitory provisional state in East Germany, allowing for liberalization, election campaigns, and a smooth transition, overseen by the Electoral Supervisory Council on January 30. East Germany will select a special appointee, with ESC approval, to head the provisional state, tasked with maintaining law and order, the implementation of the new constitution, and liberalization.
-The Weimar constitution will be the basis of the new constitution, included is freedom of speech, press, religion, and association.
-The Chancellor is to be appointed by the Bundestag, if a majority can be not be reached, the President can appoint a Chancellor, which is subject to a veto by absolute majority. The Chancellor can be removed with ‘constructive vote of no confidence’ with a 6/10 majority.
-The President is selected by Federal Convention and secret ballot. The office of Vice President is established, to be appointed by the president and approved by Federal Convention. The office is only for emergency purposes, upon the abdication of the President a new Federal Convention appointment will made.
-
When the news hits the wire, the people of West Germany, East Germany, and the diaspora, break into jubilation. No more will politics divide Germany, and the Stalin-era of the Cold War draws to close, the great powers of the world talked, rather than insulted, negotiated, rather than instigated.
December 19
Georgy Malenkov’s achievements making peace in Korea, Iran, and German will make him Man of the Year without a doubt. He looked down at the copy of Time with his picture upon it in his Kremlin office, and poured a celebratory glass of vodka with Nikolai Bulganin “To a year of progress!”
Bulganin smiled, and poured again “To many decades of progress, to many decades of us!”
“I can drink to that”, Malenkov drank, then sat the glass down “There is much work to do, but a lot was done…look at 1953, we set the tempo, we dictated the agenda.”
-
Meanwhile, the de facto capital of the INM, Mashhad, falls to UN troops. 15,000 jihadists and 400 troops, over 250 Americans, perish in the battle, not discounting the guerilla attacks harassing their rear and inflicting dozens of casualties here and there. The conventional war has ended, but the guerilla war is just beginning, the Islamists are there in the villages and mountains, harassing the remote platoons of the UN and Imperial Army. The pro-government Ayatollahs make an impact, but the true believers, the fundamentalists, are all over the country waiting for an opportunity to die for their God and take as many nonbelievers with them.
In America, Eisenhower is relieved with the Fall of Mashhad, he promised to keep America out of war, but the UN dragged him in, and if he scoffed that the organization would become a joke like the League of Nations. Most Americans approved of the war, but were confused, Moslems? Not Communists? But Fatemi was popular in the West, he represented sanity amidst that confusion. Between the Qom Crisis and German reunification, the Red Scare was already on its way out, Malenkov didn’t seem to be worth being afraid of (Malenkov liked being underestimated, all well the West thinks he’s docile and gentle.) Joseph McCarthy’s career was toast, but he declared “Malenkov is Red, he’s more cunning than Stalin, to be sure, he wants to trick us, he is tricking us, he’s walked foreign policy all year like a dog, to be sure, he’s not a gambler, but mark my words, he’s stacking the deck while we’re letting our guard down.”
But he faced flak even from fellow Republicans “Eisenhower’s policy has worked to reduce tension, reduced tension means reduced chance of war, war means the death of 1/3 of Americans.” Richard Nixon said in a press conference after reporters brought up McCarthy’s statements, effectively delivering the coup de grâce to McCarthy’s career, but Eisenhower tacitly approved, not approving of having his foreign policy slammed. While McCarthy thought the administration was falling into some sort of trap, Eisenhower proceeded, not blindly, but in good faith, with due vigilance.
-
December 25
Christmas 1953 goes off without a hitch in United States and Soviet Union, but in Egypt, the Christmas Coup was in the works.
Gamal Abdel Nasser was addressing a rally when some soldiers undercover for the Muslim Brotherhood tried to gun him down, they were disarmed by the angry crowd and his bodyguards. Meanwhile Muhammad Naguib tried to lead a putsch to remove Nasser, seizing the military headquarters and central radio station, but the plan leaked, and at the radio station and headquarters tanks were waiting for each of truck of Brotherhood troops. Naguib is arrested by the military Nasserists at his home and charged with treason and subversion, the likely sentence is death.
---
Don't hesitate to let me know what you think, comments are always welcomed.
---
Chapter IV, Act I: Arbitration
-
December 2
The delegations gather in Stockholm, and things quickly stall.
Eisenhower has become convinced that he should take the talks seriously, with Nixon helping formulate what the Americans want. Germany can unified, if it can be rearmed, and the Oder-Neisse Line is expendable, the forgiveness of Germany’s debts will be proposed, to initially deny the Soviets of this lucrative source of revenue.
Adenauer wants even more, the ability to rearm, with the ability to develop a nuclear deterrent, and territory beyond the Oder-Neisse. The French want to see Germany reunified, seeing it as potential economic partner, but with a neutered military. The British and French share this position, in addition, they don’t want Germany to get lands beyond the Oder-Neisse, as they don’t want reunified Germany to outgrow them.
The competing interests reveal harsh realities to the Americans, that their allies have differing interests and are not totally submissive. East Germany, on the other hand, is negotiating from the Soviet position, and has not much of say in what the Russians decide to do with them.
Adenauer faces pressure on the homefront, the CSU buckles on the issue, and threatens to split. The coalition government threatens to collapse, and the social democrats are campaigning strongly.
-
Meanwhile in Iran, the UN forces begin clashing with Fedayeen-al-Islam positions. The jihadists fight with unseen ferocity, but lack the logistics to mount a tangible defense.
-
December 4
After the opening blitz, the rebels are left with only Karaj and Qom. The Shia holy cities will be fiercely defended, and rather artillery or airstrikes are to be used is a disputed issue. The UN gives rebels 72 hours to surrender or defect, or else the cities will be taken by whatever means necessary.
-
Meanwhile, the United States tells West Germany to take the talks seriously, and Eisenhower has Adenauer told that he should be prepared to concede the Oder-Neisse, and the United States does will not support his nuclear ambitions.
In a minor breakthrough, the British and French budge on rearmament, allowing a Bundeswehr will 225,000, compared to the original 100,000.
-
December 6
Konrad Adenauer is rightly concerned that his party will fracture. His concerns are manifold, the reunification would mean more voters for the opposition parties. To counter, he proposes that largely Catholic Austria be reincorporated.
Even the Americans reject this ‘second Anschluss’, but propose that Germany and Austria enter a mutual defense organization, a customs union, and share a common currency. Adenauer is enthused with the idea, the French and British are nervous about creating such a large military and economic power.
Mikoyan conveys that an Austro-German currency, customs, and defense union could be acceptable to the Soviet Union, but insists reparations must be paid. Malenkov decides to throw some bacon into the deal to grease things, offering the release of the final German POWs.
-
December 7
Karaj and Qom flat reject the offer, and the UN and Imperial Iranian Army assault poorly armed radicals ready to fight to death. Outside observers report that the defense is as futile and even more fanatic than that in Berlin in 1945.
In Khorasan, the Imperial Iranian Army launches an offensive of its own, backed by UN air support, which demolishes INM frontlines.
-
December 8
West Germany tells the Americans that they are willing to give up the Oder-Neisse, and nuclear arms, should they be allowed to rearm with 500,000. Initially, only the West Germans and Americans find this acceptable. Malenkov, if necessary, is willing to make the concession.
Although the concession is seemingly radical, he reasons correctly that 1) Germany will be only neutral on paper 2) but like Finland, it is potential economic partner. 3) In peacetime, a large neutral German economy would be beneficial to the Soviets whilst threatening France and Britain. 4) In the advent of war, a German that large army wouldn’t matter, since they would reduced to ashes in atomic fire. 5) Also in the advent of such a war, Germany will lack time to coordinate with the Wallies, while the Eastern Bloc can quickly strike in unison, after German defenses have been nuked.
-
December 9
Iranian government troops push towards Nishapur, supported by UN air raids. The INM positions take heavy casualties, but hold, the offensive is perceived as the Shah’s bridge too far. The Iranian Imperial Army decides to wait to the UN ground forces to arrive.
-
December 10
Konrad Adenauer had been suffering from a bad cough and reports to the hospital. Konrad feared the worst, but is diagnosed with only pneumonia and hospitalized, his deputy, Ludwig Erhard assumes responsibilities. His is still briefed on what is happening, and for now intends to reassume office when his health improves.
-
December 11
Adenauer’s doctors urge him to retire, as he’s already 77, and the stress of office could shorten whatever time he has left. Meanwhile in Stockholm, the talks draw closer to a resolution.
Germany will be able to rearm with .40% of its population, or 400,000, Austria can rearm up to 100,000, not counting reserves or gendarmerie. Germany will have a moderate air force, and a minimal, limited naval force.
-
December 13
Karaj is retaken, with tens of thousands of jihadists dead and over 1,000 UN deaths. Qom is so far twice as bad, and bitter resistance continues.
Meanwhile in Russia, Malenkov’s agriculture reforms have seen to it that millions of livestock have been bred in time for birth in spring. Malenkov not completely contented with this benchmark, covertly resolves that Lysenkoism is not going to be used in next spring’s planting, and Lysenko is to ‘disappear’.
