NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC
this will be for updates of things that directly concern the US both actual and alternate historical

1900
majors events of the year

US and Colombia sign treaty for development of Panama Canal. US pays $90 million for rights to build, offers Colombians training to eventually run it in partnership with USA. US to defend canal with Colombian assistance (major alternate history change)
US intervenes in Boxer Rebellion, China has a change in leadership, and US and China sign a treaty. China gets arms, modern equipment, railroad locomotives in exchange for guarantees to US regarding favored trade status, protection of missionaries (major alternate history change)

Philippine Insurrection continues, but US begins to slowly crush it with active military measures and active nation building efforts and wins over many Filipinos

1901
Mckinley narrowly misses assassination at the Hemisfair in Buffalo New York. An anarchist attempts to shoot him but is foiled when Teddy Roosevelt steps in the way and shoots the anarchists. Although wounded, Teddy survives and is a national hero once he recovers, while McKinley survives to continue his presidential term (major alternate history change).

The Platt Amendment fails to win approval in the Senate when Mckinley threatens veto. US to pull out of Cuba by 1902, and Puerto Rico to be given opportunity for independence or territorial status in US in 1904 Presidential election.

Philippine Insurrection all but won when Aguinaldo is captured and takes oath of allegiance to the US. Philippines set on a course for eventual Commonwealth and then independence by 1946.

1901
Mckinley narrowly misses assassination at the Hemisfair in Buffalo New York. An anarchist attempts to shoot him but is foiled when Teddy Roosevelt steps in the way and shoots the anarchists Although wounded, Teddy survives and is a national hero once he recovers, while McKinley survives to continue his presidential term (major alternate history change).
Awesome

1902
Chinese Exclusion Act narrowly defeated when Mckinley threatens a veto. Congressmen from the Northeast and the Midwest, which are benefiting greatly from the sale of manufactured goods to China, and oddly enough, even the rather anti Asian delegations from California and Washington, which are benefiting greatly from increased trade with China, fall in behind the President. McKinley manages to swing the vote when he points out that relations with China are good, and the US is benefiting to much from trading with China to risk relations. However a weaker bill, which sets quotas on immigrants from Asia and Africa does pass. (alternate history event, historically this extremely bigoted act passed, as did the anti Japanese act a few years later)

The Phillipine Insurrection comes to an end and the Philippine Bill of 1902 is passed. This stage in the development of civil government in the Philippines was marked by the passing of the Cooper Act on July 1, 1902, (also called the Philippine Bill of 1902). It was the first organic law for the Philippines enacted by the United States Congress and named after its sponsor, U.S. Representative Henry A. Cooper of Wisconsin.

Among its key provisions were

1) a bill of rights for the Filipinos;

2) the appointment of two Filipino resident commissioners to represent the Philippines in the United States Congress but without voting rights;

3) the establishment of a Philippine Assembly to be elected by the Filipinos two years after the publication of a census and only after peace had been completely restored in the country.

On May 20, 1902, Cuba is granted its independence and the US begins to withdraw from Cuba. However, the US does retain its base at Gitmo.

McKinley orders the first anti trust lawsuit under the Sherman Anti Trust Act.

The US Navy continues to increase in size with more battleships being added to the fleet and a large number of destroyers. Several submarines are also added.

On May 20, 1902, Cuba is granted its independence and the US begins to withdraw from Cuba. However, the US does retain its base at Gitmo.

I'll change the foreign posseesions list then.

~TAG~

OOC: I'm curious, what exactly was the Chinese Exclusion Act? I'm not sure what it exactly entailed... did it mean no trade, immigration, or diplomacy with China? And does this mean that this Act never became reality in E20 thanks to Tuan becoming Emperor and our Boxer RP?

Please pardon me, as my brain is somewhat fried right now.

~TAG~

OOC: I'm curious, what exactly was the Chinese Exclusion Act? I'm not sure what it exactly entailed... did it mean no trade, immigration, or diplomacy with China? And does this mean that this Act never became reality in E20 thanks to Tuan becoming Emperor and our Boxer RP?

Please pardon me, as my brain is somewhat fried right now.

ooc
no Chinese emigration was allowed and a number of Jim Crow type laws were passed in the western states of the US.. in this time line, McKinley, who is the last Civil War veteran elected President, and has a lot of prestige for surviving assassination, manages to get that quelled to avoid undoing the positive outcomes of Tuans ascension to the throne. However, as a sop to the western states (which are very bigoted against Asians at this time), strict quotas on immigrations from Asia are instituted (a few thousand people a year from each Asian and African nation only)

1902 US Navy reorganizes
After looking over the lessons of the Spanish American War and the Sino-Japanese War, the US Navy has determined that some of its warships are not suitable for its missions.

Therefore, 7 battleships built between 1890 and 1900 are being made available for sale, and 6 cruisers (3 older and 3 brand new) are also being made available for sale.

Several other cruisers have been cancelled.

Construction will be speed up for 8 battleships currently under construction and additional cruisers (8 of each) of the Olympia and Columbia classes, as well as more destroyers and submarines have been authorized.

This temporarily reduces the US Navy to 2 active and one training battleship, plus 14 cruisers, 18 destroyers, 12 submarines, and about 20 gunboats.

However
14 battleships are either under construction or planned, 16 cruisers are either under construction or planned, as are 30 destroyers, 18 submarines, and 12 more gunboats. All of these ships will enter service between 1903 - 1907.

To Robert S. McCormick, Secretary of the United States Navy,

The Empire of All the Russias would like to purchase all the American warships currently available. We realize that these are older vessels, ill-suited, perhaps, to naval combat against a fully-modern foe, but we would like them anyway. We might be able to retrofit their cannon with longer-range weapons, for instance, or use them for coastal defense in relatively safe waters such as those of Northeast Asia [OoC: Yes, I really would say that] or the Black Sea.
We look forward to your reply.

Imperial War Minister of All the Russias, A. N. Kuropatkin

Galveston Bay (The US player) here

The Russian request was met with raised eyebrows in the halls of Congress and in the Oval Office. Mckinley, and some of the older Senators and Congressmen remembered the Russian fleet visiting in 1862, when tensions with Britian were high. They also remembered the sale of Alaska and how profitable the gold strike in the Yukon had been.

Offers made to Chile and Brazil were withdrawn, but it was felt that Colombia and China should still have the chance to purchase what was offered them.

Selling to the Russians might annoy the Japanese, but no one was really too concerned about that.

sold to Russia:

The battleships (almost new) Iowa, Kearsarge, Kentucky, brand new cruisers Denver, Des Moines, and Chattannoga plus 35 torpedo boats,

see links for information on those ships (they aren't that great, but adequate ships)
information on those ships can be found here
http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/
and here
http://www.wtj.com/games/battlefleet_1900/ships_us.htm

OoC: Thank you kindly.
And thanks for the links. I'd have no idea what they even looked like without them, and now I'll be able to determine if I can retrofit their guns and/or improve their armor, or just use them for coastal defense.
Thanks again.

US Navy 1903

11 Battleships
BB Illinois Class Illinois, Alabama
(11,500 tons, 17 knots, 4 x 13 inch, 14 x 6 inch, 22 misc small caliber guns, 4 torpedo tubes
BB Maine class (Maine, Ohio, Missouri,)
13,000 tons, 18 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 16 x 6 inch, 6 x 3 inch, various minor caliber
BB Connecticut class (Connecticut, Louisiana, Vermont, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, )
16,000 tons, 18 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8x8 inch, 12 x 7 inch, various minor caliber)

under construction (available 1905 - 07)
BB Virginia class (Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island)
15,000 tons, 19 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 6 inch, various minor caliber )
DN (Dreadnought) South Carolina, Michigan, (neither will be available until late 1907, this however will spur the British onward to rush the Dreadnought as they did historically. The US actually started theirs first, as did the Japanese, but the British built faster, and got a better ship too)
16,000 tons, 18 knots, 8 x 12 inch, 22 x 3 inch

Planned for 1909
Battle cruisers Lexington, Saratoga, Yorktown, Bunker Hill (essentially the German Goeben class battle cruiser design)

18 Cruisers
CP Olympia class (Olympia, Denver, Des Moines, Cleveland, Galveston, Chattanooga, Montgomery, Marblehead)
5600 tons, 20 knots, 4 x 8 inch, 10 x 5 inch, 10 misc small caliber, 4 torpedo tubes
CP Columbia class (Columbia, Minneapolis)
(7200 tons, 23 knots, 1 x 8 inch, 2 x 6 inch, 8 x 4 inch, 4 torpedo tubes)
CP St. Louis class (St. Louis, Charleston, Milwaukee, Detroit, Charleston, Baltimore)
(9700 tons, 22 knots, 14x 6 inch, 18x 3 inch,)
CP Albany class (Albany, New Orleans)
(3300 tons, 20 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 4 x 4.7 inch, 14 misc small caliber, 3 torpedo tubes)

under construction
CA Pittsburg class Armored Cruiser (Pittsburg, Huntington, San Diego, Pueblo, Frederick, Huron)
13500 tons, 22 knots, 4 x 8 inch, 14 x 6 inch, 18 x 3 inch, 2 torpedo tubes
CL Honolulu class Light Cruiser (Honolulu, Juneau, Manila, San Juan)
3750 tons, 24 knots, 2 x 5 inch, 6 x 3 inch, 2 torpedo tubes,

Plus
18 Destroyers, 15 Submarines, 20 gunboats

under construction or planned (1905 – 1909 period)
30 Destroyers, 12 submarines

scrapped or sold 1900 – 1903
7 battleships, 2 armored cruisers, 9 cruisers, 35 torpedo boats, 9 gunboats

ooc
by the way, all of the big navies of the day have their ships and their relative value at the battlefleet 1900 link

US Army 1903
stabilizes at 100,000 men including garrisons in the Philippines, Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. US Army also gets a General Staff and the Command and Staff College is set up (a bit early as McKinley is able to get it through Congress with his prestige, along with Teddys prestige and Spanish American War experience). A new rifle has nearly completed its development, and the Army begins experimenting with better artillery (after its Spanish American War experience). Serious organizational deficiencies are examined as well, and at the Infantry School, a permanent infantry division is organized (the US 1st Infantry Division-- alternate historical)

OOC:

I'll take the proposed sale of ships to China, thus, assume the appoporiate diplomacy and monetary exchanges have been made.

1902 Addendum
Chile and the United States enter into talks for mutual defense. The US sells Chile, China, Russia and Colombia warships. It ignores the Russian suppression of Lithuenia in the favor of cold hard cash, and because no one else seemed to pay attention.

Orville and Wilbur Wright start making trips to North Carolina to experiment with gliders. (historical)

The US Navy expresses some interest in the Graf Zeppelin's new airships.

1902
Vicious arguements in Scientific circles on whether Peary actually reached the North Pole first (historical)

Edison loses monopoly rights to motion pictures (historical), movie shorts become common in nickelodeons (historical)

McKinley comes out against Prohibition, which is gaining momentum in the Bible belt (alternate history)

Congressional midterm elections, Republicans retain control of the House and Senate, especially when an anti lynching bill is passed (alternate history)

In the South, there is resentment of this, and some agitation, but the overall sentiment is that the Federal government has the authority to enforce the legislation, especially when the war hero, Joe Wheeler, of Spanish American and Civil War fame, and the remaining son of Robert E. Lee, the former Consul General in Cuba, both come out in favor of it. (alternate history)

To: United States Navy
From: Colombian Government, Colombian Navy
Re: Naval Vessels

To whom it may concern,
Colombia requires naval vessels to defend the construction of the Panama Canal, and eventually the path itself. Therefore, we ask that the United States navy construct us 4 (Four) Destroyers of Colombian design, 2 (Two) Medium-sized Troop Transport Vessels of Colombian Design. Finally we require 1 or 2 Cruisers of American Design. This would be much appreciated.

To: United States Navy
From: Colombian Government, Colombian Navy
Re: Naval Vessels

To whom it may concern,
Colombia requires naval vessels to defend the construction of the Panama Canal, and eventually the path itself. Therefore, we ask that the United States navy construct us 4 (Four) Destroyers of Colombian design, 2 (Two) Medium-sized Troop Transport Vessels of Colombian Design. Finally we require 1 or 2 Cruisers of American Design. This would be much appreciated.

Galveston Bay here...

is that in addition to this?
The battleship Texas and 3 gunboats is being offered for sale to Colombia (at a very reduced price). These ships, although built in 1885 (gunboats) and 1890 (battleship) all saw good service in the Spanish American War and are in good shape and immediately available.

Or did you not see that? Either way, 2 cruisers (Olympia class), 4 of the latest model US type destroyers, and 2 troops transports will be constructed, although it will take at least a year to finish them. (probably closer to 2 years with real life construction times)(US destroyers are as good as the British ones, and the RN and USN had the best destroyers at the time)

ooc: I didn't see that... but both would be excellent!

ic: Colombia will recieve both shipments, and will begin annual payments for the vessels.

We now see how set the United States is when it comes to the future defence of the Panama Canal. We look forward to more cooperation.

p.s. Want some coffee at discount?

Secret IC
Concerned about both Japan, France, Russia, and Germany, and their plans in the Pacific, the US develops war plans to deal with one or all of them in any potential war in the Pacific or Caribbean or even off one of the American coasts.

Construction of strong fortifications begins in Manila Bay (Corregidor), Hawaii (near Pearl Harbor), a coaling station is built at Guam and Dutch Harbor (in the Aleutians), and Mare Island Naval Shipyard in San Francisco gets a huge infusion of money, while new shipyards are built at Bremerton Washington, and San Diego California, while a naval base is constructed at San Pedro (near Los Angeles) California. A huge water project diverting water from the Owens Valley is constructed to supply the growing city of Los Angeles with the water it needs. (historical)

The Navy also begins seriously considering the all big gun warship, both as a long range fast cruiser, and as a faster and better armed battleship. Better gunnery spotting systems are also experimented with, as US gunfire accuracy during the Spanish American War was only marginally better than Spanish accuracy (historical)

McKinley, disturbed by the performance of the Army in Cuba and its semi fiasco of a landing at Daiquari (that would have failed if the Spanish had opposed it) approves a plan by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to establish an Advanced Base Force, a permanent brigade sized unit designed to conduct landings to seize bases in time of war. The USMC gets a new mission (alternate historical, but not by much, Roosevelt did a lot of this in our timeline except for the Marine brigade which narrowly was disapproved)

The US Navy Department quitely begins discussions with its British opposite numbers concerning reciprocal refueling and basing agreements, particularly in the Pacific (alternate historical)

December 1902
In a dinner in Washington DC, the US Secretary of State John Hay casually mentions in confidence to the British Ambassador that in the event of war between the British Empire and the German Empire, the British would have a friend in the form of the US Navy. Especially if the US had the opportunity to secure its sea lines to the Philippines by securing the German possessions north of the Equator (specifically the Marshal and Caroline Islands, and the northern Marianas.). The US is concerned about the German presence in those waters after the near incident between the US Navy and German Navy in Manila Bay during the Spanish American War, and views the build up of the German fleet with grave concern.

Important events in the US 1903

President McKinley shuts down post office in Indianola Miss, for refusing to accept its appointed postmistress because she was black (Roosevelt in our timeline but bound to occur with McKinley as well)

U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor forms

Wright brothers obtain airplane patent

1st automobile trip across U.S. from San Francisco to New York

1st direct primary election law in U.S. adopted, by Wisconsin

Pacific Cable (SF, Hawaii, Guam, Phil) opens

Ford Motor sells 1st Model A car

Italo Marchiony granted patent for ice cream cone

1st cowboy film "Kit Carson," premieres in US

1st baseball World Series, Pittsburgh Pirates vs Boston Pilgrims (Red Sox)

December 13 Wright Bros make 1st flight at Kittyhawk

http://www.brainyhistory.com/years/1903.html

All and all, a pretty good year

As the construction of the Panama Canal nears closer and closer to its beginning, we realize that shore batteries may be of good use. Thus, we inquire as to the largest calibre of Naval/Coastal Gun the USN can provide Colombia.

As the construction of the Panama Canal nears closer and closer to its beginning, we realize that shore batteries may be of good use. Thus, we inquire as to the largest calibre of Naval/Coastal Gun the USN can provide Colombia.

see military thread for US proposal

1903 Springfield Rifle enters service in the US Army and Marine Corps, and eventually reaches the State National Guards and Navy. (historical)

A large scale upgrade of the defenses in the Pacific begins, with naval bases and yards being constructed on the Pacific coast, as well as Hawaii and the Philippines, a coaling base is established at Guam, and sizeable coast artillery fortifications are built or improved at San Francisco, Puget Sound, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oahu, Corrigedor and in Panama. (historical)

A naval base and coast defense artillery fortifications are authorized for Guam (alternate historical)

The bulk of the US battlefleet and submarine force remains on the East Coast to defend the US in event of war with a European nation, but the Navy's best cruisers and a pair of battleships are in the Pacific to provide offensive punch and to defend US interests

Secret IC
US Navy develops plans to seize the German held Marshal and Caroline islands in event of war with that nation. The proposed Lexington class battlecruisers are redesigned to give them higher speed and greater range, although at the expense of armor protection (ooc making them more like the eventual British Invicible class). Their mission will be to hunt down and destroy enemy cruisers in the Pacific in the event of war. This delays things, meaning those ships won't begin consctruction until 1905 at the earliest, and won't reach completion until 1907 at the soonest. As an intermediate step, plans for a pair of Alaska class fast armored cruisers are rushed through. These ships will be almost as fast as the proposed battle cruisers, but have smaller guns but will have greater speed than current armored cruisers and better protection (ooc essentially they will be the German historic Blucher class, sunk in our time line at Dogger Bank).
These two ships are laid down in late 1903, and will enter service in 1905 or early 1906 (alternate history)

Changes to US Navy 1903

planned armored cruisers San Diego, Pueblo, Huron and Frederick cancelled.

2 Alaska class Heavy cruisers authorized (Alaska, Hawaii), to begin construction January 1904 and to go into service by January 1906.
16,000 tons, speed 26 knots, 12 x 8 inch guns, 8 x 5 inch guns, 16 x 3 inch guns, 4 torpedo tubes,

2 Houston class Light Cruisers authorized (Houston, San Diego)
construction to begin in January 1904 and to go into service by January 1906
5,000 tons, speed 26 knots, 2 x 6 inch guns, 8 x 3 inch guns, 6 x torpedo tubes

another good website with information on World War I era warships

these ships are rushed, and will enter service in January 1905 now because of concerns over Germany

http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/ww1-warships.html

US Government notices Venezueala owes the British and Germans too much money, and that those two countries are becoming increasingly annoyed. After reviewing legal opinion, US Secretary of State John Hay quietly informs Germans and British that the US government will not intervene if force is used to collect what is owed. As long as no permanent presence occurs (historical)

Meanwhile, the US government quietly passes along to the various Latin American nations that it will support diplomatic efforts by those nations to reform International Law so that debt collection by force becomes the last resort, or better yet, can be eliminated.

ooc
(ok Argentina, this is your big chance!)

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

July 4, 1903 - Eastern Palace, Sofia.

From: HRH Crown Princess Catherine of Bulgaria.
To: President William McKinley and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt of the United States.

It has occured to me to write this on your nation's anniversary of Declaration to seek a legitimacy and forge a relation with your country as well as several others if possible. My father, my sister Anne and I have sent you several packages since my father was coronated in March of this year in Sofia. My family would like to bring some one over to Saint Louis for the World's Fair in 1904 to represent the Kingdom of Bulgaria and maybe help with any agricultural exhibits in Saint Louis...

-HRH Crown Princess Catherine of Bulgaria.

July 4, 1903 - Eastern Palace, Sofia.

From: HRH Crown Princess Catherine of Bulgaria.
To: President William McKinley and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt of the United States.

It has occured to me to write this on your nation's anniversary of Declaration to seek a legitimacy and forge a relation with your country as well as several others if possible. My father, my sister Anne and I have sent you several packages since my father was coronated in March of this year in Sofia. My family would like to bring some one over to Saint Louis for the World's Fair in 1904 to represent the Kingdom of Bulgaria and maybe help with any agricultural exhibits in Saint Louis...

-HRH Crown Princess Catherine of Bulgaria.

Formal invitations are sent to all of the worlds leaders, and special precuations are taken to ensure no Anarchists cause trouble similar to the attempted assassination attempt on McKinly back in 1901

1904 events
US celebrates the 100th Anniversery of the Lousiana Purchase at the St. Louis Worlds Fair. The Ice Cream cone is invented at this fair, and the St. Louis Arch goes up then too.

Wright Brothers develop better versions of the Wright Flyer able to fly for up to an hour at a time and reach 60 mph. They are still viewed skeptically elsewhere though.

US Election Year. Teddy Roosevelt easily wins nomination at Republican convention and essentially trounces the poor smuck the Democrats put up to oppose him. William Howard Taft remains governor of the Philippines a bit longer (and is much beloved there historically).

