NationStates Jolt Archive

Nations at War- http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=383122 (This thread is for nation applications, etc, etc)

Budapest Conference- http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7780982#post7780982

OOC: This is the official starting thread for the countdown to the First World War.

Nations:
Allies: (Major)
British Empire- British Hannover
British Hannover- British Hannover
United States of America- New Shiron
France- Halibris
Japan- Kanor

Minor:
Belgium- NPC
Netherlands- NPC
Spain- NPC
Portugal- NPC
Confederate States of America- NPC

Central Powers: (Major)
German Empire- Nordrreich
Russian Empire- New Shiron
Italy- Kanor

Minor:
Hungary- NPC
Bulgaria- NPC
Romania- NPC
Serbia- NPC
Croatia- NPC

Unknown:
United Elias- (I'm guessing Central Powers for economic reasons)
Whutehfeckia (I'm guessing Allies)


*= British Hannover equals bigger than IRL Canada, population of just under half of the USA.

bump until later

I would add the Confederate States of America as a minor nation (an ally to France most likely) or as a player nation potentially.

Its fairly large (15 million people), has some resources, and is colorful (to put it mildly)... I will add it later today.

Also, I can work up the British Empire for you (population, forces etc) if you want

That'd be nice. I'll probably have British Hannover up pretty soon.

I claim Japan

Claim recognized. *bangs gavel*

to make life easier, Galveston Bay will handle Russian posts, New Shiron will handle USA posts (to prevent confusion)

Sounds logical.

Bump

IC post Russian Empire

New policy in Korea and Manchuria
Japanese merchants are to be forced out of the area using any means fair or foul short of open violence. In addition, 'accidents' are to be arranged, especially on rail lines, to make the cost of doing business for Japanese merchants too high to continue.

Plans to take over the government of Korea are to continue, with plans for a coup to arranged, followed by civil disorder providing the excuse for outright annexation of Korea.

Toward that end, a pair of transports carrying a brigade of troops will arrive in Inchon harbor next month to reinforce forces in the region. Once in place, the remainder of the plan is to go into motion.

New Pacific Fleet policy
Exercises, particularly gunnery, are to be more frequent, and scout ships are to begin charting the waters around northern Japan, especially in the Kurile Islands.

ooc
The Russians are being arrogant and plan to try to secure Manchuria and korea.... this should be seen by Japan as a direct and immediate threat requiring action..... giving the Japanese plenty of reason to go to war

Official Statement by General Nagata:
If the Russian empire does not remove its navy from the waters around Korea and Japan. We the Empire of Kanor will be forced to declare war.

Secret Telegram to the British Empire, British Hannover, United States of America and France.
My friends, we the noble peoples of Kanor request that if war breaks out between our people and any other nation that all of us respond by declaring war on them.
From Emperor Tobunga

To His Imperial Highness, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia: (Secret Telegraph)

German vessels stationed at Tsingtao have noticed an increase in the activity of Russian warships. We merely wish to ascertain that said actions will in no way interfere with German trade in China. I personally assume this is an action against Japan, in which case we would be glad to assist in whatever way we could. It is long since time that these arrogant Asians learn who their superiors are.

Grossemarchall of the General Staff,
Erich von Manstein, Duke of Breslau

OOC Note> The famous WWII general is presumably his son.

To His Imperial Highness, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia: (Secret Telegraph)

German vessels stationed at Tsingtao have noticed an increase in the activity of Russian warships. We merely wish to ascertain that said actions will in no way interfere with German trade in China. I personally assume this is an action against Japan, in which case we would be glad to assist in whatever way we could. It is long since time that these arrogant Asians learn who their superiors are.

Grossemarchall of the General Staff,
Erich von Manstein, Duke of Breslau

OOC Note> The famous WWII general is presumably his son.

The Russian government informs the German government of its plans to drive the Japanese out of Manchuria and Korea.

"The Japanese are not expected to be able to put up effective resistance even though they have modern ships, everyone knows that the Asians are incapable of using them to best advantage and their fleet should make excellent target practice."

ooc
Russians really got what they deserved historically for underestimating the enemy... of course the British and US did the same thing in 1941

Official Statement by General Nagata:
If the Russian empire does not remove its navy from the waters around Korea and Japan. We the Empire of Kanor will be forced to declare war.

Official Russian response

the Russians essentially ignore the note and continue exercising regularly, and continue to intrude into Japanese waters in the Kuriles, Sakkalin and Hokkaido.

General Nagata has just ordered the mobilisation of the Japanese Reserve Army.

Orders to the Fleet:
Any and all Russian ships in Japanese waters are to told to leave. If they do not leave then a warning shot will be fired, if after this they still refuse to leave then your orders are to destroy them.

Transport ships are to be made ready and 150,000 soldiers of the regular army are to be sent to occupy Korea. OOC How long would this take

Urgent Telegram to all 'Allies':
War between Kanor/Japan and the Russian Empire is immenent. We request that you stop trading with Russia, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria and Croatia.

To His Imperial Highness, Nicholas II, Tsar of Russia:

We implore your Majesty to reconsider your obvious aggression against Japan. As a peaceful democratic nation, we are not fond of the notion of war, but we will defend our ally's interests if needed. We are confident that Great Britain will also do so. Perhaps a diplomatic conference would be better suited to creating a genuine solution acceptable to all parties.

The Prime Minister of British Hannover,
Sir Wilfred Laurier

------------------------------------------

Reserve Mobilization Orders:

All trained reservists for the Royal Hannoveran Army are to report to their closest recruiting office for military activation. This includes all naval and marine reservists as well.

By order of the Prime Minister

Russian IC post

Diplomatic note to British Hannover
"His Imperial Majestiy wishes to make it known that Russia has not committed any aggressive acts against Japan. Since no aggression is under way, his Imperial Majesty fails to see where a conference is neccessary.
Duke Yuri Gorskhkoff, Foreign Minister"

orders to Imperial Army (which were forwarded to Britain via a spy)
Hostilities with Japan are likely and possible with the British Empire

Additional reinforcements are needed for Manchuria. The 2nd Siberian Rifle Corps (ooc 3 infantry divisions) are to be transferred over the next two months to Mukden. Rail bottlenecks at Lake Baikal and the possiblity of the lake freezing preventing ferry traffic make it imparitive that moves begin at once. Therefore, the 2nd Corps is to begin moving from Novosibirsk at once.

Additional information was also furnished indicating that the Russian Army is preparing expand and is getting ready to institute a different conscription scheme that would result in a huge increase in available reserve troops (up to 5 million within 4 years). The only issue holding back that increase is the availability of weapons and the report the spy provides indicates that Gerrmany will be helping the Russians overcome that problem.

