NationStates Jolt Archive

The masses gathered before Hwangju (OOC: Emperor=Hwangju) Gonjong's Seoul palace. He stood on a simple wooden platform with a simple wooden podium. His face was completely serious, understanding the momentous announcement he would make. The address would go down in history as the Gyeongbokgung Decree, named after the Seoul palace.

"My subjects, countrymen, Koreans--no longer shall you be subjects. Today you shall be citizens, with rights equivalent to one anothers. Today you shall be able to speak and assemble freely and peaceably, to protest your Hwangju's policies, to form newspapers and, above all, vote. You, noble Koreans, shall decide who shall occupy the seats of a new Congress, a body of representatives of the people who shall create laws and send them to me for my approval.

But granting the right to elect a few old men to a legislature is not the only thing I shall do today. Korea has fallen off a steep hill, where the top of the hill is greatness. Shall Korea not try climbing it once again? At my direction, Korea shall climb this hill with all haste. Today I have allocated 75% of all government funds to education (25% of total budget) and industrialization (50% of total budget), and I have called upon the great nations of the world to aid us in our endeavor to restore the greatness of Korea.

But I am getting ahead of myself. What shall the education money be used for? It shall be used to build more schools, to ensure that all Koreans can attend school. It shall be used to acquire new books, pencil, paper. A modern education system, one where students learn mathematics, Korean, history, and science shall be put in place. In time, five years say my advisors, this system will be in place and all children will be required to attend this school system. But do not fret; there will be a summer vacation to ensure that your children can still help around on the farm, house, or whatever.

Another unanswered question is: what shall the industrialization fund be used for? With tight state management by my economic advisor, this fund, the Korean Future Fund, shall be used to create a modern industry and infrastructure in all of Korea. Factories shall be built, electricity generated, and phones shall link the nation. Scientists shall discover the wonders of the world, and Korea shall prosper like in no other time.

[OOC: The opening up of Korea's political institution's is a noble effort, but one wonders whether the Hwangju has opened pandora's box? Has the Hwangju not turned his absolute rule into a constitutional monarchy, effectively allowing his rule to be questioned and challenged? Are we to see Asia's first parliamentary state? Education Korea is a worthwhile program though, and investing so soon will reap its own rewards sooner than you think.]

[OOC: He's created a semi-constitutional monarchy with almost total control. If you notice, he said that the Congress can create laws and send them to him for approval. Of course, he will have to pass some of the laws the Congress presents, but with these semi-democratic reforms the people might see him as a great opener, one who genuinly wants social and economic reforms. Or they could see it all as a farce, a rubber-stamp for the Hwangju's power, a desperate grasp for power that laughs at the idea of democracy directly.]

From an article in The Democratic People's Republic of Norf Korea (DPRNK)'s newspaper Minju Chosen:

"Whilst The Democratic People's Republic of Norf Korea welcomes such moves for reform by Hwangju to end his rule over Korean peoples in such a imperial manner, it is important that for true freedom for the people, that The Juche Idea must be implicated as has been by our Great Leader in The Democratic People's Republic of Norf Korea.
It should be a matter of importance that this should be done, and done without delay.

The Democratic People's Republic of Norf Korea calls on our Korean brothers and sisters to suceed in this by revolution, and for a leader to lead the revolution, and their sovereign state into the glorious sunshine of The Juche Idea for the people, at the head of the revolution and The Juche Idea.
It is in such a circumstance that Hwanju could lead this, to redeem, and show he is a friend and comrade of the Korean people he has ruled over by embracing The Juche Idea."

The Korean Future Fund was now ready to be put to use. A new building in Seoul was created for the purpose of a new Korean Technology Institute, a research center devoted to advancing science and, ultimately, the lives of the average Korean. The speaker of the newly elected Congress of Korea, Rhoo Jong, was present for the opening of the KTI, as he had led the other congressmen to create legislation mandating the KTI. The Emperor, having shown support for such a measure in previous speaches, signed the proposed bill into law a few months ago.

Currently, the main focus of the KTI is the development of a rotary combustion engine. Despite having had little time at the drawing board, engineers at the KTI have already unveiled sketches of the possible engine and have made promises that "when the engine is released, it will shake the industry to its core." Also at work at the KTI is a gas turbine for use in producing electricity. KTI scientists envision meshing the two inventions together, creating a rotary engine powered vehicle that tows along a gas turbine to distant villages for power production.

Applications that the rotary engine is likely to be used for include new industrialised farming equipment (tractors,etc.), cheaper automobiles, and possible industrial applications. Although a conventional internal combustion engine works in these roles, a rotary engine is cheaper to make and can has a higher weight/power ratio, making smaller tractors have more power for cheap.

With the infusion of five billion dollars from France, to be paid back by 1921 with 5% interest, Korea was currently swimming in capital, far more than the government knew what to do with. There were so many different projects that needed work, such as improving food surplusses, starting and expanding coal and iron mines, providing modern transportation systems and so on.

It was decided that $1 billion would be spent on the argricultural sector. New mechanized reapers for farms, irrigation, fertilizers, and other labor saving and production increasing measures are being introduced. The Emperor has also used his considerable influence to force several large owners of land to give their land to the peasants they rent it to, in order to reduce the overhead required to run a farm. This has angered a few of these wealthy men, but the peasants have been greatly appeased by this act.

$500 million is to be spent on linking Seoul and other cities in Korea by rail, particularly those involved in coal, steel, and iron production. This would allow the raw materials to be more easily transported to factories where they will be turned into finished goods or ports where they will be exported to other nations. As some infrastructure exists, it is not expected to be as costly to develop.

Chemical plants, coal, iron and steel will recieve $1 billion dollars. These industries have great uses for Korea; coal could be used to generate electricity and had other uses. Iron and steel were useful in a variety of applications and could be used as a potential export. Initial production is expected to be small, but as more and more efficient mines, plants and mills open up, production is expected to increase to modest amounts. Following the development of these heavy industries, the following industries were to follow.

Automobiles. As the economy expands, more and more people will have expendable income. The automobile, then, could see increased popularity in Korea. Once heavy industries are up to speed, Korea would then focus on automobiles for export and domestic production. With rotary internal combustion engines currently being developed, it is expected that Korean autos will be cheaper and lighter than their competitors' models. What remains to be seen is if foriegners would be willing to purchase a Korean auto. Currently, $100 million is being devoted to automobile reserach, with additional funds expected in the future.

The remaining $2.4 billion is to be saved as both an emergency fund and a pot from which other industries will recieve capital in the future, as more technologies develop and possibilities arise.

Finally, the Korean Congress has enacted several new tax laws to streamline tax collection and produce incentives for investment in Korea. Import quotas, tarrifs, and the like, have been removed, allowing Koreans and corporations to more cheaply purchase needed materials from the open market. Companies that export to foreign lands do not need to pay taxes on those goods and pay taxes at a reduced rate.

As these developments were occuring, the Emperor talked to his advisors, proposing the need for a shipyard to create a merchant fleet to carry Korean goods abroad, and if possible, to produce ships to defend against other powers. Amidst some discussion, it was agreed, and some $50 million was budgeted to make such a facility. The caveat was, where would this facility go? And who would help build it? Korea had plenty of shipbuilding experience, but these times demanded, well, more modern thought. So, a letter was sent out to the Great Powers.

To: The Great Powers (OOC: Assume this is sent to the diplomats of the nations of Italy, France, UK, US, Germany, Russia, and reluctantly IC, Japan)
From: Emperor Gojong

Our nation of Korea, as you know, is expanding and entering the modern age. However, we are in need of modern shipbuilding facilities. We are looking for foreign experts to help us in the endeavor, and will entertain offers for such a facility.

In the meantime, scouts were sent to find the best location in the Empire for such a facility.....

To: Emperor Kojong
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy would be interested in building a shipyard capable of producing 50,000 tons at one time (OOC: roughly 3 pre-dreadnoughts), for a price of $50 million and a naval base at Inchon. If Korea so desires, we can also build the shipyard in Inchon, depending on what areas Korea finds suitable. Also of possible interest to Korea is our new Cei-Riggotti assault rifle. In exchange for not selling the rifles (or the technology involved in them) to other nations, we will sell them to you for $250 each.

There is one final deal to be made: Italy is willing to sell Korea 50,000 tons of merchant shipping for $27 million, and is willing to negotiate for the construction of warships.

To: Emperor Kojong
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy would be interested in building a shipyard capable of producing 50,000 tons at one time (OOC: roughly 3 pre-dreadnoughts), for a price of $50 million and a naval base at Inchon. If Korea so desires, we can also build the shipyard in Inchon, depending on what areas Korea finds suitable. Also of possible interest to Korea is our new Cei-Riggotti assault rifle. In exchange for not selling the rifles (or the technology involved in them) to other nations, we will sell them to you for $250 each.

There is one final deal to be made: Italy is willing to sell Korea 50,000 tons of merchant shipping for $27 million, and is willing to negotiate for the construction of warships.

To: King Vittorio Emanuele III
From: Emperor Gojong

Ah yes. We have heard much of the prowess of the Italians. $50 million for a shipyard is well within our budget and this price is acceptable. As for a naval base at Inchon, we can consent to this, provided that the sailors within obey our laws and do not cause too much of a ruckus. The location of the shipyard, I would think, would be best placed at Inchon, for maximum defensibility. And as for the shipping, I will consent to this purchase to so we have the capacity to ship our goods.

The Cel-Rigotti sounds interesting, tell me more about it. And for warships, do you have a list?

To: Emperor Kojong
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Excellent. Italian engineers will be sent to Korea shortly to begin construction of the Inchon shipyard facilities and naval base, with the base to be completed in 1906 and the yards in 1908. We do not intend to base many warships at Inchon, save perhaps a few torpedo boats. But our sailors will still be required to follow Korean laws, and we will allow Korea to arrest any sailors that break the laws. And Italian shipyards will begin construction of the Korean merchant ships in 1906, with the ships to be finished in 1907.

As for the warships, we do have a list of active warships. We have a few older battleships that we are willing to sell, Vettor Pisani cruisers, and Nembo-class destroyers. It is $7 million each for the old battleships, $4 million each for cruisers, and $1 million each for the destroyers. We reccommend that Korea purchase one of the old battleships, two cruisers, and either destroyers. This gives Korea the prestige of having a battleship, plus a force that can secure Korea's coasts. The battleship can be sent over immediatly, though we will have to lay down new cruisers and destroyers. As our shipyards are swamped with orders, it could be as late as 1907 before the ships are laid, to be finished in 1909. But to offset this disadvantage, we will install steam turbines free of charge.

As for the Cei-Riggotti, it is a gas-operated assault rifle, with a fire selector (semi- or full automatic). It has a 25 round magazine. It is easily better than bolt-action rifles used by almost all the major powers (including Italy), though it has never been used in combat. It is the first weapon of its kind, and one of our most secretive technologies.

To: Emperor Kojong
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Excellent. Italian engineers will be sent to Korea shortly to begin construction of the Inchon shipyard facilities and naval base, with the base to be completed in 1906 and the yards in 1908. We do not intend to base many warships at Inchon, save perhaps a few torpedo boats. But our sailors will still be required to follow Korean laws, and we will allow Korea to arrest any sailors that break the laws. And Italian shipyards will begin construction of the Korean merchant ships in 1906, with the ships to be finished in 1907.

As for the warships, we do have a list of active warships. We have a few older battleships that we are willing to sell, Vettor Pisani cruisers, and Nembo-class destroyers. It is $7 million each for the old battleships, $4 million each for cruisers, and $1 million each for the destroyers. We reccommend that Korea purchase one of the old battleships, two cruisers, and either destroyers. This gives Korea the prestige of having a battleship, plus a force that can secure Korea's coasts. The battleship can be sent over immediatly, though we will have to lay down new cruisers and destroyers. As our shipyards are swamped with orders, it could be as late as 1907 before the ships are laid, to be finished in 1909. But to offset this disadvantage, we will install steam turbines free of charge.

As for the Cei-Riggotti, it is a gas-operated assault rifle, with a fire selector (semi- or full automatic). It has a 25 round magazine. It is easily better than bolt-action rifles used by almost all the major powers (including Italy), though it has never been used in combat. It is the first weapon of its kind, and one of our most secretive technologies.

To: King Vittorio Emanuele III
From: Emperor Kojong

We are pleased with the work schedule and arrangements for the base and shipyards, and the ships. As for the Cel-Riggotti, its not having been used before in real combat is a disadvantage, but I am aware that fast-firing weapons are becoming prevalent on today's battlefield, and I cannot afford to lose out. Therefore, I will authorize the purchase of 50,000 Cel-Riggotti rifles, for USD$12,500,000, and I will buy more if satisfied.

As for the battleships, I will buy two perhaps, and four cruisers and 10 destroyers, for a total of USD$40,000,000, to provide a secure foundation for our navy.

OOC: About future developments, would Italy be offended IC if I studied the Cel-Rigotti, and built a Korean Semi-Auto gun?

(OOC: Italy wouldn't care just as long as the weapon is not sold. Italy is trying to keep this tech out of Russian and German hands. As Britain is allied in this timeline to Germany, we wouldn't want it in British hands. So if you quietly develop the rifle and assure Italy that it won't be sold, etc., Italy will watch Korea's neighbors to see if they spontaneously get assault rifles.)

To: Emperor Kojong
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy will sell you the rifles and the ships, with both battleships being our Regina Margherita class battleships. Italy look forward to working with Korea in the future, and hope that our two nations may prosper because of these deals.

(OOC: Italy wouldn't care just as long as the weapon is not sold. Italy is trying to keep this tech out of Russian and German hands. As Britain is allied in this timeline to Germany, we wouldn't want it in British hands. So if you quietly develop the rifle and assure Italy that it won't be sold, etc., Italy will watch Korea's neighbors to see if they spontaneously get assault rifles.)

To: Emperor Kojong
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy will sell you the rifles and the ships, with both battleships being our Regina Margherita class battleships. Italy look forward to working with Korea in the future, and hope that our two nations may prosper because of these deals.

To: King Vittorio Emanuele III
From: Emperor Kojong

Indeed, I hope both of our nations may prosper from this endeavor. I cannot thank you enough for your aid.

OOC: EDIT: I have a comprehensive educational system, so this may require some rethinking. I replaced sending students abroad with another project, a medical system.

IC:

Emperor Gojong, meanwhile, continued his reforms. Seeing that education was the key to success in Korea, and seeing as how his educational system was done, he decided to create a modern system of clinics and hospitals to help his people, and start a campaign of sanitation using the educational systems recently built to clean up the cities of Korea. After all, a smart populace that was sick wasn't going to do much.

So, he talked with Congress to allocate funds for this. Rhoo Jong, Speaker for Congress, liked the idea. The country needed to enter the 20th Century, and clean living was important to this. Some USD$200,000,000 was set up from the French loans and the Future Fund for this purpose.

The project itself would take about several years to finish, ending in about 1909, 1910.

To: Emperor Kojong
From: Ernst von Koerber, Imperial and Royal Premier of the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary

My dear sir,

Though we are recent allies, only coming together a few years ago in the Boxer rebellion, you and your nation are looked upon in the Austro-Hungarian Court as a great people. Therefore, I offer several things to further our strong relationship together:

1. The signing of an alliance between our two nations, protecting you any imperialist outsiders.
2. The permanent exchange of embassy's between our two great nations.
3. The permanent establishment of an Austro-Hungarian military base in Korea including barracks for army personnel and a naval base for re-supply.
4. The exchange of military officers in order to foster understanding between our nation’s militaries.
5. The training of your military by Austro-Hungarian military advisors.

We are also willing to offer the establishment of a loan system, offering loans to your nation at a steep discount, and a student exchange system so that our students may learn about your culture while yours learn the tools necessary to bring you into the twenty-first century.

I hope that we may come to some sort of agreement so that our two nations may grow closer and stronger.

To: Emperor Kojong
From: Ernst von Koerber, Imperial and Royal Premier of the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary

My dear sir,

Though we are recent allies, only coming together a few years ago in the Boxer rebellion, you and your nation are looked upon in the Austro-Hungarian Court as a great people. Therefore, I offer several things to further our strong relationship together:

1. The signing of an alliance between our two nations, protecting you any imperialist outsiders.
2. The permanent exchange of embassy's between our two great nations.
3. The permanent establishment of an Austro-Hungarian military base in Korea including barracks for army personnel and a naval base for re-supply.
4. The exchange of military officers in order to foster understanding between our nation’s militaries.
5. The training of your military by Austro-Hungarian military advisors.

We are also willing to offer the establishment of a loan system, offering loans to your nation at a steep discount, and a student exchange system so that our students may learn about your culture while yours learn the tools necessary to bring you into the twenty-first century.

I hope that we may come to some sort of agreement so that our two nations may grow closer and stronger.

To: Ernst von Koerber, Imperial and Royal Premier of the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary
From: Emperor Kojong

The offer sounds like a good one; our nation needs the military expertise and the capital, both knowledge-wise and economically. We can consent to the military base, the Italians have already placed themselves at Inchon, perhaps a location on the east or southern coast, like Hungham, or Pusan, would suffice, the choice would be up to you.

Personally, I cannot thank you enough. What can we do to repay you?

EDIT: I have to factor in the Austrian offers.

IC:

To help accomplish his mission, the Emperor had contacted the US for help in making his medical system a reality. Now, he had promises of aid from Christians, especially the Methodists, and he was allowed to send students to America. Now, the Austrians had allowed Koreans to go to Austria to study as well.

So, the search for the best students in Korea, and the search for those with the best potential, was commenced, to finish sometime late 1905. Canvassing the whole of the empire for the best, it would take a while, but finding students to send was vital to the nation's survival.

Gojong, having come from the meeting with the Chinese, had heard tales of bandits along the borders. Nevermind the fact the Chinese were safe, he decided to try and test out his troops, and show that no bandit would be allowed to ply his filthy trade in his empire.

In a speech to his subjects, he said, "My people, I have recently learned that bandits are moving around in the north, along the Yalu River. To this end, I have announced that 5,000 men are being sent to the border with the Yalu River, to flush them out, and teach them a lesson, along with local police. Let he among us who wishes to defile the Korean land with criminality be warned, we will not tolerate it."

The call up was sent all over Korea, and 5,000 men were mustered, and sent along Korea's dusty roads and few rails to the North......

To: Ernst von Koerber, Imperial and Royal Premier of the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary
From: Emperor Kojong

The offer sounds like a good one; our nation needs the military expertise and the capital, both knowledge-wise and economically. We can consent to the military base, the Italians have already placed themselves at Inchon, perhaps a location on the east or southern coast, like Hungham, or Pusan, would suffice, the choice would be up to you.

Personally, I cannot thank you enough. What can we do to repay you?

A military complex at Pusan would be our preference, and if possible, we would like our forces to be able to move there as soon as possible. As to the matter of repayment, do not worry my friend. Our new alliance and military base is all that we ask. And while you may have heard rumors of a impending war between Russia and my nation, do not worry, all Austro-Hungarian forces in Korea will remain in the base with the exception of our advisors which of course will be in the field with your men.

A military complex at Pusan would be our preference, and if possible, we would like our forces to be able to move there as soon as possible. As to the matter of repayment, do not worry my friend. Our new alliance and military base is all that we ask. And while you may have heard rumors of a impending war between Russia and my nation, do not worry, all Austro-Hungarian forces in Korea will remain in the base with the exception of our advisors which of course will be in the field with your men.

To: Ernst von Koerber, Imperial and Royal Premier of the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary
From: Emperor Kojong

Thank you, good sir. Land near Pusan is reserved for your men. Your advisors will be needed with our men, as we are about to go bandit hunting near the Yalu region; their presence with us is much appreciated. We are in need in modern of modern weapons, especially artillery, hard currency for aid in stabilizing our economy, and expertise on automobiles, to help us with our development of a domestic auto.

EDIT: OOC: Would I have to have you RP your men doing advisory work during any sort of postings concerning an anti-bandit campaign?

Well, are men were sent with large amounts of extra weapons in case you disired to buy some so that should not be a problem. Under normal cirumstances we would be more than willing to sell you artillary, but as you know war has broken out and we have little to spare. We may be able to arrange some money transfers however, again the war limits our options.

ooc: you don't have to if you dont want to

Well, are men were sent with large amounts of extra weapons in case you disired to buy some so that should not be a problem. Under normal cirumstances we would be more than willing to sell you artillary, but as you know war has broken out and we have little to spare. We may be able to arrange some money transfers however, again the war limits our options.

ooc: you don't have to if you dont want to

OOC: Thanks!

IC:

Well, we did need some rifles in the interim, until our Cei-Rigottis get here. Does the stockpile include machine guns?

We are currently able to provide you with three thousand rifles and two hundred and fifty machine guns at this time.

We are currently able to provide you with three thousand rifles and two hundred and fifty machine guns at this time.

Good enough. We once again thank you for your generosity.

-Emperor Gojong

To: Emperor Kojong
From: The Italian Government

As Korea may be aware, war has erupted in Europe. Because of that, many of the rifles Korea has ordered have been pressed into Italian service. We apologize for this inconvenience. However, we have been able to ship out 10,000 rifles at this time, and we will get the other 40,000 as soon as possible.

This unfortunate situation has also happened with all the warships Korea had ordered; we have decided that will will press any warships under construction into Italian service if they are completed before war's end. If any of the ships are sunk, we will replace them following the war. All surviving ships will return to the purchasing nation's waters. If the war ends before they enter service, the warships will simply be completed faster.

We hope Korea understands, and we offer our greatest apologies.

To: Emperor Kojong
From: The Italian Government

As Korea may be aware, war has erupted in Europe. Because of that, many of the rifles Korea has ordered have been pressed into Italian service. We apologize for this inconvenience. However, we have been able to ship out 10,000 rifles at this time, and we will get the other 40,000 as soon as possible.

This unfortunate situation has also happened with all the warships Korea had ordered; we have decided that will will press any warships under construction into Italian service if they are completed before war's end. If any of the ships are sunk, we will replace them following the war. All surviving ships will return to the purchasing nation's waters. If the war ends before they enter service, the warships will simply be completed faster.

We hope Korea understands, and we offer our greatest apologies.

To: The Italian Government
From: Emperor Kojong

We understand the situation, and hope the conflict proceeds to a quick conclusion, hopefully in your favor.

Upon confirmation of the sale, meanwhile, the Austrian guns were sent as fast as possible to the north, to arm the forces of General Kim Mong Ryong, who was assigned to the bandit-hunting campaign. The lack of railroads made things difficult, but those that existed were used to ship the guns as fast as possible, sending them to the Korean troops within a few weeks.

OOC: An illustration of bandit fighting will later be posted. The General is not a real person, but I was offered no real Korean Army personnel from Internet searches.

OOC: I had to do the same to come up with the Congressional speaker guy. If you haven't looked it up already, Korean names are the reverse of Western names; that is, "Jimbo Bob" would be "Bob Jimbo" in Korea. Also, Korean family names are actually Chinese family names, although they are rare (or at least uncommon) in China. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_naming should be helpful, and it helped me.

OOC: By now, a few weeks should have passed....I hope. Anyway, I'll cheat a little and say they did.

