NationStates Jolt Archive

Posting as France

Telegram to Madrid

Wishing to promote peace and friendship among the nations of Europe, the
French governement proposes a non-aggresion pact to its neighbour Spain.

Signed
Aristide Briand, foreign minister

OOC: I made a mistake a few days ago, when I said prime-minister Aristide Briand was going to meet with the Mexicans. In fact, France no longer has a prime-minister, so Aristide Briand is foreign minister. But nobody noticed my mistake, so everything's allright. ;)

Order to the military units stationed in the Pyrenees

Be ready to begin an extensive network of fortifications in the eventuality
Spain refuses the non-aggression pact.

Signed
Henri-Philippe Petain (http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWpetain.htm)

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

The governor of the French Somaliland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djibouti) was approched by a man with a dark complection in his audience chamber.

"Bonjour, monsieur. My name is Ras Iyasu and I'm bringing you a message from my emperor Menelek II. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menelik_II) " He handed the governor a folded piece of paper and waited.

The message read:

I, Negus Menelek of all of Abyssinia, Conquering Lion of Judah, Elect of God,
King of Kings of Ethiopia send my greetings to the great nation of France.

The friendsip and collaboration between our great nations has a long tradition
and is even now as solid as it has always been. The railway between Djibouti
and Addis Ababa is but one of numerous projects France and Abyssinia have
completed together.

Now it is time your nation proved your friendship for our country again. We
have observed signs of military activity at the borders with the Italian
colonies of Eritrea and Somalia, which seem to indicate they haven't learnt
anything from their defeats at Amba-Alaki, Mekele and Adowa.

We ask France for military instructors, cannons, machine-guns and all the
support they might spare for the defeat of the Italian scum.

Signed
Negus Menelek of all of Abyssinia, Conquering Lion of Judah, Elect of God,
King of Kings of Ethiopia

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

Secret telegram to Rome

The French governement proposes a secret alliance treaty between Italy and
France. After the signing of this treaty, Italy would formally remain a member
of the Grand Alliance, but would secretly pledge to join on the side of France
in the eventuality of a conflict involving our country. In exchange, we are
ready to recognise the Italian interests in Abyssinia and disregard the letter
for aid we have recheved form Emperor Menelek II. Italy would also be
obliged by our treaty to stop fortifying its border with France, since this can
be perceived as a hostile act.

Signed
Aristide Briand, foreign minister

Order to the military units stationed in the Alps

Be ready to begin an extensive network of fortifications in the eventuality
Italy refuses to disband its fortifications in the Alps.

Signed
Henri-Philippe Petain (http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWpetain.htm)

IC:
Secret telegram to France
The Italian Monarchy and the people is commands fear we cannot trust France and why would we? For years we have stood in alliances that opposed one another. And we have stood against the French time and again in her attempts to gain land.

Perhaps 10 years ago our feelings may have been different…before the French double-crossed the grand alliance Italy could fully trust the French. However, now it may take more than empty promises to get the Italians to stand by you…send us a French diplomat and we can discuss this matter further.

For now my troops will continue to prepare for the defense of the Alps along the French-Italian and Swiss-Italian border. The Italian fear of France is still there and this message only deepens it.
Signed
Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy

OOC: It'll take a lot to get Italy to stand by the French, especially when most of Europe stands against her and when Italy already has two strong allies.

[Edit: The current empereor of Eithiopia by non-balkan tim is Iyasu.]

Telegram to Paris

Spain will not Sign a non-aggression pact without discussing further. If Paris doesn’t mind we may meet in either Madrid, Rome, or (Insert Austia-hungery capital here) from there we will discuss this treaty.

Signed
King Alfonso XIII


Encrypted transmission

From: Kingdom of Spain
To: Kingdom of Italy

As you may or may not know France wishes to enter a non-aggression pact with Spain, I do not think this wise, we do not trust the French to keep there word. So we are asking our ally Italy if they wish for Spain to sign a non-aggression pact with France

Encrypted transmission

From: Kingdom of Italy
To: Kingdom of Spain
Parhaps it would be best to enter such an agreement for now, but stay sharp. If France moves against Spain you can count Italy as an ally.