Grossemarschall Erich von Manstein sipped a cup of tea and gazed towards a map of the world on his wall. It had become quite clear that the Russians intended to make war against Japan, and that the risk of a global war was quite high indeed. These were clearly extreme times, calling for extreme measures. He had drafted two pieces of legislation, the Enabling Act and the Preparedness Act, both which would give him full authority to do as he pleased.

Badgering the Reichstag into accepting legislation that effectively crippled itself would not be an easy task, however. Something would have to happen, something that would scare the members into doing his will. He already had the Kaiser in his pocket and thus effective control of the military and foreign policy, but he needed more than that.

A young man in a captain's uniform, his son, entered the office and saluted. Although he was still a young man, his eyes contained the same glint of steel of the elder Manstein. The Grossemarchall was genuinely proud of him and hoped somehow to pass on the powers he had accumulated to him.

'Is it done?' The elder Manstein asked.

'Yes, Father.' The younger Manstein said impassively.

'Do you think I would be able to see it yet?'

'Possibly ...'

Manstein poured himself a glass of cognac, inviting his son to do the same and went over to the window. Already, there was smoke coming from the Reichstag building. Silently, he raised his glass, drinking it all in one swallow. The German Empire was now his. And a successful war might bring him global hegemony.

The Chief of the General Staff began to calmly write a telegraph to the Russian Tsar. In it, he wished the Russians good luck and offered German support as much as was possible for the operations against the Japanese. He also mentioned that it was likely that the coming war would be globalized and that the numerical superiority of German, Russian and Italian forces must be used to its maximum extent before the Hannoveran and American economies could adequately switch to wartime production.

OOC> The Enabling Act basically gives near-unlimited emergency powers to the Kaiser and his ministers, which means that it goes straight to Manstein. The War Preparedness Act basically means the full and absolute mobilization of the economy for wartime production as well as the immediate raising of Class 1 reserves (about 1.5 million men) and plans to raise an even-larger army eventually.

OOC> Don't know if we have a time of year yet. Let's say April 1905.

From His Majesty, King Josef of Hungary

To: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, King Humbert of Italy, as well as the rulers of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia and other allies.

My brother monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany has proposed that a conference be established at Budapest as soon as possible in order to discuss various essential issues. Such a meeting could be held as early as May 6th barring an international crisis of some sort.

Sincerely,
King Josef of Hungary

In Moscow, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff General Dragomirov, and the chief of the secret police conferred after reading the German telegram.

A unique opportunity had been presented.

"Our Czar is a weak man General, and he is going to blunder his way all through his reign." the secret policeman, Rudanny, remarked.

"Yes, and his son will be a disaster as well. A hemophilliac, and weak minded like his father too." Dragomirov remarked. "But you have contacts with the Turks, and have a possible plan yes?"

"Yes General, we get our Turkish dupes to kill him in Hungary, then we fix the blame on Turkey and that gives us our excuse to finally go for Constaninople, rids us of our Czar so that Grand Duke Mikail can take the throne as regent, and along the way poor Alexander has a riding accident."

"Arrange it." The General offered the policeman a glass of vodka, "and quickly."

elsewhere
Russian Telegram
"The Czar and his staff can be in Budapest in three weeks."


ooc
lets go for it being June 15, it sets the stage better for war by August, and we can't have World War I without it being the "Guns of August" now can we?

From King Humbert
To King Josef
The earliest that we could hold such a Conference would be late May/ early June.

OOC> I think I'm going to go for June 15th as New Shiron suggested.

The ashen-faced Kaiser sat, his hand shaking. He had no desire to sign either the Enabling Act or the War Preparedness Act, but Manstein had said it was necessary and he was a far more intelligent man than he was. Why was it his curse to be the eldest son? Why couldn't it have been Rupert or Viktor? Why couldn't his sister, Wilhelmina be a man?

In the end, he signed the legislation mostly because he did not have the wisdom to think of any other possible solution. Since terrorists with links with France had burned down the Reichstag, the nation was in an uproar. Strong leadership was clearly required and he could not offer it. Instead, Wilhelm would grant such power to an individual who had that strength, although both he and his son terrified him to the core.

But what could he do about it?

To His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan

The British Empire will provide full diplomatic support and military aid if needed against the Russian Empire. Our garrisons in Asia are being brought to full readiness. It is our hope that a diplomatic solution can be found, but we are committed to defending our ally the Empire of Japan.

Sincerely,
Sir David Lloyd George, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Diplomatic note from the US Secretary of State, John Hay to the British and British Hannover

There is no support in Congress for the US entering into a war if Japan goes to war with Russia. Nothing less than an attack on direct US allies (the British Empire) would enable this Administration to get a declaration of war through Congress at this time.

However, there are actions short of war that can and will be taken to hopefully prevent action by Russia, or if failing that, to assist Japan indirectly.

To Tzar Nicholas II of Russia;

The Republic of France whole-heartedly condemns the Russian Empire's wanton acts of aggression against Japan. As such, M. President has ordered a temporary suspension of all trade with your nation, until your navy's actions cease, or a proper embargo can be passed in legislature.

Alexandre Ribot
Minister of Foreign Affairs

---------

To the Emperor of Japan;

Should the military might of Russia aim to incur it's wrath against your nation, we will provide full support for your cause. We wish, of course, to see a peaceful solution to this situation, but France stands strong against destructive imperalism.


Alexandre Ribot
Minister of Foreign Affairs

---------

"Here's to fine German architecture and craftsmanship." Minister Ribot toasted as he drained his armagnac.

"You do know," the Prime Minister snubbed out his cigar, "What the Germans are saying?"

"Do enlighten me, mon ami."

"I have heard, they say terrorists with connections to France have committed the arson."

Ribot chuckled. "They would, wouldn't they?"

The PM paused. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"Did...we?"

"Did we what? Fund the arsonists? Uh heh! No, my friend, we did not." Ribot gathered his coat and walked towards the office door. "But, I wouldn't tell you, now would I? Uh heh!"

The Prime Minister dwelled on that for a moment, and then decided not to, returning to his work.

To the Honorable John Hay,

As being somewhat more knowledgeable about the nature of American politics than my friend Lloyd George in Britain, I understand the position of your government. Perhaps the United States could impose economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Russia?

However, I suspect that this war may become much larger. While Russia's aggressive behaviour in Manchuria is of concern to myself and Britain, the greater worry is Germany. Given the detestable military dictatorship that is the fact, if not the law in the German Empire, it is quite possible that any excuse may be used to direct its goals, which seem to be little short of European hegemony.