-
December 14
Trofim Lysenko is reported to have died in ‘car accident’. In reality Malenkov ordered him removed, and Ivan Serov saw to it. Lysenko was awoken around 2:00am by NKGB agents and driven to the forest northeast of Moscow where he was shot.
-
December 15
As Qom falls, Ghasem Kashani and Navvab Safavi vow to fight to the death. Kashani issues a fatwa, calling for a ‘righteous fight to the end’, declaring the guerilla warfare must be used until the decadent regime collapses. He calls any who support the regime deviants and proxies of the infidels, and declares that they are not to be trusted and must be killed. He declares that all who fight the long, holy war to liberate Iran will be martyrs.
Taiwanese troops storm the central mosque were the leaders are staying, the fighting vaguely resembles the final defense of the Reichstag. Kashani and Safavi requisition rifles, fix bayonets, and go down shooting.
When the battle is over, over 3,000 UN troops are dead and nearly 100,000 jihadists.
-
Meanwhile in Mashhad, the leader of the INM, Ayatollah *Basim Khushnoomshahi declares Safavi and Kashani, and all those who died martyrs, but he realizes his days are numbered. As the UN troops pick up on the drive towards Nishapur were the Iranian government left off, the rebels have a couple weeks at best. With defeat immanent, he packs up, leaving things to his deputy and departs with a couple dozen well-equipped true believers for a cave in eastern Iran.
Khushnoomshahi sends out orders that resistance is to continue, as long as it takes. The Iranian government will crack down, use authoritarian measures, and distrust the people, thus the support of the regime will eventually erode.
-
December 16
As Adenauer recovers, he receives word that Erhard has accepted a final agreement.
The final settlement of World War II, the declaration of Austro-Germany neutrality, and reunification stipulates the following terms for the resolution of all Austro-German international issues.
Military Provisions:
-The Final Settlement of the Second World War, Germany recognizes the loss of territories east of Oder-Neisse Line as a fait accompli. Reunified Germany will assume all responsibilities in the paying of owned damages minus previous contributions from East and West.
-All foreign powers are to withdraw all military personnel within by April 2.
-The establishment of the Nationalen Verteidigung Kraft (NVK, National Defense Force) in Germany, and the Bundesheer in Austria. The NVK is limited to 400,000 personnel, the Bundesheer to 100,000. The NVK and Bundesheer will work for mutual defense and are permitted to work conduct exercises together, but with no other nation.
-The establishment of 30km demilitarized zone around the outer borders of Austria and Germany.
-Germany and Austria renounces the right to issue a declaration of war, and all uses of force are strictly no-first-use.
-Germany and Austria are permitted to deploy abroad in UN security missions (all signatories possesses a veto on the UN Security Council.)
-Germany and Austria will not develop or possess, nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.
- All four signatories ( USA, UK, France and Soviet Union ) will guarantee the borders and independence of Germany and Austria. weapons
-Germany and Austria will have no more than missiles or artillery weapons with range of more than 20 miles
- German Navy will have not more than 75 000 t of ships
- Germany will not have, develop or produce submarines
- Germany and Austria can produce or buy all kinds of military equipment, except those items forbidden by this agreement.
- Signatory governments have the right to block any appointment of commander in NVK or Bundesheer in the rank of colonel and higher (until 1970) if they were previously high ranking officers (major or higher) in Wehrmacht.
- Former Waffen SS members can't serve in German Armed Forces
-
Political Provisions:
-Reunified Germany will officially be dubbed the German Federal Republic.
-The UN will organize an Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC), to oversee elections in the West and East Germany, the members of the commission will be from Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland. The elections are to be held within April 9(a week after the withdrawals of foreign forces.)
-The new capital of Germany will be Berlin, Austria Vienna
-The temporary establishment of a transitory provisional state in East Germany, allowing for liberalization, election campaigns, and a smooth transition, overseen by the Electoral Supervisory Council on January 30. East Germany will select a special appointee, with ESC approval, to head the provisional state, tasked with maintaining law and order, the implementation of the new constitution, and liberalization.
-The Weimar constitution will be the basis of the new constitution, included is freedom of speech, press, religion, and association.
-The Chancellor is to be appointed by the Bundestag, if a majority can be not be reached, the President can appoint a Chancellor, which is subject to a veto by absolute majority. The Chancellor can be removed with ‘constructive vote of no confidence’ with a 6/10 majority.
-The President is selected by Federal Convention and secret ballot. The office of Vice President is established, to be appointed by the president and approved by Federal Convention. The office is only for emergency purposes, upon the abdication of the President a new Federal Convention appointment will made.
-
When the news hits the wire, the people of West Germany, East Germany, and the diaspora, break into jubilation. No more will politics divide Germany, and the Stalin-era of the Cold War draws to close, the great powers of the world talked, rather than insulted, negotiated, rather than instigated.
December 19
Georgy Malenkov’s achievements making peace in Korea, Iran, and German will make him Man of the Year without a doubt. He looked down at the copy of Time with his picture upon it in his Kremlin office, and poured a celebratory glass of vodka with Nikolai Bulganin “To a year of progress!”
Bulganin smiled, and poured again “To many decades of progress, to many decades of us!”
“I can drink to that”, Malenkov drank, then sat the glass down “There is much work to do, but a lot was done…look at 1953, we set the tempo, we dictated the agenda.”
-
Meanwhile, the de facto capital of the INM, Mashhad, falls to UN troops. 15,000 jihadists and 400 troops, over 250 Americans, perish in the battle, not discounting the guerilla attacks harassing their rear and inflicting dozens of casualties here and there. The conventional war has ended, but the guerilla war is just beginning, the Islamists are there in the villages and mountains, harassing the remote platoons of the UN and Imperial Army. The pro-government Ayatollahs make an impact, but the true believers, the fundamentalists, are all over the country waiting for an opportunity to die for their God and take as many nonbelievers with them.
In America, Eisenhower is relieved with the Fall of Mashhad, he promised to keep America out of war, but the UN dragged him in, and if he scoffed that the organization would become a joke like the League of Nations. Most Americans approved of the war, but were confused, Moslems? Not Communists? But Fatemi was popular in the West, he represented sanity amidst that confusion. Between the Qom Crisis and German reunification, the Red Scare was already on its way out, Malenkov didn’t seem to be worth being afraid of (Malenkov liked being underestimated, all well the West thinks he’s docile and gentle.) Joseph McCarthy’s career was toast, but he declared “Malenkov is Red, he’s more cunning than Stalin, to be sure, he wants to trick us, he is tricking us, he’s walked foreign policy all year like a dog, to be sure, he’s not a gambler, but mark my words, he’s stacking the deck while we’re letting our guard down.”
But he faced flak even from fellow Republicans “Eisenhower’s policy has worked to reduce tension, reduced tension means reduced chance of war, war means the death of 1/3 of Americans.” Richard Nixon said in a press conference after reporters brought up McCarthy’s statements, effectively delivering the coup de grâce to McCarthy’s career, but Eisenhower tacitly approved, not approving of having his foreign policy slammed. While McCarthy thought the administration was falling into some sort of trap, Eisenhower proceeded, not blindly, but in good faith, with due vigilance.
-
December 25
Christmas 1953 goes off without a hitch in United States and Soviet Union, but in Egypt, the Christmas Coup was in the works.
Gamal Abdel Nasser was addressing a rally when some soldiers undercover for the Muslim Brotherhood tried to gun him down, they were disarmed by the angry crowd and his bodyguards. Meanwhile Muhammad Naguib tried to lead a putsch to remove Nasser, seizing the military headquarters and central radio station, but the plan leaked, and at the radio station and headquarters tanks were waiting for each of truck of Brotherhood troops. Naguib is arrested by the military Nasserists at his home and charged with treason and subversion, the likely sentence is death.
---
Don't hesitate to let me know what you think, comments are always welcomed.
Last edited:
Looks like the world is heading for peace in our time. I wonder how long that will last?
Ouch! Poor Lysenko! Sure his theories were crap and science stagnated but you can kill his Rep or Influence without actually killing him.... Let him fade into obscurity?
What a way to go too.... Couldn't they have slipped him something in a drink instead?
I could understand some of Germany policy but to give up Korea as well? Wow!
What a way to go too.... Couldn't they have slipped him something in a drink instead?
I could understand some of Germany policy but to give up Korea as well? Wow!
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
Well, tensions may be reduced, but at this point they are an inevitability, the Middle East, and soon Africa will be contested still. And then there's Indochina...
First, Malenkov did not give up Korea, or Communist North Korea, the reference to his peacemaking in Korea was how he reigned in the Chinese and got them to sit at the table.
Second, the treatment of Lysenko, wasn't uncalled for, he was far from innocent. Sure he could've been allowed to fade into obscurity, but that would take time, which Malenkov would rather be using pursuing rational agricultural policies.