IC:

IC:

Somewhere in the north of Korea, near the Chinese-Korean Border-

The bandit gang had just gotten away with their latest score. A Korean couple had been traveling, minding their business and visiting some friends. However, the husband was now dead, the wife was a hostage and the USD$5,000 worth of silver coinage, mostly Chinese, and other jewels, was in the hands of some ruffians who were thinking of nothing but food and drink, and maybe a visit to some loose women.

"Let me go!" said the bride, angry and shouting immensely loud, hoping to get some attention. A bandit put a sword to her neck, saying, "Shut the f**k up, or you'll be dead."

The bride shut up, and thus, the bandits went on their way....

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

At the scene, local constables noticed the mess, and took down everything. They spoke to some witnesses later, who had seen a group of rough looking men, traveling with a woman and a whole bunch of stuff, leaving the scene.

The constables smiled when they heard this. These bandits didn't know that they had incurred the wrath of the Emperor's Army. A force of 100 was called out, led by Austrian advisors, carrying a Schwarzlose machine gun and some of bolt-action rifles of Austrian origin, to chase the badits down. The Austrians that went with the men told them a little about the Schwarzlose, and had them fire off a few shots, but this was the first time any of the Koreans had seen a modern machine gun up close. Now, it was time to put it to the test.

The company was sent across the ridges that characterized the north, along the route told by witnesses was the direction where the bandits were last seen heading. It was hard going, and they didn't find the bandits that day. But the next day's patrol encountered a woman who had some information for them.

This information led them to a cave, where she said she heard yelling and screaming. The company commander had a gut feeling this was the place. The Austrians had them set up the machine gun near the mouth, and the soldiers took firing positions. The commander then yelled, "Hey! This is the Korean Army! Surrender now, and you won't get hurt!"

A defiant "f**k you!" was heard from the cave. The Austrians and the commanders restrained their men from attacking. Soon, the head of the bandits came out with the wife, holding an old Colt revolver to her neck and said, "You think you're so tough. Back off, and we won't kill the girl."

The commander said, "Look, what are you trying to do? We have more firepower than you! Surrender. We just may charge you with robbery only, not kidnapping!"

The head said, "Look, this is none of your business!"

The commander said, "Fair enough! Your sentence will be handed out here!"

The head said, jamming the gun to the wife's neck, said, "You sure? She goes with me into Hell!"

Meanwhile, one of the Korean soldiers adjusted his sights. Like many, he was a green recruit, but today, he'd make a shot that would impress the best of men. Aiming with his Austrian rifles, he focused on the bandit king's head, and fired, takign him out in a shower of blood. The soldiers ran forward, picking up the hostage and taking her away, while the others covered her, firing at the bandits who ran out to find out what was going on. The Korean soldiers hit their marks barely, but the machine gun did its job, makign short work of the bandits. A team was then sent inside, and recovered the goods, placing them on a cart to be sent to the nearest town, along with the wife.

The wife, before leaving, said to the impromptu sniper, "Thank you, you saved my life. Who might you be?"

The sniper said, "Park Ho-Jon, Private in His Majesty's Army."

The wife said, "Well, Ho-Jon, thank you.....you may have a share of the silver as a gift."

Ho-Jon said, "No, I can't-"

The wife said, "I insist."

Ho-Jon later pocketed USD$500 worth of silver coins when he went to his bivouac that night (they'd return to base in the morning), and he made sure to keep it a secret from the others......

A week had passed, and one of the few newspapers in Korea read:

KOREAN REGISTER-Aug. 18, 1905

Bandit Suppression Campaign Successful

As of this current date, we are pleased to report that the campaign ordered by our Majesty to suppress the bandits in the Yalu area is proceeding according to plan. Working with local police and civilian witnesses, who are encouraged to report sightings of bandits and report any of their crimes, we have been successful in capturing 20 and killing 500, for various crimes such as robbery, murder, rape, arson, and vandalism.

One story of note comes from a town on the border. It seems that during one bandit hunting effort, a certain Park Ho-Jon saved the life of a woman who was taken hostage by a bandit by a shot to the head. Reports indicate that he is to be commended by his superiors for his actions and quick thinking, which defused a tense situation. His Majesty has said himself that Korea needs more men like Ho-Jon, who "keep a cool head and use their talents for the greater good."

To: Ernst von Koerber, Imperial and Royal Premier of the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary
From: Emperor Kojong

Thank you, good sir. Land near Pusan is reserved for your men. Your advisors will be needed with our men, as we are about to go bandit hunting near the Yalu region; their presence with us is much appreciated. We are in need in modern of modern weapons, especially artillery, hard currency for aid in stabilizing our economy, and expertise on automobiles, to help us with our development of a domestic auto.



To His Imperial Majesty Kojong, Emperor of Korea

It has recently come to our attention that our implacable enemy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is intent upon stationing troops in your beautiful country, and perhaps even ships. We must advise you, as friends of the Korean people, that it would be a serious mistake to allow this to occur.
Harboring the military forces of our despicable foe, so close to the frontiers of Holy Russia herself, would perforce make you, intentionally or not, effectively a belligerent in this European war. Sankt-Peterburg would have no choice but to regard Korea as an enemy, and take appropriate steps to defend Russian interests and territory.
I look forward to your reply.

With deep respect,
Graf Sergei Yulyevich Witte, Premier of the Empire of All the Russias

To His Imperial Majesty Kojong, Emperor of Korea

It has recently come to our attention that our implacable enemy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is intent upon stationing troops in your beautiful country, and perhaps even ships. We must advise you, as friends of the Korean people, that it would be a serious mistake to allow this to occur.
Harboring the military forces of our despicable foe, so close to the frontiers of Holy Russia herself, would perforce make you, intentionally or not, effectively a belligerent in this European war. Sankt-Peterburg would have no choice but to regard Korea as an enemy, and take appropriate steps to defend Russian interests and territory.
I look forward to your reply.

With deep respect,
Graf Sergei Yulyevich Witte, Premier of the Empire of All the Russias

To: Graf Sergei Yulyevich Witte, Premier of the Empire of All the Russias
From: Emperor Kojong

We Koreans do not mean to injure the Russian people by allowing the soldiers of Austria to have residence in our nation. They are here to train our army in modern military tactics, nothing more. We will hold them to their word.

Still, in order to avoid conflict, we will ask the Austrians to delay construction of their bases. Will this suit you?

To His Imperial Majesty Kojong, Emperor of Korea

A delay of construction, at least until the end of the war, is of course acceptable to Sankt-Peterburg. You may furthermore have our assurances that, so long as Korea's neutrality is maintained, Russia will make no threat against her.
We appreciate your consideration in this matter. We will remember your wisdom of this day.

With deep respect,
Graf S.Yu. Witte

KOREAN REGISTER-September 10, 1905

Bandit Suppression Campaign Still Successful

Two months have passed since Our Majesty declared an open campaign of bandit suppression on the frontier between China and Korea. Now, we are pleased to report that due to actions by our army and our citizens, we have arrested 50 more bandits and have killed 100 more, most near Sinujiu and other remote regions. When asked when the campaign would end, General Kim said, "When it ends. It is not safe to give a definite due date as of yet, but progress looks good."

Korea Declares Neutrality in Austro-Russian War

Today, speaking in the name of Korean neutrality, His Majesty declared that Korea will remain neutral in the recent and unfortunate conflict involving the powers of Austria and Russia, to preserve our national safety. To this end, construction of the proposed Austrian base near Pusan has been suspended for the duration of hostilities.

His Majesty also urges Koreans to be neutral materially and spiritually, and focus on "working to build Korea up, not drag anybody down."

OOC: Jumping the gun with the Wilsonian sentiment, but its only logical that Gojong would say such things.

OOC: And because it's fun, another installment of "Bandit Hunting."

IC:

Park Ho-Jon sat at his camp, cleaning his rifle, one of the 3,000 Mannlicher rifles given to Korea by Austria. It was a fine tool, and he learned to respect it well in the wake of the incident at the Border. It played out like one of the occasional dime novels that the Austrian advisers or his friends in the company brought, a damsel in distress, captured by ruffians, had been saved by a man with a steady hand and a gun, and had been rewarded richly for it.

He had become some sort of hero around camp. He was praised by some of his friends, some of the ladies from the village wanted to meet him, and his superiors wanted to get him a medal. Reportedly he had even been mentioned in one of the few newspapers that existed in Korea now, that catered to those who could read, mostly the upper class and the occasional midclass person. Ho-Jon was lucky, he could read. He saw the clippings given to him by a friend, laughed, and kept it in his knapsack. It was okay, but it was a lucky shot, and he just wanted to be left to do his job like everybody else.

He finished cleaning his gun, and put the Mannlicher together, surely, and carefully. He checked the sights, and then put the gun away, before going to get some food. He wondered what would be served today. Rice, or fish?

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

A nearby bandit king heard the news too. He couldn't read, but his most recent bank robbery netted him a victim who yelled as he was shot, "Ho Jon will shoot you!" along with his USD$50,000 in gold and silver, Spanish and German. This clearly meant something that was not good.....

He gathered together his compatriots, a sorry lot who was armed with an oddment of guns, sticks, and knives, and said, "Okay guys, anybody know about this here Ho Jon?"

One of the bandits replied, "Well, they say he's a crack shot. Killed a man at sixty paces with one of them new Aussie, Austrian, German, whattyguns."

Another chimed, "Nah, I heard it was five hundred!"

Another said, "Shucks, it was six-hundred-fitty paces, and there's rumors that he's favored by the gods themselves, or even the Buddha."

The bandit king said, "Well, it seems I can't get a reliable story out of you cretins! Buddha this, fitty paces that! What is this guy?"

One of the bandits said, "Well, he's a crackshot."

The bandit king said, "Ah, youse guys are useless. Anyway...."

He handed out a few scraps of paper, and some stolen pens, saying, "Okay, here, go steal a few more things. Go put up signs, saying that I, Il-Hak, has put a price of USD$50,000 on the head of Ho-Jon the Crack Shot. Full price for a confirmed kill, USD$1000 for info. Got it?"

The men scribbled the notice as best they could with their limited literacy, and went out to post the messages, saying, "Yes sir."

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

The next day....

"Hey Ho-Jon!"

Ho-Jon got up from his lunch of dried fish and rice.

"Yeah?"

"Somebody likes you.....they've put a price on your head."

The man who said this handed over a slip of paper with a note. Sure enough, in poor Hangul, it said, "Wanted: Ho-Jon the Crack Shot. Will pay USD$50,000 for his head. Will pay USD$1000 for whereabouts. Signed, Il-Hak, King of the Il-Hak Gang."

Ho-Jon said, "So I am famous after all....."

KOREAN REGISTER-

December 23, 1906

Bandit Hive Eliminated Near Sinujiu!

OOC: If the numbers are bad, tell me.

IC:

Today, we are proud to announce that with the aid of Austrian advisors and newly acquired Schwarzlose Machine Guns, the forces of General Kim Mong Ryong have wiped out a force of 1,500 bandits near Sinujiu. The bandit army had terrorized the countryside out of Sinujiu for sometime, and had tried to organize to resist the authority of Our Majesty. However, their inherent factionism and their ill-discipline, plus a sudden snowstorm played a big role in their defeat. 600 Government troops died, due to cold.

Total losses so far in Our Majesty's Bandit Suppression War, first declared in 1905, are 6,500 bandits arrested, 13,000-14,000 bandits dead. Government casualties are estimated at 500 dead, 1,600 wounded.

Bank of Korea Act passed!

After much debate in Congress, Our Majesty Emperor Kojong has signed the Bank of Korea Act into law. Speaking on behalf of the Congress, Rhoo Joon said this act will "allow Korea to enjoy the benefits of a stable currency and allow those who wish to go into business to have access to funds."

The act provides for the establishment of a Bank of Korea HQ in Seoul, to be finished by the end of this year. The Bank itself will have the powers to issue national currency, issue low-interest loans and credit to farmers and merchants, and store funds and other valuables from private citizens, with a starting budget of USD$1,000,000,000 in cash and hard currency, drawn from the French loans. The Bank will not store government funds, instead, a Treasury Agency will be created to handle tax revenues and government financial matters.

The Act also will provide for the gradual transition and establishment of the Won as the standard Korean currency, to be divided into 100 cents (OOC: Korean equivalent is unknown) by the 1st of January, 1908, to be backed by gold and silver. All gold and silver coins and currency in Korea of varying foreign currencies are to be given Won denominations, and are still valid until 1st January, 1908. In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to hand over any foreign gold and silver they have in exchange for Won notes or coins and other rewards; this is to facilitate the production of hard Won currency.

The Act also facilitates a mandatory death sentence for counterfeiting.

OOC: This takes place in early-mid 1906, being that I wasn't here to put up new installments.

IC:

Park Ho-Jon sauntered into the village, along with his squadmates. The campaign was paying off so far, he hadn't done much sniping, but some weeks had passed since he had gotten the handbill. He had been busy making arrests, killing bandits, and solving hostage crises.

Right now, he wanted a drink. He and his friends sat in the bar, and asked for some soju. Several shots came, and they drank, to the tune of "whoohoo!" They did some more drinking, and sat talking, unaware of the enemy ahead.

A man with a revolver came in, and sauntered up behind Ho-Jon, waiting to claim the bounty. Then, one of Ho-Jon's friends said, "Incoming!" shoving him out of the way and punching the potential assailant in the gut.

This provoked a fury from the others. Some ran in to aid Ho-Jon, who by now got back up and began tussling with his would-be assassin, and others tried to do exactly the opposite. The fight soon expanded, and the tussling smashed bottles, bones, tables, and anything else in the way. The bartender eventually told everybody to get out, in no uncertain terms and with the help of a pistol. The fight spilled outside, and soon, a policeman broke it up.

Ho-Jon grabbed his assailant by the scruff of his neck, and said, "Who sent you!?"

The assailant said, "Nobody did, man! So f**k you!"

Ho-Jon punched him in the jaw, sending him to the dirt, kicking up some major clouds of dust. The man said, "Okay! Nobody sent me, but I wanted Il-Hak's reward!"

Ho-Jon then said, "You know where he is?"

The assailant said, "Hell no! F**ker keeps on the move. He sends his gang members to do the dirty work."

Ho-Jon said, "Know one?" grabbing the man and shaking him.

The assailant said, "Okay! There's a guy, Chung Hak-ju. He hangs around the country, real badass, buys the best clothes, hangs out with the fanciest women. Carries a sword, swaggers like a f**kin baron. You can't miss him."

Ho-Jon then said, "Sounds like some of our Austrians. I'll need more than that."

The assailant rolled his eyes and said, "Fine, man. Does a scar above his eye from a forging accident tell ya anything? OR are you gonna keep shaking me?"

Ho-Jon let the man down, and said, "Thanks. Police!"

A constable ran up, and arrested the assailant and his friends, taking them to the town jail. Ho-Jon wiped his brow, sighed, and committed those facts to memory.

Something told him a showdown was in the works.

KOREAN REGISTER

January 4th, 1907

Winter hits the North!

With major snowstorms hitting the North, General Kim Mong Ryong has announced that Operations will not be totally suspended, but will be reduced in frequency and intensity due to the severe winter. Casualties from the cold as of this moment are estimated to be 200 dead, 600 wounded. Civil casualties are unknown, but military and civil authorities are working to clear the roads to keep food and fuel going.

In other news, the winter is aiding our soldiers in their attempts to fight the bandits. Bandit activity has been very low recently, and hunting has been much easier this season, with 400 arrested, 600 dead.

Civil Defense Act Proposed

Owing to the present conditions across the globe, Congress is currently debating a law that will approve a USD$500,000,000 project to create a network of armories, munitions plants, and training facilities to aid in the betterment of the Korean Armed Forces, as well as the creation of an Army Academy in Yoryang-ni, chosen for its defensibility and rugged terrain, which will provide for excellent training, and a Navy Academy in Pusan. The act also propoes that all citizens 18-35 will be drafted into Our Majesty's service.

The act is being hotly debated, with Congress split into two camps over whether to approve the bill.

KOREAN REGISTER

January 24th, 1907

Civil Defense Act Still in Debate!

Today, debate over the Civil Defense Act is still violent, and stalemated. However, some progress is being made, as the Navy and Army academies have been combined into a National Military Academy at Inchon, for budgetary purposes. Also, the proposed draft age has been set a 18-24, less than the age previously set, and new hardship, medical, educational, and religious exemption provisions have been set up, to allow students, the disabled, priests and those who are sole male children or sole male relatives to stay out of the military.

In addition, new proposals have shifted the funding of industrial facilities to the expansion of existing industry, including the funding of new chemical plants and steel and iron mills, as well as the expansion of coal and other mines in the north, with new ammunition and arms plants getting second tier funding.

KOREAN REGISTER

March 4th, 1907

Civil Defense Act PASSED!

Today, with the intervention of Our Majesty and an emergency session of Congress, an amended and revised version of the civil defense act has been passed by the slimmest of margins. Speaker Rhoo Joon was heard to be saying "This is a great day for Korea. This bill will enable us to provide for our national defense, and stimulate industrial growth at the same time-key for our survival."

Still, not all are happy. Some have criticized the intervention of Our Majesty in the affair, and others, particularly those opposed to the bill, decry it as too costly.

Incorporation Acts Passed!

On a less controversial note, the Acts of Incorporation have been passed, enabling Korean companies, private and government-controlled, to organize into Western-style limited liability concerns, whereupon investors in any corporation are not liable for any losses incurred by the company. Yi Gin-ji, head of the Korea Trade Association, a group representing Korean business, applauded this bill as a "step forward in allowing our merchants to do business without fear of rendering their investors penniless."

Deal With China Accomplished!

A successful conference in Seoul with Chinese officials has resulted in a deal that will put Korea another step forward towards prosperity, sources close to the Imperial Family say. The deal will provide for the shipment of textile machinery to Kimpo to establish a mill there, and the creation of a textile machinery factory in Pyongyang to supply the nation with textile machinery for the future. The facilities will be built by the Chinese, who will assist our managers and operators in use of the machinery in the transition phase to Korean management.

Another part of this deal is a Non-Aggression Pact with China, and rumors are flying off a direct alliance, though these have not been confirmed.

KOREAN REGISTER

May 6th, 1907

Deal With South Africa Accomplished!

In a move that will bolster our nation's moves towards a unified currency, Korea has arranged for the purchases of gold from South Africa. Reportedly, French francs were to be used, but negotiations resulted in the use of American dollars, which were obtained by the exchange of francs and by the canvassing of US Dollars from the populace to buy the gold.

Our Majesty hails this as "A move that will help Korea to get on its feet."

The next few days were murder. The heat was excessive, and Ho-Jon felt it every step of the way. He may have been a crack shot, but his tolerances for heat and cold were like those of other men, and it showed, for his brow was covered in sweat.

He then entered the village, along with the rest of his company. They were assigned to stay here for the night, and keep order as the local police were deputized to go hunt more bandits in the country. That meant no drinking or fun with the locals.

As Ho-Jon stood at attention, and his units patrolled the dusty streets, dusk fell upon the town. He marched in lock step, and looked about for suspicious activity.

Then, he saw a man in a bar who seemed to match the arrestee's description of Chung. He had a sword, alright. He also had women serving him soju and pampering him like he was a damned prince. He smiled, and glared at the other patrons with contempt, rudely shouting for more soju, or more food.

This is my man, Ho-Jon thought. He cocked his Mannlicher, and walked into the bar. He approached Chung, who spat and said, "What're you lookin' at, fool!?"

Ho-Jon said, "Listen. I iknow who you are, Chung Hak-ju. One of your thugs spilled the beans."

Chung growled and said, "Don't know what you mean, soldier boy. But I suggest you go back to work, before I kick your ass."

Ho-Jon grew angered at this, saying, "Look, man, don't threaten an officer of the law. I have the gun, mind."

Chung then got up and drew his sword, scaring some of the patrons and causing a chill to fill the room, saying, "Look here. I don't know who the f**k you are, but I am tired of being hassled. Either back off, or die."

Ho-Jon screamed, exasperated, "You don't scare me. I'm Ho-Jon, the crack shot, and I have some info from one of your goons that tried to kill me that you paid him to do it, and"-he cocked the Mannlicher now and put it up to Chung-"you know Il-Hak!"

Chung then said, "Okay, that's it! You're goin' down!" charging at Ho-Jon with his sword. Ho-Jon ducked and rolled to evade the thrust and fired a snap shot, getting Chung in the leg. Chung's friends got up to try and help him, but Ho-Jon fired at them, keeping a level aim and shooting their guns out of their hands.

After this, Ho-Jon walked up to Chung, reloaded his gun, cocked the bolt ominously, and pointing the gun at him, said, "Now, tell me what you know about Il-Hak."

Chung said, in an exasperated and bitter tone, "F**k you hotshot."

Ho-Jon then pointed the gun at Chung's groin, and said, "I'll count to three."

Chung laughed and said, "Up yours."

Ho-Jon said, "One."

Chung, a little sweaty now, said nervously, "You won't really do it will you?"

Ho-Jon, firm in his determination, said, "Two."

Chung then said, his nervousness increasing to serious level, "You're serious, ain't'cha?"

Ho-Jon then said, "Last chance to have kids...thre-"

"DON'T!" Chung screamed. "Okay, I'll tell you everything I know! Just don't-you know!"

Ho-Jon then said, "Okay then, I won't. Let's take this outside."

Grabbing Chung by the scruff of his neck, Ho-Jon took Chung outside, where he said, "Now, talk."

Chung said, "Okay. Il-Hak hides out in a cave, about 50 miles outside Godang-ni (OOC: Made up town). He is armed. He knows about you and the other troopers. He's hiding there right now, but he'll probably move soon."

Ho-Jon, a little suspicious, said, "You tellin' the truth?"

Chung said, in a scared voice: "Do I want to risk the family jewels again? It's the truth, I swear!"

Ho-Jon then said, "Thank you," before dragging Chung to the town jail. He gave him to the Warrant Officer who was running the jail for now, saying, "This man's a bandit," before leaving to the tune of protests.

KOREAN REGISTER

July 4th, 1907

Chinese Deals Confirmed!

Today, rumors of alliances with China have been confirmed. Speaking on behalf of the Royal Family, Prince Gang declared to curious journalists and onlookers: "Yes, we have now entered into an official defensive aid pact with the Chinese Empire. The Chinese have also agreed to openly support us, as it was mentioned to the press before, to aid us in industrialization and development. We have also entered into a trade pact with China as well."

Reassuring skeptics, Gang said: "Bear in mind this is an equal partnership; we will cooperate any sort of operations and industrial endeavors as equal partners and allies, not master and servant, as it was before."

Bandit Campaign Nearing a Successful Conclusion!

With several thousand bandits arrested and many more killed (an exact count is not yet available), General Kim is announcing that "Our campaign is nearing an end. Increasingly, we find more and more are willing to surrender, and more and more villagers are cooperating with the government in order to stave off raiders and help us catch the bandits. Only a few die-hard bands are left; they will perish within months, they have little or no support."

General Kim also cited "the wise internal improvements made by Our Majesty" as a factor in helping to restore order to the area.