US Navy lays down its first dreadnought and (alternate history) dreadnought battle cruiser. They won't be finished until late 1906 or early 1907 though.

US National Guard is revitalized and reorganized into a more professional organization. The 1903 Springfield Rifle becomes the standard rifle for the US Military. Extra rifles will not be available for sale overseas until 1905.

The first heavy earth moving equipment (steam shovels) arrive in Panama, and construction actually begins on the Panama Canal. Yellow Fever is finally reduced to an irritant instead of dire threat. Mosquito control districts and the US Public Health Service are started in the US at this time as well. The Panama Canal will take 10 years to complete.

Colombia will get its 2 cruisers, 2 transports and 4 destroyers toward the end of 1904 (figure December)

The Republic of Chile is greatly concerned about possible invasion of Venezuela by European powers. At this time our Central Bank is rapidly reducing foreign debt, which is causing domestic economic pressure. In confidence, President Echuarren expects that the next administration will restrict foreign capital or take other action to reduce foreign dependency. We urge you to prevent any likely invasion of South America, so that progress can continue in economic development.

TOP SECRET COMMUNIQUE

To: The United States Government
From: Tomaso Tittoni, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Kingdom of Italy is greatly concerned about the planned German invasion of Venezuela. Not only have the Germans stabbed us in the back and threatened us with war concerning the Turks, they have exported their treachory and deceit to the New World. Should the United States decide that it is in the United States's best interests to defeat this German invasion, Italy will be more than happy to supply naval forces to help the United States. In exchange, we ask that the United States remove tarrifs on Italian goods.

In other matters, our territory of Libya is largely unexplored. There could be untold treasures lying beneath the desert sands, and so we ask to hire an exploration company to find any treasures. One resource we desperately hope to find in Libya is oil, though many believe that such a resource does not exist in Libya. Regardless, we wish to hire Royal Dutch to explore for oil in Libya.

The US government replies quietly to the Italian approach

"Although the US government is not interested in a military alliance at this time, it is willing to lower tariffs between our two nations. As far as exploring for oil goes, the US government is willing to authorize any American oil company willing to develop oil supplies overseas."

ooc
Royal Dutch is a joint British/Dutch company by the way. The market is working against you though, it was actually fairly expensive to hunt for oil, so better figure it will be a while. ..... source is the book "The Prize", which got a Pulitzer and is really thorough look at the oil industry and its history.

In the Presidential race, Teddy Roosevelt argues hard for increased US military preparedness, with a powerful navy and better organized and more effective army. The German intervention in Venezuela works in his favor.

In Congress, a series of speeches strongly condemns the German move, and pressure is placed for a detailed timetable of a German withdrawel.

The US also invites the leaders of the Latin American nations to come to Washington to discuss debt relief, and more importantly, a push for an end the practice of nations attacking other nations to obtain debt payments. First proposed by the leader of Argentina, Chago, the US finds the idea very interesting.

The Canadian government is also invited, as is the British government (as it has an historical understanding with the US government concerning the Monroe Doctrine)

The British government would be pleased to attend a summit in the USA and will send top cabinet members along. They are expected to include Lord Lansdowne, the foreign minister and Charles Thomson Ritchie, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

ooc.... not sure who we have left as far as Latin American players go.. I know Chile, Brazil and Colombia still have players, not sure about Argentina, Mexico or others (they initially signed up but nothing in a while)

So the Pan American conference will probably take place in 1905 (next week in other words)

IC
The US passes a large defense act, increasing the size of the US Army to 120,000 men, authorizing the organization of permanent divisions, places General Leonard Wood as the first Army Chief of Staff, and more closely integrates the National Guard into the Army structure as the Army of the United States, with National Guard units taking over most of the Coast Defense duties as well in the Continental US. The Philippine Scouts are authorized as essentially Colonial troops, and the US Army buys a lot of Ford and Studebaker trucks, plus begins plans to put into production a 3 inch field piece modeled on the French 75, and 105 and 155 mm howitzers.

Funds are also authorized for experimenting with heavier than air and lighter than air vehicles.

The Navy pours money into the ships currently under construction to speed up delivery (meaning the dreadnoughts and battlecruisers will be finished in 1906, very shortly after the HMS Dreadnought, which I assume has been started on schedule) and speeding up completion of its predreadnoughts, destroyers and cruisers under construction by 6 months. More money is allocated to submarines as well.

This is in reaction to ill advised statements by the Kaiser, and the general view of the US that the Germans are now a serious threat and the British Empire is a potential one once again. The Treaty of Der Salaam is starting to have unintended consequences. The invasion of Venezuela by Germany is having even more consequences.

From: Chancellor Bulow
To: Secretary of State John Hay

Dear Sir,

I have recieved news of American reaction to a completely legal and just movement by the German Empire in Venezuela. I do understand your reaction to the poor Kaiser's words; however, I plead you to not take them very seriously. He was very much under influence from his dreaded disease and became slightly wrathful. He does, however, have a point.

We believe that the United States are acting a bit hastily at such actions. We, an Imperial nation, believe that the Monroe Doctrine is a thing that is slightly unfair. I myself see in ways why your predecessors made such a thing; to protect your new country from outsiders. Much pain was caused in Europe when a new country tried to rise, ourselves. War was inevitable on many fronts.

However, the United States has risen from being a new and relatively weak country, to one that is capable of being ranked in the top of the World! Such measures as the Doctrine are useless when the United States now has a navy behind it. I personally, believe that the United States should, in an honorable manner, disgard such a document, and begin colonizing the Americas itself! Such a way would be so much more honorable and would make things much easier on this hemisphere.

I hope you will consider my thoughts.

Sincerely,
Prince Bulow

once again McKinley, Hay and Roosevelt met to discuss yet another rather naive missive from the Europeans, who clearly didn't understand Americans much.

A response was sent, informing the German Prince that the United States believed in government by the consent of the governed, and as regards to the territory taken from Spain in 1898, Cuba had already received its independence, the Filipinos were on schedule to get theirs in 1946, and already had significant self rule, and the Puerto Ricans were on schedule for an election in 1905 to decide their own destiny, as either part of the United States or to gain independence at the same time as the Philippines.

The Monroe Doctrine existed to protect the democracies of the New World from the previous history of exploitation by the Old World. As a policy, the US had held to it since 1823 and intended to continue to do so. However, as the political situation in Germany is a bit unsettled at the moment, the United States government will be patient.

ooc
not mentioned is significant American and British exploitation, but its not really the same as outright colonization (well, not entirely anyway).

IC
The Pan American conference continues to receive a big build up in the American Press. As does the expansion of the Navy and Army.

OOC: It was worth a try :)

The German Chancellor was saddend at the naive Americans who believed the ignorant masses should of all things run the ways of the country.

He also sent a reply asking why Germany was not invited to the Pan-American Conference, considering its fine accomplishments in the region.

OOC2: Umm... I'm assuming that Venezuela is now a protectorate of Germany until funds are collected, etc. so I'm going to begin developing it.

Events in the US 1905
Actually, its a pretty quiet year historically. The Wright Brothers manage a 24 mile flight in the Flyer III, which takes nearly 40 minutes. Teddy Roosevelt becomes President after winning a landslide in the 1904 Election.

in this thread though (alternate history)
The US is building up its military and naval forces with an eye on Germany specifically. The US is set to host a Pan American Conference in late February in Washington DC, which Teddy Roosevelt will host. John Hay is in Taipai in January and will hurry home to take part in that.

Top-Secret

To: President Theodore Roosevelt
From: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand

Dear Sir,

As you know our two nations have not always seen eye to eye on certain matters, mostly involving the rights of certain ethnic groups in Austria-Hungary. However, those were during my uncle's reign and since I have taken the throne, I have increased the rights of every person in Austria-Hungary, not only those formally oppressed peoples, dramatically. And, confidentially of course, I have long hoped that my nation may make the transition to a system that is a sort of combination Constitutional Monarchy and a Federal system. (ooc: In RL he did promote a federalist system, and I plan on continuing that in E20)

I propose two agreements. The first being rather simple: a non-aggression pact and an agreement to end all tariffs on each others products, essentially a ‘free-trade’ agreement. The second would consist of a full-blown alliance, including a mutual defense pact between our two nations. Obviously we adapt the two to fit our different needs, and signing one does not necessarily mean signing the other. I hope our two nations can forge lasting peace into the future, ending war and all conflict forever.

The Republic of Chile will attend the Pan-American conference. Chile views with alarm the German intervention in South America. We have reminded the Imperial German Government, in the most cordial terms possible of the deserved fate of the so-called Emperor Maximillian of Mexico in the last century.

Alberto Gomez
Foreign Minister
Republic of Chile

Top-Secret

To: President Theodore Roosevelt
From: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand

Dear Sir,

As you know our two nations have not always seen eye to eye on certain matters, mostly involving the rights of certain ethnic groups in Austria-Hungary. However, those were during my uncle's reign and since I have taken the throne, I have increased the rights of every person in Austria-Hungary, not only those formally oppressed peoples, dramatically. And, confidentially of course, I have long hoped that my nation may make the transition to a system that is a sort of combination Constitutional Monarchy and a Federal system. (ooc: In RL he did promote a federalist system, and I plan on continuing that in E20)

I propose two agreements. The first being rather simple: a non-aggression pact and an agreement to end all tariffs on each others products, essentially a ‘free-trade’ agreement. The second would consist of a full-blown alliance, including a mutual defense pact between our two nations. Obviously we adapt the two to fit our different needs, and signing one does not necessarily mean signing the other. I hope our two nations can forge lasting peace into the future, ending war and all conflict forever.

The note is received politely, but the immediate answer is essentially "we will get back to you on this" as the Teddy has to host the Pan American conference and the Secretary of State is overseas at the moment.

The German Ambassador in Washington has mentioned something about rumors of a Pan-American Conference. Seeing as Germany is playing a cruical part in the Americas at this time, the Fatherland is curious as to why it has not recieved an invitation.

President Molina sends greetings to President Roosevelt and looks forward to attending the Pan-American conference this year. Chile wishes to purchase naval vessels in these amounts from American shipyards:

Battleships - 2
Cruisers - 5
Destroyers - 10

OOC: Just wanted to let you know that the Germans are beginning to stir up the Unions in Chicago. You said you were gonna do research, but they have a huge meeting and form a new super-Union. I dunno how you want to RP it tho.

ooc
there is actual Union activity, including violence in 1905. A super union though already exists, although its not getting very far. However the Progressive movement defuses a lot of that with legistation, including the recognition of the right to strike, right to organize, and the creation of the Labor Department. All of this happens this year and next year, and the legislation is in the works. The other problem the Germans are going to have is that Organized Crime, specifically Italian, Jewish and Irish mobsters, are making their move about now, and they have more guns than you do in the US. They don't like to share either. So its likely American officials haven't noticed any substantial difference, even German money (how much by the way?) from what is actually going on.

Are the mobs already that powerful? I haven't put anything into the works yet, I was just making sure you weren't just ignoring me :p

Parthini']Are the mobs already that powerful? I haven't put anything into the works yet, I was just making sure you weren't just ignoring me :p

the short answer is yes, even without dealing in Booze (Prohibition era), they are making plenty of money with drugs, prostitution and gambling

President Molina sends greetings to President Roosevelt and looks forward to attending the Pan-American conference this year. Chile wishes to purchase naval vessels in these amounts from American shipyards:

Battleships - 2
Cruisers - 5
Destroyers - 10

The US is willing to construct those ships, figure 2 Virginia class battleships (15,000 tons, 19 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 6 inch, various minor caliber), 5 Albany class cruisers (3300 tons, 20 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 4 x 4.7 inch, 14 misc small caliber, 3 torpedo tubes), and 10 Destroyers (1000 tons, 6 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes, 25 knots)

Destoyers available in December 1905, cruisers in July 1906, and battleships February 1907

US Navy 1905
The Navy reshuffles its forces to follow more in line with the doctrine of Mahan, who Roosevelt is a big fan of. The Atlantic Fleet becomes the principal fleet of the US Navy, with old squadron stations like the European, South Atlantic and Gulf squadrons ended.

US Atlantic Fleet (home base is Norfolk / Hampton Roads)
15 pre dreadnought battleships organized into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battle Squadrons
Illinois Class (Illinois, Alabama) (11,500 tons, 17 knots, 4 x 13 inch, 14 x 6 inch, 22 misc small caliber guns, 4 torpedo tubes
Maine class (Maine, Ohio, Missouri,) 13,000 tons, 18 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 16 x 6 inch, 6 x 3 inch, various minor caliber
Connecticut class (Connecticut, Louisiana, Vermont, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, ) 16,000 tons, 18 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8x8 inch, 12 x 7 inch, various minor caliber)
Virginia class (Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island)
15,000 tons, 19 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 6 inch, various minor caliber )

12 Cruisers
Alaska class Heavy cruisers (Alaska, Hawaii) 16,000 tons, speed 26 knots, 12 x 8 inch guns, 8 x 5 inch guns, 16 x 3 inch guns, 4 torpedo tubes,
Houston class Light Cruisers (Houston, San Diego) 5,000 tons, speed 26 knots, 2 x 6 inch guns, 8 x 3 inch guns, 6 x torpedo tubes
Columbia class protected cruisers (Columbia, Minneapolis)
(7200 tons, 23 knots, 1 x 8 inch, 2 x 6 inch, 8 x 4 inch, 4 torpedo tubes)
St. Louis class protected cruisers (St. Louis, Charleston, Milwaukee, Detroit, Charleston, Baltimore) (9700 tons, 22 knots, 14x 6 inch, 18x 3 inch,)

30 Destroyers, 10 coastal submarines, 12 submarines

Caribbean Squadron
5 Destroyers, 4 Gunboats, 5 coastal submarines

Pacific Fleet (home base is San Francisco)
1 Oregon (refitted) class battleship (11,000 tons, 17 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 6 x 3, 26 misc small caliber guns,)
8 Olympia class protected cruisers (Olympia, Denver, Des Moines, Cleveland, Galveston, Chattanooga, Montgomery, Marblehead)
5600 tons, 20 knots, 4 x 8 inch, 10 x 5 inch, 10 misc small caliber, 4 torpedo tubes

plus 10 Destroyers, 5 coastal Submarines

Asiatic Fleet (home base is Manila)
2 Albany class (Albany, New Orleans) (3300 tons, 20 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 4 x 4.7 inch, 14 misc small caliber, 3 torpedo tubes) plus 16 gunboats

in other words, the best and the newest ships of the USN can be found in the Atlantic now

US Naval construction (all currently under consctruction)
expected to commission January 1906
Houston class light cruisers Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Savannah
Alaska class heavy cruisers Guam, Luzon


expected to commission January 1907
USS South Carolina (US dreadnought)
6 improved Houston class light cruisers

expected to commision January 1908
USS Deleware (dreadnought)
USS Lexington, Saratoga, (battle cruisers, essentially RN Invincible type)

Expected to commission January 1909
USS Yorktown, Princeton (battlecruisers)
USS Michigan (dreadnought)

To: President Roosevelt
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 United States that will benefit both sides.

Also, we are building a modern medical system, including hospitals, clinics, and a campaign to increase sanitation in our cities. We would like to inquire if it would be possible for you to send medical experts to aid us in our endeavors.

the Kingdom of Korea is invited to send students to be trained in American universities and to view our efforts to provide sanitation and mosquito control measures in Panama (ooc the canal is currently under construction)

The US Government does not have medical staff to send, however, there are Missionary Societies such as the United Methodist Church that would love to do so and they are being encouraged to answer your call

ooc
guess which nation has the second largest concentration of Methodists... oddly enough, its South Korea

the Kingdom of Korea is invited to send students to be trained in American universities and to view our efforts to provide sanitation and mosquito control measures in Panama (ooc the canal is currently under construction)

The US Government does not have medical staff to send, however, there are Missionary Societies such as the United Methodist Church that would love to do so and they are being encouraged to answer your call

ooc
guess which nation has the second largest concentration of Methodists... oddly enough, its South Korea

OOC: I actually knew that bit. Christianity had a big presence in Korea even during this time, but the Japanese occupation made it much bigger in real life.

And will your guys bring my students to the US? Or will I have to furnish transport?

IC:

To: President Roosevelt
From: Emperor Gojong

Very well, we will send a team to study the efforts at sanitation in Panama and we will select those students who wish to do so to study medicine in the United States. As for the Christian societies, tell them we would like their aid very much, and that they are free to set up hospitals and clinics with our protection.

Roosevelt observes closely the events in Europe, aware that Germany may soon have bigger problems than Venezuela.

The US Atlantic Fleet, all 15 battleships, and 30 destroyers, steams to Panama to conduct maneuvers with the Colombian Fleet. Meanwhile, the cruisers of the Atlantic Fleet, 12 in all, sortie in the MidAtlantic and take up a long picket line, nearly 1200 miles, stretching from the Grand Banks to nearly Bermuda.

Submarines begin working up as well to guard US coastal cities.

In the Pacific, 8 American cruisers from the Pacific Fleet steam to Hawaii to carry out a training cruise.

The Army and Navy quietly beginning looking at available merchant shipping on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, while the Secret Service and US Marshal Service begin investigating reports of German money flowing into US labor unions. Using political contacts, Roosevelt makes a deal with the Democratic leadership in the big cities to let them handle things there in exchange for no investigations of corruption for a while. The Democrats then begin talking to their Political Machine leaders, telling them to ensure that the Germans don't become a problem, and letting them handle things there own way.

Most of these machines have contacts with organized crime, and in fact are closely tied together with money. They in turn ask the Mob to handle things, and soon organized crime is also looking for German influence.

They of course don't arrest people, but simply kill them.

OOC: Cheater :mad:

Parthini']OOC: Cheater :mad:

ooc
American politics for the first 50 years of the 20th Century and most of the 19th Century was run by Political Machines, much like was shown in the movies "Godfather", and "Gangs of New York". Boss Tweed and those like him, including the man who got Harry Truman elected to his first political office and Joseph Kennedy, JFKs dad, had very close dealings with organized crime all through history. They tended to play rough.

Now there is no FBI yet, but nevertheless, if you read about the Red Scares of the 20s, the Sacco and Vanzetti trial and other similar events, its clear that a lot of anarchist, union and other leftist type moves were countered by institutional unoffical oppression. In the West, the big companies also used Pinkertons and other 'security' guards to keep the unions under control. Things didn't get better until the Great Depression, when the next Roosevelt stepped in.

besides, nearly a year passed before the US even reacted, a Teddy is a much more hands on President than McKinley was.

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.

The US regretfully responds that it no longer interferes in the internal affairs of the Empire of China, and considers Mongolia a provience of that empire.

Australia has kept its military fairly small in recent years focusing on other issues but with the recent addition of multiple oversea's territories Australia has a need to expand its military, really our navy to protect these territories. We would prefer to build the ships ourselves but we lack the ability to construct anything larger than a cruiser in a timely fashion so we are coming to America to ask if our needs could be met.

If it is possible we would like to purchase a single Dreadnaught. It's main armament is to be ten 13.5 inch guns and six 6 inchers. It should be able to at least reach speeds of 19 knots and be heavily armored as this thing is going to be in the thick of whatever fighting our navy has to do. Any more speed or furtherarmament would be much apreciated and rewarded(AKA some more money).

We would also like to place orders for three cruisers. Base armament is to be eight 12 inchers and four 6 inchers. Speed should be 25 knots.

We are willing to pay for these ships and we do understand it will take a little over a year for thee ships to be completed but it will be much apreciated by the Australian navy and people. Again any improvements made on armament, speed exc will be rewarded and America will be looked on very favorably by Australia and its people if a situation should arise in the Pacific.

OOC: Could you give me the link to the military thread so I can post what my navy already has before I forget.

Also I believe it is possible but I'm not entirely sure to use il instead of coal for these ships? From what I've read submarines and many destroyers at this time used oil. So if I could I'd like to make them use oil which would increase speed by a good margin.

To: President Roosevelt
From: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand

My dear President,

I find myself writing to you with a heavy heart. As you know, the war in Europe was sparked by my nation's invasion of Montenegro. I assure you sir; war was only my last resort. Only a few weeks before the invasion, a Montenegrin attempted to assassinate me. Luckily, he did not succeed and my guards managed to capture me. The story he told, backed up by evidence my advisors were able to gather definitively proved that the Montenegro government, no doubt lead astray by some radical group, was behind the assassination attempt. When my government confronted them with this evidence however, they denied it and refused to turn over the culprits, which was all that we asked. But I wander.

I wish to ask you sir, for your help in working out a peaceful end to this horrible European war. This is not what I want at all and I wish to end it before any more young men have to die. I ask only your assistance and your help.

ooc: As I said in the war thread, Franz sincerly believes that the montenegrins were behind it, however his advisors knew better and manipulated him. Depending on how the war goes, there may be some trouble in AH besides the war.

If it is possible we would like to purchase a single Dreadnaught. It's main armament is to be ten 13.5 inch guns and six 6 inchers. It should be able to at least reach speeds of 19 knots and be heavily armored as this thing is going to be in the thick of whatever fighting our navy has to do. Any more speed or furtherarmament would be much apreciated and rewarded(AKA some more money).

