and R-2 rockets (actually Soviet modified V2)
But they worked on Issue,
they had two ICBM development program, the successful became Long March
Next to that Jet-bomber development program...
Something Serious Has Happened on Air Force One (a Tl/story by Geon)
- Thread starter Geon
- Start date
But they worked on Issue,
they had two ICBM development program, the successful became Long March
Next to that Jet-bomber development program...
Chapter Thirty: Reactions and a Letter
Geon
Donor
Chapter Thirty: Reactions and a Letter
World reaction was predictably quick in coming.
The day after the speech the U.S.S.R called an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss “this act of American piracy on the high seas.”
The Soviet ambassador to Washington went to the White House with a warning to President McCormack that these actions could have “very grave consequences.”
Both Beijing and Havana also condemned the action but in more subdued language.
Newspapers throughout the United States carried headlines of the blockade reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis a little over a year ago.
Politically Wallace and Connally found themselves on the same side supporting the President’s actions while candidate Hubert Humphrey said he thought the move “ill advised.”
Averell Harriman and the Republican, Nelson Rockefeller chose to not say anything on the quarantine. On the other hand, Republican Barry Goldwater let it be known he was all for not only a blockade but bombing of any harbor in North Vietnam that might be used to offload such weapons.
Amid a developing world crisis, a letter appeared in several of the major northern newspapers in the editorial sections addressed to young people throughout the nation. The letter was from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
To Our Young Brothers and Sisters on College Campuses,
All of you are probably aware of the tragic events of the past month. Specifically, the church bombing outside Montgomery, Alabama that claimed eleven lives and the tragic riot in Selma that claimed 4 lives. I know how angry and helpless many of you feel. I know that there are those who feel their place right now is to stand with us during these times and offer your aid to us.
First, let me say that your hearts are certainly in the right place. And from the bottom of my heart, I say that your desire to help shows not only a commitment to basic rights for all but Christian decency as well. I am grateful for the support and offers of help that you have made.
But, having said that, I must also say, the times are now very unsettled. There are those here in the south who do not wish to move forward. And would by any means keep things as they have always been. Such people we should not hate. Rather we should pray for them. The Scriptures say, “Do not overcome evil with evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Because times are so unsettled here, I and the leadership of SCLC believe it would not be in our or your best interests for you to come here offering help at this time.
Having so many coming from the colleges up north awakens old fears and hatreds that have festered for generations and will only breed more violence. Our concern is very much for your safety.
I call upon you to remain home this season. And to work there for equality and peace. There is much to be done up north as well as here. “Let your light shine” therefore on the campuses, in the coffee houses, in your homes, in your cities, and at your workplaces.
Look around your neighborhoods and see and respond. You can be of more good where you are then here.
May God richly bless all of you as you strive to make this a better land.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Hubert Humphrey said he thought the move “ill advised.” - well that might hurt your chances for the nomination depending on how the action works out.
"Averell Harriman and the Republican, Nelson Rockefeller chose to not say anything on the quarantine." - one option to not have something come back on you, though does it look weak?
"On the other hand, Republican Barry Goldwater..." understated and so diplomatic as one would expect really...
"The letter was from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." - lets hope this letter has the desired effect and no one travels south to cause trouble/protest. Afterall there is indeed still work on equality to be done in the north too.
Good chapter.
"Averell Harriman and the Republican, Nelson Rockefeller chose to not say anything on the quarantine." - one option to not have something come back on you, though does it look weak?
"On the other hand, Republican Barry Goldwater..." understated and so diplomatic as one would expect really...
"The letter was from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." - lets hope this letter has the desired effect and no one travels south to cause trouble/protest. Afterall there is indeed still work on equality to be done in the north too.
Good chapter.
Chapter Thirty: Reactions and a Letter (Part 2)
Geon
Donor
Moscow, U.S.S.R. the Kremlin, 10:30 a.m. Moscow time:
The U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union listened patiently as he was lectured by the Soviet Union’s foreign minister, Andrei Gromyko on the “shortcomings” of the current decisions by the U.S.
“Mr. Ambassador,” Gromyko was saying, “Once before we endured this blockade of yours in the Cuban affair, barely over a year ago. Now you are ready to do this again once more putting the world at risk of war.”
“Foreign Minister, there is no risk of war other then what you are threatening here. We are not stopping legitimate trade with North Vietnam. What we are doing is stopping the arms shipments that supply both the NVA and the Viet Cong.”
Gromyko paused to collect his thoughts. It would be pointless to deny that the Soviet Union was supplying the North Vietnamese Army. American troops had found Soviet weapons and supplies in raids by both the South Vietnamese Army and U.S. troops on Viet Cong strongholds.