Sincerely,
Sir Wilfred Laurier, Prime Minister of British Hannover

Transcript of a speech delivered to the Reichstag by Grossemarchall Erich von Manstein, Chief of the General Staff, distributed to every embassy in Berlin.

'Two days ago, we were wantonly and viciously attacked by saboteurs with proven links to unfriendly foreign nations. The Reichstag building, the symbol of German liberty was deliberately chosen in an attempt to demoralize the German people, just as our beloved former Kaiser was murdered by anarchists. We cannot allow this monstrosity to go unpunished.

Germany will no longer permit itself to be trampled upon by pernicious social movements or its national enemies. The passing of the Enabling Act will give the government the power it needs to root out enemies at home, while the War Preparedness Act will give us the strength we need to strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. As a strong nation and a Reich borne out of ancient traditions, Germany shall survive and be strong!

Just as Germany will not allow itself to be humiliated, neither will it allow its allies to be made the victims of enemy powers. The strength of Germany shall be steel reinforcing the concrete will and intentions of its allies. Germany has earned its place in the sun and will aid its allies in earning theirs.

The German Reich, Russian Empire and Kingdom of Italy draw their roots from the greatest and most venerated of all ancient societies. From Italy came Rome, whose values were transmitted through the centuries into the Holy Roman Empire, which developed into the modern Reich. The Roman legacy was also passed on through the Eastern Empire to Russia. Our alliance is nothing less than the spiritual binding of the fractured legacy of Rome.

It is this alliance which will guide the world into a twentieth century of peace, order and prosperity.

To our allies, take heart!

To our enemies, beware!

Deutschland Uber Alles!

In Moscow, the Foreign Ministry released a note which was full of support for the German speech, and warned Japan to respect its betters in Asia


Meanwhile, the Czar and his wife prepared for a trip to Budapest, while the plotters got their evil plans into motion

Official Orders to the Japanese Land Army and Navy:

Operation Red Dragon
Full scale Invasions of Inchon and Pusan

Operation Arthur
Torpedo Attack on Port Arthur- 20 Torpedo boats and as many other warships not involved in protecting tansport ships involved in Operation Red Dragon

Official Statement to Russia
You have till August 1st (ooc Tuesday the attack will happen) to stop patroling our waters and ejecting our bussinesmen. Also you must remove any Russian Soldiers or other Russian Operatives from Korea and Manchuria if these demands are not met we will be forced to go to war.

Secret Telegram to the British Empire:
We plan to land troops in Pusan and Inchon whilst torpedoing the Russian Navy at Port Arthur. After which we will proceed to level Port Arthur with bombardment fire. We hope that you can provide some naval assistance at Vladivostok which is the second most important Russian Naval base. Any and all assistance is welcome.

The US, concerned about possible war in East Asia, puts together drafts of troops (by gutting home based units) to bring all Pacific Army and Marine units up to full strength (as they are running at about 80 - 90% strength at the moment), plus sends another infantry division to Hawaii. The Navy shifts forces as well, reinforcing the Asian Squadron which is renamed the Asiatic Fleet (now consists of 4 1st class battleships, 6 armored cruisers, 8 protected cruisers, 12 destroyers) and all other forces are concentrated at their stations and ordered to undergo any needed maintenance and to clear away peace time frivolities to prepare them for action.

In addition, carried aboard a large transport steamship are 2 Holland class submarines which will reach Shanghai in late July. All other US moves should be ready by late July as well.

The Japanese are urged to hold off action just yet so that friendly nations can prepare for any eventualities.

In addition, the US is willing to make substantial loan guarantees to the Japanese and is strongly encouraging England (which is the worlds lender at this point) to do more of the same.

The RN mantains its usual peacetime routine for the most part, but begins working up more frequently at all stations.

bump

The British are bound by treaty to protect the Japanese if attacked, but are not similarly bound if the Japanese themselves attack. However, the British will certainly guarantee huge loans to the Japanese government as well as the provision of any needed oil, minerals, ammunition, and other war-related goods that the Japanese require to the extent of Britain's ability to give them. British Hannover will do the same.

However, if the Russians interfere at all with the shipment of these goods, the British will get involved. Russian expansionist interests are a direct threat to British imperial dominion and the British are more or less trying to provoke Russia into trying something on the supply convoys that will be steaming into Japan. It is hoped that the Royal Navy can then wrest total control of the seas from the Russians and a smallish (50-100,000) man Expeditionary Force could, along with the Japanese, decisively defeat the Russians.

Of course, when the Germans invade France in some pretext or another, things will fall into place awfully quickly, I imagine.

OOC> When would poison gas be technologically viable to produce? If the capacity existed earlier than it was actually produced, I wouldn't be surprised if I.G Farben makes it earlier.

German industrial giant Krupp Steel has announced that due to increasing German demand and the probability of drastically increased Russian export demand, it will be increasing production of medium and heavy artillery pieces by 33%. This move will create thousands of new jobs and most likely generate gigantic profits.

OOC> When would poison gas be technologically viable to produce? If the capacity existed earlier than it was actually produced, I wouldn't be surprised if I.G Farben makes it earlier.

German industrial giant Krupp Steel has announced that due to increasing German demand and the probability of drastically increased Russian export demand, it will be increasing production of medium and heavy artillery pieces by 33%. This move will create thousands of new jobs and most likely generate gigantic profits.

first use was in 1915, by the Germans, and it was Chlorine gas from cylinders... which didn't work very well.... a short local breakthrough, and then the next day, when it was used again, the wind shifted and blew it back on the Germans..... I think for gas to be used we need a deadlock like the trenches to make it worthwhile to attempt (and for things to be ugly enough for such an atrocious weapon to be used)

The Russian government sends a sharply worded note to the Turks demanding concessions, indeminities and filled with a lot of threats.

The poor Turks of course are completely innocent, but the evidence the Russian Secret Police has created is very damning.

The Russians begin a first stage mobilization, calling up 3 million men (to a peace time army of 1 million). These reserves are adequately trained, but the reserve divisions are weakly equipped with machine guns, artillery and transport and are not really battle ready.

Note to the Empire of Russia

"The United States views with grave concern the recent decision to mobilize your reserves. Although the evidence is damning, the Turkish government is claiming that most likely rogue elements outside of government control are responsible for the murder of the Czar and Czarina. The United States urges both calm and further investigation.

John Hay, Secretary of State for the United States of America

bump

To the Russian Empire:

'The British government insists that Russia cease its mobilization and instead of resorting to warfare, choose to defend its interests in a peaceful matter, perhaps at an international conference. The Russian government is not the only nation with legitimate claims to influence in China. The British, Japanese, French and your own allies, the Germans, also have longstanding claims.