OOC: Parhaps we should all have delegates meet in Rome to discuss our stance with one-another.

OOC: Parhaps we should all have delegates meet in Rome to discuss our stance with one-another.

OOC: sure, want me asking or you offering the trip

Spain and Italy are both in the Grand alliance btw. who else, is Germany still in it?

Schloß Schönbrunn, ViennaThe General's eyes widened. "Sir...with that much wealth...we could..."“... Trigger global inflation on a scale not seen since the 16th Century, the last time Mexican gold reserves were plundered on a wholesale basis. Between 1525 and 1625, there was virtually no aggregate economic growth anywhere on the planet. Of course, population continued to grow worldwide, with the result that per capita income actually decreased across the course of the century,” said k.u.k. Finanzminister Graf István Burián von Rajecz, droning on in his usual academic tone. “Needless to say, the 16th Century was one in which multiple powers battled for control of a static economic pie. The period culminated in the Thirty Years’ War – the bloodiest in human history. It seems we have much to look forward to.”

“Your recommendations?” asked Franz Josef I, a bit peeved at the length of time the man had taken to finally arrive at his conclusions.

“I believe that our Devisenpolitik is sound, and has proved itself capable of dealing with such broad currency patterns. The last several decades saw a general decline in prices – deflation – due to industrial output outstripping specie production. The discovery of large gold reserves in South Africa halted this decline. The thing to note is that our Treasury and banking system weathered both the decades-long deflationary period and its end rather well,” replied von Rajecz, in what was for him a brief answer.

“Those decades of deflation were decades of recession,” replied the Emperor and King curtly. “The last thing we need is a return to those days, and yet that is what you are predicting.”

“Inflation will be kinder to us than deflation was,” said the Finanzminister with assurance. “At least initially, it will effectively monetarise our substantial foreign debt. Of course, the financial markets will respond by bidding up interest rates, but even that may work to our advantage if we can leverage our position as a creditor in the money markets. The most important thing will be for us to maintain short-term currency stability, strong internal markets, and a good business climate. Other nations will not do so well, and this may give us a competitive advantage.”

“I hope you are right,” scowled Franz Josef. “We can ill afford stagnation.”

Not in Palestine, I believe. It's that "King of Jerusalem" thing.
The title King of Jerusalem was just a relic from the Middle Ages, like the English kings styling themselves kings of France until the Napoleonian wars. The French lily was removed from their coat of arms only around that period. The Austrians simply didn't bother to remove that title, originaly granted to a German Holy Emperor (Barbarosa, maybe?) during the crusades. After the crusades ended, their influence in the region dissappeared completely, but the title sounded too good to be dropped. I speak entirely from my memory, so some details might be wrong, but the bulk of the info is correct.

OOC: sure, want me asking or you offering the trip

Spain and Italy are both in the Grand alliance btw. who else, is Germany still in it?
OOC:
I think we should allow France to take care of this as you would not know IC that I asked for a delegate of theirs to come and if I asked I’d only be assuming that a French delegate would come.

However, that will wait until tomorrow as Italy is sleepy and should not be role-playing at 1 am anyways…at least not when he has to read Hamlet first thing in the morning.

I will be on for maybe 10 more minutes, but I don’t think I will RP anything.

[BTW, Tonight has been the best part of the RP for me. ^^.]

