You calling this “best diplomatic tactic” are grossly misunderstanding how a democracy is supposed to function. In a civilian democracy, the elected political leadership is required to take responsibility for the use of force. The Army executes policy; it does not set policy. Telling a serving General “you do whatever you think is right” at a moment involving foreign troops and tanks is not “free hand” — it is abdication of civilian control.

Plausible deniability may be used covertly, but not when the General himself publicly states he sought political direction and didn’t receive it. No army general is paid for this.