Our sympathy to the recent loss of your Tsar. However, the Turkish government denies involvement in his assassination and, in any case, why would the weak Ottomans wish to anger your mighty empire? We suggest you simply investigate thoroughly. The British are willing to share what intelligence they have that would be useful in such an investigation.'

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Lloyd George

The US government has sharply increased the budget for ammunition for the next year, and has urged congress to consider increasing military pay, as well as providing more funds for defenses in the Pacific and at Panama

General Nagata paced up and down in frustration as he wondered how to go to war with Russia without alienating his allies the British. Then he had a brainwave he could get his spies to 'discover' Russian plans to annex Japan. That should be enough to get Britain on his side.

OOC Will start war as soon as possible. Probably while the conference in Budapest is going on.

General Nagata paced up and down in frustration as he wondered how to go to war with Russia without alienating his allies the British. Then he had a brainwave he could get his spies to 'discover' Russian plans to annex Japan. That should be enough to get Britain on his side.

OOC Will start war as soon as possible. Probably while the conference in Budapest is going on.

thats what I figured... it will catch the Russians unprepared in East Asia

In the Caucasus Mountains, troops continued to assemble, nearly 30 divisions now since the reserves had been called up organized into 3 armies (2nd, 4th, and 6th) under General Korapatin, recently transferred from Manchuria.

In southern Central Asia, near the Persian border, a more Russian troops were arriving by ship across the Caspian Sea and by overland march from Omsk and Astrakhan. Nearly 20 Divisions, mostly Cavalry and Cossacks (mostly reservists as well). This force, organized into the 1st and 3rd Armies was preparing for a leap south into Persia.

And in the Ukraine, nearly 40 divisions, organized into the 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th Armies, was assembling near Odessa and Sevastapol. The Russian merchant marine was being summoned home as well, both to avoid its loss in case of war with the British, and because shipping was needed in the Black Sea.

So far the Turks hadn't closed the Dardenelles, but it was only a matter of time as it was clearly in their interest to do so soon.

In Siberia, trains headed east, bringing more troops to Manchuria. Nearly 40,000 were sent in July, adding another corps to the Army of Observation near Mukden (bringing it up to 80,000 men). These troops were also mostly reservists, but they were hardy Siberians from the Urals and western Siberia.

Ok I will launch the attack once you have fleet and base information done.

Countdown to the Great War; the fleets July 1905

Allied fleets
Royal Navy (includes British Hannover and Australia)
RN
Heavy ships– 1 Dreadnought (DN) (6/4/3/3), 1 Battlecruiser (BC)(6/2/3/4), 26 1st class battleships (BB1)(4/3/2/2), 15 2nd class battleships (BB2)(4/2/2/2), 12 3rd class battleships (BB3)(4/1/2/2),
Light ships – 36 Armored cruisers (CA)(4/2/3/3), 72 protected cruisers (CP)(36 are CP1 3/1/3/3, 36 are CP2 2/0/3/2), 10 Light Cruisers (CL)(3/2/3/4), 24 Destroyer squadrons (Desrons)(3/1/1/5), 20 Patrol squadrons (Patrons)(1/0/3/1), 2 submarine squadrons

RAN
4 CP2, 2 Patron

RBHN
3 BB1, 2 BB2, 11 CA, 12 CP1, 12 CP2, 3 Desron, 6 Torpedo squadrons (Torpron),

Major Bases*: Scapa Flow (North Sea, North Atlantic, Barents Sea areas), Portsmouth (English Channel / North Sea), Halifax (North Atlantic, North American East Coast), Alexandria / Suez (Eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea), Sydney (New Zealand), Vancouver (North Pacific, North American West Coast), Liverpool / Belfast (Western Approaches), Calcutta (Bay of Bengal)

Minor bases: Aden (Red Sea, Arabian Sea), Kingston (Caribbean Sea), Gibraltar (Central Atlantic, Western Mediterranean), Bermuda (Central Atlantic), Auckland (New Zealand, Great Southern Ocean), Port Stanley (Great Southern Ocean), Capetown (Great Southern Ocean, South Atlantic, Madagascar, Antarctic Ocean), Bombay (Arabian Sea), Colombo (Bay of Bengal, Maldives), Freemantle (Great Southern Ocean), Hong Kong (South China Sea), Shanghai (North China Sea), Malta (Sicily, Western Mediterranean), Freetown (South Atlantic), Singapore (Dutch East Indies, South China Sea, Bay of Bengal)

Deployment:
Home Fleet (with Admiral Jellicoe) 26 BB, 12 CA, 10 CP1, 18 CP2 (blockade patrol), 12 Desrons, 1 Subron
Western Approaches: 1 DN (Dreadnought), 1 BC (Invincible), 10 CA, 10 CL, 10 CP2, 5 Patrons
Channel Fleet 4 Desrons
Mediterranean Fleet (with Admiral Craddock): 15 BB2, 10 CA, 10 CP1, 8 Desron, 1 Subron
North Atlantic Patrol: 2 BB1, 2 BB2, 8 CA, 10 CP1, 4 CP2, 2 Desron, 4 Torpron, 1 Subron
West Indies Squadron: 3 CP2
South Atlantic Squadron: 2 CA, 8 CP2, 6 Patron
West Africa Squadron: 4 Patron
Indian Ocean Squadron: 5 BB3, 5 Patron
East Indies Squadron: 5 BB3, 5 CA, 2 CP1, 10 Patron,
North Pacific Squadron: 1 BB1, 3 CA, 3 CP1, 4 CP2, 1 Desron, 2 Torpron
South Pacific Squadron: 4 CP2, 2 Patron

*base and adjacent sea areas. Major bases can conduct repairs, minor bases are for refueling only.