Now to think Malenkov wouldn't act so heavy-handedly is guesswork. He was Stalin's protege and designated successor, he was involved in the purges, interestingly he was the only member of the Politburo to also dress like Stalin. Either way, considerations of morality or mercy are nonexistent, Malenkov was coldly rational. The 'car accident' allows the perception that the harsh purges are over, while still getting rid of an obstacle.
If Mao gets humiliated like that, he can get replaced. This is still the infancy of his power, and the moderates can move to get rid of him. He doesn't have absolute power yet.
Please, I beg you, get rid of Mao. Please. Please. Please.
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
I have made a few small errors and have sought to repair them, here are the changes that have been made...
The update on who is in charge of the Soviet Union of November 7 has been updated. Nikolay Shvernik is not replaced with Voroshilov, as this is in fact, unnecessary, since Shvernik is a rubber-stamp who will acquiesce to the chairman. Also Kosygin has been mentioned as Deputy Premier.
To clarify, this is the new order.
And in terms of German Reunification the withdrawals have been changed to 'by April 2' instead of within 100 days, and elections are to held on April 9, a Friday, since before they fell onto a Sunday, which would make it harder to vote fore churchgoers, so instead there will be an election holiday. Also a new tenant has been added to the reunification agreement...
I apologize for these errors, and have thus sought to reconcile them.
The update on who is in charge of the Soviet Union of November 7 has been updated. Nikolay Shvernik is not replaced with Voroshilov, as this is in fact, unnecessary, since Shvernik is a rubber-stamp who will acquiesce to the chairman. Also Kosygin has been mentioned as Deputy Premier.
To clarify, this is the new order.
And in terms of German Reunification the withdrawals have been changed to 'by April 2' instead of within 100 days, and elections are to held on April 9, a Friday, since before they fell onto a Sunday, which would make it harder to vote fore churchgoers, so instead there will be an election holiday. Also a new tenant has been added to the reunification agreement...
I apologize for these errors, and have thus sought to reconcile them.
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
Glad you are interested, thanks commenting. Things are only bound to get more interesting.
Thanks, welcome.
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
It's finally back, and about time, I want to this faster than real time.
Thanks as always for the support and feedback.
---
Chapter IV, Act II
-
Meanwhile in Indochina.
The National Army of Vietnam (NAV) and the French forces in Vietnam have been leading push against the Vietminh since the beginning of the dry season in November. Across the Mekong delta and into the areas north and northeast of Saigon, the French and NAV are on the march. They achieve only mild success as the Vietminh retreat or hide in the local populations, leaving arms caches behind and striking their logistics at night.
Henri Navarre devises Operation Roitelet, a plan to move French troops into the area between Vietnam and Laos, and construct an artillery base to harass an intersection of important Vietminh roads, to both stop supplies flowing in from Red China and Vietminh moving into Laos. It will draw the Vietminh into a pitched battle and give the French a tangible victory.
The decision in made to construct a base in the mountains between Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, and Son La. From early to mid-November Montagnards lay the groundwork, finding a suitable location and clearing the way for airstrip. In late November, the French arrive and a bulldozer in dropped to begin heavier work.
Throughout December, the buildup continues, CIA and French pilots fly in artillery and light tanks, trenches are dug, machinegun nests constructed, and work on peripheral firing bases begins. Since the base is far from any trails used by the Vietminh, the work goes unseen.
By Christmas, over 9,000 French Foreign Legion and Montagnard troops stand ready to defend the base. Bags of concrete arrive, and more artillery and heavy machine guns are dropped in.
-
December 26
Mohammed Naguib is sentenced to death, Nasser begins to purge the government of the Wafd Party and Muslim Brotherhood, solidifying his rule and utilizing the fervor the attempted assassination and coup has generated.
-
December 27
The UN command meets to discuss the future Iran. Elections are scheduled for July, and the Imperial Iranian Army is to double from 130,000 to 260,000 to allow them to begin handling their own security and for the UN to withdraw. Eisenhower wants out of Iran as soon as feasible, to make good on his promise to keep the United States out of war. Guerilla war being raged against the UN and Iranian army makes it clear that this war is far from over, and Eisenhower and Nixon don’t want it to be an American war.
The Americans and British will provide Iran with the arms necessary to defend itself and stop the insurgency.
-
December 28
Malenkov announces to Central Committee that a goal for 1954 is to be bureaucratic reform, he makes it clear that bureaucracies are to be merged and restructured to increase efficiency.
-
New Year’s goes off without complication, the Americans end the holiday season and return to work.
-
January 1
Mao Zedong tells the Chinese Politburo that he would like to create a buffer in Vietnam like in Korea, and that if the French aren’t gone by next year, that the Chinese get involved. “The Americans are exhausted and very would be less opt to fight in such a decolonization conflict, we mustn’t allow a hostile state to exist on our border. Therefore we must ramp up our support for the Vietminh’s people’s struggle, so that they may build up to the point where, by next dry season they can push the French out of the cities and into the sea.”
-
January 2
Georgy Malenkov views Indonesia as an even prospective ally than India. With a growing Communist party, and a massive socialist peripheral apparatus, and a sympathetic leader, it seems an easy target.
He devises a system of ‘selective aid’, whereas foreign nations will be able to ‘shop’ in Russia, presenting requests of things they need or want. He discusses it with Bulganin in his office. “You see, rather than us giving what we want to give them, they ask us, if Burma wants tractors, they ask for tractors, and they give them to us, rather than us giving them unneeded concrete, for instance.”
“’shopping’? What’s the cost?”
“Well, influence is the worth the price, a little détente coupled with a lot of dependence and diplomacy could go a long way.”
“So we slowly conquer the world without firing a shot.”
“Winning the world without a world war.”
“I like the way you think.”
“They won’t see what game we’re playing until we’ve swept most of the board.”
-
January 3
As the war in Indochina drags on, it becomes more and more of a Vietnamese war, as last year Laos and Cambodia went their own way with the guise of nominal ‘neutrality’. The French are tired, and seeking an exit. But Henri Navarre has confidence of Prime Minister Joseph Laniel whose party, the National Centre of Independents and Peasants, is still banking on a triumphant and dignified French exit, something he’s convinced Operation Roitelet can give.
Little do they know that China is considering putting their down, and Vo Nguyen Giap has calculated the conventional warfare offensive on the Red River Delta, and it’s jewel, Hanoi, can begin November as he achieves numerical parity and is far better equipped than the French realize.
-
January 6
The National Advisory Board is formed, made of members of previous unnamed security council and some important ministers. The Board hold no de jure power, but it is great consolidation of de facto power for Malenkov and his allies.
-
Thursday, January 7
Workers across the Soviet Union receive the day off for Christmas in the Russian Orthodox Church, giving them an extended weekend. Georgy Malenkov and Georgy Zhukov themselves are members of the Russian Orthodox faith, although officially it is deemed a ‘secular holiday’ to gain the goodwill of people of all faiths, it also helps Malenkov gain goodwill and influence with the Church, and despite efforts to erode it, it is still a powerful force in Russia.
-
January 10
In Indochina, the Vietminh begin moving troops into eastern Laos to strengthen their negotiating position unopposed. Henri Navarre hopes to cut the Vietminh off and have the Montagnards grind them down in Laos once Operation Roitelet bears its fruit, as such the French move even more eggs into that basket. The Vietminh hope the French overextend themselves and plan on harassing the fringes of French control once the rainy season starts in April.
-
January 11
The Presidium approves Georgy Malenkov’s plan to create an International Peace Corps, an organization with a tame name that will provide technicians, advisors, engineers, and doctors to the neutral nations to woo them towards Moscow. All personnel is given a crash course in the customs, cultural, and language of their deployment destinations. This round covers Iran, Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Egypt, and Burma.
That afternoon the Board gathers in the Kremlin, Malenkov confidently sits at the head of the table, a big portrait of himself has joined those of Lenin and Stalin on the wall. They discuss the next agenda, Malenkov says he wants ideas on increasing tractor production “tractor production is an obvious choice, it frees up farmers to move to the cities to do other jobs, and makes the job of other farmers easier, and more productive, it also builds an industrial and agricultural base simultaneously.”
Zhukov nods “All and well, but tractor plants are already pulling full shifts.”
“And what of more tractor plants?”
Kaganovich nods “Where do want them, I can build them.”
“We should continue to industrialize Central Asia, so Tashkent for sure, one as big is in Minsk, in Tashkent.”
Khrushchev agrees “The more tractors the merrier! Yesterday we conquered the soil with tanks, now let us till it…”
Kosygin juts in “We should construct a new city along the Main Turkmen Canal, it would help Sovietize, and industrialize the area, like Tselinograd did for the Kazak SRR. We build dozens of cities in the 1930s, so building one city should be easy.”
Malenkov is pleased “Good suggestion, Kosygin, we’ll have to name it, give it 500,000 people, and a subway, we’ll make it a showcase.”
“It’s in Central Asia, why not call it Malenkovabad?”
