NationStates Jolt Archive

Australia, one of the younger colonies with barely over a hundred years clocked in. Once a penal colony, a place for the dregs of British society, the Irish separatists and the murderers that inhabited London’s slums was now a thriving colony four million strong. Things were changing rapidly moving Australia closer to becoming a nation among nations. In only a few months (1901) Commonwealth status would finally be achieved helping Australia along on that goal.

Australia didn’t have the population to support the massive militaries Europe did and because of that Australia couldn’t go out and establish colonies and conquer nations the way Europe did, at least for now. Because of that, things were focused on Australia and improving its infrastructure, its economy, seeing that more trade routes went thru Australia instead of thru the islands to the north. To do this Australia’s infrastructure was to see a huge boost. The railroad system that had so long focused on the coastal regions would finally be expanded inward and a trans-Australian network built over the Nullarbur Plain. It would take four years to finish but when it was done it would be well worth it, goods could be easily shipped from Perth and Gerldton to places on the other side of Australia, Sydney, Brisbane and vice versa.

All the while work was to be done on the major ports of Australia. Existing ports were to be greatly enlarged and some news ones built. Australia was planning to become the major trade hub of the Pacific and that meant improving upon what was probably already the best infrastructure in the region. Australia’s small population not only hindered its military moves but it got in the way of competing with the major industrial powers to and so measures were taken into place to increase the flow of immigration. Free land was to be given to immigrant, the government was willing to pay for half the ticket to get to Australia. People were sent to Europe and especially Russia and nations under occupation (I.E. Poland, Ireland exc.) to try to get people to leave their homes. Australia sent word that it was more than willing to accept countries prison and unwanted populations. (OOC: If any nations want to rp people coming or their governments sending people that’d be much appreciated.) But all of that probably wouldn’t be enough and so plans were underway, plans that would unfold for years to come but they secretly built up yearning for the day when they would be ready.

Independence. The word sat on every bodies tongue. Australia was finally Independent, not free but independent. It had taken an extra few months due to last minute negotiations with the British Government but it had finally come. More than half a million people gathered in Sydney to celebrate the occasion. The people lined the streets while a long parade snaked thru the city representing every part of the Empire. Sepoy and Sikhs from India, Blacks from Africa, even Chinese from the Hong Kong were present. But with all of that the pride of the parade were the Australian troops, you could hardly tell them apart from the British but the flag that flew over them was one that everyone in the crowd was staring at. Bands just increased the level of noise in the city.

The celebrations continued throughout the day and into the night but things weren’t over, in two months Australia’s Parliament would be put in place in Melbourne. While all of this was exciting the truly important happenings were still secret. Contrary to what people thought Australia wasn’t truly free, Australia had to give up much of its foreign affairs to British control. Not only that but had to make multiple pledges to the British government guaranteeing Australian support in a number of situations that would be coming up soon. In return Australia had gained Commonwealth status. The British colony of Papua was handed over to the Australian nation, Australia was allowed to purchase multiple ships to jumpstart the navy and most importantly had gained a British pledge of support for future operations.

With Independence came the need to build a military and a government. The government was coming, in two months elections would be completed for the new Parliament but the military was something else. The beginnings of a military were in place from British rule but it wasn’t a true standing force. To start things off a force of twenty-four thousand men was planned to be raised, formed into twenty-four regiments of aproximatly a thousand men each. The navy already had its start with the purchase at cheap price of ex-British destroyers, cruisers and torpedo boats.

The Brazilian Government congratulates Australia on its Impressive development policy and general national Disposition... we have an interest In futher diplomatic dialogue with your nation and possibly Trade links....

Please let us know if you are interested.


Thank you for your time

-Brazilian Government-

War. War on a level unseen since the Napoleonic Wars raged across the European continent just waiting to expand overseas. Luckily, in the minds of most Australians, the war had yet to truly affect them or the families many still hand in the British isles. That was the only reason Australia managed to keep itself aloof from the war during its first year, but keeping aloof didn't mean you couldn't profit a little bit.

Australia up to this point had never truly industrialized for the most part, instead depending upon Britian for most of her finished goods but the war threatened that. So if Australia was to survive she had to industrialize. An industrial base already existed to work with. The province of New South Wales was already industrialized, it was one of the more industrialized places in the world but it was limited. It wouldn't be enough but that plus what was the best infrastructure in the region would be a start.

Because of the war it was the steel and arms industries that recieved a boost. Over the next few months six factories started up in the cities of Sydney, Adeilade and Brisbane, all areas that were already industrialized and cities that sat on trade routes. The factories would begin slowly, it'd take a few motnhs to get to full productivity. Two made rifles, one was dedicated to turning out the new maxim machine guns while the last three pumped out ammunition. It was a slow start but once things got rolling these factories and others would become the key to Australia's future.