"Since Our Majesty passed laws mandating the creation of a healthcare system and creating more industry, new factories and clinics have sprung up, resulting in a better standard of living thanks to new jobs and better health, thus providing deterrents to banditry," Kim said.

OOC: Not all of the factories and healthcare facilities are finished, granted, but by now, some have got to be built.

A few days after the incident at the township, Ho-Jon was brought to his commander. The brigade commander explained to him, in no uncertain terms, that his actions, though conductive to catching bandits, were extralegal. He then cautioned Ho-Jon not to do it again, and that the only reason why he was only having his pay docked was because they needed his sniping skills.

Ho-Jon said, "Oh?"

The commander said, "Well Ho-Jon, your information on Il-Hak's whereabouts has been confirmed by police in Godang-ni. We have been assigned to take him out, seeing as how we're the closest garrison."

Ho-Jon said, "I will do my utmost sir."

The Commander said, "You'd better. You got us into this job."

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

The company then moved along the dusty Korean roads. The railroads had not yet reached this part of Korea, so mule carts were still needed. It wasn't that pleasant, but it beat walking.

Then, gunshots were heard, and snipers soon hit the caravan. Ho-Jon and the others moved out, to try and snipe back at their enemy. The crack of gunshots was heard, and a soldier fell. Ho-Jon and the others cocked their Mannlichers and fired back, some shots missing, but most of the others hitting their marks thanks to careful aim and reaction. Eventually, there was only one left. He opted to throw down his guns and put his hands up to surrender.....

As the would-be sniper was carted away, he questioned the soldiers if they had machine guns. He asked this fearfully, knowing their power. He got instead, from Ho-Jon: "Nope, just me and my boys. We shot at you."

The bandit, as he was being restrained, said, "Impressive!"

Ho-Jon said, "That's what I always get. Come on."

They then continued on to Godang-ni.....

KOREAN REGISTER

August 4th, 1907

Bandit Threat Extinguished!

Today, General Kim Mong Ryong proudly reported that "The bandit threat along the Korean-Chinese Border has been rendered impotent. No longer is it in any great strength to threaten commerce or the citizens of China and Korea."

Military forces will remain in the North to oversee the transition of law enforcement responsibilities to civil bodies, and in limited numbers, to help patrol the border against further banidtry.

KOREAN REGISTER

Sept. 10th, 1907

Scharzlose Machine Gun Adopted!

Owing to the success of its use on the Bandit Hunt, the Korean Army is pleased to announce that it will adopt the Schwarzlose Machine Gun as its standard Machine Gun. "This is a weapon that will give Korea a modern tool of national defense," said General Kim.

Educational Levels Improving!

Since the inaguration of the modern educational system back in 1900-1902, a survey done by government authorities has shown a marked increase in literacy and mathematical skills. Also, performance in other subjects has shown a marked betterment.

"This is a good bit of news," noted Speaker Rhoo Joon. "It shows that Our Majesty's reforms are working. It shows they are helping to improve the betterment of the people, and to ensure that they will not be blinded to the ways of tthe modern world."

KOREAN REGISTER

January 9th, 1908

Our Majesty Announces Policy Towards League Defeat

In the wake of the defeat of the League, which included our erstwhile friend Austria, Our Majesty has announced that a new policy has been implemented.

"Starting today, all nobles and refugees from the League nations who do not wish to remain in their home countries any longer are allowed amnesty and citizenship in Korea. They are also allowed to store their assets in the Bank of Korea, and any industrial and business concerns they run may apply for Korean Incorporation. Any military officers from the League may also apply for employment in the Korean Armed Forces, and any and all scientists and intellectuals from the League may apply for citizenship and employment in the Korean Technical Institute as well."

Popular specualtion has concluded that this policy is mainly targeted to the Austrians, whose monarchs, the Habsburgs, have been recently dethroned, and whom the Korean Armed Force relied on for aid. However, Our Majesty also continued, saying, "This policy applies to all of the League nations, not just Austria."

bump

The Government of Austria-Hungary expresses its interest in parts of its fleet to Korea.


ooc: I want to mention something that I forgot to mention earlier, and that is that most likely many of my troops will want to go home. I'm going to post something maybe tommorow urging all former troops looking for employment to go to Korea, unless you have any protests.

The Government of Austria-Hungary expresses its interest in parts of its fleet to Korea.


ooc: I want to mention something that I forgot to mention earlier, and that is that most likely many of my troops will want to go home. I'm going to post something maybe tommorow urging all former troops looking for employment to go to Korea, unless you have any protests.

OOC: I'm good with that.

SIC to what's left of Austria Hungary:

We of the Korean Armed Forces would like to express our interest as well in acquisition of the portions of the fleet you have mentioned.

OOC: As it appears that we are going to jump up to either 1915 or 1920, this offer will be presented to Korea to either accept/deny in 1915, when your new Wankel engines will be invented and ready for production, so I predict.

IC:

Italy is preparing to offer the Italian people a "people's car," readily affordable by all. All the latest automobile manufacturing techniques that reduce cost are to be implemented, and we have heard that Korea's new rotary engine (OOC: it wouldn't be named "Wankel," as in this TL Wankel would not have made it) is cheap to manufacture and maintain. We seek to implement this in our people's car to help drive down costs, and also wish to extend the offer of a people's car to Korea. So our proposal is that Italy will help build factories for this new car (to be owned by a Korean subsidiary of Italian businesses) in Korea, and allow the easy-payment schemes we have drawn up to Koreans, in exchange for rights to the engine. As another bonus, we wish to pool our resources and co-develop improvements to this engine.

This agreement will help our nations in a variety of ways. For Italy, it will provide cheap automobiles, an economic partner in Korea, and exports to other nations. For Korea, it will help get Korea's new engine out on the market and provide a fledgling automobile industry some increased production. Getting the engine onto the market is especially important for Korea, as it will create a user base that Korea can exploit either by making new cars or simply car parts.

OOC: As it appears that we are going to jump up to either 1915 or 1920, this offer will be presented to Korea to either accept/deny in 1915, when your new Wankel engines will be invented and ready for production, so I predict.

IC:

Italy is preparing to offer the Italian people a "people's car," readily affordable by all. All the latest automobile manufacturing techniques that reduce cost are to be implemented, and we have heard that Korea's new rotary engine (OOC: it wouldn't be named "Wankel," as in this TL Wankel would not have made it) is cheap to manufacture and maintain. We seek to implement this in our people's car to help drive down costs, and also wish to extend the offer of a people's car to Korea. So our proposal is that Italy will help build factories for this new car (to be owned by a Korean subsidiary of Italian businesses) in Korea, and allow the easy-payment schemes we have drawn up to Koreans, in exchange for rights to the engine. As another bonus, we wish to pool our resources and co-develop improvements to this engine.

This agreement will help our nations in a variety of ways. For Italy, it will provide cheap automobiles, an economic partner in Korea, and exports to other nations. For Korea, it will help get Korea's new engine out on the market and provide a fledgling automobile industry some increased production. Getting the engine onto the market is especially important for Korea, as it will create a user base that Korea can exploit either by making new cars or simply car parts.

We of the Korean Motor Company (OOC: the 1915 era concern that I intend to make Wankel-based cars and whatnot) feel that this will be a good idea. We will sell you the rights to the Joseon Engine (OOC: Can't find a cooler name :(), and in turn, we will allow an Italian company to compete with us in selling a car powered by it. After all, it would be healthier if this occured.

Also, we can consent to joint development of improvements to the Joseon Engine by both Korean and Italian Engineers.

As for export, under what name will it be exported? Korean Motor Company, or an Italian firm, or a joint venture?

Park Nim-ju
CEO
Korean Motor Company

Kaiserine Sophie Hapsburg stepped off the boat with only a few soldiers as an honor guard. She had come to live in exile in Korea as offered by the generous ruling family. Accompanying her, besides the few loyal assistants were a few dozen Royalist guards, almost all which had remained loyal to her. She had asked all still loyal soldiers to come to Korea and she heard some had while the Washington Conference was still in session, but she had a feeling that it was not as many as she hoped. Those troops along with two cruisers and three destroyers were all that was left of her loyal armed forces. Hopefully she would find comfort here.

Ooc: If your still interested in that marriage thing between her and your heir I’m willing to get something going. If not, well she’ll hang out in Korea until I figure out what to do with her.

We here in Italy feel that any cars we export to each other's company should be under the company's name. We feel that a Korean name in Italy will make the cars sound exotic, as will an Italian name in Korea. Besides, newspapers are more likely to comment on the brand-new foriegn (and cheap) car that just entered the market, as opposed to a generic local brand.

Kaiserine Sophie Hapsburg stepped off the boat with only a few soldiers as an honor guard. She had come to live in exile in Korea as offered by the generous ruling family. Accompanying her, besides the few loyal assistants were a few dozen Royalist guards, almost all which had remained loyal to her. She had asked all still loyal soldiers to come to Korea and she heard some had while the Washington Conference was still in session, but she had a feeling that it was not as many as she hoped. Those troops along with two cruisers and three destroyers were all that was left of her loyal armed forces. Hopefully she would find comfort here.

Ooc: If your still interested in that marriage thing between her and your heir I’m willing to get something going. If not, well she’ll hang out in Korea until I figure out what to do with her.

OOC: I'm game for it.

IC:

Emperor Gojong and Prince Gang (If this is the 20's, lemme know) arrived to greet the Kaiserine and her retinue. They looked upon her men with a mixture of relief and sadness, relief that a few good friends survived the Apocalypse of the Great War, sadness that their greatest ally, Austria-Hungary as they knew her, was no longer alive.

Gojong then bowed to the Kaiserine, and said, extending his hand out, "Guten tag,, Kaiserina. Welcome to Korea. I trust you had a safe journey."

We here in Italy feel that any cars we export to each other's company should be under the company's name. We feel that a Korean name in Italy will make the cars sound exotic, as will an Italian name in Korea. Besides, newspapers are more likely to comment on the brand-new foriegn (and cheap) car that just entered the market, as opposed to a generic local brand.

I can live with that.

Park Nim-ju
CEO
Korean Motor Company

Emperor Gojong and Prince Gang (If this is the 20's, lemme know) arrived to greet the Kaiserine and her retinue. They looked upon her men with a mixture of relief and sadness, relief that a few good friends survived the Apocalypse of the Great War, sadness that their greatest ally, Austria-Hungary as they knew her, was no longer alive.

Gojong then bowed to the Kaiserine, and said, extending his hand out, "Guten tag,, Kaiserina. Welcome to Korea. I trust you had a safe journey."

Sophie shook the offered hand and gave a deep bow of her own. "Thank you Emperor Gojong for allowing me to stay in your great nation. I cannot express how happy I am to see that you and your son are well." Sophie turned to face the vessels that had accompined her on her journey.

"I'm afraid most of the crews desire to return home, however, assuming that the ships are not literally siezed from your ports, you may have them as a gift. Hopefully some of the crew can stay long enough to show your naval men the workings of the vessels. I am carrying a large amount of baggage (ooc: and a large amount of the treasury ;)) so if you are able to provide transportation to a....secure location, perhaps the former Austro-Hungarian base, it would be appreciated."

Sophie shook the offered hand and gave a deep bow of her own. "Thank you Emperor Gojong for allowing me to stay in your great nation. I cannot express how happy I am to see that you and your son are well." Sophie turned to face the vessels that had accompined her on her journey.

"I'm afraid most of the crews desire to return home, however, assuming that the ships are not literally siezed from your ports, you may have them as a gift. Hopefully some of the crew can stay long enough to show your naval men the workings of the vessels. I am carrying a large amount of baggage (ooc: and a large amount of the treasury ;)) so if you are able to provide transportation to a....secure location, perhaps the former Austro-Hungarian base, it would be appreciated."

Gojong then said, "Not a problem, Kaiserina. I have prepared a force of 150 men to guard you and your retinue as they go to the old base outside of Pusan. One you'll like, he is an accomplished shot named Park Ho-Jon, something of a regional hero."

He then motioned to Prince Gang, and said, "My son will accompany you to ensure everything goes smoothly."

He then said, "As for the crews, well, we will recompense them for their troubles if they stay and help train our sailors. Generously."

OOC:

I'd like to discuss something when you finish with the Austrians. :)

Gojong then said, "Not a problem, Kaiserina. I have prepared a force of 150 men to guard you and your retinue as they go to the old base outside of Pusan. One you'll like, he is an accomplished shot named Park Ho-Jon, something of a regional hero."

He then motioned to Prince Gang, and said, "My son will accompany you to ensure everything goes smoothly."

He then said, "As for the crews, well, we will recompense them for their troubles if they stay and help train our sailors. Generously."

Sophie smiled. "Thank you Emperor. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity.” She turned to Prince Gang. “Shall we set off?”

Sophie smiled. "Thank you Emperor. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity.” She turned to Prince Gang. “Shall we set off?”

Gang bowed, and then said, "But of course."

He then led the Kaiserina to an ornate sedan chair, carried by a retinue of four. Gang got in, and motioned for Sophie to come with him. A large array of men soon thundered into formation to guard the sedan chair, ready to march alongside it when it began its journey.

Gang bowed, and then said, "But of course."

He then led the Kaiserina to an ornate sedan chair, carried by a retinue of four. Gang got in, and motioned for Sophie to come with him. A large array of men soon thundered into formation to guard the sedan chair, ready to march alongside it when it began its journey.

Sophie looked in interest as they marched through the streets of Pusan. "I'm impressed Prince Gang. Your nation has managed to come so far and yet has not forgotten your past. It is an impressive accomplishment to be sure." Sophie paused for a moment. "I was wondering Prince Gang, if I may ask a personel question, when I may meet your wife. I have yet to meet any Korean woman and I am very much interested on her opnions on certain matters."

Sophie looked in interest as they marched through the streets of Pusan. "I'm impressed Prince Gang. Your nation has managed to come so far and yet has not forgotten your past. It is an impressive accomplishment to be sure." Sophie paused for a moment. "I was wondering Prince Gang, if I may ask a personel question, when I may meet your wife. I have yet to meet any Korean woman and I am very much interested on her opnions on certain matters."

Gang then said, thinking for a moment, "Ah yes. My wife.....well, Lady Kim Sudeok would be happy to meet such an eminent figure as yourself. I'm sure we can talk over dinner."

He seemed a little nervous, especially when it came to his concubines and other consorts....Sophie might not like the fact he had other women he was close to in his life. Still, he sat back, and said, "Now, Korean food might be different than what you're used to. Of course, we have plenty of trained chefs on staff that can adapt rather quickly to any culinary requirement."

He then saw the old base up ahead. The administration buildings were up and the barracks were there, but overall, it had a half-finished look to it, as construction was stopped.

Gang then said, "Well, we did have to pause construction. Don't worry, we'll have the base made up soon enough."

Gang then said, thinking for a moment, "Ah yes. My wife.....well, Lady Kim Sudeok would be happy to meet such an eminent figure as yourself. I'm sure we can talk over dinner."

He seemed a little nervous, especially when it came to his concubines and other consorts....Sophie might not like the fact he had other women he was close to in his life. Still, he sat back, and said, "Now, Korean food might be different than what you're used to. Of course, we have plenty of trained chefs on staff that can adapt rather quickly to any culinary requirement."

He then saw the old base up ahead. The administration buildings were up and the barracks were there, but overall, it had a half-finished look to it, as construction was stopped.

Gang then said, "Well, we did have to pause construction. Don't worry, we'll have the base made up soon enough."

Sophie smiled. "I look forward to meeting her, and trying some Korean food. As to the matter of the buildings, do not worry. One does not survive a war by living comfortably, I am used to much worse than this."

Sophie smiled. "I look forward to meeting her, and trying some Korean food. As to the matter of the buildings, do not worry. One does not survive a war by living comfortably, I am used to much worse than this."

The sedan chair then stopped in the middle of the old base, and the guards formed into their ranks. The chair was let down, and Gang stepped out, saying, "Well, welcome to the old base."

He then motioned for a runner to come forth, and he whispered in his ear. The runner then got on a bicycle, and then pedaled into Pusan itself. He then said, turning to Sophie, "Our dinner and guests will be ready in a few hours. In the meantime, let's get your room set up, shall we?"

Sophie flashed a sly smile to one of her Austrian attendents and offered Prince Gang her arm. "Perhaps you would like to show me them yourself?"

(ooc: sorry to rush this whole rommance thing but I feel that if we want them married during the 'skipped' time, that we should get a good basis for their affair before hand)

Sophie flashed a sly smile to one of her Austrian attendents and offered Prince Gang her arm. "Perhaps you would like to show me them yourself?"

(ooc: sorry to rush this whole rommance thing but I feel that if we want them married during the 'skipped' time, that we should get a good basis for their affair before hand)

OOC: No biggie.

IC:

Surprised by her sudden move, Gang said, "Why of course, Kaiserina. Follow me."

As he led the Kaiserina to her quarters (which were very ornately decorated in a mix of Austrian and Korean styles), he then said, "I must say, you haven't lost any of your grace or beauty, considering the circumstances that sent you here."

He then said, smiling, "And I must say, you seem quite cheerful, as well."

Korean Register

February 18th, 1920

Korea to reform Tax System

Today, Speaker Rhoo Joon of the United Progress Party today has announced that with the cooperation of Our Majesty, Korea will begin reformation of its tax system, proposing the General Taxation Act.

"For too long, the people have experienced a heavy burden in the way of taxation, which has impeded public health and national economic development. This is unacceptable," Speaker Rhoo said.

"We plan with this Act to replace the current system with a graduated income tax beginning at 2% for those making under 1,000 Won a year, 4% for those making 1,000-5,000 Won a year, and 6% for those making above 5,000 Won a year. Also, a fixed sales tax of 6% will be imposed on all business transactions, a fixed property tax of 4% will be imposed, and an 8% tax will be imposed on luxuries such as liquor and tobacco," said the Speaker.

Opposition from the Korea First Party's chairman Kim Mong Ryong was evident, as he was heard to be saying, "This is their idea of reform? Sounds like economic tomfoolery to me. The government needs tax money, and our present system is alright, it just needs a little fixing. No need to throw the baby out with the bathwater."

Korean Register

November 10, 1920

Tax Reform Act Passed!

With a majority in Congress and approval from Our Majesty, the Tax Reform Act has been passed. It goes into effect at the beginning of next August.

Measurements and Timekeeping Act proposed

In order to provide a unified method of timekeeping, a bill was introduced in Congress today that would standardize the nation on the Metric System and the Gregorian Calendar. Opposition is expected from the Korea First Party.

Women Workers Strike in Kimpo!

Today, a group of 1,500 women workers in Kimpo demonstrated in a rally sponsored by the Korean Workingman's Party, calling for "more fair and equitable laws concerning working women."

"We have the right to vote, that is true. But in the workplace and the marketplace, we are still treated as children and second-class citizens! We are paid less, and we are subject to abuse on the job by lecherous bosses and sadistic thugs! We cannot have this! Our Majesty must do something!" said Cho Hyang-Dan, leader of the Korean Working Women's Union, who was present at the event.

Police are holding back for now, as the demonstrators are not actively destroying property. However, Congressman Kim and the manager of the plant are calling for the army to "put down these Trotskyite thugs before they spread their cancer to the rest of Korea."

Speaker Rhoo Joon is reportedly trying to meet with the demonstrators to arbitrate a solution to the strike. However, with the strike in its second day, and impaitence growing, it remains to be seen if things can be settled peacefully.

Korean Register

November 10, 1920
Women Workers Strike in Kimpo!

Today, a group of 1,500 women workers in Kimpo demonstrated in a rally sponsored by the Korean Workingman's Party, calling for "more fair and equitable laws concerning working women."

"We have the right to vote, that is true. But in the workplace and the marketplace, we are still treated as children and second-class citizens! We are paid less, and we are subject to abuse on the job by lecherous bosses and sadistic thugs! We cannot have this! Our Majesty must do something!" said Cho Hyang-Dan, leader of the Korean Working Women's Union, who was present at the event.

Police are holding back for now, as the demonstrators are not actively destroying property. However, Congressman Kim and the manager of the plant are calling for the army to "put down these Trotskyite thugs before they spread their cancer to the rest of Korea."

Speaker Rhoo Joon is reportedly trying to meet with the demonstrators to arbitrate a solution to the strike. However, with the strike in its second day, and impaitence growing, it remains to be seen if things can be settled peacefully.

Writing for Vas Pokhoronim

The Russian charge d'affaires will quietly float a proposal to help develop and modernize Korea's power grid and energy infrastructure if organized labor's concerns are addressed and resolved peaceably.

Writing for Vas Pokhoronim

The Russian charge d'affaires will quietly float a proposal to help develop and modernize Korea's power grid and energy infrastructure if organized labor's concerns are addressed and resolved peaceably.

To Russian Govt-

To address the charge d'affaires concerns, I am personally trying to smooth this over. I have no interest in seeing my fellow Koreans die by the hands of either Socialist or capitalist forces.

Speaker Rhoo Joon

Korean Register

November 12, 1920

Strike Enters Third Day!

The Kimpo Women's Strike is entering its thrid day, and Speaker Rhoo, Miss Cho of the KWWU, and Mr. Hwang of the Korean Textile Company have been reportedly meeting in a hidden location to discuss terms for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.

In the meantime, sympathy strikes in Pusan and Pyongyang have been reported, though on a much smaller scale than the Kimpo strike. Police and strikers have been seen taunting each other, but no word of violent action or arrest has occured yet.

[B]To Russian Govt-

To address the charge d'affaires concerns, I am personally trying to smooth this over. I have no interest in seeing my fellow Koreans die by the hands of either Socialist or capitalist forces.


We thank you. Understand we are not trying to interfere in Korea's internal affairs, merely to help resolve the situation in any way we might be able. We have no wish to see Koreans dying, either.
If you feel our offer to be destabilizing, simply say so, and it will be withdrawn. Otherwise, of course, it continues to stand. We earnestly hope that the situation remains nonviolent, and we tender our best wishes for the success of your efforts in that regard.

We thank you. Understand we are not trying to interfere in Korea's internal affairs, merely to help resolve the situation in any way we might be able. We have no wish to see Koreans dying, either.
If you feel our offer to be destabilizing, simply say so, and it will be withdrawn. Otherwise, of course, it continues to stand. We earnestly hope that the situation remains nonviolent, and we tender our best wishes for the success of your efforts in that regard.

We thank you. We do know that you are not trying to interfere in our internal workings, but I do admit, the offer seemed a bit sudden. Still, we're considering it. As for my remarks, I do apologize if they seemed harsh; they were in reference to our nation's own Socialists and capitalists.

Rhoo Joon
Speaker
Empire of Korea

Korean Register

December 10, 1920

STRIKE OVER!

Today, after several months of strikes by the KWWU, an eleventh-hour solution was agreed upon by the Speaker, Miss Cho, and Mr. Hwang. The solution calls for the creation of the Korean Labor Arbitration Board, a court which workers can voice grievances to and management can defend themselves in, a 40% pay increase for female laborers in the Kimpo plant, and the guarantee of better safety standards in factories in Korea, which will be inspected by a government condition later on.