We would also like to place orders for three cruisers. Base armament is to be eight 12 inchers and four 6 inchers. Speed should be 25 knots.

Also I believe it is possible but I'm not entirely sure to use il instead of coal for these ships? From what I've read submarines and many destroyers at this time used oil. So if I could I'd like to make them use oil which would increase speed by a good margin.

Galveston Bay here
Ok, the US can't build those yet either, but when it does, it will build 12 inch and then 14 inch gun battleships. You are describing superdreadnoughts, which the British build first in 1911, followed by the Germans and Americans in 1912. The battle cruiser idea is currently being developed by the British, Americans, and Germans, but none are yet in service. First ones show up 1907. However, the Americans are looking at oil burning capital ships, and will move that way sooner in this timeline than historical, because the US has a surplus of oil, and has found in exercises in the Caribbean that coal burning battleships are too hellish for extended operations, plus simply can't store enough coal for the range desired for American operations in the Pacific, Atlantic and Caribbean. So yes, the US is about to build a oil burning 8 inch cruiser based on the Alaska class design already completed.


military thread is here
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=427277

I find myself writing to you with a heavy heart. As you know, the war in Europe was sparked by my nation's invasion of Montenegro. I assure you sir; war was only my last resort. Only a few weeks before the invasion, a Montenegrin attempted to assassinate me. Luckily, he did not succeed and my guards managed to capture me. The story he told, backed up by evidence my advisors were able to gather definitively proved that the Montenegro government, no doubt lead astray by some radical group, was behind the assassination attempt. When my government confronted them with this evidence however, they denied it and refused to turn over the culprits, which was all that we asked. But I wander.

I wish to ask you sir, for your help in working out a peaceful end to this horrible European war. This is not what I want at all and I wish to end it before any more young men have to die. I ask only your assistance and your help.

Roosevelt sighs when he reads the letter. The entire balance of power in Europe, and hence the world is at stake, and the Austrians and Russians blundered into a war. Now the Austrians were trapped, and more and more nations were joining in, leaving the field clear for German opportunism.

Alas, the Russians hadn't responded yet, and really, why should they? They appeared to be winning at the moment. With no other choice, Roosevelt replies sympathetically to the Austrian leader, and wishes him well on the battlefield. His only hope it appeared.

OOC: This is Australia by the way.

Well, I could cut the six inchers off then it would be almost like the Bellerophon class of of 06-07 which fielded 10 twelve inchers. If the 13.5ers still aren't possible at this time then 12 will be more than fine, though i'd like a few sixers or eight inchers if possible. Up to you really as you seem to know more, and if its a no on the cruisers then I'll take two batleships instead of the one.

A note on the 13.5 inch guns, the Orion class fielded them and they were part of the 09/10 program. Though they weren't finished till 1912.

Thanks for the link.

After an extended cruise in the Caribbean, with visits to Colombia (and an exercise with them), Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Dutch Antigua, and then an extended cruise into the Atlantic and visit to Bermuda, the US Atlantic Fleet returns to Norfolk naval yard just before Christmas Day, 1905. Many lessons were learned, and the most important lesson is that the new oil burning destroyers are much superior in range to the older coal burning ships, and that once again life was hell for the black gangs below decks.

Both the Battle cruisers and Dreadnoughts under construction are delayed for several months as their coal fired burners are switched out for oil fired ones. A new class of light cruiser and a new class of heavy cruiser is also developed.

ooc
historically the Great White Fleet provided this lesson the US Navy, but with the situation in Venezuela, the US Navy is doing a lot more training at this point than historical.

January 6, 1906 - Defence Ministry, Sofia

From: Premier Elizabeth Seleinova and HRH King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria
To: American President Theodore Roosevelt and Government

The people of Bulgaria are not taking things well at the moment due to the war between Imperial Russia and Imperial Austria-Hungary... We have started to pick up the pace of development in machinery, but it will take about a couple more years before we would be ready for any major conflict of any kind. Frankly, I am very concerned that we are headed for ruin as most of Europe could be...hopefully there still is time to remedy this situation.

To: President of the United States of America
From: The King of Denmark
Coded: Yes

Due to the recent pressure put on us in the Norway/Sweden area most of our armed forces are over on other shores. I need someone to protect some of my more extended colonies. So in light of a new friendship will you be willing to move troops into Greenland & the Virgin Islands? I will hope that this will help our relationships with world politics taking a new pro-war turn.

OOC: Should American troops land on any territory of Danish soil, and Denmark agree to it, I think Denmark would have to worry about more than her population being mad.

January 6, 1906 - Defence Ministry, Sofia

From: Premier Elizabeth Seleinova and HRH King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria
To: American President Theodore Roosevelt and Government

The people of Bulgaria are not taking things well at the moment due to the war between Imperial Russia and Imperial Austria-Hungary... We have started to pick up the pace of development in machinery, but it will take about a couple more years before we would be ready for any major conflict of any kind. Frankly, I am very concerned that we are headed for ruin as most of Europe could be...hopefully there still is time to remedy this situation.

The US government wishes the Bulgarian people the best of luck as they chose sanity over war, and hope they can remain out of this disaster.

Official Warning US State Department
Due to the state of war in these countries, the State Department recommends against travel to Germany, Austria Hungary, Italy, Russia, Rumania, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia and Spain.

OOC: So is the order a go or not?

yes, its a go, although they won't be finished until 1909 at the soonest

the US examines the lessons of the fighting in the Mediterranean Sea with great interest and develops some conclusions. Centralized fire control becomes a greater urgency (historical development under Admiral Sims as result of lessons of the Russo Japanese war in our timeline, plus the Spanish American War) and that the all big gun or at least single caliber gun warship is the way of the future. Already under development, the US Navy is satisfied with its proposed ships.

Another lesson is that oil burning ships are indeed superior to coal burning ships in range and in useful space for armor, ammunition, stores and armor. All future battleships, cruisers and destroyers will burn oil, and some ships will be retrofited as time allows. In addition, the turbine has proven its usefulness, although the US is still having some difficulties. Information that the British have put turbines in their new battleship, the Dreadnought, is viewed with interest. More research and development is needed for the US Navy though.

American manufacturers begin taking orders for munitions and expanding plants. Although the warring nations will have to pay cash, nevertheless, a new source of munitions will become available later in the year.

Colombia suggests that Chile, America and Colombia adopt standarized munitions, to allow for premium compatability. We also suggest that Colombia and the United States form an arms-trading bloc.

Washington Post
"The US Army announced today that it plans to adopt the 75 mm field gun and 105 mm light howitzer as the standard artillery pieces for US Army and National Guard Infantry divisions. The Army also plans to look at the Colombian 6 inch gun for heavier artillery units."

US Navy 1907

US Atlantic Fleet (home base is Norfolk / Hampton Roads)
10 pre dreadnought battleships organized into 1st and 2nd Battle Squadrons
1 Oregon (refitted) class battleship (11,000 tons, 17 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 6 x 3, 26 misc small caliber guns,)
Connecticut class (Connecticut, Louisiana, Vermont, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, ) 16,000 tons, 18 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8x8 inch, 12 x 7 inch, various minor caliber)
Virginia class (Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island)
15,000 tons, 19 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 6 inch, various minor caliber )

12 Cruisers
2 Houston class light cruisers (Houston, San Diego)(see below)
Columbia class protected cruisers (Columbia, Minneapolis)
(7200 tons, 23 knots, 1 x 8 inch, 2 x 6 inch, 8 x 4 inch, 4 torpedo tubes)
St. Louis class protected cruisers (St. Louis, Charleston, Milwaukee, Detroit, Charleston, Baltimore) (9700 tons, 22 knots, 14x 6 inch, 18x 3 inch,)
CL Honolulu class Light Cruiser (Honolulu, Juneau, Manila, San Juan)
3750 tons, 24 knots, 2 x 5 inch, 6 x 3 inch, 2 torpedo tubes,

30 Destroyers, 10 coastal submarines, 12 submarines

Caribbean Squadron
5 Destroyers, 4 Gunboats, 5 coastal submarines

Pacific Fleet (home base is San Francisco)
1 Alaska class heavy cruiser (Alaska)(see below)
8 Olympia class protected cruisers (Olympia, Denver, Des Moines, Cleveland, Galveston, Chattanooga, Montgomery, Marblehead)
5600 tons, 20 knots, 4 x 8 inch, 10 x 5 inch, 10 misc small caliber, 4 torpedo tubes

plus 10 Destroyers, 5 coastal Submarines

Asiatic Fleet (home base is Manila)
2 Albany class (Albany, New Orleans) (3300 tons, 20 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 4 x 4.7 inch, 14 misc small caliber, 3 torpedo tubes) plus 16 gunboats

expected to commission June 1906 – December 1907
Alaska class Heavy cruisers (Alaska, Hawaii,) 18,000 tons, speed 26 knots, 8 x 8 inch guns organized in double turrets, 8 x 5 inch guns in sponsons, 16 x 3 inch guns in open mounts, 4 torpedo tubes,
Houston class Light Cruisers (Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Savannah,) 7,000 tons, speed 28 knots, oil fueled, turbine powered, 3 x 6 inch guns in open mounts, 9 x 3 inch guns in open mounts, 6 x torpedo tubes

expected to commission January 1908
USS South Carolina (US dreadnought) 20,000 tons, 20 knots, 8 x 12 inch, 24 x 3 inch, oil fueled, turbine powered

expected to commision March 1908
USS Delaware, Michigan (South Carolina class)
USS Lexington, Saratoga, (battle cruisers, essentially RN Invincible type, but oil fueled and turbine powered, 28 knot speed)
10 Destroyers

Expected to commission January 1909
USS Yorktown, Princeton (battlecruisers)
USS Michigan (dreadnought)
10 Destroyers

Marine Corps 20,000 men
1 Fleet Advanced base force (2 regiments, located in Virginia), plus a regiment in Hawaii, Philippines, Washington DC, Panama, San Diego, San Francisco, Beaufort
2 Base defense regiments

US Army 1907
200,000 in Regular Army
12 Infantry Divisions (1st – 9th, plus Philippine, Hawaii and Panama divisions), 2 Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd), plus 2 infantry brigades (Alaska, Puerto Rico), 4 Independent Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd, 11th, 26th Philippine Scout), 3 Independent Infantry Regiments (24th Colored, 25th Colored, Alaskan Scouts), 12 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)
500,000 National Guard
20 Infantry Divisions (26th – 38th, 40th – 46th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (39th, 47th), 24 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

Deployment: 1 Infantry Division, 1 Cavalry Regiment, 3 coast artillery groups Philippines
1 Infantry Division, 3 coast artillery groups Hawaii, 1 Infantry Division, 4 coast artillery groups Panama, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 coast artillery group Puerto Rico, 2 Infantry Brigades Alaska, 1 Infantry Regiment (each) Guam, Tahiti, various small Marine detachments, all other troops in Continental US

Denmark formally (and informally) asks the amount of naval power, if any, in/near the Norweign Sea, English Channel, or the North Eastern sector of the Atlantic Sea.

Denmark formally (and informally) asks the amount of naval power, if any, in/near the Norweign Sea, English Channel, or the North Eastern sector of the Atlantic Sea.

Galveston Bay here, no US warships are stationed or patrol east of the Mid Atlantic, although some occasionally make visits to British ports and more rarely, other European ports (less often now since there is a war)

German Statement on the Venezuelan Situation

As the United States undoubtedly knows, Germany is engaged in a full-fledged war in Europe, and does not have the capabilities or willingness to exact the required funds from Venezuela. Germany believes that the Timeline given by the Americans is somewhat slim. However, Germany is willing to work with America on this situation.

Germany is willing to conduct fair and true elections in Venezuela (although we know not why) and promises to leave it to the Venezuelans. However, Germany still must recollect the debts and cannot withdraw troops from Venezuela. The Elections will take place for representatives to form a new Constitution, and 3 months following the radification of the Constitution by the Venezuelan people, elections for a representative government will take place.

Depending on the situation in Europe, the funds may or may not be collected by 1908. Therefore, Germany will keep an armed presence in Venezuela until such funds are collected.

The United States government will pay all debts that remain to Venezuela if the German government immediately withdraws all military and naval forces from the Western Hemisphere. Plus a bonus of $10 Million for the trouble Germany had with collection.

In addition, another $10 million will be paid if the Germans immediately withdraw and leaves the people of Venezuela to work out their own destiny. The US government proposes that the nations of Colombia, the Netherlands and Canada supervise the elections, and that Colombian and Chilean troops maintain order in the interim period.

cruisers Denver, Des Moines, Cleveland, Galveston transferred to French control at the port of San Francisco after being stricken from US naval service.

10 Destroyers and 10 coastal submarines stricken from US naval service at the port of Charleston South Carolina and transferred to French naval service.

US Marine companies deposited at Martinique and Guadalupe and Clipperton Island, US 24th Infantry regiment transported to French Guiana, and US 6th Marine regiment transferred to Tahiti as initial garrisons of new American bases. Cruiser Chattonooga and 2 gunboats sent to Tahiti, while Caribbean squadron will maintain watch over new Caribbean bases.

May 30, 1906
In the Senate today, the American-Japanese Mutual Defense Treaty was approved by a sizeable majority. Although initially criticized severely, Roosevelt managed to persuade a large majority of the Senate to pass the treaty and pass an amendment preventing the descrimination of Asians, a practice that was of grave concern to our new allies. This law overrules the California recent law allowing for segregation of Asians in public accomendations and schools.

June 1907
The United States watches the war in Europe with fascination tinged with horror. Over 2 million dead, millions more wounded, and war reduced to shellfire, machine guns and mud. At sea, titantic battles between ships both large and small and men drowning or blowing up by the hundreds or thousands.

But orders continued to flood in, for both civilian and military goods, and the economy was booming. Few wanted to join the war on either side at this point, and once again Roosevelt sent cables offering to broker a deal.

Although he knew now with this much bloodshed, both sides were bound to fight to the finish or until they could fight no longer.

However the news was good in the US. Oklahoma joins the Union at the 46th State, the Philippines hold Parliementary elections and seats its first House and Senate (although Governor Taft remains as chief executive as Governor), and so does Puerto Rico, which decides to remain as part of the US as a Territory for now. Construction continues on the Panama Canal and President Roosevelt makes a trip to inspect the progress and meet with the Colombian President. The US Navy launches its first pair of dreadnoughts and first pair of battlecruisers, although none will be ready to commission for another 9 months.

The US Army forms the Aeronautical division of the US Army Signal Corps to oversea ballooning, airships and aircraft, and the US Army begins seriously examining the Wright Brothers aircraft. Still little more than a toy, the obvious potential is becoming clear.

OOC: I don't think I'm able to produce a Full fledged Dreadnought now, (Japan didn't historically produce one till 1911-12)

IC: Japan is very interested in the USS Michigan Class and USS Lexington as well, if at all possible Japan would like to order 3 Michigans and 2 Lexingtons to help expand our Naval Power.

OOC: I am quite curious. Does Oklahoma become an Indian State or does it get flooded with crackers?

Parthini']OOC: I am quite curious. Does Oklahoma become an Indian State or does it get flooded with crackers?

ooc
it gets flooded with cracker relatives of mine, who glare a lot at the Cherokee relatives of mine.

secret IC
US Naval Intelligence begins work on radio interception, designed to obtain useful information from enemy and potential enemy wireless transmissions. The US Navy isn't alone, and this becomes common among the larger navies

Chile accepts peacekeeping duties in Venezuela, and will dispatch 2,000 Infantry and MPs upon German evacuation.

Alberto Molina,
President,
Republic of Chile

US Navy 1907

US Atlantic Fleet (home base is Norfolk / Hampton Roads)
10 pre dreadnought battleships organized into 1st and 2nd Battle Squadrons
1 Oregon (refitted) class battleship (11,000 tons, 17 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 6 x 3, 26 misc small caliber guns,)
Connecticut class (Connecticut, Louisiana, Vermont, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, ) 16,000 tons, 18 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8x8 inch, 12 x 7 inch, various minor caliber)
Virginia class (Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island)
15,000 tons, 19 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 6 inch, various minor caliber )

12 Cruisers
2 Houston class light cruisers (Houston, San Diego)(see below)
Columbia class protected cruisers (Columbia, Minneapolis)
(7200 tons, 23 knots, 1 x 8 inch, 2 x 6 inch, 8 x 4 inch, 4 torpedo tubes)
St. Louis class protected cruisers (St. Louis, Charleston, Milwaukee, Detroit, Charleston, Baltimore) (9700 tons, 22 knots, 14x 6 inch, 18x 3 inch,)
CL Honolulu class Light Cruiser (Honolulu, Juneau, Manila, San Juan)
3750 tons, 24 knots, 2 x 5 inch, 6 x 3 inch, 2 torpedo tubes,

30 Destroyers, 10 coastal submarines, 12 submarines

Caribbean Squadron
5 Destroyers, 4 Gunboats, 5 coastal submarines

Pacific Fleet (home base is San Francisco)
1 Alaska class heavy cruiser (Alaska)(see below)
8 Olympia class protected cruisers (Olympia, Denver, Des Moines, Cleveland, Galveston, Chattanooga, Montgomery, Marblehead)
5600 tons, 20 knots, 4 x 8 inch, 10 x 5 inch, 10 misc small caliber, 4 torpedo tubes

plus 10 Destroyers, 5 coastal Submarines

Asiatic Fleet (home base is Manila)
2 Albany class (Albany, New Orleans) (3300 tons, 20 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 4 x 4.7 inch, 14 misc small caliber, 3 torpedo tubes) plus 16 gunboats

expected to commission June 1906 – December 1907
Alaska class Heavy cruisers (Alaska, Hawaii,) 18,000 tons, speed 26 knots, 8 x 8 inch guns organized in double turrets, 8 x 5 inch guns in sponsons, 16 x 3 inch guns in open mounts, 4 torpedo tubes,
Houston class Light Cruisers (Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Savannah,) 7,000 tons, speed 28 knots, oil fueled, turbine powered, 3 x 6 inch guns in open mounts, 9 x 3 inch guns in open mounts, 6 x torpedo tubes

expected to commission January 1908
USS South Carolina (US dreadnought) 20,000 tons, 20 knots, 8 x 12 inch, 24 x 3 inch, oil fueled, turbine powered

expected to commision March 1908
USS Delaware, Michigan (South Carolina class)
USS Lexington, Saratoga, (battle cruisers, essentially RN Invincible type, but oil fueled and turbine powered, 28 knot speed)
10 Destroyers

Expected to commission January 1909
USS Yorktown, Princeton (battlecruisers)
USS Michigan (dreadnought)
10 Destroyers

Marine Corps 20,000 men
1 Fleet Advanced base force (2 regiments, located in Virginia), plus a regiment in Hawaii, Philippines, Washington DC, Panama, San Diego, San Francisco, Beaufort
2 Base defense regiments

US Army 1907
200,000 in Regular Army
12 Infantry Divisions (1st – 9th, plus Philippine, Hawaii and Panama divisions), 2 Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd), plus 2 infantry brigades (Alaska, Puerto Rico), 4 Independent Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd, 11th, 26th Philippine Scout), 3 Independent Infantry Regiments (24th Colored, 25th Colored, Alaskan Scouts), 12 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)
500,000 National Guard
20 Infantry Divisions (26th – 38th, 40th – 46th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (39th, 47th), 24 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

Deployment: 1 Infantry Division, 1 Cavalry Regiment, 3 coast artillery groups Philippines
1 Infantry Division, 3 coast artillery groups Hawaii, 1 Infantry Division, 4 coast artillery groups Panama, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 coast artillery group Puerto Rico, 2 Infantry Brigades Alaska, 1 Infantry Regiment (each) Guam, Tahiti, various small Marine detachments, all other troops in Continental US

US forces updated

Current US overseas possessions:
North Pacific: Hawaiian, Marshal, Caroline, Marianas Islands,
West Pacific: Philippine Islands
South Pacific: US Polynesia (formerly French Polynesia)
North Pacific: Alaska and Aleutian islands
Caribbean: Puerto Rico, plus bases in Cuba, French Caribbean territories and Colombian Panama, also a base in Chile
Plus 46 states and 2 territories (New Mexico and Arizona are not states yet, neither of course is Alaska or Hawaii)

So I take it you don't want to build me ships.

So I take it you don't want to build me ships.

ooc
truthfully, the US is building as fast as it can for its navy, and besides, you don't need anyone to build your ships. Japanese ships are under consctruction historically at this point, and it was a race to see who would build a dreadnought first... the Americans, British, Italians or Japanese.... the British were first, but American and Japanese dreadnoughts entered service within a year of the British Dreadnought

http://home.att.net/~wellsbrothers/Battleships/IJNBBtable.html

http://www.combinedfleet.com/kongo_c.htm

Washington was abuzz as news of the impending peace conference for end the Great War hit the papers. Arlington Hall, the former home of Robert E. Lee which now was surrounded by America's biggest military cemetary was ordered prepared as the principal meeting place, and a fleet of automobiles from various manufacturers was ordered and purchased to provide their transportation. Security was tightened as well, as the Army's 1st Infantry Division and the newly formed 7th Regiment of Marines were brought into to the city to ensure the safety of the delegates.

