Banana: Preparations for war

[Bj�rn Hedin]

To: His Majesty, Duc de l'Aubergine, Duc de Mylcandonai, Cardinal Ximines, Duc d'Wich, Marquis d'Armagnac, Baron de Success, Vicomte Homard From: Duc Axel von Fersen, Minister of State,   STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL   Generals,   the content of this letter is highly confidential and may not reach anyone with a rank lower than Lt General or minister. Our primary military goal is to drive the Spanish out of the Netherlands, thereby securing our northern border and delivering a severe blow to the Spanish. We soon have to decide on the number of armies needed for such an operation.   The assumption is as follows: The Free Duch will be our ally and attack from the north. The English will remain neutral, but you never can trust an Englishman so we have to be prepared for that. The German states will probably not cause any trouble, but some reserves must be kept close to that border so they don't get any stupid ideas about attacking France.   Obviously we have to keep forces near the Spanish borders in the south. The question now is whether we should muster two or three armies. My personal belief is that three armies are needed. One main army in the north, one army in the south, and one army in the north-east. I would appreciate to hear your views on this matter.   Duc Axel von Fersen Minister of State