TOP SECRET ORMSTER + WARSPITE ONLY

[warspite1]

I calculate that if the Germans move nothing to the Eastern Front I won't be able to break the pact for a few turns yet, but as you say, its nice to give them something to think about.

[Orm]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

I calculate that if the Germans move nothing to the Eastern Front I won't be able to break the pact for a few turns yet, but as you say, its nice to give them something to think about.

Indeed.

And once the new year begins the value needed to break the pact lowers. And since Germany can not afford the risk that USSR will be able to DOW Germany it should make them nervous. Or force them to reinforce the Eastern border.

[warspite1]

So the turn continues. Do you want to pass? I could do with moving the Soviets to be honest, although as the Axis do not have aircraft on the Eastern Front I could leave it if desired. Only one move in the Far East - and now the Japanese have railed a unit in to Kirin, its no longer that important.

[Orm]

No passing. We are done with passing. We are done with being passive. We are done with letting them setting the agenda.

See, what one one can do for morale. [:D]

[Orm]

I thought the plan was for the Chinese Communists was to advance into the mountains so that they get 4 hexes on Sian?

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Orm

No passing. We are done with passing. We are done with being passive. We are done with letting them setting the agenda.

See, what one one can do for morale. [:D]

warspite1

I thought that would be the case - but there is no harm in checking [:)]

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Orm

I thought the plan was for the Chinese Communists was to advance into the mountains so that they get 4 hexes on Sian?

warspite1

The original plan was to make the Japanese fall back by threatening to outflank them with a drive (well a march) to Taiyuan with the division and mountain unit (supported by Mao). That was cancelled because the Chinese Nationalists were under pressure and the ChiComms took over their positions further south.

The ChiComms are like a fleet in being, diverting good Japanese troops (2 HQ) and they can't really lessen that garrison. But a 2-1 assault without a modifier and throwing my customary 2 gives the Japanese a golden chance for a counter-attack - and relieve the pressure.

I think the Japanese have just woken up to the Soviet attack - along with having to seize territory overseas, they are stretched. If possible - and as and when the Nationalists can spare the troops - I would like to revert to my original plan. The Japanese cannot run the risk of the ChiComms getting to Taiyuan - and even if that does not work, there could be the chance of an attack on Yenen instead and where - even if the throw goes wrong, the counter-attack options are lessened.

[Orm]

The attack didn't have to be at once but it is nice to be in a position to do so.

And China is indeed like a 'fleet in being' with the difference that when they are attacked the production increases. Hence a minor Japanese aggression is to the Chinese advantage. It might even take some Japanese with them and hopefully disorganize units. If we move into a central position and lose a unit it is not that big a deal unless the Japanese can press the attack or continue the advance after the attack. So I dislike giving up good defensive hexes that Japan has to fight for without a struggle.

The Nationalists can not really attack because of the attack weakness. But Japan must always consider their attacks against the Communists if it can cause their forces to become disorganized.

I see that we have a somewhat different philosophy when fighting in China and this cause some friction. I suppose that is as it should be. [:D]

[Orm]

Should I do the first part this impulse?

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Orm

Should I do the first part this impulse?

warspite1

Sure, I have nothing with the Soviets until movement (land action of course). I am hoping that soon I will have some French (non-navy) to command too [:)]

[Orm]

I took the privilege to produce a French strategic bomber so you could take some revenge. It should arrive in a couple of turns.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Orm

I took the privilege to produce a French strategic bomber so you could take some revenge. It should arrive in a couple of turns.

warspite1

No problem, but with the USA soon to be in the war, and the Soviets still only partially engaged, I think I should take control of the French otherwise its all a bit lop-sided.

[Orm]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: Orm

I took the privilege to produce a French strategic bomber so you could take some revenge. It should arrive in a couple of turns.

warspite1

No problem, but with the USA soon to be in the war, and the Soviets still only partially engaged, I think I should take control of the French otherwise its all a bit lop-sided.

I look forward to it. Not because it is lop-sided, although it has been so for far to long, but because it is more fun that way. [:)]

[Orm]

China rebase the Mohawk fighters to hex 87, 136.

RAF rebase the bombers in Aden to Bombay.

The British air transport resupply the Australian militia in Tangier. Then they return to Casablanca for some rest and recuperation. They earned it.

[warspite1]

Judging by the variety of posters names that appear, our opponents appear to be attracting a lot of help - whether as Axis or Allies.

It appears we are the 'Millwall' of the MWIF world. [:D]

[brian brian]

Is Rumania active? I forget. If it is not then the border there doesn't count for garrison ... and then the Germans will look to add quick garrison points if they can, by activating Rumania.

I forget if Yugoslavia is neutral too ... Might make Albania a tempting target for the Allies in 1942, though the Axis NAV defenses will still be strong. Lots of options for Allied strategy now.

[brian brian]

And where did the German INF afloat in the West Med land?

I thought they would put an HQ ashore in Morocco first.

Maybe a rare CW Land impulse can get them a little worried about Libya, if the oceans are stabilized for a moment.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: brian brian

Is Rumania active? I forget. If it is not then the border there doesn't count for garrison ... and then the Germans will look to add quick garrison points if they can, by activating Rumania.

I forget if Yugoslavia is neutral too ... Might make Albania a tempting target for the Allies in 1942, though the Axis NAV defenses will still be strong. Lots of options for Allied strategy now.

warspite1

Romania is not active.

My understanding (though probably wrong) is:

Because Romania allowed the claim on Bessarabia the Germans can only align Romania if they declare war on the USSR. On that basis they cannot quickly add garrison points.

Part of the border area does count for garrison purposes because southern Bessarabia is 3 hexes from South Dobruja - and Bulgaria is active.

Yugoslavia is neutral

[brian brian]

Ahh, thanks for the update.

[Orm]

I haven't really counted the USSR / German border ratios for a while now. But I thought it could be interesting to put pressure on Germany since he left with so many units. And now I see that it is very close for USSR to actually break the pact.

This could get very interesting if it is this close once '42 begins. Currently it looks like Germany might have to DOW early or take the risk that Rumania might not join Axis. Although Finland could join to strengthen the German garrison. But USSR now has several militia that are a cheap way to get garrison points.

Forcing Germany to align Finland or even DOW USSR should make it easier to get US into the war as well.