Official Communique

From: Francisco Madero Gonzales, Mexican Liberal Party, Leader of the Mexican rebellion
To: The President of the United States of America

People of the United States, I come to you for aid in Mexico's darkest hour. Our people have at last risen up against the Dictator Diaz, who has ruled Mexico with an iron fist fot 40 years. However all is not well, despite a decade of miltray cutbacks, the governmental forces are better armed than the farmers who have dared to speak out against him. All my life I have wished to see a democratic Mexico, and yet as close as we now are to acheiving this, I can feel the noose slowly tightening around the provinces that have rebelled. And now to my request, I wonder if your country could possibly sell us any of your new Springfield Rifles, as this would give us the technology advantage that we will need to triumph over the governmental forces. We will be able to pay you in gold bullion, as we have three provincial treasuries under our control. I realise this request comes at a bad time, as you are hosting peace talks, but free Mexico would forever be in your debt if you agree.

Many Thanks

Official Communique

From: Francisco Madero Gonzales, Mexican Liberal Party, Leader of the Mexican rebellion
To: The President of the United States of America

People of the United States, I come to you for aid in Mexico's darkest hour. Our people have at last risen up against the Dictator Diaz, who has ruled Mexico with an iron fist fot 40 years. However all is not well, despite a decade of miltray cutbacks, the governmental forces are better armed than the farmers who have dared to speak out against him. All my life I have wished to see a democratic Mexico, and yet as close as we now are to acheiving this, I can feel the noose slowly tightening around the provinces that have rebelled. And now to my request, I wonder if your country could possibly sell us any of your new Springfield Rifles, as this would give us the technology advantage that we will need to triumph over the governmental forces. We will be able to pay you in gold bullion, as we have three provincial treasuries under our control. I realise this request comes at a bad time, as you are hosting peace talks, but free Mexico would forever be in your debt if you agree.

Many Thanks

Official US response
Under the terms of the Pan American Treaty the United States is forced to remind you that the US has pledged to not intervene in the internal affairs of its neighbors

Unofficial US response
The US government will covertly provide weapons, ammunition and allow the recruitment of mercenaries and Hispanic (Tejano, Californio as well as Hispanics from New Mexico and Arizona) to form military units at US military bases on the Mexican border as long as that remains covert.

Secret Communique

We thank you for your kind response, we will make sure that no word gets out about any US involvement.

Francisco Madero Gonzales, Mexican Liberal Party, Leader of the Mexican rebellion

the civil war thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=440976

Comminque to United States of America
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.

In addition, we are interested in the Automobile and the Wright Brothers flying contrapation. China is prepared to initate a trade or payment for access to those devices or their creators.

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

~Emperor Guozu

Comminque to United States of America
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.

In addition, we are interested in the Automobile and the Wright Brothers flying contrapation. China is prepared to initate a trade or payment for access to those devices or their creators.

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

~Emperor Guozu

The US government reminds the Chinese Government that it does not interfere with trade unless it is harmful to American interests. Which in effect means "feel free to buy all you want from Ford and the Wright Brothers"

ooc
although the airplane still has a way to go

US Navy 1908

US Atlantic Fleet (home base is Norfolk / Hampton Roads)
1st Battle Squadron (dreadnoughts)
3 South Carolina class (South Carolina, Delaware, Michigan) 20,000 tons, 20 knots, 8 x 12 inch, 24 x 3 inch, oil fueled, turbine powered

2nd and 3rd Battle Squadrons (pre dreadnoughts)
1 Oregon (refitted) class battleship (11,000 tons, 17 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 6 x 3, 26 misc small caliber guns,)
Connecticut class (Connecticut, Louisiana, Vermont, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, ) 16,000 tons, 18 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8x8 inch, 12 x 7 inch, various minor caliber)
Virginia class (Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island)
15,000 tons, 19 knots, 4 x 12 inch, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 6 inch, various minor caliber )

18 Cruisers
6 Houston class light cruisers (Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Savannah) 7,000 tons, speed 28 knots, oil fueled, turbine powered, 3 x 6 inch guns in open mounts, 9 x 3 inch guns in open mounts, 6 x torpedo tubes
Columbia class protected cruisers (Columbia, Minneapolis)
(7200 tons, 23 knots, 1 x 8 inch, 2 x 6 inch, 8 x 4 inch, 4 torpedo tubes)
St. Louis class protected cruisers (St. Louis, Charleston, Milwaukee, Detroit, Charleston, Baltimore) (9700 tons, 22 knots, 14x 6 inch, 18x 3 inch,)
CL Honolulu class Light Cruiser (Honolulu, Juneau, Manila, San Juan)
3750 tons, 24 knots, 2 x 5 inch, 6 x 3 inch, 2 torpedo tubes,

40 Destroyers (8 destroyer squadrons), 10 coastal submarines (training), 12 submarines

Caribbean Squadron
5 old Destroyers, 4 Gunboats, 5 coastal submarines

Pacific Fleet (home base is San Francisco)
2 Lexington class Battle cruisers (Lexington, Saratoga) 20,000 tons, 26 knots, 8 x12 inch guns organized in double turrets, 8 x 5 inch guns in sponsons, 24 x 3 inch guns in open mounts
2 Alaska class heavy cruisers (Alaska, Hawaii) )18,000 tons, speed 26 knots, 8 x 8 inch guns organized in double turrets, 8 x 5 inch guns in sponsons, 16 x 3 inch guns in open mounts, 4 torpedo tubes,

plus 10 Destroyers, 5 coastal Submarines

South Pacific Squadron (Home base Tahiti)
4 Olympia class protected cruisers (Olympia , Galveston, Chattanooga, Montgomery)
5600 tons, 20 knots, 4 x 8 inch, 10 x 5 inch, 10 misc small caliber, 4 torpedo tubes

plus 4 gunboats,

Asiatic Fleet (home base is Manila)
2 Albany class (Albany, New Orleans) (3300 tons, 20 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 4 x 4.7 inch, 14 misc small caliber, 3 torpedo tubes)

plus 16 gunboats

Expected to commission January 1909
USS Yorktown, Princeton (battlecruisers)
USS Michigan (dreadnought)
10 Destroyers

Under construction
Dreadnoughts North Dakota (1910), Florida (1911), Utah (1911),
Monaghan class destroyer (flush deck, 5 x 3 inch, 6 torpedo tubes)(better destroyer)
D class ocean going submarine

Planned
Dreadnoughts Wyoming (1912), Arkansas (1912),
Superdreadnoughts New York (1914), Texas (1914), Nevada (1914), Oklahoma (1914),

Marine Corps 20,000 men
1 Fleet Advanced base force (2 regiments, located in Virginia), plus a regiment in Hawaii, Philippines, Washington DC, Panama, San Diego, San Francisco, Beaufort
4 Base defense regiments (provides cadre for base defense battalions)

US Army 1907
200,000 in Regular Army
12 Infantry Divisions (1st – 9th, plus Philippine, Hawaii and Panama divisions), 2 Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd), plus 2 infantry brigades (Alaska, Puerto Rico), 4 Independent Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd, 11th, 26th Philippine Scout), 3 Independent Infantry Regiments (24th Colored, 25th Colored, Alaskan Scouts), 12 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)
500,000 National Guard
20 Infantry Divisions (26th – 38th, 40th – 46th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (39th, 47th), 24 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

Deployment: 1 Infantry Division, 1 Cavalry Regiment, 3 coast artillery groups Philippines
1 Infantry Division, 3 coast artillery groups Hawaii, 1 Infantry Division, 4 coast artillery groups Panama, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 coast artillery group Puerto Rico, 2 Infantry Brigades Alaska, 1 Infantry Regiment (each) Guam, Tahiti, various small Marine detachments, all other troops in Continental US


Foreign construction
2 Alaska class for Republic of Colombia
1 Lexington class for Dominion of Australia
1 Lexington class for Empire of Japan

At this time there is no slack for additonal foreign construction, try the British

The US government reminds the Chinese Government that it does not interfere with trade unless it is harmful to American interests. Which in effect means "feel free to buy all you want from Ford and the Wright Brothers"

ooc
although the airplane still has a way to go

Communication to the USA
From: China

Greetings.

China would like to meet with Henry Ford and the Wright Brothers if possible. We are interested in opening up Model T factories in China, as well as opening up possible test sites for the Wright Brothers. From what we understand, Henry Ford is the owner of the Automobile patent and business in the USA.

We are interested in the Model T as it shows great promise in aiding Chinese travel between Chinese cities not yet connected by railroad. The Chinese people are seeking to build thousands of miles of new roads and connect every major Chinese city. This act alone will greatly enhance trading, and potentially open up many more marketplaces for American goods.

The Wright Brother's flying contrapation is also of quite some interest to China. This contrapation might have the possibility of supplementing the Model T as a means of long-distance transport of goods, people, and material to cities and towns that do not have railroad service yet.

Please inform China whether a trade, purchase, or meeting would be possible.

Thank you.
~Emperor Guozu

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:

How should we go about this? Should we go for Henry Ford and the Wrights arriving at the Forbidden City for an audience with the Chinese Emperor, or should we do something else?

Communication to the USA
From: China


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:

How should we go about this? Should we go for Henry Ford and the Wrights arriving at the Forbidden City for an audience with the Chinese Emperor, or should we do something else?

ooc
I doubt either Ford or the Wright Brothers would travel to China, although I am sure they would entertain Chinese officials to their businesses... they are pretty busy at the moment. Truthfully I hadn't given it any thought, so I will give it some this week.

Colombia would like to cordially invite the Ford Motor company to open a factory in Bogota, Colombia. There are several very good reasons for such an expansion:

1. The Colombian Economy is in an expansion phase. Growth has yet to peak, and therefore therefore the economy will continue to grow.

2. The war in Europe has created many wealthy individuals in Colombia. Some hold high to mid-level positions in corporations, while others are government members. They have expressed interest in purchasing these products.. as it exemplefies their wealth.

3. The corporations themselves would be interested in a version to carry large loads from the mines in the mountains; The wealth created from such an incredible tool would be both beneficial to Colombia and your corporation.

There are many other good reasons, but these three are the primary reasons.

ooc
I doubt either Ford or the Wright Brothers would travel to China, although I am sure they would entertain Chinese officials to their businesses... they are pretty busy at the moment. Truthfully I hadn't given it any thought, so I will give it some this week.

OOC: Let me know when you're ready to RP the "meeting" between Chinese officials and Henry Ford and the Wrights. :)

as per agreement with Russia, the US passes along plans for the USS South Carolina (dreadnought) however Congress prevents Roosevelt from forgiving the Russian war debt although the US government does buy up the Russian war debt held by US private bankers. (to prevent potential problems to the US economy should Russia default for some reason)

Roosevelt is able to get that debt refinanced, so the massive debt payable in 10 years is stretched out to a massive debt payable over 30 years at a lower interest rate (effectively reducing it by a third).

Similar measures are taken with the French and Spanish debts (refinancing, which reduces their debt by a third) but although the US government acquires all of the debt held by private banks, refinancing does not occur for German, Italian, Turkish or Rumanian debts. The US does forgive the debt held by the Yugoslavs however (reducing their overall debt owed by a quarter, the rest is a British problem) as it was relatively small compared to other debts owed.

To Whom It May Concern,

The Union of South Africa would like to purchase two armored cruisers, four protected cruisers, and four destroyers from the United States Navy. We are able to pay one-quarter the cost in gold, and the remainder in British pounds.

Sincerely,
Jan C. Smuts
Minister of Defense.

USA 1908 - 1920
Roosevelt gets another term, finishing his second term in 1912 with a Nobel Peace price, a very large navy, the Pan American treaty and credit for ending the Great War and is beloved. He then goes on a world tour for a couple of years. Taft becomes a Supreme Court Chief Justice, achieving his lifes' ambition after Charles Evans Hughes steps down to run for President and is elected, narrowly defeating Woodrow Wilson. He is reelected again in 1916 with a strong majority, defeating Wilson again.

Meanwhile, the Panama Canal is completed in 1914, and the US Navy continues to build up, reaching a fleet size of 18 dreadnoughts (or super dreadnoughts), 35 cruisers, 309 destroyers, (although over 109 are in reserve) and 90 submarines by 1920, and all coal burning ships are converted to oil or are scrapped or laid up. The Army is reduced in size and then brought back up again to 200,000 men and the Army Air Corps and Naval Air Service is created to operate the increasingly useful aircraft and Blimps. The Navy even converts 4 fast armored cruisers into aircraft carriers so that the fleet can operate scouting aircraft with the fleet.

New Mexico and Arizona join the Union as the 47th and 48th States, Prohibition is defeated (as no excuse about there being a war to bring it the final votes it needs to pass) and the Women get the right to vote by 1920.

Socialism gains some acceptance, but like always, the main stream parties co opt the useful elements of the social and economic policies into their own platforms while rejecting the radicalism.

US Navy 1920

Changes 1908 – 1920
All predreadnoughts relegated to training, scrapped or decommissioned, all protected cruisers refitted, scrapped or decommissioned, older destroyers and submarines and gunboats replaced, a fleet of dreadnoughts and superdreadnoughts built. 4 battle cruisers have been converted into aircraft carriers for fleet scouting. All US Navy ships now burn oil instead of coal. New cruisers, destroyers and submarines are under construction or being planned. The US Navy now uses 21 inch torpedoes as its standard torpedo and has removed torpedoes from battleships.

Battleships (18 + 9 under construction)
Under construction
1 Tennessee class battleship (California 1921)
4 Colorado class battleships (Colorado 1921, West Virginia 1921, Maryland 1922, Washington 1922), 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 8 x16 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 8 x 3 inch,
4 South Dakota class battleships (South Dakota 1923, Washington 1924, Montana 1923, North Carolina 1924) 42,000 tons, 23 knots, 12 x 16 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 inch

Atlantic Fleet
1 Tennessee class (Tennessee) 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
3 New Mexico class (New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho), 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Pennsylvania class (Pennsylvania, Arizona) 32,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Nevada class (Nevada, Oklahoma) 28,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 14 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 New York class (New York, Texas) 27,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 14 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Wyoming class (Wyoming, Arkansas) 27,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 12 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Florida class (Florida, Utah) 22,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 12 inch, 16 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Delaware class (Delaware, North Dakota, refitted 1918), 22,000 tons, 10 x 12 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 inch
2 South Carolina class (South Carolina, Michigan refitted 1916), 22,000 tons, 8 x 12 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 inch

plus the predreadnought battleship Oregon remains in commission as a training ship at the Naval Academy
9 predreadnoughts scrapped 1916-1920

Cruisers (25 + 10 under construction)
Under construction
8 Omaha class light cruisers (Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Marblehead, Trenton, Detroit, Concord, Richmond, Memphis, 2 a year 1921 -1924)
2 Ranger class Battle Cruisers (Ranger, Bon Homme Richard), 44,000 tons, 35 knots, 8 x 16 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 8 x 3 inch, both due in 1924)

Atlantic Fleet
2 Lexington class Battle cruisers (Lexington, Saratoga,)(refitted 1917-18), 22,000 tons, 30 knots, 8 x 12 inch, 8 x 5 inch, 24 x 3 inch
1 Omaha class light cruiser (Omaha) 7100 tons, 34 knots, 12 x 6 inch, 4 x 3 inch, 6 torpedo tubes
10 Houston class light cruisers (Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Albany, New Orleans, Charleston) 7,000 tons, 28 knots, 3 x 6 inch, 9 x 3 inch, 6 x torpedo tubes

Asiatic Fleet
2 St. Louis class Light cruisers (St. Louis, Charleston)(refitted 1917), 10,000 tons, 28 knots, 8 x 6 inch, 18 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes

Pacific Fleet
2 Lexington class Battle Cruisers (Yorktown, Princeton),
2 Colombia class Light cruisers (Colombia, Minneapolis)(refitted 1916), 7500 tons, 28 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 6 x 3 inch, 6 torpedo tubes
4 Honolulu class light cruisers (Honolulu, Juneau, Manila, San Juan)(refitted 1918), 4,000 tons, 30 knots, 4 x 6 inch, 8 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes


plus protected cruiser Olympia as a training ship at the Naval Academy


Aircraft Carriers (4)
Pacific Fleet
2 Theodore Roosevelt class (Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, ex Alaska, Hawaii)(converted 1917-18) 18,000 tons, 30 knots, 12 x 3 inch guns, 55 aircraft

Atlantic Fleet
2 Theodore Roosevelt class (Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, ex Puerto Rico, Philippines)

Destroyers (100 + 8 under construction)
Destroyer squadrons – 5 destroyers typically 1000 -1200 tons, 30-36 knots, 4 – 5 x 3 or 4 inch guns, 6 torpedo tubes
DDs 139 -145 under construction
DDs 37 – 138 organized into 20 squadrons, 10 East coast, 6 West coast, 4 Asiatic fleet

Submarines (98+21)
Under construction
21 S class submarines

Asiatic Fleet
16 O class submarines, 580 tons, 12 knots surface, 10 knots submerged, 1 x 3 inch, 3 torpedo tubes

Pacific Fleet
16 S class submarines

Atlantic Fleet
27 R class 600 tons, 13 kts surface, 10 knots submerged, 1 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes
15 S class 1100 tons, 14 knots surface, 12 knots submerged, 1 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes

plus 9 H class submarines for training

other ships
100 misc transports, oilers, tugs, support ships of various types and 20 gunboats to patrol the Pacific territories

aircraft
400 aircraft of various types (seaplanes, carrier planes)

Marine Corps
9 Infantry regiments, 3 artillery regiments, 4 coast defense battalions
US Army 1907
200,000 in Regular Army
12 Infantry Divisions (1st – 9th, plus Philippine, Hawaii and Panama divisions), 2 Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd), plus 2 infantry brigades (Alaska, Puerto Rico), 4 Independent Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd, 11th, 26th Philippine Scout), 3 Independent Infantry Regiments (24th Colored, 25th Colored, Alaskan Scouts), 12 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)
500,000 National Guard
20 Infantry Divisions (26th – 38th, 40th – 46th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (39th, 47th), 24 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

Deployment: 1 Infantry Division, 1 Cavalry Regiment, 3 coast artillery groups Philippines
1 Infantry Division, 3 coast artillery groups Hawaii, 1 Infantry Division, 4 coast artillery groups Panama, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 coast artillery group Puerto Rico, 2 Infantry Brigades Alaska, 1 Infantry Regiment (each) Guam, Tahiti, various small Marine detachments, all other troops in Continental US

Plus Army Air Corps of 500 aircraft of various types

1920 Presidential election features Warren G. Harding, and Calvin Cooledge for the Republicans and James Cox and Franklin Delano Roosevelt running for the Democrats. The Republicans are divided, and a lot of people want the Democrats to get a turn after nearly 24 years of Republican Administrations.

In foreign affairs, the US continues to push the Pan American Treaty for all of the Western Hemisphere, as some nations haven't signed yet. It also begins working closely with the French in the Caribbean and increases visits by the US Navy to the Mediterranean, Great Britain and France. The Navy also visits Japan and Australia frequently.

Basically the US remains engaged economically with the world, and somewhat engaged with the Europeans in hopes of preventing a repeat of the last war.

To Whom It May Concern,

The Union of South Africa would like to purchase two armored cruisers, four protected cruisers, and four destroyers from the United States Navy. We are able to pay one-quarter the cost in gold, and the remainder in British pounds.

Sincerely,
Jan C. Smuts
Minister of Defense.

OOC: I realize that South Africa may not be very high on America's priority list right now, but I would appreciate a response.

OOC: I realize that South Africa may not be very high on America's priority list right now, but I would appreciate a response.

the US doesn't have any armored cruisers to spare or yards available to build them however a pair of protected cruisers and 10 destroyers are available for sale (older Olympic class cruisers and smaller destroyers)... as 1920 is reached, the US will over up more of the larger destroyers for sale. (Flush Deck 1100 ton destroyers with 5 x 3 inch guns, 6 torpedo tubes and 32 knot speed, oil burning instead of coal)

the US doesn't have any armored cruisers to spare or yards available to build them however a pair of protected cruisers and 10 destroyers are available for sale (older Olympic class cruisers and smaller destroyers)... as 1920 is reached, the US will over up more of the larger destroyers for sale. (Flush Deck 1100 ton destroyers with 5 x 3 inch guns, 6 torpedo tubes and 32 knot speed, oil burning instead of coal)

Alright, in 1920, could South Africa purchase perhaps six of these destroyers, and couple of cruisers?

Alright, in 1920, could South Africa purchase perhaps six of these destroyers, and couple of cruisers?

ooc
I would recommend 10 destroyers, this gives you 2 Destroyer squadrons, and 2 light cruisers gives them flotilla leaders. I would buy British light cruisers though, they are cheaper for what you want them for.