The title King of Jerusalem was just a relic from the Middle Ages, like the English kings styling themselves kings of France until the Napoleonian wars. The French lily was removed from their coat of arms only around that period. The Austrians simply didn't bother to remove that title, originaly granted to a German Holy Emperor (Barbarosa, maybe?) during the crusades. After the crusades ended, their influence in the region dissappeared completely, but the title sounded too good to be dropped. I speak entirely from my memory, so some details might be wrong, but the bulk of the info is correct.OOC: No, in researching Palestinian politics, I've discovered that the k.u.k. government actually did represent Christians before the Ottoman government at some level. It may have only been in Jerusalem, and if France had the title everywhere else, well, that just gives me other ideas (HINT: The Hapsburgs lost Frederick Barbarossa's title of Holy Roman Emperor in 1806; now, how do you think that happened?)... ;)

OOC: Parhaps we should all have delegates meet in Rome to discuss our stance with one-another.
OOC: If by 'all' you also mean France, your invitation is accepted. Keep in mind we can prevent your conquest of Abyssinia, which is not so weak anyway. They defeated Italy less than 20 years before.

OOC: No, in researching Palestinian politics, I've discovered that the k.u.k. government actually did represent Christians before the Ottoman government at some level. It may have only been in Jerusalem, and if France had the title everywhere else, well, that just gives me other ideas. ;)
Could you please post some links?

Could you please post some links?OOC: Eventually, but I have other fish to fry right now...

OOC: Also Narodna, just want to note that Agustin is keeping his newly found gold a secret and out of the public system. In other words, he laundering the gold into creating more factories, guns, and ships. So the world economy wont be affected.

OOC: Also Narodna, just want to note that Agustin is keeping his newly found gold a secret and out of the public system. In other words, he laundering the gold into creating more factories, guns, and ships. So the world economy wont be affected.OOC: So you're not using it, then? Just hoarding it?

No, as soon as you buy something with it - any of it - the world economy will be affected. That's how the laws of supply and demand work. That's how markets work. You can buy through agents if you please - although even there, the scale of your purchases will thwart your efforts at secrecy. But the gold will end up in the market all the same.

Russia's selling gold, you're selling gold, and you want me to believe that the arrival of all that gold on the market won't reduce gold's value? Sure, I believe that... :p

OOC: You misunderstand me. I am not selling it to anyone. All materials I am using are from inside Mexico, meaning no outside sources. I'm sure the market will be affected somehow but not in the major manner in which you imply, since I am not selling the gold on the world market.

Vienna, AustriaEditorial

Apparently Stambolisky is not the only Bulgarian willing to prostitute himself and betray his country for the sake of Romanian favour. The various papers in Bulgaria, taking up Bucharest’s line about the rightful heirs to the Bulgarian throne being “unsuitable”, have declared that dynastic succession means less than having a “strong” young heir, even if he happens to be the son of their conquerors.

The lies these traitors tell defy the imagination. The Battenbergs are “foreigners” while the Romanians are not. It is better to bow before the nation that has raped Bulgaria than accept an “alien” prince. Never mind that both Alexander and Ferdinand were Germans – as is the Romanian royal line, by the way. And never mind the fact that any Battenberg, whether British or Spanish, would likely leave the affairs of government to a Bulgarian Prime Minister and Parliament, which is probably more than can be expected of Bulgaria's new masters. To listen to Bucharest’s Bulgarian Pinocchios, you would think that the Romanians invented constitutional monarchy.

Of course, they did not – and neither did they invent naked aggression, theft, plunder, or the mass deportation of “undesirables”, or any of the other things they have brought to Bulgaria. These things were all practised by Genghis Khan and his Golden Horde, which goes to show where the Romanians get their true inspiration. Nor can the Balkans rest if this crime is allowed to go unpunished. Already, rumours swirl in Bucharest of future additions to the Romanian “Empire” – Serbia, Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Turkey, Hungary, the Ukraine, Crimea, and beyond

The most ominous aspect of all of this is the fact that Roumania, if allowed to digest Bulgaria, will have an even larger army than it has today. It was, indeed, the fact that at 850,000 strong, King Carol had an army twice the size of that of any other Balkan state that led him to stab his neighbour, Tsar Ferdinand, in the back. Once he has Bulgaria’s manpower at his disposal, his army of 1,300,000 will be the most dangerous in Eastern Europe. This will not make him any less eager for conquest. Indeed, it will make him even hungrier than before.