"We have averted disaster," said Mr. Rhoo. "We have nipped the chance of a violent massacre in the bud, and we can now focus on trying to figure out what is going on in our factories. This may be just the symptoms of a bigger problem, and quite frankly, we can't handle another one of these strikes-it cost us too much."

The agreement is being hailed as a "great step forward" by members of the United Progress Party and elements of the KWWU. However, the Korean Workingman's Party and the Korea First Party have issued statements to the effect of disapproving of the action.

"Korean workers have not won anything," said Mr. Park Jin-Lu of the KWP. "All they got was a raw deal, rigged in favor of the big bosses. We're gonna wait for something better."

"Mr. Rhoo is doing nobody a favor by caving in," said Mr. Kim, "We're just agitating the Red Menace, y'know."

Korean Register

February 3rd, 1921

Measurements and Timekeeping Act Passed

The Measurements and Timekeeping Act today was passed after quiet debate in the Congress.

Speaker Rhoo was heard to be saying, "I thank the Congress for passing this bill. If we did not pass this bill, we would not have a reliable, easily understood system of weights and measures, and things would be a lot more difficult. Can you imagine all the math involved if we voted to keep our current methods!? Nobody wants to be bogged down in excess number-crunching. Therefore, this was a good decision."

The switch to the Metric System will occur immediately, with a conversion deadline at the beginning of June.

Korean Armed Forces to begin development of new small arms and military automobiles!

Citing "the sad use of almost-20 year old Machine Guns" and "a telling lack of motorized transport," Congress has approved a W30,000,000 project to create domestic replacements for the Schwarzlose Machine Gun, the Mannlicher Rifle, and to develop a feasible armored car, a Land Turtleship (OOC: Tank), and to allow for the purchase of supply trucks.

"Korea's Army needs some work. We see other armies, the French, Japanese, Americans, and what do we have? Plenty of spirit and good men, but also horsies, old machine guns, and maybe the odd Austrian contractor! Not something that I'd fight with," said Our Majesty Emperor Gang. "With enough money and plenty of technical know-how, we can get our Army up to code."

Korean Register

February 12th, 1921

Automobile Enthusiasts Form Club

Today, 50 amateur automobile enthusiasts gathered in Seoul today to form the Korea National Motorists Association. The founder of the group, Mr. Lee, says the purpose of the club is to "teach responsible driving and matenance of one's automobile. Too many people nowadays are driving at unsafe speeds, increasing the risk of accidents. Also, too many are stranded on inadequate roads, for want of a mechanic to fix their machine. We want teach drivers how to take care of themselves, basically."

The group says it is not a political group of any sort. However, many of its members have begun to circulate a petition asking for more money for road improvements and lobbying for safety standards for automobiles.

KTI announces formation of Korea Patent Office

Today, a Writ issued by the Chancellor of the Korean Technology Institute has authorized the creation of the Korea Patent Office, a place for inventors and entrepenuers to copyright their ideas and to lessen ideological theft.

"Why should our best and brightest be denied the chance to profit fairly from their creations? This will ensure that any Korean with a potentially beneficial invention has a place to go where it can be licensed to him, and stay his intellectual property," said Kim Han-Hak, Chancellor of the KTI.

Congress has approved of the action by the KTI, and Our Majesty has issued an Imperial Edict authorizing its continued existence.

Entrepeneuer found Korea Telephone Company

Today, Mr. Sum Han-dang of Sinujiu, promising to bring "practical communication to the People of Korea," has announced that he has patented a telephone design with the KTI-KPO (being the first to do so) and has announced that he has taken out a loan to begin operation of the Korea Telephone Company.

"Korea has plenty of telegraphs, and some telephones. But I want every Korean to be able to enjoy the benefit of fast, instant communication. The telegraph can promise this, but as cheaply as the new telephone will," said Mr. Sum.

Mr. Sum plans to establish his HQ in Seoul. Oddsmakers are betting 50-1 that he will not make it, and General Kim Myong Ryong was heard to be saying, "Yeah, sure. Whatever."

Korean Register

August 25th, 1921

Reverend Chung chosen as head of Commission!

After several months of debate, a government commission today has been finally commissioned by Congress. Much of the debate was due to filibustering from Korea First Party and Korean Workingman's Party members of Congress, preventing real progress from being made. An eleventh-hour solution was created last Tuesday, however, and the preeminent Methodist minister in Pusan, Reverend Chung Sun-sin, has been commissioned for reasons of impartiality and attention to detail.

"I assure you, I will get to the bottom of what ails the Korean workingclass. My time spent among the peasantry and the urban poor, both of whom have benefited and been made worse off by the new order, has given me the insight necessary to understand the situation of these classes. I promise to create a report that will answer everyone's questions honestly and in detail," said the Reverend, whom the Korean Register learned has a successful history of urban and country mission in various hospitals in Korea.

Progress:

Investigations-

2/20- Chung begins to assemble the Industrial Conditions Investigation (Chung) Committee members, they are from all parts of the political spectrum. They are empowered with the ability to call witnesses, issue subpeonas, a long-term search warrant that is good for six months, keep records, procure documents and other far-ranging investigative powers to find out what's going on.

Military research (OOC: Foreigners are invited to send in designs!)-

Procurement of Trucks-

2/10- Orders made with the Korean Motor Company and other independent firms in Korea for a military truck that has four wheel drive, carries up to three tons, and is no heavier than two tons. Competition begins....

Development of new small Arms-

2/20- Plans for more efficient versions of the Schwarzlose MG and the Mannlicher Rifle are underway at the KTI and the various armories in Korea. Offers for semi-auto rifle designs are considered too.

Development of Land Turtleship-

2/20- Plans for the LT call for trapezoidal design with a turret, two side MG sponsons, and a 37mm-57mm gun on top.

Progress:

Investigations-

3/20- Investigations begin in Kimpo, Seoul, Central Korean Area, with workers beign called up and factory inspections beign conducted.

Military research (OOC: Foreigners are invited to send in designs!)-

Procurement of Trucks-

3/10- Designs and prototypes in the middle of production, but nothing yet.

Development of new small Arms-

3/20- Designs and prototypes in the middle of production, but nothing yet.

Development of Land Turtleship-

3/20- Land Turtleship designs completed, to use Modified Joseon Engine for this purpose.

Progress:

Investigations-

5/20- Hearings are being conducted in the aforementioned area. Investigations taking place in Pyongyang and Pusan now.

Military research (OOC: Foreigners are invited to send in designs!)-

Procurement of Trucks-

5/10- the KMC prototype is released. It is similar in design and shape to the WWI era RL Liberty Truck, and it is undergoing tests now. An independent outfit, called Daewoo, is rumored to be ready to present its prototype soon.

Development of new small Arms-

5/20- New Schwarzlose-type gun to feature air-cooled barrel. There will be a heavy-barreled version for service on the turtleship and other heavy vehicles; a lighter version will be made for infantry support.

Development of Land Turtleship-

5/20- Prototype production begins at KTI Automotive Shop, Seoul.

Progress:

Investigations-

7/20- The commission so far has been traveling around Korea. Currently, its representatives are working in the North and in the big cities in the South. Some indictments are in progress. Much more collection of testimony and use of forensic science (not quite CSI-level, but includes basic fingerprinting and blood type identfication) and statistics collection is aiding in the reporting of the Commission.

Military research (OOC: Foreigners are invited to send in designs!)-

Procurement of Trucks-

7/10- Daewoo and KMC prototypes are currently undergoing rigorous drive-offs in the Tae'baek Mountains.

Development of new small Arms-

7/20- Ammunition for the Schwarzlose-type gun (Infantry version is Type 1 LMG, Heavy is Type 1 HMG) and the new rifle is the previously used Austrian ammunition.

Development of Land Turtleship-

7/20- Prototype is completed, testing begins in classified location in the North.

Korean Register

May 23rd, 1922

Industrialization Project announced in the North!

Today, acting on longstanding plans considered by his father, Our Majesty Emperor Gang commissioned a long-term project to further industrialize the Northern areas of Korea.

"Korea has plenty of untapped natural timber, minerals, and water in the north that will serve as fuel for our growth. Why should we be denied these things?"

"Koreans, I will commission the construction of:

-A series of dams in the North to create resevoirs to store water and to generate electricity.
-Mines to harvest iron, coal, and tungsten to aid our steel industry
-Steel mills and ironworks to increase our supply of iron and steel, for export and domestic use.

This project shall take approximately five to ten years to complete. In the interim, I shall approve the use of government funds to aid the construction of domestic auto and machinery works. Korea shall be made better by this, I assure you."

Critics, escpecially those from the Korean Workingman's Party, have complained that the Emperor has ignored Congress entirely through this edict. Even Speaker Rhoo Joon was heard to be saying, "He could have asked us, we would have given him the money. He didn't have to go over our heads."

Our Majesty however, assured critics that, "This action was taken in the best interest of the Korean people. I have ignored Congress. However, I assure you that this sort of thing will be a rare event, taken only when the situation demands it. In this case, it did."

Progress:

Investigations-

13/20- More indictments and reports are coming in. The Commission's activities have begun to motivate workers who previously were unwilling to speak out to resist company pressure and protest over working conditions. So far, many of the complaints center around low lighting conditions, poor ventilation, and lack of medical aid, despite access to an extensive healthcare system.

Military research (OOC: Foreigners are invited to send in designs!)-

Procurement of Trucks-

10/10- After rigorous testing, the KMC's K1 Model truck has beaten the Daewoo prototype in a close competition. The deciding factor was ultimately the fact that Daewoo was unable to fill the order required by the Korean Army, thus giving the honor to the Korean Motor Company. About 1,500 trucks will be made, and delivered to Army bases with KMC instructors to help our men familiarize themselves with this new machine.

Development of new small Arms-

13/20- Production of prototypes complete. Firearms are entering rigorous testing, involving shooting over extended periods, resistance to dirt, etc.

Development of Land Turtleship-

13/20- Prototype is completed, testing begins in classified location in the North.

Korean Register

February 21st, 1923

Guns purchased from the United States

Today, as part of the ongoing effort to modernize the Korean Armed Forces (and provide a little something for the local police), the KAF will be the recipient of an a shipment of Thompson Submachine Guns and M1911A1 pistols.

"Korea deserves the best. Now, we have two of the most effective weapons in the world. The Thompson will give our police and military forces the advantage of automatic fire and a powerful punch, and the M1911A1 will provide our forces with an effective sidearm for the future and beyond. Both use the same ammunition, making supply easy. So, why not buy these things?" said General Park Kim-suk, head of the Korean Army.

Our Majesty indicates that the purchase will not reflect any sort of political favoritism; rather, he said, "We just wanted to get a good firearm for the money, and the Thompson and 1911A1 delivered."

General Staff created!

Also as part of the Army reforms, a new General Staff has been created to coordinate military planning for future conflicts. It is to be headed by Park Kim-suk, the present head of the Korean Army. The staff will include men from both Army and Navy, and will be the main advisory body for field strategic-level planning.

The Pacific Red Fleet will be conducting joint naval exercises with the Chinese Imperial Navy in the international and Union waters of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk this Summer (1923).

The Japanese Imperial Navy and the Royal Navy of Korea will be permitted to observe from a distance outside the range of engagement.

The Pacific Red Fleet will be conducting joint naval exercises with the Chinese Imperial Navy in the international and Union waters of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk this Summer (1923).

The Japanese Imperial Navy and the Royal Navy of Korea will be permitted to observe from a distance outside the range of engagement.

We will send the cruiser Admiral Yi as an observer.

Should we also assume our joint projects to be in effect?

Should we also assume our joint projects to be in effect?

OOC: As ND (Too lazy to switch):

Sure.

I'll let those know who need to.

Progress:

Investigations-

19/20- Report is almost done. People in Congress are eagerly awaiting the result.

Military research (OOC: Foreigners are invited to send in designs!)-

Development of new small Arms-

19/20- Ready to enter service as Mk. 1 Rifle, Type 1 LMG, and Type 1 HMG

Development of Land Turtleship-

19/20-

Stats have been kept secret, but OOCly:

Weight: 1 Ton
Length: 9m
Width: 1m
Height: .5m
Weapons: 1x 37mm gun in turret, 2x Type 1 HMGs on side sponsons
Engine: KTI Joseon Rotary Engine Model 2, capable of 350hp
Speed: 10-20 mph, maximum is 40hp
Shape: Resembles a mix between FT-17, Leman Russ from WH40K and Mk VIII.

Progress:

Investigations-

20/20- The finished report has been released, with the Reverend testifying in front of Congress. It seems that overall, poor sanitation, healthcare, and discriminatory conditions(towards women) plus incompetence among management in some areas, are present in Korean factories. As such, laws will be implemented to fix these things ASAP.

Military research (OOC: Foreigners are invited to send in designs!)-

Development of new small Arms-

20/20- Ready to enter service as Mk. 1 Rifle, Type 1 LMG, and Type 1 HMG.

Development of Land Turtleship-

20/20- Finsihed, 1,500 will be produced. It will also be offered for Export for USD$250,000.

Stats have been kept secret, but OOCly:

Weight: 1 Ton
Length: 9m
Width: 1m
Height: .5m
Weapons: 1x 37mm gun in turret, 2x Type 1 HMGs on side sponsons
Engine: KTI Joseon Rotary Engine Model 2, capable of 350hp
Speed: 10-20 mph, maximum is 40hp
Shape: Resembles a mix between FT-17, Leman Russ from WH40K and Mk VIII.[/QUOTE]

Korean Register

June 1924

Korean Congress Passes Chung Act!

This month, a series of acts were passed, rectifying the numerous issues set forth by the Chung Report. They mandate worker's compensation, better lighting, and other improvements to the existing system.

To:Emperor Gang
From: Ottoman Government

Dear sirs,

We ask that your nation to invest in and set up shop in the Ottoman Empire, in return for your nation investing in the empire, we will sell your nation oil and steel so that your nation can grow faster..

To:Emperor Gang
From: Ottoman Government

Dear sirs,

We ask that your nation to invest in and set up shop in the Ottoman Empire, in return for your nation investing in the empire, we will sell your nation oil and steel so that your nation can grow faster..

To:Ottoman Government
From: Emperor Gang

I think my father and your government chatted about this once before. We would like to do this. First thing: are there any laws we should know about?

To:Ottoman Government
From: Emperor Gang

I think my father and your government chatted about this once before. We would like to do this. First thing: are there any laws we should know about?
To: Emperor Gang
From: Ottoman Government

All that we ask of your nation is to repect our labor laws and do not import labor from other nations, we ask that you use the local people and give them good paying jobs. Also we like to know what companies are you planning to send to the Empire and set up shop.

To: Emperor Gang
From: Ottoman Government

All that we ask of your nation is to repect our labor laws and do not import labor from other nations, we ask that you use the local people and give them good paying jobs. Also we like to know what companies are you planning to send to the Empire and set up shop.

To:Ottoman Government
From: Emperor Gang

The Korean Motor Company (they'll arrive as the Ottoman-Korean Motor Company, to show that it is a foreign division), the United Steel Company, and Korean International Telephone (the foreign arm of Korean Telephone Company) are willing to invest. Obviously, they'd obey all local laws and hire local workers.

What locations do you suggest for setting up Headquarters?

To: Emperor Gang
From: Ottoman Government

A good place to set up a Headquarters would be Istanbul, the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire, we look forward working with your nation.

To: Emperor Gang
From: Ottoman Government

A good place to set up a Headquarters would be Istanbul, the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire, we look forward working with your nation.

To:Ottoman Government
From: Emperor Gang

Then Istanbul it is. We will arrive there shortly. Thanks for letting us in.

Korean Register

July 13th, 1924

Elections set for August!

With the six year term of the Progress Party coming to a close soon, election preparations are underway. All throughout Korea, Congressmen, local Mayors, and all sorts of elected officials are being put to the test, in Korea's Third Democratic Election.

The incumbent Party, the United Progress Party, is fielding Rhoo Joon, the "Old Lion" of the Party. Though in relatively advanced age at 65, Mr. Rhoo promises to continue Korea's present path, he said today, in Seoul, "I promise that if elected again, I will not fail to work for a just, fair Korea, with a strong army to defend itself and a strong, humane economy to propel it into the future."

The Korea First Party, meanwhile, is fielding a once unknown man, named Rhee Syngman. To the astoundment of the public, Mr. Rhee was chosen over the expected candidate, General Kim, due to reasons of age and political views. Mr. Rhee is expected to campaign on a "Had Enough?" platform that stresses less government intervention in Korean life, and more private industrial development and alliances to "combat the spread of Kerenskyism and Trotskyism."

The Korean Workingman's Party, though a minority, is fielding Ms. Cho Hyang-Dan, remembered as the woman who helped bring about labor reforms during the Great Strike. She plans to introduce Socialist and other left-leaning reforms, and to increase the livelihood of Koreans by land reform and government action.

Korean Register

July 20th, 1924

The Candidates Go A-Debating

As part of the Congressional Election, the three candidates will participate in a debate over various subjects, such as the recent downturn in relations between Moscow and Washington, and taxes.

Congress issues Declaration of Neutrality

Concerning world events, Congress today has issued a statement, calling for Korea to be neutral in any war that may occur. However, belligerents may buy arms and ammunition, and are allowed to borrow funds from the Bank of Korea and private institutions.

Korean Register

August 18th, 1924

COALITION GOVERNMENT FORMED!

Elections have resulted in a close victory for the Progress Party, with the Korea First Party moving into second place. With a sheer 2-seat margin, the two factions have agreed to form a coalition government to forumlate a unified, bi-partisan agenda.

The Speaker of this Coalition Government was decided by an emergency ballot in Congress; ultimately, Syngman Rhee was chosen as the new Speaker, with the position of Vice Speaker (a position that grants the ability to convene Congress and chair meetings, and make some decisions) given to Rhoo Joon.

The Korean Workingman's Party declared the election "Corrupt" and called for new elections. However, independent surveys have confirmed the legitimacy of the election.

Speaker Rhee declared, "People of Korea, we will work for unity and for a Korea where citizens can enjoy their liberties in good health. Also, we will make our stand on Socialism clear. We do not condone it. We abhor it. To this end, we will work to ensure it does not spread to us."

Rumors are spreading of potential Socialist revolt, especially in the North, where a firebrand named Kim Il-Sung was arrested for distrubing the peace.

Korean Register

August 21st, 1924

MOBILIZATION CONDUCTED, ARMED NEUTRALITY STATUS DECLARED!

Today, the Korean Armed Forces have begun a Partial Mobilization, citing "the current disturbed global situation." Reserves and active duty servicemen have been called up, and are currently being retrained and posted to duty, especially guarding the coasts of Korea and the Border. The Navy meanwhile, has begun active patrols and has announced a "shoot-on-sight" order for ships attempting invasions or attacks on Korean ships or soil (OOC: Borrowed from Chile).

Also, war industries are being geared up, as armories and civil contractors have been ordered to begin producing guns and ammo of all shapes and sizes, from small to heavy arms.

SECRET IC:

Work has begun on the creation of new automobile plants (in secret) to produce tanks under license from the British Government for sale to Japan, under the agreement that the profits be given to the UK and production cease after the war.

Also, K1 Truck plants are asked to increase production to satisfy the demands of the Imperial Japanese Army, and new plants are being built as well. Expansion of production capacity and existing production has also been asked of the Korean mil-ind complex, as it is also going to try and acommidate the demand for 6.5 Arisaka ammo and .45 ACP ammo.

Owing to alert conditions, teams of convicts and free laborers will be used to get the all of the news arms plants built within the span of two-six months, if possible. Expansion of existing production in the meantime will take much sooner, owing to retooling of some exisiting factories.

OOC:

I'm quite curious on why Korea would support its most hated enemy in history, Japan. I know for a fact that Koreans hates Japanese because of all the bad stuff that went down between Korea and Japan.

I'd like some clarification on this- two most hated enemies helping each other. :)

OOC:

I'm quite curious on why Korea would support its most hated enemy in history, Japan. I know for a fact that Koreans hates Japanese because of all the bad stuff that went down between Korea and Japan.

I'd like some clarification on this- two most hated enemies helping each other. :)

OOC: Well, we are neutrals in this war, so we can sell to anybody we want. I am not ignoring the inherent distrust, but for now, its more a marriage of convenience than anything else ICly, and a way to earn some experience building tanks and some cash from the global bloodletting all around.

OOC: Well, we are neutrals in this war, so we can sell to anybody we want. I am not ignoring the inherent distrust, but for now, its more a marriage of convenience than anything else ICly, and a way to earn some experience building tanks and some cash from the global bloodletting all around.

OOC:

That works for me. I was just surprised to see Korea selling to Japan, which is supposedly Korea's greatest hated enemy, thats all. I was under the assumption that Korea would want its enemy, Japan, to be defeated.

At any rate, carry on. :)

OOC:

That works for me. I was just surprised to see Korea selling to Japan, which is supposedly Korea's greatest hated enemy, thats all. I was under the assumption that Korea would want its enemy, Japan, to be defeated.

At any rate, carry on. :)

OOC: Thanks for understanding.

IC:

An Open Message To All Belligerents

We in Korea are in the market to supply your needs. From trucks to ammunition and small arms, to even loans and clothing, we are happy to help. We are willing to accommodate most offers.

OOC:

I'm quite curious on why Korea would support its most hated enemy in history, Japan. I know for a fact that Koreans hates Japanese because of all the bad stuff that went down between Korea and Japan.

I'd like some clarification on this- two most hated enemies helping each other. :)


OOC: a lot of that bad stuff also never happened(like Japan taking over korea in the early part of the 20th century, etc.) plus I don't think the koreans are a fan of communists, so yeah the enemy of my enemy is my friend. And besides what better way to increase good will.

OOC:

I'm quite curious on why Korea would support its most hated enemy in history, Japan. I know for a fact that Koreans hates Japanese because of all the bad stuff that went down between Korea and Japan.

I'd like some clarification on this- two most hated enemies helping each other. :)

the last trouble Korea had with Japan was in the 16th Century, and small nations typically ensure they have good relations with both of their larger neighbors to keep relations good. Also, Korea could view China as a larger threat than Japan as China has far more history interfering in Korea than Japan does, and Korea was a Chinese client state until fairly recently and now that China is more powerful, its reasonable to assume Korea would be interested in new partnerships.

As Lord Palmerston of England once said... "nations do not have permanent allies, but permanent interests"

OOC: Thread tools aren't working for me... So I've got to <tag> this the old fashioned way.

SECRET IC:

Work continues well on the new plants.....contstruction is expected to finish on time.

OOC: Lazy post, but RL stuff came up.

SIC:

To: ALL LTA MEMBERS
From: Syngman Rhee

We have contacted the US about a similar proposal. However, should they refuse our offer, we wish to see if you are interested in the following.

Though our nation is neutral and on High Alert, there is a large portion of our citizenry that wishes to aid in the destruction of the Communist threat. A group in my country wishes to fight the Russians and ensure that Korea will be made safe from their preying moves. Also, our forces need practical combat experience; our last conflict was policing the frontier and this will not do for a modern war.

To this end, we were wondering if you would consent to the formation of a Korean Volunteer Corps, with infantry and air units.