Okay, thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it!

EDIT: Should I buy the destroyers from Britain as well, or will you sell them?

Okay, thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it!

EDIT: Should I buy the destroyers from Britain as well, or will you sell them?

it depends what you want them for.... US destroyers have a relatively long range, as they are designed for Pacific operations, while British destroyers are relatively better armed but sacrifice range.

I think I'll sacrifice range for power...Thanks for the help, I'll quit filling up your thread for now.

The US cuts back some on naval construction (reducing the number of destroyers) because of austerity measured placed on spending after the US government assumes all of the debts owed the banks by the belligerent nations postwar. This was to ensure that should anyone default, it won't take down any US banks.

Construction picks up again after the Germans and Russians have their problems, plus more money is shifted to air power and experimenting with mechanization for the army.

OOC: Plans for next 20 years:

Britain would like to increase diplomatic ties with the US in recognition of our history of friendship and cooperation. Perhaps some sort of a treaty can be worked out, maybe a mutual defence pact or soemthing?

I realise that the US is historically neutral but with the increasing communisation (!?) of Europe and other outside threats something should be done. I don't think that traditional US conservatism would stand for acceptence of all these new communist states.

when both the Russians and then the Germans go communist, the US becomes very interested in a more formal mutual defense treaty.

Good, we'll see what happens when Germany gets his 1908-1920 timeline up later today or tomorrow (he mentioned something about it in another thread).

The US Navy begins holding in 1909 annual fleet problems. A summer fleet problem is generally held in the North Atlantic involving the battle fleet and the Atlantic Scouting force, and France is invited regularly to participate (to play the aggressor force). This exercise is generally held a couple hundred miles south of the Grand Banks.

The Winter fleet problem is generally held on a rotating basis in the Caribbean or south of the Panama Canal near the Galapagos (once the canal is finished) and the Colombian and Chilean navy is invited to participate, plus every third year a fleet problem is held off either the California coast or near the Hawaiian islands.

Meanwhile, the Army moves from a large number of small bases to a relatively smaller number of larger bases to allow for more room to train.

Exercises with submarines lead to the development of the depth charge, hyrdophone and some ideas about using directed sound to find submarines (although sonar is still over a decade away). The US Navy and Army also begin covertly listening in to foreign radio traffic and develop substantial code breaking techniques that would lead to the developmen to Magic. By 1920, only the British are as capable in this field.

(navy technology and practices bases on real world history)

Mexico wishes to receive more information about any possible ships that the United States of America could sell her. We are embarking on a period of Naval expansion and drastically cutting back the army after our internal conflict has been resolved at last: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9569074#post9569074

Francisco Madero, President of Mexico

Chile accepts the offer to join joint naval exercises with the United States and with Columbia.

OOC: Assumes Germany already went Red, which I think they did, but I could be wrong.

Secret Message to America:

Greetings, friends in the United States

Italy thanks the United States for helping in the negotiations that ended the Great War, and we hope that because of America's efforts that tragic event will not repeat itself.

However, we have not sent this message primarily to thank the United States. The Russian Empire has gone to the most foul ideology of all: communism. This nefarious ideology has swept into Germany, and now we fear that it will set foot upon the Americans. We speak of Venezuela and Brazil, and we fear the German influence in those lands. In light of this, we propose that our two nations take a hard-line stance against communism or socialism in the Americas.

As a further anti-communism measure, we propose that America and Italy sign a mutual defense treaty to defend each other against communism. We understand American isolationism, and in light of this this treaty would be for defense against communists only.

the US considers it, but delays committing just yet until a better picture emerges about what Germany is up too

In 1919, the US Navy flies across the Atlantic in seaplanes (US/Bermuda/Azores/Spain/Great Britain), while the Germans do it non stop via Zeppelin (well, they would historically if there hadn't been a Great War 1914-18)

OOC: Assumes Germany already went Red, which I think they did, but I could be wrong.

Secret Message to America:

Greetings, friends in the United States

Italy thanks the United States for helping in the negotiations that ended the Great War, and we hope that because of America's efforts that tragic event will not repeat itself.

However, we have not sent this message primarily to thank the United States. The Russian Empire has gone to the most foul ideology of all: communism. This nefarious ideology has swept into Germany, and now we fear that it will set foot upon the Americans. We speak of Venezuela and Brazil, and we fear the German influence in those lands. In light of this, we propose that our two nations take a hard-line stance against communism or socialism in the Americas.

As a further anti-communism measure, we propose that America and Italy sign a mutual defense treaty to defend each other against communism. We understand American isolationism, and in light of this this treaty would be for defense against communists only.


Brazil is already socialist, and was so before Germany started turning communist. Socialism, or indeed any left wing politics, are hardly going to affect the notoriously conservative American state as well. Just because some countries become communist it will not sway the ideaology of enough people to be a threat to a nation as set in its right wing ideals as America. Brazil is a peaceful socialist nation but we refuse to be intimidated by anti-socialist pacts such as the one you suggest. Can you not just accept a nations own right to govern itself? We do not neccesarily approve of many nations governments but we would not imperil world peace at such a sensitive post war time as this is by condeming them in public or proposing hardline stances against them.

Regards.
The Members of Brazils Politburo and Parliament.

The US invites the governments of Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Turkey, Russia, China, and Colombia to Washington to discuss a treaty to limit the size of the worlds navies, as we are spending too much on weapons and to hopefully reduce the risk of war.

Colombia will gladly attend.

Greetings from the Republic of Albania. We humbly ask the Great America for investment and economic development aid (loans). In exchange we can offer you a navel base in Vlore and concessions in the development of our many untapped resources such as oil, bitumen, lignite, iron, chromite, copper, bauxite, manganese, and some gold.

We are also in need of modern weapons and military advisors (perhaps you could give us one or two out-dated planes so we could officaly have an airforce).

Turkhan Pasha, President of the Republic of Albania

The US invites the governments of Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Turkey, Russia, China, and Colombia to Washington to discuss a treaty to limit the size of the worlds navies, as we are spending too much on weapons and to hopefully reduce the risk of war.

OOC:

China will attend- once you make the thread, consider my delegate already in Washington, ready for the meeting.

New York Times: Protests in Washington Over Snub of Albanian Requests for Aid

Members of the Albanian American Society protested outside the capitial building and White House to show there anger over the Federal Governments continued ignorance of Albania. Said the leader of the Albanian American Society, "They have had three months to look over Albania's requests and send an acceptence, counter offer or out-right rejection. But they have done nothing except toil away at that dead end arms limitations treaty. Our former homeland needs investment and help, perhaps the administration could send over the Red Cross, as they currently lack a health care system."

Washington Post July 1920
"Democrat Vice Presidential candidate Franklin Delano Roosevelt talking in Omaha today gave a speech today calling for increasing the size of the US Navy to 600 ships by 1924, and possibly more by 1930. 'A strong navy is vital to freedom in the Western Hemisphere and therefore our freedom. Although we have friends with strong navies, our first line of defense is our fleet, and it must be larger to ensure that Communists don't attempt to undermine freedom in our hemisphere of freedom!'

He also talked about the increasingly serious drop in wheat prices and how it was time for the government to start helping the farmers."

May 19, 1920 - Bulgarian Consulate, Washington

From: Princess Anne of Bulgaria
To: American Government

The people of Bulgaria are sorry not to have been neutral, but the only reasons we went insane were moments of temporary insanity which we could not take back no matter how my family tried. Now that I am now married to a fellow like minded inhabitant of America, I hope everything can improve between these nations as well as between both of us and Britain...
-With Love, Princess Anne of Bulgaria.

New York Times: Protests in Washington Over Snub of Albanian Requests for Aid

Members of the Albanian American Society protested outside the capitial building and White House to show there anger over the Federal Governments continued ignorance of Albania. Said the leader of the Albanian American Society, "They have had three months to look over Albania's requests and send an acceptence, counter offer or out-right rejection. But they have done nothing except toil away at that dead end arms limitations treaty. Our former homeland needs investment and help, perhaps the administration could send over the Red Cross, as they currently lack a health care system."

New York Times
The Hughes Administration, already beleguered by a drop in confidence after the announcement of the Brazilian/Russian mutual defense treaty and the failure of the Washington Naval Conference, responded to the story above by simply mentioning that the Europeans, specifically the Italians and French were helping the Albanians and the US didn't see a need to assist them as the Albanians seem be able to get plenty of help already."

Galveston Bay please read this thread before you carry out your economic threats.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=435410&page=3

New York Times
The Hughes Administration, already beleguered by a drop in confidence after the announcement of the Brazilian/Russian mutual defense treaty and the failure of the Washington Naval Conference, responded to the story above by simply mentioning that the Europeans, specifically the Italians and French were helping the Albanians and the US didn't see a need to assist them as the Albanians seem be able to get plenty of help already."

Albanian American Society Newspaper

The Albanian American Society urges all Albanian-Americans to vote Democrat and kick the failing, uncareing Republican bums out!

OOC: Hey, hope the new post in the Brazil threads sorts things somewhat. The link to the thread is just above for quickness. Lol this is my first proper RP. Rather fun I must say lol, despite our in game differences you are a good RPer Galveston. Same with Vas and Parthini and Manarth and Jensai. Lmao basically everyone is here haha. Good luck with the rest of the RP I'm off to sleep now. I might be able to check in the morning but doubt I will be able to post. Will be back on tomorrow this time minus a few hours so please don't decide anything in my presence without me being able to defend myself against accusations or whatnot. Reply on the thread by all means but before you all decide anything major and if you do so, then could you wait for my response this time tomorrow minus a couple hours? Thanks a lot. See you all on here tomorrow. Bye for now.

US Navy 1920

Changes 1908 – 1920
All predreadnoughts relegated to training, scrapped or decommissioned, all protected cruisers refitted, scrapped or decommissioned, older destroyers and submarines and gunboats replaced, a fleet of dreadnoughts and superdreadnoughts built. 4 battle cruisers have been converted into aircraft carriers for fleet scouting. All US Navy ships now burn oil instead of coal. New cruisers, destroyers and submarines are under construction or being planned. The US Navy now uses 21 inch torpedoes as its standard torpedo and has removed torpedoes from battleships.

Alterations made because of the Washington Naval Treaty, assuming the treaty doesnt collapse again. This information would be widely publized

Will happen regardless if the Treaty goes through or not

Battleships
Post Treaty, the US will have 15 battleships, all but two with 14 inch guns or bigger, but all smaller than treaty requirements.

Under construction
1 Tennessee class battleship (California 1921)
4 Colorado class battleships (Colorado 1921, West Virginia 1921, Maryland 1922, Washington 1922), 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 8 x16 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 8 x 3 inch, (the USS Washington is cancelled on the slip and scrapped 60% completed)
4 South Dakota class battleships (South Dakota 1923, Washington 1924, Montana 1923, North Carolina 1924) 42,000 tons, 23 knots, 12 x 16 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 inch All four are cancelled and only the Montana and South Dakota had actually been started

Atlantic Fleet
1 Tennessee class (Tennessee) 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
3 New Mexico class (New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho), 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Pennsylvania class (Pennsylvania, Arizona) 32,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Nevada class (Nevada, Oklahoma) 28,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 14 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 New York class (New York, Texas) 27,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 14 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Wyoming class (Wyoming, Arkansas) 27,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 12 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch

2 Florida class (Florida, Utah) 22,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 12 inch, 16 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch (both are converted into demilitarized target ships)


2 Delaware class (Delaware, North Dakota, refitted 1918), 22,000 tons, 10 x 12 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 inch
2 South Carolina class (South Carolina, Michigan refitted 1916), 22,000 tons, 8 x 12 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 inch All four used as targets and disposed of

plus the predreadnought battleship Oregon remains in commission as a training ship at the Naval Academy. Demilitarized and made into a museum and war memorial in San Francisco
9 predreadnoughts scrapped 1916-1920

Cruisers (25 + 10 under construction)
Under construction
8 Omaha class light cruisers (Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Marblehead, Trenton, Detroit, Concord, Richmond, Memphis, 2 a year 1921 -1924)
Plans are made to add another 8 light cruisers (armed with 6 inch guns) of an enlarged 9100 ton class
Plans are made to add 4 heavy cruisers of the proposed Pensacola class at 9100 tons, 8 inch guns. Neither of these two new class will begin construction until 1924.

2 Ranger class Battle Cruisers (Ranger, Bon Homme Richard), 44,000 tons, 35 knots, 8 x 16 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 8 x 3 inch, both due in 1924) both will be scrapped as both are barely begun

Atlantic Fleet
2 Lexington class Battle cruisers (Lexington, Saratoga,)(refitted 1917-18), 22,000 tons, 30 knots, 8 x 12 inch, 8 x 5 inch, 24 x 3 inch taken into dock and converted into 22,000 ton aircraft carriers capable of 32 knots, with 12 x 3 inch guns, and operating 100 aircraft, to be completed by 1926, sooner if need be

1 Omaha class light cruiser (Omaha) 7100 tons, 34 knots, 12 x 6 inch, 4 x 3 inch, 6 torpedo tubes
10 Houston class light cruisers (Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Albany, New Orleans, Charleston) 7,000 tons, 28 knots, 3 x 6 inch, 9 x 3 inch, 6 x torpedo tubes

Asiatic Fleet
2 St. Louis class Light cruisers (St. Louis, Charleston)(refitted 1917), 10,000 tons, 28 knots, 8 x 6 inch, 18 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes. Slated to be replaced by new construction

Pacific Fleet
2 Lexington class Battle Cruisers (Yorktown, Princeton),both converted into carriers like their sister ships

2 Colombia class Light cruisers (Colombia, Minneapolis)(refitted 1916), 7500 tons, 28 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 6 x 3 inch, 6 torpedo tubes Slated to be replaced by new construction

4 Honolulu class light cruisers (Honolulu, Juneau, Manila, San Juan)(refitted 1918), 4,000 tons, 30 knots, 4 x 6 inch, 8 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes


plus protected cruiser Olympia as a training ship at the Naval Academy


Aircraft Carriers (4)
Pacific Fleet
2 Theodore Roosevelt class (Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, ex Alaska, Hawaii)(converted 1917-18) 18,000 tons, 30 knots, 12 x 3 inch guns, 55 aircraft

Atlantic Fleet
2 Theodore Roosevelt class (Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, ex Puerto Rico, Philippines)

with the conversion of the Princeton, Yorktown, Saratoga and Lexington, plus the four previous carriers, the US will have 8 carriers at 160,000 tons by 1924. If the Treaty fails again, then both battle cruisers Ranger and Bon Homme Richard will be converted into carriers as well instead of scrapped.

The USN will also add several seaplane tenders as well, primarily to serve as forward bases for seaplanes in the many islands of the Pacific and Caribbean.

Destroyers (100 + 8 under construction)
Destroyer squadrons – 5 destroyers typically 1000 -1200 tons, 30-36 knots, 4 – 5 x 3 or 4 inch guns, 6 torpedo tubes
DDs 139 -145 under construction
DDs 37 – 138 organized into 20 squadrons, 10 East coast, 6 West coast, 4 Asiatic fleet

Submarines 100 in commission, under construction or planned
Under construction
21 S class submarines

Asiatic Fleet
16 O class submarines, 580 tons, 12 knots surface, 10 knots submerged, 1 x 3 inch, 3 torpedo tubes Will be sent scrapped or used as targets replaced by R class submarines as new construction becomes available

Pacific Fleet
16 S class submarines, to be replaced by new S class submarines and scrapped.

Atlantic Fleet
27 R class 600 tons, 13 kts surface, 10 knots submerged, 1 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes
15 S class 1100 tons, 14 knots surface, 12 knots submerged, 1 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes

plus 9 H class submarines for training to be replaced by R class boats as new S class subs become available

other ships
100 misc transports, oilers, tugs, support ships of various types and 20 gunboats to patrol the Pacific territories

Several more transports planned and plans made to convert ocean liners into transport in the event of war

aircraft
400 aircraft of various types (seaplanes, carrier planes)

Marine Corps
9 Infantry regiments, 3 artillery regiments, 4 coast defense battalions

US Army 1920
200,000 in Regular Army
12 Infantry Divisions (1st – 9th, plus Philippine, Hawaii and Panama divisions), 2 Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd), plus 2 infantry brigades (Alaska, Puerto Rico), 4 Independent Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd, 11th, 26th Philippine Scout), 3 Independent Infantry Regiments (24th Colored, 25th Colored, Alaskan Scouts), 12 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)
500,000 National Guard
20 Infantry Divisions (26th – 38th, 40th – 46th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (39th, 47th), 24 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

Deployment: 1 Infantry Division, 1 Cavalry Regiment, 3 coast artillery groups Philippines
1 Infantry Division, 3 coast artillery groups Hawaii, 1 Infantry Division, 4 coast artillery groups Panama, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 coast artillery group Puerto Rico, 2 Infantry Brigades Alaska, 1 Infantry Regiment (each) Guam, Tahiti, various small Marine detachments, all other troops in Continental US

Plus Army Air Corps of 500 aircraft of various types

With Brazil pulling out of the Russian/Brazilian defense treaty, and the success of the Washington Treaty Alliance, President Hughes gets some much needed prestige. But its too late to help the Harding / Cooledge ticket much. The critical September and October campaign season is well under way when news finally comes out that success in eminent in both situations.

By that time the fact that Harding is inadequate for the job is apparent, and the Cox/Roosevelt ticket has a huge lead. This lead falls a little, but not enough to swing the election. The Democrats are appealing to the working man (who normally might consider Socialism), and have undercut the Socialist party by stealing many of their platforms, including a minimum wage, a shorter work week, paid national holidays, and tighter regulations of banks and the big corporations. The farmers are happy because the Democrats are promising to look at relief efforts, while defense workers are happy because the Democrats promise to continue to have a strong national defense while remaining within the treaty.

US Election--- November 1920
Cox / Roosevelt ticket takes 37 out of 48 states, wins election in landslide both electorally and popularly. (ooc posting a little ahead, but I will be busy this weekend)

The US Military does a major shift in 1921, moving 2/3rd of the battle fleet from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and a major fleet exercise involving the Japanese Navy will be held near Luzon in the spring of 1921 (in the waters between Taiwan and Luzon)

US Military Deployments 1921
West Pacific / Philippines
Asiatic Fleet Command (also in charge of Mariana Islands and Caroline Islands). Commander Vice Admiral Sims
US Army Philippines –, Commander, Lieutenant General Pershing

Principal bases:
Navy Yard: Cavite Naval Base: Subic Bay, Cavite, Truk, Naval Station: Guam, Ulithi Atoll
Army Fortress: Corrigedor, Army depot: Manila, Mariveles (Bataan),

Garrisons:
Guam: 1 Marine company, 1 battalion Guam National Guard, plus small garrisons on Saipan, Roi
Truk: 1 US Army coast artillery group (dozen medium guns, dozen light guns), 24th Infantry Regiment (Black) plus a detachment on Peleleu, 1 Marine company
Ulithi: 1 Marine company
Fleet Marine Force Western Pacific: 4th Marine Regiment (less detachments)
US Army Philippines: Philippine Division (23rd Division), Philippine Scouts Division, 26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Manila Bay Coast Artillery command (1 US regiment, 3 Philippine Scouts regiments), plus 50 scout and liaison aircraft

Asiatic Fleet
(permanent assigned)
CL Honolulu, Juneau, San Juan, Manila, 20 destroyers (4 squadrons), 16 O class submarines, 6 gunboats, 2 oilers, 4 destroyer tenders, 10 minesweepers, 12 misc other ships and craft, 2 transports
Naval Air Station Subic Bay: 20 Scout aircraft, 12 seaplanes

Frequent visits by the US Pacific Fleet Scouting Force

Eastern / Central / North / South Pacific
Pacific Fleet -- CO Admiral Rodman
US Army South Pacific – CO Colonel Douglas MacArthur
US Army Hawaii – CO Major General Hunter Liggett
Principal bases:
Navy Yard: Mare Island (San Francisco), Bremerton Naval yard Naval Bases: San Diego, San Pedro, Mare Island, Pearl Harbor, Naval Station: Tahiti, Dutch Harbor, Hilo, plus a join station with Chile at Santiago
Army Fortress: Oahu, Army Depots: Oahu, Anchorage (Alaska), Hickem Field, Wheeler Field (Oahu)

Garrisons:
Oahu, Hawaii: Hawaiian Division (Oahu), Hawaiian Coast Defense Command (4 regiments),
US Army Air Corps Hawaii with 50 scout aircraft (Wheeler and Hickem)
Tahiti: 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1 Coast Defense regiment, Tahitian Scout Regiment
Alaska: 6th Infantry Regiment, Alaskan Scouts Regiment, 2 coast defense regiments (Anchorage and Juneau)

Pacific Fleet (as of February 1921) (home base California)
Battle Fleet (San Pedro, CA)
Battleships California, Tennessee, New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma
20 destroyers (4 squadrons), 4 oilers, 4 destroyer tenders, 12 misc other craft and ships

Fleet Marine Force Pacific
1st Marine Division (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th Marine Regiments)

Scouting Force (San Diego, CA with forward base Pearl Harbor or Cavite)
Carriers Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Light cruisers Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Albany, New Orleans, Charleston, 10 destroyers, 4 oilers, 2 destroyer tenders, 4 seaplane tenders (generally forward deployed), 12 other ships and craft, Air Groups 1 and 2 (55 scout and bombing aircraft each airgroup), plus 6 seaplanes each seaplane tender, and all battleships carry 2 aircraft each

US Coast Guard Pacific: several cutters assigned to West Coast, Hawaii, Marshal Islands and also covering Wake and Midway Islands

Submarine Force Pacific
16 S class submarines, 15 R class submarines, 5 submarine tenders

South Pacific Squadron:
Light cruisers St. Louis, Galveston

Naval Air Forces, Pacific (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle)
100 seaplanes and scout planes, 20 blimps

Atlantic
US Atlantic Fleet: Admiral Coontz
Battle Fleet (Brooklyn Naval yard)
Battleships Colorado, West Virginia, Wyoming, Arkansas, New York, Texas, 20 destroyers, 4 destroyer tenders, 2 oilers, 12 other craft and ships

Fleet Marine Force Atlantic
2nd Marine Division (2nd, 6th, 8th, 11th Marine Regiments)

Scouting Force (Norfolk Virginia)
Carriers George Washington, William McKinley, cruisers Omaha, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Marblehead,
20 destroyers, 4 destroyer tenders, 5 oilers, 2 seaplane tenders, Air groups 3 and 4 (same as Pacific Scouting force)

Caribbean Squadron (San Juan)
Light Cruisers Colombia, Minneapolis, 20 destroyers, 2 destroyer tenders, 2 oilers, 6 gunboats, 12 other craft and ships

Submarine Force Atlantic (Groton)
30 S class submarines, 13 R class submarines (training)

Submarine Force Caribbean (Colon)
10 R class submarines,

Marine Force Caribbean
9th Marine Regiment, 12th Marine Regiment,

Naval Air Forces, Atlantic (Florida, Virginia, New Jersey)
100 seaplanes and scout planes, 20 blimps


Garrisons:
US Army Panama: Panama Division, Panama Coast Artillery command (4 regiments)
US Army Puerto Rico: Coast Artillery command (4 regiments)

US Army Continental US
Regular Army
9 Infantry Divisions (1st – 9th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd), 3 Independent Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd, 11th,
National Guard
20 Infantry Divisions (26th – 38th, 40th – 46th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (39th, 47th), 24 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

Plus Army Air Corps of 500 aircraft of various typ

To: American Government
From: Miklós Horthy, Commander of Hungarian Military Forces

I wish to inquire on the possibility of purchasing large amounts of small arms and artillery for the Hungarian military. This would be made up of several hundred Browning Automatic Rifles, Thompson Submachine guns along with a mix of general field artillery. Thank you for considering our request.