Under construction (with months will join fleet)
January 1906 RN: 4 DN (Superb, Bellerophen, Temeraire, Queen Victoria), 2 BC (Indomitable, Inflexible), 4 Desron, 4 CL RBHN: 1 DN, 1 BC, 1 CA, 2 CP2, 1 Desron
January 1907 RN: 4 DN, 4 Desron, 4 CL

British Hannover is also expanding its ship building capacity substantially

French Navy
4 BB1 (4/3/2/2), 4 BB2 (4/2/2/2), 4 BB3 (4/1/2/2), 18 CA (4/2/3/3), 10 CP1 (3/1/3/3), 11 CP2 (2/0/3/2), 8 Desrons (3/1/1/5), 3 Torprons (2/0/1/5), 8 Patrons (1/0/3/2), 1 subron

Major bases: Brest (Central Atlantic, English Channel), Cherbourg (English Channel), Toulon (Western Mediterranean), Algiers (Western Mediterranean)

Minor bases: Martinique (Caribbean), Casablanca (South Atlantic, Central Atlantic), Dakar (South Atlantic), Djibiouti (Red Sea, Arabian Sea), Diego Suarez (Madagascar, Diego Garcia), Haiphong (South China Sea), Tahiti (Polynesia), New Caledonia (Coral Sea, New Zealand),

Deployment:
Mediterranean Fleet: 4 BB1, 4 BB2, 8 CA, 8 CP1, 4 Desrons, 2 Torprons, 1 subron
Caribbean Squadron: 1 Patron
West Africa Squadron: 2 Patron
Indochina Squadron: 4 BB3, 4 CP2, 1 Desron, 1 Patron
South Pacific Squadron: 2 CP2, 1 Patron
Atlantic Fleet: 10 CA, 2 CP1, 5 CP2, 3 Desron, 1 Torpron

Dutch Navy (RNN)
6 BB2 (4/2/2/2), 2 CL (3/1/3/4), 2 CP1 (3/1/3/3), 2 Desron, 2 Patron, 1 Torpron

Major bases: Rotterdam (North Sea), Batavia (Dutch East Indies, Bay of Bengal)
Minor bases: Aruba (Caribbean), Surabaya (Dutch East Indies)

Deployment:
Dutch East Indies: 2 BB2, 2 CL, 1 Desron, 1 Patron
Caribbean: 1 Patron, 1 CP1
Home Fleet: 4 BB2, 1 CP1, 1 Desron, 1 Torpron

Turkish Navy
4 BB2, 1 BB3, 3 CP2, 1 Desron, 1 Patron, 2 Torpron
Major base: Constantinople (Black Sea, Aegean Sea) Minor Base: Smyrna (Aegean Sea, Eastern Med)
Navy is concentrated at Constantinople except for a Patron in Smyrna

Confederate States Navy (CSN)
2 BB2, 6 CP2, 10 Torprons, 1 subron
Major bases: Norfolk (North American East coast), New Orleans (Caribbean), Charleston (North American East Coast)
Minor bases: Key West (Caribbean), Savannah (North American East Coast), Mobile Bay (North American East Coast), Pensacola (Caribbean), Wilmington (North American East Coast),
Deployment: 1 Torpron each minor base, 2 CP2 and 1 Torpron each major base, 2 BB2, 2 Torprons, 1 Subron at Charleston

Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)
Admiral Togo, plus 11 BB1 (4/3/2/2), 20 CP1, 11 CP2, 5 Desron, 1 Patron, 2 Torpron
Major Bases: Yokohoma (Western Pacific), Kure (Western Pacific, Sea of Japan, North China Sea), Sasebo (North China Sea, Sea of Japan,)
Minor Bases: Okinawa (North China Sea, Western Pacific), Taipei (North China Sea, South China Sea, Western Pacific)
Deployment: entire fleet is in home waters

Under construction (will join fleet July 1906) 3 BB1, 4 CL, 2 Desron

United States Navy (USN)
1 BB3, 10 CA, 14 CL, 24 CP2, 10 Desrons, 8 Torprons, 5 Patrons, 3 Subron

Major bases: Brooklyn (US East Coast), Boston (US East Coast),.Philadelphia (US East Coast), Portsmouth NH (US East Coast), Mare Island (US West Coast), Pearl Harbor (Hawaii, East Pacific, Central Pacific), Bremerton (US West Coast, North Pacific)
Minor bases; Guam (Western Pacific), Kwajalein (Marshal Islands), Pago Pago (Polynesia, New Zealand, South Pacific), San Diego (US West Coast), Long Beach (US West Coast), Colon (Caribbean, Gulf of Panama), Puerto Rico (Caribbean), Guantanemo Bay (Caribbean), Shanghai (North China Sea, South China Sea),

Deployment:
Asiatic Fleet: Admiral Sims 6 CA (4/2/3/3), 12 CP2, 4 Desron, 2 Patron, 1 subron
Pacific Fleet: 1 BB3, 10 CL, 4 CP2, 5 Torpron, 2 Desron, 1 Patron,
Caribbean Fleet: 4 CA (5/3/2/3)*, 2 Desrons, 2 Torprons, 2 Patrons, 1 Subron
Atlantic Fleet: 4 CL, 8 CP2, 2 Desrons, 1 Torpron, 1 Subron,

*these armored cruisers are a cross between a battlecruiser and armored cruiser as have heavier armor and carry more torpedoes and are faster than older armored cruisers, but do not have the big guns or even greater speed (or lighter armor) of battlecruisers... basically these are predecessors to true heavy cruisers that will show up in a few years

Under construction:
January 1906 2 DN (Michigan, Minnesota), 2 BC (Ranger, Bonhomme Richard), 3 Desron
July 1906 4 CL, 2 Desron, 2 Subron
January 1907: 4 DN (Maine, Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas), 2 BC (Constellation, Constitution), 8 CL, 6 Desron, 4 Subrons,
January 1908 4 DN (improved class)(Arkansas, New York, Oregon, Texas)

OOC
I haven't worked up the Whutefeckia Navy yet, but essentially it is identical to the Dutch Navy but is concentrated entirely in home waters except for a Patron at the Galapagos. It also has an Admiral(name at the descression of that player). It has one major base, 3 minor bases (names and locations at descression of player)

War at Sea
AMENDED RULES
Naval combat in the Great War 1905 –

Ship ratings
Offensive rating (how many 1d6 do they get to roll on an attack roll)
Based on how many guns, rate of fire, efficiency of layout

Torpedoes 2 – 4 tubes 1
Torpedoes 5 -10 tubes 1
4 x heavy guns (10 – 13 inch) 1
8 x heavy guns (10 – 13 inch) 3*
8 x medium guns (7 – 9 inch) 1
6 – 8 light guns (4 – 6 inch) 1
anti torpedo boat armament 1

*better arrangement and sighting

Defensive ratings (how many hits can they take)
Based on internal compartmentalization, armor, seaworthiness, damage control features

Superior 4
Excellent 3
Good 2
Poor 1
None 0

Endurance (combat radius or how far from a base can they operate)
Based on coal capacity (or oil) and cruise speed and tells you how many sea zones away from base the ship can travel in one turn (and fight).

Ships can shift bases at roughly 3 times this distance without refueling. Generally, to operate further from bases colliers or tankers are needed, roughly 1 collier or tanker for every battleship, 3 cruisers, or 5 destroyers or 10 lighter ships.