SIC:

To: ALL LTA MEMBERS
From: Syngman Rhee

We have contacted the US about a similar proposal. However, should they refuse our offer, we wish to see if you are interested in the following.

Though our nation is neutral and on High Alert, there is a large portion of our citizenry that wishes to aid in the destruction of the Communist threat. A group in my country wishes to fight the Russians and ensure that Korea will be made safe from their preying moves. Also, our forces need practical combat experience; our last conflict was policing the frontier and this will not do for a modern war.

To this end, we were wondering if you would consent to the formation of a Korean Volunteer Corps, with infantry and air units.

SIC:
Japan would wholeheartedly support a Korean Volunteer Corps, amd would definetly integrate them into my army

Japan would also like to know if there is a possibility of using Korean Air Strips Around the Yalu River for Japanese Bomber forces (much like the way that Portugal allowed the US the use of the Azores Islands in the atlantic to hunt submarines)

SIC:
Japan would wholeheartedly support a Korean Volunteer Corps, amd would definetly integrate them into my army

Japan would also like to know if there is a possibility of using Korean Air Strips Around the Yalu River for Japanese Bomber forces (much like the way that Portugal allowed the US the use of the Azores Islands in the atlantic to hunt submarines)

SIC:

From: Syngman Rhee

Sure. We will consent to the use of Korean Airspace and Airstrips, but there aren't many airstrips to use. We'd be happy to clear some out so Japan can land bombers. Of course, there is the matter of how to do so without alerting the Russians....perhaps some kind of cover operation would be useful to us?

And as for the KVC, we are currently canvassing those who previously expressed interest, and signing those up who are eligible.

SIC:

From: Syngman Rhee

Sure. We will consent to the use of Korean Airspace and Airstrips, but there aren't many airstrips to use. We'd be happy to clear some out so Japan can land bombers. Of course, there is the matter of how to do so without alerting the Russians....perhaps some kind of cover operation would be useful to us?

And as for the KVC, we are currently canvassing those who previously expressed interest, and signing those up who are eligible.

oh i don't know how about starting a civil airline that flys from anywhere in korea to anywhere in japan ;-)

oh i don't know how about starting a civil airline that flys from anywhere in korea to anywhere in japan ;-)

SIC:

From: Syngman Rhee

Deal. Perhaps a cover airline is the best method. We will begin making airfields for Pan-Asia Airlines as soon as possible in the North ;).

OOC: Want me to make an open announcement about the founding of "Pan-Asia Airlines?"

OOC: You know that allowing Japan to land bombers on Korean soil would be a violation of your neutrality and might force the Chinese or ourselves to react accordingly...

Britain is in favour of the formation of a KVC and will support it in whatever way possible. Whilst a Korean Unit could be incorporated into the British Army the logistics may prove to be a problem. The British Army uses a standard .303 calibre ammunition for it's small arms whilst I believe your ammunition is different (i'm not sure on this). If the whole of the corps (ie. Korean and British troops) were to be supplied with the same ammunition the Koreans (being in the minority) would be forced to retrain to use the larger calibre rifles costign time and money. Therefore Britain believes that it is in the LTA's best interests to allow a nation with the smae ammunition as yourselves to accept this new unit into theiir ranks.

SIC:
Though our nation is neutral and on High Alert, there is a large portion of our citizenry that wishes to aid in the destruction of the Communist threat. A group in my country wishes to fight the Russians and ensure that Korea will be made safe from their preying moves.
Jesus fucking Christ, people, what the Hell expansionistic moves have I ever done?

Korea, you remember there are Russian engineers in your country building you submarines, right? You remember we betrayed your Communists to your government for the sake of peace, right?

Damn you for a treacherous scumbag.

Jesus fucking Christ, people, what the Hell expansionistic moves have I ever done?

Korea, you remember there are Russian engineers in your country building you submarines, right? You remember we betrayed your Communists to your government for the sake of peace, right?

Damn you for a treacherous scumbag.

OOC:

I will admit Vas and Parth that the whole Japanese Bomber ploy was a bit of a stretch in retrospect, and maybe even a grave error. Not that it makes it any better, but OOCly....RL stuff has been swamping me recently, perhaps affecting my judgment. I have not forgotten about the favors done in the past for Korea ICly. It's just a) I was focused on getting involved somehow in the War, and b) focused on the fact Syngman Rhee is anti-Communist, and would as much as possible to try and help stem the flow. Still...I'll cancel the operation, I'll just have the KVC go out, not the Covert Bomber Ploy.

And as for ammo concerns....Ribena, I was assuming that any force that would take Koreans would do the supplying. If not, I'll furnish ammo.

I'm just a cranky old man. Nothing personal. Well, not too personal.

I'm just a cranky old man. Nothing personal. Well, not too personal.

OOC: Just wanted to explain myself, before this got ugly. The plan to let bombers in is definetly out.

OOC: Just wanted to explain myself, before this got ugly. The plan to let bombers in is definetly out.

OOC: jeez try to sneak a few bombers into Korea and everyone throws a hissy fit Sheeesh :-p

ATTENTION ALL COMBATANTS!

Korea is undergoing a campaign of industrial modernization, funded by our Bank of Korea and funds from the Future Fund. As it is, our expansion presents a number of economic opportunities.

This includes the production of war materials for other factions. Effective immediately, Congress has allowed for further export of war materials, manufactured or raw, to any and all combatants, as well as the loaning of hard or soft currency.

OOC: This covers, ICly, my approved factory expansion. This also means that anybody who wants them may now borrow points from us.

Korean Register

July 16, 1926

Armed Neutrality Declared Over, Korea to begin Demobilization

In light of world events, Korea today has rescinded its state of "Armed Neutrality." All reservists and active troops that were called up for this time of emergency have been instructed to go home and return to their normal lives. Estimates are that the size of the Korean Armed Forces will be cut in half by the end of the year, perhaps by early 1927.

In addition, orders today for further war supplies have been stopped per the rescinding of the State of Armed Neutrality. All non-essential factories are asked to retool to civil production.

Korean Workingmen's Party issues new Agenda

Speaking at the recent meeting of the KWP, Cho Hyang-Dan, Party Secretary, issued a statement urging the use of peaceful action. This copy of the "Cho Agenda," given to us by an anonymous source from the Party, reveals the future course of the KWP.

"War is not the answer, Comrades. Some of us want to fight the Revolution now. This is not the way we should do things, for this course only invites death, pain, and utter failure. Our attempts to court our Comrades in Moscow have failed. Berlin has not responded either. Therefore, it is up to us to bring the Revolution by other means to Korea, instead of waiting for others to act for us.

I urge the peaceful use of political action within the system.

We must use the ballots given to us so that we can elect our fellow comrades as well as those who are with us to promote our agenda.

We must strike whenever workers are threatened, organize the labor movement that seems to have gone to sleep on the watch, so as to ensure that Workers have a voice, and fight for the rights of all Koreans.

We must recruit people of all genders and classes peacefully, so as to build a strong base for future operations.

We must present a clean, positive image, sympathetic to Korean traditions and customs, to ensure popular support.

And, we must act united. Dissenters in the Party only bring ruin to all.

These are my words to you, take them or leave them, but heed them well, for this is how we shall grow.

COMRADE CHO
SECRETARY
KOREAN WORKINGMAN'S PARTY"

The response of the Party is one one of denial.

SIC:

Reports indicate that a member of the Party, a Kim Il-Sung, is attempting to form a faction of Socialists opposed to this move, though these cannot be confirmed.

The Japanese Ambassador to Korea approaches the Korean Government with an alliance between the two great nations.

Korea gets military Assistance for all branches of their armed forces.
Korea and Japan sign a Mutual Defensive treaty
Korea agrees not to join the LTA or the Pact
Japan and Korea get closer economic ties.


The details still need to be hammered out so japan is waiting to see if Korea is interested.



OOC: C'mon, you know you want to :-p, I'll give you a battleship

The Japanese Ambassador to Korea approaches the Korean Government with an alliance between the two great nations.

Korea gets military Assistance for all branches of their armed forces.
Korea and Japan sign a Mutual Defensive treaty
Korea agrees not to join the LTA or the Pact
Japan and Korea get closer economic ties.


The details still need to be hammered out so japan is waiting to see if Korea is interested.



OOC: C'mon, you know you want to :-p, I'll give you a battleship

To: Japanese Government
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

Considering the state of world affairs, with the world getting off of a major conflict, I'd say it's time to maybe consider this deal.

A few things, though, I want to get straightened out before I sign anything.

1: I wish for Korea to be assured an equal status in any treaty signed between our Empires. This means any action, military, economic, etc., involving our alliance will be jointly coordinated with equal representation for all parties.
2: All economic agreements shall be of equal and valid reciprocity.
3: Those advisors are welcome, and we'd need all the help we can get for our Navy. Though with peacetime spending the way it is, we're shifting funds to domestic developments....do you know a lot about dambuilding?

To: Japanese Government
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

Considering the state of world affairs, with the world getting off of a major conflict, I'd say it's time to maybe consider this deal.

A few things, though, I want to get straightened out before I sign anything.

1: I wish for Korea to be assured an equal status in any treaty signed between our Empires. This means any action, military, economic, etc., involving our alliance will be jointly coordinated with equal representation for all parties.
2: All economic agreements shall be of equal and valid reciprocity.
3: Those advisors are welcome, and we'd need all the help we can get for our Navy. Though with peacetime spending the way it is, we're shifting funds to domestic developments....do you know a lot about dambuilding?


1. Done.
2. Done.
3. OOC: I really don't know if japan has any experience with dams.


GB does Japan have dambuilding experience at this point in history?

1. Done.
2. Done.
3. OOC: I really don't know if japan has any experience with dams.


GB does Japan have dambuilding experience at this point in history?

probably on a small scale... Japan is not notable for its major rivers

probably on a small scale... Japan is not notable for its major rivers

OOC: Then my request on dams can be ignored then.

OOC: Then my request on dams can be ignored then.

You could ask China, ya know. China has been doing lots of dam building on its major rivers like Yellow, Mekong, and Yangtze rivers. :)

You could ask China, ya know. China has been doing lots of dam building on its major rivers like Yellow, Mekong, and Yangtze rivers. :)

OOC: In that case...

IC:

To: Chinese Government
From: OUr Majesty Emperor Gang

We were considering commissioning a series of dams in the north to help provide hydroelectric power and fresh water for our people. Alas, our experience in such things is not plentiful. We were wondering if you could help us with dambuilding.

OOC: In that case...

IC:

To: Chinese Government
From: OUr Majesty Emperor Gang

We were considering commissioning a series of dams in the north to help provide hydroelectric power and fresh water for our people. Alas, our experience in such things is not plentiful. We were wondering if you could help us with dambuilding.

Comminque to Korea
From: Greater China

Greetings.

We are honored that our Korean brethren contacted us regarding dam-building. As your people may or may not already know, the Chinese have undertaken massive dam projects in the past fifteen years in an effort to harness the power of China's mighty rivers. Another added benefit is reduction of flood damage in heavily populated centers as the water is regulated, and floodwaters are contained in the artifical lakes behind the dams.

What size, type, and location of dams are your people seeking to construct within Korea? If you could inform us of the specifications, then we would be more than happy to give you an estimate on what will be required to construct these dams, and a timetable for completion. Once that is done, our engineers can educate yours on how to maintain these dams as well as building new ones as they are needed.

Please contact us as soon as possible, so that the sooner your dams may be built and the sooner we may all benefit from them.

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu

Korean Register

July 16, 1926
Korean Workingmen's Party issues new Agenda
Snip.
The Council Committee of International Affairs: Directorate of Progressive Action, approves whole-heartedly of Comrade Cho's projected program of democratic socialism. While it is the opinion that direct intervention in Korean affairs on the part of the Directorate would most likely provoke a reactionary backlash, the Directorate is nevertheless willing to provide training and organization for KWP activists, and will submit a budget request to the Council Planning Committee for socialist aid to Korea commencing in 1933.

For freedom and socialism, and a better tomorrow!

Councilor Rosa Luxemburg, Director-General of Progressive Action

The Council Committee of International Affairs: Directorate of Progressive Action, approves whole-heartedly of Comrade Cho's projected program of democratic socialism. While it is the opinion that direct intervention in Korean affairs on the part of the Directorate would most likely provoke a reactionary backlash, the Directorate is nevertheless willing to provide training and organization for KWP activists, and will submit a budget request to the Council Planning Committee for socialist aid to Korea commencing in 1933.

For freedom and socialism, and a better tomorrow!

Councilor Rosa Luxemburg, Director-General of Progressive Action

To: Rosa Luxembourg
From: Comrade Cho

Wow. And we thought our comrades had abandoned us. Thank you all, from our hearts. May true freedom indeed grow in Korea. We will accept your aid for training our personnel, we will need this guidance for the future.

It is imperative this aid be delivered soon. I have a feeling a certain element of the Party intends to commit itself to rash action, and ruin all we have worked for.

Comminque to Korea
From: Greater China

Greetings.

We are honored that our Korean brethren contacted us regarding dam-building. As your people may or may not already know, the Chinese have undertaken massive dam projects in the past fifteen years in an effort to harness the power of China's mighty rivers. Another added benefit is reduction of flood damage in heavily populated centers as the water is regulated, and floodwaters are contained in the artifical lakes behind the dams.

What size, type, and location of dams are your people seeking to construct within Korea? If you could inform us of the specifications, then we would be more than happy to give you an estimate on what will be required to construct these dams, and a timetable for completion. Once that is done, our engineers can educate yours on how to maintain these dams as well as building new ones as they are needed.

Please contact us as soon as possible, so that the sooner your dams may be built and the sooner we may all benefit from them.

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu

To: Emperor Guozu
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

We are considering building a series of 10 dams mostly in the North (though two smaller ones will be in the South for flood control), many moderate to large-sized, for the purpose of hydroelectric power and resevoir collection. The average size is 50m to about 100m. Do you need more information?

To: Emperor Guozu
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

We are considering building a series of 10 dams mostly in the North (though two smaller ones will be in the South for flood control), many moderate to large-sized, for the purpose of hydroelectric power and resevoir collection. The average size is 50m to about 100m. Do you need more information?

Comminque to Emperor Gang
From: Emperor Guozu of Greater China

Greetings.

It will take some time before our engineers can come up with viable solutions to your proposal. There are two crucial bits of information needed before we can truly proceed.

First, what is the difficulty level involved in transportation from port cities or major industrial centers in Korea to the proposed dam sites?

Second, are Korean engineers willing to take an observer role while both Chinese and Korean workers build the dam themselves? This is to allow your engineers to learn the art of dam building without great risk to themselves or the Korean infrastructure.

I look forward to the growing bonds between our two people. Go in peace.

~Emperor Guozu

To: Rosa Luxembourg
From: Comrade Cho

Wow. And we thought our comrades had abandoned us. Thank you all, from our hearts. May true freedom indeed grow in Korea. We will accept your aid for training our personnel, we will need this guidance for the future.

It is imperative this aid be delivered soon. I have a feeling a certain element of the Party intends to commit itself to rash action, and ruin all we have worked for.
Since this is mostly political aid, it can start immediately, but as soon as I can I'll set aside a few production points as well for Korean Party-run welfare services.

Since this is mostly political aid, it can start immediately, but as soon as I can I'll set aside a few production points as well for Korean Party-run welfare services.

OOC: Cool, thanks!

IC:

To: Emperor Guozu
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

Well, Korean engineers would be willing to take an observer role, to I do think some hand-on components will be necessary to reinforce the lessons learned. Otherwise, it sounds like a good arrangement.

Also, the difficulty of transportation will not be great, we do have established rail networks and basic roads, though our railroads are definetly better.

Generally, most of the sites in the North are in rugged, relatively hilly to mountainous terrain, which is the main foreseeable obstacle on our end, our rail lines reach into these areas, though there is some difficulty, owing to varying grades and occasional snow squalls. The South has the Tae'baek Mountains, but on the Eastern side, the western side should be easy going for transportation and building.

Korean Register-

Workingman's Party announces formation of "Empowerment House Foundation Initiative"

In tune with their recently announced plans for the future, the KWP today has announced the beginning of a widescale urban charity program, targeted at workingclass urban areas that have fallen into economic troubles.

"The government is certainly taking a few steps, but it is sad that they are not doing more to better the living of the Working Class in our cities. I have seen families beg outside the Palace in Seoul, I have seen adults fresh from the farm that can't read, and I have seen cities where the poor children cannot a place to go after school ends, and they end up joining a gang. This is not how we should live," said Kim Jan-Hoong, organizer of the Initiative.

"Our initiative plans to bring a combination of charity and education to the underclass. We aim for charity while the workingclass gets on their feet, and education so they can stay upright and empowered. We are acquiring funds from the Party to begin organizing facilities that will be a combination of soup kitchens, night schools, and community centers where children can spend time after school."

When confronted about possible Socialist overtones, Kim said, "We aim to teach literacy for adults, and teach basic skills with which to earn a decent living, and to provide a decent place for kids to play. We will not be forcing Socialism on those who do not want it."

The first such House will be built in Seoul. When asked for a reply, Speaker Rhee said, "No comment."

Korean Register-

April 10, 1933-

RHOO JOON DIES!

Today, Korea has lost a great statesman. Product of the democratic spirit that helped our previous Emperor, Gojong, make his momentous reform, this man was a credit to the nation, who helped build Korea into a modern state and along with Our Majesty Gojong, gave us a modern educational and healthcare system. He reportedly died of natural causes, at 76 years of age. He is missed by all parties, who have issued statements of praise on his behalf.

Korean Register-

April 10, 1933-

RHOO JOON DIES!

Today, Korea has lost a great statesman. Product of the democratic spirit that helped our previous Emperor, Gojong, make his momentous reform, this man was a credit to the nation, who helped build Korea into a modern state and along with Our Majesty Gojong, gave us a modern educational and healthcare system. He reportedly died of natural causes, at 76 years of age. He is missed by all parties, who have issued statements of praise on his behalf.
The Union sends its condolences on Korea's loss of a man of such stature.
- Herman Müller, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Aid in 1933 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10018066&postcount=307).

The Union sends its condolences on Korea's loss of a man of such stature.
- Herman Müller, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs

We thank the Union for their condolences in this time of great loss.

-Our Majesty Emperor Gang

Korean Register-

Sept. 10, 1933-

Korean Workingman's Party gaining Strength

Today, preliminary exit polls indicate that due to the "Empowerment House" initiatives by the KWP, and their new agenda, it is estimated that membership has jumped 3%, indicating a growing reserve of strength, and an increase in resentment against the Rhee Government's present policy.

"This clearly indicates that in some areas, the KWP is gaining strength that could be useful in future elections. In particular, we are seeing an increase in KWP membership in the lower classes and an increase in sympathy among the middle class, who is starting to see them as a viable political entity," says sociologist Rhoo Ham-Park.

This development is being greeted with praise from party leaders, and alarm by Christian groups and elements of the Rhee Government. Reportedly, new measures to fund state schools and a domestic series of welfare measures have passed in the Congress, though it seems that they will do little to get people away from what is being dubbed the "New Thought" moderated Socialism of the Party.

Bishop Park Hung-Chee of Seoul, had this to say:

"This rise in popularity among the Socialists is troubling. I find that some people have begun to question the church. To me, it seems that more people are being entranced to new ideas that, to me, are contrary to what I have been raised with, as a Catholic and a Korean. And they bring them to church. While I am generally not easily moved to concern by politics, I am genuinely keeping my eye on the Socialists now."

Reportedly, Christian groups are meeting in Seoul, to attempt to formulate a strategy to deal with this sudden spike in popularity. However, as of yet, nothing has occured.

OOC: While there are Christians in Korea at this point in history, they are not very numerous yet, I think. Buddhism and some other Asian religions are probably still the most numerous religions. For a long time Korea was thought to be impenetrable, as far as converts to Christianity goes. Oh, and historically, I believe most Korean Christians are Protestants of some sort.

Finally, while socialism could probably be popular in Korea, it probably should be a socialism that does not denounce religion. Look up the Tonghak/Donghak Rebellion/Nongmin Bonggi, as that little rebellion was a Buddhist/Taoist rebellion that started the Sino-Japanese war. They also were pro-democracy, IIRC--ripe for liberation from the "evil capitalist oppressors."

This is just for you to keep in mind, as you appear to be moving in a socialist direction. I could be wrong though.

ooc: But don't forget that his Korea has been much more open to the West than in RL. He's had nations such as myself keep military bases on Korea which makes the possiblity of a small, but decent sized Korean Christian Church possible at least.

Which brings me to my purpose of posting here. Do I still have that base in south-east Korea? I'm trying to update my news-thread/factbook deal and I was just wondering.

OOC:

Finally, while socialism could probably be popular in Korea, it probably should be a socialism that does not denounce religion. Look up the Tonghak/Donghak Rebellion/Nongmin Bonggi, as that little rebellion was a Buddhist/Taoist rebellion that started the Sino-Japanese war. They also were pro-democracy, IIRC--ripe for liberation from the "evil capitalist oppressors."

This is just for you to keep in mind, as you appear to be moving in a socialist direction. I could be wrong though.

OOC: Well, these are moderate Socialists/Communists, who are working off of a somewhat adapted message for the Korean body politic. After all, they say the best missionaries of any field, be it ideologies, religions, etc. appeal to the sensibilities of their target audience.

The "question" part of that news post is more likely gentle skepticism than overt denounciation of Christianity as "an opiate of the masses," at least from what I envisioned. And Christianity probably did not grow as much as it did in our timeline (part of that was to provide a unifying element against the Japanese), but their influence in our nation's healthcare (thanks to the US)-and the fact that a Methodist is in power and another led an investigation of working conditions- should at least make their presence felt.

But this should be addressed somewhat, and thanks for telling me. Just wanted to get my view out.

And Kordo, you do have that base, though what of Sophie? Is she married to Gang?

IC:

To all Party Organizers-

Please do not embarass the Party by attacking the Christians or our fellow citizens who are devout Buddhists or Confucians. Such boorishness is not truly indicative of our goals to build a better society, and will only hamper our goals in the long run. Do not forget that followers of the Buddha helped touch of the Great Tonghak Rebellion, which got us to where we are now.

Comrade Cho
KWP

Korean Register-

February 10, 1935-

Rhee Government announces National Livelihood and Development Act

Today, with the approval of Our Majesty, Syngman Rhee's government has passed a law approving additional funding for basic schools, clinics, high schools, and public hospitals. In addition, a new clause in the act provides government-sponsored welfare for orphans and widows, including welfare checks, limited educational deferments, and some aid with medical expenses and housing. The act is both hailed as a "step forward" for Korea, and derided as a "johnny-come-lately" act to try and draw support away from the KWP.

National Korean Police Agency founded

Citing a rise in "criminal" activity and the need for better domestic counterintellegence, plus better national coordination for deterring crime, a National Korean Police Agency has been founded by Imperial Order. The groups' HQ will be in Seoul, and it will investigate crimes, coordinate law enforcement agencies, and fight counterfieting and espionage.