Ooc: I hope this makes sense, I’m rather sleepy currently. But if you accept the order, it will help me in my plans in eliminating those dirty communists from Hungary.

To: American Government
From: Miklós Horthy, Commander of Hungarian Military Forces

I wish to inquire on the possibility of purchasing large amounts of small arms and artillery for the Hungarian military. This would be made up of several hundred Browning Automatic Rifles, Thompson Submachine guns along with a mix of general field artillery. Thank you for considering our request.

Ooc: I hope this makes sense, I’m rather sleepy currently. But if you accept the order, it will help me in my plans in eliminating those dirty communists from Hungary.

Sales of such are authorized by the US government and those small arms are made available at normal market prices. A sizeable number of 105 and 75 mm guns are also made available, as are the new 3 inch anti aircraft guns.

US Army acquires a new large scout plane.. the Martin MB1. This new plane, can fly 105 mph, and has a range of nearly 400 miles, and can even carry nearly a half ton of bombs.

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/bombers/b1-2.htm
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/bombers/mb1-8.jpg

Meanwhile, the US Navy has announced the purchase of several more of the famed NC4, the flying boat that crossed the Atlantic recently. Capable of flying 90 mph, with a staggering range of nearly 1500 miles, and capable of carrying small bombs as well, the Curtis Flying boat will be a valuable scout for the US Navy.

http://www.bluejacket.com/usn_avi_nc4.html

(ooc to give you an idea what the state of the art is in 1920)

the standard Army Air Corps Scout aircraft is the JN4 Jenny

http://www.theaerodrome.com/aircraft/usa/curtiss_jn4.html,

which is also a primary aircraft for the Navy

Australia would like to aquire some of these new planes to help in managing our Empire spread apart by hundreds of miles of sea.

Sales of such are authorized by the US government and those small arms are made available at normal market prices. A sizeable number of 105 and 75 mm guns are also made available, as are the new 3 inch anti aircraft guns.
OoC: This may or may not violate the Washington Treaty. The exact details of Hungary's military restrictions were never really hammered out. In either event, Moscow doesn't like US companies arming a hostile neighbor (even though a permanent non-aggression pact between Russia and Hungary was definitely part of the treaty), and will politiely inform the American State Department of this. This is not a formal protest, at least not yet.

Sales of such are authorized by the US government and those small arms are made available at normal market prices. A sizeable number of 105 and 75 mm guns are also made available, as are the new 3 inch anti aircraft guns.

The Hungarian government thanks the American Government for authorizing the sale of the weapons. We are especially interested in purchasing numerous anti-aircraft guns. Thank you.

ooc: Russia, no need to worry. With a army of 65,000 men and a nation of several million, I don't think I'm going to be doing any wars of aggression soon.

To: American Government
From: Rosa Bautista Saavedra Mallea, President of Bolivia

As you may know, this Anti-Communist Alliance that has been formed by Ecuador is greatly destabalizing South America. South America is on the verge of war. You, as the most powerful nation in the hemisphere, should try to stop this. We are not particualy fond of communists, but we are not a part of the alliance (nor do we want to be a part of it), and we want you to stop this alliance. If you stop it, you will stop this war.

To: American Government
From: Rosa Bautista Saavedra Mallea, President of Bolivia

As you may know, this Anti-Communist Alliance that has been formed by Ecuador is greatly destabalizing South America. South America is on the verge of war. You, as the most powerful nation in the hemisphere, should try to stop this. We are not particualy fond of communists, but we are not a part of the alliance (nor do we want to be a part of it), and we want you to stop this alliance. If you stop it, you will stop this war.

The United States government reminds Bolivia that without assistance the government of Ecuador has no means to interfere with the government of Brazil, particularly as geography prevents such action. In addition, the governments contacted by Ecuador have agreed to a defensive alliance, but not promised to wage war against Brazil. Finally, the United States government reminds the government of Bolivia that the US government is bound by the Pan American Treaty to not interfere in the internal affairs of Latin American nations unless called upon by the specific nation involved, or the majority of the treaty nations.

Bolivia, another claim that Colombia seeks war with Brazil and you will be libel. Stop your accusations now; We are already considering withdrawing our aid from you, as you have done nothing but make negative assumptions about Colombia, and present them to the world. You of all people should realize that Ecuador does not speak for Chile, Colombia or Argentina.

Colombia is wondering if the United States would be willing to send down some soldiers for some joint training exercises. We would also suggest sending a fleet, plus landing vessels as well.

In Colombia's humble opinion, it would do us both well if we could practice repulsing or initiating beach landings. Our Atlantic coast represents the Carribean quite well, where as the Pacific Coast easly resembles that of the pacific isles. Therefore, the United States will have training in two possible environments in which such affairs might be necessary? Oh, and we're interested in your flying contraptions.

ps. Go on Chatzy. Or I'll punch you. In the thumb.

To: American Government
From: Rosa Bautista Saavedra Mallea, President of Bolivia

I, as president of Bolivia, appoligise for my actions. Many of Ecuador's statments about the alliance seemed war mongering and made the alliance seem like an offensive alliance. I simply thought that a war was brewing wich was something Bolivia can not afford. I appologize if I angered the Colombian government or any other government in the alliance, which was one thing I had not intended to do by my statments.

With the approval of the Washington Naval Treaty by the Senate, the US Army and Navy begin using several discarded battleships for testing in the Chesapeake Bay. Among the tests are the effects of bombing, and several officers make excessive claims about its effectivenes...

But important lessons are learned, including the importance of damage control work.

Australia would like to re-emphasize its wish to aquire the Martin MB1 and the Curtis Flying Boat.

Australia would like to re-emphasize its wish to aquire the Martin MB1 and the Curtis Flying Boat.

They are not currently available for export sale, as the US military is still buying all that can be produced, which isn't many at the moment.

The NACA and US Army Air Service and US Navy will be hosting an annual air race and show at Dayton Army Air Field beginning in the spring of 1921.

ooc
historically the 1920s and 1930s saw a number of one time races (like the New York to Paris event that Lindbergh won), and annual races (like the Schneider cup, where the predessor to the Spitfire first took flight in the early 1930s).

Britain, France, Germany and Russia as well as the US should start looking up what they host. When fighters come about, they will develop from racing places by the way, or in some of the longer range events (like the Britian to Australia race in the early 1930s which saw the first flight of the predecessor to the DC3) will lead to the development of airliners, transports and reasonable ranged bombers.

OOC: Can we have a dirigible race too :)

Parthini']OOC: Can we have a dirigible race too :)

look up flights of the Graf Zeppelin... something more worthy than an air race. The US isn't even building Zeppelins right now.

OOC: Of course I'm going to do the Graf Zeppelin Flight. If I didn't do that... I don't know..... :rolleyes:

The Cox Administration takes office in January 1920. Determined to bring some much needed reforms to the United States, and concerned about some economic trends, the Cox Administration makes a deal with key congressional leaders.

The Cox Administration will get a lot of its social and domestic agenda through in exchange for taking a firm line against Communist expanision.

The firm stance begins with the Cox Administration informing the German government that the agreement to sell Helium to Germany was with the old government under the Kaiser, and that no such agreement exists with the current government of Germany. Therefore, effective immediately, shipments of Helium to Germany are ended.

Several bills hit Congress, designed to improve the economy, undermine Socialism in the United States, and improve the lot of the worker. The Federal minimum wage, Social Security, farm subsidies for desperate farmers in the Great Plains (who are facing not only falling prices but a nasty drought.. occ that drought continues for 18 years and leads to the Dust Bowl), and reaffirmation of the right to strike. For business, railroad rates are more tightly regulated, and firmer regulations for the Securities industry and the Banking industry.

A lot of money is also devoted to continued strengthening on the Navy, with a number of cruisers and destroyer authorized, and more money for the defenses of the Philippines, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal. Money is also authorized for the development of better aircraft for the military, as the majority of current aircraft are slow and lack effective range.

The Union's Airforce receives word of the elimination of the helium shipments.

Official German Statement

The Left Hand is taken aback and distressed that the Americans have become so harsh. The Worker's hold no grudge against America, for they were enemies of the oppressive Junkers. However, we believed that the Helium plan would continue, now that both of our countries are democratic, albeit different economies. However, if the American Government wishes to take back its promise of shipments of Helium, the Left Hand will negate its promise of non-involvement in Venezuela.

The Baltic Squadron has begun to move to the Azores to prepare for preparation of the Revolution in Venezuela. Nearly 30 Divisions have been called up and placed in 15 Armies. Also, nearly 60 Zeppelins, some armed with new 5 Fokker Triplanes each, are to escort the navies.

Request for aid from Brazil and Russia has been sent and a promise to all nations that the current plan for Venezuela will be contained to involve only Venezuela, unless others interefere. Rumor has it that should Helium continue to be exported, the armies will turn back.

Parthini']The Union's Airforce receives word of the elimination of the helium shipments.

Official German Statement

The Left Hand is taken aback and distressed that the Americans have become so harsh. The Worker's hold no grudge against America, for they were enemies of the oppressive Junkers. However, we believed that the Helium plan would continue, now that both of our countries are democratic, albeit different economies. However, if the American Government wishes to take back its promise of shipments of Helium, the Left Hand will negate its promise of non-involvement in Venezuela.

The Baltic Squadron has begun to move to the Azores to prepare for preparation of the Revolution in Venezuela. Nearly 30 Divisions have been called up and placed in 15 Armies. Also, nearly 60 Zeppelins, some armed with new 5 Fokker Triplanes each, are to escort the navies.

Request for aid from Brazil and Russia has been sent and a promise to all nations that the current plan for Venezuela will be contained to involve only Venezuela, unless others interefere. Rumor has it that should Helium continue to be exported, the armies will turn back.

The US signals intelligence service watches all of this with interest. Plans for the Summer Fleet problem in the Philippines continue, but a plan to the rapid deployment of the US Pacific Fleet to the Caribbean are also put into place. American submarines also begin routinely operating off the coast of Venezuela.

Great Britain and France are informed that the US has solid information that the Germans may attempt to make a move again in Venezuela, and that such as action will mean war between the United States and Germany.

YACKS!!!! Don't let's go to war against America yet!

Mexico wishes to inform the United States that it has withdrawn its ultimatum against ecuador for the claim to the Galapagos Islands. Mexico wishes to stress that we do not want a war, this has been discussed by the cabinet this morning. MNS Conquistador has turned back and returned to harbour, the reservists have been demobilised and the Guardia Rurale stepped down.

Regards, Mexico

To: US Government
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

The Korean Army would like to try and get a Flying Corps started up. We would like to inquire about the purchase of aircraft from the United States, if at all possible.

To: US Government
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

The Korean Army would like to try and get a Flying Corps started up. We would like to inquire about the purchase of aircraft from the United States, if at all possible.

the Curtis Aircraft Company is willing to sell 100 JN4 Jenny's as basic and advanced trainers, and will send instructors to help start a flying school for $500,000

although the Russians are pressuring the Germans to back down, just in case, the US Navy orders the Battleforce of the Pacific Fleet (10 battleships, 20 destroyers plus assorted other ships) to the Caribbean to carry out gunnery exercises near Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. There it is joined by the 5 battleships of the Battle Force Atlantic (5 battleships, 20 destroyers).

The Scouting Force, Atlantic (2 carriers, 4 cruisers, 10 destroyers, 4 oilers) steams into the middle of the Atlantic, and begins exercising 250 miles east of the westernmost Azores Islands, along with 10 submarines.

the Curtis Aircraft Company is willing to sell 100 JN4 Jenny's as basic and advanced trainers, and will send instructors to help start a flying school for $500,000

To: Curtis Aircraft Company
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

We will accept your offer. Land outside of Pyongyang will be made available for the establishment of said school and basing of said JN4 Jennys.

We wonder though, if we could use the Jenny as the basis for the construction of locally made fighters. If not, we understand.

OOC: This is New Dornalia, stupid Jolt mixed up my accounts again....

To: Curtis Aircraft Company
From: Our Majesty Emperor Gang

We will accept your offer. Land outside of Pyongyang will be made available for the establishment of said school and basing of said JN4 Jennys.

We wonder though, if we could use the Jenny as the basis for the construction of locally made fighters. If not, we understand.

OOC: This is New Dornalia, stupid Jolt mixed up my accounts again....

I would recommend getting something a bit faster from the British, Germans, French or Americans later though

I would recommend getting something a bit faster from the British, Germans, French or Americans later though

OOC: Well, I might do that. Or, I could try and brew something using a modified version of my Joseon/Wankel Engine, see where that goes.

What faster airplanes are available right now, though?

OOC: Well, I might do that. Or, I could try and brew something using a modified version of my Joseon/Wankel Engine, see where that goes.

What faster airplanes are available right now, though?

ooc
check my post in the military thread... a number of links and examples are posted

although the Russians are pressuring the Germans to back down, just in case, the US Navy orders the Battleforce of the Pacific Fleet (10 battleships, 20 destroyers plus assorted other ships) to the Caribbean to carry out gunnery exercises near Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. There it is joined by the 5 battleships of the Battle Force Atlantic (5 battleships, 20 destroyers).

The Scouting Force, Atlantic (2 carriers, 4 cruisers, 10 destroyers, 4 oilers) steams into the middle of the Atlantic, and begins exercising 250 miles east of the westernmost Azores Islands, along with 10 submarines.


Japan would like to take part in Joint Naval Exercises with the USN in the Carribean if Possible. And is willing to send 2 Nagato Class Battleships and 5 Destroyers along with One Aircraftcarrier and 3 Cruisers.

Any exercises taking place in the Caribbean, Colombia would like to take part.

Japan would like to take part in Joint Naval Exercises with the USN in the Carribean if Possible. And is willing to send 2 Nagato Class Battleships and 5 Destroyers along with One Aircraftcarrier and 3 Cruisers.

The Japanese are welcome to participate, but the US Navy points out that joint US Japanese exercises are scheduled for the summer near Formosa involving the US Scouting Force Pacific (2 carriers, 10 cruisers), several submarines, and the Asiatic fleet (4 squadrons of destroyers) along with the Japanese fleet, with the US forces acting as the 'enemy' for the Japanese Fleet to practice against.

Any exercises taking place in the Caribbean, Colombia would like to take part.

the Colombians are welcome, and will be attached to Battle Force Atlantic and Scouting Force Atlantic which will be acting as the defenders versus Battle Force Pacific.

To:The Government of the United States of America
From:The Government of the United Kingdom of Romania

Greetings from his majesty and parliment, we would like to approach you with a proposition.

As you know, Romanian navy is not exactly known for being "modern" therefore we have sought lately to change that. We would like to attempt to purchase blueprints for the construction of a submarine. We hope a deal can be worked out between us.

Headline, New York Times January 1922
Congress passes authorization to intervene in Venezuela, President orders invasion

secret IC
US requests Colombian assistance in occupation, and basically tells Colombia it can accept Colombia annexing Venezuela

Ecuador will be willing to send 5 Infantry Battalions to help keep Venezuela under control. I will also help Colombia in the occupation of Venezuela. With the Battalions i will be sending 5 trucks with supplies. I hope we can have peace. Once Colombia and I have made the country stead you can leave since you are farther away than us. Any ways this invasion was acceptable because Venezulea has been under dicatorship since 1908 and has been freed from oppresion.

From
Jose Luis Tamayo

Colombia will send some divisions to control Venezeula. Plans are already being discussed with the Americans to hold free elections.

OOC: Venezuela after about 1905 has been under control of a democratically elected government, elected by the Venezuelan people, under watch of the Colombians. So no, it is not a dictatorship and other than development of some things and foreign policy (mainly because you guys are jerks to the poor NPC), Germany has not had any intervention.

Official German Statement

The ruthless imperialism of the American schweinehundtz is yet again obvious. This unprovoked attack is nothing but the will of the United States dominate the workers of South America everywhere. Venezuela has done nothing but try to stave off the hungry hordes surrounding it. The so called "Dictatorship" has done nothing but carry on the will of the Venezuelan workers to the word. Germany calls for the Venezuelans to fight the imperialists to the death!

The Republic of Haiti wishes to open trade and diplomatic relations with its great northern neighbor.

It says on wikipedia that it had dictorships from 1908 to 1935. Why are you defending Venezulea? What have they done to help you? It is because you are still bitter over the failed settlement? The U.S. is giving the control of the country to Colombia. I sent troops to try to stop a war in South America starting. Any ways you're 3000 miles away it is not your problem. I don't want any bad relations between us I'm just making a point.

From
Jose Luis Tamayo

Parthini']OOC: Venezuela after about 1905 has been under control of a democratically elected government, elected by the Venezuelan people, under watch of the Colombians. So no, it is not a dictatorship and other than development of some things and foreign policy (mainly because you guys are jerks to the poor NPC), Germany has not had any intervention.

ooc
probably should have let things lie then.. the US hasn't intervened anywhere just because a nation goes socialist, it only threatened to do so (Brazil) when a nation tried to ally with a perceived threat or threatened its neighbors (Mexico)

besides, the new administration has to be tough on the Communist menance to accomplish its goals at home (less laissez faire runaway capitalism)

It says on wikipedia that it had dictorships from 1908 to 1935. Why are you defending Venezulea? What have they done to help you? It is because you are still bitter over the failed settlement? The U.S. is giving the control of the country to Colombia. I sent troops to try to stop a war in South America starting. Any ways you're 3000 miles away it is not your problem. I don't want any bad relations between us I'm just making a point.

From
Jose Luis Tamayo

ooc
technically in this timeline Venezuela had a Civil War in 1905, Germany intervened, which angered the US, but the US wasn't in position to object at that particular time because Germany had Britian backing it. The Germans occupied Venezuela until the Great War, and in 1907 agreed to pull out when the US threatened to kick them out and created the Pan American Treaty Alliance. The US was using German weakness at that time as leverage, and it worked somewhat. Now here we are in 1922, and last year in 1921 the Germans try to make Venezuela a proctorate when the US the previous year had threatened action against Brazil for signing a military alliance with Russia and Germany.

That is why IC the US acted.

The Republic of Haiti wishes to open trade and diplomatic relations with its great northern neighbor.