“If our North Vietnamese allies,” here Gromyko emphasized the term, “wish to aid their socialist brethren in the South to throw off a tyrannical fascist government I do not see that the U.S. has any business interfering.”
“We’re interfering no more nor less then you are in the conflict between North and South Vietnam, Foreign Minister,” Ambassador Foy D. Kohler responded. “Our intention is simply to ‘level the playing field’, as we say in America. This blockade/quarantine is meant to do just that.”
Ambassador Kohler continued, “We are fully prepared to stop any ship that may be carrying weapons or military supplies to North Vietnam. However, I have been asked to present a proposal to you.”
Gromyko simply said, “Continue, ambassador.”
“If the Soviet Union will be willing to withdraw all military support for North Vietnam for the time being, and make a public statement to that regard, the U.S. will be willing to not only end the blockade, but to also withdraw all U.S. troops currently in South Vietnam.”
“You said ‘for the time being’, what do you mean by that,” Gromyko pressed?
“We would expect you to use your good offices with your North Vietnamese allies to end all support of the Viet Cong and to recognize officially the existence of South Vietnam and its government,” said Ambassador Kohler.
“A most interesting offer,” said Gromyko clearly intrigued. “I will bring this before Comrade Khrushchev later today, Ambassador. But I must ask you to warn your president that this ‘gunboat diplomacy’ you are engaging in will only go so far with us.”
“Pah!” The exclamation came from a uniformed Admiral in the Soviet Navy who had been standing by Gromyko throughout the meeting.
Andrei Gromyko tried to maintain a straight face and not betray his great annoyance. Earlier in the day he had asked the Defense Ministry to send over a naval liaison to stand by him in his meeting with Kohler. Gromyko had hoped having one of the armed forces present at the meeting would serve as an intimidation factor.
But had they sent over someone who knew how to keep quiet and listen to orders? No, the fools had sent over one Admiral Andrei Seratov. The man was a paper pusher who had never had any sort of a command. He was one of the bureaucrats who owed his current rank more to the people he knew rather than competency.
Worse, Seratov was a drunkard. He was rarely sober. And that would have gotten him dismissed ages ago, but his patrons in the Politburo saved him from that fate.
Today, it was clear just from being near him that the man was already drunk. That he was able to stand at attention for most of the meeting surprised Gromyko. And the Foreign Minister had actually hoped he would stay silent for the duration of the meeting. But now…
“You have something to say, Admiral Seratov, said Gromyko, knowing he was going to regret it?
“Once again, the U.S. plays its games with us.” Exclaimed the Admiral. “But we can play this game too. In Cuba we showed our forbearance by allowing this farce of a blockade. But if the U.S. persists in this our submarines are more than capable of sweeping aside this capitalist farce of a blockade!”
Gromyko felt a headache both literal and figurative coming on.
“And if the U.S. seeks a confrontation with the Soviet navy it will lose. You also might want to tell your President that he is not safe from the wrath of the free peoples of the Soviet Union. We can deal with him just as easily as our agent Oswald dealt with his predecessor,” roared Seratov clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice.
“I think that will be all Admiral,” replied Gromyko struggling to keep his voice from registering the shock and anger he felt at that moment.
Ambassador Kohler considered his words carefully, clearly shocked himself by Seratov’s words. “Admiral, Foreign Ministers, I assure you the United States is fully prepared to meet any threat that may come our way whether it is on the battlefield, the high seas or elsewhere. And we are prepared to use any means, and I do mean any means, to protect our interests.”
“We fully understand Ambassador Koh. And again, let me assure you that I will bring your proposal before Comrade Khrushchev before the day is over,” responded Gromyko.
After several minutes of polite goodbyes Ambassador Koh was escorted out of Gromyko’s office. All the while Admiral Seratov had an irritating sneer on his face.
Barely a few minutes later, after the ambassador was gone Gromyko turned to Admiral Seratov. His face grew red with anger, and he yelled as he never remembered himself yelling before, “YOU COMPLETE AND TOTAL IMBECILLE!”
Taken aback by the explosion of the Foreign Minister, Admiral Seratov started to speak but was quickly silenced by Gromyko.
“You were here to provide a sign that the Soviet military takes this matter seriously. Which in turn was meant to try to pressure the Americans to reconsider their actions. Instead, you have chosen to throw kerosene on the fire!” Gromyko’s voice had only dropped fractionally.
Once again, Seratov opened his mouth to speak but Gromyko silenced him. “And what pray tell do you know that the rest of the Politburo do not? The report that I have seen indicates Oswald was a man with delusions of his own self-importance. He briefly defected to us then returned to the U.S. He never was an agent as you say.”