The guns and ammunition that were turned out would be sold to the highest bidder be they French, German, Italian, Russian whoever had the cash and was willing to pay. On top of that food, Australia's biggest product was being put up for sail. Thousands of tons food, wheat, fish but mostly Beef were put on the market. The nations of Europe were going to need food if they kept ravaging their farmland and taking away the men who farmed the rest of the land and Australia was willing to provide it. Everything would be shipped in Australian flagged ships so therefore neutral ships to their destination though payment would have to be made in cash or gold. Gold was prefered over cash and a discount would be given for gold. The money made overseas would immediatly be sent right back in the pipeline to build more factories and roads and railroads.

On behalf of greater Portugal

we demand you bow down from your Idle threats like the Subsevient dog you are Australia. we believe we are friends with Great britain and your Influence in east timor will get you nothing... The Dutch have a hold in the east indies and will resent british control in East Timor aswell. you will be Losing more than you gain....

do not Invade soveirgn Greter Portuguese territory. this will be taken as a direct assault on the mainland itself and will not be tolerated.... :mad:

Russia expresses her gratitude to the people and Parliament of Australia for the help we have received from them.
In turn, we are wondering if there is a way a certain distasteful situation in our own country might be turned to our mutual advantage. As you may know, several years ago a massive uprising against the Emperor occurred in His Majesty's Baltic Provinces. The rebellion was crushed, of course, and many tens of thousands of Balts were taken prisoner, and most of those who were not executed for their treason were sentenced to life at hard labor.
And through their labor, we feel, their service to the state in this time of Russia's need has largely expiated their crimes, which in the main consisted of simply associating with bad elements in any event.
I will come now to the point.
St. Petersburg would like to pardon these deluded unfortunates at the successful conclusion of the European war. They cannot, however, be allowed to return to their homes, lest they fall again into the same error which brought them to their present condition. It is St. Petersburg's understanding that Australia has sought to expand immigration into her great unpeopled spaces, to bring civilization to her wilderness.
Would you, in your mercy, accept these hardworking souls?
- Count V. N. Lamzdorf, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Reply to Russia:

Australia will be more than happy to accept these people into our lands. All we require is an exact number so that we may prepare to recieve them. We would also like to take this time to increase our trade with your nation. We would like to increase shipments of meat by up to thirty thousand tons by including sheep and other meat sources instead of just cows. With new factories coming online we can now provide eighty five hundred more rifles a month along with thirty thousand more shells. We are also now offering to ship massive amounts of wool and leather to use in uniforms and boots along with any otehr special requests you may have.(OOC: We have plenty of resources you might want. Just ask and we shall start shipping.)

Reply To Portugal:

Australia has no idea what you are babbling on about. When have we made any threatening moves on East Timor? Or even spoken badly about Portugal itself? Furthermore you have somehow dragged in the Dutch which we have never once had problems with. The government of Portugal is proving itself to be wildly incapable of leadership and frankly we are offended by these false accusations.



With investments rolling in from the British government, private investors and trade profits factories are shooting up across Australia. The industrial areas are still focused on a few coastal cities but that is getting better with smaller factories and plants going up in some more internal cities. The steel and arms industry are still the major benefactors from all this but other industries are catching up namely agriculture and textiles while the mercheant fleet was seeing a major boost in bussiness and numbers. The textile industry is now starting to take advantage of the fact that Austrlia has a virtually endless supply of wool and leather to make boots and clothes and so textile mills are starting to spring up along Australia's coast.

Russia will be pleased to expand our trade, as the Australian Government has proposed.
We also wish to inform you that the total number of prisoners who are eligible to be pardoned is roughly two hundred and fifty thousand [OoC: A totally made up number, but considering that a hundred thousand were deported by the end of the first year (six years ago), and assuming (reasonably) that the oppression remained ongoing, then even with what would certainly be a high death rate among the prisoners this seems like a plausible number to me.]. Virtually none speak English, unfortunately, but all speak Russian and many speak German, as well. We will try to provide you with at least some interpreters to aid with their integration into Australian society.

To: Australian Government
From: Emperor Gojong

As you may or may not know, Korea is modernizing. We will need some help making our chemical industries competitive with the modern world. As such, I have discussed a few ideas with my advisors and my Congress, and we have come up with the idea of a joint Korean-Australian Chemical Company. Ownership would be 50/50 (half Korean Half Australian), as would be distribution of shares. What do you think?

Also, though we are sending students to America to learn medicine, we still need some more brainpower, as it were, to speed modernization. As such, we wish to send students to your universities and colleges, if possible.

Hate to nag, sorry for the clutter, but bump.