Speed (combat speed)
30 knots 5
25 knots 4
20 knots 3
15 knots 2
10 knots 1

All ships were rounded down to closest as things like foul bottoms, equipment wear and tear and the like are considered.

How Combat works
Each turn is considered 3 months (seasonal) so that we don’t have to worry about tactical factors like finding the enemy etc.

Strategic Movement and control
Oceans are divided up into Sea zones
Atlantic consists of North Sea, Barents Sea, Western Approaches, English Channel, North Atlantic, Central Atlantic, Caribbean, South Atlantic, Great Southern Ocean, US east coast

Pacific consists of North Pacific, US West coast, Hawaii, Marshal Islands, Western Pacific, Philippine Sea, Philippine Waters, South China Sea, North China Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Yakkutsk,
Gulf of Siam, Coral Sea, Polynesia, New Zealand, Whutefeckia, Gulf of Panama, Mexican coast, Dutch East Indies

Indian Ocean consists of Red Sea, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, Maldives, Madagascar, Diego Garcia, Antarctic sea

Mediterranean Sea consists of Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Sicily,

Black Sea and Baltic Seas are each their own sea area.

The Suez Canal connects the Eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea
The Panama Canal connects the Gulf of Panama to the Caribbean Sea
The Kiel Canal connects the Baltic Sea to the North Sea
The Cape of Good Hope lies at the junction of the Great Southern Ocean, South Atlantic, Madagascar, and Antarctic Ocean
Cape Horn / Straits of Magellan lies at the junction of the Great Southern Ocean, South Atlantic, and Whutefeckia
Movement between the Black Sea and Aegean Sea and vice versa is only allowed for the alliance that controls Constaninople
Only British and British allied ships can move into the English Channel Sea zone (extensive minefields)
Only German and German allied ships can move from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea (as the Skaggarak is also extensively mined)

An Alliance controls a sea area if it has warships at sea after combat and the enemy doesn’t or it has a base in the area and the enemy doesn't. Merchant traffic is not allowed in areas where the enemy controls the sea zone, nor are amphibious invasions or troop movements by sea.

Movement
Initiative is determined and then each side takes the ships it has and may chose to move them into any sea area within range (one sea area at a time). When the opposing side moves into a sea area containing ships of the other side, fleets may then chose to accept combat, retreat to its base, or attempt to move through the sea zone to another sea zone. The other fleet may choose to intercept, and each ship of the escaping fleet rolls a 1d6, trying to roll under its speed. If successful, the ship moves to the next sea zone but the intercepting fleet may choose to send ships to pursue it, or when the escaping ship reaches the next sea zone it will have to do the entire process all over again.

Example: The German cruiser Dresden starts in East Africa. It can go to the Madagascar sea zone where a pair of British cruisers is waiting for it. It gets lucky, and makes it to the Diego Garcia sea zone where another British cruiser is waiting. Once again it gets lucky and makes it to the Antarctic Sea. This time no British ships are waiting.

Example: The British Home Fleet moves into the North Sea and risking all, Tirpitz decides to send out his High Seas Fleet. The two fleets meet and fight, and after suffering damage and losses, the Germans decide to retreat back to Kiel.

Combat:
First round is long range combat, and only battleships, dreadnoughts and battle cruisers may fire (roll a 1d6 for each number in its attack value) against one target (one battleship or cruiser, or a torpedo boat squadron, destroyer squadron or gunboat squadron). A roll of a “6” results in a hit and targets can take hits until they reach a negative number (so 1 hit will generally kill a light ship, while multiple hits are generally required to sink a heavy ship).

At this point, fleets decide to close or retreat. Speed is compared, and the faster fleet has the initiative and may close or retreat as it wishes. If both speeds are equal, than the smaller fleet chooses to close or retreat. Retreat means that fleet returns to its closest base, which may mean moving through one or more sea zones between it and home port (which means it can be intercepted). The victorious fleet may choose to pursue. In no base is available, that fleet is destroyed (it either flees to internment, surrenders, or scuttles) unless it fights (and wins).

If both fleets choose to close, than the smaller cruisers, destroyers and other ships enter the battle and all ships pick a target and roll to attack it. All combat is considered simultaneous and damaged and losses are assessed at the end of the combat round. After each round of combat, each side may choose to break off or continue the action. If either side breaks off, combat then moves back to long range, but the other side may attempt to again close (same rules as before).

However only a maximum of 4 rounds of long range combat and 2 rounds of close range combat are allowed in a sea zone in each turn (simulates fatigue, ammunition exhaustion and other factors). If a ship or fleet breaks off, it must return to a friendly port within range that doesn’t require it to do battle in another sea zone.

Supply
At the end of all combat and movement, each side looks to sea which sea zones it controls. A sea zone is under friendly control if friendly forces have a base bordering that sea zone, and no enemy warships are in that sea zone. If both sides have a base and no warships remaining at sea, than the side that controlled it the previous turn is considered to have retained control.

All remaining ships at this point now return to base, and may move to any friendly base or neutral port within its range that does not require it to enter an enemy controlled sea zone. If a ship cannot make it to a port without passing through an enemy controlled sea zone, it is eliminated (it surrendered, was interned or was scuttled).

Damage effects
Ships take hits, and each hit indicates how much damage as been inflicted on it. It then must be repaired, which takes 3 months for less than half damage or 6 months for half damage or more (round up). Some ships are actually squadrons (destroyers, torpedo boats, gunboats) but the rules are the same (to make life easier).

Submarines and Mines
At this point, ocean going submarines aren’t possible yet. However, for every submarine squadron a nation has, it can conduct one torpedo attack or choose to use that submarine as a warship to deny control of the sea zone it is in to the enemy (submarine squadrons cannot be attacked or intercepted). A torpedo attack can be launched against any one enemy warship in the sea zone it is in (roll an attack, a “6” is considered a hit). Any warship torpedoed by a submarine is automatically sunk regardless of how many hits it can usually absorp.

However, submarines can only operate in the sea zone directly adjacent to its base. A submarine cannot move from sea zone to sea zone unless transported there by transport and can only be transported from one base to another base.

Minefields are simpler. Each turn, each navy can choose to pick any enemy ship that moves from a base to a sea zone (where the attacking player has a base) and declare a mine attack against it (including submarines). A successful hit automatically sinks that ship. The Allies have the following Navies: USN, CSN(Dixie), RN, RBHN (British Hannover), RAN, RNN (Dutch), IJN (Japanese), French Navy, and Turkish Navy and can also add the Whutefeckian Navy. The Central Powers have the following navies: German, Russian, Italian. Only these navies may conduct mine warfare.