No nation in Eastern Europe – or ultimately even Central Europe, if Carol has his way – will be safe as long as Roumania exists. This criminal kingdom must be destroyed.OOC: Struck a line that Boghimia insists I could not have known about. I'm sticking with my description of his land reform program in Bulgaria as “bribery”, though. ;)

OOC: You misunderstand me. I am not selling it to anyone. All materials I am using are from inside Mexico, meaning no outside sources. I'm sure the market will be affected somehow but not in the major manner in which you imply, since I am not selling the gold on the world market.OOC: So you're not using the gold at all?

That's a trick question. Of course you are. Which means that you're giving it to someone. Let's suppose the recipients are all Mexican. What are they doing with it? Why, they're spending it just like you did.

So now you have to ask yourself this: are these people buying foreign goods with that gold? If they're not, then how is it helping? If no foreign resources are being procured, and you're doing everything with your own domestic labour, skill, and materials, then what did you need the gold for? Gold can't be used to make factories or guns. Rings and necklaces, yes - but not the stuff you're building.

At some point, the gold has to leave your country so that you can get a greater share of the world's resources than would otherwise be the case. When it does, it will inflate the global market. Until it does, it will simply inflate your domestic market.

There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.

If you want to discuss this further, we'll take this to OOC. But - just so that everybody else is clear on this, my B.A. in Economics and my wife's Ph.D. in the same subject (I just asked her) say that your gold fever will glut the world market, causing global inflation.

OOC: No, in researching Palestinian politics, I've discovered that the k.u.k. government actually did represent Christians before the Ottoman government at some level. It may have only been in Jerusalem, and if France had the title everywhere else, well, that just gives me other ideas (HINT: The Hapsburgs lost Frederick Barbarossa's title of Holy Roman Emperor in 1806; now, how do you think that happened?)... ;)
That happened because of Napoleon, obviously.

You asked me to show you some proof whenever I posted something you found hard to believe, such as a relatively large Romanian army or a short mobilisation time. I find it hard to believe a title 7-800 years old has some meaning in 1912.

Here's a quick review: An independent state called Albania has been created from the four westernmost vilayets (provinces) of the Porte’s European holdings – Ishkodra, Kosova, Yanya, and Monastir. This nation, which declared its independence on May 1st, 1912, is now negotiating new borders with Greece, Serbia, and Montenegro.


Turkish and k.u.k. military forces assist a growing Albanian militia in securing the new nation while it finds its feet.


Italy and the Dual Monarchy have begun major construction projects in Albania, including the improvement of three harbours, the construction of five rail lines (of over 1300km in length), and the establishment of at least two major fortress zones.


Greece has annexed Crete, Rhodes, the Dodecanese, and the vilayet (province) of Selanek (now called Salonika).


Bulgaria attacked the Osmanli fortress city of Edirne in March, but withdrew after a few months fruitless siege when the nation was threatened by Roumania and Serbia. The Turks did not pursue.


In the face of invasion by Roumania (supported by Serbia), Tsar Ferdinand I was apparently overthrown by Communists. He and his family are believed to be dead. Upon news of his death, the Bulgarian army disintegrated.


At the time of the Communist revolt, Serbian troops were in Sofia. Serb involvement in the revolt is alleged, but unproven.


Roumania responded to news of Ferdinand’s death by marching on Sofia, as did Greece. Serbian moves remain unclear.


Roumania seeks to install its Prince Carol, nephew of King Carol I of Roumania and son of Roumania's Crown Prince Ferdinand, as the King of Bulgaria. The Dual Monarchy opposes this, claiming that the Battenbergs of Great Britain are entitled to the throne. The Battenbergs are considering pressing a claim, but no decision has yet been made. If the British Battenbergs refuse, the claim will pass to the Crown Prince of Spain.


Roumania has demanded that Greece and Serbia withdraw from Bulgaria. Greece has refused and is digging in. To increase its forces, Roumania has “mobilised” the Bulgarian army, offering bribes of land, but it is not clear how many Bulgarians will flock to the colours of their new “King”.