(OOC: Sorry about that, my fault I didn't see it, actually I did but I just forgot about it)

IC:

Re: Emperor Gojong

We will of course participate in a joint Korean/Australian chemical company. we have plebnty of experience with chemicals from our many fertilizer and explosive plants and so would be very glad to help Korea start its own chemical industry. On the note of education we have recently been building more higher education schools and would love to diversify them more with the inclusion of Korean students.

(OOC: Sorry about that, my fault I didn't see it, actually I did but I just forgot about it)

IC:

Re: Emperor Gojong

We will of course participate in a joint Korean/Australian chemical company. we have plebnty of experience with chemicals from our many fertilizer and explosive plants and so would be very glad to help Korea start its own chemical industry. On the note of education we have recently been building more higher education schools and would love to diversify them more with the inclusion of Korean students.

TO: Australian Gov't.
FROM: Emperor Gojong

Korea thanks you for your generosity. We will, of course, meet to fill out the needed treaties and agreements, and then we will allow your men entrance into Korea to renovate existing facilities and help make new ones.

As for students, we will send them to Australia. Of course, we do not have much in the way of ocean liners at the moment, so we may have to have you pick up a few of the students.

Japan would like to know if Australia would like to split the Dutch East Indies with Japan. The Netherlands abuse their colonists and we feel that Japanese and Australians would be better masters for this area. If Australia stays out of the war and convinces Britain as well to stay out, Japan is willing to offer the rest of the Island of New Guinea to Australia. As well as a Trade Agreement and Non-Agression pact.

OOC: Britain would likely have few qualms with this as long as sufficient evidence (real or not) was brought forward to show abuses etc. inflicted on the natives/colonists and the matter was brought to international attention. We would even go as far as supporting such a move for greater humanitarian concerns.

Providing that you allow us to oversee the rest of the islands of New Guinea (to go to Australia) and Borneo (To go to the Empire) as Britain already maintains a large portion of these islands anyway and the required infrastructure for rule is already in place.

OOC: The Fist of Imperialism pushes on! Germany would be pissed at their neighbor's loss.

Parthini']OOC: The Fist of Imperialism pushes on! Germany would be pissed at their neighbor's loss.

OOC: and they'd do what about it?

OOC: I'd agree with britain keeping the rest of the New Guinea and Borneo IF japan has oil rights in Borneo.

OOC: as long as you and I get 50/50 equal oil rights and share the profits then Britain will have no problems. It does not want land that it cannot use.

OOC: as long as you and I get 50/50 equal oil rights and share the profits then Britain will have no problems. It does not want land that it cannot use.


Sounds good to me, next question, can you get Australia on board?

I NEED OIL

OOC: Australia will probably be happy anyway he's getting New Guinea out of it. Now I suggest that we stop cuttering this thread with OOC comments :)

Japan would like to know if Australia would like to split the Dutch East Indies with Japan. The Netherlands abuse their colonists and we feel that Japanese and Australians would be better masters for this area. If Australia stays out of the war and convinces Britain as well to stay out, Japan is willing to offer the rest of the Island of New Guinea to Australia. As well as a Trade Agreement and Non-Agression pact.

OOC: Sorry I'm late.

IC:

RE:

Australia would only consider leting Japan take the East Indies if both Java and Sumutra were to fall under Australian control otherwise Australia will oppose this in any way possible.




(This is past tense)
In 1907 a referandum was held in both Australia and New Zealand to discuss the possibilities of combining the two nations. With heavy British support it passes with a farily decent majority in New Zealand but just barely makes it thru in Australia. It came into effect January 1st 1908 and New Zealand officially became part of the Australian nation.

(Now)
Nineteen years have passed since Australia gained its independance. In those nineteen years Australia was quickly moving forward but was still plagued with the problems from before. While the economy was booming and was way out of proportion to the number of people in the country, there simply weren't enough people to support a large navy. An island nation with an island empire but with a navy comparable to Colombia. A single Dreadnaught with 8 16 inchers along with one cruiser with 10 14 inch guns, both with heavy secondaries to, were all the capital ships the navy posssesed. Backed by a flottilla of 15 destroyers, numerous torpedo boats and 30 submarines. With such a small navy and such a large area to cover things Australia had to depend on quality among other things. AA guns were being added to all ships everywhere they could, especially the two capital ships. They trained hard, especially now with war probally coming but oddly enough most of the ships weren't alowed to patrol the empire instead staying deep within Australian waters and running exercises together. Defense of the islands was for the most part relegated to the shore batteries put in place on every island. It was hoped more and bigger guns could be secured to add to the defenses but that was up to Britian. The air force was also recieving a start. With the ability to hop from one island to another the usefullness of aircraft, that were cheaper than ships was obvius and so the air force was expanded to over a hundred planes while the navy was granted control of a few recon planes.

Jubilant crowds gathered in the streets of the capital when the word came. Peace talks--cease fires--an end to the war, the most bitter and terrible conflict that the young Australian nation had ever seen. Life could return to normal, for most that is. Not far from the public mind is the devastating naval loss at Kuantan at the hands of the Chinese; an entire fleet annihilated. If not for the shield of American ships, the nation would have been bare to enemy assault. No surprise of course that in the recent Parliamentary Elections a new upstart group calling itself the Anti-Sino Party had managed to win 2 seats in the Senate and one in the House. To most citizens, the ASPs were noisy fools, more talk than action, but their resentment toward the Chinese caught sympathetic ears. Snakes have a way of doing that sort of thing. There were rumors afoot of reparations to be paid, to replace the ships. 4000 shattered lives and families might foot a steeper bill.

Still, an end to war meant no more shattered families. Prime Minister Stonehaven, who had served throughout the war, had dispatched Stanley Melbourne Bruce to Europe for the peace talks. The enemy was defeated. Now it was time to bring the boys home.

OOC: Dont know if this is jumping the gun or not, but assume that this post takes place in early 1927.

IC: Ah change. It seems to happen sometimes without warning. The mother country offered independence and the Australian people rose to the challenge. Prime Minister Stonehaven, taking his cue from the politicians in London dissolved the government and called for new elections, complete with referendums on the issues of independence and membership in the Commonwealth. The first passed comfortably, the second easily. It does not do well to forget ones roots.

Stonehaven, in a stirring speech concerning the old versus the new, declined to run for office again and has been succeded by Lord Somers. The new parliament, following so closely the previous elections, remains much the same, with the vocal minority ASPs the only people interested in more war. The general consensus of the public did seem to be in favor of preparedness for next time; no real army but perhaps a few garrison units and ships to tend to the far flung islands the nation tendered to the north and west. Either way, future industrialization would be key to competing economically with the other great pacific powers.

Calling for a Five Year Plan to compete with other rapidly industrializing nations in the wake of the Second Great War, the Somers Administration convices Parliament to lay down keels for a respectable navy and home defense force. These are days of relative peace and prosperity for Australia as the national infastructure is gradually improved. Of curiousness to the more civilized citizens are the ever-present ASPs whose vocal rhetoric has not found a mainstream audience but still whispers through backalleys of conversation, especially among the more rural sections of the population. Though their few seats in Parliament were whittled to a single senator in the 1930 elections, their reflexive, focused hatred does not seem totally unfounded to many. Of all the enemies in the war, China seems to have gotten away totally unpunished, and many people still demand answers.

to date the Australian armed forces possess:

2 battlecruisers, 2 heavy cruisers, 4 light cruisers, 20 destroyers, 10 submarines, 4 garrison units, one motorized infantry corps, and one pilot (but no planes)

to date the Australian armed forces possess:

2 battlecruisers, 2 heavy cruisers, 4 light cruisers, 20 destroyers, 10 submarines, 4 garrison units, one motorized infantry corps, and one pilot (but no planes)

ooc
the garrison units and the pilot are reserve units, which you get when you enter a war (Australia doesn't like big standing armies either)

ooc
the garrison units and the pilot are reserve units, which you get when you enter a war (Australia doesn't like big standing armies either)

OOC: So THATS what reserve means. Thanks for the clarification.

Parliament voted today for closer ties with the Vietnamese, as well as supporting administration efforts to improve both infastructure in the nation as well as encouraging a merchant fleet. However, the general mood in the capital has become somewhat darker as news of fierce debates in the League of Nations and the resurgence of the Warsaw Pact cast a cloud over the politicians there.

OOC: I'll be honest, I was totally blindsided by this whole China thing, but here goes nothing.

IC: To be honest, the government is quite torn between the two sides in the unfolding China incident. The ASPs and their supporters are rabidly in favor of the Communists and are opposed by those with anti-communist sympathies. It seems that the great majority, especially when considering civilian opinion is simply shocked that this is occuring at all but demands action on the part of the government.
As such, official travel warnings are posted, suggesting in the strongest terms possible that all Australians avoid combat zones. A movement to mobilize the army is struck down, but investment in the military is increased as two new motorized corps are raised and upgrades are ordered to all ships in the navy (ooc: from tech level 5 to 6). The deadlock in Parliament means that proposed sanctions against Japan are shotdown, meaning the government officially adopts a wait-and-see attitude.

OOC: Do you just need a design or somebody to build planes for you? If it is just a design for your aircraft, Rogozarski would be more than happy to license the IK-3 to you http://www.yumodel.co.yu/history_of_yugoslav_aviation/ik-3.htm

It is superior to the Hurricane, and early ME-109's(better flight characteristics than the E but slightly slower) Also carries a 20mm cannon and two machine guns.

