NationStates Jolt Archive

January 23rd 1901 Issue

QUEEN VICTORIA DIES!

Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and Empress of India was reported to have died yesterday at her home in Osborne House in the Isle of Wight. There has been much mourning for her passing from throughout the Kingdom and this is expected to be echoed in all nations of the Empire once news reaches there. The funeral is expected to be held at Frogmore Mausoleum, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, next to the late Prince Albert on the 2nd of February following 4 days of lying in state at Westminster Abbey so that her people can see her for one last time. Most of the nobility from Europe and the Empire are expected to attend alongside prime ministers and presidents from around the world, including our own Lord Salisbury. Thousands of her subjects from around the world are expected to line the procession route from Westminster to Windsor Castle and the Royal Family will attend a private service at Frogmore before she is interred.

She left behind a legacy of a great ruler who united the world and was known as the “Grandmother of Europe”. She was a truely international monarch, indeed she lent her name to many a place, including Lake Victoria, Queensland and Victoria states in Australia, Victoria Falls and the Capitals of British Columbia, The Seychelles and Sakatchewan state in Canada. Palace officials have revealed that there is to be a monument erected to her outside of Buckingham Palace to commemorate her rule. She was 91 years old and had reigned for sixty-three years, seven months, and two days, more than any British monarch before her.

King Edward VII (Previously the Prince of Wales) has ascended to the throne and is expected to be officially crowned in June next year.

This paper says that she will be sorely missed and memorable as a kind and just ruler.

“The Queen is dead, long live the King!”

OTHER NEWS

Treaty of London with Argentina

Signed on 24th December this great treaty will secure the safety of the Falkland Irelands and increase security in the South American area with an official peace treaty now in place. It is expected to improve trade and diplomatic relations with Argentina. Engineers have been sent to Argentina to prepare new infrastructure sites, particularly port areas for increased economic trade and military security in the area.

Pledge to support Persian law enforcement efforts

Britain has pledged aid to Persia in eradicating rebels from the country, Lord Salisbury ahs stated that “Rebels, criminals and terrorists cannot be allowed to dwell in the countries neighbouring Persia and have easy access to India by Afghanistan. We have promised the Persian government aid in clearing the rebels out of this area, particularly Afghanistan to provide stability and civilisation to the region.

Granting of self rule to Australia as a dominion

It was recently announced by Lord Salisbury that Australia is to be granted self rule as a dominion of the British Empire. In a similar fashion to Canada, foreign and diplomatic relations will remain with Britain whilst domestic and some defence issues will be given to Australia. Several aging cruisers and torpedo boats have been sold to the new Australian Navy to provide a defensive capability.

MILITARY SUPPLEMENT

Latest from the Boer War
A huge invasion of the Transvaal is underway, a spearhead of armoured trains leads the force under the command of General Lord Roberts. It is hoped that this latest manoeuvre will bring a swift end to the bloody war.

Latest from the Chinese Incident

4500 soldiers and marines have landed at Tientsin in China to keep supply lines open to the embassies in Peking and are under the command of Lieutenant-General Alfred Gaselee. Many of the soldiers have been drawn from service in India and come from the following regiments: 1st Ghurkha Rifles, 20th Duke of Cambridge's Own Punjab Infantry, 32nd Sikh Pioneers, Royal Marine Light Infantry, Australian Naval Brigade, 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers. The naval contingent includes battleships HMS Canopus
and HMS Trafalgar as well as around 15 smaller ships which are under the command of Admiral Edward Seymour. Seymour is quoted as having said that he has spoken to other members of the international force and that he remains confident that the situation will be resolved soon.

In related news the garrison at Hong Kong has been increased and the local militia have been called up.

Naval development

The Navy has completed 3 new battleships of the Formidable (1901) class. They are to be known as HMS Formidable, Irresistable and Implacable. They are part of a continuing redevelopment program for the British Navy which will see 5 more Formidable class battleships, 20 new Armoured Cruisers, 31 new River Class Destroyers and 13 new Torpedo boats over the next 4 years. This new force should imporve Britain’s naval might and allow her to once again rule the seas. It is expected that the new ships will be commissioned on February 1st.

The Republic of Chile wishes to express our deep sorrow at the passing of Queen Victoria.

We also would like to request a meeting with the British Foreign Minister, and wish to extend that meeting to the French Ambassador in London for the purpose of negotiating a South Pacific treaty. This would help stabilize colonial claims in that region and provide better security for shipping.

Alberto Gomez,
Foreign Minister,
Republic of Chile

~Official Sharina TAG of approval~

Please, accept my condolences on the death of Queen Victoria.

We are at war, but despite your propaganda we are not a people completely without human decency. If you wish, we will accept a truce in South Africa until the Queen's funeral, so that your soldiers may honor her memory.

May the rule of Edward be just and fair.

[Signed]Louis Botha,
Supreme Commander of the Armies of Transvaal and Orange Free State

To: Alberto Gomez, Foreign Minister, Republic of Chile
From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

I would like to thankyou for your condolences in respect to the passing of my country's Queen.

I would be grateful for an opportunity to attend the upcoming South Pacific Treaty meeting. We have good relations with all South American powers and have recently signed a significant treaty with Argentina. Increased stability and security in the region can only imporve trade there and we would be honoured to be allowed to contribute to such a treaty.

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

To: Louis Botha, Supreme Commander of the Armies of Transvaal and Orange Free State
From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

Whilst I thankyou for your condolences regarding the passing of the Queen, I am unfortunately unable to order even a temporary cease fire regarding the War in South Africa. The Secretary of State for War, William Brodwick, has stated that it would be impossible to call a halt to our current offensive and to do so would put more British (and now Argentinian) lives at risk. We do however hope for a quick end to the long and bloody war and hope that it ends soon.

From His Exalted King of the Persians Mozzafar-al-Din Shah Qajar:

The Shah, and indeed all the Persian people wish to express their deep condolances at the death of the Most Triumphant Queen to ever grace the lands of Britian. We hope that King Edward will continue the glorious policies that his mother put forth during her reign.

Telegram
From: 7th President of the Fourth Republic of France Émile François Loubet
To: The Right Honourable Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury
Subject: New Hebrides (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=431622)

The lands off the coast of Australia, that have been refered to as the new Hebrides, have been a hot topic of discussion between our nations, there has been calls for one or another of us to annex this tiny land, as you can plainly see French interest in this land nearly doubles your own, we would recamend that you pull out of the New Hebrides and allow it to become a part of the prosperous French Republic.

Signed

Émile François Loubet

OOC: Kaduna made a post there just as you posted this.

IC:

To: The Shah of Persia
From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

We thankyou kindly for your messages of condolence and appreciate the concerns made by the Persian people at the passing of the Queen. Never fear though that King Edward will make an excellent ruler and will continue in the same spirit as his mother.

OOC: Kaduna made a post there just as you posted this.

(OOC: now that is bizarre, but not as bizarre as this, if you split Hebrides into two parts as is proposed in my plan, then you get He Brides :o)

OOC: would you like the He part or the Brides? :)

OOC: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=431388

In case you didn't catch the link earlier. Not much has happened so far, and it might end in failure yet, but you are invited to attend.

August 12th 1901

NEW HEBRIDES DISTURBANCES

There are reports reaching the British Government of civil disturbances within the New Hebrides colony. It appears that unknown individuals have begun to cause trouble all over the colony. British civilian's houses have been damaged and some light injuries have been reported. The only military presence on the island is that of the small guard who are in place at the governer's house. It seems that the government has done little to aid the settlers there. In an official statement a government official said that:

"The government considers this to be a small and isolated event possibly related to recent talks with the French over ownership of the islands, it is mainly the British areas at the centre of this and people are believed to be angry about some aspect of the recent talks. The governments official stance is that the residents will calm down with time and this problem will sort it's self out and military intervention will only enrage matters. Though a destroyer, HMS Brazen, has been diverted from the South Pacific fleet to monitor the situation and all British citizens ahve been advised to repor tto the governer's house for safety reasons."

OOC: I know this comes late but it takes time for news to travel around the world

To: King Edward VII
From: Emperor Mutsihito of Japan

I Would like to express deep sorrow that such a great Leader has passed on especially considering the length and greatness of her reign, furthermore we hope that the good relations that were brought on during her reign would continue and that your great Empire and ours could consider one another Friends. We also deeply regret the position of the French in the Incident currently happening in New Hebrides and if there is anything the Empire of Japan can do to assist your great empire please let us know.

From: King Edward VII
To: Emperor Mutsihito of Japan

The nation of Britain would like to thankyou for your kind messages of sympathy regarding the passing of our Queen. We would like to reassure you that our foreign relations stance will remain relatively unchanged with the coming of a new leader and that we will always consider the people fo Japan to be our friends. We thankyou again for your concern over the New Hebrides colonies, the situation there has escalated rapidly with the deployment of naval forces of both nations to quell the riots. We are unsure of the cause of the uprisings but our sources tell us that the French are involved in some way. We are keen to avoid allout war with the French, particularly since their recent diplomatic ties to the Germans. Therefore, if you are willing, we would propose you as a neutral country to intervene in the situation diplomatically and try to work out a solution (of course if it results in a good outcome for the British then the increased trade and diplomatic ties between our nations that results could only benefit us both!).

We thankyou for your help whatever you chose to do.

October 2nd 1901

The Royal Navy's First Submarine Launched

The Royal Navy has today announced the successful results of the first British submarine prototype experiments, the vessel belongs to the Holland class and has been named Her Majesty's Submarine Torpedo Boat No.1 (though commonly referred to as HMS Holland 1) the submarine has been undergoing testing since late last year and was found satisfactory today. A further 4 vessels have been known to have been commissioned and built at Barrow Shipworks. The vessels are armed with 3 torpedo tubes which fire torpedoes at enemy ships as well as an 8” gun for surface use. They are driven by a petrol fuelled engine and though relatively small are believed to revolutionise modern naval warfare.

A further 13 vessels of a new and alrger 100ft long “A class” have been commissioned by the admiralty as a dedicated military submarine and the first of these are expected to be completed by early 1902. More are expected to be produced in later years if these ships live up to their expectations. A Navy spokesperson was heard to say “Now we only need a war to test them in!”

To: King Edward VII
From: Emperor Mutsihito

My nation would gladly host Talks in Nagasaki with your nation and France to negotiate a peaceful solution to the New Hebrides situation (OOC: they'd have to be monday because I can't get at a computer on Sunday) We will be sending a Diplomatic Invitation to France if your nation wishes to commence those talks.

To: Emperor Mutsihito
From: King Edward VII

We would be honoured to have the Japanese government intervene in the matter of the New Hebrides. We look forward to the negotiations.

OOC: Monday should be OK but i'm at school all day so you'll have to begin without me.

To:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
From:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
Topic:Egypt

We of the Ottoman Empire call for British to end their Occupation of one of our regions know as Egypt.. We will allow to maintain a naval base in Alexandria for 40 years and allow your nation to run the Suez Canal for another 60 years..we ask of you to withdraw from one of regions. If you do not...we will be force to action in order to regain Egypt and end you occupation of our lands thoughtout the Middle East.

Sign
Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II

To:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
From:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
Topic:Egypt

British foreign policy will not be swayed by threats of violence, we have occupied Egypt as a protectorate for a long time now and will not give it up to any foreign government even if they claim to have nominal ownership of it. Our rule in Egypt has been fair and just and removal of troops and facilities there is not an option. I only hope that you understand our situation and are persuaded not to become further involved with a disagreement between our nations as we have no quarrels with the Ottoman Empire.

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

The Egyptian garrisons have been put on a heightened state of duty and The Derbyshire Regiment has been embarked at Gibralter for travel tp Egypr to reinforce others there in case of the breakdown of diplomatic relations between the British and the Ottomans.

To:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
From:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
Topic:Egypt

Dear Sir,
Your goverment does not run Egypt( OOC:Yes and no...the British Goverment had very big said over matters in Egypt, its was still run by the Khedive) it is the Government of the Abbas Hilmi Pasha, the Ottoman khedive of Egypt. We do not wish to go to war over this. All we ask is dual rule and the right to garrison our troops in our land. We can work something. On this matter that does not lead to war between our repected states.

Sign
Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
-----

6th and 9th Armies in Syria, Arabia and TransJordan were being call up for defending the region any attack from the British. The total number troops that were being call up was about 56,000 troops.

Also the 5th Army was order to be on stand in Libya, Total number troops 15,000 troops.

To:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
From:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
Topic:Egypt

We acknowledge that we do not have entire control over Egypt but have had an intensive involvement since 1881. We do not wish to go to war over this trifling matter but would like a sort of treaty on the matter. The French have been troubling us recently with their German treaty and so we would like to keep an eye on thei African affairs. Egypt has a border with French owned African teritory to the South West as does Ottoman Tripolitania. We will grant limited Ottoman garrisons and trade routes in Egypt if we can have the same rights in Tripolitania. I believe that this will benefit both our nations.

To:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
From:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
Topic:Egypt
We agree to your terms ,yet we want equal numbers of troops in Egypt. Meaning if you have 10,000 troops , we want to station 10,000 troop in Egypt to make it equal. Same will go for our holdings in Ottoman Tripolitania. If we can agree to this..we would ask that railroad network to be build thought Tripolitania thought Egypt to TransJordan.

Sign
Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II

To:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
From:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
Topic:Egypt

Your terms are acceptable to us. As to the railway we would be honoured to build it for you as part of our international trade program, and perhaps link it to our Cairo-Cape railway project?

In addition maybe a formal alliance is in order?

To:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
From:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
Topic:Egypt

We will be honor to have your fine nation build this railroad, also we are would like to have a link to your Cairo-Cape railway project. As for the Idea of a formal alliance between our nations, we would like to put that idea on hold for now. Intill we are ready to make allainces with other nations.

Sign
Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II

OOC: I am confuse with Egypt is under dual rule or something now?

OOC: No dual rule as such but I have allowed free trade between our nations and trade links to be established to them. Furthermore you are allowed tp garrison my border with French territory and vice versa to strengthen the defences there in case of war and to promote trade and cooperation. Also a rail link will be built from Tripolitania to the rest of Ottoman territory as well as into Sudan to extend the Cairo-Cape Town railway project.

To His Excellency Lord Wm. Lansdowne, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

My Lord,
It has only recently come to our attention the British Empire is contemplating, and perhaps indeed already in the process of ratifying, a treaty of alliance with the Sublime Porte (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9262594#post9262594). While we Russians (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=432096) have neither the wish nor even the capacity to influence British policy, we feel that you ought to apprised of the fact that tensions between St. Petersburg and Constantinople are particularly high at the moment due to the latter's suppression of Macedonian and Bulgarian liberties (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=428911), which, in his capacity as protector of Slavic Christians, the Sovereign Emperor cannot endure.
Yet I write in hopes that these events will not alienate Great Britain, whose interests on the Continent are presently pressured by the Franco-German Alliance. A conflict between Britain and Russia would at this delicate moment be a tragedy whose outcome could only benefit the House of Hohenzollern.
We therefore hope that you may, at the least, give St. Petersburg an assurance of neutrality in the event of an Eastern Conflict.

With the greatest respect,
His Excellency V. N. Lamzdorf, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Empire of All the Russias

OOC: No dual rule as such but I have allowed free trade between our nations and trade links to be established to them. Furthermore you are allowed tp garrison my border with French territory and vice versa to strengthen the defences there in case of war and to promote trade and cooperation. Also a rail link will be built from Tripolitania to the rest of Ottoman territory as well as into Sudan to extend the Cairo-Cape Town railway project.
OOC: understood, thanks for clearing that up.

To His Excellency Lord Wm. Lansdowne, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

My Lord,
It gives me great pleasure to report the successful resolution of the Black Sea Crisis, at least for the moment.
However, I feel that a closer understanding between the British and Russian is advisable, given the present state of Continental alignments. I am currently attempting to schedule a conference in Vienna (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=428581) concerning the mutual security needs of Russia and Austria-Hungary (as well as to seek some final solution to the Servian Question), and I would be most honored if Britain would send a delegate to represent her interests, as well.

With the greatest respect,
His Excellency V. N. Lamzdorf, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Empire of All the Russias

To:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
From:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

We are afraid we must cease all talks in relation to the alliance/treaty and remove troops back within our own borders. This is in respect of the Bulgarian affair where Ottoman troops have put down a revolt forcefully with little diplomatic effort made. In addition in respect to the new continental alliance emerging from the Franco-Germanic treaty I feel that it is better that my troops remain concentrated within my territory. I am sorry for this U-turn but I have only recently become aware of the emerging continental threat and have had to realign foreign policy in line.

To:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
Form:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II

Well sir, its appears you have been listing the Russians and their lies..we have work out a peaceful way to end the rebellion and the rebellion is over. Please rethink your statement.

To:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
From:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

It is mainly the French and German threat that we are looking at, but in these troubled times my Secretary of State for War has advised me that any foreign troops in my nation are likely to be bad for civilian morale and also could be a security risk. I am not suggesting that your soldiers are untrustworthy or spies or such but do not wish the people of Egypt to feel that the British are abandoning them, indeed the sight of your troops back in Egypt may suggest to them that it would be a much better thing to become a part of the Ottoman Empire again and plan to rebel against me. In times of peace I am sure that such an arrangement would be fine but in these troubled modern times we have many threats reaching for the British Empire and we must try and preserve as much security as is possible. I am sorry for such an arrangement my friend, but once we have ended this French and German threat I am sure that we would welcome increased peace and cooperation with our Ottoman friends but am at this moment unwilling to allow foreign troops onto my territory.

To:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
Form:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II

As you wish, there will other times for us to work out a better treaty and etc.Also I would like ask if your nation would build us two battleships. We are willing to pay top pound for these ships to counter the growing French Fleet theat to Ottomans.

To:Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid II
From:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

I would love to be able to help our Ottoman friends, however I am afraid that currently our shipyards are tied up with our navy modernisation and that we have 5 Battleships and 4 Armoured Cruisers scheduled for this year as well as 45 other vessels to be commissioned within the next 2 years. Therefore, if it is new ships that you are after, I am afraid that I can give no help to you. However we will be selling off some of our older vessels to make room in our fleets for these new ones. I will be able to provide full details of these after the completion of our modernsiation program, but am unwilling to provide old vessels before the new ones are at sea.

I am sorry I cannot be of further help to you at this time.

Lord Lansdowne.

