Chapter 10 - Dealing with Yugoslavia
June 27th 1940 - August 22nd 1940
We are disturbed as the USSR presss claims on Bessarabia in Romania, and forces Romanian acceptance on the 27th. I think we may need to bring Romania into our alliance in the future, and receive their assistance to combat the Soviet menace. The Romanian oilfields are very valueable.
The 27th also sees us finally dealing with Luxemburg, declaring war and beginning an immediate assault. Their troops stand no chance.
On the 29th, we receive word that the USSR now has full control of Latvia.
The following day we learn that the United States government has passed what they name the Land Lease Act and also agreed to sell old destroyers to the UK in return for use of their military bases. Essentially they have agreed to send supplies and assistance to the allies in their fight against us. A clear step away from neutrality we feel, we are not pleased and protests shall be made along diplomatic channels. In positive news though, Luxemburg is now fully annexed
Throughout July our forces begin to be redeployed to the Yugoslav and Soviet borders. It is a worry to us that the allies may try to open a front in Europe through Yugoslavia, so plans need to be drawn up to eliminate this threat.
On July the 4th we learn that Japan has expanded its influence by effectively turning Siam into its puppet state, and 3 days later they finally declare victory over the Communist Chinese, who have fought on since Japans victory in China.
On July 18th and some skilful diplomatic negotiation by foreign minister Churchill 25 enables us to further our relations with Italy and Japan, signing the Tripartite Pact.
July the 20th and it seems that the Free French may have something going for them after all as their New Caledonia and Oceanic colonies declared themselves against our occupation.
After a meeting between Supreme Commander Davo and Italian leader Benito Mussolini in the Italian capital Rome, Italy agreed to officially join our alliance and declare war upon the allies. Meanwhile in Hungary German Foreign Minister Churchill 25 simultaneously negotiated a deal with the Hungarian government, also bring them on side. On July 23rd the leaders of all 3 countries met in Berlin and the deal was done. Italy and Hungary now stand united with us!
As July continues, the British attempt a breakout into southern Spain from Gibraltar, capturing Malaga. To counter act this the 5th Panzer Corp (3 divisions) is ordered to redeploy to Southern Spain from its current station in Paris, and some tactical bombers are ordered to redeploy to Spanish air bases and begin bombing British troops in Gibraltar to hamper their organisation.
July 24th and Great Britain has pledged to guarantee the independence of Greece. This means there is now a serious threat of the allies attempting to open a new front in the Balkans, we must deal with this.
On August 1st we declare war upon Yugoslavia. 4 Panzer Corps, 2 Infantry groups, 3 wings of CAS bombers, 1 win of tactical bombers and 4 Slovakian divisions are all committed to the invasion, codename: Directive n. 25. We want a very quick victory there, before the allies and mobilise any troops for the region.
By the 5th it was clear that Panzer units were charging through the country sweeping all resistance aside. By the 15th Belgrade was captured, and the whole Yugoslav army surrendered 3 days later. The campaign is a complete success! Once more Blitzkrieg has showed its worth!
Throughout this it should be noted that the British tried and failed with 2 amphibious landings in Spain, one on the North and one in the South. The 5gh Panzer corps has now arrived in Southern Spain, and is currently in the once again Spanish province of Malaga. Additionally the Italians and the British are now engaged in harsh fighting in the North African desert.
The same day as our victory in Yugoslavia, the Italians decided to declare war upon Greece, desiring it for their empire. Whilst Captain2s 1st Panzer Corp are directed by Head Of The Heer IronMan2055 to Southern Spain to help deal with the British there, the other 3 Panzer Corps in Yugoslavia are ordered to assist the Italians in occupying Greece.
On August 22nd it was decided to establish the puppet nation of Croatia, to help with the occupation of Yugoslavia.
The new map of the region
As such it seems our next target has been chosen for us, and a quick victory must be acheieved in Greece. We must also try and force the British out of Spain and Gibraltar, and examine the situation in North Africa and cosider whetehr we should send troops there.