OOC: Do you just need a design or somebody to build planes for you? If it is just a design for your aircraft, Rogozarski would be more than happy to license the IK-3 to you http://www.yumodel.co.yu/history_of_yugoslav_aviation/ik-3.htm

It is superior to the Hurricane, and early ME-109's(better flight characteristics than the E but slightly slower) Also carries a 20mm cannon and two machine guns.

As we told the French concerning their offer, Australia will consider your offer, and will do so more seriously should the crisis in China expand, our allies not get back to us quickly, or both. We have pilots for one wing already trained and would probably be capable of building our own unless you are eager to do so for us. However, we must admit we are slightly suspicious of your offer, considering our present position in opposing alliances and would appreciate your motives before moving forward in this deal.

we don't see you as an enemy, as the Union might see Britain, but as brothers caught on the other side of a wall which divides us. We hope that such dealings will break down that wall, though it will most likely be a brick at a time. If you don't accept our design, we will not be offended, as you have very valid reasons for doing so.

an excellent answer. Australia will send observers to Yugoslavia to watch the IK-3 in action and evaluate it. We also hope to break down this unfortunate curtain dividing the world today.

Jugoslavija will accept said observers, with no valid combat experiance to the IK-3's credit we will have to put on several air shows, and perhaps an aerial war game with the MEU or the Union. We hope that it will prove to meet your needs as a fighter/intercepter.

Jugoslavija will accept said observers, with no valid combat experiance to the IK-3's credit we will have to put on several air shows, and perhaps an aerial war game with the MEU or the Union. We hope that it will prove to meet your needs as a fighter/intercepter.

Consider the observers on their way. We look forward to the show with great interest.

Through the gracious help of the mother country, Australia established the RAAF, to defend the nation against aggression in the rapidly destabilizing Pacific. The pilots will be flying Hawker Hurricanes as soon as possible. Scheduled completion is for early 1935. However, Parliament has balked somewhat at further expansion of the military. Although it has given permission for the navy to be upgraded, the prime minister's government will be supporting education and infastructure in the coming years. Future expansion of the army may come later.

The US, having some spare foreign aid money available at the end of the year, provides sufficient aid to equip the RAAF with 250 B24 Maritime patrol bombers and sufficient money to train them. (6 points, 1 B24 naval air unit, available in September 1936 and 1 pilot available at the same time)

The US, having some spare foreign aid money available at the end of the year, provides sufficient aid to equip the RAAF with 250 B24 Maritime patrol bombers and sufficient money to train them. (6 points, 1 B24 naval air unit, available in September 1936 and 1 pilot available at the same time)

Our deepest thanks. Always nice to have big brothers looking out for you.

FYI: that Serate Post was Cylea

Our deepest thanks. Always nice to have big brothers looking out for you.

of course the down side to that is that it will cost 3 points a year to maintain.

of course the down side to that is that it will cost 3 points a year to maintain.

OOC: That is what all those merchant marines I have been building were for.

In the mid-1930s, in response to massive industrialization in both Australia and the rest of the world, the Labor Party under James Scullin gains a majority in Parliament. Australia introduces a social safety net to protect its citizens who have just completed a national effort and the first attempts at a Social Security are now 2 years old.

But the year is now 1937 and the world is not a happy place. Australia has maintained a military of a little more than 200,000 men for several yrs now, complete with a respectable airforce and decent sized navy. However, most men serve in the reserves. Though not estatic with the idea, the public has been convinced by the government to tolerate the idea through the pointing out of dangers from the north. A scare over the Chinese Revolution expanding prompted the temporary calling up of reserves, and though the men have been sent home, the military is on what could be called a yellow alert. More importantly, Scullin recently forced through the Parliament a bill calling for the modernization of the Australian Navy by the end of the year.

Should conflict erupt in the Middle East, Australia will stand by its allies in the LTA.

[Your nation-name] has been invited to The Antarctic Conference (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10230000#post10230000).

OoC: Yes, I know it's boilerplate. It's a lot of countries. Sue me.

It is 1939 and the Australian nation is at a crossroads. The nation has maintained a relatively large army reserve and navy for several years now, at the government's insistance that aggressive actions in the Pacific by other powers require it. Not all agree, and a growing number of people (though still the minority) demand the troops be demobilized.

With support from the United States, a domestic airline (Australian Airlines) and international airline (Quantas Air) have been established by the government. Welfare for the elderly and public education receive strong funding across the nation, and Parliament recently voted to extend that support to the island possessions and New Guinea.

Ties with New Zealand are being strenghtened through trade and the nation has provided 500,000 tons of merchant marine shipping to its sister nation.

Finally, in response to unprovoked aggression against China, an embargo on all war materials has been ordered against Japan. Should the attacks continue into 1940, food supplies (wheat and cattle) will be suspended as well. As usual, Australia stands by its allies in the LTA.

Prime Minister Scullin orders units of the Australian Navy to assist in the blockade of Bangkok on April 4th, 1939. HMAS Australia, HMAS Canberra, HMAS Sydney, HMAS Perth and escorts will move north as soon as possible. (OOC: 2 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 10 destroyers) This nation will stand by its allies in the LTA and by the rightful government of Siam. Every assurance is made to the public that the boys will be brought home as soon as possible, and dangers are downplayed. Public reaction is extremely mixed, with most citizens having an opinion. Some are fearful of expanding the conflict while others are swept up in a patriotic fever.

As the month of April drags on the national mood darkens. Forces are being massed on both sides and Australia's involvement is inevitable. On April 21st the government declares a national effort to secure the nation and prepare for the plunge that seems as if it must come soon...

Manila Bay, Philippines:
Heavy Cruisers HMAS Australia and HMAS Canberra
Light Cruisers HMAS Perth and HMAS Hobart
10 Destroyers
10 Submarines

Rabual:
Battlecruisers HMAS Repulse and HMAS Brisbane
Light Cruisers HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Adalaide
10 Destroyers
2x7 point Garrison Units
500 Corsair Fighters
250 B24 Naval Air Bombers

Australia:
Darwin: 1x7 point Garrison
Sydney: 1x7 point Garrison, 1x11 point Mechanized Corps, 500 Corsair Fighters
Brisbane: 1x7 point Garrison, 1x11 point Mechanized Corps
Port Moresby: 1x7 point Garrison
Melbourne: 1x11 point Mechanized Corps


This is approximately 520,000 men under arms (ooc: me thinks this may be high)

Upon receiving word of fleet engagements in the North Sea, the Prime Minister immediately calls upon the Parliament for a Declaration of War.

"For many months now, my fellow Australians, we have watched as the world circles toward war. To many of you I am sure, this slow descent has seemed nearly inevitable. I am just as sure that many of you see it as folly of the worst kind. After all, what can be gained from such sacrifice, such destruction of homes, possessions and people? 'We must be mad' you claim, as you sit at home and read the reports from overseas in horror.

I can only stand here and agree. This war will be the greatest test that mankind has ever faced. To take it when there is any alternative is indeed madness of the worst kind. But my fellow Australians, there is no alternative. We on this island continent can not sit idle as our loyal friends and allies valiantly hold up the order of this world against the barbarian, aggressor Reds. We must stand with them, for though the road be long and treacherous I know in my heart that this nation, these people will prevail."

On May 4th, 1939 Australia joins with the nations in the LTA in a Declaration of War on all nations in the Warsaw Pact and the Empire of Japan.

SIC:

To: Australian Government
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

Korea desperately needs the aid of Australia. We apologize for the tone of the message, but it is one of the highest urgency. We send this to you because we trust you. We know you are helping us now. But we need further aid.

Korean shipping has been attacked. My people are beginning to complain in the streets, and the Russian may move on us anytime, if the Japanese does not first. We need help. Anything. Supplies, military intervention, please. We need help. If we do not get help, I fear a Red Revolution may occur.

SIC:

To: Australian Government
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

Korea desperately needs the aid of Australia. We apologize for the tone of the message, but it is one of the highest urgency. We send this to you because we trust you. We know you are helping us now. But we need further aid.

Korean shipping has been attacked. My people are beginning to complain in the streets, and the Russian may move on us anytime, if the Japanese does not first. We need help. Anything. Supplies, military intervention, please. We need help. If we do not get help, I fear a Red Revolution may occur.

SIC Return Communique:
We will do all that is humanly possible to assist our Korean friends, but we must make it clear that our actions are largely directed by the senior members in our alliance. Our war machine is just now gearing up and I must say we are likely in danger of attack as well. To attempt to run supplies past the IJN would be difficult at best and foolhardy at worst, though if it is possible we can promise some. We will be much more capable of assisting in the coming year.

OOC: Budget for 1939 is written up and basically guided by the greater needs of the LTA. I have 4 pts in reserve that I could send part of, but only if it is allowed by Galveston Bay (dont know if it is against the rules to run blockades). As for direct military aid, our warplan is fairly narrow and involves only the liberation of Korea. Our forces are tied down, but we will move as fast as possible. Dont expect anything before 1940 though...

SIC Return Communique:
We will do all that is humanly possible to assist our Korean friends, but we must make it clear that our actions are largely directed by the senior members in our alliance. Our war machine is just now gearing up and I must say we are likely in danger of attack as well. To attempt to run supplies past the IJN would be difficult at best and foolhardy at worst, though if it is possible we can promise some. We will be much more capable of assisting in the coming year.