Greece – a member of the Grand Alliance – has called upon its allies for aid. The Dual Monarchy has mobilised, but has a non-aggression pact with Roumania. In addition, a small German force accompanies the Greek army, such that any attack by Roumania on Greece will also be an attack on Germany.


Russia has mobilised an army near Romanian territory and asked for permission to march through Roumania into Bulgaria.


Turkey is consolidating its position.

OOC: So building 5 more factories, 10 more dreadnoughts, and increasing my army by 200,000 will gut the world economy...wow. I know what you are saying, and its true there are no free lunches. I am mearly stating that the large amount of gold I have is hidden, call me a miser if you will, and I have no plans to use it except in an emergency.

OOC: A few corrections:

Roumania seeks to install its Crown Prince, Carol, as the King of Bulgaria

Ferdinand is the Crown Prince of Romania, not Carol.

To increase its forces, Roumania has “mobilised” the Bulgarian army, offering bribes of land, but it is not clear how many Bulgarians will flock to the colours of their new “King”.
They are not bribes. Land reforms have happened in all the countries in the world, including the US (how much land do the Indians have?). I have nothing against you using that term IC, but in a supposedly neutral overview it is not appropriate.

Of course, they did not – and neither did they invent naked aggression, theft, plunder, or the mass deportation of “undesirables”, or any of the other things they have brought to Bulgaria.
Who did I deport? :eek:

I don't object to the other terms (theft, plunder) although they are not true, because they are IC, but mass deportation?

OOC: So building 5 more factories, 10 more dreadnoughts, and increasing my army by 200,000 will gut the world economy...wow. I know what you are saying, and its true there are no free lunches. I am mearly stating that the large amount of gold I have is hidden, call me a miser if you will, and I have no plans to use it except in an emergency.OOC: OK, so I hear you saying that you're not spending any of that gold; you're just hoarding it, and all the construction you've announced in being funded out of tax revenues and the expropriated property of the hacendados. Good enough.

... but in a supposedly neutral overview it is not appropriate.Das Morgenblatt is neutral?!? What?!? ;)Who did I deport? :eek:We're warming up for those 600,000 Turks...

1) The comment I objected to was not in Das Morgenblat, it was in your supposedly neutral overview.

2) I only talked about the Turks OOC, and I said maybe. As far as I know, you can react IC only to IC posts. No deportations have taken place, no talks of deportations have taken place, so that newspaper couldn't have wrote about them.

That happened because of Napoleon, obviously.

You asked me to show you some proof whenever I posted something you found hard to believe, such as a relatively large Romanian army or a short mobilisation time. I find it hard to believe a title 7-800 years old has some meaning in 1912.And I said I'd show it to you, just not tonight...

1) The comment I objected to was not in Das Morgenblat, it was in your supposedly neutral overview.

2) I only talked about the Turks OOC, and I said maybe. As far as I know, you can react IC only to IC posts. No deportations have taken place, no talks of deportations have taken place, so that newspaper couldn't have wrote about them.OOC: I don't see any perjorative comments in my overview; if there is one, I'll change it.. Now, the editorial, well, that's another matter...

There's no date on the editorial, so I'll pull the deportation line if you decide not to do it. Not that the press are ever wrong.

The only (factual) error I see is in the name of your candidate, and you've already corrected that, AFAICT.

OOC: I don't see any perjorative comments in my overview; if there is one, I'll change it.. Now, the editorial, well, that's another matter...
OOC: You said in your overview that the Bulgarian soldiers were bribed. It's a land reform, which I'll also implement in Romania. Will you say then that I'm also bribing the Romanian soldiers?

There's no date on the editorial, so I'll pull the deportation line if you decide not to do it. Not that the press are ever wrong.

Your article is taling about deportations happening while the Romanians are in Bulgaria. Believe me, I will not do such a thing before the conflict is over. So if your article is from the future, it describes a future in which the Romanians have won. Go Das Morgenblatt! :D

The only (factual) error I see is in the name of your candidate, and you've already corrected that, AFAICT.
The error was in the title, not in the name. Carol is the tsar, but he's not Crown Prince of Romania.