“It has a nice ring to it”
“And while we are on subject, since we are repairing our relations with the Americans, we should try and get some tractors designs from them…Allis-Chalmers sold lots to us during the 1930s and first half of the 1940s, we should reestablish the business connection, since their tractors are top-of-the-line and reliable. And while a couple of us is in the Midwest we could study American farming methods, tour their other tractor factories, John Deere is in the same state, Minneapolis is jump over, so is Detroit. I believe comrade Zhukov has a relationship with Eisenhower, he is the obvious choice to send.”
Zhukov agrees “And you should these factories and farms for yourself, you should come with me.”
“We could also facilitate a cultural exchange, we have very fine symphonies and ballets we could send to United States, it would be an investment that actually would make us money.”
Malenkov nods again “Very well, Mikoyan can get things going with the American embassy, we’ll test the waters.”
-
Monday, January 25
Marshal Zhukov and Deputy Premier Alexei Kosygin begin their visit to the United States, touching down in Washington D.C., were they will link up with Eisenhower, then to Detroit, Milwaukee, Horicon, Minneapolis, and Des Moines.
Eisenhower has arranged for the guests to be treated like royalty, more than his friendship with Zhukov is on the line. If tensions are reduced, it will strengthen his wing of the Republican Party and weaken hawkish sentiments, this will allow defense spending to be used on other things, like his highway project. At the White House, Marshal Zhukov and General Eisenhower reminisce and Zhukov assures of him of the Soviets Union’s good intentions.
Eisenhower is impressed by Kosygin’s intellect, and makes of note of it, Kosygin explains that the Soviets wish to conduct an exchange of highbrow culture, so the Americans can see that Soviets aren’t evil, and so Soviets can see that Americans aren’t evil. Eisenhower agrees that it is a good idea.
They talk of agriculture, and Kosygin explains that the Soviet Union is very interested in studying American innovations in the field of agriculture, and explains that if the Soviet Union could better exploit its agricultural potential, the two nations could work together to eliminate world hunger. While Eisenhower likes the idea, and it sounds good on paper, that means building up the Soviet Union’s industrial and agricultural potential, which has the potential to backfire if the Soviets turn on him.
Nonetheless the meeting is general success and the two nations do agree to a cultural exchange, however Eisenhower explains that hardware won’t be able to be exchanged if he can’t lift the sanctions in Congress, but he will try once the tour is over.
-
January 26
Chiang Kai-shek, while visiting the United States drumming the support of the anti-Communists is killed. While in New York Chinatown Kuomintang rally he was shot from a rooftop by sniper *Clark Dembinski, a veteran of the Korean War, who was brainwashed into Maoism while a POW, this did not bid well with his postwar addiction to painkillers for his untreated PTSD, which was compounded by his schizophrenia. He was caught easily, as he walked down the street with his rifle shouldered, perhaps unaware of the situation, when detained babbled incoherently until shouting “Glory to Chairman Mao! You can’t stop the revolution!”
Hours later in Formosa, Chen Cheng, the Vice President is sworn in, conspiracy theories abound.
---
It should be elaborated that IOTL cultural exchanges did not begin for another couple years, so things are moving ahead. IOTL the Soviet Union got tons of tractors as part of Lend-Lease, many from Allis-Chalmers. The reason I emphasize them is because I myself am from Wisconsin and we still lots of those old tractors around, so clearly they are very reliable, durable, and liked by farmers, not to mention that a couple of the major tractor companies happened to be based in such a obscure state.
Chiang getting taken out like he did kind've harks to YLi's 'The East is Red' timeline, this timeline won't have that level of insanity, but don't think we won't have fun either
Comments, suggestions, and criticism is always welcomed.
Thanks as always for the support and feedback.
---
Chapter IV, Act II
-
Meanwhile in Indochina.
The National Army of Vietnam (NAV) and the French forces in Vietnam have been leading push against the Vietminh since the beginning of the dry season in November. Across the Mekong delta and into the areas north and northeast of Saigon, the French and NAV are on the march. They achieve only mild success as the Vietminh retreat or hide in the local populations, leaving arms caches behind and striking their logistics at night.
Henri Navarre devises Operation Roitelet, a plan to move French troops into the area between Vietnam and Laos, and construct an artillery base to harass an intersection of important Vietminh roads, to both stop supplies flowing in from Red China and Vietminh moving into Laos. It will draw the Vietminh into a pitched battle and give the French a tangible victory.
The decision in made to construct a base in the mountains between Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, and Son La. From early to mid-November Montagnards lay the groundwork, finding a suitable location and clearing the way for airstrip. In late November, the French arrive and a bulldozer in dropped to begin heavier work.
Throughout December, the buildup continues, CIA and French pilots fly in artillery and light tanks, trenches are dug, machinegun nests constructed, and work on peripheral firing bases begins. Since the base is far from any trails used by the Vietminh, the work goes unseen.
By Christmas, over 9,000 French Foreign Legion and Montagnard troops stand ready to defend the base. Bags of concrete arrive, and more artillery and heavy machine guns are dropped in.
-
December 26
Mohammed Naguib is sentenced to death, Nasser begins to purge the government of the Wafd Party and Muslim Brotherhood, solidifying his rule and utilizing the fervor the attempted assassination and coup has generated.
-
December 27
The UN command meets to discuss the future Iran. Elections are scheduled for July, and the Imperial Iranian Army is to double from 130,000 to 260,000 to allow them to begin handling their own security and for the UN to withdraw. Eisenhower wants out of Iran as soon as feasible, to make good on his promise to keep the United States out of war. Guerilla war being raged against the UN and Iranian army makes it clear that this war is far from over, and Eisenhower and Nixon don’t want it to be an American war.
The Americans and British will provide Iran with the arms necessary to defend itself and stop the insurgency.
-
December 28
Malenkov announces to Central Committee that a goal for 1954 is to be bureaucratic reform, he makes it clear that bureaucracies are to be merged and restructured to increase efficiency.
-
New Year’s goes off without complication, the Americans end the holiday season and return to work.
-
January 1
Mao Zedong tells the Chinese Politburo that he would like to create a buffer in Vietnam like in Korea, and that if the French aren’t gone by next year, that the Chinese get involved. “The Americans are exhausted and very would be less opt to fight in such a decolonization conflict, we mustn’t allow a hostile state to exist on our border. Therefore we must ramp up our support for the Vietminh’s people’s struggle, so that they may build up to the point where, by next dry season they can push the French out of the cities and into the sea.”
-
January 2
Georgy Malenkov views Indonesia as an even prospective ally than India. With a growing Communist party, and a massive socialist peripheral apparatus, and a sympathetic leader, it seems an easy target.
He devises a system of ‘selective aid’, whereas foreign nations will be able to ‘shop’ in Russia, presenting requests of things they need or want. He discusses it with Bulganin in his office. “You see, rather than us giving what we want to give them, they ask us, if Burma wants tractors, they ask for tractors, and they give them to us, rather than us giving them unneeded concrete, for instance.”
“’shopping’? What’s the cost?”
“Well, influence is the worth the price, a little détente coupled with a lot of dependence and diplomacy could go a long way.”
“So we slowly conquer the world without firing a shot.”
“Winning the world without a world war.”
“I like the way you think.”
“They won’t see what game we’re playing until we’ve swept most of the board.”
-
January 3
As the war in Indochina drags on, it becomes more and more of a Vietnamese war, as last year Laos and Cambodia went their own way with the guise of nominal ‘neutrality’. The French are tired, and seeking an exit. But Henri Navarre has confidence of Prime Minister Joseph Laniel whose party, the National Centre of Independents and Peasants, is still banking on a triumphant and dignified French exit, something he’s convinced Operation Roitelet can give.
Little do they know that China is considering putting their down, and Vo Nguyen Giap has calculated the conventional warfare offensive on the Red River Delta, and it’s jewel, Hanoi, can begin November as he achieves numerical parity and is far better equipped than the French realize.
-
January 6
The National Advisory Board is formed, made of members of previous unnamed security council and some important ministers. The Board hold no de jure power, but it is great consolidation of de facto power for Malenkov and his allies.
-
Thursday, January 7
Workers across the Soviet Union receive the day off for Christmas in the Russian Orthodox Church, giving them an extended weekend. Georgy Malenkov and Georgy Zhukov themselves are members of the Russian Orthodox faith, although officially it is deemed a ‘secular holiday’ to gain the goodwill of people of all faiths, it also helps Malenkov gain goodwill and influence with the Church, and despite efforts to erode it, it is still a powerful force in Russia.
-
January 10
In Indochina, the Vietminh begin moving troops into eastern Laos to strengthen their negotiating position unopposed. Henri Navarre hopes to cut the Vietminh off and have the Montagnards grind them down in Laos once Operation Roitelet bears its fruit, as such the French move even more eggs into that basket. The Vietminh hope the French overextend themselves and plan on harassing the fringes of French control once the rainy season starts in April.
-
January 11
The Presidium approves Georgy Malenkov’s plan to create an International Peace Corps, an organization with a tame name that will provide technicians, advisors, engineers, and doctors to the neutral nations to woo them towards Moscow. All personnel is given a crash course in the customs, cultural, and language of their deployment destinations. This round covers Iran, Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Egypt, and Burma.
