The Russians had not remained silent during this time. Recent incursions into Persia have all but conquered the country, and although the nonaggression pact still exists between Russia and Germany, the onset of Operation Seelowe has clearly given them incentives to consider further territorial expansion – west into Europe. Vast Russian troop movements were reported towards the Russian/German border, as units assumed what were clearly offensive-minded postures. News of ‘eleventh-hour’ negotiations were rumoured throughout various Allied intelligence offices, and then the unthinkable happened.
The Germans withdrew from Plymouth, leaving a single infantry korps defending the port.
Whether or not a new deal has been reached between the two powers, the world is unaware. However, with the Axis withdrawal from England, the Russian ‘sabre rattling’ quickly ended and their units resumed their original defensive positions back from the mutual border. The vast majority of their strength is still aimed directly at Europe, causing speculations that the confrontation is merely delayed, not averted.
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Episode IV: The Next Conquest
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With the possibility of success in England vanishingly small in the face of the massive Allied buildup, the Axis nations have wisely retreated from the island, which had the added benefit of calming down Russian thoughts of entering the war. It is late July, 1940, and summer is settling over Europe and Africa. Germany and her allies have time yet to plan further conquests prior to the inevitable clash of fascism and communism.
What shall it be?
A campaign aimed at Africa and the Suez, determined to further weaken Britain and provide a new direction from which to attack Russia? Or a lightning campaign in the Balkans, subjugating Yugoslavia and Greece, which might convince reluctant Hungary to enter the war? Perhaps it’s time to prepare for Russia itself, and redeploy the forces in France to the east…
The Axis discussion forum can be found here.
The Allies have choices in front of them as well. With the Axis withdrawal from England, significant forces are available for redeployment. Should they feed the Torch landings, and take advantage of the temporary advantage over the Italians? Or bolster the defence of the Canal, which might very likely be the next Axis objective? Perhaps a reactionary policy would serve best at this time?
The Allied discussion forum can be found here.
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