OOC: Budget for 1939 is written up and basically guided by the greater needs of the LTA. I have 4 pts in reserve that I could send part of, but only if it is allowed by Galveston Bay (dont know if it is against the rules to run blockades). As for direct military aid, our warplan is fairly narrow and involves only the liberation of Korea. Our forces are tied down, but we will move as fast as possible. Dont expect anything before 1940 though...

OOC: Thanks, man. Any help is appreciated.

The Third World War has raged for more than a year, and although Australia, its allies, and their just cause can see victory ahead, there are many trials still to face. In early May, news comes of the bloody invasion of Japan, one in which the Australian Nation plays a crucial role. Nearly 100,000 sons of the nation fall valiantly on Japanese soil, but the mission is a success. In honor of their valiant sacrifice the Prime Minister declares May 3rd to be ANZAC Day, in honor of these brave soldiers who symbolize the greatness of the nation.

actually, Australian casualties were 100,000 ashore (about 35,000 dead), plus another corps lost about 10,000 casualties when its transports were sunk (Figure 3,000 more dead).

Which is pretty steep for Australia, and definitely a reason to come up with Anzac Day

add in another 5,000 or so dead in naval combat, plus about 10,000 killed taking Okinawa.

actually, Australian casualties were 100,000 ashore (about 35,000 dead), plus another corps lost about 10,000 casualties when its transports were sunk (Figure 3,000 more dead).

Which is pretty steep for Australia, and definitely a reason to come up with Anzac Day

add in another 5,000 or so dead in naval combat, plus about 10,000 killed taking Okinawa.

schemantics schemantics...Total Casualties are higher than I realized but deaths are lower. Still comes out to a measureable portion of my population. (something higher than 2% casualities and .8% dead). for historical purposes, lets pretend my leader actually knew what he was talking about.

December 1940:
Months of combat under a unified command lead to more friendship motions in both the Australian and New Zealand Parliaments. Both countries declare that citizens of their nations possess citizenship in the other, in effect unifying the populations into one body.

April 1941:
The war looks to continue for a long time. New Zealand and Australia have unified the war efforts up to this point and its effects have not been lost on the nations. One representative in Canberra creates a motion that the nations unify their economies into more than just a trade block. It passes easily in Australia and more closely in New Zealand, carried mostly by Labor, with opposition from conservative nationalists who see the inevitable looming on the horizon. It seems now that the only thing dividing the two nations is a name and a flag.

schemantics schemantics...Total Casualties are higher than I realized but deaths are lower. Still comes out to a measureable portion of my population. (something higher than 2% casualities and .8% dead). for historical purposes, lets pretend my leader actually knew what he was talking about.

Australia and New Zealand (between them) suffered 50,000 casualties in the Ukraine in May 1941, which isn't going to make many people in Australia happy. I will assume unless otherwise directed that Australia is now contributing individual volunteers, but no formed units anymore.

Australia and New Zealand (between them) suffered 50,000 casualties in the Ukraine in May 1941, which isn't going to make many people in Australia happy. I will assume unless otherwise directed that Australia is now contributing individual volunteers, but no formed units anymore.

OOC: Yeah, I noticed that. Price I pay suppose for having units that fight so well they have to go ashore first. I'm all full of RP ideas in reaction, but I'll wait for the war to end to start any of them. The Prime Minister is one of those idealist fools, but assuming we are still on occupation duty in japan and the east indies, that should be enough for him to do his part. Just wish we could contribute more (what happened to the Aussie pilot unit and fleet?)

OOC: Yeah, I noticed that. Price I pay suppose for having units that fight so well they have to go ashore first. I'm all full of RP ideas in reaction, but I'll wait for the war to end to start any of them. The Prime Minister is one of those idealist fools, but assuming we are still on occupation duty in japan and the east indies, that should be enough for him to do his part. Just wish we could contribute more (what happened to the Aussie pilot unit and fleet?)

Aussie pilots are flying for the RAF, they simply provide the UK with another pilot unit, and can be flying anything the RAF has, so there are ANZAC jet fighter aces now. The fleet is supporting the Chinese, and occupation duty is a big help.

all fear Aussie Aces...

If you know specifically where corps are that would be nice, but I totally understand if you dont have the time (I think I have one Mechanized Infantry in Japan at least and the garrisons at Rabual could be moved to the Indies)

all fear Aussie Aces...