That afternoon the Board gathers in the Kremlin, Malenkov confidently sits at the head of the table, a big portrait of himself has joined those of Lenin and Stalin on the wall. They discuss the next agenda, Malenkov says he wants ideas on increasing tractor production “tractor production is an obvious choice, it frees up farmers to move to the cities to do other jobs, and makes the job of other farmers easier, and more productive, it also builds an industrial and agricultural base simultaneously.”
Zhukov nods “All and well, but tractor plants are already pulling full shifts.”
“And what of more tractor plants?”
Kaganovich nods “Where do want them, I can build them.”
“We should continue to industrialize Central Asia, so Tashkent for sure, one as big is in Minsk, in Tashkent.”
Khrushchev agrees “The more tractors the merrier! Yesterday we conquered the soil with tanks, now let us till it…”
Kosygin juts in “We should construct a new city along the Main Turkmen Canal, it would help Sovietize, and industrialize the area, like Tselinograd did for the Kazak SRR. We build dozens of cities in the 1930s, so building one city should be easy.”
Malenkov is pleased “Good suggestion, Kosygin, we’ll have to name it, give it 500,000 people, and a subway, we’ll make it a showcase.”
“It’s in Central Asia, why not call it Malenkovabad?”
“It has a nice ring to it”
“And while we are on subject, since we are repairing our relations with the Americans, we should try and get some tractors designs from them…Allis-Chalmers sold lots to us during the 1930s and first half of the 1940s, we should reestablish the business connection, since their tractors are top-of-the-line and reliable. And while a couple of us is in the Midwest we could study American farming methods, tour their other tractor factories, John Deere is in the same state, Minneapolis is jump over, so is Detroit. I believe comrade Zhukov has a relationship with Eisenhower, he is the obvious choice to send.”
Zhukov agrees “And you should these factories and farms for yourself, you should come with me.”
“We could also facilitate a cultural exchange, we have very fine symphonies and ballets we could send to United States, it would be an investment that actually would make us money.”
Malenkov nods again “Very well, Mikoyan can get things going with the American embassy, we’ll test the waters.”
-
Monday, January 25
Marshal Zhukov and Deputy Premier Alexei Kosygin begin their visit to the United States, touching down in Washington D.C., were they will link up with Eisenhower, then to Detroit, Milwaukee, Horicon, Minneapolis, and Des Moines.
Eisenhower has arranged for the guests to be treated like royalty, more than his friendship with Zhukov is on the line. If tensions are reduced, it will strengthen his wing of the Republican Party and weaken hawkish sentiments, this will allow defense spending to be used on other things, like his highway project. At the White House, Marshal Zhukov and General Eisenhower reminisce and Zhukov assures of him of the Soviets Union’s good intentions.
Eisenhower is impressed by Kosygin’s intellect, and makes of note of it, Kosygin explains that the Soviets wish to conduct an exchange of highbrow culture, so the Americans can see that Soviets aren’t evil, and so Soviets can see that Americans aren’t evil. Eisenhower agrees that it is a good idea.
They talk of agriculture, and Kosygin explains that the Soviet Union is very interested in studying American innovations in the field of agriculture, and explains that if the Soviet Union could better exploit its agricultural potential, the two nations could work together to eliminate world hunger. While Eisenhower likes the idea, and it sounds good on paper, that means building up the Soviet Union’s industrial and agricultural potential, which has the potential to backfire if the Soviets turn on him.
Nonetheless the meeting is general success and the two nations do agree to a cultural exchange, however Eisenhower explains that hardware won’t be able to be exchanged if he can’t lift the sanctions in Congress, but he will try once the tour is over.
-
January 26
Chiang Kai-shek, while visiting the United States drumming the support of the anti-Communists is killed. While in New York Chinatown Kuomintang rally he was shot from a rooftop by sniper *Clark Dembinski, a veteran of the Korean War, who was brainwashed into Maoism while a POW, this did not bid well with his postwar addiction to painkillers for his untreated PTSD, which was compounded by his schizophrenia. He was caught easily, as he walked down the street with his rifle shouldered, perhaps unaware of the situation, when detained babbled incoherently until shouting “Glory to Chairman Mao! You can’t stop the revolution!”
Hours later in Formosa, Chen Cheng, the Vice President is sworn in, conspiracy theories abound.
---
It should be elaborated that IOTL cultural exchanges did not begin for another couple years, so things are moving ahead. IOTL the Soviet Union got tons of tractors as part of Lend-Lease, many from Allis-Chalmers. The reason I emphasize them is because I myself am from Wisconsin and we still lots of those old tractors around, so clearly they are very reliable, durable, and liked by farmers, not to mention that a couple of the major tractor companies happened to be based in such a obscure state.
Chiang getting taken out like he did kind've harks to YLi's 'The East is Red' timeline, this timeline won't have that level of insanity, but don't think we won't have fun either
Comments, suggestions, and criticism is always welcomed.
Last edited:
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
Anastas Mikoyan is Foreign Minister, he brokered led the delegation and brokered the deal in the Stockholm Conference that reunified Germany ITTL.
Brosip Broz Tito
Banned
I said I wanted to faster updates for you guys, so I cranked this out. It's a bit wordy, and the month it covers has a lot happening, and i'm still trying to settle into a writing style. So I hope you guys enjoy.
---
Chapter V, Act I: Machinery
-
January 27
Marshal Zhukov and Alexei Kosygin arrive in Detroit, the famed capital of American industry.
The Soviet delegation spends the day touring factories and watching educational films. The make stops at the factories of the large companies, like Ford and Chevrolet.
-
In Czechoslovakia, the General Secretary, Klement Gottwald dies of a massive heart attack, he had heart issues compounded by chain-smoking. The Soviet-backed candidate, Gustav Husak, becomes the new General Secretary, and leader of Czechoslovakia.
-
In Taiwan, Sun Li-jen and President Chen Cheng make plans to halve the number of political commissars in the military, and introduce market reforms like Japan, while the socialistic elements of the Kuomintang will transition into populism and a welfare state is to be slowly built to solidify their power. The secret police will be reined in, but maintained to ensure that their control is firmly unopposed.
-
January 28
The Soviet delegation arrives in Milwaukee, were they are given a warm welcome by members of state senate and the Governor. They drive up to the West Allis, the Milwaukee suburb were the main Allis-Chalmers factory is based. They are given a tour by the CEO, and again they watch some educational films. The Soviet delegation is wooed by the production and products that are more advanced than what they have.
-
January 29
The Soviet delegation tours the John Deere factory in Horicon, Wisconsin. They are equally impressed.
-
January 30
The Soviet delegation tours the Case tractor factory in Racine, Wisconsin.
-
Meanwhile in Germany, the political campaigns are launched in earnest as the East German government, supervised by the Electoral Supervisory Commission, undergoes a smooth transition into a provisional government (Elections are scheduled for April 2.)
In East Germany, the Social Democrats and Communists immediately split, no longer bound together. Otto Grotewhol will launch his own campaign for the Communists, calculating that the Communists will be far from a majority, but may hope to get enough votes to become a force in a coalition.
Ludwig Erhard, previously an independent, campaigns for the CDU and the Chancellorship
He and Konrad Adenauer make a triumphant visit to Berlin as the city is reunified. Erhard and Grotewhol shake hands, and commit to reunification. The East German government, supervised by the Electoral Supervisory Commission, transitions into the Provisional State of East Germany.
Erich Ollenhauer launces his campaign for the Social Democrats (SPD). The socialist-leaning and Protestant areas of Prussia are their stronghold, so they expect to make solid gains.
The centrist All-German People's Party (GVP), led by Gustav Heinemann, launches its own strong campaign, the GVP is starting from scratch, so Heinemann is just attempting to become viable ally in a coalition.
Free Democratic Party (FDP), chaired by Franz Blücher, is hoping to increase its force in its current coalition with the CDU.
A couple other smaller parties are going to be on the ballot, and the right-wing All-German Bloc/League of Expellees and Deprived of Rights (GB/BHE) hopes to make gains in the East with people dissatisfied with the Communist regime.
-
January 31
The Soviet delegation tours the Minneapolis-Moline tractor factory in Minnesota.
-
Meanwhile in Iran, General Omar Bradley recommends that the United States remain in full capacity until the July elections, and then begin drawing down gradually, in hopes that Iran can handle itself by the end of 1955. Eisenhower, eager to get America out before the 1956 election, agrees with the plan. Although Americans, and UN personnel were still being killed by suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices, it was far better than the open fighting last month. Things were winding down, the insurgents lack popular support, any outside backers, and they and their arms are being rounded up.
-
February 1
The Soviet delegation inspects a grain mill and large dairy farm in Iowa.
-
February 2
The Soviet delegation tours the International Harvester tractor factory in Illinois.
-
February 3
The Soviet delegation visits their final company, the Oliver Farm Equipment factory in Indiana. Kosygin writes back to Malenkov that the Americans have better farm equipment, and they need to start catching up.
-
February 4
The Soviet delegation returns to Milwaukee to formulate a preliminary deal. Alexei Kosygin offers a fixed payment in exchange for modern blueprints, without royalties, he’ll only accept a lowball offer, otherwise it’s more economical to engineer the tractors themselves. The executives leave to discuss it “The Soviet Union exports tractors, if you sell tractors to India, or give tractors to India, we’ll get nothing out of it.”
Kosygin was already considering just reverse-engineering tractors “We have reviewed the options and determined you have the most to offer, in terms of ‘power farming’, the most for the money, now, would you be making anything if we just gave away or sold Soviet tractors?”
“No”
“So if you sign with us, you make some money, if you don’t you don’t make any money.”
Another executive says “If we ask for a royalty, how are we supposed to know the number of tractors you guys are producing?”
“That’s why we don’t want to pay a royalty.”
“Well, what’s to say we aren’t undermining American interests?”
“These are tractors we’re talking about”
“They could move artillery”
Marshal Zhukov leans over the table “We are prepared to pay a very generous sum, and we are prepared to walk away.”
The first executive agrees “100 million dollars a year”. Kosygin calculates they could easily buy 20,000 tractors for that much, ridiculous.
“That offer in unreasonable and untenable, we are done here.”
-
At 100 million dollars, they’d be better off buying them, maybe they should just place a bulk order. Kosygin decides to simply take what he has learned and engineer the tractors at home
-
February 5
As the delegation leaves for Moscow, Eisenhower asks them if they enjoyed themselves, and they say they did, and they say they learned very much and admire the American’s ingenuity. Despite failing to purchase any blueprints, or tractors, the Soviet-American relations are improved and the state of Soviet industry is bound to be improved. (the Soviets were only prepared to accept an unreasonably low price, and mostly feigned interest to tour the factories and get ideas.)
-
February 7
After Kosygin and Zhukov arrive back in Moscow, the Board begins another session to set the agenda, Kaganovich is absent, off in Tashkent scouting locations for the new tractor factory. They agree on the importance of the Mobile Tractor Stations getting the proper equipment and peasants getting the proper training, and it becomes a priority.
Next on the agenda is mending relations with Yugoslavia and reassuring the Albanians of the Soviet support, Malenkov thinks that Communist allies should be visited himself, to install in them as much confidence as possible, Malenkov plans a two week trip to the Balkans, first to Yugoslavia, then to Albania.
Retuning to agriculture, Malenkov orders that the University of Moscow build him a tractor “…as good as or better than Allis-Chalmers, we must place emphasis on reliability, durability, ease of operation, ease of maintenance, and power-farming”. They University watches advertising reels, views advertisements, and pictures, which reveals the majority of the principle and much of the technology, they are more than capable of filling in gaps.
-
February 8
Malenkov leaves Moscow for Belgrade, with Kosygin, so he can observe if Yugoslavia’s way of doing things has anything to offer, and if they do, to learn what they are doing right. They are received by Josip Broz Tito, who also is eager to repair relations. Malenkov was in a tricky position in the Balkans, he wanted to strengthen ties with Tito, who had bitterly split with Stalin, and maintain good relations with Hoxha, who was an admirer of Stalin.
But the first day in Yugoslavia marked the restoration of amiable relations, they agreed to restore full relations, and that Yugoslavia should resume trade with the East Bloc and Soviet Union.
-
February 9
Tito is eager to show off what he’s been up to, they travel to a car factory where he brags about worker self-management.
-
February 10
The next day the visit a resort down in Croatia on the Adriatic, were he points how good things are here. Malenkov agrees, but isn’t overawed.
-
February 11
They visit a model farm, of about twenty acres, that is privately owned, were the farmers have been given a new tractor. Tito points out that the small-scale farmer is best not micromanaged, and are better off left to their own devices. Kosygin, after seeing the American farms, thinks there maybe something to that.
-
February 12
They visit a radio factory in Banja-Luka, Bosnia, were Tito points out how the workers elect their own managers and are very productive.
-
February 13
On the final day in Yugoslavia, spent back in Belgrade, Malenkov invites the Yugoslavs back into Comecon with 'associate' status, which Tito gladly accepts, believing that Yugoslavia would benefit greatly from ending its isolation. Malenkov suggests that he reconcile will Albania, saying that “We have to stick together, we have more common interests than disagreements.” Tito said he’ll think about it.
-
February 14
About 9,000 French troops have been dropped onto the hill as part of Operation Roitelet, about 6,000 Legionnaires and 3,000 Montagnards. The defenses are solid, trenches, concrete bunkers, artillery and several light tanks. The troops are well-equipped, under orders to carry triple ammunition and double rations. The battle for Hill Blanc begins once a Vietminh convoy along Route 13 is shelled, nearly destroyed.
The French have begun the battle on their own terms, they are ready, and confident that the Vietminh will attempt to secure Route 13, as truckloads of supplies going from China to the Red River Delta are dependent on it. If they want the route reopened, the French garrison will have to be removed.
-
Malenkov and Kosygin arrive to cheering crowds arranged for them in Trane at the airport…Hoxha is happy to see Malenkov, and his urge to bow before him is overcame by his urge to hug him. Malenkov was Stalin’s designated successor, protégé, and he even dressed like Stalin, if Stalin was his savior, then in his eyes Malenkov was an apostle. Hoxha said he was honored with the visit.
He insisted on bringing Malenkov to his palace for a grand dinner. He went so far as to have Malenkov sit at the head of the table, and he joked if he wanted so Albanian wine or Russian vodka, they had the former. Hoxha said that he wished to keep good relations with the Soviets, and Malenkov concurred that he wanted to maintain good relations with Albania. He stated that Albania was a vital ally and friend. After dinner, Hoxha reminisced about Stalin, and how great he was, and Malenkov lied and also did so.
-
February 15
Vietminh scouts begin to assess the full breadth of what the French have built behind their backs…Ho Chi Minh is rarely disappointed with his great strategist, General Vo Nguyen Giap. “What did our scouters say about the French manpower level?”
“It’s over 9,000”
“What?! 9,000!? There’s no way that can be right!”
-
Back in Albania, Hoxha takes Malenkov to a seaside village, and shows him an old mansion which been renovated, and offers it to Malenkov is a gift, which is obviously accepted.
-
February 16
Giap determines that the French can just be ‘worked around’ if necessary, rerouting the convoys would be only a minor inconvenience, and there are alternatives. But Ho orders the French be punished, and Giap knows he can do it with ease. He draws up plans to surround the base with artillery of his own, and anti-aircraft guns to prevent the French from flying supplies, slowly pounding Hill Blanc into the ground until the French surrender or the hill can be taken with ease.
He diverts about 50,000 overall personnel to the plans.
For the last couple months, he’s been moving to take the Delta. Viet Tri, currently a French-held bulwark, contains a valuable bridge that leads into the Delta, and he begins massing for an attack on Viet Tri. Viet Tri is surrounded on three sides by river, with a bridge over a Red River tributary that leads straight to Hanoi. The plan is to place artillery on the hills across the rivers and pound the garrison into the ground, until it can be easily taken. The plans are not altered because of Operation Roitelet.
The battle of Viet Tri is to begin in a couple of days regardless, as when the rainy season begins it will be hard to resupply, and when it ends the gates to Hanoi will be within the grasp of a final Vietminh push.
-
February 18
The defenses of Viet Tri consist of an even Legionnaires and NAV indigenous troops, numbering at 10,000. 20,000 Vietminh are poised to attack overland, 10,000 are on either side of the rivers, and so with logistical personnel and reserves about 60,000 Vietminh are prepared to fight for Viet Tri. Giap plans on shelling it to soften the garrison for about a week, before trying the first assault.
And so the Vietminh begin firing their well-placed, unseen artillery down on Viet Tri. The greater plan is to trick the French into concentrating on defending the city, then simply destroying the bridge and driving down on Hanoi from the north rather than Northwest, making the unexpected move.
-
Meanwhile in Bulgaria, Valko Cherenkov is replaced by Anton Yugov as General Secretary. Yugov had convinced the Soviet advisors, embassy, military, and pro-Soviet government members to back him, who applied heavy pressure on the government, the internally more popular potential successor, Todor Zhivkov could not withstand the barrage.
Malenkov believes Yugov has a better reputation and more useful set of skills than the featureless Zhivkov and Stalinist Cherenkov.
-
February 21
The rest of the time in Albania is mostly like a vacation, and Hoxha pledges his commitment to orthodox Marxism-Leninism. Malenkov says that he would like to see Albania mend relations with Yugoslavia “Well, I don’t think it can be done, but…if you think so.” Malenkov says that “we must try and stick together, even brothers are different, but they are family, and it is a shame if they are divided.” The statements shock Hoxha, but he thinks about it deeply, that how could Malenkov be wrong?
-
February 22
Malenkov and Kosygin return to Moscow, and report their diplomatic success to the Board.