Admiral Seratov finally found his voice. “Comrade Foreign Minister, I had heard rumors…”
He was interrupted by Gromyko. “Rumors? I don’t know where those rumors come from, but they are wrong. And your outburst may have cost us the chance to end this little spat between us and the Americans in a favorable manner!”
“Go!” Exclaimed Gromyko. “And be thankful I do not report you to your superiors for this breach.”
Seratov opened his mouth to speak, thought better of it for once, saluted then left the office.
After Seratov was gone Gromyko put his head in his hands and tried to message away his headache. How am I going to explain this to Khrushchev? More importantly will the Americans believe what Seratov said. If they do then as the Americans say, ‘all hell is out for noon.”
The U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union listened patiently as he was lectured by the Soviet Union’s foreign minister, Andrei Gromyko on the “shortcomings” of the current decisions by the U.S.
“Mr. Ambassador,” Gromyko was saying, “Once before we endured this blockade of yours in the Cuban affair, barely over a year ago. Now you are ready to do this again once more putting the world at risk of war.”
“Foreign Minister, there is no risk of war other then what you are threatening here. We are not stopping legitimate trade with North Vietnam. What we are doing is stopping the arms shipments that supply both the NVA and the Viet Cong.”
Gromyko paused to collect his thoughts. It would be pointless to deny that the Soviet Union was supplying the North Vietnamese Army. American troops had found Soviet weapons and supplies in raids by both the South Vietnamese Army and U.S. troops on Viet Cong strongholds.
“If our North Vietnamese allies,” here Gromyko emphasized the term, “wish to aid their socialist brethren in the South to throw off a tyrannical fascist government I do not see that the U.S. has any business interfering.”
“We’re interfering no more nor less then you are in the conflict between North and South Vietnam, Foreign Minister,” Ambassador Foy D. Kohler responded. “Our intention is simply to ‘level the playing field’, as we say in America. This blockade/quarantine is meant to do just that.”
Ambassador Kohler continued, “We are fully prepared to stop any ship that may be carrying weapons or military supplies to North Vietnam. However, I have been asked to present a proposal to you.”
Gromyko simply said, “Continue, ambassador.”
“If the Soviet Union will be willing to withdraw all military support for North Vietnam for the time being, and make a public statement to that regard, the U.S. will be willing to not only end the blockade, but to also withdraw all U.S. troops currently in South Vietnam.”
“You said ‘for the time being’, what do you mean by that,” Gromyko pressed?
“We would expect you to use your good offices with your North Vietnamese allies to end all support of the Viet Cong and to recognize officially the existence of South Vietnam and its government,” said Ambassador Kohler.
“A most interesting offer,” said Gromyko clearly intrigued. “I will bring this before Comrade Khrushchev later today, Ambassador. But I must ask you to warn your president that this ‘gunboat diplomacy’ you are engaging in will only go so far with us.”
“Pah!” The exclamation came from a uniformed Admiral in the Soviet Navy who had been standing by Gromyko throughout the meeting.
Andrei Gromyko tried to maintain a straight face and not betray his great annoyance. Earlier in the day he had asked the Defense Ministry to send over a naval liaison to stand by him in his meeting with Kohler. Gromyko had hoped having one of the armed forces present at the meeting would serve as an intimidation factor.
But had they sent over someone who knew how to keep quiet and listen to orders? No, the fools had sent over one Admiral Andrei Seratov. The man was a paper pusher who had never had any sort of a command. He was one of the bureaucrats who owed his current rank more to the people he knew rather than competency.
Worse, Seratov was a drunkard. He was rarely sober. And that would have gotten him dismissed ages ago, but his patrons in the Politburo saved him from that fate.
Today, it was clear just from being near him that the man was already drunk. That he was able to stand at attention for most of the meeting surprised Gromyko. And the Foreign Minister had actually hoped he would stay silent for the duration of the meeting. But now…
“You have something to say, Admiral Seratov, said Gromyko, knowing he was going to regret it?
“Once again, the U.S. plays its games with us.” Exclaimed the Admiral. “But we can play this game too. In Cuba we showed our forbearance by allowing this farce of a blockade. But if the U.S. persists in this our submarines are more than capable of sweeping aside this capitalist farce of a blockade!”
Gromyko felt a headache both literal and figurative coming on.
“And if the U.S. seeks a confrontation with the Soviet navy it will lose. You also might want to tell your President that he is not safe from the wrath of the free peoples of the Soviet Union. We can deal with him just as easily as our agent Oswald dealt with his predecessor,” roared Seratov clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice.