OOC: You said in your overview that the Bulgarian soldiers were bribed. It's a land reform, which I'll also implement in Romania. Will you say then that I'm also bribing the Romanian soldiers?OOC: You're not making Romanian eligibility for the land reform program contigent on service or a reward for valour.Your article is taling about deportations happening while the Romanians are in Bulgaria. Believe me, I will not do such a thing before the conflict is over. So if your article is from the future, it describes a future in which the Romanians have won. Go Das Morgenblatt! :DNot necessarily. The landowners are going to ask the same question I did. They'll likely get the same answer. Unless you tell me the explusion of Turks isn't being discussed in public right now, and only the landowners are officially getting the shaft, I think it's fair to say that someone in Sofia is talking about it.The error was in the title, not in the name. Carol is the tsar, but he's not Crown Prince of Romania.So what was the Carol I vs. Carol II thing?

OOC:

1) Let's call it an 'incentive', not a bribe.

2) In the past days, the large landholdings had begun being partitioned among the soldiers' families.
I'm only disbanding the large landholdings. I have to repeat that my original OOC comment was that maybe I'll give the Turks' lands to the Bulgarians.

The Turks' expulsion is the last thing on the mind of those in Sofia.

3) Carol I became prince and later king of Romania in 1866. He had no sons, so his nephew, Ferdinand, was declared his heir => he is the Crown Prince. Ferdinand's eldest son is also named Carol. He's the guy that was tsar, but not Crown Prince, because Ferdinand's uncle, King Carol I, is still alive.

The Turks' expulsion is the last thing on the mind of those in Sofia.OK, I struck the line about “forced deportations” from the editorial. The rest of the invective will, of course, remain. :p

OK, I struck the line about “forced deportations” from the editorial. The rest of the invective will, of course, remain. :p
Of course, it would lose all its flavour. :p

ooc. Japanese RP! Yes, we're back! Siam is involoved, so...Abassia, we need you! :D It's all SIC ofcourse ;)

General Yabu walked through the corridors of the new Siamese Headquarters. the country had fared well since the strat of the alliance. Railroads, roads, factories, hospitals, airstrips, schools, unicersities etc. had been build. Most of the projects were also an adnvantage for the Japanese. Troops could rapidly be transmitted from one possible front to another, thus increasing the mobility of the Siamese Expidition Force. He was heading to the Chief of Staff's office.

Yabu:"Ahh, my dear General! I'm here to aks a few questions. First of all, how're you and how is the king?"

ooc. here follows the second question so you can answer it in one post:)
"I'm here to ask if the Siamese support Japan in a war against China, which seems very possible. I also would like to know what you would think about a Siamese flag planted in Cambodia and Laos...now they're Indochina, but will that remain so?"

From: La 3eme Republique Francaise
To: The British Empire

We would like to know your oppinion of an alliance between our two nations.
As the nations possesing the largest colonial empires in the world, the
friendship between France and Britain seems only natural. Please deliver your
answer to our ambassador in London.

April 28th, 1912Jerusalem, Palestine“From abroad we are accustomed to believing that the Arabs are all desert savages, like donkeys, who neither see nor understand what goes on around them. But this is a big mistake... The Arabs, and especially those in the cities, understand our deeds and our desires in Eretz Israel, but they keep quiet and pretend not to understand, since they do not see our present activities as a threat to their future... However, if the time comes when the life of our people in Eretz Israel develops to the point of encroaching upon the native population, they will not easily yield their place.”

- Asher Ginsberg a/k/a “Ahad Ha’am” (“One of the People” )Prälat Dr. Alois Musil spent his first few days in Jerusalem calling upon old acquaintances as well as “the notables” – native families with political power in the complex tapestry that was Jersalem’s civic life. There were the Omani branch of the Husayn family, who held political power as Mayors of Jerusalem (the modern version of the Naqib al-Ashraf, their ancient post); then there were the Hasani branch that same family, who held the post of Hanafi Mufti, and there were others. Add in the Austrian Consul and a few other Foreign Service bureaucrats, and Dr. Musil was a busy man.