-
February 25
Viet Tri has endured howitzers and katyusha rocket fire for a week. As night falls, the Vietminh launch an assault on the trenches hoping to break through…they are caught on barbed wire, blown up by mines, revealed by flares, and mowed down with machine guns. The direct assault results in thousands of casualties and hardly any for the defenders, although a couple hundred defenders have been killed or wounded by the artillery throughout the week.
Giap is undeterred, and plans for a second assault in a couple days.
-
February 27
An American observer, Major *Dewey Holt, from Tennessee, sits at chair in bunker in Viet Tri with the French officer, Colonel *Milan Rémy, and NAV Colonel *Banh Manh Sinh. Holt was a burly man, and incredibly skilled in his craft, he had organized a small band of guerillas to fight the Japanese in Burma, he served as an advisor in China, and had been here during the action in Korea, a specialist in guerilla warfare and Asian cultural finesse. Milan was a short, delicate man, and had adhered rigidly to traditional Clausewitzian doctrine, Sinh was husky man with a soft face and rectangular glasses. The sound of katyushas impacting thundered outside, there was detailed map of Tonkin on the steel table, along with some papers. Milan spoke “They are pounding us into the ground, we could fight off another assault with ease, but after several, I’m not so sure.”
Sinh said “They want that bridge badly” in rough French
Dewey shook his head, his French was rough too “It’s the final phase of people’s war, open, conventional warfare, they wouldn’t be fighting it unless their confident they can win with ease, they’re coming for the Delta.”
Milan shouts “Fine, let the cowards fight us in the open for once!”
---
Authors notes:
-I could not find much information on Anton Yugov, so i'm assuming his polices will be mix of Tito and Janos Kadar, still firmly remaining the Soviet sphere. If you information on Anton Yugov please PM me.
-I'm assuming Hoxha has better relations with the USSR ITTL, because 1) Malenkov won't denounce/renounce Stalin 2) IOTL the USSR telling Albania to specialize in agriculture for the Eastern Bloc caused tension, ITTL the Soviets intend to specialize in agriculture and export food themselves. 3) As stated in the story, Malenkov was who Stalin had groomed and chosen, so Hoxha probably has a lot more respect for him. 4) the Soviet Union isn't cutting aid to Albania, IOTL that caused tension.
-The reason there hasn't been peace talks on Indochina is because both sides are trying to, and are assuming they can win decisively or at least make greater gains.
-The characters Holt and Rémy are loosely inspired by characters in The Ugly American. In the book, the American is from Texas, my chain of thought was the country song lyric "all my exes live in Texas, that's why I hang my hat in Tennessee", don't know why, but that's what I was thinking.
Please drop a comment, I like knowing what you all think of the timeline, I like the advice, and it's very encouraging for me.
---
Chapter V, Act I: Machinery
-
January 27
Marshal Zhukov and Alexei Kosygin arrive in Detroit, the famed capital of American industry.
The Soviet delegation spends the day touring factories and watching educational films. The make stops at the factories of the large companies, like Ford and Chevrolet.
-
In Czechoslovakia, the General Secretary, Klement Gottwald dies of a massive heart attack, he had heart issues compounded by chain-smoking. The Soviet-backed candidate, Gustav Husak, becomes the new General Secretary, and leader of Czechoslovakia.
-
In Taiwan, Sun Li-jen and President Chen Cheng make plans to halve the number of political commissars in the military, and introduce market reforms like Japan, while the socialistic elements of the Kuomintang will transition into populism and a welfare state is to be slowly built to solidify their power. The secret police will be reined in, but maintained to ensure that their control is firmly unopposed.
-
January 28
The Soviet delegation arrives in Milwaukee, were they are given a warm welcome by members of state senate and the Governor. They drive up to the West Allis, the Milwaukee suburb were the main Allis-Chalmers factory is based. They are given a tour by the CEO, and again they watch some educational films. The Soviet delegation is wooed by the production and products that are more advanced than what they have.
-
January 29
The Soviet delegation tours the John Deere factory in Horicon, Wisconsin. They are equally impressed.
-
January 30
The Soviet delegation tours the Case tractor factory in Racine, Wisconsin.
-
Meanwhile in Germany, the political campaigns are launched in earnest as the East German government, supervised by the Electoral Supervisory Commission, undergoes a smooth transition into a provisional government (Elections are scheduled for April 2.)
In East Germany, the Social Democrats and Communists immediately split, no longer bound together. Otto Grotewhol will launch his own campaign for the Communists, calculating that the Communists will be far from a majority, but may hope to get enough votes to become a force in a coalition.
Ludwig Erhard, previously an independent, campaigns for the CDU and the Chancellorship
He and Konrad Adenauer make a triumphant visit to Berlin as the city is reunified. Erhard and Grotewhol shake hands, and commit to reunification. The East German government, supervised by the Electoral Supervisory Commission, transitions into the Provisional State of East Germany.
Erich Ollenhauer launces his campaign for the Social Democrats (SPD). The socialist-leaning and Protestant areas of Prussia are their stronghold, so they expect to make solid gains.
The centrist All-German People's Party (GVP), led by Gustav Heinemann, launches its own strong campaign, the GVP is starting from scratch, so Heinemann is just attempting to become viable ally in a coalition.
Free Democratic Party (FDP), chaired by Franz Blücher, is hoping to increase its force in its current coalition with the CDU.
A couple other smaller parties are going to be on the ballot, and the right-wing All-German Bloc/League of Expellees and Deprived of Rights (GB/BHE) hopes to make gains in the East with people dissatisfied with the Communist regime.
-
January 31
The Soviet delegation tours the Minneapolis-Moline tractor factory in Minnesota.
-
Meanwhile in Iran, General Omar Bradley recommends that the United States remain in full capacity until the July elections, and then begin drawing down gradually, in hopes that Iran can handle itself by the end of 1955. Eisenhower, eager to get America out before the 1956 election, agrees with the plan. Although Americans, and UN personnel were still being killed by suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices, it was far better than the open fighting last month. Things were winding down, the insurgents lack popular support, any outside backers, and they and their arms are being rounded up.
-
February 1
The Soviet delegation inspects a grain mill and large dairy farm in Iowa.
-
February 2
The Soviet delegation tours the International Harvester tractor factory in Illinois.
-
February 3
The Soviet delegation visits their final company, the Oliver Farm Equipment factory in Indiana. Kosygin writes back to Malenkov that the Americans have better farm equipment, and they need to start catching up.
-
February 4
The Soviet delegation returns to Milwaukee to formulate a preliminary deal. Alexei Kosygin offers a fixed payment in exchange for modern blueprints, without royalties, he’ll only accept a lowball offer, otherwise it’s more economical to engineer the tractors themselves. The executives leave to discuss it “The Soviet Union exports tractors, if you sell tractors to India, or give tractors to India, we’ll get nothing out of it.”
Kosygin was already considering just reverse-engineering tractors “We have reviewed the options and determined you have the most to offer, in terms of ‘power farming’, the most for the money, now, would you be making anything if we just gave away or sold Soviet tractors?”
“No”
“So if you sign with us, you make some money, if you don’t you don’t make any money.”
Another executive says “If we ask for a royalty, how are we supposed to know the number of tractors you guys are producing?”
“That’s why we don’t want to pay a royalty.”
“Well, what’s to say we aren’t undermining American interests?”
“These are tractors we’re talking about”
“They could move artillery”
Marshal Zhukov leans over the table “We are prepared to pay a very generous sum, and we are prepared to walk away.”
The first executive agrees “100 million dollars a year”. Kosygin calculates they could easily buy 20,000 tractors for that much, ridiculous.
“That offer in unreasonable and untenable, we are done here.”
-
At 100 million dollars, they’d be better off buying them, maybe they should just place a bulk order. Kosygin decides to simply take what he has learned and engineer the tractors at home
-
February 5
As the delegation leaves for Moscow, Eisenhower asks them if they enjoyed themselves, and they say they did, and they say they learned very much and admire the American’s ingenuity. Despite failing to purchase any blueprints, or tractors, the Soviet-American relations are improved and the state of Soviet industry is bound to be improved. (the Soviets were only prepared to accept an unreasonably low price, and mostly feigned interest to tour the factories and get ideas.)
-
February 7
After Kosygin and Zhukov arrive back in Moscow, the Board begins another session to set the agenda, Kaganovich is absent, off in Tashkent scouting locations for the new tractor factory. They agree on the importance of the Mobile Tractor Stations getting the proper equipment and peasants getting the proper training, and it becomes a priority.
Next on the agenda is mending relations with Yugoslavia and reassuring the Albanians of the Soviet support, Malenkov thinks that Communist allies should be visited himself, to install in them as much confidence as possible, Malenkov plans a two week trip to the Balkans, first to Yugoslavia, then to Albania.
Retuning to agriculture, Malenkov orders that the University of Moscow build him a tractor “…as good as or better than Allis-Chalmers, we must place emphasis on reliability, durability, ease of operation, ease of maintenance, and power-farming”. They University watches advertising reels, views advertisements, and pictures, which reveals the majority of the principle and much of the technology, they are more than capable of filling in gaps.
-
February 8
Malenkov leaves Moscow for Belgrade, with Kosygin, so he can observe if Yugoslavia’s way of doing things has anything to offer, and if they do, to learn what they are doing right. They are received by Josip Broz Tito, who also is eager to repair relations. Malenkov was in a tricky position in the Balkans, he wanted to strengthen ties with Tito, who had bitterly split with Stalin, and maintain good relations with Hoxha, who was an admirer of Stalin.
But the first day in Yugoslavia marked the restoration of amiable relations, they agreed to restore full relations, and that Yugoslavia should resume trade with the East Bloc and Soviet Union.
-
February 9
Tito is eager to show off what he’s been up to, they travel to a car factory where he brags about worker self-management.
-
February 10
The next day the visit a resort down in Croatia on the Adriatic, were he points how good things are here. Malenkov agrees, but isn’t overawed.
-
February 11
They visit a model farm, of about twenty acres, that is privately owned, were the farmers have been given a new tractor. Tito points out that the small-scale farmer is best not micromanaged, and are better off left to their own devices. Kosygin, after seeing the American farms, thinks there maybe something to that.
-
February 12
They visit a radio factory in Banja-Luka, Bosnia, were Tito points out how the workers elect their own managers and are very productive.
-
February 13
On the final day in Yugoslavia, spent back in Belgrade, Malenkov invites the Yugoslavs back into Comecon with 'associate' status, which Tito gladly accepts, believing that Yugoslavia would benefit greatly from ending its isolation. Malenkov suggests that he reconcile will Albania, saying that “We have to stick together, we have more common interests than disagreements.” Tito said he’ll think about it.
-
February 14
About 9,000 French troops have been dropped onto the hill as part of Operation Roitelet, about 6,000 Legionnaires and 3,000 Montagnards. The defenses are solid, trenches, concrete bunkers, artillery and several light tanks. The troops are well-equipped, under orders to carry triple ammunition and double rations. The battle for Hill Blanc begins once a Vietminh convoy along Route 13 is shelled, nearly destroyed.
The French have begun the battle on their own terms, they are ready, and confident that the Vietminh will attempt to secure Route 13, as truckloads of supplies going from China to the Red River Delta are dependent on it. If they want the route reopened, the French garrison will have to be removed.
-
Malenkov and Kosygin arrive to cheering crowds arranged for them in Trane at the airport…Hoxha is happy to see Malenkov, and his urge to bow before him is overcame by his urge to hug him. Malenkov was Stalin’s designated successor, protégé, and he even dressed like Stalin, if Stalin was his savior, then in his eyes Malenkov was an apostle. Hoxha said he was honored with the visit.
He insisted on bringing Malenkov to his palace for a grand dinner. He went so far as to have Malenkov sit at the head of the table, and he joked if he wanted so Albanian wine or Russian vodka, they had the former. Hoxha said that he wished to keep good relations with the Soviets, and Malenkov concurred that he wanted to maintain good relations with Albania. He stated that Albania was a vital ally and friend. After dinner, Hoxha reminisced about Stalin, and how great he was, and Malenkov lied and also did so.
-
February 15
Vietminh scouts begin to assess the full breadth of what the French have built behind their backs…Ho Chi Minh is rarely disappointed with his great strategist, General Vo Nguyen Giap. “What did our scouters say about the French manpower level?”
“It’s over 9,000”
“What?! 9,000!? There’s no way that can be right!”
-
Back in Albania, Hoxha takes Malenkov to a seaside village, and shows him an old mansion which been renovated, and offers it to Malenkov is a gift, which is obviously accepted.
-
February 16
Giap determines that the French can just be ‘worked around’ if necessary, rerouting the convoys would be only a minor inconvenience, and there are alternatives. But Ho orders the French be punished, and Giap knows he can do it with ease. He draws up plans to surround the base with artillery of his own, and anti-aircraft guns to prevent the French from flying supplies, slowly pounding Hill Blanc into the ground until the French surrender or the hill can be taken with ease.
He diverts about 50,000 overall personnel to the plans.
For the last couple months, he’s been moving to take the Delta. Viet Tri, currently a French-held bulwark, contains a valuable bridge that leads into the Delta, and he begins massing for an attack on Viet Tri. Viet Tri is surrounded on three sides by river, with a bridge over a Red River tributary that leads straight to Hanoi. The plan is to place artillery on the hills across the rivers and pound the garrison into the ground, until it can be easily taken. The plans are not altered because of Operation Roitelet.
The battle of Viet Tri is to begin in a couple of days regardless, as when the rainy season begins it will be hard to resupply, and when it ends the gates to Hanoi will be within the grasp of a final Vietminh push.
-
February 18
The defenses of Viet Tri consist of an even Legionnaires and NAV indigenous troops, numbering at 10,000. 20,000 Vietminh are poised to attack overland, 10,000 are on either side of the rivers, and so with logistical personnel and reserves about 60,000 Vietminh are prepared to fight for Viet Tri. Giap plans on shelling it to soften the garrison for about a week, before trying the first assault.
And so the Vietminh begin firing their well-placed, unseen artillery down on Viet Tri. The greater plan is to trick the French into concentrating on defending the city, then simply destroying the bridge and driving down on Hanoi from the north rather than Northwest, making the unexpected move.
-
Meanwhile in Bulgaria, Valko Cherenkov is replaced by Anton Yugov as General Secretary. Yugov had convinced the Soviet advisors, embassy, military, and pro-Soviet government members to back him, who applied heavy pressure on the government, the internally more popular potential successor, Todor Zhivkov could not withstand the barrage.
Malenkov believes Yugov has a better reputation and more useful set of skills than the featureless Zhivkov and Stalinist Cherenkov.
-
February 21
The rest of the time in Albania is mostly like a vacation, and Hoxha pledges his commitment to orthodox Marxism-Leninism. Malenkov says that he would like to see Albania mend relations with Yugoslavia “Well, I don’t think it can be done, but…if you think so.” Malenkov says that “we must try and stick together, even brothers are different, but they are family, and it is a shame if they are divided.” The statements shock Hoxha, but he thinks about it deeply, that how could Malenkov be wrong?
-
February 22
Malenkov and Kosygin return to Moscow, and report their diplomatic success to the Board.
-
February 25
Viet Tri has endured howitzers and katyusha rocket fire for a week. As night falls, the Vietminh launch an assault on the trenches hoping to break through…they are caught on barbed wire, blown up by mines, revealed by flares, and mowed down with machine guns. The direct assault results in thousands of casualties and hardly any for the defenders, although a couple hundred defenders have been killed or wounded by the artillery throughout the week.
Giap is undeterred, and plans for a second assault in a couple days.
-
February 27
An American observer, Major *Dewey Holt, from Tennessee, sits at chair in bunker in Viet Tri with the French officer, Colonel *Milan Rémy, and NAV Colonel *Banh Manh Sinh. Holt was a burly man, and incredibly skilled in his craft, he had organized a small band of guerillas to fight the Japanese in Burma, he served as an advisor in China, and had been here during the action in Korea, a specialist in guerilla warfare and Asian cultural finesse. Milan was a short, delicate man, and had adhered rigidly to traditional Clausewitzian doctrine, Sinh was husky man with a soft face and rectangular glasses. The sound of katyushas impacting thundered outside, there was detailed map of Tonkin on the steel table, along with some papers. Milan spoke “They are pounding us into the ground, we could fight off another assault with ease, but after several, I’m not so sure.”
Sinh said “They want that bridge badly” in rough French
Dewey shook his head, his French was rough too “It’s the final phase of people’s war, open, conventional warfare, they wouldn’t be fighting it unless their confident they can win with ease, they’re coming for the Delta.”
Milan shouts “Fine, let the cowards fight us in the open for once!”
---
Authors notes:
-I could not find much information on Anton Yugov, so i'm assuming his polices will be mix of Tito and Janos Kadar, still firmly remaining the Soviet sphere. If you information on Anton Yugov please PM me.
-I'm assuming Hoxha has better relations with the USSR ITTL, because 1) Malenkov won't denounce/renounce Stalin 2) IOTL the USSR telling Albania to specialize in agriculture for the Eastern Bloc caused tension, ITTL the Soviets intend to specialize in agriculture and export food themselves. 3) As stated in the story, Malenkov was who Stalin had groomed and chosen, so Hoxha probably has a lot more respect for him. 4) the Soviet Union isn't cutting aid to Albania, IOTL that caused tension.
-The reason there hasn't been peace talks on Indochina is because both sides are trying to, and are assuming they can win decisively or at least make greater gains.
-The characters Holt and Rémy are loosely inspired by characters in The Ugly American. In the book, the American is from Texas, my chain of thought was the country song lyric "all my exes live in Texas, that's why I hang my hat in Tennessee", don't know why, but that's what I was thinking.
Please drop a comment, I like knowing what you all think of the timeline, I like the advice, and it's very encouraging for me.
Very interesting. May have ideas for future leaders of different countries, depending on how far you plan for this to go.