C'EST LA GUERRE (24)

— On the psychological war we have some proposals — answered Manstein.

— Let's talk about it, gentlemen — I reply.

— If I may, gentlemen — Von Choltitz responds:

— I propose to bombard massively with inflatable dolls (properly inflated, of course). Also with all kinds of mannequins, of these who are put in the shop windows of clothing stores. The enemy´s state of cannibalism, (I never thought I should fight against cannibals) would induce them to capture and consume these false "bodies" that could be poisoned, or with anti-personal explosives, etc.. In any case, we must intervene as quickly we can as each day passes,die and are consumed the weakest of them. —

— I think the urgency of the case, should be taken in consideration. We shall release them as soon as possible — I answered them, impressed by Cholttitz´s logical sense.

— Basically, they have strongly symbolic mentality. And on it we base our action. — Choltitz said.

— We will act quickly, not as a policy, but as a target, mainly humanitarian. — I reply. Then, I add with a certain irony:

— Something like the famous "blitzkrieg"  gentlemen. — Everyone laughs frankly due to the overlap with their code names.

— Other proposals. — involving Manstein — First, is that this flagship caravan in which we are, should travel through the entire perimeter of combat with some giant ultra powerful baffles and emitting some blaring music. Moreover, the caravan will make short stops showing of good food, and the exquisite smell of bread, pork, shrimps, etc..  at the time of removal from the oven these foods. This wonderful flagship caravan on caterpillars, surely will demoralize enemy leaders since they don´t have anything similar, but it would like them.

— It does not seem bad at all, but this plan must be matured and perfected. — I Answered a little concerned about the degree of soundproofing of the caravan. And also genuinely surprised by their proposals.

— Another existing proposal — continues Manstein, — is to use anti-aircraft searchlights, day and night it focusing frontally the caves like an addition to decibels. Something like a light and sound show, but as an act of war. Our technicians have studied already the points where to place baffles, in order to exploit the natural echo effect. I think we have a large stock of searchlights somewhere... — Said Manstein.

The deliberations continued for a long time a little softened with coffee and Bayley's, combination that we like a lot, lately. Waiters on duty, serve it in the exact proportions.

All It had started with a simple invitation to coffee by my part, as host of the staff..