Ship type Attack Defense Range Speed
Dreadnought 6 4 3 3
Battle cruiser 6 2 3 4
Light Cruiser 3 2 3 4
1st class Battleship4 3 2 2
2nd class Battleship4 2 2 2
3rd class Battleship4 1 2 2
Armored Cruiser 4 2 3 3

attack defense range speed
Protected Cruiser (1900+) 3 1 3 3
Protected Cruiser (pre 1900) 2 0 3 2
Destroyer squadron (4 – 6 ships) 3 1 1 5
Torpedo boat squadron (8 – 10 ships) 2 0 1 5
Patrol squadron (4 – 6 gunboats) 1 0 3 1
Merchant / Transport convoy (20 ships)0 1 4 1

Special Combat modifiers
The Japanese, Germans, and Americans start the war with a superior gunnery spotting system to the other navies and get a +1 to all die rolls the first 4 turns of the war. (at which point everyone else catches up)

The Japanese can launch one surprise attack during the course of the war. This can be against ships that are actually in a base, and a maximum of 3 torpedo boat squadrons can take part. They get 1 round of torpedo attacks and then are considered to have escaped after exhausting their ammunition.

The following naval leaders can be added. They are assigned to a specific ship, and if that ship is sunk, they are considered to be killed. The British have Admiral Craddock and Jellicoe, the Japanese have Admiral Togo, the Germans have Admiral Graf Spee, the Americans have Admiral Sims, and the Russians have Admiral Markarov (Markarov cannot start the game assigned to any fleet as he is in Budapest engaged in talks). These Admirals add a +1 to the attack die rolls of all the ships of their nationality in the sea zone they are in. The exception is Admiral Craddock, who can add that bonus to British Royal Navy ships and British Hannover ships.

All big gun ships (Dreadnoughts and Battle cruisers) get a bonus to their shooting of +1 if shooting against a non all big gun ship (superior sighting and spotting arrangements). Light cruisers get a similar bonus against protected cruisers and gunboats.

The Fleets of the Central Powers

Germany
12 BB1 (4/4/1/2)*, 12 BB2 (4/3/1/2)*, 25 CA, 24 CP1, 12 CP2, 7 Torprons, 14 Patrons, 2 Subron

Major Bases: Kiel (North Sea, Baltic Sea), Danzig (Baltic Sea), Rostock (Baltic Sea), Hamburg (North Sea)
Split (Adriatic Sea), Manila Bay (Philippine waters, South China Sea, Gulf of Siam, Dutch East Indies)
Minor bases: Cebu (Philippine waters, South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Gulf of Siam), Rabaul (Philippine Sea, Coral Sea), Truk (Philippine Sea, Marshal Islands, Western Pacific), Tsingtao (North China Sea), Zanzibar (Madagascar, Arabian Sea), Walvis Bay (South Atlantic),

Deployment:
China Fleet: 1 BB2, 2 CA, 1 Patron, 1 Torpron
Pacific Fleet: 2 BB2, 4 CA, 7 CP2, 2 Patron, 1 Torpron
South Pacific Squadron: 3 Patron
East Africa Squadron: 2 Patron,
Adriatic Fleet: 4 BB2, 6 CA, 8 CP1, 5 CP2, 2 Patron, 2 Torpron, 1 Subron
High Seas Fleet: Admiral Graf Spee, 12 BB1, 5 BB2, 1 CA (5/3/3/4)**, 12 CA, 16 CP1, 3 Torpron, 4 Patron, 1 Subron

*German battleships trade off range for more armor and better internal compartmentalization
**this is the German hybrid cruiser Blucher, which has more speed than an armored cruiser but is slower than a Battle cruiser.

Under construction
January 1906 3 BB1, 3 CL, 2 Desrons, 2 Torprons, 2 Subrons (in Germany), 1 BB1, 1 Desron (at Split)
January 1907 DN Nassau, Wesfalen,
January 1908 DN Rhenland, Posen, BC Von der Tann, (more are planned but it takes 2 years in emergency mode to build ships dreadnought, armored cruiser or battleship sized, about a year for everything else)

Italian Navy (Regia Marina)
3 BB2, 12 BB3, 6 CA, 7 CP1, 4 Desrons, 1 Patron, 4 Torprons
Major Bases: Taranto (Sicily, Adriatic Sea), Naples (West Med, Sicily), Venice (Adriatic Sea), Genoa (West Med)
Minor bases: Tobruk (East Med), Tripoli (Sicily), Syracuse (Sicily, East Med), Cagliari (West Med), Mogadishu (Arabian Sea), Berbera (Arabian Sea)

Deployment:
Italian East Africa: 2 CP1, 1 Patron
Home Fleet: 3 BB2, 12 BB3, 6 CA, 5 CP1, 4 Desron, 4 Torpron

Under construction
January 1906 1 BB2, 1 CP1, 1 Desron, 1 Torpron
January 1907 1 BB2, 1 CP1, 1 Desron, 1 Torpron
A dreadnought design is being evaluated but won’t be ready before 1908

Russian Imperial Navy
9 BB1, 7 BB2, 4 BB3, 8 CA, 7 CP2, 7 Desron, 3 Torpron, 3 Patron
Major Bases: Vladivostok (Sea of Japan, Sea of Yakkutsk), St. Petersburg (Baltic Sea), Riga (Baltic Sea),
Archangel (Barents Sea), Sevastopol (Black Sea), Novorossiysk (Black Sea)
Minor Bases: Port Arthur (North China Sea), Batumi (Black Sea), Murmansk (Barents Sea), Petrapavlosk (North Pacific),
Deployment:
Port Arthur Admiral Markarov, 5 BB1, 5 BB2, 7 CP2, 3 Desron, 1 Torpron,
Vladivostock 4 CA, 1 Desron, 1 Patron
Petrapavlosk 1 Patron
Vladivostock 4 BB1, 3 BB2, 2 Desron, 1 Torpron
Riga 2 BB3, 1 Desron, 1 Torpron
Murmansk 1 Patron

Under construction
January 1906 2 BB1, 1 Desron, (Baltic) 2 CA, 2 CP1, 1 Desron (Black Sea)
January 1907 2 BB1 (Black Sea) 2 CA (Baltic)

OOC> Thank you good sir. *bows* The Croatian army (2 divisions), Serbian army (5 divisions), much of the Hungarian army (8 divisions) and Romanian army (6 divisions) will attack Turkey from the Balkans in addition to any Russian forces. Most of them are somewhat less than high-quality, although the Hungarian regulars (almost all Magyars) are probably on a quality par with Russian troops. Although the reservists (non-Magyars) suck eggs.