The complaints were the same. The Young Turks’ had alienated “the notables”, especially in their dismissal of several local Arab officials – who were replaced by Turks – and their insistence on the use of Turkish in all government proceedings. Musil was sure that more than a few of the dismissed officials had been incompetent or corrupt, and understood the desire for a common language of governmental discourse across all lands owned by the Porte, but kept his silence. The government in Istanbul might be many things, but graceful was not one of them.

The Czech professor was concerned about the level of animosity among the Arabs; he had not imagined that the same discontent that had stirred the Balkans to revolt existed here as well. He would have to write to officials in Istanbul, urging them to go slower and employ a velvet hand. They needed allies here if they were to avoid another Balkan fiasco.

Carefully, Dr. Musil steered the conversation toward the Jewish settlements. Everywhere the opinion was the same. There was nothing wrong with Jews per se – everyone named a few Jewish friends they had and liked (all of whom, Musil noted, were native families), but these “European” Jews were a problem. They didn’t cooperate well with the locals, they sought to be self-sufficient rather than integrating with the existing Arab populace, even competing aggressively in agricultural markets, especially for cash crops like figs, dates, or wine. Again and again, “the notables” expressed the opinion that the new Zionist settlers would need to be watched.

As Mayor Husayn Salim al-Husayni put it, “If we don’t, some morning we will wake up and find ourselves living in reservations, just like the American Indian.”

They are not bribes. Land reforms have happened in all the countries in the world, including the US (how much land do the Indians have?). I have nothing against you using that term IC, but in a supposedly neutral overview it is not appropriate.

ooc: I'm just curious if you're going to be Rp'ing the effects of famine in Bulgaria at the turn of the winter. Disposing all those 'rich' landholders experienced in running the land and replacing them with the inexperienced working class is sure to have a devastating effect on Bulgaria's food production capabilities - just look at Zimbabwe.

btw, I'm only bring this up now since I've been tossing the idea back and forth of whether to make this clear or not since it would be in my detriment really since I'm the guy who is facing you off. :p But then, this is in ooc and I figured it would be a good idea if you were in fact aware so that you could reflect this (as well as possible solutions such as food supply caravans from Romania) in your IC.

Soldiers and labourers don't make very good farmers.

The line of troops marched on through the night. The sergeants angrily pushed their men on. Each of them carried full packs and issues of ammo. Grumbling about their lot in life seemed to be the only way to pass the time.

"Damn but isn't it fun, these night maneuvers?" asked one soldier. Another further down the line laughed. "Ha! I can't remember I had more fun."

"Thats the truth," said another behind the first.

"Where are we going anyway," asked the first soldier to no one in particular. A fourth soldier nearer looked up. "We're marching to the West-East trainline then their going to send us all to Cancun. I heard the Captain talking with a few other officers when I was on mess duty."

"Why the hell they sending the 1st Army to Cancun? Not that I care, I hear there are hot chicas there!"

"Oi! Your right, we'll be having a ball in the warm sun!" said another. They suddenly all quieted down when the company sergeant walked by.

"The only sun you ladies will see is when I send you strait to hell for not being quiet on march! So shut your mouths! Mantenga marchar!"



"Yes Emperor, all five Dreadnoughts have been stationed in the port as you requested," the man said into the phone. The noise of another voice started.

"Yes sir....of course....I understand sir, complete secrecy....you can rely on me sir, no problems. Very well, granice el emperador!" The man sat the phone down back on its cradle. He took out a cigarette and lit it. Taking a long drag he looked out his window and saw in the distance the lights of a long snake-like line of traincars.

OOC: Still catching up in the Near East...

April 30th, 1912Jerusalem, PalestineTo Mehmet Talât Pasha, Minister of the Interior of the Porte

I have recently made the rounds among your Arab subjects in Jerusalem,
and found two trends that are disturbing.