Korean Register-

August 12, 1935

Election Time Nears

Today, Koreans all over are anxiously preparing for the new wave of national elections. In the twelve years that the Rhee Government has ruled, its popularity has lowered, according to the polls, to about 55%. Reports have cited a population that appreciates the Rhee Coalition's committment to business with the subsidized production of factories, and the recent creation of the National Livelihood and Development Act, which has already begun to help many Koreans. Reports have also found a people who finds the recent growth of the KWP and its welfare intiatives a sign of the government's inactivity in many areas, as well as some discontent with the failed National Enrichment Plan, which has not done much to aid the economy besides limited industrial expansion and the construction of some airplanes.

The incumbent Syngman Rhee, who has announced he and his Korea First-Progress Party Coalition will run for an unprecedented third term, promises to continue close government-business alliances beyond the National Enrichment Plan (which may be phased out soon by the end of this year, if pressure grows strong enough), and also plans to enact further reforms to benefit the Korean people, including a fixed guarantee of religious tolerance, a Worker's Rights Bill to empower the Labor Court, and further reforms to "bring the Tonghak Promise to life, in an orderly, peaceful manner."

He is challenged once again by Comrade Cho Hyang-Dan, the "Grand Old Lady" of the Korean Workingman's Party, which has assembled its own coalition derived from United Progress Party members who are unhappy with Rhee's policies, independent third-party politicians, and the Korean Workingman's Party itself, which still is a minority party. They promise a moderate-left populist-Socialist agenda, with a fixed Bill of Rights, free college education, along with a moderated approach to the economy, with a "millionaires' tax," and an active welfare system, plus tighter regulations on business.

Korean Register-

October 31, 1935

Elections Underway

Today, polls opened all over Korea earlier than expected, after the two major factions in Congress agreed to begin elections at the end of October instead of November, due to varying political concerns.

Initial exit results seem to indicate that Rhee has much support among voters in Seoul and other cities in the South and North, particuarly among the middle and upper classes, plus Christians. The KWP is scoring major points with working class voters, and in the South with farmers and disaffected intellectuals. Despite some controversies between the KWP and religious groups in Korea, the vote for the Buddhists and the Confucians is almost split among political lines, with traditionalists going for Rhee and the liberal elements voting for the KWP.

Ultimately the fate of the Rhee Government is to be decided when the polls close at 8:00, Seoul time, when the polls close and votes are begun to be tallied.

Warsaw will quietly approach Seoul (whatever government gets in) with an offer to build the entire Korean Navy at half cost [OoC: i.e., you pay for half, and I'll cover the rest] in exchange for a Non-Aggression Pact to be signed with both the Union and Manchuria.

Korean Register-

November 1, 1935

Korea 1st-United Progress Reelected, but with slimmer margins

Today, ballot results counted and approved by the Emperor have resulted in the return of the Coalition Government to power, and with it, Syngman Rhee. However, Rhee's party comes in with a slimmer majority, with the KWP's New Korea Social Democratic Coalition gaining more crucial seats in Congress.

Rhee then said, upon hearing victory: "This is a great day for Korea. It is clear that our Coalition Government has a popular mandate, regardless of what progress the Socialists have made. We will continue to invigorate Korea, and bring it into the future."

The first act the Rhee Government will make after inauguration in December, according to spokesmen for the Speaker, is to set up a commission to review the National Enrichment Plan, possibly fulfilling a campaign promise to allow the private sector more say in the Plan.

Communique to his Royal Highness the Emperor Gang

Greeting your majesty, the USEA like Korea is a growing asian state that will soon take its place in the world.
Could we prehaps arrange a meeting where we could talk about our relations more in depth?

Faithfully,
Prime Minister
Lin Yen

Communique to his Royal Highness the Emperor Gang

Greeting your majesty, the USEA like Korea is a growing asian state that will soon take its place in the world.
Could we prehaps arrange a meeting where we could talk about our relations more in depth?

Faithfully,
Prime Minister
Lin Yen

TO: Lin Yen
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang, Speaker Syngman Rhee

Ah yes. The United States of Southeast Asia. We have heard about your new state, born of the disparate elements of Indochina. We will be glad to invite you to Seoul (or send a representative to your capital) to discuss matters further. After all, nations like us, must stand as one, or not at all.

Communique to Speaker Syngman Rhee

I will be honored to come to Seoul myself, and look forward to talking about our relations.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister
Lin Yen

Communique to Speaker Syngman Rhee

I will be honored to come to Seoul myself, and look forward to talking about our relations.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister
Lin Yen

TO: Lin Yen
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang (Emperor Of Korea), Speaker Syngman Rhee (Speaker of Congress)

Come on down. We will be happy to host you in Seoul.

Prime Minister Lin Yen arrives by train in Seoul with her entourage.

Prime Minister Lin Yen arrives by train in Seoul with her entourage.

Speaker Syngman Rhee was waiting with two soldiers, and the Emperor and his retinue. As Lin Yen got out, Rhee was surprised by this. A female Prime Minister? What was next, Rhee eating with his feet?

Still, he would keep his opinions to himself; no culture he knew of tolerated insulting a guest. He bowed to Lin, and said, "Greetings, I am Speaker Rhee Syngman. Welcome to Korea; we are honored to have your presence here."

Korean Register-

April 20, 1936

Conclusion Reached over Plan

Today, the National Enrichment Plan Committee has reached a conclusion. This is an abstract of their report:

"It has been found that unilateral government action to try and stilulate the economy has not been successful, mainly due to inefficency and laxity. Productivity has gone up some, though far below expected levels. Also, the problems raised by workingmen, as evidenced by the popularity of the KWP, has led to the conclusion that the existing Plan must be reworked.

Effective immediately, the National Enrichment Plan will step back from unilateral action.

Instead, a National Economic Liason Committee will coordinate joint private-government ventures, with maximum profitability and benefit to Korea considered. Also, grants will be distributed to corporations engaging in import and export, and to selected small businesses, to stimulate development and competition."

OOC: Translation: National Effort is still on, but IC, will be reflected differently.

Speaker Syngman Rhee was waiting with two soldiers, and the Emperor and his retinue. As Lin Yen got out, Rhee was surprised by this. A female Prime Minister? What was next, Rhee eating with his feet?

Still, he would keep his opinions to himself; no culture he knew of tolerated insulting a guest. He bowed to Lin, and said, "Greetings, I am Speaker Rhee Syngman. Welcome to Korea; we are honored to have your presence here."

Lin Yen bowed gracefully in return and replied.
"As am I honoured to be here Speaker Rhee Syngman." She turned the the Emperor. " Your Majesty I thank you for meeting me in person and hope our talks will prove beneficial to both our peoples."

Lin Yen bowed gracefully in return and replied.
"As am I honoured to be here Speaker Rhee Syngman." She turned the the Emperor. " Your Majesty I thank you for meeting me in person and hope our talks will prove beneficial to both our peoples."

Emperor Gang proved less taken aback than Rhee, bowing and replying, with a smile: "And I hope these talks will help ours, as well, Prime Minister Lin. Our peoples will have much to discuss indeed."

He then gestured to a waiting limousine, and said, "Of course, it would not be proper to hold the talks in the station, yes? Here is our waiting transport; we will be going to the Geyongbukgong Palace shortly to begin discussions, as well as a meal. We had traditional Korean speciaties put out, as well as some items of Indochinese origin, from all parts of your new state."

Lin smilled and followed the Emperor to the cars bound for the Palace.

Lin smilled and followed the Emperor to the cars bound for the Palace.

The Emperor and Rhee got into the limos, and then, they proceeded as quickly and safely as possible through the streets of Seoul. By now, Seoul could be called a hustling, bustling city, with shops doing business, cars going about, and Socialists and Capitalists occasionally arguing before being broken up by the police. The city was lively now, and Gang was proud to point out a few of the new accomplishments to the Prime Minister as they zoomed along.

Finally, they made it to the Geyongbukgong, and stopped. Gang got out, and said, "Madam Prime Minister?" Rhee got out as well, and secretly winced a little; the idea took some getting used to.

Prime Minister Lin stepped out of the car and looked up at the palace.
"It is very grand, in Siagon we don't have anything of the kind, just an old colonial manor over looking the port."
Smiling again she moved away from the limosines and towards the waiting speaker and Emperor.

Bump

Prime Minister Lin stepped out of the car and looked up at the palace.
"It is very grand, in Siagon we don't have anything of the kind, just an old colonial manor over looking the port."
Smiling again she moved away from the limosines and towards the waiting speaker and Emperor.

The Emperor said to Lin, "Ah yes. The Geyongbukgong is an impressive structure, and many have felt slightly overwhelemed in its shadow. Do not worry, and do not feel inadequate here. In its halls, you will be as an equal; you are after all, a leader of men, deserving of our respect."

He then turned to Rhee, and said, "Speaker?"

Rhee then said, "Please, follow me."

The Emperor and Syngman Rhee led Lin into the Palace, where Lin was taken to a large reception room. A butler came up, and offered to take Lin's coat.

Prime Minister Lin handed over her coat to the care of the butler and turned to the Emperor and Speaker Rhee.

" So, shall we begin?"

Prime Minister Lin handed over her coat to the care of the butler and turned to the Emperor and Speaker Rhee.

" So, shall we begin?"

Rhee then said, "I think so, Madam Prime Minister."

Rhee then led them from the reception area to the room where they would conduct negotiations, the same room where earlier, but 20 years before, China had negotiated a major trade and diplomatic pact with the Korean state. It was on a corner of the Palace, and it faced onto a spacious view of the vibrant, newly emerged Seoul, and decorated lavishly yet tastefully with Korean artworks.

Gang dismissed the butler, and followed soon after.

Upon arrival, Rhee and Gang took their seats and said, "If you please."

Prime Minister Lin smiled.

" USEA has recognized that Eastern Asia at this time is a turbulent region, we have the unstable giant of China on one side, while on the other the Japanese Empire is poised to dominate us all with its military and economic prowess.
In short there is a power play going on in East Asia, between the two great powers of the region and the developing states such as USEA and Korea will be caught in the middle.

We therefore propose that we form an East Asian alliance focused on defending its members from outward aggression and helping its members in times of economic hardship.
In this way we will be able to decide our countries futures for ourselves and not be puppeteered by foreign super powers or our own local great powers."

Prime Minister Lin smiled.

" USEA has recognized that Eastern Asia at this time is a turbulent region, we have the unstable giant of China on one side, while on the other the Japanese Empire is poised to dominate us all with its military and economic prowess.
In short there is a power play going on in East Asia, between the two great powers of the region and the developing states such as USEA and Korea will be caught in the middle.

We therefore propose that we form an East Asian alliance focused on defending its members from outward aggression and helping its members in times of economic hardship.
In this way we will be able to decide our countries futures for ourselves and not be puppeteered by foreign super powers or our own local great powers."

Gang then said, "I agree with the proposal of an independent Asian alliance for common defense and economic cooperation. States that are neither Japanese or Chinese need to work together, to decide their futures and command their destinies in this turblent era. All would benefit, I am sure."

Rhee then said, "I concur as well, though I think China is not somebody we should fear. I'd look further north."

Gang then said, "Mr. Rhee, we are buying ships from them."

Rhee then said, "True, but only because, Our Majesty, you sided with the lefties in Congress and had the final say."

Gang then said, "Hold thy tounge, Mr. Rhee." Turning to Lin, he then said, "How would we handle trade and defense under this new alliance?"

Gang then said, "I agree with the proposal of an independent Asian alliance for common defense and economic cooperation. States that are neither Japanese or Chinese need to work together, to decide their futures and command their destinies in this turblent era. All would benefit, I am sure."

Rhee then said, "I concur as well, though I think China is not somebody we should fear. I'd look further north."

Gang then said, "Mr. Rhee, we are buying ships from them."

Rhee then said, "True, but only because, Our Majesty, you sided with the lefties in Congress and had the final say."

Gang then said, "Hold thy tounge, Mr. Rhee." Turning to Lin, he then said, "How would we handle trade and defense under this new alliance?"

Lin took a short breath before continuing.

"Under the alliance the memeber countries would offer lower import and export tarrifs while trading amongst each other, this leads to the second point.
Because most trade takes place by sea the alliance would have to develop a strong naval presence to protect it's trade routes.
Other military obligations would include defending members from aggresion during war and regular joint training exercises to keep our militaries ready to defend our peoples."

Lin took a short breath before continuing.

"Under the alliance the memeber countries would offer lower import and export tarrifs while trading amongst each other, this leads to the second point.
Because most trade takes place by sea the alliance would have to develop a strong naval presence to protect it's trade routes.
Other military obligations would include defending members from aggresion during war and regular joint training exercises to keep our militaries ready to defend our peoples."

Rhee then said, "Those sound like reasonable obligations for us to follow."

Gang then chimed in, "I especially agree with the joint defense portions. But what of matters of supply and technology? If we are to jointly defend ourselves, we should have some limited standards to simplify supply, in case of conflict. And naval affairs should be a prominent feature-let us not forget Japan and, with a nod to Mr. Rhee, the Russians."

Rhee then said, "Those sound like reasonable obligations for us to follow."

Gang then chimed in, "I especially agree with the joint defense portions. But what of matters of supply and technology? If we are to jointly defend ourselves, we should have some limited standards to simplify supply, in case of conflict. And naval affairs should be a prominent feature-let us not forget Japan and, with a nod to Mr. Rhee, the Russians."


Lin thought for a moment.
"Hmm.. a joint standard of equipment and technology sounds like a good addition, as it would indeed allow more effecient co-operation between member states forces in a combat situation."

Lin thought for a moment.
"Hmm.. a joint standard of equipment and technology sounds like a good addition, as it would indeed allow more effecient co-operation between member states forces in a combat situation."

Gang then said, "As indeed it would."

Rhee then put forth the idea: "Well, here's something else we can do. What of extradition rights, and copyright protections, among other elements of international law?"

The Empire of Nippon, seeking stronger diplomatic relations with Korea, offers a non-agression pact and offers aid (points) to help remove Korea out from under Russian domination.

Gang then said, "As indeed it would."

Rhee then put forth the idea: "Well, here's something else we can do. What of extradition rights, and copyright protections, among other elements of international law?"

Lin brow creased for a moment.
"Well natrurally, copyrights made in member states would be recognied by all members. As for extradition, I think it would probably be best if there was a full extradition treaty in place, this would allow member states to work more in harmony with each other."

The Empire of Nippon, seeking stronger diplomatic relations with Korea, offers a non-agression pact and offers aid (points) to help remove Korea out from under Russian domination.

To: Empire of Nippon
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang, Speaker Syngman Rhee, Korea

We beg to differ. We are not under the command of the Russian; indeed, though we buy their ships, we very much retain a sense of national identity and command in our politics.

To that end, we note with a cautious eye this offer to renew our Non-Aggression Pact and aid plans. We will renew the pact, but respectfully, will not take the aid; offers from the UK and their allies have already emerged.

Lin brow creased for a moment.
"Well natrurally, copyrights made in member states would be recognied by all members. As for extradition, I think it would probably be best if there was a full extradition treaty in place, this would allow member states to work more in harmony with each other."

Rhee then stroked his chin, and said, "Then a full extradition treaty there will be."

Nodding at Rhee, Gang then said, "Well, that about does it for Korean questions and proposals. The alliance will go ahead. What do you think, Madam Prime Minister?"

Rhee then stroked his chin, and said, "Then a full extradition treaty there will be."

Nodding at Rhee, Gang then said, "Well, that about does it for Korean questions and proposals. The alliance will go ahead. What do you think, Madam Prime Minister?"

Prime Minister Lin looked pleased and said,

"I believe United South East Asia and Korea have a bright future together, very bright indeed. The only remaining point would be to decide a name for the alliance."

Prime Minister Lin looked pleased and said,

"I believe United South East Asia and Korea have a bright future together, very bright indeed. The only remaining point would be to decide a name for the alliance."

Rhee then said, "Perhaps the East Asian Non-Aligned Coalition?"

Rhee then said, "Perhaps the East Asian Non-Aligned Coalition?"

Lin looked thoughtful,
"A bit too long maybe, how about the Seoul Conference Treaty?
Also, when shall we set the date for the first joint military exercise?"

Lin looked thoughtful,
"A bit too long maybe, how about the Seoul Conference Treaty?
Also, when shall we set the date for the first joint military exercise?"

Gang then said, "When we acquire our ships, perhaps, we can conduct naval exercises, say, either in the Gulf of Tonkin or near Inchon. In the meantime, we can invite USEA infantry to participate in Winter Exercises."

Rhee then said, "Seoul Conference Treaty? Hmm, doesn't have the ring of East Asian Non-Aligned Coalition, but it'll be easier on the brain. Okay."

Gang then said, "When we acquire our ships, perhaps, we can conduct naval exercises, say, either in the Gulf of Tonkin or near Inchon. In the meantime, we can invite USEA infantry to participate in Winter Exercises."

Rhee then said, "Seoul Conference Treaty? Hmm, doesn't have the ring of East Asian Non-Aligned Coalition, but it'll be easier on the brain. Okay."

Lin smiled,
"Then we are done here. The USEA marines and, infantry corps will participate in Korean winter exercises, And I will return to Saigon and relay our meeting to congress."

Lin smiled,
"Then we are done here. The USEA marines and, infantry corps will participate in Korean winter exercises, And I will return to Saigon and relay our meeting to congress."

Rhee then said, "Alright then. We shall partake of a small meal, if you wish, before you depart."

After eating the meal Lin thanked Speaker Rhee and Emperor Gang for their hospitality and departed Seoul by train back to Saigon.

OOC: Just speeding things up, hope you don't mind.

After eating the meal Lin thanked Speaker Rhee and Emperor Gang for their hospitality and departed Seoul by train back to Saigon.

OOC: Just speeding things up, hope you don't mind.

OOC: It's fine.

-----

Korean Register-

December 25, 1936

Korea celebrates Christmas, as Rhee announces Freedom Of Religion Statute

Today, Christians and merchants all over Korea have gathered to celebrate Christmas, packing Churches and stores to get gifts and honor the birth of Jesus. This ceremony, the first mass celebration of its kind in Korea, was reported to be a success mainly in the cities and larger rural towns, as well as Catholic and Protestant missions.

On the same day, Korea today was given a new step forward in the path to democracy, as KWP/Allied Congressmen and Coalition Congressmen worked to create a Joint Statute of Religious Freedom, which allows for the protection and free practice of Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Korean Shamanism and other faiths, as well as the recognition of selected holidays from these faiths as Government holidays, and provisions to prosecute those who discriminate based on religion.

OOC: Just realized I had no Labor Court.

Korean Register-

March 30, 1938

New Labor Court proposed

KWP/Allied Congressmen, calling on Rhee to fulfill his promise of a Labor Court and unhappy with the Regular Court handling of labor issues, have called for the creation of a Labor Court to give "the workers and labor unions a better chance to address their grievances in an environment fair to them and the employer."

Rhee, meanwhile, has agreed to create the Court, but disagrees with the objectives and means of how to enforce its rulings.

Communique to the Korean Military

As part of our recently pledged alliance was concerned with naval matters and neither the USEA or Korean fleets have many heavy ships, we suggest that Korea and the USEA jointly design and build a series of heavier ship classes for use in our navies.
This would allow easy co-operation between our two forces and ease of production through our joint efforts.

Sincerely,

Minister of Defence,
Thuán Kun

Communique to the Korean Military

As part of our recently pledged alliance was concerned with naval matters and neither the USEA or Korean fleets have many heavy ships, we suggest that Korea and the USEA jointly design and build a series of heavier ship classes for use in our navies.
This would allow easy co-operation between our two forces and ease of production through our joint efforts.

Sincerely,

Minister of Defence,
Thuán Kun

SIC:

TO: Minister Kun
FROM: Our Majesty Emperor Gang, Commander in Chief, Korean Armed Forces

The Empire would be proud to participate in a joint heavy-ship project. We have a dedicated facility in Inchon that can fulfill your needs. We can meet to discuss design plans, if you wish.

SIC:

TO: Minister Kun
FROM: Our Majesty Emperor Gang, Commander in Chief, Korean Armed Forces

The Empire would be proud to participate in a joint heavy-ship project. We have a dedicated facility in Inchon that can fulfill your needs. We can meet to discuss design plans, if you wish.


Communique to Our Majesty Gang, Commander in Chief, Korean Armed Forces

That is good news indeed, we shall send our best enginneers and scientists to Inchon so that the process can begin soon.

Sincerely,

Minister of Defence
Thuán Kun

OOC: Basically we can go and look into what type of heavy and light cruisers that we are going to build, then show 'em to GB. After he approves them we can jointly build them and then we both get tech level 6 criusers at half the cost.

Korean Register

October 31st, 1938

Rhee Government announces Rural Electrification Program

Part of a series of reforms for the Korean farmer, today, Mr. Rhee has announced that his government will devote an undisclosed amount of Won to the creation of a network of rural electric transmission stations and power lines.

"No longer should the farmer have to toil in the dark. No longer should he be denied efficency and a bountiful harvest, because he cannot use the most modern of tools. No longer should his children be sick, because their food could not be refigerated. This system will better their lives, and aid Korea in its journey in the Modern World," Rhee said, cutting the ribbon for the first of many transmission stations at a village outside of Seoul.

KWP response was simply, "About time."

----------

ooc: Cool. We can get something made....things are gonna be tight in RL this week, but I might be able to come out with something.

Communication to Korea
From: Sovereign Republic of China

Greetings, friend.

We are interested in cementing the bonds of Chin-Korean relations, as well as build more solidarity between our two peoples. Would you be interested in such an endeavour?

We need to stand strong aganist those who seek to exploit us or pull our strings as a puppetmaster or blackmailer does. We must preserve the integrity of our people, our rich culture, and our proud traditions aganist those who seek to impose theirs upon ours.

We have always sought to lend assistance to the Korean people, and we appreciate the excellent Korean instructors and doctors that you have sent to us in the past several years. You have the gratitude of the Chinese people.

I look forward to a brighter future together.

Thank you and go in peace.
Prime Minister Song Jiaoren

The SCT thread is up.

Link: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10227576#post10227576

Korean Register-

April 1939

State of Emergency in Effect

Korea is in a State of Emergency. Our news coverage, assuredly is still uncompromised by this, though (SECTION DELETED). However, we can tell you this.

Peace marches erupted today in Seoul and Pusan, calling for the resignation of Syngman Rhee and the formation of a new government. 52 protesters at these locations were arrested for distrubing the peace, and (SECTION DELETED), according to police sources.

Korean Workingman's Party officials have blasted the war and the new Emergency. However, with their funds cut from their allies abroad, it seems that they may not be able to function for long, their credibility and wallets hurt. Still, it seems they will mount legal challenges to the Emergency.

The KNPA is asking citizens to report suspicious activity in their neighboorhoods, and to turn these persons in immediately.

Korean Register-

April 1939

State of Emergency in Effect

Korea is in a State of Emergency. Our news coverage, assuredly is still uncompromised by this, though (SECTION DELETED). However, we can tell you this.

This was damn funny. I do regret that we're on opposite sides, you realize. I was pulling for you. Oh well.

Wartime Austerity Measures Declared

As the Korean nation prepares to defend itself, Speaker Rhee has declared a series of Austerity Measures that will be strictly enforced by NKPA and local police.