If you know specifically where corps are that would be nice, but I totally understand if you dont have the time (I think I have one Mechanized Infantry in Japan at least and the garrisons at Rabual could be moved to the Indies)

1 garrison unit in Japan, and 3 infantry corps in Dutch East Indies (figuring government reduced them in capability to save some money, and because they really don't have a combat role right now)

1 garrison unit in Japan, and 3 infantry corps in Dutch East Indies (figuring government reduced them in capability to save some money, and because they really don't have a combat role right now)

With a couple more garrisons at home since I'm not allowed to deploy them. Works for me, and thanks a lot.

There are no words to express the disbelief, the sorrow, and the fury that are raised in the Australian nation as news of disastrous biological warfare attacks on India and China reach the island continent. The Soviets in the eyes of everybody have proven that their very existence is a blight upon humanity that must be erased as soon as possible. The new prime minister John Curtin orders the rerouting of food supplies to the affected nations and calls for rationing (more of a moral thing than an actual law) of food so as to be able to send more to China and India.

July 15th, 1942. Groundbreaking Ceremony on a War Memorial in Perth, Australia. Prime Minister John Curtin speaking to a crowd mixed with veterans of the Invasion of Japan and relatives.

My thanks to Mr. Gardin for his introduction on this occasion…Thank you…. We gather here today by circumstances varied, but in remembrance of those who have gone before us, for it has often been the duty of heads of state to preside over the burial of soldiers. Those who have gone off to defend the homeland, never to return. A far greater man than I once said of a war memorial that though “it is all together fitting and proper that we do this….in a larger sense we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground.” Of course, still true today, though that was many years ago. But on days like this, it is common for us to look back to simpler times, to happy times. It was not so very long ago that those memories of peace were real. And though, God willing, those memories may live again, at times it may seem cruel that all that remains of our comrades in arms, our brother Australians, is the shadow of memory. And yet it is thus.

For more than three years, every race of man on the Earth has watched in horror a world gone mad. Australians, Americans, Englishmen—Germans, Columbians, Chinese---Russians, Turks, and Indians. All have known the pains and unspeakable horrors of our human folly. We hear of famine and sickness, of single bombs eradicating entire cities, and our hearts grow cold. What is another hundred-thousand dead, heaped upon the tens of millions who have already gone, and the millions more to follow? What, some of you ask, what is a million dead compared to my love—my son, my father, my brother? And yet it is thus.

The world convulses yet again. We fight the Great Crusade—they say. We are the Greatest Generation—they say. We oppose all that is unjust, and wicked, and wrong. At least, that is what they say.

This is what I say. I say the end is near. Our allies move on a deadly, dying Soviet Union. I do not deny the suffering of this world’s people, though I promise that some justice will be measured out. It will not be enough, it will never be enough, but I must plead with you and the world to accept it. The pieces of so many lives are shattered, and may seem beyond repair. And yet…

And yet we shall overcome this tragedy, these tragedies, as one people united. These losses, so hard to gaze upon, to comprehend today are not in vain. We have all lost so that we may all gain. And so, it is thus.

The War has ended, but its repercussions will reverberate throughout the rest of human history. Now is the time for humanity to come together, to bind each other's wounds and lay down our weapons. To that end, on October 15th 1942 the Parliaments of Australia and New Zealand vote to unify the two nations into the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand, with its capital at Canberra. New Zealand will form a self-named province on equal status with any other like New South Wales and its capital will remain at Wellington. In addition, Australia formally annexes the Bismark Archipelago and the Solomon Islands. These join the province of Queensland.

Australia and the world have come through the fire, certainly not unscathed, but alive. The nation is ready to take a new and leading place in the south Pacific.

Australasia (Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, British and Australian Polynesia, Fiji, British and American Samoa, Papua and Western New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz Islands, New Hebrides Islands, plus UN Mandate of Indonesia)
Population: 14 million plus 30 million Indonesian
Production centers: Sydney 2, Melbourne 2, Adelaide 1, Canberra 1, Brisbane 1, Auckland 1 plus 10 shipping units, national airline, international airline, plus 4 oil points from Indonesia plus 10 colonial points (6 Indonesia, 2 New Guinea, 1 Polynesia, 1 New Caledonia) (Total of 44 points)
1944 Budget: Level 5 social services (Australia/New Zeland) 5 points, Level 1 services Colonial territories 1 point, Level 2 Social services Indonesia 6 points, 1 HQ 1 point, 4 expert pilots 1 point, 1 Vampire fighter unit, 1 Mosquito light bomber unit, 1 Corsair fighter bomber unit – 1 point, 1 C47 transport unit, 1 airborne brigade, 2 marine light infantry brigades – 1 point, 4 garrison units – 1 point, 2 battlecruisers – 1 point, 2 cruisers - .5 points, 10 submarines - .5 points, 20 destroyers - 1 point, remainder to LTA aid pool
(modern Australia, New Zealand plus territories above)

OOC: just so its easier for me to see