Next on Razoul's list was the other Benefactor, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Secret Communique

To: Lord Landsdowne
From: General Zahed

As you may have learned, the resitance movement, the Faithful, have liberated the city of Shiraz from the vile despot, the Shah. We have noticed your current expedition into Afghanistan and have decided that, while we will not condemn your cooperation with the Shah, we implore that you watch that you are not betrayed by the serpent. The Persian people wish to continue such a friendly relationship as ours, but we ask that the British Empire not interfere with current events in Persia. We have also noticed your cooperation with Russia and we praise you for doing so.

Peace unto You,
Razoul Zahed

To: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
From: The Ottoman Government

Dear Sir
The Ottoman Government would welcome your nation in investing in our lands and railroad network. Also we ask that your main arms company set up shop in our emprie. By building a numbers of arms factories in our lands. To help the Ottomans build up their defenses against her foes.

To: General Zahed
From: Lord Landsdowne

We have heard of the events in Persia and are willing to let events play out and observe teh result. We wish to continue our good relationship with any resulting government and hope that our high reputation will remain undamaged in Persia. Meanwhile my army will continue to occupy Afghanistan to secure the Indian border territories from attack. We hope that this is acceptable to you and we are glad taht we now have tribal support in this matter.

I wish you well.

Lord Lansdowne, Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

To: The Ottoman Government
From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

I thankyou for your kind offer of factories and have put it to our main arms manufacturers; Lee-Enfiel and Vickers as well as some of our naval shipyards. However they are unwilling to locate outside of the British Empire or affiliated territories. To that end Lee-Enfield, Vickers and one Naval Dockyard Company have decided to locate a factory apiece in Egypt to further Middle-East trading and boost the local economy. It is expected that they will be up and running within two years.

Comminque to Britain
From: Emperor Guozu Tuan

Greetings.

I am pleased to inform you that the last vestiges of Boxer dissent has been dealt with. In addition, major work is being undertaken in construction of railroads throughout China. I expect that within the end of the decade, trade revenues and profits will increase by ten-fold or more, as China is finally becoming much more efficient at exporting its valuable trade commodities.

Any deals, diplomacy, and exchanges between our two nations will be much easier and more pleasant now that there is no need for back-channels and such, as I am Emperor of China. My edicts and rule is uncontested, as I have the support of the Chinese people and leadership behind me.

I would like to discuss diversifying trade. What type of goods would you be willing to export to China, or what existing trade would you be willing to expand upon? In return, please inform me of any additional Chinese goods that your people may desire.

Thank you.

~Emperor Guozu Tuan

The British are willing to export machinery, clothing, firearms and other finished goods in return for raw materials such as coal(?) or food. We are also willing to purchase any surplus dynamite which may be produced at the new factory.

Comminque to Britain
From: Emperor Guozu Tuan

Your deal seems agreeable. However, it will take some time before it can bring full fruit.

China needs to construct railroads to become able to move great quantities of raw materials, resources, food, minerals, metals, and the like. Once this task is completed, our mines in Tibet and Mongolia will be able to be connected to the Pacific ports, allowing hundreds of thousands of tons of surplus resources to be traded and exported. Not only that, but railroad networks will also help in creating a much more efficient food system for China. With multiple cities connected, Chinese farmers can bring far more rice and cash crops into the major cities for distribution of foodstuffs. China will not need as many farms, despite its enormous population, as several large blocs of farmland will be enough to feed China, rather than hundreds of acres of farmland for each village, town, and city in China.

We do plan on constructing several dynamite factories within our lands, as we will need enormous quantities of dynamite for mining operations, terraforming more efficient farmland, and construction of thousands of miles of railroads. We would be more than happy to export any surplus dynamite for something of equal value in return. Perhaps a small naval vessel, steam machinery, or electricity would be an equitable exchange?

Once all these begin to be implemented, then China can truly become accessible for large scale trading. We Chinese and you British will be able to benefit quite greatly from these trading arrangements, entering into a new era of prosperity.

Thank you.

~Emperor Guozu Tuan

Telegram
From: 7th president of the Third French republic Émile François Loubet
To: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

There has been a lot of tension between our nations causing great controversy in all of Europe, our only proposition was that we unite Europe, a war seemed looming and so we merely attempted to avoid such an event, we now wish to extend pact of Non-Agression towards Britain, we hope that Europe can be once more a friendly location.

Signed

Émile François Loubet

Communiqué tp China

From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

We understand that the modernisation of your country will take time and that it will be many years before full production can begin. However in the meantime we would like to offer you goods now and you can either pay for them later or trade other goods. A sort of a "trade loan" if you will. For example if I authorise the shipping of steam machinery for dynamite, textiles or food production now you can repay us with goods produced later on. This should allow you to industrialise efficiently now without becoming debt ridden in the future.

As to the weapons trade, I can authorise the dispatch of rifles, machine guns and other small arms to your nation in exchange for other goods. However at this time my navy shipyards are functioning at full capacity in bringing my nation's navy up to scratch for the new century. We have 5 Battleships and 4 Armoured Cruisers scheduled for this year as well as 45 other vessels to be commissioned within the next 2 years. Therefore I am unable to provide any new vessels to you at this time. However we have many older vessels which we can provide to you for a reduced cost. We can provide any vessels that you require from battleships down to torpedo boats, again in exchange for Chinese goods or money.

I hope that this will assist you in planning for future trade with my nation and I wish you a long and peaceful rule as emperor.

Telegram
To: 7th president of the Third French republic Émile François Loubet
From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

Indeed this nonsense in Europe has gone on long enough and we are determined not to start a war over it. We would agree to a limited peace treaty with France but are unwilling to be drawn into an indefinate treaty or a full alliance at this stage, particularly given your country's status with Germany and current ineternal affairs within your nation.

As a sign of goodwill we are willing to dispatch a team of the Metropolitan Police Criminal Investigations Department's best detectives to assist you in tracking down the perpetrators of this vile crimes against your nation. They would be under your full controla and I believe that they would assist your team greatly given their previous experience against terrorism in Ireland and the colonies.

The Lublin Conference (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9278717#post9278717) is here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9278717#post9278717). I think we can hammer out a Non-Aggression and Collective Security Pact first, then iron the details for things like the Serbian and Persian Questions. I'll be posting this in everybody's threads. I'm inviting
Austria-Hungary
Great Britain
Argentina
Serbia
Persia (rebels)
Macedonia (autonomous government)
and, for good measure,
Sweden (if they're still around)
The other two Principals are, of course, free to invite anybody else they think is reasonable.

Thanks, I just made a post there.

Telegram
From: 7th president of the Third French republic Émile François Loubet
To: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

You have been invited to a European confrence in France, this confrence hopes to tackle any rumors of the French Treaties, we hope you can attend, you will find it at (...)

Signed

Émile François Loubet

OOC: OK Kaduna, i'll check it out.


IC:

11 July 1902

PM Resigns

The Most Honourable Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury has resigned from his post as Prime Minister for Britain and Ireland. He has resigned following his wife's recent tragic death, and is believed to be seeking a quiet life and an easy retirement. He offered to remaun in office long enough to see the end of Boer War and has now retired.

He has named his successor as Arthur James Balfour, his nephew who was previously his private secretary. There are presumed to be no major policy changes with the introduction of a new Prime Minister.

Boer War Officially Over!

The Boer War has officially ended today after the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed by major figures on both sides, including Lord Lansdowne, Foreign Minister, James Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies as well as Paul Kruger the Transvaal President and

The treaty establishes that:

Recognition of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State as colonoes of Great Britain.
All Uitlanders can return to the Transvaal.
The Boers to lay down all their weapons and reapply fo rnew ones from the government.
Dutch can still be taught in schools and used in local courts.
A civil government will replace the military administration.
Self-government will be promoted (and expected within 5 years).
Voting rights for black people will be discussed once the two new colonies can govern themselves.
Financial help will be provided for poor citizens in the form of welfare benefits.
The two new colonies’ debts will be paid off by the British.
Boer POWs to be returned to the Transvaal and the mines opened again.

To:The British Government
From: Ottoman Government
Topic Land
The Ottoman Goverment is willing to give your nation the regions of Libya in return for allaince or NAP between our nations.We await your answer.

From:The British Government
To: Ottoman Government

The British government is intrigued by your offer and is willing to discuss a Non Agression Pact with your nation. Such a pact would guarantee peace between our nations and would improve trade and cooperation between us. The region of Tripolitania (Roughly moidern Libya) would be welcomed into our Empire and in exchange you would get an NAP, increased trade, we would be willing to sell you arms and ships and perhaps improve relationships with the Ottomans which have previously been icy and unproductive. In addition neither nation would be required to assist the other militarily, merely just not to support another nation in a war against it's friend and to do all in its power to help the other diplomatically. I hope you will consider this and look forward to hearing your reply.

August 25th 1902

PM Announce Massive Growth In Military Production

The Prime Minister, Arthur Balfour, and the Secretary of State for War, William Brodrick, have today announced an increase in British war materials production. It is believed to have been announced in response to the increased production in Germany recently. Several new shipyards have been laid out and expected to begin production within 2 years time, in addition the Lee-Enfield and Maxim companies have been allowed to establish several new factories each and production of all war materials is to be increased. The costs of these measures is apparently going to be funded by the increased sale of weapons to other nations. There are fears that this could start several more wars in Europe as nations find it easier to get their hands on firearms. However the PM denied this in a statement made this morning saying that "These nations would get weapons anyway from Germany, France, Russia or the USA so Britain may as well keep up with her rivals and increase sales to boost the economy". In addition to foreign sales Britain's military is expected to be increased with wider recruitment and increased numbers of regiments and ships to be announced later today. Mr. Brodrick has stated that this will "herald in a new era for Britain and allow her to keep up with rivals in Europe and maintain her colonies across the world!".

All ship production has been speeded up and the following new ships have been commisioned (approximate date of production in brackets)

Armoured Cruisers
Monmouth, Bedford, Berwick, Cornwall, Cumberland, Donegal, Essex, Kent, Lancaster, Suffolk (1903)

Third Class Cruisers
Diamond, Amethyst, Sapphire, Topaze (1904)

Destroyers
River Class: Erne, Ettrick, Exe, Ribble, Treviot, Usk, Derwent, Itchen, Kennet, JedWelland, Cherwell, Dee, Arun, Blackwater, Wavney, Chelmer, Colne, Gala, Garry, Ness, Nith, Swale, Ure, Wear, Liffey, Moy, Ouse, Boyne, Doon, Kale, Rother (1904)

Submarines
B1 through to B11 (1903)
C1 through to C38 (1905)

In addition 20 new British infantry regiments will be established by 1905 as well as 15 more from India and 40 from other commonwealth nations.

To:The British Government
From: Ottoman Government

All we ask of the British Government for this treaty and land is that, we ask for your to invest in our lands and help us build up our oil fields in Iraq and a numbers of areas in the Empire. Also ask that your nation repect the rights of Ottoman People that living in Tripolitania and give us time to withdraw our forces from the region. Note the Ottoman Government is deeply interest in buying a number of Destoryers from your nation. If you could sell us some Destroyers at least 10 are needed for the Ottoman Fleet.

Secret IC
The US Government secretly approaches the British government about a more permanent working arrangement in the Pacific and Caribbean, including the mutual use of each others bases.

To: London, United Kingdom
From: Brussels, Belgium

Prime Minister Balfour:

With the breakdown of negotiations between World Powers in Lublin, along with the Growing tensions between yourself and the Empire of Germany, the Kingdom of Belgium wishes to establish a formal Non-Aggression Pact with the British Empire over the course of the next 10 years, ensuring that Belgian Neutrality is maintained in the event of war. Any such breech of this pact through aggresive military action would, of course, grant the Belgian government a legitamite Cassius Belli.

Furthermore, as both of our nations are devouted to the principles of Capitalism, our Government would like to extend the offer of a possible Free-Trade Pact, allow both Belgian and British goods to travel back and forth without prohibative Tariffs. Within this pact, the Ministry of Defense would also like to negotiate the possible purchase of Various Production Rights on weapons such as the Lee-Enfield Bolt Action Rifle, Vickers Heavy Machine Gun and other various weapons of war. However, this sort of negotiation mst be carried out through different channels, as the Foriegn Ministry has no jurisdiction over the topic in question.

We hope you will seriously consider the offers above, so that our two nations may continue to prosper.

Signed,

Dr. Charles Le Clercq
Foriegn Minister
The Kingdom of Belgium

To: The British Government
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Many Italian ministers, having viewed Tripolitania as an Italian interest, are distraught at the British government's take over of said province. Now, we understand that Italy had no claim to that territory, but we were prepared to sieze the province. As we are still interested in the province, we are willing to make a deal with the British government.

As you may have noted, Italy has a colony in Eritrea, strategically located along the Red Sea and in close proximity to British positions in Yemen and other British colonies. This colony, if in British hands, would all but ensure British control over the Red Sea and secure your Suez Canal.

In exchange for Tripolitania, Italy will provide Britain with Eritrea. As Britain may not feel the exchange as equal, we are willing to sign a non-agression pact. Now we understand our position in the Triple Alliance may provoke unease, but let it be known to Britain that we have serious qualms with Austria-Hungary. Should these arrangements not be in Britain's interests, we can negotiate in further communiques. We are quite open to suggestions and look forward to strengthening our relationship with Great Britain.

Secret IC:
From: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
To: Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland

Dearest Uncle,

Though we have faced many arguments and have somewhat distanced ourselves from each other, I wish here and now, to proclaim my forgiveness in anything rash I have done in the past. We both come from the same stock and should act as so.

We also are of the same race of Germanic heritage that brought down Rome! I understand that you are bewildered and even frightened at the recent "partnership with France". This was a thing that was done without my permission and I have had the perpertraitors dealt with. Those Romantic pig-dogs will soon get what they deserve for backstabbing me as so! Even though I am appalled at such an idea, their immediate revoking and even insulting manner has caused me much anguish and made me think about who my true friends are.

Therefore, I propose a plan. A plan to push the Germanic Race above all others! An Alliance! I believe this alliance will help us both, and will bring fear in the hearts of our foes. Do please consider it.

I would also wish to discuss with you the facts of Venezuela's debt increase. I believe we should teach them a lesson.

I wish you my best,
Willi

From:The British Government
To: Ottoman Government

We are willing to accept all the aforementioned terms for the treaty and land takeover. I cana ssure you that British comanies will be encouraged to invest in your nation and that I am dispatching some British Government Geologists to help you to further your oil field explorations. I give you my word that any civilians living in the area, no matter their nationality, will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity and will be allowed to remain in thier residences, further to this I will allow your troops until the end of June 1904 to withdraw and for British troops to replace them, I believe this should be ample. Finally as to the destroyers, I can authorise an Ottoman purchase of our vessels, I would wish to know whether you require old surplus stock or new vessels straight from the shipyards?

I thankyou for your hospitality and hop efor a long and peaceful future between our nations.

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


Secret Tg to US Government:

Indeed an increased Pacific and Carribean presence would be beneficial to both our nations, I am intrigued by your offer and would be willing to discuss details of base sharing.

To:The British Government
From: Ottoman Government

Dear Sir,

We have already began withdrawing our forces from Libya. As the needs of the Ottoman Fleet, we would like to buy new ships for our old fleet. Yet we are willing to buy some surplus ships if you have any.

From: London, United Kingdom
To: Brussels, Belgium

Dear Sir,

We would indeed welcome a non-agression pact with your nation and can confirm that a 10 year period would be acceptable to us. We give you our word that we would never break such a pact and realise that in such an event war would be inevitable. Just look at our outstanding foreign relations in the past and see for yourself.

In relation to the trade situation between our two nations I will authorise HM Customs and Excise that no tariffs are to be placed on Belgian goods entering the UK and vise versa and hope for the same system for the same arrangement with Belgian Customs authorities.

I hope for continued good relations between our nations

Signed,

Lord Lansdowne
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

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

From: The British Government
To: King Vittorio Emanuele III

We are aware of long standing Italian claims for Tripolitania and, whilst a base at Eritrea would be welcome, we would ask that you also include Italian Somaliland in your deal. In return we would welcome a non-agression pact with Italy and also allow Italian military vessels to use British bases in Somaliland, Eritrea, Malta, Cyprus, Gibralter and also the Suez canal. We feel that such an agreement would be beneficial for both our nations and would allow you to significantly improve your naval power in the Mediterranian, Indian Ocean and the Atlantic, further to this I would authorise HM Customs to rescind tariffs on all Italian products (in return for similar services in Italy) and also will encourage talks between you and our MoD in rleation to weapons purchases should you require any.

I hope that this offer is of interest to you and look forward to hearing from you again shortly.

Secret TG:
To: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
Fro,: Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland

Dearest Nephew,

Blood is indeed thicker than water and so I am willing to forgive your recent rashness and accept that your alliance with France et al was merely a mistake. However there are many in parliament who will not see it this way and will instead look in horror at the state of affairs on the continent.

Indeed much of my nations power now lies with the elected body and I can do little to alter that fact. I believe, however, that I will be able to force through a non-agression pact with your nation for say 10 years during which we can build upon our friendship and economic ties and hopefully emerge stronger.

I only wish I could do more.

Yours,
Uncle Eddy.

PS. I am willing to discuss Venezuelas debt in further detail and will speak with you again shortly to further this matter.

To: The British Government
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy agrees to the British requests and has begun withdrawing our personnel from Italian Somiland and Eritrea and have begun transferring them to Tripolitania via ship. Tarrifs have been removed from British goods, and we agree to a non-agression pact with Britain. In gratitude for allowing Italian ships to use British bases, we grant Britain the same right. The only area we advise you avoid is the German naval base near Syracuse, as we understand that Britain and Germany have a few tensions.

To: King Vittorio Emanuele III
From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

Your Majesty,
I am glad that we have been able to come to an arrangement, my only term is that you will respect the rights of the present inhabitants of Tripolitania and will allow any present Ottoman citizens to live there. I will instruct the MoD to allow Italian vessels into our harbours and vice versa. As to the exception with respect to Syracuse I agree to this and will inform my subordinates to avoid this German base as long as the same terms apply to our main base at Alexandria in Egypt. Tariffs have been removed from Italian goods and the Non-Agression Pact is now enforced. I have begun the transfer of troops to Etritrea and Somaliland and your troops are free to occupy Tripolitania as soon as the Ottoman forces leave.

From:Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister.
To: Ottoman Government

My trusted friends,
In relation to the recently annexed territory of Tripolitania (Libya) I have instructed my counterparts in the Italian government to rule over it. They have an historical claim to the area and such a claim was deemed less likely to cause rebellion or other trouble in the area than a full blown unprovoked foreign occupation. The previously set date for withdrawal will still remain in place and after this deadline Italian forces will occupy the territory. In return the British Empire has gained the previously Italian East Africa territories of Somaliland and Eritrea which will complement our Indian Ocean and Suez Canal territories nicely. I hope this arrangement is acceptable to you, it will not affect any of our other agreements in any way and I hope that we shall still be close friends and taht our nations shall grow prosperous together.

Yours,

Lord Lansdowne.

OOC: I'll update the possessions accordingly.

To: Edward VII of Great Britain
From: Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany

Dearest Uncle,

I am glad at least you can see how matters truely are. I just hope that the swine Frogs have not clouded your people's view. I hope you will soon realize that the true power of things should lie in the hands of Kings, not petty democracies.

I must however, admit that I have been rather rash as of the past decade. You see, youth had clouded my judgement, and I was excited. I also thought I could trust the French, but as we have seen, that is not true. I should have remembered stories of the old days of Napoleon and his treachery to our glorious Teutonic race. Your people, as well as mine, should both recognize that these latins in the West are beginning to show their belligerent sides. I fear that alone, we would be doomed. However, should we, the greatest powers in the world, unite, they would begin to cower beneith us. I do think that agression between us would be most unwise.

However, I agree. If only to appease your silly parliament, I shall begin slowly and agree to a Non-Agression Pact. However, as things progress, I do think that our nations should begin to work together more. For one idea, I think both of our nations should jointly work together to help build the once glorious Ottoman Empire, so that they may be great allies to us both! Therefore I propose that both developers work together, here in Berlin, to plan joint operations to restore the Turks to their rightful power.

Lastly, I think we should discuss matters of Venezuela and their failure to pay their dues. The fact of a civil war in their country should not be an issue! Alas, the sun is becoming ever lower, and I am becoming weary. I would enjoy a visit with you and the cousins soon. Perhaps you could join the Tzar and me in the Baltic?

Your loyal nephew,
Willi

Washington Post newspaper article
"The Navy announced today the Captain Mahan, the author of the famed "Influence of Seapower on History" and President of the Naval War College, and Admiral Dewey, Commander of the Fleet, will be visiting England later this month aboard the brand new cruiser "Galveston".

ooc
cover for a secret visit to discuss basing agreement.

secret IC
Mahan and Dewey have the authority to offer the RN use of Pearl Harbor, San Francisco, Brooklyn Naval Yard, Manila (Cavite), Guam, and Key West naval base as well as preferential status alongside its Navy once the Panama Canal is completed. In exchange the US Navy wants access to British bases in India, Capetown, Singapore, and Australia, as well as Jamaica.

To: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy will respect the British base at Alexandria, and all vessels have been warned. We will honor whatever previous arrangement Britain had with the Ottomans in respect to the protection of their citizens. We will also respect any British citizens that may have moved to this territory, which we have taken to calling "Libya," out of respect to a more ancient name.

To: The Ottoman Government
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III
Subject: Tripolitania

Italy assures the Sublime Porte that Italy will respect whatever previous arrangement Britain had with your nation in respect to your citizens. They will be treated well, but will be encouraged to leave as the anarchy in that territory created by the Senussi Brotherhood has yet to be filled. We have begun the transfer of troops from Eritrea and Italian Somiland to Tripolitania, and ships have begun disembarking from Italy to land 30,000 troops in Tripoli. We ask that the Ottoman Empire finish its withdrawl, so that no accidents happen between our troops.

October 13, 1903 - Eastern Palace, Sofia

From: HRH King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria
To: HRH King Edward VII of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

My amorous daughter Princess Anne has been making the rounds again with your nephew Kaiser Wilhelm in an innocent way of course. But seriously, Bulgaria still needs some help in developing and seeking recognization as well as improving the state of affairs for everyone in the society of today and into the future.

Form: The Ottoman Government
To: King Vittorio Emanuele III
Subject: Tripolitania

Give us another month to finnish withdrawing the last group of troops in Tripolitania...also we would to ask that our two nations sign a NAP treaty in the hopes of impoving relations.

To: The Ottoman Government
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy will give the Ottoman Empire one month to remove the last of its troops from Tripolitania. However, we have begun landing our own troops in the province around Tripoli. Our troops are under strict orders not to interfere with your withdraw, although they have begun the process of establishing Italian control.

We have begun collaborating with the Senussi in the wastes of this province. Their leader, Sidi Muhammad Idris al-Mahdi al-Senussi, has been appointed Emir of Cyrenaica and controls the eastern wastes. We ask that your troops not interfere with him during your withdrawl, as there could be severe consequences.

Finally, Italy will not sign a non-aggression pact without negotiations concerning Constantinople. Our Roman fore-fathers founded that city, and there are many here in Italy who would love to return that city to Italian rule. It is my opinion that if that is to happen, it be decided at a table with pen and paper rather than by the rifle. We understand the Sublime Porte would be saddened at the loss of that city, but its possession continually exposes the Ottoman Empire to risk in the European power games, and ceding it would remove this great risk. The Greeks want it. The Russians want it. As the Ottoman Empire is short in naval power, it may be difficult to continually hold it. Italy, however, has a fairly large navy and will not have great difficulty in holding the city.

OOC:Fluffywuffy, Please repost your last reply in my news thead, this is British News, and what we are talking about is not about Britian.

OOC: Sure thing, I'll just copy & paste it into the OE news thread

TOP SECRET TG

To: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
From: Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland

My Dearest Nephew,
Indeed, the power of Britain now lies with the elected body but I still retain some power over their actions and the people view me as a figurehead. Therefore, I am sure that we will be able to increase diplomatic ties with you in the near future.

Those debtors in Venezuela cannot be allowed to continue their thievery from both our nations and others in this world, the very fact that they have used our money to fund a civil war is irreconcilable and said funds must be regained. I feel that a combined British and German presence there to restore order would be enough to return power to a more amicable leader and perhaps you would do the honours of seeing over the country after it's occupation. In exchange for the previously discussed concessions of course.

Finally I would be glad to be invited to a summit between our nations and Russia and would be pleased to enjoy a stay in the Baltic. I would of course bring other members of the family with me to enjoy your kind hospitality.

Your Uncle Eddy

secret IC to USA

We would welcome a shared naval agreement between our nations. The RN is prepared to swap docking privileges at Pearl Harbor, San Francisco, Brooklyn Naval Yard, Manila (Cavite), Guam, and Key West as well as joint preferred crossing benefits at Panama for similar concessions within our own Empire. These will include: Indian ports, Capetown (SA), Singapore, Australia (including Papua), as well as Jamaica. Further to this I am able to offer you preferred useage of the Suez Canal alongside the RN and also limited docking space at Southampton and Portsmouth.

In addition perhaps those fellows Orville and Wilbur Wright could be persuaded to journey to Britain and demonstrate their new invention, the air-plane to some of our representitives. We have been toying with powered flight for a while now and would be extremely interested in whatever the Wright brothers have to show us. W ewould of course provide for full expenses for the journey and would help to publicise the new invention, if taht is so wished.

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

To: King Vittorio Emanuele III
From: Lord Lansdowne, British Foreign Minister

Your Majesty

We are glad that we have been able to come to such an arrangement and welcome further cooperation with your country. We are glad that foreign citizens will be respected in Libya and that our base at Alexandria will remain out of bounds to Italian vessels. I hope to begin moving troops into Somaliland and Eritrea from Egypt and India in approximately one months time after Italian forces have left.

To: HRH King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria
From: HRH King Edward VII of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

We are pleased to see increased diplomatic activity from our friends in Bulgaria. I am glad that you look towards improving your nation for the future and can agree to support you in this matter. British companies have been informed of your plight and many ahve already agreed to send help to your nation. For example many of the locomotive companies have been delighted to be able to assist in developing your nations railways in return for some of your exports in return (clothing, iron, food etc.), as well as many other countries from the entire industrial spectrum, all that they ask in return is a small reduction in tariffs on the goods that they wish to import back to Britain. i hope that we can progress further on this matter and welcome improved relations with your country in the future.

TOP SECRET TG

From: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
To: Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland

Dearest Uncle,

I thank you for your kind words and endearing support. I do believe that something must be done, and I think now is the time to do it. I will be sending the navy and perhaps more, should it be warrented. I would be happy to do the honors of restoring the country to its former state of citizenship in this world.

I would like to bring to your notice, the slight rashness of our friends the Italians towards our joint partner the Ottomans. They have been making references to their "claim" of Constantinople. I feel that if they do not back down soon, they should be reprimanded.

Yours,
Willi

TOP SECRET TG

To: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
From: Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland

The South Atlantic fleet has been mobilized to provide support to your troops and the British Guiana Militia has been called up to protect the territorial borders. Regular infantry from Canada, The Cape and Britain have been dispatched but are not expected to arrive for months due to the long travel distances involved. British forces on the ground will do all that is possible to aid German troops in the area including launching raids over the borders to attack rebel forces. Perhaps now is the time to issue a formal ultimatum to the Venezuelan Government? It would not worry them of course but would make the occupation more legal in the eyes of the world.

As to the Italian issue, it is indeed worrying that they should demand so harshly the territory of our Ottoman friends. They should be warned as to the effect that such demands will have upon world security. At this moment in time Europe is like a powder kegready to go up at the smallest spark of trouble and we must do all that we can to ensure the security of our friends and allies.

Your Uncle Eddy

December 7th 1903

Build up of British Forces in Guiana

This paper has reason to believe that British forces will soon see action in South America. The Royal Navy's South Atlantic Fleet has been stationed in British Guiana for the past fortnight and has only left on limited patrols. The Guianan Militia has been called up from the local populace and land owners and has stationed itself upon the territories borders, in addition the The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment and The Gordon Highlanders regiment have landed at Georgetown, the colony's capital, earlier this week. There have been unconfirmed reports that this may be linked to recent violence and civil war in Venezuela and that nation's refusal to pay off a large British Government loan, though this paper cannot confirm this rumour. The government has remained tight lipped about the situation and has refused to comment so far.

Ultimatum on Venezuelan Debts

January 3, 1904

The German Empire and The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland hereby state that unless Venezuela begins payment of debts to the countries of the world, that these Empires will be forced to occupy Venezuela until such debts are paid. 10% of said debts must be payed for within the week, or else measures will be taken.

Washington Post January 1904
When asked about the British ultimatum, Secretary of State John Hay made the following comment. "The US government is not in the business of protecting debtors who refuse to pay their debts because of their own incompetence. The Germans and British and Italians are within their rights under International Law to demand repayment, and for that matter, to extract payment by force if necessary. That said, any permanent occupation of Venezuela, should a military intervention occur, would be in violation of the Monroe Doctrine and the US government would be forced to respond."

When questioned about whether a temporary occupation would be in violation of the Monroe Doctrine, Hay added. "No, it would not as the Doctrine is currently viewed by this government. The US government would have to insist that some kind of time frame be placed on an occupation, and the British have done just that."

The British government is pleased that the US sees it's right to intervene in Venezuela to collect debts on behalf of worldwide lenders. In conjunction with the German Empire and any other lending parties who wish to become involved, we will occupy the unstable country, of Venezuela remove the corrupt government from power and replace them with a fairer party under whos direction the debts will be repayed whilst the occupying powers control matters of security and border policing etc. within the nation. Once the entireity of the debt has been collected and returned with interest to the lending powers Britain will withdraw from the country.

It is only with the security of the treasury and the lending rights of the world in mind that Britain will intervene and we would like the world to know taht we have not arrived at this decision on a whim and only occupy Venezuela to preserve stability and lawfully return money to the rightful owners.

I ask any money lenders involved in Venezuela to provide proof of lending and I will endevour to collect all monies owed and return them over the course of the occupation. Other lending nations are of course free to join Britain and Germany in this endevour and are free to be included in the occupation force to ensure the return of cash owed.

See note to Germany from Chilean Central Bank. Payment of foreign debts to U.K. is accelerating. We expect next administration after 1904 Presidential Election to be less open to European commerce and influence.

Admiralty announces new reforms!

The admiralty has today announced a set of new reforms of its operating practices, thisis expected to result in reduction in bureaucracy and paperwork as well as the updating of the fleet. Baron Marjoribanks the 1st Lord of the Admiralty has stated that "Britain needs to adapt to to the changing aspects of modern warfare if she is to remain as a major power and these new reforms are to be the first in a long line of changes!"

The new ships are to include:
2 Lord Nelson class battleships
1 Dreadnought class battleship
6 Duke of Edinburgh class cruisers
3 Minotaur class cruisers
2 Sentinel class light cruisers
plus assorted destroyer classes

all of which are to be finished by the end of 1906.

and 52 further vessels of all types by 1910

These new vessels are to be partially funded by an increase in government spending following revenues gained from increased tarde with Europe and alos from scrapping several older navy vessels. They will be sold to scrap merchants or else the materials used in the new ships.

There is talk that some of the vessels may be sold to other nations who wish to start a navy and money raised that way.

OOC:
I have the following for sale if any other nations want them:

Corvettes
Mariner class 6 ships, 1884–1888
Nymphe class 4 ships, 1885–1888
Beagle class 2 ships, 1889
Albert class 2 ships, 1894

Torpedo Boats
"140 footer" class 10 ships 1892

Torpedo Gunboats
34 assorted 1890-1894

Destroyers
Thornycroft "27 knotters" class 36 ships 1893-1896

Light Cruisers
19 assorted classes 1891-1897
Arrogant class 4 ships 1896

Protected Cruisers
38 assorted 1891-1894

Battleships
2 Trafalgar class 1890
2 Victoria class 1890
8 Royal Sovereign class 1892-1893

Regarding prices I am open to offers so please TG me (they will be scrapped anyway so anything above scrap value that I can get is going to be good!)

To:British Government
From:Ottoman Government
Topic Sell of Ships

The Ottoman Government would be most intrested in buying the following your navy.

Here is what we want to buy
Corvettes
Mariner class -2 ships
Nymphe class -2 ships

Torpedo Boats
"140 footer" class- 10

Destroyers
Thornycroft "27 knotters" class -20

Light Cruisers
Arrogant class -4 ships

Protected Cruisers -10

Battleships
1 Trafalgar class
1 Victoria class
4 Royal Sovereign class

ooc
you might want to reconsider on the cruisers... the RN has a lot of responsibilities and the cruisers exist for trade protection and show the flag missions

OOC: OK i'll keep some more of them back (though I still have 102 plus the new ones).

I'll keep back the Arrogant class cruisers, the newest 28 protected cruisers and the newest 10 light cruisers, thanks for the advice.

IC: to Ottomans, I am sure that we can transfer the necessary ships to your navy for a certain fee of course. I must however state that the Arrogant class cruisers have been withdrawn form sale and will be retained by the navy as well as some other cruisers as well. All other vessels though will be sold and I will give a guide price shortly.

OOC: I have no idea what a second hand ship would cost in 1904 but I have found the initial prices for some ironclads in 1886, they are all around £1.1 million (They were around 400ft long) so allowing for technologicla advances, greater size and inflation I think that around £1 million per battleship is a good second hand price. Smaller for cruisers, say £800,000 and maybe around £600,000 per destroyer, $400,000 a corvette and $300,000 a torpedo boat.

So for the total order approximately £30 million? (Or near offer?)

Could be well out but its the most accurate that I can get, let me know what you think.

I'll withdraw the rest of the ships from sale and mothball them in a reserve fleet so that I don't have to overextend my navy.

OOC:30 million that's alot , do the fact that the Ottoman Treasury is petty up cut in two these areas, one to repaid the forgien debt and secondly to build up the empire. Could we agree to a payment plan to this?

To:British Government
From:Ottoman Government
Topic Sell of Ships

The Ottoman Government would be most intrested in buying the following your navy.

Here is what we want to buy
Corvettes
Mariner class -2 ships
Nymphe class -2 ships

Torpedo Boats
"140 footer" class- 10

Destroyers
Thornycroft "27 knotters" class -20

Light Cruisers
Arrogant class -4 ships

Protected Cruisers -10

Battleships
1 Trafalgar class
1 Victoria class
4 Royal Sovereign class

thats a pretty big navy (including what you already have)... manning is going to be a problem, especially junior officers and senior enlisted men... you either need advisors, or for about a decade you will have mediocre crews.

thats a pretty big navy (including what you already have)... manning is going to be a problem, especially junior officers and senior enlisted men... you either need advisors, or for about a decade you will have mediocre crews.
True, yet one thing you must know during this time period and rl, the Ottoman Navy senior officers were mainly German officers. True its going to take me up to 1914 to have a somewhat good officer core for my navy. Meh I can deal with that.

BTW, where is that Arm forces thead you made, I can't it. Beside I need to update my forces.

£30 million that's alot , do the fact that the Ottoman Treasury is petty up cut in two these areas, one to repaid the forgien debt and secondly to build up the empire. Could we agree to a payment plan to this?



I am sure that we can work out an agreement somehow, perhaps we could set up a joint Anglo-Ottoman oil company. I will provide engineers and geologists as well as equipment if you can find some workers and allow us to use the oil wells in your nation. We can sell the resultant products to other nations (after we take our own share of course) and split the profits, does that sound OK?

My oil needs at the moment are relatively small but are set to rise (Many of my new warships run off oil).

I belive we can do that, but remember this it won't be like the set that the British had in Iran. The Ottomans will have a bigger said over the affairs of the oil company.

OOC: Do you have MSN or AIM by any chance?

Indeed cooperation is a must, the board of directors should be half British and half Ottoman and there should be a vote for a new MD every 4 years or so. Profits will be split 50/50 and all major decisions put to a vote before the board of directors. This way we can ensure a truly just and efficient company with no corruption.

This sounds, good also this company can be the one that would build the oil wells in both empries..like it would a international company. Also it will impove relations between our two nations.

Indeed if this new company could function in both our empires it would improve things immensely, I am sure there are some places we can search in Oman, Egypt and Kuwait for oil.

I do have some oil wells in Iraq, and soon maybe into El Hasa. Yet I would like some access railroad thought Kuwait to support my holdings in the Perisain Gulf Region. That area has alot of oil waiting to be found.

To: The Offices of King Edward VII
From: Sir James Maxwell, Governor-General of South Africa

Your Majesty,

There is a sensitive issue in the South African colonies of Transvaal and Orange State that I would not presume to pass judgement on without first consulting Your Highness.

As per the agreements of the Treaty of Vereeniging, the four South African colonies are to establish voting rights for Africans and other ethnic groups, equal to the existing rights of the white population. However, several private Boer organizations have expressed 'concern and worry' over this policy. Citing examples of the various wars with the native peoples over the past hundred years, they fear that immediate integration between races will lead only to chaos, and possibly the damaging of property and at worst, loss of life.

The Boers, under the unofficial leadership of Louis Botha, Jans Christian Smuts, and Christaan de Wet (a group of men I am sure Your Highness remembers as being deviously cunning and brilliant in their own right), have stated that they do not object to eventual integration, but rather the immediate act. The Anglo population of the colonies seems split, with roughly two-thirds in favor of immediate integration, and a third either supporting the Boers' statements, or some mixture thereof.

Of course, the ultimate decision lies with the the British Crown. What does His Majesty suggest I do in this matter?

Sincerely,
[signed]James Maxwell
Governor-General, South Africa

OOC: And so it begins...

To: Ottoman Empire

The British engineers sent to form the new comapny will support the construction of new rail links across the entire area and will import locomotives and other equipment from Britain. This will ensure less transport costs and increased revenues for the new company.

From: The Offices of King Edward VII
To: Sir James Maxwell, Governor-General of South Africa

This is a particularly touchy issue and one that was only included in the treaty after much discussion and debate. However we in Britain have allowed universal male sufferage for a while now, and we have recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of the aboilition of slavery in the colonies, and would support a move to allow black voting rights in South Africa and in any of our other colonies. In such matters we usually take a referendum to judge the people's opinion on this matter and are glad that you have taken such a step. In account of the majority support of the populace and the widespread support in government I would suggest that the introduction of universal male sufferage would be a step towards greater civil rights and freedom for South Africa. Indeed if this last part of the Vereeniging Treaty was completed then we could begin discussions as to the self rule of South Africa as a British dominion.

Maybe a more gradual integration of black people would be a better step to appease all colonists and could take place over the next few years, with more and more of the black population gradually becoming eligable to vote (maybe based on age). If the country was seen to be doing this then we would take it as a completion of the requirements of the Treaty of Vereeniging and would be willing to discuss the self rule of South Africa.

OOC: basically we would support either option as a completion of the requirements of the treaty so it's up to you.

To: The Offices of King Edward VII
From: Sir James Maxwell, Governor-General of South Africa

Your Majesty,

I thank you for your counsel on this issue. I will continue discussion with leaders of the Boer community, and hopefully this may be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.

Sincerely,
James Maxwell
Governor-General of South Africa.

OFFICIAL UNVEILING OF NEW TREATY WITH GERMANY

The new treaty with Germany is currently awaiting a signature and can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9378959)

August 16th 1904

New Alliance With German Empire!

This paper has learned that the King and PM have today succeded in signing a new alliance with the German Empire. This alliance is believed to "Guarantee peace in Europe" to use mr. Balfour's words and contains many clauses beneficial to both Empires.

Naval vessels from both nations now have the ability to dock in either nation's ports, increased trade privileges have been granted to both nations, and some German territory has been ceded to Britain. This includes the Bismarck Archipelago and Kaiser Wilhelm's Land , but the most important is the donation of the interior of German East Africa. This allows the great Cecil Rhode's dream of a Cairo-Cape Railroad to be completed. Work has begun on connecting railroads throughout Africa to this new trunk line. It will connect the cities of Cairo and Capetown together with spurs coming off to all major towns along the way and also into German East Africa (coastline), Italian Tripolitania, Portuguese Mozambique and Ottoman Empire Territory. It is believed to have a massive benefit to trade in the area and should guarantee a decreased travel time across the continent.

As another clause the alliance compels the allied nations to assist each other militarily in times of war and so helps to maintain security across the world.

To:British Government
From: Ottoman Government

Dear Honorable leaders of the British Empire, We of the Ottoman Empire plan to march and conquer Perisa and Afghanistan, yet we offer your nation this, one you can have all of Afghanistan and the rights to access the Persian Ports in the Persian Gulf. Also this will allow our nation more power over the Oil Market by taking these Oil wells in Persia. All that we ask is that your nation does not support the Persians and you'll government will take over Afganistan, that is all we ask of your nation.

From:British Government
To: Ottoman Government

We are interested in this matter and it would benefit the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company immensely. It would also please us to have the whole of Afghanistan under our control. Therefore I agree to your proposition and will allow you to occupy Persia. However we are unwilling to get involved in any actual fighting as this would cause an international incident, though we will take Afghanistan from you once fighting has ceased and occupy it with British troops.

From:British Government
To: Ottoman Government

Agree to what your nation has said, we will take over Afghanistan and hand over to you after the war. May this build the bond between our nations and make us great powers.

16th December 1904

Cairo-Capetown Railway Progres Update

The famed Cairo-Capetown Railway has been progressing ahead of schedule. Extra workers drafted in from Egyptian and Sudanese tribesmen have allowed for quicker construction of the Egyptian leg, the rails have been laid as far as the Sudanese border. Workers have now begun construction in Kenya and Uganda. Meanwhile the South African leg has utilised existing track in the Transvaal and Orange Free States. The German promises of engineering assistance in ex-German East Africa has allowed quicker progress in that location and neighbouring Zambia.

The railroad laid consists of 4 tracks of British standard 4 ft 8½ inch guage rails. This allows for existing colonies to utilise the track without any need for change of locomotive or trucks. 2 of the tracks are also modified to allow use of narrow guage locomotives (3 ft 6 in) as found in some Portuguese, French, Italian, Ottoman and German territory as well as most mine rail systems. This should improve trade within the area with locomotives transporting goods and raw materials from the mines to British and foreign territory.

In addition to track, stations and freight depots are being built in any locality where there is a need for it and various spurs are under construction into German East Africa (coastline), Italian Tripolitania, Portuguese Mozambique and Ottoman Empire Territory.

The final completion dqate for the whole network is Summer 1905.

To: British Government
From: Emperor Gojong

Greetings from Korea. Our nation, as you know, is entering the modern age. To this end, we wish to establish contacts with the outside world. If possible, we would like to enter into a trade pact with the British Empire that will benefit both sides.

ooc
Britian, war is about to break out in Europe...

IC
The US quietly asks the British Ambassador what British intentions are if the Germans and Austrians go to war with Russia, and whether those intentions will change if Germany goes to war with France. The US government is also interested in whether the British intend to honor the agreement it has with Belgium to protect its neutrality.

Finally, the US government is interested in what the British views are on forcibly expelling German troops from Venezuela.

Mongolia requests aid in its potential independence fight with China. Any weapons, soldiers, and/or supplies that could be spared are greatly welcome. We have vast space and resources that we cannot tap and believe it would be profitable if you helped us.

We beeseech Britain not to Intervene in Australias foolish campaign against us... they plan to Invade Portuguese Timor. Without your blesssings we can expel australia easily. with your help we will be defeated easily.

The decision rests with you however

Your esteemed friend

Portugal

TO KOREA: We are interested in a trade agreement between our nations but feel the need to ask exactly what Korea is prepared to trade with Britain, do you have food stuffs, timber etc?

TO USA: Britian does not wish to get involved in a long and bloody war in Europe but is compelled, by the Lublin alliance and German requests for aid, to offer some sort of involvement. The Royal Navy will probably be mobilised for limited attacks on enemy fleets and skirmishes may occur in enemy colonies from the landing of Royal MArines etc. butis not willing in any way to land in Europe and suffer casualties on an large scale.

If Belgium gets attacked Britain will protect it's neutrality as per the agreement, (Though I have yet to read the entirity of the war thread yet so thi smay change).

As to the tricky question of Venezuela, Britain is compelled to offer her territory to German use as neutral areas(Though this will not include Canada) but will not yet get involved in a military dispute. Though it is prepared to act as a negotiator between the two forces.

TO MONGOLIA: Unfortunatly the British are not willing to aid your plight. Though we support your reasons to secede from China, we are not willing to risk our reputation and trdae agreements with China over a minor independance dispute.

TO PORTUGAL: Australia has not made any such plans known to us, and is officially only able to control the movement and deployment of militia and police troops alongside it's limited coastguard forces. Therefore any such invasion of East Timor is unlikely to suceed due to a lack of regualr forces. I fsuch a dispute were to occur the British government would deploy forces to act as peacekeepers and try to negotiate a diplomatic result for the dispute.

In Secret:

To: British Government
From:Ottoman Government

We must ask that your nation gives us permission to use your rail network in Egypt, so that our forces began a attack on Italian Libya. Please help your allies!

SECRET IC:

To: Ottoman Government

We will allow useage of the Egyptian rail network. However this must be done in utmost secrecy to avoid an international incident. Trains will be chartered for your useage to the Libyan border but your men will have to travel in civilian clothing and their uniforms and weapons will be taken in freight cars. The trains will terminate at the northern Libyan border near to the coast so that it will appear that you covertly arrived on your own initiative. All British troops will be withdrawn from the area so that the British government can deny all knowledge of any Ottoman troops.

In return, all that we ask is that the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company is allowed access to any possible reserves in Liyba, this will benefit both of our nations immensely. Whilst we are talking might I request increased shipping of oil to Britain. We will pay for this as usual and transport it onboard our own merchant vessels, we ask this as many of our new navy vessels are oil powered (including all of our submarines) and the resultant trade should benefit both of our nations economically.

In Serect

To: British Government
From:Ottoman Government

Our government agrees to your terms for using the railroads. We will began sending our troops in the fall of this year.

In Secret

To: British Government
From:Ottoman Government
Topic: Ships

The Ottoman Fleet badly needs battleships, we are willing to pay top dollar for any battleships you can send us. Just fly them under the British flag when sending to our naval base. Then we'll take them over for the Ottoman Fleet.Also we need a number of advisers to train our crews to man these ships. We ask that you send some to us.

In Secret

To: British Government
From:Ottoman Government
Topic: Ships

The Ottoman Fleet badly needs battleships, we are willing to pay top dollar for any battleships you can send us. Just fly them under the British flag when sending to our naval base. Then we'll take them over for the Ottoman Fleet.

ooc
Galveston Bay here, without crews they are going to be very expensive targets... it takes time to train the crews.. several months for the ratings, years for the technicians and officers. Turkey lost a lot of their crews, and without a substantial number of advisors (say 30% of the crew or more) from a navy that has experienced personnel to spare, Turkey has a big problem at sea at the moment.

ooc
Galveston Bay here, without crews they are going to be very expensive targets... it takes time to train the crews.. several months for the ratings, years for the technicians and officers. Turkey lost a lot of their crews, and without a substantial number of advisors (say 30% of the crew or more) from a navy that has experienced personnel to spare, Turkey has a big problem at sea at the moment.
OOC: Point taken and I'll see what I can do.

British trading corporations and industrialists are growing annoyed at the embargo. Essentially, the Damn Yankees are stealing their business. The Americans, and for that matter, the Canadians feel free to sell to both sides. So do the damn Dutch and Belgians for that matter. Even the damn Swedes.

This is beginning to show up in Parliamentary opposition. Although the government retains a majority, it is slipping away gradually as the Neutrals steal business from British shippers and industrialists.

The British government facing a slipping majority, reduced income and near revolt from many of the merchant sailors, decides that it has no option but to remove it's embargo on the League nations and decide once again to return to becoming a neutral nation and export willingly to any nation. Factories up their production quotas and the first British ships to arrive in Spain, Italy and France for almost a year are expected to arrive by the end of the week. Land trade routes through Italy to Austria-Hungary have been re-established and trade is hoped to be resumed with them shortly.

This announcement is likely to overjoy British industrialists and shippers who have seem their trade reduced dramatically by neutral countries. It is also likely to quieten any opposition in the house of commons which was in near uproar recently as the effects of the embargo were announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The German reaction is likely to be negative but the government has hoped that they will see that the embargo would be lifted by any opposition government that would come to power anyway so this step is just a preventionary measure.

Further to this there has been an increase in production of merchant vessels at all ports and dry docks around the country in a hope for a last minute attempt to boost British export power. This is in conjunction to expansion at the nation's factories, hastily built facilities have been put in place at many of the main producers (Including foodstuffs, arms and other equipment) as well as the taking on of extra workers from the ranks of the nation's unemployed to cope for the increased demand. This is expected to increase production rates and revenues from foreign sales.

It seems that industrialists are not as pleased with the trade agreement as first hoped and are petitioning the government to repay all of their lost revenues due to the embargo. The government has stated that it cannot afford to do this and will find a way to reimburse the companies affected.

The government is planning a series of international industrial agreements. Factories are to be set up across the Empire for Industry, particular sites include:

- Food and Arms plants in South Africa
- Arms facilities in Egypt
- Introduction of modern agricultural practices to India and other British territories in the Far East
- Increased subsidies to farmers across the Empire who export food
- Conversion of some current military drydocks to merchant navy production. Resultant vessels are to be sold to the warring powers in Europe, military facilities will be expanded in Portsmouth to recompensate the Navy.
- Increased sale of old vessels to the warring powers.

The above is expected to be paid for out of initial government investment, it is hoped that once the practices are up and running they will pay for themselves from profits resulting from exports.



As a result of this policy the British Government is pleased to announce the sale of the following items to any foreign nation:

*Foodstuffs:
-Wheat, Corn, Oats from Europe,
-Rice and Wheat from the East,
-livestock: Sheep, Cattle, Goats from African territories

*Arms and ammunition
-Lee Enfield rifles from Britain, South Africa, Egypt.
-Artillery from the Royal Armaments factories in Britain [any calibre required]
-Webley and Scott pistols from Britain, South Africa, Egypt
-Any calibre of ammunition required for small arms (can currently accomodate .303 (British standard), .30 (USA), 7.92mm (German), 7.62mm (Russian), 6.5mm (Italian, Rumanian, Japanese), 7.65mm (Belgian, Ottoman), 8mm (Austria, France).
-Any other ammunition or rifle design can be accomodated but designs must be sent and a small surcharge incurred due to remachining.

*Merchant Navy Vessels
-Any size of type of vessel can be built to supplement your merchant fleet
-Cargo Freighters (Container carrying vessels)
-Tankers (for gas, oil or other fluid cargo)
-Coasters (Non-Ocean Going Vessels, suitable for coastal waters or the Mediterranean)

*Navy Vessels
-New vessels can be purchased and will include: Battleships, Cruisers (Armoured and Light), Destroyers, Torpedo Boats, Submarines, Corvettes. These vessels will take time to complete and will be fairly expensive.

-Older Vessels, the Navy is selling off some of it's older ships. This includes:

34 assorted Torpedo Gunboats from 1890-1894
Beagle class Corvettes 2 ships, 1889
Albert class Corvettes 2 ships, 1894
Phoenix class Corvettes 2 ships, 1895
Thornycroft "27 knotters" class Destroyers 16 ships 1895-1896
Protected Cruisers 28 assorted 1893-1894
HMS Trafalgar, HMS Victoria Battleships 1890
Royal Sovereign class 4 ships Battleships 1893

Please enquire for prices.

OOC: What about Australia? Don't we get some investment.

OOC: Sorry Australia, I forgot about you. Canada has been trading anyway and South Africa approached me directly for investment as he's a new dominion. I totally forgot about Australia, really sorry.

IC: Australia is to receive a similar amount of investment as South Africa. This will partially be funded by the British Government, partially by the Australian Government and partially by priavte financial industrialist backers.

The type of industrialisation to be included will focus on the agricultural prospects of Australia as well as the installation of several new factories. Agriculturally sheep farming is likely to be a major beneficiary, with thousands of miles of barbed wire being shipped in from Britain to seperate the sheep into different owners and to stop them from straying. A major breeding program is likely to be implemented to increase sheep numbers. Sheep shearing and meat and byproduct processing factories will churn out products as diverse as wool, sheep meat, glue and glycerin. Workers for the process will be drafted in from immigrants who are arriving in Australia from various countries (including Russia and South America?).

The products from the sheep will be shipped across the world by the British Merchant Navy and the profits will be returned straight back to the country for further investment. The glycerin from the sheep processing will be sent to new factories near the coast where it is mixed with Nitric and Sulphuric acids (imported by tanker ships from chemical plants in the UK) to make explosives. These will in turn be processed into small arms and artillery ammunition as well as standard construction and demolition explosives.

Further to the ammuntion factories there will be actual production of small arms from new factories to be set up by the Lee-Enfield and Webley-Scott companies, utilising iron ore and coal mined from Australi'a vast interior.

To facilitate this new development Britain will dispatch trained engineers, geologists, farmers and builders to Australia to develop the industry until it is capable of supplying the World with all of the above. It is hoped that the first production can begin within 18 months and that full scale production can commence within 2 years. Though this will vary with the workforce that can be recruited.

Profits from this enterprise will be split amongst all investors including the British and Australian governments and the private industrialists and companies.

OOC: That's quite a long post but it's a lot of investment and should bring a lot of capital to Australia. As long as you can supply the immense workforce needed, maybe an immigration campaign is needed?

OOC: Russia is sending over all the Baltic peoples he doesn't want, added to the population of Papua that is now part of Australia we should have enough workers.

OOC: good, good


IC: The engineers, farmers etc. have been dispatched by British merchant ship to Australia alongside some prefabricated small factories so that production can begin quickly as well as the promised barbed wire etc.

Businesses and companies that expressed an interest in the enterprise will dispatch their employees and materials within the week, hoping fo limited production to be ready within 18 months.

Britain has requested labourers from around the Empire and around 50,000 volunteers have been selected, many from India and Africa. They all have some sort of skills and experience particularly within farming and factory work. They will supplement the local workforce and add experience to the teams thereby reducing training times and costs.

France is interested in purchasing as much large caliber artillery as you can supply, with ammunition.

I can supply the following (all are standard breech loading weapons):


FIELD ARTILLERY
18 pounder MK1 (Standard British artillery of the time)
range: 7000 yards
weight of shell: 18 pounds
elevation (in degrees): -5 to +16
calibre: 3.3 inch
price: £250

13-pounder (another, smaller, field gun. Standard horse artillery armament)
range: 5900 yards
weight of shell: 13 pounds
elevation (in degrees): -5 to +16
calibre: 3.3 inch
price: £200

LIGHT HOWITZERS
1886 pattern 6 inch howitzers (a very good weapon still in use by WWI)
range: 7500 yards
weight of shell: 100-122 pounds
elevation (in degrees): -5 to +45
calibre: 6 inch
price: £450

4.5 inch howitzer (again still in use by WWI)
range: 7000 yards
weight of shell: 35 pounds
elevation (in degrees): -5 to +45
calibre: 4.5 inch
price: £350

HEAVY ARTILLERY
60-pounder (1904 model) (pretty powerful!)
range: 10300 yards
weight of shell: 60 pounds
elevation (in degrees): -5 to +30
calibre: 5 inch
price: £650

6 inch howitzer (one of the heaviest shell firing weapons around)
range: 5200 yards
weight of shell: 118.5 pounds
elevation (in degrees): -5 to +35
calibre: 6 inch
price: £700

Delivery can be made to any of your (French controlled) ports by the merchant navy. Payment is preferred to be paid into an account in Switzerland to save risking a channel crossing, you can pay in Francs but gold bullion is preferred and a 20% discount will be given for gold payments.

As to ammunition we can currently supply around 100,000 rounds of each type per gun. Rising to around 200,000 after all improvements and expansion of factories takes place. Payment for these will take place in the same way as the weapons. (Assume average monthly costs of several thousand pounds and that this is automatically paid).

Lord Salisbury,

It is true that Sankt-Peterburg understands that the balance of power on the European Continent must be a matter of some indifference to the British public to whom the Government is answerable. Indeed, whatever the outcome of the present conflict, both France and Germany are certain to be weakened, and yet surely neither shall be annihilated, and so the United Kingdom's position of privilege in Continental affairs is unlikely to be much affected.
However.
It is my honest opinion, my lord, that the long-term interests of the British Empire would be far better served by a Coalition victory than by the domination of the League. Think upon it, my lord, and I suspect you will agree.
Even if Berlin is granted by force of arms all that the Kaiser desires in Africa, such territories are still as nothing compared to the French holdings therein, and indeed would be carved out of the latter, increasing, in relative terms, British power in Africa. Nor have the Hohenzollerns any designs in Asia to be guarded against with everlasting vigilance. Consider, my lord. Should France and Japan go to war against China, the Chinese would surely lose, and badly. What then, the disposition of Kwangtung, or Wu-Han, or Liaotung and Tientsin? How well defended are Hong Kong and Singapore against such a menace? What will happen to the delicate balance of power in Siam?
Or, to return to Africa, how can London look without misgivings upon recent Italian and even Spanish expansionism on the Dark Continent? No such threat, I assure you on my honor as a Christian, would ever arise from Holy Russia.
It is my opinion, my lord, that the British people are simply not well educated in the truth of the issues at stake, here. Were they made more aware of the global concerns involving the maintenance of Great Britain's supremacy in world affairs, even the Opposition would surely see where their true interests lie.

With profound respect,
Count S. Yu. Witte

Italy would like to purchase 2,000 4.5 inch light howitzers, with as much ammo as possible. These can be delivered to Trieste, and we will begin transfering funds to British accounts in Switzerland. We can only pay in our own currency.

Japan is very interested in Purchasing 4 of your Battleships and 9 Protected Cruisers.

From: Kaiser Wilhelm
To: Edward VII

Dear Uncle!

I feel BETRAYED! I am firey and burning now! The Latins have trampled upon our lands for too long! I am pushed from every side. Though Nikki is quite strong, he is only capable of fighting on one side. It seems like you are forgetting our Teutonic, nay, our FAMILY ties! What would dearest Grandmother say when she saw you leave her grandson and son-in-law at the merciless jaws of the French?

I feel this new French Republic will be ten times that of the First! Was it not nearly 100 years ago that the vile toad Napoleon began his destruction of all that was good. How can Britain stand by and watch as it reoccurs?

If it is your Scheisse-filled Parliamentarians that swerve you, then let me come and educate them in the real matters at hand!

I also request, no, for family sakes, demand that you sell primarily to Coalition troops! We will pay exactly what they will pay, however, selling weapons that are bound to kill your kinsmen is worse than murder.

France would like to purchase 200 60-Pounder artilery pieces and 200 6-Inch Howitzters. We are prepared to pay in a mix of gold bullion and currency.

OOC: woah, lots of replies.

IC:

To: Russia
From: Henry Campbell-Bannerman, British Prime Minister (The PM changed and I didn't notice, sorry!)

Indeed, it would appear that Britain's foreign policy would benefit immensely from a coalition victory in this war. Indeed we would have much to gain from such an event. However, although many in my government support my views, there are many in the damned opposition party who would like nothing more than to use this war to get them into power. They are supported by many industrialists amongst the middle and upper classes who seek to gain much from selling to both sides of this conflict and begin an arms race across the continent. Many of the lower classes are their employees and hence will support their employers in whatever political stance is likely to bring in more money for them in the short term. This leaves me in no doubt that if I in any way support one side or another of this conflict I will be surely voted out of office in the next election by an angry populace and replaced by a less effective and commercially centred government. I owe it to my people not to allow this to happen and hope for a quick end to this war which has complicated matters immensely.


To: Italian Government
From: British Foreign Trade Offices

Dear Sirs,
I can confirm your order for 2000 4.5" howitzers and am pleased to enclose an invoice for the sum of: £700,000. To be paid in Italian Lira to any branch of the Swiss Bank Corporation into the British Government Account (Defence and Procurement sub-account) which is held there. Production has begun already and following delivery of the money the howitzers are likely to be shipped on board British Merchant vessels within 4 months.

I thankyou for your custom and hope for future business with you.


To: Japan
From: British Foreign Trade Offices

I am glad that you have expressed interest in our older vessels, I am able to give you the following prices (Per vessel):

34 assorted Torpedo Gunboats from 1890-1894 (around £50,000)
Beagle class Corvettes 2 ships, 1889 (£40,000)
Albert class Corvettes 2 ships, 1894 (£50,000)
Phoenix class Corvettes 2 ships, 1895 (£55,000)
Thornycroft "27 knotters" class Destroyers 16 ships 1895-1896 (£75,000)
Protected Cruisers 28 assorted 1893-1894 (£100,000)
HMS Trafalgar, HMS Victoria Battleships 1890 (£300,000)
Royal Sovereign class 4 ships Battleships 1893 (£350,000)

Discounts will obviously be given for mass purchases as well as the standard 15% discount for payment in gold bullion.

To: Kaiser Wilhelm
From: Edward VII

My dearest Nephew,

I sympathise with your situation and likewise feel great resentment towards the French who have defiled the lands of your empire. However, I have no control over the Parliament which is ruled by the people (and in particular the Industrialists who amke up the upper classes) they have decided that Britain is to stand idly by and profit from this situation.

This being a free and capitalist country I cannot have any control over who British companies sell to and cannot limit sales to the League. However I still have some power and can authorise British sales of arms, equipmet and supplies to your nation. This will be on the basis of a "Buy now and pay later" scheme whereby you will have a credit account opened with the British government and will only have to pay back your purchases in installments after the war is over. The interest on this account will be kept in line with British inflation rates so that by the time you come to pay it off you will effectively owe no more than when you first took out the scheme. This should greatly increase your government's buying power within my nation and will ensure a steady supply of arms to your nation.

A similar scheme already exists with dear Nikki in Russia and his purchases from my nation ahve aided him greatly in fighting these vile creatures that assail your nation's boundaries.

Whilst I am sure that a lively speech from yourself would inspire all the good peopel in parliament to aid you it would enflame the cowardly majority there who only seek to profit from this war. Further to this such a target in a neutral country might provoke some of the undesirables in Europe to make an assassination attempt on your life which would be extremely difficult to prevent in the present circumstances. Indeed your palce is at home in Germany inspiring your own people and troops to a glorious victory over the agressors.

Yours hopefully,
Eddy

To: French Government
From: British Foreign Trade Offices

Dear Sirs,
I can confirm your order for 200 60-Pounder artillery pieces and 200 6-Inch Howitzers. A syou will be paying in both cash and gold I can offer you a mid rate discount of 7.5% and am pleased to enclose an invoice for the sum of: £203,500. To be paid half in French Francs and the remainder in Gold Bullion to any branch of the Swiss Bank Corporation into the British Government Account (Defence and Procurement sub-account) which is held there. Production has begun already and following delivery of the money the weapons are likely to be shipped on board British Merchant vessels to Calais within 2 months.

I thankyou for your custom and hope for future business with you.

I'll take 4 Soveirgn class BB's and 9 Protected cruisers, adding up to 2.3 million Pounds

To: Japan

OK, consider them bought. Delivery will probably take a good few months as they will have to be sent from mothball at Portsmouth all the way to Japan. Money will be accepted on delivery.

Quick update on the naval building schedule.

Money from recent sales of old ships, weapons, ammunition etc. to fund new shipyards in Portsmouth to be finished by the end of the year. Also new shipyards were opened in South Africa, Australia, Canada and Egypt as part of the British Empire Investment Plan.

To be built over the next 3 years (based on historical build times):

Battleships:
HMS St. Vincent, HMS Collingwood, HMS Vanguard (1908)
Neptune class
HMS Neptune (1908)
Colossus class
HMS Colossus, HMS Hercules (1909)
Orion class
HMS Orion, HMS Monarch, HMS Conqueror, HMS Thunderer (1909)
King George class_
HMS King George V, HMS Centurion, HMS Audacious, HMS Ajax (1910)
Iron Duke class
HMS Iron Duke, HMS Marlborough, HMS Benbow, HMS Emperor of India (1910)


Heavy Cruisers
Hawkins class five ships (1909)


Light Cruisers
Town_class twenty-one ships (subclasses: Bristol 5, Weymouth 4, Chatham 6, Birmingham 4, Birkenhead 2) (1908-1910
Arethusa_class_cruiser- eight ships (1910)


Destroyers
Beagle class 16 ships, 1908
Acorn class 20 ships, 1908–1910
Acheron class 29 ships, 1910–1913


Submarines
D class — 8 boats, 1908–1909
E class — 58 boats, 1909–1912

Within the context of our Trade Agreement, Russia would like to inquire as to the possibility of acquiring British engineers and designs for the purpose of building several of your new sub-marine torpedo boats at our yards in Odessa. We would be happy to simply buy them directly, of course, but since they are needed in the Eastern Mediterranean and there is no way of getting them there (save perhaps by circumnavigating Africa), we feel it were best if they simply be constructed in the Black Sea to begin with.
-Marshal A.N. Kuropatkin, Minister of War for the All-Russian Empire

To: French Government
From: British Foreign Trade Offices

Dear Sirs,
I can confirm your order for 200 60-Pounder artillery pieces and 200 6-Inch Howitzers. A syou will be paying in both cash and gold I can offer you a mid rate discount of 7.5% and am pleased to enclose an invoice for the sum of: £203,500. To be paid half in French Francs and the remainder in Gold Bullion to any branch of the Swiss Bank Corporation into the British Government Account (Defence and Procurement sub-account) which is held there. Production has begun already and following delivery of the money the weapons are likely to be shipped on board British Merchant vessels to Calais within 2 months.

I thankyou for your custom and hope for future business with you.

To: BFTO

From: The French Government

We thank you for your prompt response. The money is currently being transferred to the appropriate accounts. Furthermore, we wish to purchase another 800 of each type with the same payment plan. Is this acceptable?

To: French Government
From: British Foreign Trade Offices

That is entirely acceptable to us and plans have been laid for further production of 800 of each type. The same discount of 7.5% has been applied and an invoice for the sum of: £814,000 has been sent to your defence ministry. To be paid half in French Francs and the remainder in Gold Bullion to any branch of the Swiss Bank Corporation into the British Government Account (Defence and Procurement sub-account) as usual. Production is expected to take 6 months and products will be shipped on board British Merchant vessels to Calais as usual.

To: Marshal A.N. Kuropatkin, Minister of War for the All-Russian Empire
From: Henry Campbell-Bannerman, British Prime Minister

With our Trade Agreement, I am sure that British engineers can be found to build new submarines at your yards in Odessa. Provided, of course, that their safety can be assured in these turbulent times. Payment would be deferred until after the war as per the agreement, boats to be built would likely be the older petrol C-class as newer vessels are still highly experimental. As per standard policy all engineers would be volunteers and not affiliated with the British government in any way, so as to avoid any foreign misunderstandings...

Any ideas on how many subs you want and what materials you can provide (to prevent shipping them in)?

To: Marshal A.N. Kuropatkin, Minister of War for the All-Russian Empire
From: Henry Campbell-Bannerman, British Prime Minister

With our Trade Agreement, I am sure that British engineers can be found to build new submarines at your yards in Odessa. Provided, of course, that their safety can be assured in these turbulent times. Payment would be deferred until after the war as per the agreement, boats to be built would likely be the older petrol C-class as newer vessels are still highly experimental. As per standard policy all engineers would be volunteers and not affiliated with the British government in any way, so as to avoid any foreign misunderstandings...

Any ideas on how many subs you want and what materials you can provide (to prevent shipping them in)?

OoC: As a player, I'm really terrible about hardware, numbers, prices, and that sort of thing. Basically, I want as many subs as I can afford, but I've no idea how many that might be, or how long it would take for them to be built. Let's say twenty-four to start with. Hopefully that wil be able to make an impact. And we might make, say, twelve in a year? Six? I can probably use the German shipyards in Odessa, too, and maybe even the Bulgarian port of Varna.
Most raw materials can probably be provided on-site (Russia has no shortage of resources). As for getting the engineers to Russia, I think they could just land at Bremerhaven in Germany and travel overland through Northern Germany and Poland and into Ukraine to Odessa fairly safely.

To:British Government
From:Ottoman Government
Topic:Ships and arms
We are willing to buy the entire stock of ships you have on the market, our funds are back by Russian Gold. Please tell us what you can sell us, we are mainly looking for Battleships and Torpedo Gunboats. Also we ask for 1000 of 6 inch howitzer from your factories. We ask that you give us these arms and ships on a defered payment plan, which will be pay in full after this bloody war. We ask you to do a favor, since we have allow your nation access to our nation oil stores.

TO VP OOC: I have no real idea of how much a sub will cost but i'm sure we can add it to the post war bill, however I would like at least some payment before this (maybe about 50%) whether this is in gold or currency I don't mind. For more info on the C Class see here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_C_class_submarine).



TO OTTOMANS:

I can supply the following vessels:

34 assorted Torpedo Gunboats from 1890-1894 (around £50,000)
Beagle class Corvettes 2 ships, 1889 (£40,000)
Albert class Corvettes 2 ships, 1894 (£50,000)
Phoenix class Corvettes 2 ships, 1895 (£55,000)
Thornycroft "27 knotters" class Destroyers 16 ships 1895-1896 (£75,000)
Protected Cruisers 19 assorted 1893-1894 (£100,000)
HMS Trafalgar, HMS Victoria Battleships 1890 (£300,000)

The cost for just the torpedo gunboats and battleships is: £2,300,000

The cost for all vessels is: £5,690,000

A discount of 25% can be applied for payment up front in gold, 10% for up front in cash.

A further discount of 15% can be applied if taking the whole lot.

This leaves:
ALL: £3,627,375 (gold) £4,352,850 (cash)
TORPEDO BOATS + BATTLESHIPS: £1,725,000 (gold) £2,070,000 (cash)

Obviously I will give you time to talk this over with your Russian counterpart in terms of Gold transfers etc. However I am unable to offer any discounts if the bill is to be deferred until after the war.

As to the howitzers they are £700 and I can offer the following discounts on them:

20% gold upfront payment
10% half gold, half cash upfront
5% only cash
0% payment after war

so for 1000 howitzers the following costs apply:
£560,000 (gold)
£630,000 (half gold)
£665,000 (cash)
£700,000 (deferred payment)

I hope that we can come to some sort of arrangement over this matter and hope for continued good will between our nations.

Just to clarify, Russia agreed to back Ottoman expenses with gold specifically for the Sublime Porte's arrangements with the Australians. This Naval deal was not run past us for approval.
However, our Turkish friends are clearly hard pressed. We will therefore agree to buy their ships [OoC: I'm pretty sure I can cobble together the bullion . . .]. But, seeing as how the Western Mediterranean is impassable at the moment, we would like these vessels to be first transferred to the North Sea Fleet, to reduce the French once and for all.
In connection with this, we should like to make certain that our position on the tragedy of Dunkerque and Calais (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9514966&postcount=13) is quite clear. War is terrible enough for warriors without adding the suffering of non-combatants as well. The sooner it is over the better.
As for the sub-marine deal, all shall be as Britain desires.
May God grant us peace.

-Marshal A.N. Kuropatkin

To: King Edward VII
From: King Alfonso XIII

I would like to inquire as to the availability of Victoria Eugénie Julia Ena, Princess of Battenberg. I am currently looking for a suitable bride and am wondering if you will accept my asking of her hand.

ooc: Shes his historical wife so i went to her first

From: King Edward VII
To: King Alfonso XIII

We would be glad to support your marriage to the Princess of Battenberg and hope for continuing peace and cooperation between our nations.

To British Government
From:Ottoman Government

Dear Sir, The Ottoman Navy would like to ask your nation to build two Dreadnought class battleships for the Ottoman Navy. We can now pay them do the fact we have repaid most of our debts to other nation. We ask how long would it take for your shipyards to build these two ships?

OOC: In rl around this time the Ottoman Navy did order two dreadnoughts for their fleet, they were competed in 1914, but do to WW1, the Ottomans never got their ships. I hope it will be different this time.

To: Ottoman Government
From: British Government

We would be glad to fill your order for 2 dreadnought class battleships, the cost for both of these vessels will be £18 million and we will accept payment in any form of currency. Though it may seem a large price when you consider that the best British workmanship will go into their production and that British shipbuilders are the best in the world.

OOC: Won't tak etoo long, i've got plenty of extra shipyards since the war ended. Estimate around 4-8 months as the real HMS Dreadnought was launched within 4-5 months.

To British Government
From:Ottoman Government

We will pay in the amount in pounds. We thank you for building these ships for our navy.

To: Ottoman Government
From: British Government

We would be glad to fill your order for 2 dreadnought class battleships, the cost for both of these vessels will be £18 million and we will accept payment in any form of currency. Though it may seem a large price when you consider that the best British workmanship will go into their production and that British shipbuilders are the best in the world.

OOC: Won't tak etoo long, i've got plenty of extra shipyards since the war ended. Estimate around 4-8 months as the real HMS Dreadnought was launched within 4-5 months.

ooc
it took the British 13 months to build and commission the Dreadnought, from the time the keel was laid to the time she entered trials

By the way, the British did historically build the Turks 2 Dreadnoughts (both caught taken over by the RN at the time World War I started). However, how the Turks are going to pay for them at this point is an interesting question... they are out of foreign currency reserves and will be for a couple of years most likely.

OOC: sorry I was going off launch date by mistake, so figure around 12-16 months then.

Comminque to Britain
From: China

Greetings.

The Chinese people would like to inquire into possible purchases, engineering aid, and/or military advisors as we are still in the process of modernization. Please take note that China remained neutral throughout the Great War.

Please inform us on what assistance the British would be able to provide. Thank you.

~Emperor Guozu

Comminque to China

Britain is willing to open into negotiations with China and aid in their modernisation. What is it that you require? Keeping the recession in mind I am sure that we will be able to offer a fair amount of aid.

To British Government
From:Ottoman Government
To the British Government , we wish to workout a payment plan on the debt we owe your nation. We to pay it over a period of 20 years, which we are able to do. Also our oil company can help repaying the debt we owe your nation. Hopefully we can work the terms for payment.

Comminque to China

Britain is willing to open into negotiations with China and aid in their modernisation. What is it that you require? Keeping the recession in mind I am sure that we will be able to offer a fair amount of aid.

Communication to Britain
From: China

Greetings.

China is seeking several major undertakings within the next several years, in addition to foreign aid and expertise in such undertakings.

First of all, we are seeking more heavy construction machinery. Our limited amounts of construction machinery has been sorely pressed as we have been constructing multiple factories, hundreds of miles of railroads annually, and terraforming the landscape for more optimal farming. We are willing to purchase construction machinery, expertise, and blueprints so that we may be able to construct factories that will be able to produce more construction machinery for China's massive public works projects.

Second, we are looking for some expertise and investment in constructing shipyards. We are actively seeking to construct merchant vessels to increase trade. In addition, we are also seeking to construct a defensive navy to protect China's shores aganist any incursion from hostile powers. We are only interested in protecting our coastlines and large rivers such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.

Third, China has been contemplating constructing a railroad to British-held India to enhance overland trade routes. Perhaps this railroad will aid the British economy recover from its recession, as a new route to Chinese markets will open up. In addition, it should make civilian transit much easier without fears of piracy on the seas.

Finally, China is interested in acquiring more heavy machinery of all kinds from Britain. This includes steam machinery, electricty generating machinery, factory machinery, and so forth.

Please inform China whether these deals can be worked out and are possible.

Thank you.
~Emperor Guozu

To: Ottoman Government
From: British Government

We are willing to entertain an payment plan over the period of 20 years. The exact details would include a repayment of 5% of the total debt per year (plus all interest accrued on that portion). I have no exact figures but this is likely to amount to just a few million pounds per year an easily affordable sum. We would be glad to acceot some of your profits from the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company as payment for this debt and will begin to withdraw from the account there in lieu of the first payment. I hope this will begin an era of great prosperity and cooperation between our nations.

Communication to China


We are willing toinvest in Chinese development as we believe that a new market in the East will open up many possibilities or relieving the recession felt at home.

We are willing to supply heavy construction machinery from our plants in Britain. This will include railway laying machines as well as standard construction yard machines. We will also supply blueprints and engineers to assist you.

Britain's shipbuilding expertise is second to none and we would be glad to share with you our knowledge of shipyard construction. The engineers promised earlier will have full knowledge of such things and will, when assisted by local workers, be able to construct shipyards on your nation's coast and rivers. as to ships, I would suggest that you og for some quick light cruiser and destroyer designs as they are most suited to fulfilling the needs of a coastguarding force as well as littoral warfare. We can either build them in the shipyards or order them from British yards.

We would fully support a China-India railroad and would be glad to connect my existing Indian rails to a new line in China. I hope that your existing rails are standard British guage (4' 8 1/2") as this will make the transition easier. I will provide additional locomotives to India in order to better facilitate trade.

Britain would be glad to sell machinery to China and can ship over almost any kind, from textile manufacturing to food processing to electricity generation. However these machines are extremely complex and bulky and will cost a lot to manufacture and ship. in addition, perhaps some intelligent Chinese students could come over to British universities to studt mechanical engineering to better understand and be able to operate and fix these new machines.

All in all Britain would be glad to assist China in her development but warns that such speedy modernisation will be costly, but we will accept payment in all forms including goods manufactured from your new facilities.

Communication to China


We are willing toinvest in Chinese development as we believe that a new market in the East will open up many possibilities or relieving the recession felt at home.

We are willing to supply heavy construction machinery from our plants in Britain. This will include railway laying machines as well as standard construction yard machines. We will also supply blueprints and engineers to assist you.

Britain's shipbuilding expertise is second to none and we would be glad to share with you our knowledge of shipyard construction. The engineers promised earlier will have full knowledge of such things and will, when assisted by local workers, be able to construct shipyards on your nation's coast and rivers. as to ships, I would suggest that you og for some quick light cruiser and destroyer designs as they are most suited to fulfilling the needs of a coastguarding force as well as littoral warfare. We can either build them in the shipyards or order them from British yards.

We would fully support a China-India railroad and would be glad to connect my existing Indian rails to a new line in China. I hope that your existing rails are standard British guage (4' 8 1/2") as this will make the transition easier. I will provide additional locomotives to India in order to better facilitate trade.

Britain would be glad to sell machinery to China and can ship over almost any kind, from textile manufacturing to food processing to electricity generation. However these machines are extremely complex and bulky and will cost a lot to manufacture and ship. in addition, perhaps some intelligent Chinese students could come over to British universities to studt mechanical engineering to better understand and be able to operate and fix these new machines.

All in all Britain would be glad to assist China in her development but warns that such speedy modernisation will be costly, but we will accept payment in all forms including goods manufactured from your new facilities.

Communique to Britain
From: China

Greetings.

Your offers are very much appreciated. China is fully prepared to meet the challenges that modernization requires. We truly hope that our people will be able to aid the world in recovering from the terrible economic damage brought on by the Great War. From what I have been told, there are a lot of "supply" in Europe with little "demand". China is a nation of over 460 million, which means we are a massive market that is easily two times the size of Europe in terms of potential consumers. The "demand" issue will be solved when China's markets are opened up to European goods, but for this to happen, we need to construct many more miles of railroad and roads.

China is planning on constructing dozens of universities throughout China's major cities, and we shall welcome British teachers, professors, faculty, scientists, and engineers to educate the Chinese people. The boost in education should enable China to have a better and highly motivated workforce by 1920. This should open up more high-tech industries in China, which would be able to trade with Britain and aid the world in its recovery.

China has been employing railroad gauges that match Britain's 4' 8 1/2" gauge. The railroad into India will greatly benefit both China and British economies, as we will be able to export our goods to Britain in high quantities, while avoiding piracy and dangers of the sea. In addition, it should also provide for a viable civilian route for tourists, Chinese and British civilians, and people-moving.

China is fully willing to pay for all services rendered by the British, let it be factory machinery, teachers and engineers, shipbuilding, shipyards, and so forth. We would be more than happy to pay for your services through manufactured Chinese goods, Chinese foodstuffs such as wheat and rice, and possibly some raw resources like coal. If there are any additional costs that needs to be paid, China will be able to pay in monetary terms once we get our trade network up and running.

We look forward to a growing relationship with Britain and we thank the British for their offers and efforts in helping China modernize.

Live well.
~Emperor Guozu

From: King Edward VII
To: King Alfonso XIII

We would be glad to support your marriage to the Princess of Battenberg and hope for continuing peace and cooperation between our nations.

To King Edward VII
From King Alfonso XIII

I am very pleased with your response. I hope that this marriage will prove to help relations between our two nations. All that is needed is a date and the wedding will be set up. I thank you greatly!

To: Ottoman Government
From: British Government

We are willing to entertain an payment plan over the period of 20 years. The exact details would include a repayment of 5% of the total debt per year (plus all interest accrued on that portion). I have no exact figures but this is likely to amount to just a few million pounds per year an easily affordable sum. We would be glad to acceot some of your profits from the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company as payment for this debt and will begin to withdraw from the account there in lieu of the first payment. I hope this will begin an era of great prosperity and cooperation between our nations.


To:British Government
From: Ottoman Government

We agree to your terms for debt payment, we thanks you for understanding, and allowing to us to pay off our wartime debts to your nation.

Australia would like to discuss the possibility of incorporating New Zealand into our Dominion as another province. Our economies our linked down tot he most basics levels and no other nation including Great Britian has a culture as similar to ours. We hope you agree to our point of view.

Britain will allow australia to incorporate New Zealand into her dominion as a province.

British Antarctic Territory Established

Great Britain has claimed all land that lies on Antarctica between the lines of 20°W and 80°W latitude. This is in response to news of the success of the Shackleton Antarctic Expedition which has managed to come within 180 km of the South Pole before having to turn back. On this expedition Shackleton hasdiscovered the Beardmore Glacier and has been the first explorer to have reached the polar plateau. During this expedition, parties led by T. W. Edgeworth David became the first to climb Mount Erebus and to reach the South Magnetic Pole. A more determined effort to reach the South Pole is likely to occur in early 1910 and has received the full financial backing of the British Government who have organised a training trip to the arctic to investigate how the inhabitants there cope with cold weather and to see if this can be adapted to a South Pole expedition.

To the Government of Britan

France would like to negotiate a lower interest debt payment with Britna for the debt we currently owe you after the Great War. Is this possible?

Aqusition of Martial Shipping From Great Britain

The Norwegian Royal Navy is currently undergoing an extreme refitting by increasing the size of said navy. This includes the purchase of three brand new St. Vincent class Battleships, for a price which you would set if this deal is accepted. The three St. Vincent's would be laid down in succession, July 1908, August 19008 and September 19008, and then subsequently launched, all on September 19009, and finally completed December 19010. The three battleships, of course, would be called, Aesir, Vanir, and Iotnar, after the three clans of dieties in Norse Mythology.

Moreover, we would also require a total of eleven A-class Destroyers, although rather old. Nonetheless, it's what Norway can afford, especially with the idea of the purchase of those three battleships. Finally, we would also like to purchase six Topaze class third class cruisers, and eight Sentinel class Scout Cruisers.

The smaller ships, meaning the destroyers and cruisers, would be laid down between late 1908 and early 1909, launched in late 1909, and then completed by late 1910. This way the entire order can rank within the NRN at the same time, providing a substantial increase to the Norwegian Royal Navy.

This would complete the order of 1908, and Norway hopes that Great Britain would be open to further sales at later dates if Norway feels the need to increase her martial shipping. Regardless, we wait for your response.

[signed]Chief of Naval Staff, Aadjar Frönks

OOC:The Macabees, your dates are far a few 100 years....

OOC:The Macabees, your dates are far a few 100 years....

[OOC: We all know what I meant.]

ooc: so can i have the princess?

To France: Certainly, we will offer the same rates that we have offered to all other nations:

Repayment over the next 15 years, with 6.67% of the total debt repaid each year (together with applicable interest) and interest rates set at 1% above inflation rates. I believe that this should allow you to repay the debt with a minimal impact on your government spending and no obligations for future debts with Britain.

To Norway: Britain will help our Norwegian friends and agree to the building of the agreed ships in British drydocks and shipyards. The total cost for all vessels is likely to be around £40-50 million which is mostly accrued on the cost of the brand new post-dreadnought battleships and less for the older style smaller vessels. I hope this is acceptable to Norway and hope fo rcontinued good business relations with your nation.

To Spain OOC: Certainly, arrange the marriage and whatever and assume British support for it.

Of course! The cost of forty billion pounds is more than acceptable for Norway, and it should be paid off over the three years of construction. We thank Great Britain for their hospitality.

We find the plan agreeable. We will begin paymetn at once.

ooc: alright!

To Whom It May Concern,

The Union of South Africa would like to purchase two light cruisers and ten destroyers from the Royal Navy. We would prefer modern vessels, but are willing to accept older ones, given that our needs do not demand the best in technology.

Sincerely,
Jan Smuts
Minister of Defense

To South Africa:

At this time many British shipyards are already fulfilling international orders and domestic production, however I can probably spare a few to your needs being as you are a member of the British Empire. I will be able to build 2 Active class light cruisers and 10 Beagle class destroyers for you within 2 years. These ships are state of the art and production would likely total a cost of around £3 million.

Otherwise I can offer you the following second hand vessels:

Light Cruisers
19 assorted vessels 1894-1897 (£100,000 each)
Pelorus class: Pelorus, Pandora, Pegasus, Perseus, Pactolus, Pioneer, Pomone, Prometheus, Prosperpine, Psyche, Pyramus (1897) (£120,000 each)
Arrogant class: Arrogant,Furious,Gladiator, Vindictive (1896) (£110,000 each)
Highflyer class: Highflyer, Hermes, Hyacinth (1898) (£130,000 each)

Destroyers
Thornycroft "27 knotters" class 16 ships 1895-1896 (£70,000 each)


Yours,

Lord Crewe - Secretary of State for the Colonies
Winston Churchill - President of the Board of Trade (OOC: yes that Winston Churchill!)
Richard Burdon Haldane - Secretary of State for War

To: Lord Crewe - Secretary of State for the Colonies, Winston Churchill - President of the Board of Trade, Richard Burdon Haldane - Secretary of State for War
From: Jan Smuts, Minister of Defense

Dear Sirs,

The Union of South Africa would much prefer the modern ships. The £3 million cost will be paid in one-quarter gold, and the rest in British pounds*. We heartily thank the British Empire for their assistance.

Yours,
Jan Smuts

OOC: You know the Boers captured Churchill when he was a reporter in Natal in 1900?

*I'm not sure when South Africa changed from the British pound to the South African pound, though I do know they adopt the Rand in 1948. So basically, the ships are paid for.

OOC: Yes I did. Historically he was captured after he tagged along with an armoured train and was caught up in an ambush. He made a brilliantly successful escape by climbing the prison walls and evading the sentries. He smuggled himself back over the border into Basutoland on a freight train and returned to a life of journalism, observing many more battles. He was actually recommended for the Victoria Cross but this was vetoed as he was a civilian and it was "every Englishman's duty to escape from the enemy" and so he did nothing beyond the call of duty (same reason not many medals were awarded to British WWII PoW escapees). It was the publicity gained from this that actually won him a seat in parliament. Historically he was the trade minister at this time (he was promoted to the admiralty next and then the war office as Secretary of State for War and Air. Before moving onto the colonies office, then becoming chancellor before going back to the admiralty and then becoming PM.

Anyway, this was his historical appointment at this time.

I thought the Rand was introduced in 1961 with the establishment of the South African Republic?

I think the SA pound was introduced shortly after SA became a dominion (the SA pound was always on par with a British pound exchange wise).

I thought the Rand was introduced in 1961 with the establishment of the South African Republic?

OOC: Now that you say that, I remember it. You're right.

To:British Government
From: Ottoman Government
Topic Sell

We have been give East German Africa, as gift from the Germans. We are willing to sell to your nation for a fair price. Please make a offer.

OOC: proof that Germany give me the colony.
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9575085&postcount=1508

To: Ottoman Government
From: British Government

Indeed we are most interested in such a deal especially since we already have the interior of German East Africa. I suggest a price of around £10 million? This could be stricken from your debt or could be paid in currency form direct to you, whichever you prefer. I hope for continued good will between our nations.

To: Ottoman Government
From: British Government

We would like this 10 million pounds to be use to pay our debts, think of these lands as yours from now.

Albania requests the help of the mighty British Empire in economic development and investment.

-Turkhan Pasha, President of Albania

To: Turkhan Pasha, President of Albania
From: Sir Albert Henry Stanley - President of the Board of Trade
Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Austen Chamberlain - Chancellor of the Exchequer

Britain would be glad to assist Albania in her development as a nation but requires to know what exactly she is after (equipment, money whatever) and asks how she wishes to repay this loan. Please give us as many details as possible.

To: Turkhan Pasha, President of Albania
From: Sir Albert Henry Stanley - President of the Board of Trade
Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Austen Chamberlain - Chancellor of the Exchequer

Britain would be glad to assist Albania in her development as a nation but requires to know what exactly she is after (equipment, money whatever) and asks how she wishes to repay this loan. Please give us as many details as possible.

From: Tarkhan Pasha, President of Albania
To: Sir Albert Henry Stanley - President of the Board of Trade
Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Austen Chamberlain - Chancellor of the Exchequer

Albania "is after" whatever you are willing to offer (weapons, aid, free University attendence for Albanian students, est). As for any loans we are willing to repay them in gold (we have some deposits). Also British investment in oil refining would be of great assistence (we also have some untapped oil reserves). Although currently low the value of oil is sure to pick up and in exchange for investment Great Brition could recieve a cut of the profits or prefered trade status in the sale of the said oil (lower then the market price).

P.S. Do you have any out-dated fighter aircraft your airforce would like to get rid of?

From: Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
To: Turkhan Pasha, President of Albania

Whilst Britain is interested in investing in this market she is unwilling to cooperate with any communist governments or those that are friendly towards them, therefore I must ask what your government's stance is towards communism and consider that before deciding whether to invest in your nation.

OOC: no dedicated fighter aircraft have yet been developed and all airforces currently consist of scout planes and transports. Fighters may be introduced over the next few years with bombers following shortly after that. Also it is still too early to buy any obsolete aircraft as many governments want to hold on to as many as they can whilst developing fighters and bombers. Give it a few more years and there'll be plenty on the market.

OOC: Germany expermimented with fighter aircraft (shooting at protestors) during the Civil War.

IC: Germany is also curious to know what Albania's stance on Communism is.

OOC: Sorry I didn't know that. Probably still not classed as a successful test by other powers as it was against unarmed (or poorly armed?) protestors and not actualy against a properly defended military unit.

the German experiment was simply a ground support plane. Not the same thing as air to air combat by any means. So the fighter as a concept is being kicked around, but the only thing aircraft have been used for so far is limited bombing, ground support and a lot of scouting. Plus a few experiments in air transport, naval strike and liaison work.

From: Turkhan Pasha, President of Albania
To: Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Albania's stance on Communism is that Albania is not a communist country and that private property and it's legal use is protected by law. England need not fear for it's investments, growth and the development of a market economy is one of our highest goals.

The Union of South Africa would like to purchase surplus vessels from the Royal Navy. Specifically, we request two light cruisers, six minesweepers, and a dozen gunboats (duty in littoral waters). We are willing to pay the transport costs for the vessels, and offer to patrol the seas around South Africa, thus freeing up part of the Royal Navy.

We await your response.

Sincerely,
Stanley Frazer
Minister of Defense

TO: Turkhan Pasha, President of Albania
FROM: Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Good, then Britain is more than willing to offer the Albanian market up to investment from British businessmen. The following industries are likely to be interested:

Agricultural Machinery
Raw Materials Extraction (Particularly exploitation of any iron ore or other metal reserves)
Weapons Companies
Manufactured Goods

The first companies are willing to begin shipments within a few weeks and expect to find many profitable uses for their equipment.

As to oil, the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company is willing to investigate any possible sites in your country for oil reserves. Although all sales of oil will devolve to their power Albania can expect to be paid a high subsidy for every barrel pumped out and will also be apportioned 1/3 of the deposits to do with as they see fit, 1/3 will go to the Ottomans and 1/3 to the British.

Let me know if you have any queries about these terms.

OOC: Available for shipment to SA:

2 1897 Light Cruisers
12 Gunboats (1894)


Though I can send up to 15 more cruisers and 22 more gunboats if you can support them. All that you will be required to pay for is the cost of the coal and the extra rations and other costs that will be incurred for diverting navy personnel to this task.

I can also provide 6 minesweepers of the Pangbourne Class thoug you will have to pay normal retail price for these as these were built between 1917 and 1919.

OOC: I'll just take the cruisers and gunboats for now. I'd like to buy some more ships, but I'm limited by manpower (I've got blacks in the army, but the Navy is pretty much all white). If I need more I'll contact you again.

TO: Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
FROM: President Turkhan Pasha

We find the terms completely agreeable. One point of note however, as with our prior agreement with Belgian companies the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company cannot restrict investment/contol in it's Albanian assets. In addition 5% of the profits of the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company will have to be payed to the Durinckx Development Firm LLC and BNP Paribas Private Investment Firm.

The Prior Agreement with those companies is listed here:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=442522&highlight=Albania+Development+Fund

To:British Government
From: Ottoman Governemt

Dear Sir
The Ottoman Navy would to ask your nation to build the following for the Ottoman Navy. We will pay in gold and oil for these ships. Also we are interested in your latest firearms, please tell us what you can offer us.

The Ship order
4 Heavy Cruisers
6 Cruisers
10 Light Cruisers
20 Destoryers

Top Secret
To: British Government
From: Ottoman Goverment
Topic: Arabia

The Ottoman Government would like for buy the following from your Empire ,Trucial Sheikhdoms(aka United Arab Emirates), the Protectorates of Oman, Bahrain,Qatar,Kuwait and the Protectorate of Aden(aka South Yemen).

In return for allowing us to buy these lands, the British Government will be allow to maintain its assets in these region. Any oil found in these regions will be under the contral of Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company. All the ports in these listed regions will be open and allow British Ships of war to dock and be resupplyed. Also we will allow any British bases in the area to remain in British hands for the time being. The Ottoman Goverment badly wants to see all the lands of Arabia return to one leadership. Please give us word on this matter.

The Yugoslavian navy requires five modern destroyers, one modern light cruiser, one mine layer/clearer, and 25 modern Torpedo Boats. We will pay in currency or what little gold we have, though a loan which we can pay over time would probably be best. We will be scraping several ships, so the money we get from the scrap will go towards the payment.

We hope that such a request will not tax British shipyards beyond their limits, what with the other requests of nations being made.

OOC: woohoo, more replies from the British Government:

OOC: TO SA: OK then, I will place the rest of my obsolete ships in mothball (after removing and storing guns, in accordance to the Washington Treaty) if you need any more.

IC:

FROM: Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
TO: President Turkhan Pasha

We agree with these terms, however the paying of 5% of the entire Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company's profits to Albania is unacceptable to us. The AOOC is a multi-billion pound company and this we would not like to donate 5% of the profits to Albania. We will pay the Albanian government rent on all land used, wages for all the workers as well as the government recieving 1/3 of all oil pumped from their land to sell or use as they see fit. This should provide you a great surplus of oil for sale for absolutely no outlay and will be more than enough to satisfy your needs as well as to sell on.

However what we will agree to is the donation of a fixed sum of money to the development fund for every year that the AOOC remains in Albania, this will total £500,000 per year and will be a no-strings-attached payment and absolutely tax free. I hope that this will satisfy your monetary needs.

Top Secret
From: British Government
To: Ottoman Goverment
Topic: Arabia

We unfortunately are unable to sell you any of these lands, they have long been some of the most profitable lands in the Empire and their people have grown to love British rule. We understand your concerns about Arabia but the people are happy being a member of the Empire and they have their own rulers and profit from membership. However we will allow the Anglo-Ottoman Oil Company to further exploit oil deposits here and will also convert all existing oil wells over to the AOOC. I hope you will understand but Britain will not dispose of it's valued colonies for no real gain.

As to your ships I can supply the following brand new off within the next few years:

4 Hawkins Class Heavy Cruisers
6 Town Class Light Cruisers (we no longer build standard cruisers but these are some of our heaviest light cruisers)
10 Danae Class Light Cruisers
20 W Class Destroyers

The total cost for these vessels will be: £30 million, and construction is expected to take around 3-4 years.

To Yugoslavia:

I can supply the following vessels to your navy:

1 Danae Class Light Cruiser
5 W Class Destroyers
1 Pangbourne Class Minesweeper
25 Assorted Torpedo Boats

The Total Cost for these vessels is liekly to be around £4 million and production will take approximately 4 years due to previous shipyard commitments. We are willing to allow you to repay this loan over the period of construction with no interest, so that £1 million is repaied each year for 4 years. I hope that this is acceptable to you.

TO: Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
FROM: President Turkhan Pasha

I believe you misunderstood. The 5% payment will not be made to the Albanian government but to the Durinckx Development Firm LLC and BNP Paribas Private Investment Firm, both Belgian companies. These companies are currently building the infustructure (railways, roads, deepwater ports, est.) that your company will be using. They will undoubtedly wish to invest in the Anglo-Ottoman Oil company and thus would be entitled under our prior agreement to 5% profits.

That agreement was made at the Albanian Development Fund:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread...evelopment+Fund

Albania is perfectly happy with it's share of the oil...

FROM: Arthur James Balfour - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
TO: President Turkhan Pasha

In that case we accept and will begin the required processes immediately. Expect engineers to arrive in Albania from Egypt shortly.

To Yugoslavia:

I can supply the following vessels to your navy:

1 Danae Class Light Cruiser
5 W Class Destroyers
1 Pangbourne Class Minesweeper
25 Assorted Torpedo Boats

The Total Cost for these vessels is liekly to be around £4 million and production will take approximately 4 years due to previous shipyard commitments. We are willing to allow you to repay this loan over the period of construction with no interest, so that £1 million is repaied each year for 4 years. I hope that this is acceptable to you.

That will be most satisfactory, the loan will be payed on time, and we hope such buisness relations can be continued in the future.

Top Secret
From: British Government
To: Ottoman Goverment

As to your ships I can supply the following brand new off within the next few years:

4 Hawkins Class Heavy Cruisers
6 Town Class Light Cruisers (we no longer build standard cruisers but these are some of our heaviest light cruisers)
10 Danae Class Light Cruisers
20 W Class Destroyers

The total cost for these vessels will be: £30 million, and construction is expected to take around 3-4 years.

To: British Government
From: Ottoman Goverment

Very well, we understand and as for the ships, the funds have send for them. We thank you for selling us these ships.

August 31, 1920 - Western Union Office, Sofia

From: Prime Minister Aleksander Machelinev of Bulgaria
To: The Government in Westminster

It is clear that we have some interest with your nation. Obviously we are not communist as anyone could imagine...It is clear that things in Bulgaria are not as great as I had hoped internally, but externally things are a bit smoother and I am not willing to fall to the ideas of a "German-USDR superstate" voluntarily and without question yet try to coexist with this superstate and avert disaster in our time as well as the future...

I am sorry if I was too harsh with my arguement or got carried away with some kind of anti-Communist nationalist fervor...

Dear Sirs,

Brazil would like to enquire if Great Britain is willing to aid us in helping to develop our inner city healthcare and our industrial practices? We need around 20million US dollars for the completion of our industrial region in Matto Grosso and we need professional doctors to train our medical corps. Any help you can give us would be most appreciated. Especially in lieu of our despicable treatment by the rest of the right wing world apart from yourself and France who I will also be requesting aid from.

Many Thanks.

Reply to Brazil:

We are willing to accept that you do not wish the world any harm and are not eager to start a war. Therefore we will be able to provide around £10 million (around $30 million) of medical investment to your country and we are willing to provide training in our finest medical colleges for any talented Brazilian that your government wishes to send over. In return we ask that British companies be awarded contracts to explore and exploit natural iron ore deposits and the timber industry in your country and that our nations sign a pact of non-agression. Unfortunately we are unable to provide much more at this time due to other financial and foreign affairs constraints but we wish your government well in the future and hope to be able to cooperate again in the future.

British events:

The Royal Aircraft Factory is established at Farnborough and begins to build more scout aircraft for the Royal Flying Corps. Aircraft to be built will include the new Scout Experimental 5 (SE5) aircraft, amred with one forward firing Vickers MG and a pintel mounted Lewis Gun (to fire upwards). They are extremely quick whilst maintaining a good stability they are likley to see good service as scouts (and later as fighters when we develop them!).

Characteristics:

General Characteristics
Crew: one, pilot
Length: 20 ft 11 in
Wingspan: 26 ft 7 in
Height: 9 ft 6 in
Wing area: 444 ft²
Empty: 1,410 lb
Loaded: 1,935 lb
Maximum takeoff: 1,988 lb

Performance
Maximum speed: 138 mph
Range: 300 miles
Service ceiling: 17,000 ft

Armament
1x .303 in (7.7 mm) forward-firing Vickers machine gun with Constantinesco interrupter gear
1x .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis gun on Foster mount on upper wing

Colombia is very interested in this new aircraft that Great Britain has developed. Colombia has also expressed interest in aquiring several dozen, for whatever price that would be deemed appropriate.

SIC:

Colombia would greatly enjoy a military alliance, and perchance free trade with Great Britain.

Reply to Brazil:

We are willing to accept that you do not wish the world any harm and are not eager to start a war. Therefore we will be able to provide around £10 million (around $30 million) of medical investment to your country and we are willing to provide training in our finest medical colleges for any talented Brazilian that your government wishes to send over. In return we ask that British companies be awarded contracts to explore and exploit natural iron ore deposits and the timber industry in your country and that our nations sign a pact of non-agression. Unfortunately we are unable to provide much more at this time due to other financial and foreign affairs constraints but we wish your government well in the future and hope to be able to cooperate again in the future.


We will indeed sign a non-aggression pact and welcome your medical aid to the country with open arms. We realise your companies will wish to explore areas for their mineral use but there are environmental complications that reserve us from granting an all out license for this. Nevertheless we can be men of compromise so we will grant you a 1 year license to search for deposits without exploiting them and will then review the situation again as to you exploiting these minerals. Agreed?

Many thanks,
Brazil's Politburo and Parliament

OOC: The reason we have reservations about the rainforest is that the socialists have a coalition with the Green Party in the Politburo so their wishes must be respected from time to time.

SIC to Colombia: Sorry, the SE5 i scurrently not available for export to other nations, the Royal Flying Corps is buying them as fast as they can be produced and production is currently only on a small scale.

However, an allaince is more interesting. Firstly I must enquire whether youalready have an alliance with my allies and friends in the USA? (OOC: I'm fairly sure that you do but just thought i'd check) This would make things easier for us to sign.

To Brazil: We will gladly sign the non-agression pact and hope for peace between our nations for years to come. We understand about the resources, I know that you must try to appease all members of your parliament.

Engineers, Cartographers and Geologists have been dispatched to your nation to begin discovering and mapping any resources that they can find. The previously agreed medical aid has also been dispatched.

I look forwards to talking again next year when the results of the survey are in.

SECRET NAVAL TESTS BEGIN AT SCAPA FLOE NAVAL BASE

OOC: This is top secret stuff and only my allies will potentially know about it.

IC: Following the Wsahington Treaty, Great Britain has begun to dispose of ships that she no longer requires. Many have been sold to other nations but the really obsolete vessels have become targets. The turrets have been removed and incorporated into sea defences on the East coast in areas where an amphibious attack is likely.

The following vessels were sunk in the target practice:

Battleships
HMS Trafalgar, HMS Victoria, HMS Victorious, HMS Majestic, HMS Illustrious, HMS Mars, HMS Jupiter, HMS Hannibal, HMS Caesar, HMS Magnificent, HMS Prince George, HMS Canopus, HMS Albion, HMS Glory, HMS Goliath, HMS Ocean, HMS Vengeance, HMS Formidable, HMS Irresistable, HMS Implacable, HMS London, HMS Bulwark, HMS Venerable, HMS Queen, HMS Prince of Wales.

TOTAL: 26 vessels, all of pre-dreadnought class

Cruisers
19 protected
19 light

Destroyers
75 ships

Torpedo Gunboats
34 assorted

Corvettes
2 vessels

Submarines
168 (of classes A-G)

Merchant Shipping
around 50,000 tons

This leaves all remaining vessels in the navy in compliance with the Treaty. It also updates the Navy to modern standards with no vessels graeter than 20 years old remaining (except submarines, I had to scrap a lot of these to leave only the 100 allowed by the treaty, all the ones remaining are less than 5 years old).

THE TEST

All ships had fake turrets installed for realism (to replace the turrets removed) and old ammunition was stored in the magazines. After a suitable decommisioning ceremony, the ships were fired upon by coastal batteries and vessels of the home fleet. The submarines were submerged at the time to see what defence that would offer. Some of the newer vessels tried out their torpedo tubes and the newest subamrines were unleased upon the hulks.

RESULTS

Coastal batteries performed averagely with the majority of shells hitting the vessels and impacting on the hull sides causing light damage to the laregr vessels and putting many of the smaller ones out of action.

The Home Fleet performed well with the ships working as a team and opening fire on the hulks from all sides. The new dreadnoughts performed exceptionally with their large calibre shots causing major damage to the waterline and superstructures. What was observed was that the hulks seemed to explode very readily, after a post-action investigation the cause was poor blast shielding on the magazines.

The submarines also performed well, their torpedos impacting below the waterlines of the vessels and sinking them quickly, they worked particularly well on the smaller merchant vessels many of whom were blown completely out of the water.

Radio systems performed somewhat porrly with many faults discovered in the actual sets themselves and also radio etiquette was poor.

CONSEQUENCES

The blast shielding on all current vessel's magazines has been improved with additional blast proof doors installed and the walls thickened.

The coastal batteries have been improves with amagazine now attached to each one to enable shells to be fired more effectively.

All radio sets have now been replaced with newer systems and all officers and radio operatives have been trained in proper radio ettiquette.

Plans have been drawn up to equip any new ships (where possible) with extra torpedo tubes as these were a vital asset in the exercise.

The actual hulks of the vessels have been incorporated into current submarine defences at Scapa Floe and have formed an addtional outer barrier to prevent exterior forces form entering the base too easily.

To:British Government
From:Ottoman Government

We request your help in building a shipyard in Izmir, we need it to big enough to build our own battleships and carriers.(so it has to build a ship of 100,000 tons) We will pay top dollar for your help in building the shipyards for us. We thank for your whatever help you can give us. Also we want to know how long would it take for people to build this shipyard for us.

Dear Sirs,

We need to make up a surplus of 10million US dollars for the construction of our industrial district in Matto Grosso. We have loaned 10million from the French and are using a 30million dollar sum raised from increased agricultural exports. We therefore ask Great Britain for a 10million dollar loan payable over 5 years, hopefully with the profits made from the industrial district and agriculture. To secure your investment you could send engineers to help with the construction? That is what France has done. We will be true to our word on the repayment of debt and we shall repay them on time with your's and France's help with the construction of the district. We await your reply.

Deepest Regards,
Brazil's Politburo and Parliament.

SIC to Colombia: Sorry, the SE5 i scurrently not available for export to other nations, the Royal Flying Corps is buying them as fast as they can be produced and production is currently only on a small scale.

However, an allaince is more interesting. Firstly I must enquire whether youalready have an alliance with my allies and friends in the USA? (OOC: I'm fairly sure that you do but just thought i'd check) This would make things easier for us to sign.

ooc: We do indeed.. since the beginning of the game :D
Is there any other aircraft that the British might have available?

From:British Government
To:Ottoman Government

We will agree to build a shipyard for you and can make one of large enough size to construct carriers. We do, however, have a plan to help cut construction costs. If you agree to allow us to build the shipyards in the dual territory of Egypt I can fund 50% of the construction from British government funds. This would allow also allow us to use engineers and materials from Egypt and cuts down on transport costs. The shipyard built here would allocate 50% of it's resources to each government and either country may request for a greater use of the yards in time of war. The shipyards built here can, as the construction cost will be cheaper, be very large.

I propose that we construct the largest shipyards in Europe here, there will be a large complex of yards across the coast to cater for any size of vessel, from carriers down to corvettes. The scope of such a shipyard is immense and will more than cater for the needs of both our navies. Engineers from both countries can pool knowledge and resources and all excess ships can be sold to foreign buyers. Extra labour will have to be imported from Turkish lands as Egypt currently has a small population. This plan will make your nation a major competitor for world trade and Britain's shipbuilding power combined with Turkish labour and investment can make us very rich and powerful indeed. Let me know if you are interested in this grand plan.

I remain your humble servant.

To Brazil

My colleagues,
Britain is indeed willing to offer a substantial loan to Brazil. We can offer a loan of any size if you require more than $10 million and can offer repayment plans for up to 20 years. The requested sum of $10 million has been allocated to your nation and is currently sitting in a bank account awaiting your confirmation. Engineers are willing to begin work in Brazil once the loan is confirmed and on the condition that British companies are offered anopportunity to invest in your nation and perhaps also set up factories there alongside Brazilian industries.

Yours,
British Foreign Investment Department.

ooc: We do indeed.. since the beginning of the game

OK then consider an alliance agreed to.

As to aircraft very few have yet been developed, however I can offer you some secondhand aircraft. I have a lot of old Bristol Scout aircraft details follow:

Engine: 80 hp
Wing Span: 24 ft 7 in
LengthL 20 ft 8 in
Height: 8 ft 6 in
Maximum Speed: 100 mph
Maximum Height: 16,000 ft
Endurance: 2 hours
Armament: 1 Vickers MG (syncronised to fire through propellor)

Can probably supply around 75 of these aircraft. Name your (reasonable!) price, they are mostly ex-training models.

The US Navy proposes that the US and Royal Navies, in conjuction with the Canadians, conduct a joint fleet exercise of Newfoundland in the summer of 1921, and continue to do so every summer.

The US will provide its Scouting Force Atlantic (cruiser/carrier group), and Battle Squadron 4 (4 battleships plus escorts), plus elements of Submarine Force Atlantic, to act as an aggressor force to give the RN something to practice against.

ooc
this exercise will point out some problems in both navies, especially the weakness in anti submarine doctrine, and the usefulness of carrier based scouting aircraft. Once the exercise occurs of course.

To Brazil

My colleagues,
Britain is indeed willing to offer a substantial loan to Brazil. We can offer a loan of any size if you require more than $10 million and can offer repayment plans for up to 20 years. The requested sum of $10 million has been allocated to your nation and is currently sitting in a bank account awaiting your confirmation. Engineers are willing to begin work in Brazil once the loan is confirmed and on the condition that British companies are offered anopportunity to invest in your nation and perhaps also set up factories there alongside Brazilian industries.

Yours,
British Foreign Investment Department.


Certainly, let construction start immediately. Foreign company's are free to build industry in Brazil as long as it is in the Matto Grosso region which is where our industrial district is being constructed so yes that will be possible. French engineers are already working on the construction and with your men alongiside them the construction should be completed in three years, thus allowing two years for the industries to balance the books with foreign creditors, then we can concentrate on profit for Brazil. Thank you once again for your help here and also with the medical supplies and personnel. And yes of course British industry can invest in that region. On another note we are also awaiting the report of your expedition to the Amazon before deciding on rights for industry there.

Deepest Regards.

From:Ottoman Government
To:British Government

The Ottoman Government agrees to this idea of building a massive shipyard in the Egypt, we will give our 50 percent of funds and resources to this project as soon as it begans. We will send our labours to support this project. Truelly this is a sign of new era of relations between our two repected states.

We will take all 75 aircraft; They are great for our blossoming Airforce as instructional tools. Once we are able to aquire first-rate aircraft, the pilots will have excellent experience.

We offer $8 Million for these aircraft.

We will take all 75 aircraft; They are great for our blossoming Airforce as instructional tools. Once we are able to aquire first-rate aircraft, the pilots will have excellent experience.

We offer $8 Million for these aircraft.

ooc
you might want to look up how much aircraft actually cost back in 1920.. $106,000 each is a bit high, even for a World War II aircraft.

IC
The Curtis company, one of the makers of the JN4 Jenny will cheerfully sell you 100 aircraft at $10,000 each. They are ideal for primary and advanced training, and also useful for scouting and light bombing missions.

OOC
Although the British DH4 is a bit better, just a bit more expensive, although less forgiving to pilot errors.

ooc: Well I have no clue... give me a good idea as to how much they would cost. And would it be to rediculous to buy both lots of aircraft?

The UoSA would like inquire as to the possibility of sending a group of volunteers to Britain to train on British aircraft. We hope to soon set up an Royal South African Air Reserve, and having a cadre of trained pilots will greatly expediate this process.

We eagerly await your response.

Artitsa: I have no idea, perhaps £50,000 per plane? I don't really know. But flight is still being expensive so they should be pretty expensive like any modern cutting edge technology.

Malkyer: OK, say around 30-50 pilots volunteer, though they will all be fully trained they have no combat experience and tactics are based off the German Civil War.

OOC: Following increased tensions concerning China, Russia, Germany and Brazil amongst others. The British parliament has followed it's usual policy of overeaction and has instigated the following troop movements:

IC: Britain steps up garrisons in Afghanistan (though the country is fairly unstable anyway) and Pakistan on the Russian borders. Local tribesmen are recruited into militia forces and equipped with old rifles no longer in use by the army (though still of the standard .303 calibre). Aircraft, especially the new SE5 are brought from Britain to assist the defence.

A similiar process is repeated in India, Nepal, Tibet and Burma where there is a border with China. At Hong Kong Indian troops are rushed to the garrisons to provide a limited defence whilst British units are brought from the UK. In the Pacific islands marines are landed from the Navy to provide a stronger garrison there.

The Navy increases patrols in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and also the extreme North Atlantic. Meditteranean patrols are also increased as are the garrisons at Malta, Gibralter and Egypt. British merchant vessels increasingly recieve an escort in the affected areas.

The dominions (Canada, Australia, South Africa) are called upon to increase defences in their homelands and territories and also to pledge as many troops as they can to the defence of the Empire. Canada (the only NPC dominion) has pledged 3 divisions of troops and their equipment and they are now being used to reinforce the Indian Subcontinent.

Local militias are readied throughout the Empire and troops from the West Coast African colonies are transported to the colony of British Guiana. Troops from East Africa are rushed to help protect the Indian subcontinent.

Production of war arms in Britain has increased particularly of rifles and artillery and these items are transported as quickly as possible to the colonies to arm the militias. The recruitment campaign in Britain is speeded up and training is increased with the introduction of reservists as instructors. The RFC increases it's training programs and tries to recruit as many potential pilots as possible.

Comminque to Britain
From: Greater China

------------------------------------
(A copy of the telegram is sent to Chinese allies and the international community)
------------------------------------

Greetings.

China would like to know why Britain has massed troops along Chinese - British borders. Is Britain preparing to invade China?

China has done nothing towards the British people, nor instigated any hostile actions towards any nation. The only action that may have been considered hostile or tension-building was the Chinese troop movements near Indochina back in the 1900's. Other than that, there has been no aggressive action by China towards any foreigners or any of China's neighbors.

France and China has come to an agreement in which France has sold Cambodia and Laos to China. This shall mark an improvement in French-Chinese relations, as France has took the first step towards mending the strained fences between the French and Chinese people.

Clearly, Britain shall be viewed as the aggressor and provoker in this situation, massing troops and material along British holdings next to China, while China has done nothing but remain peaceful since the Boxer Rebellion 20 years ago.

Reduce your troops to their original levels, or Greater China will have no choice but view these build-ups with suspicion and / or possible British intent of invasion or unproductive actions aganist the Chinese people. There is essentially no need to mass troops during peace-time, nor along borders with supposedly neutral, friendly, or allied nations. The troop build-up is almost always a prelude to an invasion or hostile action, otherwise, there would be no need for a troop build-up in the first place.

Good day.
~Emperor Guozu

Colombia will purchase the aircraft for £35,000 a piece. (Remember, that is $70,000... pretty expensive)

75 x £35,000 = £2,625,000.

ooc
gentlemen, these aircraft are cheaper than you think

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/early_years/ey11.htm

although $8,000 in 1921 is still about 5 - 6 times that figure today, that is still very cheap... we are talking pretty small engines here

OOC: thanks GB, OK colombia you can use the new figures now!

I really had no idea as to how expensive or cheap technology was then...

OOC: much diplomatic wrangling to be done...

IC TO CHINA (and all countries who recieved their telegram):

I am sure that you understand what troubled times we live in. The military build up is occuring along almost every border in the British Empire in response to decreased diplomatic terms with a number of countries (OOC: Germany threatening to reclaim Venezuala). Whilst we have always and still do view the Chinese as friends and neighbours and have had no reason to suspect of a potential threat this build up of forces is a customary reaction to increased levels of tension.

Britain has no intentions of provoking a war and will resort first to diplomatic means before violence but in some situations violence is recognised as necessary and so some troop movements must occur to discourage any potential attackers. Again whilst we do not view China as a threat this measure is being implemented across the Empire.

In closing the troop build-up is merely a preventative measure to discourage any attackers and is a standard reaction to strained international relationships. Whilst China has no business interfering in British defence affairs as a mark of friendship we will reduce the border guard down to 50% more than it was previously and the surplus troops will be withdrawn to depots deeper within the bordering countries.

I bid you good day,

The Right Honourable David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor, OM, PC
Prime Minister of Great Britain, Ireland and it's colonies abroad.

We are also willing to be in the aeroplane market as well...Bulgaria is willing to buy a few, not more than 10 planes for about 35 000 quid per aeroplane as well (within reason and possible variety). The plans would be used for military and possibly for civilian aviation as well. It is a possibility that aeroplanes could share the skies with the airship and maybe supercede it if things go miserably wrong...

OOC:Britian do you know when would the joint shipyards in Egypt will up and running?

OOC: BULGARIA, the price has since been reduced to around $8000, (~£3000) as a result of some historical evidence coming to light. Consider 10 planes to be on their way to you already.

OTTOMAN TUURKS: probably by the end of this year, it's a big task but Britain has engineering expertise and we have a good labour supply.

IC:
The Hungarian Government wishes to know if Britain is interested in helping establish and improve the weak Hungarian Industrial/Manufacturing base. Hungary is also interested in a educational and military exchange program with Britain.

TO HUNGARY

Dear Sirs,
Britain is always interested in foreign investment opportunities and will provide an intense industrialisation scheme. We would be interested in opening branches of many of our companies in your country (including Lee-Enfield arms factories) to include foodstuffs, textiles and manufactured product factories.

As far as educational and military exchanges go we can agree to the following:

-Promising Hungarians to be subsidised into British universities by the government
-Hungarian Military observers to be allowed to see how British forces function
-Hungarian troops to be invited to take part in military exercises on land, sea and air.
-Contacts offered to the Hungarian military for weapons, supplies, equipment etc. at competitive rates.
-Perhaps further co-operation and maybe an alliance could be discussed in the future.

I thankyou for your indulgence in this matter, I wish your nation well for the future whatever you may decide.

The Right Honourable David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor, OM, PC
Prime Minister of Great Britain, Ireland and it's colonies abroad.

TO HUNGARY
Snip.
The Union has observed the recent British interest in Hungary, our neighbor. Moscow of course does not object to any British actions designed to bring prosperity and security to the Magyar People (for whom we have nothing but respect and well-wishes for their long suffering), but there will of course be no Anglo-Hungarian Alliance, any more than there will be a Russo-Irish Alliance.
We hope this is clear.

A curt reply is sent to the Russian Embassy informing them that British foreign affairs are their own and will not be dictated by other nations no matter what relationship they have.

OOC: Not really meant as a realistic proposal considering the current climate, i'm just sounding out my popularity in Eastern Europe (pretty low I would guess).

OoC: Well, the Russians have so far managed to (barely) avoid any serious gaffes in Eastern Europe that might be the equivalent of America's deplored Latin American interventions, so inroads are likely to be more difficult. But we'll see, I guess.

IC
The Russian ambassador laughs heartily at the British reply, and sends Downing Street a gift of a case of the finest Black Sea caviar and a sack of Irish potatoes.

The Russians are publicly thanked for their gifts but they are just as publicly returned with a note suggesting that perhaps they should be sent back to the Russian Empire to help feed the people of Ukraine.

OOC: I know they're not really feeling the effects of a drought yet but I couldn't resist!

Ooh. Nice. I'm gonna have to think about that one.

Dear Sirs,
As you know, it has been one year since the British expedition set out into the Amazon to scout possible mineral and other raw material deposits. What are their findings? We are willing to discuss foreign business investment depending on the availability of the materials and minerals.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and several other companies approach planters in Malaya about becoming the primary suppliers of raw rubber to the US market.

Haiti wishes to open relations with Britain.

The Russians are publicly thanked for their gifts but they are just as publicly returned with a note suggesting that perhaps they should be sent back to the Russian Empire to help feed the people of Ukraine.

OOC: I know they're not really feeling the effects of a drought yet but I couldn't resist!

Krasnaya Zvezda, Moskva - 12 V 1922

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER OPENLY MOCKS THE HUNGER OF THE POOR

While the drought in Ukraine has as yet claimed few lives, nevertheless it has ruined many poor families and brought crushing poverty into the lives of tens of thousands more who had earlier prospered.

The rest of world has responded to the government's declaration of a state of emergency and decisive action by contributing aid or at least offering to sell grain for distribution to the poor. Even Colombia, putting aside a longtime hostility, has donated perhaps the largest contribution to the relief effort so far, while the United States has opened its markets to Union relief agencies.

Yesterday the British Prime Minister delivered the United Kingdom's gift to the Ukrainian people directly to the Union Embassy. What was it? A crate of caviar, a sack of potatoes, and a note suggesting that "perhaps [they] should be sent back to the Russian Empire [sic] to help feed the people of Ukraine."

Can there yet remain any question as to the moral distinction between the Socialist and capitalist modes of thought?

Prime Minister Blum, as well as hundreds of thousands of French citizens are shocked at the Britons' cold response to the Russian famine. After all, would not Britan expect help if they were to suffer famine or some other horrible disaster?

TO BRAZIL:

The Findings of the Brazilian Expedition

After one year pf searching the expedition of British specialists to Brazil has returned many findings about the previously unexplored (by western terms) heartland of the country. Proven mineral resources are extensive. Large iron and manganese reserves have been discpvered in much of the landscape and deposits of nickel, tin, chromite, bauxite (Auminium Ore), beryllium, copper, lead, tungsten, zinc, gold, and high-quality cooking-grade coal have been discovered. Especially in many of the low lying hills and valleys of the rainforest. In addition the forest itself is an untapped resource, it can provide millions of tonnes of lumber (especially rare woods like mahogany), as well as Cocoa, tropical fruits and coffee.

These discoveries have excited British investors who are clamouring to build factories in Brazil. These include representatives from the lumber, food commodity, chemical, mineral extraction, Aluminium extraction and steel manufacturing as well as subsideries of these industries such as arms manufacturing, automobile companies, aircraft companies etc.

Britain has so far prevented any major investment in Brazil in line with the Brazilian governments wishes. But with their permission millions of British pounds of investment will soon be pouring into Brazil. In return for allowing these companies to invest in the country Brazil will recieve substantial returns. It is proposed that thousands of Brazilians will recieve jobs in the new industries, products can begin pouring out as exports and the local population will benefit.

A joint committee will be set up to oversee operations in Brazil to ensure that minimum harm comes to the environment and 25% of each factoriy's directors board will be made up of Brazilians. Also, free medical centres will be built at each factory to provide for the workers and minimum wage and maximum work week laws will implemented at the factories.

All that is requred for this great development to begin is the approval of the Brazilian government.

TO USA:

Goodyear are welcome to make investments in Malaya and the contact will be offered to all the companies situated there. It is expected that they will approve of the contact and exports to the US will begin shortly.

TO HAITI:

You are welcome to begin diplomatic proceedings with Britain and we hope to be able to invest in your country in the future.

As a direct result of the negative image of David Llloyd George's actions in light of the Ukranian famine he is forced to resign from office in shame. He leaves the Liberal Party in a state of shock at the power vacuum and an in-party election is held at an emergency meeting. The candidates for PM were as follows (name followed by previous post):

Lord Birkenhead - Lord Chancellor
Andrew Bonar Law - Leader of the House of Commons [withdrawn due to ill health (OOC: historically in bad health at this time)]
Austen Chamberlain - Chancellor of the Exchequer
Edward Shortt - Secretary of State for the Home Department
Winston Churchill - Secretary of State for War and Air

Much of the party are split between Lord Birkenhead and Chamberlain with a few votes going to Shortt. However in a freak incident, victory goes to Churchill who has promised a hard line stance against communsim in Europe and improved ties with the US which won him much of the party's more conservative and upper class votes, as well as mainatining the colonies abroad and taking a hard stance on Irish Nationalism.

Churchill's first act of office is to send a token gesture of aid to Ukraine, this will include several thousand tonnes of grain and also a few British medical staff.

His second (OOC: secret!) act is to implement a restructure of the Military Intelligence Service he merges the old Secret Intelligence Service with his new group which consists of the following:
MI1 (HQ)
MI2 (secretariat)
MI3 (interception and interpretation of communications)
MI4 (aerial reconnaisance)
MI5 (internal security)
MI6 (foreign service)
MI8 (interception and interpretation of communications)
MI9 (covert operations and PoW escape)
MI10 (weapons and technical analysis)

These new units will come under ministry of war jurisdiction and liase with allied units.

OOC: Not as unlikely as it may first appear, the other candidates for leadership are mostly seen as being too different in opinion to the populace and many are unpopular with the people, an alternative PM candidate cannot stand for election due to ill health. An anti-communist Churchill would be popular with most of the party (they are mainly rich and middle or upper class industrialists, who would not like communism). A PM elected this way would need no popular vote from the people yet as the last PM has resigned and the ruling party gets to chose his replacement.

(OOC: i'd like to take this time to say :O that is all, but i do have a question, are you gonna replecate the famous speach?)

(OOC2: We will fight them on the fields etc)

OOC: That's the idea! I thought I'd try something different. There was no real way the old PM could stay in power snubbing a famine like that (even against a communist nation) and his replacement would have to be chosen from the cabinet. Churchill was fairly radical and not as elitist as the other candidates so I chose him.

As to the speech: Maybe, but hopefully there won't be another war for a while yet!

The Union Supreme Council will thank the new British Government profusely, etc., etc. (really, I'm getting overwhelmed by the response, and having a hard time keeping up), and not mention the unfortunate business at all.
I love Question Time, though. Wish we had it here (the States, I mean . . . although the Union might consider it if things get ugly in the Legislature).
You can thank me later for giving you a chance to slip Winnie in. I mean, you came out embarrassed but ahead, ultimately. Maybe you can return the favor at some point, who knows?
Oh. And since we don't trust the British anymore than the Colombians, all shipments and personnel will be thoroughly checked and observed, of course.

OOC: Prime Minister's Question Time is pretty good, I'm surprised there's nothing similar in the US.

Yeah thanks for the chance to bring in Winston, should help bring about a few changes!

Oh and I understand about personnel and food etc. rest assured it's all good though!

TO BRAZIL:

The Findings of the Brazilian Expedition

After one year pf searching the expedition of British specialists to Brazil has returned many findings about the previously unexplored (by western terms) heartland of the country. Proven mineral resources are extensive. Large iron and manganese reserves have been discpvered in much of the landscape and deposits of nickel, tin, chromite, bauxite (Auminium Ore), beryllium, copper, lead, tungsten, zinc, gold, and high-quality cooking-grade coal have been discovered. Especially in many of the low lying hills and valleys of the rainforest. In addition the forest itself is an untapped resource, it can provide millions of tonnes of lumber (especially rare woods like mahogany), as well as Cocoa, tropical fruits and coffee.

These discoveries have excited British investors who are clamouring to build factories in Brazil. These include representatives from the lumber, food commodity, chemical, mineral extraction, Aluminium extraction and steel manufacturing as well as subsideries of these industries such as arms manufacturing, automobile companies, aircraft companies etc.

Britain has so far prevented any major investment in Brazil in line with the Brazilian governments wishes. But with their permission millions of British pounds of investment will soon be pouring into Brazil. In return for allowing these companies to invest in the country Brazil will recieve substantial returns. It is proposed that thousands of Brazilians will recieve jobs in the new industries, products can begin pouring out as exports and the local population will benefit.

A joint committee will be set up to oversee operations in Brazil to ensure that minimum harm comes to the environment and 25% of each factoriy's directors board will be made up of Brazilians. Also, free medical centres will be built at each factory to provide for the workers and minimum wage and maximum work week laws will implemented at the factories.

All that is requred for this great development to begin is the approval of the Brazilian government.

TO USA:

Goodyear are welcome to make investments in Malaya and the contact will be offered to all the companies situated there. It is expected that they will approve of the contact and exports to the US will begin shortly.

TO HAITI:

You are welcome to begin diplomatic proceedings with Britain and we hope to be able to invest in your country in the future.


The Brazilian Government are satisfied with these findings and although the support in the Politburo of the two Green Party members sitting there, the two conservative members voted ironically for once with the Socialist candidates in the interest of business. We are glad of your assurances to protect the environment as well and hope that this is a profitable venture for us both.

Deepest Regards,
Brazil's Politburo and Parliament.