1. Mandatory Blackouts after 8:00 PM Seoul Time wil be observed to conserve electricity.
2. Food and Gasoline Rationing, as well as Rationing of other goods is in effect. A system of rationing cards will be given out, and food will be distributed by this manner. Every Weekend is to be meatless.
3. Be advised that any and all loose talk will be punished severely.
4. Citizens are encouraged to recover scrap metal and cooking grease to be collected at your local post office.
5. Once again, any and all suspicious activity is to be reported. Failure to do so will not be tolerated.
6. Help your fellow citizens serving right now; give them shelter and food if needed, and drive them if needed.
7. Be advised that if needed, the government may commandeer civilian property for the use of National Defense.

OOC: Just justifying the recent edits in my Build ICly.

This was damn funny. I do regret that we're on opposite sides, you realize. I was pulling for you. Oh well.

OOC: I know we're enemies now, I think we both kinda agreed on that last night in our little spat.

BTW, thanks for finding it funny.

This was damn funny. I do regret that we're on opposite sides, you realize. I was pulling for you. Oh well.

OOC: It wasn't as if you did much to get us on your side apart from threatning us, which didn't work.
In my opinion you probably wouldn't be having to deal with us at all if you had beat the USA to giving me all those goodies that boosted my economy.
Oh well, what's done is done.

Emperor Gang,

The Union is not unsympathetic to your concerns, but we cannot guarantee any immediate assistance. Korea is far away, and the Japanese and possibly Russian navies lay inbetween our nations. I will, however, look into the matter, and will attempt to send what aid is possible.

It may be possible for us to wire some money to your accounts (ooc: maybe a couple of points), though it may be difficult to send further aid.

Again, we will do what we can. Godspeed.

Jan Smuts
Prime Minister

OOC: I have to check a couple of things, but I'll do what I can.

Emperor Gang,

The Union is not unsympathetic to your concerns, but we cannot guarantee any immediate assistance. Korea is far away, and the Japanese and possibly Russian navies lay inbetween our nations. I will, however, look into the matter, and will attempt to send what aid is possible.

It may be possible for us to wire some money to your accounts (ooc: maybe a couple of points), though it may be difficult to send further aid.

Again, we will do what we can. Godspeed.

Jan Smuts
Prime Minister

OOC: I have to check a couple of things, but I'll do what I can.

SIC:

Thank you, Mr. Smuts.

-Our Majesty Emperor Gang.

PS-Be aware, your assessment of the Soviet and Japanese navies is correct, they indeed seperates us, to the point where it is threatening my people's health with potential starvation.

SIC:

To: Soviet Gov't.
From: Kim Il-Sung, Korean Workingman's Party, Manchurian Section

Now that war has broken out, and the monster Rhee has taken the opportunity to poison the fruit of Korean democracy, I offer you a proposition to take Korea out of the war.

If you will provide me funds, weapons, transport and aid in general, I will rouse the Workers of Korea, and have them destroy the tyranny of Syngman Rhee faster than you can say "terminated."
This will be done immediately. [OoC: Have 12 points worth of support. There goes our "surplus," but it's worth not repairing our ships to not have to invade you. I really didn't want it to come to this.]

OOC: It wasn't as if you did much to get us on your side apart from threatning us, which didn't work.
In my opinion you probably wouldn't be having to deal with us at all if you had beat the USA to giving me all those goodies that boosted my economy.
Oh well, what's done is done.
Just for the record, the Americans threatened war if I gave you points. They wanted their little piece in Asia, too. Anyway, that's the last I'll say on the subject.

This will be done immediately. [OoC: Have 12 points worth of support. There goes our "surplus," but it's worth not repairing our ships to not have to invade you. I really didn't want it to come to this.]

OOC: Thanks. Seriously.

SIC:

Emperor Gang,

You have my utmost apologies, but the Union of South Africa is unable at this time to assist the Korean nation. Our military commitments are too pressing elsewhere in the world, and our naval forces are not strong enough to face the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Once the IJN is removed, however, you can be sure South Africa will do what we can to assist the Korean people against Red imperialism.

Jan Smuts
Prime Minister

OOC: May as well do this now, before the time warp.

Korean Register-

June 1939

Rhee Announces End of Emergency, Announces Repudiation of Chinese Entry into Seoul Treaty.

Today, in a startling 180 degree reversal, Speaker Syngman Rhee has announced the total and unwavering repudation of the Chinese Entry into the Seoul Treaty.

"While we tried to build a coalition that would ensure a strong, capable East Asia, free from foreign influence, admittedly, we were too hasty in our judgment. What we got instead of a strong coalition was an ill-advised war with the Soviet Union and Japan," Rhee said to Congress today. "I have always urged again and again, that I am working for the good of Korea. Now, I must do this action for the good of Korea."

"With the advice of the Emperor, and considering the situation at hand, I have decided to repudiate China's entry into the Seoul Treaty, and the existing treaty in total, and I will cease the current State of Emergency, and it is no longer needed after 12:00 PM tomorrow Seoul Time, when it will cease. This war that has broken out in the Pacific is not for us, and any attempt to build a stronger East Asia that would sacrifice Korea is a mistake. While I will continue to try and build a strong East Asia free of Foreign Influence, be it from our neighbors to the East or to the North, or to the Far West, for now, I will focus on my other goals, namely, the strengthening of Korea and the further fulfillment of the Tonghak Promise. Thank you."

The reaction has been one of relief and joy, though some are calling for damages done during the Emergency, including (SECTION DELETED) and (SECTION DELETED).

-----

SIC:

Of course, what we don't see is this-

Two Hours Earlier-

"DAMN YOU, SYNGMAN RHEE!"

The Emperor slammed his fist on the table, and breathed in heavily. He was very angry, and his expression showed it. Nay, the words "very angry" fell short of describing the rage he felt right now.

Shaking his fist, he then screamed at Rhee with all the anger in Korea focused on him: "WHAT IS THIS!? FOOD RIOTS IN PUSAN!!? WHAT IS THIS!??!?"

He angrily thrust a letter onto Rhee's forehead. Rhee recoiled, and picked it up. He said, "Well, sir, yes, there were food riots, police took care of them."

Gang then snapped back, "Yeah. You took care of them alright. You shot dead 22 persons because they wanted bread. And sent 56 more to the hospital!"

Rhee then said, stoically, "I can't control what those damn cops do. Don't blame this on me!"

Gang then said, "How can't I not? Who sent us to war? Who's got the KWP threatening to sue you? Who's got people calling for our resignations and assasinations!? Who's sent 526 Korean sailors to the bottom of the sea, sailors of cargo ships with needed food?!? Who's got the Russians trapping us in a virtual blockade, and starving us!?"

Rhee then said, "Don't do this."



Gang then said, "I'm looking at him. Syngman Rhee."

Rhee then said, "I don't have to-"

Gang then said, "I know what you're going to say. You don't have to take this 'bullplop' from me. You would have used a stronger word, but I don't swear. I'm the Emperor. I can't swear."

He then pointed to a pile of mail. "See this? I'm too old for this. I'm too old to read your damned hate mail. People write to me and complain. But they should be writing to you. Especially those KWPers. I oughta lock you guys in a room together, and let you tear each other apart."

Gang then said, calmly, "Look, I want a better East Asia too man. I don't want China to turn Red, or the USEA. I like the USEA. I like China. But when an Alliance with them leads to this-stuff-(points at mail and reports of food riots)I think this all has to be put into perspective."

He then leaned into Rhee and said, poking him in the chest, "Listen, Mr. Rhee. Now you either turn back on the Treaty with China, or I will replace you. This is not a favor from a friend. This is an Imperial Edict. You will obey."

Rhee gulped. If it was one thing that could corral him, it was an Imperial Edict. He knew that the way Gang was, he'd be shamed, dead, or in exile.

All Rhee could do was, "Very well. You have your wish."

He then left.....

OOC: New Dornailia, Vas and co quit. So GB is fast forwarding over the war to 1950.

GB is simulating the war with his rules as we speak.
Also don't worry he knows that you were going to drop out before you were invaded.

OOC: New Dornailia, Vas and co quit. So GB is fast forwarding over the war to 1950.

GB is simulating the war with his rules as we speak.
Also don't worry he knows that you were going to drop out before you were invaded.

OOC: I know, man. I read the main thread. Figured I'd put this up though, anyway. And BTW, I actually told him in TGs, so it's cool. All I have to worry about is Kim Il-Sung. ICly, anyway.

June 30, 1940

Various groups in Korea note that Japan has surrendered, and wonder if the wonder how that will effect their future.

July 1940-

As Korea rejoices over the fall of Japan (and breathes a sigh of relief), Korea makes plans for the future.

The Rhee Government quiety finishes its program for rural electrification, and power is delivered all over Korea. Apologies are made, and token compensation to paid out to families harassed by NKPA and civilians during the Emergency. Of course, Rhee issues NKPA a blanket pardon, secretly of course.

As this occurs, Kim Il-Sung enters Korea.....hiring some bandit porters, he must lavishly bribe them with cash and liquor, effectively using up half of his war chest. Sneaked into Korea, he then has the teams split up, and begin recruitment of farmers and workingmen to their cause.

August 1940-

The Rogue Korean Workingman's Party forces begin growing in strength, though not as powerfully as they had hoped with Rural Electrification and the end of the Emergency, plus the bad news from the European Front dissuades many KWPers from joining Kim. Still, an army is shaping up, as Kim, hiding in a rural inn, communicates by runner and telephone with the other members of the Manchurian Party, who apparently are recutiring company sized bands.

Kim is safe for now, the NKPA knows not of his movements. But, he treads carefully; the Rhee Government will kill him if they find out.

September October 1940-

The KWP Radicals under Kim's command continue to grow, covertly disguising themselves as regular KWP members and recruiting members for their cause under the cover name "Revolutionary Work Section."

Kim's Army, or what could be called an army, numbers 500-1000 persons. The aggressive recruiting by Kim leads to suspicion from the NKPA, and they quietly begin monitoring the "Revolutionary Work Section."

November / December 1940-

The NKPA arrests one of Kim's accomplices, and begins brutally interrogating him. Upon hearing of this, Kim first tries to have poison smuggled to him. But when the man is caught and is punished even more severely, Kim opts to raid the jail where he is kept. Getting a band of 50 men, some molotovs and some old rifles and pistols (mainly Nagant revolvers, some Browning automatics and a mix of Korean Army rifles and Mosin-Nagants), the men (led by a man named Joo Ling-bak), as ordered, try and free the man. Locating his whereabouts in the town of Pyonggang, they slip by security in a nondescript shipping truck, then park near the NKPA Station.

Surrounding the building, they break in, and begin the attack. As these are idealistic civilians with guns, not trained commandoes or guerillas, they make a lot of noise and are noticed. Police are alerted, and soon, the molotovs they have are being put to use on armed policemen with Thompsons and M1911A1 pistols. After holding off the police long enough, and fumbling about, they find the man, break his cell open, and get him out. They then escape the NKPA station, and running to the truck, drive like hell.

However, police and army patrols are on alert, and more men try to seal off the city. Kim's men are then caught in a gunfight with more NKPA and Guard regiments, and barely make it out alive.

All in all, 20 men are lost in the raid. And now, the police issue a warrant for the arrest of Joo Ling-bak, and for that matter, begin to monitor all KWP members, regardless of whether they are rogues or regulars. Indeed, the raid is a strategic failure. More innocent KWP are arrested than those affiliated with Kim, and this angers Syngman Rhee, who begins planning a violent response....

Word of this reaches Kim, who orders Joo to hide in the mountains and "lay low for a while."

Kim, meanwhile, sighs and begins plotting a more elaborate, and hopefully more well-organized strike. Events like the Pyonggang Raid are too costly for him to take.

January Febuary 1941-

Rhee takes no chances, and gives the NKPA carte blanche in dealing with the Rogue KWP as they see fit. Immediately, a surge of "detainments for questioning" takes place, and Kim realizes his organization, while being freed from possible future ideological competition, is also in danger of getting swept up in the dragnet.

Kim opts to carry out a twofold operation designed to elicit support from the KWP and sympathetic locals. He orders the Propaganda Section of his Revolutionary Work Section to begin distributing propaganda drumming up support for KWP activities, and also orders a counterfeiting operation of Won currency to attack the government. That is one phase.

The survivors of Pyonggang flee, and hide as Kim suggested. In the meantime, other members of the Section are ordered to begin the other section of Kim's plan: "begin revolutionary warfare against the Government. Do what you must."

Several members respond with a rash of Bank of Korea robberies, and arson against a local Post Office. The NKPA simply tightens the noose, and sends armed agents into villages all over the North to try and stop Kim.

March-June 1941

The NKPA Counterassault causes Kim to up the ante. Mere bank robbery and arson will not do. Kim has reinforcements--exploiting a Robin Hood Image--as the acts do encourage some ne'er-do-wells and dissatisfied anti-Kim forces to join. Kim then assembles his cell with some of the new arrivals, and orders a few diversionary bank robberies and attacks on branches of large Korean concerns by the other cellmates. As the robberies take off, but the attacks on companies fizzle (a few mail bombs and attempted arsons go right, but the rest go bad), Kim then launches an attack on an army post near Koron.

Driving up close to the post, the band then hides near the base, and then sneaks up to the post as a couple of them hijack a laundry truck, and try to get in. They are noticed by inspectors, and force their way in, commencing the Raid. Shots ring out as the more firearms-inclined try to assasinate the guards in towers, some succeed and others fail, enabling them to climb the fences. Resistance is heavy, and molotovs are used by the KWP to attack the guards out front, in a machine gun posts as the Army inside fires back, killing dozens of the KWP as they enter the base. Then, they attack the guards inside, and eventually, a seesaw fight breaks out between the barracks and the Administration building. The Army is eventually taken out, but once more at cost-out of 100 raiders, 24 are killed, 20 are wounded. Guns are stolen, especially valued Thompsons and mortars, as well as trucks of various models. The act is finished, as the KWP drives out with their catch.

A few weeks later, the Army gets to retaliate. A foolish KWP commander tries to go after the Army, but this time, the Army, which has now begun to upgrade their defenses in the North, repulses the attack, as the Army is alerted to their presence when local peasants report "bandits stealing food...calling for Revolution." This man's cell is nearly destroyed, and must disperse in the face of coordinated Army attacks from a local Company commander named Park Chung-Hee, a leftist who has turned to the Rhee Government in response to the recent terror campaign.

The Army, fresh from its victory, now joins the NKPA in the anti-Kim campaign, though the two services are mistrustful of one another. Army units are now seen patrolling the countryside, and Kim has to act, soon. He opts to wait. His town lair compromised, he decides on a new mountain lair near the Imjin-Gang River. Calling it the People's Redoubt, he hides there and begins fortifying. He will now attempt to coordinate operations from there....communications will now be made more difficult, though.

March-June 1941

The NKPA Counterassault causes Kim to up the ante. Mere bank robbery and arson will not do. Kim has reinforcements--exploiting a Robin Hood Image--as the acts do encourage some ne'er-do-wells and dissatisfied anti-Kim forces to join. Kim then makes an assault on

OOC: TBC

OOC:

Nice suspense there. Worthy of a movie or TV show cliffhanger. :p

July August 1941-

Kim, meanwhile, orders a withdrawal, to hide from the threat of air patrols, which raid his first Redoubt. Forced to move, he flees north, pillaging Catholic missions and farms along the way for food and medical supplies, earning him the enmity of Korean Christians, who condemn Kim, and the farmers he robs. Pursued by Army units, he eventually loses them in the mountains near Yodok. Finding a simple set of caves, he then orders his men to begin digging, and to fortify them. If necessary, they are to dig new caves, and add to the network. A new Redoubt is to be made.

As the digging commences, Thompsons are handed out to the most trustworthy men, who are drilled intensely by a loyal lieutenant to try and form some kind of coherent force to try and actually raid Government bases. Kim, meanwhile, types out a manifesto. Making copies for cell leaders all over the North and encouraging them to mimeograph them, he writes:

"Korea is now at a crossroads. The time is now to decide if Korea will be a slave to capital and supersition, or be free and strong under Socialism. Rhee intends to keep us in the former, I, Kim Il-Sung, intend the Latter to occur.

Comrades of Korea, Syngman Rhee, as evidenced by the war and the conduct of his government, is concerned with the preservation of wealth. He is also committed to snuffing out democracy in Korea. His overly dicatorial use of police to arrest KWP officials during the Emergency, his self-serving Seoul Treaty, and the fact he allows the Government's Enrichment Plan to be half-run by capital indicate he is a tool of Capitalism and an enemy to us.

The 'so-called' Comrade Cho is no friend either. She was responsible for my exile to Manchuria. She, with her false Socialism, really a capitalist agenda. She represents not the Workers and Peasants, but the bourgeouisie! Her material reforms hide a watering-down of Socialism that is deviationist and evil!

The People should improve themselves. The People should be free to decide their own destiny. Until the Enemies of the People are killed, Korea will never be free. I will fight to ensure it happens!"

The manifesto is released. The response from Comrade Cho is to a) change the name of the KWP to the Korea Social Democratic Party, and b) expel Kim and Company, and anybody that joins them, calling them, "Radical agents of Chaos who are not socialists but sociopaths."

The manifesto inspires those sympathetic to Kim and anti-Rhee, as they know he survives. Two KWP governors who support Kim--in Pyongan-Bukto and Hamgyong-Namdo--announce their resignation, and take their provincial seats and local militia with them. The governor of Hamgyong-Namdo is forced to flee south, as anti-Kim loyalists eject him from his provincial seat and the North of the Province. Pyongan-Bukto, a more rough-and-tumble province, is more solidly pro-Kim. Also, Kim loyalists in Pyongyang, Wonsan, Nampo, and Taehung form "Patrotic Communes," emboldened by Kim's message. Still, much of the North is still pro-Government, or Neutral.

The Korean Government declares an official state of Martial Law in the North to respond to the insurgency. Mosquito Fighter-Bombers are deployed and their bases shifted to loyal areas near Sariwon, authorized to search the countryside from the air and attack guerillas from above, with full-on iron bombs if needed. Army units, already joining the KNPA in it search for the guerillas, are now officially made part of the campaign to hunt Kim, and begin fortifying banks and temples, traditional Rebel targets. A USD$50,000 bounty is placed on Kim's head, and lesser bounties on his lieutenants.

City police in Pyongyang, Wonsan, Nampo, and Taehung are armed by the Army and organized to fight the rebels, issuing them a 24-hour notice to surrender or die. Nampo surrenders, but Pyongyang and the others decide to fight on.

Still, rebel cells not engaged in Communes or mountain duty begin to redouble raids on government buildings; the Governor of Kangwon-Do Province is killed by a bundle of dynamite thrown into his home, and a police station is bombed.

September October 1941

With the deadlines passed, the Battle of Pyongyang begins. KNPA, Pyongyang City Police, and Army units surround the Rebel-held districts, and begin performing a sweep of the area, with orders to "shoot those who resist."

An exchange of gunfire breaks out on the major entry points, especially the Chungsong and Yanggak Bridges and the Potong and Taedong River Bridges, as Army units and Pyongyang Police spearheading the charge are sniped at by Commune soldiers and attacked by antiquated Schwarzlose Machine Guns.

Moranbong Street sees some better success-Policemen with Thompsons and KNPA assault Commune-held buildings in a series of brazen daylight raids, taking casualties in the process. Molotov cocktails are thrown about by the Commune soldiers, who take to the alleys in teams of men, dedicated to hunting the vehicles the Government forces travel in; many casualties in the Moranbong fighting are dealt by these "Hunters," as they are called. Similar scenes emerge in Wonsan and Taehung.

Hamgyong-Namdo, meanwhile, is wracked by its own mini-Civil War. Pro and anti-Kim forces, plus bandits looking for an opportunity to raise cain and Government Regulars fight each other in savage fighting along a seesaw front near Tonghae in the center of the province. Harvest time sees food theft and despoilation all around, and starvation looms.

Pyongan-Bukto, meanwhile, is invaded by Loyalist Regulars and Militia from the South, backed by light artillery and machine guns. Still, the Governor of Pyongan-Bukto digs in, and violent battles break out near Pakch'on and Kujang. A corp of Mosquitoes is shifted once more, this time to Pyongsong, another to Majol-li to eventually aid the Loyalists in Hamgyong-Namdo.

The Pyongsong Mosquitoes they take off, and begin supporting Loyalists shooting up Pakch'on and Kujang, dropping bombs on Rebel forces and strafing enemy columns. The air power proves decisive-the Loyalists take the cities and begin pushing their advantage. The Majol-li Mosquitoes begin hitting enemy supply centers and HQ companies in the Rebel lines, and aid the invasion of the area by 1,500 KNPA Agents and an Army Infantry Company, which are also moved by air and rail transport to the troubled area. It is a revolution in warfare for Korea at least, as it marks the first use of air power on the Korean Peninsula.

KNPA, meanwhile, organizes its Agents currently engaged in the field against the Korean National Front (as the Kim forces now call themselves) as the "Special Anti-Subversion Force." Basically, an early LRRP type unit.

The KNF, meanwhile, continues fortifying its People's Redoubt. An elaborate tunnel network is beginning to take shape. Crude hospitals are in place, and so are armories. The rebels Kim has trained, meanwhile, go on their first mission. They are to link up with the Rebels in Hamgyong-Namdo, and aid them in setting up their own People's Redoubt, to provide a place to go. They set off, and move quickly. They must do their job before winter hits the mountains.

All the while, Rhee moves to order the KNPA to begin hunting for Kim even more so than they have already. Agents begin Operation Tiger Hunt, the Search for Kim, with men dressed as peasants who will try and infiltrate the KNF.

November – December 1941, Jan-February 1942-

Winter hits the Korean North, and things slow up almost to a crawl as snow and cold blankets Korea. Survival is paramount; the Government and the Rebels begin to try and distribute food and food to farmers and civilians trapped in the middle of the war to gain points from a population who is miserable, and in some areas, near starving. The Government, as it commands the rails and the agriculture of the South, ultimately edges out the Rebels in this campaign.

Kim focuses on building up his infrastructure in the meantime, digging deeper into the earth and extending his tunnel network into the mountain's heart. His expedition, meanwhile, makes contact, and establishes a nascent Redoubt northwest of the original. They too begin tunneling, conscripting local farmers and militia to do the job. Production of zip guns and homemade copies of Thompson and M1911A1s to supplement what captured supplies exist begins in small machine shops in the earth. Kim encourages the other cells to do likewise, and production begins there as well, though supplying the Rebellion is still difficult due to the Government control of rails, roads and airspace. Conscription of local peasants is performed for the first time, as able-bodied men and materiel (especially scrap metal and draft animals) are confiscated to supply Kim's army.

Rhee, meanwhile, uses his air forces and KNPA to keep Operation Tiger Hunt going. Some informants are planted in the group, mainly captured Rebels who agree to betray their comrades for their freedom, and airstrikes are launched on Rebel positions on good days. Also, conscription begins in the south, as men are called up to begin supplying the army with fresh troops. Also, production of war materiel is commenced to begin revitalizing the Army for a fresh round of offensives. Elections conducted put Rhee back in power for an unprecedented fourth term due to the sole reason of "not changing horses in midstream." Rhee, noticing events in Europe, begins planning "Operation North Star"- an ambitious plan to take portions of Siberia and Manchuria for the Korean Empire when the rebellion is crushed. Vladivostok is a noted target, and the Korean Navy, recently freed from Emergency, is put on exercises...