The US already has relations with Haiti and wishes it well. Tariffs on sugercane are lowered to help Haiti economically.

ooc
by the way, Haiti at this point is tech level 2, and its economy is either basket case or struggling depending on the price of sugercane on the world market. Its also ruled by a few families who run Haiti as their personal fiefdom pretty much. Sad how nothing changed over the course of the entire 20th Century historically.

OOC: I had Haiti upgrade a little bit, but not much. Basically just a little modernization in the capital: Port-au-Prince.

lol, I didn't know you had relations already.

IC: Haiti requests a US loan for $20 million to help fund modernization. It will be repaid as soon as possible. Also, if the United States can spare technicians, engineers, doctors, etc to help build up our power.

OOC: I care about Venezuela because I have been developing it. Venezuela probably has a 3-3.5 tech level by now and possibly more if I hadn't been kicked out.

IC: In a non-related statement Germany wishes to discuss the possibility of re-establishing the helium trade.

OOC: I had Haiti upgrade a little bit, but not much. Basically just a little modernization in the capital: Port-au-Prince.

lol, I didn't know you had relations already.

IC: Haiti requests a US loan for $20 million to help fund modernization. It will be repaid as soon as possible. Also, if the United States can spare technicians, engineers, doctors, etc to help build up our power.

US banks are willing to loan $10 million (ooc thats a lot of money in 1922) and depending on how development goes more money might be forthcoming. (ooc the US government doesnt have a foreign aid policy yet). US citizens are free to work in Haiti as they wish (ooc we don't have Peace Corps yet either or anything similar, but assume as many as you need will show up if the money is good)

Parthini']OOC: I care about Venezuela because I have been developing it. Venezuela probably has a 3-3.5 tech level by now and possibly more if I hadn't been kicked out.

IC: In a non-related statement Germany wishes to discuss the possibility of re-establishing the helium trade.

ooc
and I appreciate your developing it, it saves money from the US point of view just as Venezuelan oil is about to hit the world market in quantity. But the US considers the Western Hemisphere its vital sphere of interest, just as the Germans consider Poland vital to it. Moves by Europe or Asian nations to develop military ties or to dominate a Western Hemisphere country are going to trigger a big reaction from the US from now on.

IC
Helium is once again for sale, but at a market rate and available to any nation who wants it, with first priority remaining for the US military, then LTA nations, then anyone else (in that order).

ooc
and I appreciate your developing it, it saves money from the US point of view just as Venezuelan oil is about to hit the world market in quantity. But the US considers the Western Hemisphere its vital sphere of interest, just as the Germans consider Poland vital to it. Moves by Europe or Asian nations to develop military ties or to dominate a Western Hemisphere country are going to trigger a big reaction from the US from now on.

IC
Helium is once again for sale, but at a market rate and available to any nation who wants it, with first priority remaining for the US military, then LTA nations, then anyone else (in that order).

OOC:

The term "Western Hemisphere" could be said to contain Europe- France, Germany, England, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and so forth. The "Eastern Hemisphere" could also be said to comprise of Asia, India, Australia, Japan, the Indian Ocean (and all islands within it), and the Pacific Ocean (All islands and isles between Australia and Asia and Japan).

OOC:

The term "Western Hemisphere" could be said to contain Europe- France, Germany, England, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and so forth. The "Eastern Hemisphere" could also be said to comprise of Asia, India, Australia, Japan, the Indian Ocean (and all islands within it), and the Pacific Ocean (All islands and isles between Australia and Asia and Japan).

ooc
my meaning is the traditional one..what is generally considered to be the New World of the Americas

It says on wikipedia that it had dictorships from 1908 to 1935. Why are you defending Venezulea? What have they done to help you? It is because you are still bitter over the failed settlement? The U.S. is giving the control of the country to Colombia. I sent troops to try to stop a war in South America starting. Any ways you're 3000 miles away it is not your problem. I don't want any bad relations between us I'm just making a point.

From
Jose Luis Tamayo

Any military moves on your part will be seen in an extremely dim light by our nation. Expect a complete severing of ties with our nation if you do intervene and yes, I have a vested interest in the nation considering it is on my border and the United States, controlling the country, is hostile to me. Please do not order in troops, if you do, expect nothing but silence in the future from our government.

Any military moves on your part will be seen in an extremely dim light by our nation. Expect a complete severing of ties with our nation if you do intervene and yes, I have a vested interest in the nation considering it is on my border and the United States, controlling the country, is hostile to me. Please do not order in troops, if you do, expect nothing but silence in the future from our government.

The United States ensures Ecuador that Brazil will not be allowed to take hostile action against it, and any economic measures taken against Ecuador by Brazil will be viewed as a breach of the Pan American treaty and result in sanctions against Brazil and assistance for Ecuador.

The University of Lublin would like to invite Professor W.E.B. Du Bois to lecture on American sociology, class struggles, and race relations. This is an offer of employment [OoC: Du Bois spoke fluent German, so language shouldn't be an issue, and he was a well-known Pinko, so it's at least probable that he'll accept]
The Commissariat of Culture, meanwhile, would like to invite the famed musicians Mr. Louis Armstrong and Mr. Duke Ellington to tour the Union with their respective bands to promote an understanding of the principles of Jazz-music among our peoples.

The University of Lublin would like to invite Professor W.E.B. Du Bois to lecture on American sociology, class struggles, and race relations. This is an offer of employment [OoC: Du Bois spoke fluent German, so language shouldn't be an issue, and he was a well-known Pinko, so it's at least probable that he'll accept]
The Commissariat of Culture, meanwhile, would like to invite the famed musicians Mr. Louis Armstrong and Mr. Duke Ellington to tour the Union with their respective bands to promote an understanding of the principles of Jazz-music among our peoples.

the State Department will allow this, although the Cox Administration makes a counteroffer to Du Bois offering him an advisory position. (ooc I believe he is in charge of the NAACP at this point, but I could be wrong).

OOC
Race relations aren't quit as awful in this timeline as historical... anti lynching legislation was passed in 1902 (see early in this thread), which historically didn't happen until the 1950s. The rising tide of American prosperity is floating all boats, even the seriously disadvantaged Black population in the South, many of whom are migrating to Northern and Midwestern cities to find work in the factories, which they do in large numbers. That part is historical.

But the FBI is watching them all the same. (It exists now although is called something else for the moment)

the State Department will allow this, although the Cox Administration makes a counteroffer to Du Bois offering him an advisory position. (ooc I believe he is in charge of the NAACP at this point, but I could be wrong).

OOC
Race relations aren't quit as awful in this timeline as historical... anti lynching legislation was passed in 1902 (see early in this thread), which historically didn't happen until the 1950s. The rising tide of American prosperity is floating all boats, even the seriously disadvantaged Black population in the South, many of whom are migrating to Northern and Midwestern cities to find work in the factories, which they do in large numbers. That part is historical.

But the FBI is watching them all the same. (It exists now although is called something else for the moment)


The FBI was originally a branch of the Secret Service(which has been around since the Late 1800's) But we see which one grew the most. (thanks J. Edgar Hoover)

1922 Economic policy changes in US
Minimum wage and Social Security go into effect. Amendment passes allowing for direct Federal Income Tax goes into effect. Tighter securities laws go into effect tightening the requirements for buying stocks on margin. Farm bill passes providing some subsidies, and more money set aside to get farmers off marginal land.

Serious drought on Great Plains continues into its 2nd Year. Farm prices remain low and growing numbers of small farmers leave land and migrate to cities (continueing the historical trend).

In Social Policy, women get right to vote, and the Federal government puts pressure on Southern states to end poll taxes that prevent poor whites and blacks from voting.

The Cox Administration is actively working to undercut the Socialist agenda while remaining within the tradition of the United States.

Meanwhile, Vice President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is severely ill with polio but has survived and is working on rehabilitation. It would be a long process, but Cox declares that he needs FDRs brains, not his legs and encourages him to remain in the Administration. His story provides inspiration to millions.

The United States ensures Ecuador that Brazil will not be allowed to take hostile action against it, and any economic measures taken against Ecuador by Brazil will be viewed as a breach of the Pan American treaty and result in sanctions against Brazil and assistance for Ecuador.

We remind the American government that we have withdrawn from that faulted treaty in disgust after American intervention in Venezuela.

We remind the American government that we have withdrawn from that faulted treaty in disgust after American intervention in Venezuela.

ic: Colombia will once again raise tariffs on Brazillian goods; Border delays could be crippling for any form of trade from Brazil. Not to mention Colombia may pull any investment from the Brazillian market.

When Brazil makes such sudden and radical changes, Colombian investors and businesses are wary of the Brazillian economy.

ooc: Sucks for your economy then big guy.

We remind the American government that we have withdrawn from that faulted treaty in disgust after American intervention in Venezuela.

the US Government is forced to remind the Brazilian government then that since Brazil no longer is protected under the Pan American treaty, its trade falls under the Fair Trade Act passed in 1902. US trade policy will exactly mirror Brazilian trade policy with the US. Tariffs on US goods will be met with the exact same tariffs on Brazils goods.

the US Government is forced to remind the Brazilian government then that since Brazil no longer is protected under the Pan American treaty, its trade falls under the Fair Trade Act passed in 1902. US trade policy will exactly mirror Brazilian trade policy with the US. Tariffs on US goods will be met with the exact same tariffs on Brazils goods.
I guess coffee becomes the new patriotic drink for Russia . . . Well, after vodka, of course.

the US Government is forced to remind the Brazilian government then that since Brazil no longer is protected under the Pan American treaty, its trade falls under the Fair Trade Act passed in 1902. US trade policy will exactly mirror Brazilian trade policy with the US. Tariffs on US goods will be met with the exact same tariffs on Brazils goods.

We have no tariffs on your goods. You can choose to buy our goods of course, that would benefit us. This is just in case you threaten us with no longer buying our goods. Its not a hostile move at all, its just in case you threaten our economy by pulling your support for our coffee market. Basically, it is ineffective unless you stop buying our coffee.

I guess coffee becomes the new patriotic drink for Russia . . . Well, after vodka, of course.


Haha all of the left wing students can discuss Marxism in their coffee shops as usual. Long live the stereotypical skinny student with a che guevara t-shirt and an oddly formed goatee!!

ic: Colombia will once again raise tariffs on Brazillian goods; Border delays could be crippling for any form of trade from Brazil. Not to mention Colombia may pull any investment from the Brazillian market.

When Brazil makes such sudden and radical changes, Colombian investors and businesses are wary of the Brazillian economy.

ooc: Sucks for your economy then big guy.


OOC: yeah..I'm not that tall really. And do you really think with the support of the Cordoba Treaty nations that suddenly when Colombia puts tarriffs on me that my economy will fall into a total collapse? We export/import the same things practically.

IC:

Lets be honest. Colombia and Brazil export and import roughly the same things. We are hardly going to export coffee to Colombia just as you would not export it to us. Both Brazil and Colombia will import things such as luxury goods and will probably export a lot of raw materials so your tariffs really won't have much effect. What we did buy from you (probably very little) will just be bought from more sympathetic nations.

Haha all of the left wing students can discuss Marxism in their coffee shops as usual. Long live the stereotypical skinny student with a che guevara t-shirt and an oddly formed goatee!!

(OOC: whistles innocently)

We have no tariffs on your goods. You can choose to buy our goods of course, that would benefit us. This is just in case you threaten us with no longer buying our goods. Its not a hostile move at all, its just in case you threaten our economy by pulling your support for our coffee market. Basically, it is ineffective unless you stop buying our coffee.

the US wasn't threatening you with trade policy, just informing you of where you stand according to current US trade policy.

OOC: Colombia, are you seriously threatening Brazil with high tariffs? There is no way that Colombia would have that much effect on Brazil. Either way, German Investors who have been unjustly forced out will move to Brazil.

ooc: Yes I am; When you're a) A countries neighbor, and b) one of the larger economies in the region, it will have an impact. Your thinking it will have the effect of you refusing trade with me, which will be almost none, because Colombia had little dealings with Germany whence it became Communist. Then again, Colombia has also moved away from Coffee and into equipment, metals, resources, etc.

I could also start up that sweet cocaine production... and flood it into Brazil's schools. That'll be fun.

ooc: Now for a post actually dealing with / directed to America:

IC:
The Hungarian Government wishes to know if America 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 America.

US military small arms 1922
heavy machine gun -- M2 Browning 50 Caliber
medium machine gun -- Browning 30 caliber air cooled and water cooled
Squad support weapon-- BAR
standard rifle -- 1903 Springfield
standard pistol -- 1911A1 45 Caliber Automatic pistol
shotgun (trench gun) -- Browning 12 gauge

ooc: Now for a post actually dealing with / directed to America:

IC:
The Hungarian Government wishes to know if America 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 America.
Military exchange? The Union would like to know: of what nature? (Wasn't marked secret, and probably wouldn't have mattered anyway, neighbor.)

ooc: Yes I am; When you're a) A countries neighbor, and b) one of the larger economies in the region, it will have an impact. Your thinking it will have the effect of you refusing trade with me, which will be almost none, because Colombia had little dealings with Germany whence it became Communist. Then again, Colombia has also moved away from Coffee and into equipment, metals, resources, etc.

I could also start up that sweet cocaine production... and flood it into Brazil's schools. That'll be fun.


This is ridicolous. There are so many countries in the world who I could buy goods of other than Colombia. This threat is daft. And I hope that is a joke about the cocaine...because that could possibly be more ridiculous.

US military small arms 1922
heavy machine gun -- M2 Browning 50 Caliber
medium machine gun -- Browning 30 caliber air cooled and water cooled
Squad support weapon-- BAR
standard rifle -- 1903 Springfield
standard pistol -- 1911A1 45 Caliber Automatic pistol
shotgun (trench gun) -- Browning 12 gauge


Japan would like License to build the the M2 Browning .50 Cal (air or water cooled?)

the Browning 50 caliber is air cooled. The US is willing to license it to Japan.

http://www.nisat.org/weapons%20pages%20linked/US/m2_browning_machine_gun.htm

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m2-50cal.htm

the Browning 50 caliber is air cooled. The US is willing to license it to Japan.

http://www.nisat.org/weapons%20pages%20linked/US/m2_browning_machine_gun.htm

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m2-50cal.htm

I know the .30 cal is water cooled and that doesn't fit in my strategy of fast moving warfare (those water jackets weighed A LOT)

I could have sworn the M2 started as water cooled, but I won't argue here.

I love shooting the Ma-Duece, but its nothing next to a MK 19

I"m shopping for a Medium/Light machinegun, Belt Fed, Air Cooled w/Bi pod instead of tripod. SOmething with a rate of fire between 600-800rpm and chambered to fire my standard 6.5mm round(the last part shouldn't be that big of a problem) Basically a GPMG

The Union of South Africa would also like License to build M2 .50 calliber machine guns for our Union Defense Force.

Stanley Frazer
Minister of Defense

US standard small arms, including infantry support weapons, can be licensed for production by nations that have signed the London Treaty Alliance.

The price of wheat goes up on the world market due to the drought in the Ukraine, and American Co-ops and Grange organizations begin looking into selling wheat to the Russians directly.

US banks are willing to loan $10 million (ooc thats a lot of money in 1922) and depending on how development goes more money might be forthcoming. (ooc the US government doesnt have a foreign aid policy yet). US citizens are free to work in Haiti as they wish (ooc we don't have Peace Corps yet either or anything similar, but assume as many as you need will show up if the money is good)
Good, we would like access to your schools for our citizens. We will pay, of course. Also, if there are any educators, doctors, engineers,... that are looking for work. Please send them to us. We need all qualified help we can get.

I was just wondering when your occupation force will leave Venezuela? I think Colombia and I have the country settle. I have sent 5 Infantry Battalion and Colombia some too. You can send back your force and Colombia and I will take care of Venezuela.

From
Jose Luis Tamayo

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?

I was just wondering when your occupation force will leave Venezuela? I think Colombia and I have the country settle. I have sent 5 Infantry Battalion and Colombia some too. You can send back your force and Colombia and I will take care of Venezuela.

From
Jose Luis Tamayo

ooc
the US already pulled out by the end of May 1923. It also expelled all of the Germans it was going to by that time as well. Check the Crisis and Occupation threads for details.

Quito Daily News

1922
President Jose Tamayo plans on building a military base in Venezuela. It will be located near the capital. It will fort will hold 5,000 men. It will take a least two years to be finished. He also said after the fort is done all troops will leave, execpt a 5,000 men force.

The Navy Department begins construction of a naval station at Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, for use by the US, Royal and Royal Canadian Navies, as well as Danish ships. It will also be the official headquarters of the International Ice Patrol, which has been keeping an eye on icebergs since 1913 (ooc a side effect of the loss of the Titantic historically, which I assume still happened since there is no reason it wouldn't have).

In addition, the Navy Department is also building a seaplane base, and an air field at the smaller city of Keflavik. In all, 3,000 sailors and marines will be stationed there, as well as a destroyer squadron, a submarine squadron, and a variety of US Coast Guard vessels assigned to the Ice Patrol.

Seattle Examiner, November 1923
"The Territorial government of Alaska announced that the Danish government has purchased 200,000 acres of land near the small town of Nome in western Alaska. What the Danish government intends to do with this virgin wilderness, known for being plunged into winter for nearly 6 months out of the year and notable only for the fact that a famous dogsled race originates from there is anybody's guess."

ooc
the US is actually letting the Danes have soveriegnity there, which isn't much of a sacrifice, because aside from a few Athabascan Indians, no one else lives there anyway. You also can't get to it until next spring and its only accessable from basically April through October (and sometimes a month later depending on the winter), except by dogsled during winter, or river during summer.

US Military Forces 1924

US Navy
2 Major Fleet Commands (Atlantic, Pacific), 4 Smaller Commands (South Pacific, Asiatic, Caribbean, European)

US Battleships -15
3 Colorado class battleships (Colorado, West Virginia, Maryland,) 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 8 x16 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 8 x 3 inch
2 Tennessee class (Tennessee, California) 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
3 New Mexico class (New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho), 33,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Pennsylvania class (Pennsylvania, Arizona) 32,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 14 inch, 14 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 Nevada class (Nevada, Oklahoma) 28,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 14 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
2 New York class (New York, Texas) 27,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 x 14 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch
1 Wyoming class (Arkansas) 27,000 tons, 21 knots, 12 x 12 inch, 21 x 5 inch, 4 x 3 inch

Cruisers – 27
9 Omaha class light cruiser (Omaha, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Marblehead, Trenton, Detroit, Concord, Richmond, Memphis) 7100 tons, 34 knots, 12 x 6 inch, 4 x 3 inch, 6 torpedo tubes
10 Houston class light cruisers (Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Albany, New Orleans, Charleston) 7,000 tons, 28 knots, 3 x 6 inch, 9 x 3 inch, 6 x torpedo tubes
4 Honolulu class light cruisers (Honolulu, Juneau, Manila, San Juan)(refitted 1918), 4,000 tons, 30 knots, 4 x 6 inch, 8 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes
2 St. Louis class Light cruisers (St. Louis, Charleston)(refitted 1917), 10,000 tons, 28 knots, 8 x 6 inch, 18 x 3 inch, 4 torpedo tubes.
2 Colombia class Light cruisers (Colombia, Minneapolis)(refitted 1916), 7500 tons, 28 knots, 6 x 6 inch, 6 x 3 inch, 6 torpedo tubes

plus protected cruiser Olympia as a training ship at the Naval Academy

6 heavy cruisers are planned and will be laid down beginning 1926

Carriers
4 Theodore Roosevelt class (Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, ex Alaska, Hawaii, Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, ex Puerto Rico, Philippines)
(converted 1917-18) 18,000 tons, 30 knots, 12 x 3 inch guns, 55 aircraft

under construction
2 Lexington class Carriers (Lexington, Saratoga,)(converted 1922-26), 22,000 tons, 32 knots,12 x 3 inch guns, 100 aircraft,

Destroyers (120 + 10 under construction)
Destroyer squadrons – 5 destroyers typically 1000 -1200 tons, 30-36 knots, 4 – 5 x 3 or 4 inch guns, 6 torpedo tubes
DDs 146 - 155 under construction
DDs 37 – 145 organized into 20 squadrons,

Submarines
10 R class training boats
90 S class fleet boats

other ships
150 misc auxiliary including 20 fleet oilers, 10 fleet tugs, 20 gunboats, 4 seaplane tenders, 30 minesweepers, 10 fleet transports, 500 misc small assault craft (mostly in reserve)

US Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps Aviation
Navy, Coast Guard and Marines use smaller squadrons than the Army Air Corps

Training
100 aircraft (8 squadrons) JN4 Jennys including 1 squadron float planes

Observation and advanced training
200 aircraft (8 training squadrons, 16 operational squadrons)
Curtis MF 1 Flying boats speed 72 MPH, range 170 miles, crew 2, 1 machine gun, 250 pounds bombs, operational squadrons are assigned to battleships, carriers, and seaplane tenders

Observation and long range scouting
24 (2 squadrons) NC Long Range flying boats , speed 90 mph, range 1,400 miles, crew 6, 4 machine guns, 1,000 pounds bombs

100 (8 squadrons) HSL2 Flying boats, speed 90 mph, range 550 miles, crew 2, 1 machine gun, 2 depth charges or 500 pounds of bombs

200 (16 squadrons) HS16 Flying boats, speed 100 mph, range 600 miles, crew 4, 4 machines guns, 4 depth charges or 1000 pounds of bombs

Lighter than air squadrons
80 D class Blimps (16 squadrons), twin engined Blimps, speed 50 MPH, range 1000 miles, crew 4, 1 machine gun, 4 depth charges or 1000 pounds of bombs.