Although he was currently in Budapest on diplomatic business, Manstein had been assured that the plans for German mobilization were proceeding smoothly. Within one week of the declaration of hostilities, he would be able to effectively spring the trap on France and the Low Countries. He sipped his coffee and waited for the inevitable news of war.

Prime Minister Lloyd George recieved reports of ominous Russian and German activity with some dismay. He had rather hoped to prevent a war, but it seemed more and more that that would not be the case. He wrote a telegram to the United States President asking for the American response to a Russian attack against Turkey and a likely war in the Pacific between Russia and Japan.

He also shared what intelligence he had regarding German troop mobilization, which clearly indicated that something was up, but he wasn't sure exactly what or how big. The German intelligence network , headed by its long-time chief, Philip Eulenberg had done a good job of keeping things under wraps. However, it was impossible to totally hide what was going on.

Wilfred Laurier watched a review of the 1st Division of the Royal Hannoveran Army. While the sight of the big and tall soldiers marching in perfect order was stirring, the thought that they would likely be used in something other than a politically impressive drilling game left a bad taste in his mouth. In addition, he had to listen to one of the generals in the army, Arthur Currie, give his arguments that the Royal Hannoveran Army should have operational independence from the British army.

Laurier shook his head. 'But we don't have the logistical infrastructure, or the number of men to justify taking command and control fully in our own hands.'

Currie looked over his men. 'Well, we'll have to develop it then. Look, I'm not saying that we drop the 'British' in 'British Hannover', but we are an emerging power in the world and should start acting like it.'

Laurier sighed. 'Do you think the British would like that?'

'I doubt it, sir. However, I think it may be in our best interests.'

'Well, General Currie, academically, I think I have to give you the point here. But realistically, there's no real reason to do so. Give me a good reason why we should have operational independence and I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, work with what you have, General.'

Currie was disappointed but saluted nonetheless. 'Yes, sir.'

OOC> Reason being Haig.

Telegram sent to US Naval and Military Forces Pacific and Asia

"This is to be considered a war warning. Events in Europe and East Asia are moving forward and no diplomatic effort has been made to stop them. War between Japan and Russia, with the probability of war spreading to involve the British and French on the Japanese side, and the Germans on the Russian side, is considered likely within weeks, if not days.

Unless Russia or Germany declares war on Britian or British Hannover the United States will remain neutral at this time. However, the possibility of combat involving our forces should not be discounted. Take immediate steps for that ineventuality."

a copy of this note is forwarded through back channels to the British and British Hannover governments.

Secret Note to the British Government
Our treaty requires us to come to your aid in the event you are attacked. However, certain political realities may force the US allow things to happen before a declaration of War can be obtained from Congress. In order to get such a declaration, it is highly desirable that the Germans or Russians declare war on you first and if possible commit the first overt acts against your forces or territory. Even then, a successful declaration may require a more clear threat to US interests, such as an attack on US shipping or territory. I regret the situation this places you in, but regretably, many in Congress do not understand the danger Russia and Germany pose to the world.

In the event the US cannot immediately come to your aid, the US can provide other assistance, such as providing loans and refueling bases, using judgement in enforcing neutrality rules and other covert assistance as can be provided.

Sincerely,

Theodore Roosevelt,
President of the United States

Admiral Markarov boarded the train to take him to join his fleet. The ball had already started in Turkey, and he expected that it will begin soon againt the British and Japanese soon as well. He worried that he would not get to Port Arthur before the war really got started.

He also hoped his subordinate, the inefficient Admiral Starck, had carried out his orders and mined the approaches to Port Arthur and sent the armored cruisers out to see from Vladivostok.

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7819994#post7819994
war in the pacific thread

General Nagata was pleased he now had his reason for war. And so he went to prepare the official declaration of war, which would be finalised after the suprise attack on Port Arthur.

OOC> After looking at the naval lists in detail, I did have a few questions. Firstly, is it okay if I add two patrol boat squadrons for the Congo/West Africa? Secondly, why doesn't Germany have any destroyers? Thirdly, in the list of Germany's ships under construction, are the DN's in 1907-08 in addition to, or instead of, the smaller ships listed for 1906?

OOC> After looking at the naval lists in detail, I did have a few questions. Firstly, is it okay if I add two patrol boat squadrons for the Congo/West Africa? Secondly, why doesn't Germany have any destroyers? Thirdly, in the list of Germany's ships under construction, are the DN's in 1907-08 in addition to, or instead of, the smaller ships listed for 1906?

remember, a patrol squadron is from 5 -8 gunboats (depends on their size) so you probably have enough already, but if not, add some more. The Germans didn't build destroyers until about the time they built dreadnoughts (Kaiser Wilhem liked big ships), but if you want them, substitute a torpedo boat squadron for a destroyer squadron. The dreadnoughts listed are in addition to what is listed reach the fleet in 1906, and represents the fact that the Germans were caught flat footed by the British and American dreadnoughts. (historically first German dreadnought took until 1908, so giving the Germans a slight boost).

US State Department Announcements

August 1, 1905
War has been declared between the British Empire and the Russian Empire. In addition, war has broken out in Turkey and Persia. The United States officially declares its neutrality at this time.

August 1, 1905
The US hereby declares that a boycott against trade with Russia is in effect beginnning immediately because of its high handed actions in Persia and Turkey.

August 2, 1905
The waters in East Asia and the Northern and Western Pacific are to be considered war zones effective immediately. All US flag merchant ships are to stop at Guam before proceeding to either China or Japan to join with convoys. No merchant ships are to steam or sail into Russian waters, as effective immediately the US Government has issued an economic boycott of Russia because of its actions against Turkey.

August 3, 1905
Americans are hereby ordered to leave the Russian Empire, Turkey, and Persia and warned to leave China, Korea and Japan.

bump

I suggest everybody gets any info they need of this thread and then we let it die as we have other threads to deal with now.

message received at Guam US Navy Station and forwarded to Washington

"Have been attacked by Russian cruisers 210 miles west of the Volcano Islands. USS Bennington sunk, USS Milwaukee heavily damaged and being towed to Japan. 300 dead, 200 wounded. Attack was without warning and Russian ships did not issue a challenge before attacking. Enemy ships driven off with damage."

Soon after, cables and wireless messages went out to US military bases and ships at sea ordering them to engage and destroy any Russian shipping found. In addition, the US immediately placed a freeze on all Russian assets in the US.

The next day, Roosevelt addressed Congress and called for a declaration of war which was passed by a substantial majority.