All in all, not an active period.

March April 1942-

The grip of winter loosens on Korea, and the Loyalists open with new offensives in Pyongan-Bukto, Hamgyong-Namdo, and Pyongyang.

Police and KNPA SASF, plus Army men storm Pyongyang Commune positions, and the fighters, weakened by hunger and cold inflicted by the severe winter and surprised by the attack, are driven back into the heart of the city. Dwindling ammunition and supply, caused by the virtual blockade imposed by the Government, does not dampen the Commune fighters. It instead motivates them to charge at the Government forces with axes, crowbars, and tools, leading to massive casualties as Mosquitoes, artillery, and grenades, plus well-coordinated attacks, rout the enemy. But they do so with casualties of their own, friendly fire from the Mosquitoes and artillery and the sheer number of banzai attacks by Commune fighters make it tough for the Government to break the enemy. The city now resembles the wastelands of Europe more than one of Korea's Industrial Centers.

Still, they are making progress. This is also true in the other Communes; Wonson surrenders after fierce fighting and artillery attacks.

Hamgyong-Namdo, meanwhile, sees its own share of violence;, the dual attacks by Loyalist miltia in the North and KNPA SASF and Army in the South have the Pro-Kim Governor trapped. The Mosquitoes hitting his men and supplies with bombs night and day do not help, either. Eventually, the Governor gathers forces for a last stand near Hamhung, Yodok, and Kumya, forming what is called the "Iron Triangle," an area of scorched earth lined with trenches and mines set up to delay the Loyalists and give time for the Pro-Kim forces to enter the Redoubt that the KNF has set up. The column that Kim has sent out to make the Second Redoubt, meanwhile, is surprised near Yodok and engages in a long, epic firefight with KNPA SASF, in what is known as the "Battle of the Cross," owing to the firefight's location, a Jesuit monastery complex.

Pyongan-Bukto sees a resumed offensive by Loyalists who strike at Chongju, Kusong, and Unsan. Artillery support and air attacks salvage an otherwise troublesome effort, as Pro-Kim forces that have dug in over the winter and have recuperated put up stiff resistance. The exhausted Loyalists take Chongju, but Kusong and Unsan remain out of reach, and begin to fortify and set up camp, waiting for reinforcements. With trench lines forming, it looks to be a long fight for these cities.

Navy forces, meanwhile, move to Hongwon and Wonsan, to prepare for the fall of the USSR and the execution of Operation North Star. Obstensibly, they are there to "perform exercises," but high command knows what they are really there for.....

May through September 1942 -

May, June-

The apocalypse unleashed in China and India sickens the Korean people spiritually, but fortunately, they are distanced from it. Indeed, the misfortune of the Chinese has actually proved good for the Koreans-lesser and lesser people are flocking to join Kim, as he is seen as an agent of a racist, genocidal regime. Kim himself tries to distance his movement from the USSR, quietly deleting Soviet flags from the propaganda he puts out and deleting pro-Soviet language from his speeches.

Still, the War at Home goes on. The Second Redoubt becomes filled with Kim supporters as Hungham falls to the Loyalists in a bloody siege. In retaliation, Kim orders a series of raids across North Central Korea. Known as the "Days of Rage," Cells and bands of KNF alike ride from the Redoubts and their urban safehouses to begin an orgy of violence, consisting of dynamite attacks on government buildings, sabotage, and attacks on Army supply centers and anybody who happens to oppose them. Battles near Sariwon threaten the Mosquitoes there, and the Rebels even come close to Hungham again. Assaults on Loyalists in Pyongan-Bukto even threaten to drive the tired forces out of the province.

But these attacks, strong as they are, only inspire the Government to lash out even further. The Government begins a bloody campaign of repression, angered and unwilling to take anymore "mess," as James Brown would have put it. First, the last remnants of Pyongyang Commune are razed by Mosquitoes and artillery in a two-day barrage, followed by a brutal, merciless attack that results in little survivors. Regulars are shipped quickly to Pyongan-Bukto, and save the Loyalist Positions there from total annihalation. And, in an ominous development for the KNF, the KNF's People's Redoubts are discovered by a Tiger Hunt Operator. Air attacks soon begin, and KNPA SASF and Army go into the mountains to hunt them down....

July, August-

Kim's connections to Moscow, if not already obvious by his speeches and propaganda and his presence, are made clearer by a report by one of the Tiger Hunt operatives and a force of KNPA SASF who snatch a shipment of Mosin-Nagant rifles that have come from up North while raiding a supply camp in Pyongan-Bukto. These are all the evidence Rhee needs to make another proposal to Congress to declare war on Russia. This time, it faces no domestic challenge, as the combined horror of Civil War and Germ and Atomic War seem to make attacking Russia a necessity.

Loyalists in Pyongan-Bukto, reinvigorated, launch their biggest offensive yet. A massive artillery and air barrage hit Kusong and Unsan, hitting Rebel positions and causing massive destruction, though less casualties than expected due to the nature of the defenses (entrenchments, bunkers). The Regulars and Militia then attack the enemy defenses. Known as the Northern Line, the attack pushes the lines farther north for the Loyalists. However, it incurs casualties and fierce combats near the two cities, in some spots, to the point of hand-hand and bayonet. Some positions near Unsan are taken, however, and the Loyalists are about to engage in a firefight for the city itself, pushing in after a fresh barrage.

Kim's People's Redoubt sees its first unwelcome visitors, an Army column in the mountains nearby. The Trail Fight, as it is called by survivors, is marked by guerillas and Army battling over a narrow mountain trail. The Army inflicts casulaties on the KNF, but is forced to retreat due to low ammo and severe casualties of their own. The column's survivors confirm reports of Guerillas in the mountains.

Rhee orders Operation Tiger Hunt upgraded to Operation White Giraffe-a massive search-and-destroy mission in the mountains. A total of 150,000 Troops from all sides, mainly militiamen and KNPA SASF, pour onto the mountains, using local guides, reports from Tiger Hunt agents and air cover to point the way. Small skirmishes erupt in the mountains, as they move about, looking for the enemy.

August, Sept.-

Operation North Star is activated as the time is deemed right, with Vladivostok left unguarded. Korean Loyalists in the North take the city by surprise on August 25th. No resistance is given from the War Weary residents, who are surprised to see that tiny Korea now rules the Gateway to the Russian Far East. The Commander of the Troops fortifies his forces near the city, and sends for the ships in Wonsan to provide guard. Meanwhile, Rhee is overjoyed, and declares the next day a National Holiday.

No such joy exists among commanders in Operation White Giraffe. They find the Redoubt, and begin moving to attack it. Guerillas perform hit-and-run strikes all along the way to buy time as Kim opts to evacuate his forces and move north, rather than surrender. Artillery puts the pressure on him to do so; and so does the fact the Army is cutting off his supply routes in their drive to surround the Redoubt.

The Second Redoubt's occupants, meanwhile, have fled already, out of communication with Kim. The ex-Governor of Hamgyong-Namdo begins moving around with his army as a band of guerillas, making hit and run strikes on army columns in the mountains as they try to hunt him down.

Unsan falls after a dramatic struggle for control of the city in which Rebel forces are allowed to flee, thanks to the errors of some of the Loyalists. They now regroup, and move to aid the Loyalists at Kusong.

Meanwhile, Rhee makes plans for the rebuilding of the North after the War ends. Comfortable that the Social Democratic Party, which now moves even further to distance itself with Moscow, is weakened by the ordeal, he feels secure in running the Government with a Majority Korea 1st-Progress Coalition, wedded as the Korea Union Party.

Tiger Hunt, meanwhile, makes an attempt to assasinate Kim, and fails. Shaken by this, Kim becomes determined not to let this occur again....

October 1942- January 1943:

Operation White Giraffe moves on in the mountains, as attacks on the Government forces are repulsed bitterly, and Army and KNPA assault the Redoubt. An epic 2-week siege develops. The defenders try to hold out, but surroudned on all sides and weakened by hunger and low supply, they surrender. All in all, only 45% of Kim's forces escape, and these are ill-equipped, vulnerable to the harsh Korean Winter, and left with little or no popular support in wake of WWIII. The rest in the Redoubt fight to the last man, and are mostly obliterated, the survivors taken prisoner and put on trial for Treason and Conspiracy. Most will be summarily executed anyway.

Kim's forces move quickly to escape pursuing Government forces, and try to link up with the Second Column, the other force that fled the Second Redoubt. But the winter hits, and soon, Kim's forces are crippled by Government snipers, frostbite, and the ever-present hobgoblin of hunger, as the Government moves to block the joining of the columns which could mean a breakout. Many are forced to eat their shoes, or worse, their pack animals to stay alive. Eventually, after letting them freeze for about two weeks, the Government moves in, and tries to mop them up. Many surrender, and Kim nearly escapes capture. He has gone too far to give himself up to the Man now.

With 60 raggedy men, Kim meets the Second Column, which is in bad straits too. The Column tries to keep the war going, harassing search columns and taking food and guns from the Government men. But the winter and the stubbornness of Government forces lead to desperation and demoralization-which in turn leads to an attack on January 5th on a Korean Government position in an attempt to break out. The position, however, is led by Park Chung-Hee- the officer who had faced KNF soldiers in the days after Koron, and had continued to serve dutifully. A competent officer now bloodied by White Giraffe and other battles in the North, he is able to keep his men together and repulse the Second Column's attempt to break out.

The Second Column forces, now repulsed, attempt to try again. But Park retaliates and some of the Guerillas rebel against Kim, tired of fighting and refusing to carry out any more of his orders. The result is that Kim is promptly surrounded by Park's men, and demands his surrender. He doesn't get it from Kim, who tries to kill himself with a gunshot but is stopped by his some of his own disgruntled men. But he gets it from the ex-Governor of Hamgyong-Namdo, who surrenders in Kim's stead.

Thus, the men are arrested, and promptly taken on a special train to a prison outside Seoul, where they will be held for the inevitable show trial. But for now, the Korean Civil War is mostly over.

Emphasis on mostly, as in Pyongan-Bukto, some fighting is occurring. But, when they hear the news of Kim's surrender, the Rebel Governor agrees to surrender, knowing the Movement is dead. Still, die-hard bands of Rogues disperse into the countryside, but are no stronger than mere brigands. They will be rounded up anyway, as White Giraffe ends and troops are redeployed to aid in the Reconstruction of the North.

The KNF cells, meanwhile, are still active, and some even try to break Kim out. These will take some time to root out, and the KNPA will now focus its energies on breaking them with Operation Housecleaning, to begin in the following months. But, the end of the War sees the disbandment of the SASF forces, seeing as how they were a "temporary necessity."

For now, Rhee's Government focuses on Reconstruction in the North to restore the Korean economy and stabilize the area, to prevent future rebellion from occuring there again.

1943-1945:

Reconstruction begins. A new Provisional Authority, set up to oversee the rebuilding of the North, is given powers of martial law and an autarkic agenda to rebuild the North into a thriving region.

Though it is meant to enforce a top-down planned agenda in its effort to pick up the pieces, in reality, it is not a true planned economy that is being used to fix the North. Due to the large deficits in the Rhee Government incurred by years of spending, a very real degree of government-private sector cooperation unseen since the early parts of the Century is appearing, with government coordinating the efforts if dozens of corporations to put Humpty Dumpty back together in an environment limited by financial controls and rationing, and the occasional development grant.

The real power of government is felt in the "suspect provinces" in the North. PA-based Provisional Governments are set up in Pyongan-Bukto, and Hamgyong-Namdo, among other provinces that saw plenty of KNF activity, and these areas are policed by Army forces. The Army and the PA also occupy other parts of the North and "push around" local governments, so to speak (respectively), mainly to keep order and help put things back together-but not to perform any sort of direct political change. But in the provinces directly governed by the PA, they will try and crush all remnants of opposition, and set up loyalist governments that will hopefully not revolt again.

KNPA investigation, meanwhile, is not so limited. They launch Operation Housecleaning in earnest, commencing further infiltration into remaining KNF cells and exterminating their leaders, and bringing others to justice.

These operations continue for three years. Korea is being rebuilt slowly, but surely. Inefficency and some corruption cause problems, given the nature of the system in place. And, mysterious shootings are a frequent occurence....

On a lighter note, Vladivostok and the surrounding regions on the Korean Border are placed under the protection of the Korean Empire as the Protected City of Vladivostok. The residents are guaranteed the right to speak Russian and practice Russian Orthodox Christianity, as well as their other traditions. They also are allowed to elect a local Governor that will represent them in Seoul....

Korean Register

January 30, 1947

Economy looks good, say forecasters

Today, a panel from the National University in Seoul released a report announcing that the "economy is doing very well.....it has made a strong rebound from the war years."

The panel cited the bouyant national morale caused by the lifting of the Soviet and Japanese dangers, and surprisingly, the revival of the Seoul Conference Treaty; recent polls by the National University have indicated that the SCT has actually become more popular, with many Koreans citing the biochemical and atomic weapons attacks in the recent Third World War as an impetus to "join with other nations that we can depend on" as their main reason for support, others citing economic or cultural benefits.

The move to normalized peacetime spending, which replaced the heavy deficit spending of the 1920's to the postwar era, also played a role in the recent "good times." Economists say that a shrinking deficit and greater impetus on the part of private industry is boding well for the economy, with productivity expected to rise.

Kim Il-Sung to be sentenced to death

In other news, Kim Il-Sung and 15 prominent Lieutenants were sentenced to death on charges of treason, conspiracy, and murder. The trial, carried out in a civilian criminal court, found Kim overwhelmingly guilty on all counts. One pivotal testimony came from Father Park Sim-go, who identified one of Kim's lieutenants as the leader of a forage squad that had shot 15 innocent priests in a rural orphanage during Kim's retreat to the Second Redoubt. Another testimony came from KNPA Sgt. Cho, who participated in undercover operations on Kim during the Civil War. He had testified that while he spent time in proximity to Kim, he had been able to overhear strategy sessions as a stenographer, and detailed information about Kim that proved damning indeed.

Kim and his lieutenants reportedly will be executed by hanging in a ceremony open only to close family members and security.

Elections to come in November

With elections coming in November, there is much Speculation about the future of the Korea Union Party. Syngman Rhee has announced that he will not run another term, but rather hand off the leadership of the party to another. So far, Kim Gu has emerged as the KUP's top contender. A committed nationalist who is committed to defense, he is committed to the current program of economic liberalization and other Rhee Government programs as well.

Meanwhile, the Korea Social Democratic Party, weakened by the War, is expected to field Lyuh Woon-Hyung, a centerleft politician who has recently protested the Scandinavian testing of atom bombs and has openly espoused a policy of "peace abroad and freedom at home." Lyuh is unique in that has been seeking allies in both leftist and rightist circles, which has reportedly made him the contender over traditional socialists like Cho Hyang-Dan.

Korean Register

June 24th, 1947

Kim Il Sung executed at midnight yesterday

After a two month preparatory period and appeals for a new trial, Kim Il-Sung and 15 lieutenants were hung at midnight, after a last meal and final words. Secrecy surrounds the event, and no photographs are available to the public, but the doctor there, Dr. Soong, ruled that Kim and his colleagues was "unequivocally and finally deceased" in a press statement.

Kim's body will be cremated and the ashes disseminated in a secret location. The reason given was "so whatever supporters Kim has left cannot rally around his corpse or remnants thereof, and use it as a relic."

The family itself refused to speak, only sending a representative to say the "funeral was handled well, for someone like Kim," and, "As a son only, not as a politician, he will be missed."

Korean Register

October 1, 1947

Election time nears

Both Kim Gu and Mr. Lyuh have been campaigning around the country today, drumming up support for their side. In particular, both sides have appealed to the center-right, middle class vote in their drive for election. However, polls indicate the Korea Union Party may stay in power. A total of 75% of Koreans indicate that they support the KUP, citing, among a number of reasons, that the "Korea Social Democratic Party is a party out of step with the times and out of step with the people."

New airport to be built near Seoul

Funds have been cleared by the City Council of Seoul and the Mayor to begin construction on the Emperor Gojong International Airport, citing the Korean failure to secure the Olympic Games.

"Korea needs a modern air transport system to stay in touch with the times. We have the goods worth offering, but we had no way to allow people to come in and out quickly. That is why we lost the Olympic bids. We see the future in air travel, and feel that Koreans, economically, culturally, and socially will benefit from this," said the Mayor.

The W10,000,000 project is expected to be finished by next year, and will be the base for Korean Airlines, recently established last year by government charter.

Korean Register

November 12, 1947

Election Results in, Kim Gu becomes Speaker!

An era in Korean history has ended. Four-term Speaker Syngman Rhee has announced he will step down at the end of the year today, to be replaced by Mr. Kim Gu, who will assume the position December 31 in an inauguration ceremony. Mr. Kim expressed joy at this, vowing to "continue the progressive policies espoused by Mr. Rhee and our late Mr. Rhoo that enabled us to grow and become the modern Asian state we are today."

Mr. Lyuh, in a concession speech, noted that "I am happy to see Mr. Kim win the election, and I wish him the best of luck."

The Korea Union Party gained more seats in the Congress, as well as a strong lead over the distant second, the Korea Social Democratic Party. This majority is expected to enable the already strong KUP majority and the KUP Speaker to continue Mr. Rhee's agenda.

Mr. Rhee, meanwhile, says he will retire to his home district, where he will continue to work for "Asian Unity, democracy, and the common good." To begin with, Rhee will begin with his memoirs.

Korean Register

1950

Japan becomes full SCT member

Today, Japan became a full member of the Seoul Conference Treaty, ending its probationary period.

"This decision was made on the advice of Chinese, Korean, and USEA discussion. We all agreed that Japan has shown itself worthy to be a full member, and can be trusted," Said Speaker Kim.

However, small scale protests have broken out in Seoul and Pyongyang, mainly by conservatives. They generally have been peaceful, though some arrests were made when a rock was thrown at police in Pyongyang in protest.

Korea to send troops to FAS

In response to the recent outbreak of war in the FAS, Our Majesty Emperor Gang has authorized intervention in the conflict along with other SCT allies. Details are scant, but it is reported that a submarine group is being sent there along with a wing of the newly acquired H-5 Light Bombers. If they see combat, this will be their first shots fired in anger.

Korea is aproached by the Scandic government and Saab representatives about the possiblity of purchasing the Viggen all weather fighter. The Viggen(comes out in 68) is the best fighter on the market(seriously). The only fighter in the world that is better is the Columbian Eagle(which the COlumbians are refusing to sell to anyone, even their fellow Americans). The SU has already made sails to your allies in Japan, China and the UIR and would be willing to sell as many aircraft as you want for 4 points a piece.

Stats:

Viggen air combat 18, strike 2, range medium, cost 4, maintenance 1, all weather fighter (Sweden)

Stats of next closest fighter aircraft on the market(Other than Columbian Eagle which is not on the market):
F14A Tomcat air combat 16, interceptor 20, strike 1, range medium, cost 6, maintenance 2, all weather fighter / interceptor, heavy carrier capable (which increases costs of heavy air groups by 2, and maintenance by 1)

Mig 21S air combat 16, strike 2, range short, STOL capable, cost 3, maintenance .5 (Poland)


Stats of the F4G Phantom in use by the Russian's:

F4G Phantom Air combat 15, strike 5, range medium, all weather fighter bomber, US (Texas, Columbia, New England, Huron)

Korea is aproached by the Scandic government and Saab representatives about the possiblity of purchasing the Viggen all weather fighter. The Viggen(comes out in 68) is the best fighter on the market(seriously). The only fighter in the world that is better is the Columbian Eagle(which the COlumbians are refusing to sell to anyone, even their fellow Americans). The SU has already made sails to your allies in Japan, China and the UIR and would be willing to sell as many aircraft as you want for 4 points a piece.

Stats:

Viggen air combat 18, strike 2, range medium, cost 4, maintenance 1, all weather fighter (Sweden)

Stats of next closest fighter aircraft on the market(Other than Columbian Eagle which is not on the market):
F14A Tomcat air combat 16, interceptor 20, strike 1, range medium, cost 6, maintenance 2, all weather fighter / interceptor, heavy carrier capable (which increases costs of heavy air groups by 2, and maintenance by 1)

Mig 21S air combat 16, strike 2, range short, STOL capable, cost 3, maintenance .5 (Poland)


Stats of the F4G Phantom in use by the Russian's:

F4G Phantom Air combat 15, strike 5, range medium, all weather fighter bomber, US (Texas, Columbia, New England, Huron)

OOC: Technically, you used the old Korean N/D, but meh.

IC:

The IKAF would be willing to purchase the Saab Viggen, seeing as how we may no longer have spare parts or political capital for our Arrows. However, we will have to postpone their purchase until authorizations can be made by Congress (ooc: as it is, funding the Korean military is pretty pricey business.)

OOC: OO, meh didn't notice. To late now.

IC: That is understandable. We would be willing to accept installments if nessecary.

Korea actually has a fighter which is pretty much the same as the Viggen save a point of strike. It's called the J10.

Korea actually has a fighter which is pretty much the same as the Viggen save a point of strike. It's called the J10.

OOC: Dude, can you retrieve that for me?

OOC: Not really, J10 doesn't come out for a few years.

OOC: Not really, J10 doesn't come out for a few years.

OOC: Well, how many? Shoot, if I can get another awesome indegenous design in, that'd rock.

OOC: Not really, J10 doesn't come out for a few years.
Yeah hes right J10 comes out in 1972 while you can have the Viggen now.
It would make sense to get the Viggen which is better now.

But anyway:
J10 (based on Lavi which is based on F16) air combat 18, strike 1, range medium, cost 4, maintenance 1, fighter (Korea)

Yeah hes right J10 comes out in 1972 while you can have the Viggen now.
It would make sense to get the Viggen which is better now.

But anyway:
J10 (based on Lavi which is based on F16) air combat 18, strike 1, range medium, cost 4, maintenance 1, fighter (Korea)

OOC: Wait, isn't that a Chinese design? Or since the Twilight War happened, more aircraft makers moved to Korea?

OOC: OO, meh didn't notice. To late now.

IC: That is understandable. We would be willing to accept installments if nessecary.

That is acceptable to the Park Government. The cost for a unit will be paid over two years, how about that (i.e. 2 per year)?

OOC: Wait, isn't that a Chinese design? Or since the Twilight War happened, more aircraft makers moved to Korea?

According to G B it's now Korean, go figure.

According to G B it's now Korean, go figure.

Cool. I can do that.

That is acceptable to the Park Government. The cost for a unit will be paid over two years, how about that (i.e. 2 per year)?


That is perfectly acceptable.(Just need to know what years and how many units so I can factor it into my builds)

That is perfectly acceptable.(Just need to know what years and how many units so I can factor it into my builds)

1968-1969 is when we ship payment, and we buy one unit to replace our outdated Mirage III.