Carrier Scout and Bombing aircraft
240 Douglass DT2 Torpedo bombers (20 squadrons),
120 Douglas DT1 Scout planes (10 squadrons),

Fighter aircraft
120 Packard La Pere (10 squadrons)

Douglas DT1/2, single engined, speed 103 mph, combat range 800 miles (scout), 300 miles (torpedo bomber). 2 machine guns, plus either fuel for scouting and 500 pounds of bombs or 1 x 2000 pound torpedo

Carrier air group (Roosevelt class)—2 torpedo squadrons, 1 scout squadron, 1 fighter squadron

US Coast Guard
20 ocean going cutters
20 coastal cutters
50 misc craft and ships

Marine Corps
9 Infantry regiments, 3 artillery regiments, 4 coast defense battalions organized into the 1st Division (West Coast), 2nd Division (East Coast), plus a regiment each Hawaii, Philippines, and Morocco, plus an artillery regiment in Hawaii. Coast defense battalions in Tahiti, Samoa, Iceland, and San Francisco

Deployment US Navy
Atlantic Fleet Command (home base Norfolk, Virginia)
Battle Force Atlantic
BB Colorado, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, California, cruisers Colombia, Minneapolis, 4 destroyer squadrons

Submarine Force Atlantic
10 training boats, 30 fleet boats

Caribbean Fleet (home base Colon, Panama)
Battleship Arkansas, Carrier Roosevelt, Cruisers Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn, Boston, San Francisco, Albany, New Orleans, Charleston, 2 Destroyer squadrons, 10 gunboats, 10 submarines, 3 HS16 squadrons

European Fleet (stations Iceland and Morocco)
Battleships Texas, New York, Cruisers St. Louis, Charleston, 3 destroyer squadrons, 20 submarines, 3 HS16 squadrons, 2 fighter squadrons

Pacific Fleet (San Diego)
Battle Force Pacific (San Pedro)
Battleships New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma , 6 destroyer squadrons

Submarine force Pacific (Pearl Harbor, San Francisco)
20 Fleet boats

Scout Force Pacific (San Diego)
Carriers Mckinley, Washington, Lincoln, cruisers Omaha, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Marblehead, Trenton, Detroit, Concord, Richmond, Memphis

Asiatic Fleet (Cavite)
Cruisers Honolulu, Juneau, 4 destroyer squadrons, 10 submarines, 5 gunboats, 3 HS 16 squadrons

South Pacific Fleet (Pearl Harbor)
Cruisers Manila, San Juan, 1 destroyer squadron, 5 gunboats, 4 HS 16 squadrons

All remaining naval, marine and coast guard aircraft in continental US


US Army 1924
200,000 in Regular Army (includes 35,000 in Army Air Corps)
12 Infantry Divisions (1st – 9th, plus Philippine, Hawaii and Panama divisions), 2 Cavalry Divisions (1st and 2nd), plus 2 infantry brigades (Alaska, Puerto Rico), 2 mechanized Cavalry Regiments (2nd, 3rd), 3 Independent Cavalry Regiments (10th (colored), 11th, 26th Philippine Scout), 3 Independent Infantry Regiments (24th Colored, 25th Colored, Alaskan Scouts), 12 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

500,000 National Guard (including Air National Guard)
20 Infantry Divisions (26th – 38th, 40th – 46th), 2 Cavalry Divisions (39th, 47th), 24 Coast Artillery groups (brigade sized)

Army Air Corps (including Air National Guard)
Training, Light Bombing, Observation: 20 squadrons (12 training, 8 operational, 1100 aircraft ) JN4 Jenny
Speed 90 MPH, range 75 miles, cost $5,600 crew 2, armament: 2 machine guns (1 front, 1 observer), 200 pounds bombs

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/early_years/ey2b.htm

Observation and Bombing:
100 J1 Standard (4 squadrons) Speed 72 MPH, range 235 miles, cost $6,000, crew 2, armament 2 machine guns, 300 pounds bombs

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/early_years/ey10.htm

120 Martin MB2 (10 squadrons) speed 99 mph, range 558 miles, cost $15,000 crew 4, armament 4 machine guns, 3000 pounds bombs,

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/ac/pg000026.htm

Scouting and Advanced training:
150 Thomas Morse S4C (6 training squadrons) speed 95 MPH, range 250 miles, cost $6500, crew 1, armament 1 machine gun

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/early_years/ey4a.htm

400 Packard LePere LUSAC Sparrows (18 squadrons) speed 136 cruise 118 range 320 miles, crew 2, 4 machine guns (2 front, 2 rear),

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/early_years/ey9.htm

Balloons and Blimps
Observation balloons
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/early_years/ey5a.htm

experimental aircraft
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/early_years/ey3a.htm


Notable achievements to date by Air Service and Navy
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/postwwi/rtr.htm

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/postwwi/tret.htm
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/postwwi/acd.htm
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/postwwi/asr.htm
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/postwwi/faf.htm
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/postwwi/maf.htm

Deployment:
1 Infantry Division, 1 Cavalry Regiment, 3 coast artillery groups, 2 Scout squadrons, 1 observation squadron, 1 balloon squadron Philippines
1 Infantry Division, 3 coast artillery groups, 3 scout squadrons, 1 observation squadron, 1 balloon squadron Hawaii,
1 Infantry Division, 4 coast artillery groups, 3 scout squadrons, 1 observation squadron, 1 bomber squadron, 1 balloon squadron, Panama,
1 Infantry Brigade, 1 coast artillery group, 3 scout squadrons, 1 bomber squadron, Puerto Rico,
1 Infantry Brigade Alaska,
1 Cavalry regiment (10th Colored) Morocco
1 Infantry regiment, 1 coast artillery group Truk,
1 infantry regiment Tahiti, Washington DC,
29 Infantry Divisions (regular and national guard), 4 Horse Cavalry divisions (regular and national guard), 2 mechanized cavalry regiments, 2 horse cavalry regiments, 24 coast artillery groups (national guard) and remainder of Army Air Corps Continental US

The Army has about 200 tanks, 400 armored cars but is working on better designs. All Regular infantry divisions have replaced all draft animals with trucks. Some of the National Guard divisions have as well. Mechanized cavalry are equipped with armored cars and trucks and are a primitive light armored brigade in size.

ooc: what is the American reaction to the Brazilian civil war, I wonder.

Official Left Hand Statement

The Left Hand desires discussion with the American government over the issue of renewing the Helium shipments. The lack of Helium in our Zeppelins is causing many of our captains to be nervous, as hydrogen is very dangerous. Please respond.

ooc: what is the American reaction to the Brazilian civil war, I wonder.

The US offical reaction is that is express sympathy to Brazil that it is experiencing the tragedy of Civil War.

Secret IC
The US lets Bolivia know that it can buy weapons from the US cheap (at 10% of cost). Especially small arms, mines, various military equipment items, and ammunition. It will be shipped to Bolivia via Chile (assuming Chile doesn't object)

The US also secretly provides $100 million in cash to the war chest of the Rebels in banks in Uruguay and Chile.

Appalled by the German invasion of Denmark, US warships immediately take up station at the Danish Virgin Islands and the various settlements in Greenland. In Iceland US forces are already in place. Any German vessel that approaches is warned off.

Officially the US is holding them in trust for the day the Danish government is able to return to power. Unofficially the US is offering Iceland independence, as long as it agrees to British and American bases already there, and also offers it Greenland. Independence is also offered the Danish Virgin Islands under US protection.

ooc
I will need Sharina or Vas to rule on that

Parthini']Official Left Hand Statement

The Left Hand desires discussion with the American government over the issue of renewing the Helium shipments. The lack of Helium in our Zeppelins is causing many of our captains to be nervous, as hydrogen is very dangerous. Please respond.

ooc
Helium is available to Germany, they just have to buy it like everyone else, and the LTA nations get first dibs. However, it isn't being heavily used at the moment, as the US has no rigid airships, and only some Blimps. None of the other LTA nations use it much either.

IC
Officially the US government strongly condemns the German invasion of Denmark but takes no other action than securing Danish possessions near North America. Unofficially the US privately lets the Germans know that no trade sanctions are contemplated at present (occ which means you can still buy helium).

Chile grants transit permission for American weapons shipments to Bolivia.

Appalled by the German invasion of Denmark, US warships immediately take up station at the Danish Virgin Islands and the various settlements in Greenland. In Iceland US forces are already in place. Any German vessel that approaches is warned off.

Officially the US is holding them in trust for the day the Danish government is able to return to power. Unofficially the US is offering Iceland independence, as long as it agrees to British and American bases already there, and also offers it Greenland. Independence is also offered the Danish Virgin Islands under US protection.

ooc
I will need Sharina or Vas to rule on that
I'll rule on it. The royal government was unpopular in all three colonies, and Icelanders will be happy to restore their own traditional republic, and will rightly see the bases there as a boon to their economy. Greenlanders, all fifty of them, are historically resentful of Danish economic restrictions, and happy to declare independence and form closer ties with the US and Canada (especially the Inuit nationalists - both of them). The vastly Afro-Caribbean majority of the population in the Virgin Islands, as well, has no particular wish to see a Danish king take up residence in Charlotte Amalie, and will accept the American protectorate.
Denmark itself will go to a new Prime Minister, Vilhelm Buhl, and be incorporated into the Warsaw Pact. All these things will be posted in the Foreign Possessions page.

In Juneau, Alaska (the territorial capital) the short lived land claim by the Danish government for territory near Nome is quietly tossed in the trash.

The scattered Indians and wolves living in the area don't notice.

ooc: GB, Chatzy?

Secret Comminque to the United States
From: Greater China

Greetings.

We have been concerned by Japan's massive build-up of its naval assets and we have reard some reports of rapid advances and manufacture of Japanese infantry weapons. We have reason to believe that Japan may be planning an invasion of China. Japan withdrew from the Sino-Japanese alliance, citing no concrete reasons for doing so.

We would like to know what stance the United States will take, should Japan invade China or undertake actions aganist China. What light will that shed on our Sino-Japanese-American mutual protection alliance?

We had hopes that Japan and China would overlook past differences in hopes of a peaceful and stronger future. Alas, with Japan's withdrawal from the alliance, and its massive military build-up, it seems not to be the case.

Please inform China of your thoughts and position on this brewing situation.

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu

Secret Comminque to the United States
From: Greater China

Greetings.

We have been concerned by Japan's massive build-up of its naval assets and we have reard some reports of rapid advances and manufacture of Japanese infantry weapons. We have reason to believe that Japan may be planning an invasion of China. Japan withdrew from the Sino-Japanese alliance, citing no concrete reasons for doing so.

We would like to know what stance the United States will take, should Japan invade China or undertake actions aganist China. What light will that shed on our Sino-Japanese-American mutual protection alliance?

We had hopes that Japan and China would overlook past differences in hopes of a peaceful and stronger future. Alas, with Japan's withdrawal from the alliance, and its massive military build-up, it seems not to be the case.

Please inform China of your thoughts and position on this brewing situation.

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu


The United States is urging Japan and China to improve relations as both would benefit from friendly ties. Unless China attacks Japan, the US is not bound to support Japan in any invasion of China. Unless China has sided with other nations that are in a war with the United States.

The United States is also concerned about growing Russian military power in Siberia, which is why the United States and Japan have been conducting joint troop training in northern Hokkaido.

The United States is urging Japan and China to improve relations as both would benefit from friendly ties. Unless China attacks Japan, the US is not bound to support Japan in any invasion of China. Unless China has sided with other nations that are in a war with the United States.

The United States is also concerned about growing Russian military power in Siberia, which is why the United States and Japan have been conducting joint troop training in northern Hokkaido.

Secret Comminque to the United States
From: Greater China

Greetings.

Your concern regarding Russia in Siberia is noted. We believe the Russians are simply fortifying Siberia aganist a possible Japanese invasion, as it has been clear that Japan has engaged in a massive military buildup- both Army and Naval.

Of course China and Russia should be concerned, as Japan had done similiar things aganist us in the past. We have originally agreed to an alliance to try to mend our past differences, yet it was Japan who withdrew from the alliance. This doesn't bode well from Japan, as such an action is usually undertaken before a war, or hostile action.

We would very much like to know exactly why Japan withdrew from the alliance. Perhaps your people would be able to help us understand why this is so.

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu

The United States government understands Chinese concerns over the expansion of Japanese military power. However, the US notes that the expansion of that power began after the Great War, where Russia dismembered its neighbor Austria Hungary. In light of that, Japanese concerns are certainly reasonable in the opinion of the United States. That the Japanese may very well have excellent reasons to believe their buildup is justified is even more evident in light of the recent fate of Denmark at the hands of the German Army, the partner of Russia.

In addition, the information that the United States has is that Japan is concerned about the close ties China has with Russia, and views that as a matter of concern.

The United States government understands Chinese concerns over the expansion of Japanese military power. However, the US notes that the expansion of that power began after the Great War, where Russia dismembered its neighbor Austria Hungary. In light of that, Japanese concerns are certainly reasonable in the opinion of the United States. That the Japanese may very well have excellent reasons to believe their buildup is justified is even more evident in light of the recent fate of Denmark at the hands of the German Army, the partner of Russia.

In addition, the information that the United States has is that Japan is concerned about the close ties China has with Russia, and views that as a matter of concern.

Secret Comminque to the United States
From: Greater China

Greetings.

I would like to personally address your concern regarding China's close ties with Russia.

We share an extremely long border with Russia, well in excess of 5,000 kilometers, which would be a longer border than you share with Canada and Mexico combined. Not only that, but we face Russia on our northern and western borders.

Should Russia go hostile or decide to invade China, there will be little to stop them from easily overunning China before we can mount any sizable defense. Not only that, but Japanese or American aid would not arrive in time to prevent a massive Russian offensive aganist China.

Towards this end, China has no choice but to stay on good terms with Russia to prevent a Russian invasion of China. Unless there is any other way to prevent a Russian invasion of China, this is the only course of action left for China.

You may see the situation we are in if Alaska and Asia were connected through land, or if Canada or Mexico were ultra-militarized and had the ability to overwhelm your northern "states" relatively quickly.

I hope this has cleared up the concern that you may have.

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu

The United States does indeed understand Chinese reasons, and emphasizes with them. We were merely relaying Japanese concerns. However, military geography and the huges distances from Russian centers of production to Chinese centers of production and government mitigate against a rapid Russian conquest of China, should that ever be attempted. The harsh Gobi desert, the mountains in northern and eastern Manchuria, all are serious barriers that would have to be overcome. Surely with American and Japanese industrial power, and Chinese manpower and courage, China would be able to overcome such and invasion and punish the aggressor. Especially with the assistance of Japan and America.

The United States does indeed understand Chinese reasons, and emphasizes with them. We were merely relaying Japanese concerns. However, military geography and the huges distances from Russian centers of production to Chinese centers of production and government mitigate against a rapid Russian conquest of China, should that ever be attempted. The harsh Gobi desert, the mountains in northern and eastern Manchuria, all are serious barriers that would have to be overcome. Surely with American and Japanese industrial power, and Chinese manpower and courage, China would be able to overcome such and invasion and punish the aggressor. Especially with the assistance of Japan and America.

Secret Comminque to United States
From: Greater China

Greetings.

I appreciate your honesty and understanding of our situation.

We are still committed to peace, yet it was the Japanese that withdrew from the alliance. If it was up to China, we would have remained in the alliance for as long as possible, as we do not abandon or desert our allies. We have had no intention of taking any hostile action aganist Japan, as we value peace. However, we do have legimitate concerns that Japan might be planning an attack aganist China, or engage in non-peaceful actions owing to its military build-up.

I believe that if Japan did not rapidly build up its military, then Russia would not have felt the threat or concern that it would have to undertake its build-up in Siberia. Likewise, China would not be concerned about the Japanese build-up if it had not withdrew from the Sino-Japanese treaty just beforehand. This sends, how do you Westerners say, a "Big Question Mark" regarding Japan's intentions regarding China and Asia in particular.

We only desire peace with Japan, but we fear that may not be what Japan desires. Should Japan invade, we only have a request- that you do not aid Japan in its invasion. Nor will we ask you for aid for us, as it would mean betraying an ally. Neutrality is the best option in such a scenario, wouldn't you agree?

Despite this, China is still prepared to continue peace with Japan should Japan truly be interested in peace. Perhaps their Emperor had made a rash decision in the heat of something?

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu

The Army Air Corps and US Navy contract with Douglas to replace the aging Jennys still in service after a competition involving several aircraft companies.

The new aircraft, the Douglas O-2, will serve as the standard observation, basic trainer and light attack aircraft for the Navy and Army. The initial order is for 1,000 aircraft, and variants include a float plane model for the Navy, an attack version that can carry 500 pounds of bombs and has 4 machine guns, and the basic version for use as a trainer or observation plane.

Trainer / Observation version 103 mph, range 400 miles
Float plane 90 mph, range 300 miles
Attack version (larger engine) 120 mph, range 250 miles, 4 machine guns, 500 pounds bombs

In other aviation news, the US Navy plans to attempt a round the world flight using several of its Douglas DT torpedo bombers modified as World Cruisers

http://www.boeing.com/history/mdc/dwc.htm

the flight will start in Norfolk and use the route Newfoundland/Iceland/England/Italy/Suez/Oman/Seychelles/Sri Lanka/Singapore/Manila/Taiwan/Kyusha/Guam/Kwajalien/Hawaii/San Francisco/Phoenix/San Antonio/Pensacola/Norfolk

permission for overflights from the British, French, Italian, Japanese, and Turkish governments is being requested.

The Navy is also seeking a replacement for its older seaplanes, and Douglas has developed the T2D1 as a replacement. Production is expected to begin on these aircraft within a year or two.

http://www.boeing.com/history/mdc/t2d-1.htm

The US Army, after examing lessons learned from the Venezuela intervention and looking over the German campaign in Denmark begins experimenting with a new divisional structure at the Infantry school at Fort Benning. This new structure calls for a 3 regiment division with a regiment of artillery and would be smaller (14,000 men) than the old structure of 2 brigades of infantry and 1 brigade of artillery (22,000 men). It would also be more flexible. The Artillery school is also experimenting with improved fire direction techniques at Fort Sill.

The US offical reaction is that is express sympathy to Brazil that it is experiencing the tragedy of Civil War.

Secret IC
The US lets Bolivia know that it can buy weapons from the US cheap (at 10% of cost). Especially small arms, mines, various military equipment items, and ammunition. It will be shipped to Bolivia via Chile (assuming Chile doesn't object)

The US also secretly provides $100 million in cash to the war chest of the Rebels in banks in Uruguay and Chile.

Secret IC:
The Bolivian Government quietly thanks the US government for the weapons wich will send the old outdated ones to abandoned warehouses (Where will those old weapons be sent from there, I wonder...).

ooc: How much of my Army are you equiping with American-made weapons?

Secret IC:
The Bolivian Government quietly thanks the US government for the weapons wich will send the old outdated ones to abandoned warehouses (Where will those old weapons be sent from there, I wonder...).

ooc: How much of my Army are you equiping with American-made weapons?

All of it, it makes for uniformity of supply and easier logistics

The US offical reaction is that is express sympathy to Brazil that it is experiencing the tragedy of Civil War.

Secret IC
The US lets Bolivia know that it can buy weapons from the US cheap (at 10% of cost). Especially small arms, mines, various military equipment items, and ammunition. It will be shipped to Bolivia via Chile (assuming Chile doesn't object)

The US also secretly provides $100 million in cash to the war chest of the Rebels in banks in Uruguay and Chile.

(OOC: I know this is SIC and i'm not gonna challenge that fact, but what happens when we inevitably kill an enemy and find out that they are carrying American made weaponary?)

(OOC: I know this is SIC and i'm not gonna challenge that fact, but what happens when we inevitably kill an enemy and find out that they are carrying American made weaponary?)

The Bolivian Army is being equipped with American weapons, he is shipping his surplus weapons to the Rebels. American arms shipments to the Rebels have all been European weapons acquired second hand. Besides, the 1903 Springfield has been around awhile and would be on the world arms market in any case. Thompson submachineguns are also available on the American domestic civilian market (and can be ordered from Sears and Montgomery Wards at this time.... shudder)

We'll assume they got weapons from the United states, originally. The US Government will claim, plausibly, that it does not control who buys its weapons, and that will be that.
I did the same thing as Russia back in 1902 for the Macedonians. As long as there's no paper trail back to the White House, there's no accountability.