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 January 1, 1942 - The White House, Washington, D.C. U.S.A.

President Velasquez sat at a table with President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, Chinese Foreign Minister T.V. Soong, Free French leader Charles de Gaulle, and the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Litvinoff. Spread before them was a document on pale blue paper, freshly printed with the text of the agreement and lots of blank space for signatures. Behind them were the representatives of several other nations, gathered for this occasion.

Roosevelt spoke. “Ladies and gentlemen, with this instrument we are creating a new alliance, the United Nations, to face and defeat the Hitlerite nations who have so threatened the peace and stability of the world. I am pleased that so many of the nations you represent have chosen to join us in this cause.”

He dated the page, then signed it on behalf of the United States. As the only other head of state present, President Velasquez was next. He signed.

For the Republic of Texas

Samuel Houston Velasquez

After him came Prime Minister Churchill, then the representatives of the Soviet Union, France, and China. Next were the representatives of the Commonwealth nations, India, and the governments-in-exile of the nations occupied by the Axis powers. Finally the remaining representatives. In all, 27 nations pledged themselves to the defeat of the Axis, agreeing not to seek any separate peace with any of the enemy powers.

When everyone had resumed their places and the official photographs had been taken, one of the reporters called out “Can we get a picture of General de Gaulle and President Velasquez shaking hands?”

The two men looked at each other. De Gaulle gave a Gallic shrug and stood, walking around to the front of the table. Velasquez met him there. He held out his hand. De Gaulle took it. They turned to face the cameras, which were all flashing as quickly as their operators could wind them and replace the flash bulbs.

Later, the two Presidents, the Prime Minister, and General de Gaulle retired to the Oval Office.

“General, I’m pleased to have you here with us today.”

“Thank you, Monsieur President. This is indeed a momentous day. But I must ask whose idea it was to suggest that President Velasquez and I shake hands?”

Roosevelt and Churchill looked at each other, then at the French and Texan leaders. “It wasn’t either of us, but I’m glad it happened. That photograph will be in Berlin, Rome, and Tokyo within a week, a symbol of the strength of this alliance.”

“Indeed, the relationship has improved greatly from where things were a year ago.”

“Yes, it has, General. And speaking of relationships, Mister President, I understand that you have decided to keep the new Combined Chiefs of Staff an Anglo-American only affair. That seems somewhat unusual, given the level of support that my nation is providing to the alliance.”

“I must agree with Monsieur Velasquez. We deserve a seat on that council.”

“Under other circumstances” said Churchill, “I would also agree. The problem, however, is that were we to expand the Combined Chiefs beyond America and Britain, then the Soviets would certainly demand a seat. I hope you gentlemen would agree that giving Stalin any measure of control over the use of the armed forces of the western allies is most undesirable.”

Velasquez and de Gaulle looked at each other and nodded. “That I understand, Winston. Just last week the Soviet Ambassador made a request that we turn the Albuquerque class light cruisers that we were building for Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia over to the Soviet Navy. I declined the request, of course, citing the fact that those nations had defaulted on the payments for the ships, thus they lost any claim to them. I also reminded him that we are using those vessels now in the Mediterranean. I didn’t mention that Texas does not consider the Soviet Union to be the legitimate successor to the democratically elected governments of those nations.”

“I, too, understand the situation, As with many recent decisions, I don’t like it, but I, and France, can live with it.”

“I’m very glad that you gentlemen understand. We have absolutely no intention of cutting your nations out of the decision making process. In fact, your input would be most welcome at any meeting of the Combined Chiefs. As would those of any of the other associated powers. In fact, we would like France and Texas to head a council of military representatives from all of the other powers, just to make sure that their voices are heard.”

“Monsieur President, that is a most excellent idea. I accept on behalf of France.”

“Count me in, gentlemen.” Velasquez looked at de Gaulle and smiled. “Don’t worry, General, I won’t be sending Admiral von Stahlberg to the meetings. He’s much more useful on a flag bridge.”

De Gaulle tried to hide a sigh of relief. It didn’t work.

Copyright 2024 D.A. Brock