“I think that will be all Admiral,” replied Gromyko struggling to keep his voice from registering the shock and anger he felt at that moment.
Ambassador Kohler considered his words carefully, clearly shocked himself by Seratov’s words. “Admiral, Foreign Ministers, I assure you the United States is fully prepared to meet any threat that may come our way whether it is on the battlefield, the high seas or elsewhere. And we are prepared to use any means, and I do mean any means, to protect our interests.”
“We fully understand Ambassador Koh. And again, let me assure you that I will bring your proposal before Comrade Khrushchev before the day is over,” responded Gromyko.
After several minutes of polite goodbyes Ambassador Koh was escorted out of Gromyko’s office. All the while Admiral Seratov had an irritating sneer on his face.
Barely a few minutes later, after the ambassador was gone Gromyko turned to Admiral Seratov. His face grew red with anger, and he yelled as he never remembered himself yelling before, “YOU COMPLETE AND TOTAL IMBECILLE!”
Taken aback by the explosion of the Foreign Minister, Admiral Seratov started to speak but was quickly silenced by Gromyko.
“You were here to provide a sign that the Soviet military takes this matter seriously. Which in turn was meant to try to pressure the Americans to reconsider their actions. Instead, you have chosen to throw kerosene on the fire!” Gromyko’s voice had only dropped fractionally.
Once again, Seratov opened his mouth to speak but Gromyko silenced him. “And what pray tell do you know that the rest of the Politburo do not? The report that I have seen indicates Oswald was a man with delusions of his own self-importance. He briefly defected to us then returned to the U.S. He never was an agent as you say.”
Admiral Seratov finally found his voice. “Comrade Foreign Minister, I had heard rumors…”
He was interrupted by Gromyko. “Rumors? I don’t know where those rumors come from, but they are wrong. And your outburst may have cost us the chance to end this little spat between us and the Americans in a favorable manner!”
“Go!” Exclaimed Gromyko. “And be thankful I do not report you to your superiors for this breach.”
Seratov opened his mouth to speak, thought better of it for once, saluted then left the office.
After Seratov was gone Gromyko put his head in his hands and tried to message away his headache. How am I going to explain this to Khrushchev? More importantly will the Americans believe what Seratov said. If they do then as the Americans say, ‘all hell is out for noon.”
At this point I'm half-expecting America to now light up the Warsaw Pact like a X-Mas tree. Seriously, a Soviet military official just said that an agent of their nation murdered the President of the United States. The only way it could get worse is if this leaks and becomes public in the next few days/weeks. It would be iffy if this leaked in the next decade to the public because a serious response would be demanded of the US government to this and the only response I can think of is a nuclear one.
On the Soviet side, this will probably cause a purge of the USSR's military officers from Khrushchev that MIGHT save his job, or detonate the coup against him earlier, and it being a much bloodier affair since those same military officials will fight to the death to save their own skins. Whoever comes out on top though... That is up to fate/Geon.
Seratov is going to wake up with two bullets in his head for that breach if it gets out.
Since that breach happened in front of the American ambassador, It can be considered about as public as it gets. I think the only question is if he gets retired, goes to Gulag, or gets planted.
With what amounts to a public admission (granted, from someone effectively DUI) of assassination of the US president at the behest of the Kremlin, the US could pretty well demand damn near anything and make it stick. The Soviets would have to know they've been caught dead to rights on a huge screw-up, and the only way to avoid having Moscow glow in the dark permanently would be huge concessions. Perhaps complete withdrawal from East Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia in addition to telling Hanoi "you're on your own"?
It won't' be that extensive, but I could see the USSR being forced to accept a permanent division of Vietnam like the Koreas, I can't see withdrawals from Eastern Europe happening in this era since the USSR is Russian centric and having those states as buffers brings the Russian SSR geographic security.
But the USSR having to accept a divided Vietnam and abandoning the communist movements in Southeast Asia to their fates, that I can see happening.
The real question is how this will impact Khrushchev's removal from office, I doubt it will be a bloodless coup like in RL, and I doubt it will be Brezhnev in charge either.
OTOH, it's plausible for a military man to be delusional in that manner. Not good, it impedes his ability to do his job properly, but plausible.
For moment the soviet escape with blue eye the Cuba Missile Crisis and now this.
In case of WW3 the USA face "low" losses in US, do lack of Soviets ICBM, in contrast USA can nuclear exterminate the USSR !
or like certain SAC general would say enthusiastic on Issue:
In case of WW3 the USA face "low" losses in US, do lack of Soviets ICBM, in contrast USA can nuclear exterminate the USSR !
or like certain SAC general would say enthusiastic on Issue: