NationStates Jolt Archive

Britain officially announces the opening of the first commercial nuclear power station at Sellafield in Cumbia, England. The station is part of the Anglo-Germanic research project and reduces the countries dependence on foreign fuels. Nuclear generation is hailed as the power source of the future, with little waste produced and vaste quantities of energy gained from little fuel. The British joint project manager Sir John Cockcroft has stated that soon power in Britain and Germany will be "Too Cheap to meter!".

In other progressions, the British atomic research labs produce 12 standard nuclear bombs (1 transferred to Australia) and 12 advanced Hydrogen bombs. They are all stored at RAF Brize Norton under high security.

The second launch of the European Space Agency program (sorry Parth, I can't remember what you wanted to call it) will occur towards the end of the year. British Third Great War ace John Cunningham (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cunningham_%28Royal_Air_Force%29)is expected to be chosen as the test pilot. The test will be much like the last one, except that there have been refinements to many systems and a reduction in component weight will allow for a little more fuel to be carried and higher heights to be reached. The project will continue next year with a French test pilot and further improvements and modifications made.

OOC: I can't remember either...

Oh, and I guess for '52 we can put 2 in France (to be fair), and another 1 in Britain and Germany each, that way we each will have 2 of our own and each low country will have one. Then the next years we can put three in each buffer state and then alternate putting one in each country.

The Menzies Administration contacts the British government concerning the impending independence (1953) of the Dutch East Indies as Indonesia. It seems likely that the Moluccas and other minor islands will be incorporated into greater Australasia while Java, Sumatra, and Bali will become independent together.

However, the general feeling in Kalimantan and Sulawesi is not in favor of joining either Australia or Indonesia. At what time does Britain see fit to give Malaysia independence? Perhaps it would be possible to unify your holdings in the area with ours to form a second nation in the area? We await your response...

Parthini']From: Minister Bruning


OOC2: I also assume we don't have to pay 12 points a turn anymore?

6 points a year retains continual nuclear fuel processing, and 12 points a turn continues improvements in warhead technology

6 points a year retains continual nuclear fuel processing, and 12 points a turn continues improvements in warhead technology

Wait wait wait... what does Nuclear fuel processing do? Also, would me continuing research in that area allow me to make nukes, or do I still have to create the infrastructure?

Britain will allow the independence of Malaysia in 1953 if a referendum there is in favour of it and a merger can be arranged with Kalimantan and Sulawesi. This is likely to be around the same time that much of Africa begins to become decolonised.

We wish to enquire if a deal has been reached?

We wish to enquire if a deal has been reached?

In terms of nuclear power stations?

If so, they cost 25 points each, and reduce relaince on oil and coal. I am building a second one in Britain this year and I think Germany is building one. I believe that the original plan was to build a load in the low countries to supply all of Europe, but given they costs I don't know what Parthini has decided.

Parthini']Wait wait wait... what does Nuclear fuel processing do? Also, would me continuing research in that area allow me to make nukes, or do I still have to create the infrastructure?

pays for the complex industrial facilities needed to handle nuclear fuel and production of nuclear materials

and yes, still have to do the research for weapons development. The ongoing costs for weapons development the US pays are for better and more efficient weapons which will lead eventually to neutron weapons and the relatively clean weapons that exist in 2000

Ok, then would that be a joint process or would it be required for each nation that holds a nuclear powerplant(s) to keep to keep them running?

This is getting a lot more confusing :p

Basically, what I'm asking is if Britain, France and I can split the points for the nuclear fueling.

And I guess we should all work on new powerplant development.

And I guess I need to pay 25 points next year for my powerplant?

Parthini']Ok, then would that be a joint process or would it be required for each nation that holds a nuclear powerplant(s) to keep to keep them running?

This is getting a lot more confusing :p

Basically, what I'm asking is if Britain, France and I can split the points for the nuclear fueling.

And I guess we should all work on new powerplant development.

And I guess I need to pay 25 points next year for my powerplant?

I don't see why you can't split the costs... just specify where the facilities are. The US facilities are at Hanford Washington, Sandia Labs, New Mexico, Los Alamos, New Mexico, Amarillo, Texas, Savannah Georgia and Oak Ridge Tennessee.

By the way, powerplants should be only 24 points (just like a production center), I spent 25 points on each to hide the extra spending the US is doing in Arabia.

OK then, I can split fuelling costs with Germany and France, so thats 6 points per year each (2 for maintenece of program, 4 for developments)? Plus we pay for our own power plants. Mine'll be at Sellafield in Cumbria, I have paid 25 points for it so the other point'll get spent later on for covert projects or whatever...

Semi-Secret IC:

Where does Britain stand on research on hydrogen bombs? (ooc: I've lost track, but i thought you were close). Though we understand that treaty obligations prevent you from giving us weapons of these types, there is the hope among higher ups in the military that once Britain develops higher grade weapons that the number of weaker atomic bombs going to Australia annually might be increased slightly. It is understood however that this may be wishful thinking.

(feel free to shoot me down, but so many rivals in asia are making me a little nervous)

Britain has full knowledge of Hydrogen weapons, but is under severe treaty limitations with the USA not to reveal these to any other nation under any circumstances. The USA got VX gas research in return.

RE: Atomic weapons to Australia. We can certainly increase the number going per year. Perhaps up to 4 per turn to start off with. Though this may increase later once I have a large enough stockpile for emergencies.

So if you want you can have 4 this turn onwards and perhaps more in the future once I have around 50 or so held. I think I have around 25 at the moment.

Semi-Secret IC:

Where does Britain stand on research on hydrogen bombs? (ooc: I've lost track, but i thought you were close). Though we understand that treaty obligations prevent you from giving us weapons of these types, there is the hope among higher ups in the military that once Britain develops higher grade weapons that the number of weaker atomic bombs going to Australia annually might be increased slightly. It is understood however that this may be wishful thinking.

(feel free to shoot me down, but so many rivals in asia are making me a little nervous)

ooc
Australia is still under the protection of both the UK and the USA under the LTA treaty, which I suppose could be reaffirmed. Which means Australia is under the US nuclear umbrella.

Britain has full knowledge of Hydrogen weapons, but is under severe treaty limitations with the USA not to reveal these to any other nation under any circumstances. The USA got VX gas research in return.

RE: Atomic weapons to Australia. We can certainly increase the number going per year. Perhaps up to 4 per turn to start off with. Though this may increase later once I have a large enough stockpile for emergencies.

So if you want you can have 4 this turn onwards and perhaps more in the future once I have around 50 or so held. I think I have around 25 at the moment.

We would never dare wish for one of our allies to cross another because of us--both Britain and the United States have been among Australia's greatest friends and any treaty between the two of them is automatically seen as sound judgement "Down Under."

However, an increased donation of atomic weapons is happily received. I believe I have one from 1950 so 4 in 1951 and future years will put us at 5, 9, 13, etc. Our thanks for your help in assuring our national security.



ooc
Australia is still under the protection of both the UK and the USA under the LTA treaty, which I suppose could be reaffirmed. Which means Australia is under the US nuclear umbrella.

ooc: which is all well and good. It's nice to have control over one's own destiny though, and the Conservatives are keeping a majority in Parliament by playing off of ideas of national pride.

I have been curious about the LTA though. Did it expire/lapse or is it still around?

Nuclear power plants:

So I guess we are going to split the costs of research and fueling and just build our own power plants? I think that would be reasonable.

I also take it that power plants take 1 year to build and generate 1 point a year?

Lastly, do you (France and the UK) still want to build some powerplants in the BeNeBur area? What we could do is build 3, 1 in each country, and just have each powerplant give 1/3 of their points, or 1 point total, to each of us to sort of act as a power capabilities in our countries. Or do you guys have any other ideas?

ooc: which is all well and good. It's nice to have control over one's own destiny though, and the Conservatives are keeping a majority in Parliament by playing off of ideas of national pride.

I have been curious about the LTA though. Did it expire/lapse or is it still around?

it kind of evolved into the UN, so renewing it would be a good idea I think.

The US is willing to very, very covertly provide Australia with a dozen 1 megaton gravity bombs for its bomber fleet (as a strategic deterrent) and nuclear tipped torpedoes and depth charges for the RAN and a few dozen tactical (battlefield type, 50 km range) missiles for its self defense (along with the 20 KT warheads to go with them)

In exchange, the US would want a US / Australasian mutual defense treaty and continued basing rights. Plus the ability to build a space tracking station at Alice Springs

it kind of evolved into the UN, so renewing it would be a good idea I think.

The US is willing to very, very covertly provide Australia with a dozen 1 megaton gravity bombs for its bomber fleet (as a strategic deterrent) and nuclear tipped torpedoes and depth charges for the RAN and a few dozen tactical (battlefield type, 50 km range) missiles for its self defense (along with the 20 KT warheads to go with them)

In exchange, the US would want a US / Australasian mutual defense treaty and continued basing rights. Plus the ability to build a space tracking station at Alice Springs

response on Australian thread

Britain officially announces that by the next years (1952) end the following nations will have full and complete independence from the UK:

The Gambia
Nigeria
Ghana
Senegal
Togo

The above countries have essentially been self governing for a while now and should have enough experience of it to become successful nations. They will, of course, be offered membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.

In addition the following countries will unite with Kalimantan and Sulawesi to forma new nation at the end of 1953. Until then they will nominally have dominion status as a group allowing them to function autominally until independence:
Malaya
Singapore

In addition Sierra Leone is given status as a "Special Autonomous Region" for want of a better name and given autonomous rule, though still reportable to Britain and technically still British soil. This is to avoid any complications in relation to the ESA base.

The ESA launches a final sub-orbital mission. This time piloted by a Frenchman and attaining new heights never before reached. Next year the ESA begins work on putting the first satellite into space (woo, Sputnik, woo!). Followed by the first man in space by the start 1954.

OOC: Essentially only change is that funding from each nation goes down to 4 points next 2 years to cover continued research costs (i'll pay for the satellite) and then back up to 6 to cover the manned flight costs.

In a secret project in Sierra Leone, the ESA begins it's first satellite mission.

The first mission was attempted on January 18th 1952. The rocket was on its launch platform and all systems were go, however shortly after take off the rocket unexpectedly exploded, damaging some nearby buildings and part of the launch tower, but fortunately causing no casualties. Many immediately suspected an act of sabotage from a rival space program (either the SCT or, more scarily, the USA). However investigations into the cause are still underway.

A second launch effort was immediately begun, with the tower being rebuilt and a back up satellite being hastily readied. The second satellite, codenamed Discovery II, was launched on January 22nd, being a particularly poignant occasion as this was the 51st anniversary of the death of Queen Victoria whose name was given to the main research centre for this project. The second launch was successful and the satellite reached a peak orbit point of 939km. The satellite is sending back temoerature and pressure details of the outer reaches of the Earth's atmosphere. It has been estimated that the battery life will be around 3 weeks, but the satellit ewill remain in ordbit for almsot 3 months. Plans are made for follow up launches later in the year.

OOC: Not a sabotage attempt, just a fault in the fuel systems. A randomly determined error occur (rolled for by me) and it disintegrated. A substitute launch was paid for by the British secret funds (overspend from last budget) and a second satellite and launch vehicle used from the dozen or so back ups always ready in such situations. The codename is pretty lame, but the best I could think of (ESA members feel free to suggest better ones).

We would like to offer our warmest congratulations on this great achievement, not only this is a first in history but offers a new frontier for immense possibilities! The data obtained will no doubt help us understand more about the planet we live on.

France Salutes You!
-----------------------------------------
On a side note: The government of France is planning to expand its airforce, given the excellent quality of British Designs we were wondering if you would not mind selling us some B57 Canberra medium bomber aircraft?

Feel free to buy B57s. I am sure the English Electric company will be pleased, Britain hasn't got any Canberras and indeed no light bomber until the Blackburn Buccaneer comes into use in 1956.

Cable From Nigeria
To our Esteemed British Friends,

We thank you for allowing us to declare independence and emerge into the world as a self-governed country. We also thank you for modernizing our nation! However, our economy is still weak and we are barely able to provide social services for our people. We would like to ask for aid in building our economy and industry over the next year.

Reply and additional info posted on your thread.

ooc: this may be considered regicide, but isnt the king supposed to die sometime soon?

The Government of the Federation of South American Nations formally requests a meeting with the British Prime Minister.

Eisenhower sends a letter to Churchill urging him to persuade the British government NOT to join in a war between the Scandic Union and Germany if the Germans attack first.

Official pressure is also placed on the British government as well. The Americans also attempt to persuade the British government to place pressure on the German government to end the crisis peacefully.

ooc: this may be considered regicide, but isnt the king supposed to die sometime soon?

OOC:
Good Lord, regicide! and from one of those ex-colonials as well, I'll see Australia nuked for this!

Ahem.
Yep, shortly but I haven't had time to type it up yet. I'll get it written out tonight.

The Government of the Federation of South American Nations formally requests a meeting with the British Prime Minister.

The Honourable Sir Winston Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (thats a lot of post nominals) would be delighted to meet with the Government of the Federation of South American Nations.

Eisenhower sends a letter to Churchill urging him to persuade the British government NOT to join in a war between the Scandic Union and Germany if the Germans attack first.

Official pressure is also placed on the British government as well. The Americans also attempt to persuade the British government to place pressure on the German government to end the crisis peacefully.

The USA is reassured that Britain will not enter into an unlawful war. She will only act if one of her allies (or herself) is attacked first. The US is also assured that the British government is fully committed to retaining peace in Europe and that she has conveyed these notions to the German government, she hopes for a peaceful solution to this crisis.

FNS sends another message inviting The Honourable Sir Winston Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC to Bogota, Colombia. Transportation will be provided. (I assume you have an embassy in the FNS) Sir Winston Churchill will be driven to his embassy straight away, and we will meet at a later date when he has recovered from the time difference and settled in. It is also our understanding that Porsche has a gift for him.

OOC:
Good Lord, regicide! and from one of those ex-colonials as well, I'll see Australia nuked for this!

Ahem.
Yep, shortly but I haven't had time to type it up yet. I'll get it written out tonight.


::gulp:: That wont do...

*Moves entire population to New Zealand*

FNS sends another message inviting The Honourable Sir Winston Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC to Bogota, Colombia. Transportation will be provided. (I assume you have an embassy in the FNS) Sir Winston Churchill will be driven to his embassy straight away, and we will meet at a later date when he has recovered from the time difference and settled in. It is also our understanding that Porsche has a gift for him.

Sir Winstone would be delighted to take part in this visit and is greatly anticipating the gift from the Porsche Company. His only requirement is that he is allowed to take with him his Chief Bodyguard Detective Inspector Walter Henry Thompson and his hand picked squad of half a dozen polic from the Metropolitan Special Branch. This is standard practice for such a leading figure as Sir Winston, as is the use of his own private jet. Otherwise he will be glad to use the arrangements made by the FNS government.

KING DEAD!

Our noble monarch King George VI, has died. It is known that on the morning of 6 December 1952, George VI died aged 56 in his sleep at Sandringham House in Norfolk. He went to bed the previous night and was found dead by his attendants just after dawn. He is the only British monarch of modern times whose death was not observed and whose precise moment of death was not recorded. His funeral will take place on February 15, and he is to be buried in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The King has lead this fine nation through peace, wars, industrial expansion, decolonisation and into the atomic age. His contribution to all aspects of modern life will be missed and he will be remembered for hailing in a new era of British and Commonwealth history. He has left the nation in fine shape, with a military tradition still envied by many the world over and now with the power of space exploration and nuclear technology.

The last war had taken its toll on the King's health and he siffered greatly from chest infections, this was exacerbated by his likeing for fine cigars which calmed his nerves in these troubled times. His doctor has stated that the cause of death was the development of lung cancer. Increasingly his daughter Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the German Friedreich, Duke of Edinburg;, the heiress presumptive to the throne, has taken on more of the royal duties as her father's health deteriorated.

Elizabeth was the first British monarch since the Act of Union in 1801 to be out of the country at the moment of succession and was currently touring in Kenya to inspect it's new establishments for independence. Elizabeth's coronation will take place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.

His Majesty George VI, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and of the British dominions beyond the seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Head of the Commonwealth of Nations is dead.

Long Live The Queen.

OOC: All major world leaders are invited to attend the state funeral and coronation.

The Republic of South Africa sends its condolences to the people of the United Kingdom, and to Queen Elizabeth in particular. Prime Minister van Aarten will attend the funeral, and if possible, the coronation as well. He wishes to make it known to Elizabeth that the United Kingdom still has a friend in South Africa.

Long Live the Queen.

The people of United South East Asia offer their condolences to the United Kingdom for the loss of a great man.
Nyugen Ai Quoc will attend the funeral accompanied by King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia.

OOC: Oof! How sad :(

IC: The German Empire cannot emulate the sorrow that is felt for the loss of such a great man who helped Germany rise out of the ashes. All members of the Cabinet and several major members of the Reichstag, as well as the Imperial Family will be attending both the funeral and coronation.

God Save the Queen! (her fascist regime :p)

Prime Minister Menzies and the entire Australasian people send their deepest sorrows to the British people and the Royal Family. Australian flags are ordered to half-staff and the PM will be attending the King's funeral with his entire staff.

Prime Minister Chiang Kai Shek of China sends his condolences and decrees that he will personally attend the funeral and Elizabeth's coronation.

(Can we assume this happens after our meeting? Cause then my prez will fly back with Churchill)

Eisenhower will attend the funeral and stay for the coronation

King Abdullah will attend, along with several important members of the Majlis al-Chaab. This will mark the first time both important royal officials are out of the country at the same time (the Crown Prince is in Beijing, for all you conspirators out there).

The President and Prime minister both extend their condolences on behalf of the nation and both have announced that they will attend the funeral.

"(Can we assume this happens after our meeting? Cause then my prez will fly back with Churchill)"

OOC: Sure, assume away!

IC: The new Queen and her parliament thank the nations who have sent their condolences in these tragic times. She will ensure that any who have the desire to do so are reserved seats at the Funeral and/or coronation.

The Luftwaffe petitions the RAF for the purchase of *a bunch* of BAC Lightning's to supplement the growing Airforce.

The government will gratefully allow the German Luftwaffe to purchase EE Lightnings.

OOC: BAC wasn't formed until 1960, by a government pressured merger of English Electric Aviation Ltd., Vickers-Armstrong (Aircraft), the Bristol Aeroplane Company and Hunting Aircraft. So at this point they are still EE Lighnings, the military thread may refer to them as BAC Lightnings though, but they are the same aircraft.

Tell you what to solve these problems:

IC:

Conglomerate Aircraft Corporation Formed.

Today saw the conglomeration of four of Britain's leading avionics groups. English Electric Aviation Ltd., Vickers-Armstrong (Aircraft), the Bristol Aeroplane Company and Hunting Aircraft announced that as of today they were to form a new company, the British Aircraft Company. This was following financial incentives from the British government who were keen to source all of their domestic air contracts from a single company. The new organisation is expected to expand to meet the growing needs of the world market and recent offers of contracts on the continent have sent shares in the new venture to record highs. The profits from a new floatation on teh stock market and the government incentives are likely to be used to develop new aircraft designs and to open new factories in Britain to cope with any increased demand.

The British government has purchased shares in the new company of an undisclosed quantity, a government spokesperson stated that "The shares are merely to provide the government, who are the main contractors of the BAC, a greater voice in internal matters to ensure that the RAF and BOAC (British Overseas Aircraft Corporation, civilian charter flights) recieve the qircraft that they require". Industry analysts are unshocked by the merger and state that "it has been on the books for a while now". All contractors are informed that any present contracts will be fulfilled.

OOC: This company will be nationalised and merged alongside the Hawker Siddeley Group and Scottish Aviation and maybe Westland helicopters and Rolls Royce Aviation to become BAe systems sometime in the future.

ESA PROGRAM 1953:

Unmanned;
6 British funded satellites
1 German funded satellite

Manned:
6 British manned space orbital launches (John Cunningham, Peter Twiss, Herman Salmon, Eric Brown, Johnnie Johnson, Robert Stanford Tuck)
1 German manned space orbital launch (Fritz Wendel)
1 French manned space orbital launch (André Edouard Turcat)

Schedule:

January
British satellite

February
Johnnie Johnson manned orbital flight

March
British satellite
Eric Brown manned orbital flight

April
Fritz Wendel manned orbital flight

May
German Satellite
André Edouard Turcat manned orbital flight

June
Robert Stanford Tuck manned orbital flight

July
British Satellite

August
Herman Salmon manned orbital flight

September
British Satellite

October
Peter Twiss manned orbital flight

November
British Satellite

December
British Satellite
John Cunningham manned orbital flight

Judging by this we should have a constant stream of satellite data to analyse (with better and better systems being developed) and a man in space, chances are a casualty will occur and a funeral arranged but 'tis the fate of the pioneers of space flight.

The results should be back from Malkyer soon, the we'll see what happens. I'll post them here for you to see.

I just picked some random famous French and German test pilots for thier launches, if you'd like me to change them to someone else, let me know.

Results of the ESA space program:

January
British satellite, launched on 26th of the month, reaches orbit successfully and beams back information regarding temperature, pressure and composition of outer reaches of atmosphere.

February
Johnnie Johnson manned orbital flight, takes off from Freetown launch facility and breaks all previous height records. Maintains orbit for 108 minutes, completely circling the Earth once and touching down in the Atlantic via parachute. Prior to takeoff he is commissioned into the newly formed European Space Agency Astronautics Corps as a Pilot-Officer, becoming the first of all future test pilots and the first true astronaut. Upon touchdown he recieves a promotion to Flight Lieutenant. All future test pilots of all nationalities will recieve the same honours. The flight is made known to the world and the BBC covers it extensively.

March
British satellite, failure, main propulsion rocket explodes less than one minute into the launch and showers debris into the Atlantic.
Eric Brown manned orbital flight, follows pretty much the same pattern as Johnson's and he also becomes a FL.

April
Fritz Wendel manned orbital flight. This flight starts well and reaches space successfully, however upon return part of the heat shielding fails and the craft burns up in the atmosphere. Europe is shocked at such a loss of life and a full military funeral is arranged for Wendel, who reminds teh world of the dangers of space travel.

May
German Satellite- success, important info on the density of the atmosphere recieved.
André Edouard Turcat manned orbital flight, success, follows other flight patterns. Reaches new heights and longer orbital periods (118 minutes).

June
Robert Stanford Tuck manned orbital flight, killed when the main rockets explode on ignition and causes damage to the launch pad.

July
British Satellite, fails to deploy from rocket booster in atmospere.

August
Herman Salmon manned orbital flight, success.

September
British Satellite, success.

October
Peter Twiss manned orbital flight, success.

November
British Satellite, success.

December
British Satellite, success.
John Cunningham manned orbital flight, success.

Based on following results received from Malkyer:

4 British satellites make it to space, 2 fail.
The sole German satellite succeeds.
5 British manned launches succeed (John Cunningham, Peter Twiss, Herman Salmon, Eric Brown, Johnnie Johnson). 1 fails, and Robert Stanford Tuck is killed.
The German manned mission fails, and Fritz Wendel is killed.
The French mission succeeds, and André Edouard Turcat makes it to space.

Suggestions for future ESA developments:

1954:

12 points research into improved satellite technology- allowing comms and spy satellite networks by next year.

More manned missions, though scaled back on this year to save costs, perhaps three launches, total of 15 points

Space tracking network, 5 points, will detect all future launches.

TOTAL EXPENDITURE: 32 points, 10 each nation, plus 2 spare points from Netherlands and Belgium?

1955:

12 points research into improved spy satellites

6 points for basic spy satellite network

6 points for basic communications network

2 orbital manned launches, 10 points

TOTAL: 26 points


-------

Though this is following the satellite rote, we could concentrate on more missions, but what do you think.

Depending on whether or not I do cut spending, I could be able to spend a lot more, somewhere around 20 or so points to the ESA. The German People are saddened but even more determined by the tragic death of Lieutenant Wendel.

OOC: Cheers, I'll sort out a schedule once i've done my builds, now that you and France have done theirs.

Oh we'll make sure a German survives the trip as well. No matter how many flights it takes!

The Luftwaffe and Heer will be conducting excercises in Northern Germany and in the North Sea next month and gracefully ask the RAF and Home Fleet as well as the British Expeditionary Forces if they would join them.

The British Home Fleet and RAF will gladly participate in exercises alongside the German military arms.


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

Britain begins to test launch several tactical nuclear weapons, on ICBMs and smaller rockets. The Royal Navy hopes that one can be made small enough to launch from a submarine, a task which will be worked on this coming year.

Plans are also afoot for a communications satellite system for the ESA and a private British Early Warning Satellite System and a Spy Satellite Network. The MoD publically announces new plans for Civil Defence initiatives for the entire Empire, a UK National Air Defence RADAR system and the new nuclear powered ships program.

More secretly the MoD is working on expanding the missile stockpile, silo situation and "super" nuclear weapons of up to 100MT power.

Britain publically announces it's intention to grant several more states their independence over the coming years. The situation will be as follows:

Cyprus- Full independence by the end of 1955, on the condition that it is split into two entities, the Republics of Northern and Southern Cyprus. Each republic will function seperately and be controlled by elected bodies based on the two house political system (like the USA), a president will lead each republic. Any citizens within Cyprus will be allowed to travel to whichever republic they wish prior to seperation, any costs incurred will be paid for by the British Commonwealth and Empire Office.

The final condition is that the current British base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia remain in British hands as sovereign British territory and that a strip of land dividing each nation be controlled by Britain as well (see current UN Green Line), crossing between the two countries will be monitored by British forces at several checkpoint locations along the line, but it is to be otherwise sovereign territory of the Crown and guarded by a line of fences and guard posts.

OOC: This should hopefully stop any future conflicts there.

Kenya- Independence by 1962, once British investment has industrialised the nation

Tanzania- See Kenya

Carribean- Retained as part of Empire until industrialisation can be achieved, probably independent by 1970s

Ceylon- Independence by 1956, will be granted domestic autonomy immediately

Uganda- See Kenya
Rwanda- See Kenya
Congo- See Kenya
Gabon- See Kenya
Equatorial Guinea- See Kenya
Cameroon- See Kenya
Central African Republic- See Kenya
Chad- See Kenya

British Pacific Possessions and other smaller nations-To be granted independence on a case by case basis as wanted by populace, many may be retained as sovereign territory to maintain high standards of living there.

All nations to be offered membership of Commonwealth of Nations upon independence. Though veto can be exerted by the Commonwealth members on a case by case basis.

The British Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden, puts a motion before the House of Commons regarding the current tensions in Europe. He states that:

Britain can no longer militarily support this German nation, the Reichstag has been dissolved and democracy no longer reigns there. This proposal that I will make will ensure that Britain, her land, her people and her Queen remain out of any potentially deadly nuclear wars and remains neutral in any upcoming conflict. I suggest that Britain officially renounces the Treaty of Daresalaam that we have honoured all of these years. We still feel for our German brothers, but this fine nation cannot support such an unstable regime that currently presides in Germany. As a result, if this vote passes, Britain will be free in her foreign affairs from this day forth to pursue the path of righteousness and to commit herself to maintaining the nation and empire for the greater good of it's people. If this vote passes no military action will be implemented as a result of German wars or conflicts, no further military technology will be shared, however Britain will still trade with Germany as part of the EEC and will attempt to stay neutral in any future conflict in Europe, the British people do not want another war like the last. I hope that you will all consider the grave consequences of any vote you chose to make today. Thank you my right honourable ladies and Gentlemen.

House of Commons vote results:

For renouncing treaty: 372
Against: 228
Abstain/Absent: 46

The House of Lords adds its approval to the bill and the Treaty of Daresalaam is declared defunct in application to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and her territories abroad.

This information is passed to the UN and Germany is informed directly that it is with a heavy heart that Britain cannot support her until a democratic system is in place and the treaty is renegotiated.

Britain would like to keep her base at Stettin for continued use with a reformed German government after any potential conflicts, but has no qualms with evacuating the troops (and nuclear weapons) there back to Britain.

The Nigerian government asks the British if they could possibly buy some BAC Lightning aircraft for their airforce in the coming fiscal year.

The MoD approves the sale of BAC Lightnings to Nigeria.

The Queen officially opens new nuclear power stations at Hunterston, North Ayrshire and Sizewell, Suffolk. A statement from the newly formed UK Atomic Energy Authority says that "In the future Britain will gain the vast majority of it's power from nuclear technology. This technology has been found to be entirely safe and in these times of high fuel prices the efficiency of Uranium will ensure that British electricity rates will not increase out of line with inflation next year nor any year after that if our construction schedule is maintained. In the future we may even be able to cut the cost of power due to the sheer cost effectiveness of this wonder fuel, the small amount of waste simply being stored underground or at sea with no risks to the public. UKAEA hopes to have a dozen stations up and running within the next 5 years and around 25 within 10. This will be enough to provide for the majority of Britain's fuel requirements and will help us to weather any future fluctuations in oil prices."

Britain notifies the world of ongoing missile launches and other military exercises to test the capabilities of the British and Empire defence networks. The Nuclear submarines currently on exercises in the North Seawill launch several test warhead (ie. no payload) Solid Fuelled IRBMs at designated MoD targets along the East Coast of England. British RADAR operators, RAF personnel and other staff have been warned of an impending test but do not know the time or location of such tests. They will attempt to respond to the threats ASAP and put defence initiatives into place.

The tests will also include a series of civil defence tests at North Coates Base in Yorkshire. Volunteer civilians will be subjected to a drill, the volunteers will be dispersed around a mock up of a typical English town and Civil Defence staff will attempt to save as many as possible from a simulated missile attack. An NBC hazard will also be simulated.

It is hoped that through these tests Britain will be able to better her defences for any future wars.

At the Queen Victoria Space Center, Walter Dornberger informs the British and French of his plan for Germany to begin a space plane program, similar to that of the American X-15 and X-20. Basic designs are being drawn up this year and it is hoped that by 1959 a full blown Space Plane can be constructed and used. Space Planes, he argues, provide the advantage of being reusable.

He, however, informs the ESA that Germany, due to its funding towards Space Planes, will be less able to fund ESA missions. Hopefully, he adds, the Lowlands and perhaps even the new Balkans' Countries will be willing to make up the difference.

The British scientists can see the reason for the German scaledown of ESA funding in aid of such a project. It is hoped that once a workable prototype is available that Britain will be able to invest in such a scheme to supplement the German efforts. Though the rights to pursue this scheme solely remain rightly with the Germans.

The British scientists can see the reason for the German scaledown of ESA funding in aid of such a project. It is hoped that once a workable prototype is available that Britain will be able to invest in such a scheme to supplement the German efforts. Though the rights to pursue this scheme solely remain rightly with the Germans.

The Luftwaffe, while hoping to continue this process through the primary years, has always intended to share the abilities with our friends. Perhaps even a few French and British Pilots can accompany Germans on several of the missions. Have no doubt, however, that once the technique is finalized that the Space Planes will be fully integrated into the ESA.

What were the ESA plans for 1955? Do you need any extra funding?

The German Empire has allocated 24 points for ESA research, not to include the Space Plane research, which is going along smoothly.

OOC: Do you want to make an ESA/EEC thread for stuff like this?

That may be a good idea, especially when we get around to making the European Defence Agency and eventually The European Federation.

I'll create an EEC thread now. I'll subdivide it up into several posts for the EEC, ESA, and more fore future developments and post some history about each.

Thanks for the funding guys, i'll try to free up some from my budget this year once i've finished renovating my military.

EEC/ESA thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10856946)

Still largely a work in progress, as you can tell.

Can someone update me on the current EEC and ESA members please?

The President of Brazil writes to the Prime Minister of Britain.

I recognize that our two nations have not had much communication over the years and would like to change that. It is hard to look to the sea and not think of the Great Royal Navy. Therefore, Brazil would like to ask Britain if they would build a Naval Academy in Brazil. The Brazilian Government feels that this would not only produce more experienced Naval officers, but would increase our relations. I thank you for your time and consideration.

The British Admiralty offices approve of such a plan. Britain will send instructors over to a naval college to teach Brazilian sailors, trips to the UK will also be possible (eg training on the world's oldest commissioned vessel, HMS Victory or on Britain's many obsolete hulks which are converted into training ships). In return Britain asks that British Army personnel be allowed to establish a rainforest training base in the Amazon. From here the British troops will train in survival and bushcraft in the amazon alongside experienced local personnel. Is this acceptable for Brazil? Britain hopes that in the near future there can be more cooperation between the two nations and perhaps combined military training exercises can be started?

OOC: Anthony Eden becomes prime minister of the UK upon the political resignation of Churchill. He is a popular candidate due to his distinguished war service (receiving the MC in RL). His policies are to pursue closer relation with the US (something he persued in RL) and to try to prevent unecessary wars, having experienced the reality on the front lines, though he is not opposed to a righteous war (he resented the appeasement of the Nazis prior to WWII).

In RL he is consistently voted the worst PM of the 20th century, perhaps unfairly as this is largely due to the fiasco of the Suez Crisis. Which never happened in this timeline.

Brazil accepts the proposal right away. The Government has made plans to aid the British in the training of troops and also to provide transport once in Brazil. Brazil also has many training posts set up in Brazil for that type of combat and will open them up so that British troops can conduct exercises there.

The South African government quietly approaches Britain with a proposal of a bilateral naval defense treaty, which would involve the stationing of British ships at the Cape. The strategic advantages of having a safe harbor and supply base in the area are emphasized, as is the desire of President van Aarten to continue friendly relations with Great Britain.

Whilst the Commonwealth Constitution already allows naval vessels to stop off in other's ports Britain will agree to this treaty as it will allow the permenent stationing of vessels in such a key location. Britain will purchase/rent land in the Cape as a safe harbour and refuelling station for use by the Atlantic and Indian Ocean fleets. The vessels likely to be permenently stationed out of the area include a couple of cruisers, 10 destroyers and a few frigates, also a carrier may be permenently based there. The SA government is warned that Britain is converting to nuclear powered cruisers in the future and to inform the British government if this is a concern (no radioactive materials will be stored on shore, all refuelling is done at HMNB Clyde in Scotland, but nuclear reactors will be present in the ships in harbour). If SA so wishes the SAN may base some of it's vessels in Portsmouth in exchange.

South Africa thanks Britain for their agreement, and states that the presence of nuclear-powered vessels does not overly concern the Republic. The South African government is willing to allow Britain a naval base free of charge, at Smitswinkel Bay.

Anthony Eden retires from politics after his health suffers somewhat from the stress. He is made Earl of Avon by parliament in recognition of his popularity with the people.

His successor is Harold Macmillan who sets about continuing the modernisation of the military and pursuing closer ties with rest of the world. He continues the decolonisation schedule and promotes further nationalisation of several important businesses for the good of the people. One of his first acts is to nationalise British Petroleum to ensure the continued security of fuel prices in the UK.

The successful launch of the first British nuclear powered surface ship occurs at Barrow-in-Furness by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering. The first ship to be launched was the heavy carrier HMS Repulse. It will undergo several sea trials prior to being equipped with Blackburn Bucanneer Light Bomber aircraft.

The entire nuclear ships program consists of the following vessels all to be launched this year:

2 Nuclear Powered heavy carrier groups, HMS Repulse, HMS Triumph
3 Nuclear Powered fleet carrier groups, jet capable, HMS Valiant, HMS Swiftsure, HMS Warspite.
12 Nuclear Powered Cruisers:
4 heavy missile, “A Class”: HMS Audacious, HMS Assurance, HMS Adamant, HMS Active
4 light missile, “B Class”: HMS Bastion, HMS Bulwark, HMS Brilliant, HMS Brazen.
4 AA, “C Class”: HMS Careful, HMS Confounder, HMS Conqueror, HMS Courageous.

10 nuclear powered escort cruisers are planned to begin construction throughout next year and to be finished within two years.

The success of the scheme has lead the government to consider nationalising British shipbuilding assets in a similar way to aerospace companies. A proposed Shipping Industries Act has been drafted for parliament approval, the act sets aside funds for the government to purchase the 15 major shipbuilding and repair companies in the UK and also proposals for further takeovers within 5 to 10 years.

Further privatisation is planned for the government owned BAC group, the MoD sees it in it's best interests that the Hawker Siddeley Group is merged into it to form a larger and more comprehensive aircraft company.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10893069#post10893069

Britain has been formally invited to Pacific Rim talks in Darwin in December 1957. To save time it is up now, so if you find you have something to say feel free to chime in.

RE: Portugal

In a break from tradition the British fatalities are flown home to Britain to be buried there. This is considered feasible due to the low number of deaths caused by the light fighting. The moveable wounded are also transported home to be with thier families.

Most British troops return at the same time as the Americans, but the Royal Marines plus helicopters remain to support the Brazilians alongside several detachments of Royal Artillery and other support units. The Staffs regiment (2 bns) also remain behind and will be rotated out within 6 months.

The Queen and Parliament congratulate the forces on a job well done and the troops return home to a heroes welcome. Several VCs are awarded to the frontline troops, including some individuals from the SAS, Marines, Paras and Ghurkas. A parade of some of the troops from all 3 services is organised along the Mall in London accompanied by a fly by by some of the RAF and FAA aircraft. The Navy sails a few smaller vessels up the Thames and provides a 21 gun salute for the Queen.

OOC: I'm trying to come up with specifics for my military, not for any in game reason, but mostly for my own amusement. I don't think this will have any in-game effects, but that's up to GB, really. Some of these items are WWII era, but I think they would all exist at this point in the timeframe.

IC:

The Syrian Army would like permission to use the following British-made vehicles in its units. Syrian companies would like to buy production rights for all vehicles marked with an asterisk (*).

Conqueror (Tank)
Alvis Sacaren (Infantry Transport)
Foden 8x8 (Support Truck)*
Saladin (Armored Car)*
Archer (Tank Destroyer)
Hornet Malkara (Tank Destroyer)*
Abbot (Mechanized Artillery)

Britain will allow purchase of the following:

Alvis Sacaren (Infantry Transport) as well as command and medical varients if required
Archer (Tank Destroyer)

As well as licensed production of:
Foden 8x8 (Support Truck)
Saladin (Armored Car)
Humber Hornet with Malkara Missiles (Tank Destroyer)

Unfortunately the MoD has advised against foreign purchase of the following

Abbot (Mechanized Artillery)
Conqueror (Tank)

In the interests of maintaining some technological superiority with other nations in the artillery and MBT fields. Though the Conqueror will become available for export once the Chieftan MBT begins production (1960 in this RP) and will be sold to Syria.

The South African Air Force petitions the Ministry of Defense to allow the sale of a unit of Avro Vulcan jet bombers to South Africa.

OOC: Check your TGs, too.

The MoD will allow the sale of Vulcans to the South African Airforce as a mark of their close ties and continuing cooperation via the Commonwealth.

OOC: TGs are a little behind at the moment but I am catching up slowly...

The Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition completes a 2,158 mi traverse of Antartica in unexplored snow and ice. The 12 man team was led by Briton Vivian Fuchs and consisted of citizens of members of the Commonwealth of Nations. The expedition was completed in less than 99 days. This was the first expedition to cross Antratica, the first time vehicles had reached the south pole and only the third time that the pole had been reached (Going by RL expedition dates). Fuchs has received a knighthood for his accomplishment and Britain seeks to establish a chain of research bases in the Antartic leading all the way down the British claim from South Georgia (as a start point) to the Pole, with a large international station to be established at the centre.

OOC: Actually occured in 1958 in our RL timeline.

The US base at McMurdo provides airfield space for British support aircraft during the British transcontinental expedition.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10701853&postcount=730

The US also establishes the Amundson/Scott base at the South Pole (real life 1957), and Palmer Station.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_research_stations_in_Antarctica

The US also recommends that all Oceanic Alliance nations coordinate their activities to pool the costs of exploration as well as the data learned for the betterment of Mankind.

Britain agrees with the US on a coordination of Antarctic bases.

New British thread here:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10938569#post10938569