The first is that a degree of animosity exists between the Arabs of
Palestine – including even the most notable families – and your
administrators, both here in Jerusalem, in Damascus, and back in
Istanbul.

The second is growing concern over Jewish immigration to Palestine and
the prospect that European Jewish settlers will displace the local populace.

In response to the first, I wish to say that while reform is necessary,
and yet always controversial, there is virtue in moving in a more deliberate
way. In Palestine, I see a pattern similar to that found in Albania: too
many changes, without much advance preparation, and made without
consideration for all of their effects. In Albania, this led to the revolt of a
populace that should have been loyal to the Porte. I think it would be a
disaster if the same thing happened here or in Mesopotamia.

Consequently, I counsel gradual measures, with as much hand-holding and
soothing of local feeling as possible. In addition, I feel that the Porte would
be better served if some time were taken to find local allies willing to
carry out the new policies, and in backing these allies so that they may
do so, rather than sending out an endless stream of new functionaries
from Istanbul. The former gives the appearance – and indeed must
necessarily be carried out in conjunction with the reality – of thoughtful,
patient work, made in accordance with the best interests of all. The latter
simply seems like one more round of hated orders being dispatched
by unfeeling officials from a distant capitol.

Bringing Arab voices into your government would allow you to understand
and anticipate Arab concerns; this would make governance of your Arab
subjects much, much easier.

On the issue of Jewish immigration, I recommend that the Porte impose a
halt upon the practise, if only temporarily. Later, it can be resumed,
but with such rules and limitations as to ensure that the incoming
Jews swamp neither the economy nor the local culture. Perhaps it
might even be appropriate to require their physical dispersion upon arrival,
so that they are forced to move into existing neighbourhoods and live
side-by-side with Muslims and Christians, rather than letting them move
into isolated Zionist settlements that foster feelings of proto-nationalism
and superiority. Otherwise, the Porte may well find itself with a repeat of
Great Britain’s Boer War on its hands, as incoming European settlers
forcibly displace a less organised and less developed local population.
This the Porte can ill afford.

If you have further questions about these observations, please write.
I will be departing for Jiddah within the week, so your letters may catch
up with me there.

To Your Good Health and Success,
Kaiserlich Prälat Dr. Alois Musil

... the man said into the phone...Phone?!? Maybe in Mexico City, but in Cancun?

Telegraph was the principal communications method used for strategic orders. Armies had to lay miles of line every time they advanced.

Taking a long drag he looked out his window and saw in the distance the lights of a long line of trucks.Trucks?!?

Try waggons, drawn by mules or oxen (I don't think Mexico has much good horseflesh). Nobody used trucks for transport at this point in time. Soon, but not yet...

OOC: Damn you for raining on my parade.

ooc: I'm just curious if you're going to be Rp'ing the effects of famine in Bulgaria at the turn of the winter. Disposing all those 'rich' landholders experienced in running the land and replacing them with the inexperienced working class is sure to have a devastating effect on Bulgaria's food production capabilities - just look at Zimbabwe.

btw, I'm only bring this up now since I've been tossing the idea back and forth of whether to make this clear or not since it would be in my detriment really since I'm the guy who is facing you off. :p But then, this is in ooc and I figured it would be a good idea if you were in fact aware so that you could reflect this (as well as possible solutions such as food supply caravans from Romania) in your IC.

Soldiers and labourers don't make very good farmers.
Why would a famine in Bulgaria be detrimental to you?

There will be no famine. After WWI, in Romania took place the most comprehensive land reform that was carried out in a non-communist state. All the lands over 100 hectares were given to the peasants. Nobody starved. The population increased from 14 to 20 million people between the two world wars.

Why are you talking about soldiers and labourers? 90%+ of Bulgaria's population are peasants. What did I post to make you believe I raised my army from the labourers (who are very few, actually)? Soldiers could make poor farmers, if they are professional soldiers. But my men, just like yours, are common people called in the army.

What landowner skills are you talking about? You must be aware that the people receiving the land will be mostly those who have worked it until then. The situation in Zimbabwe is different. Nowadays, for being competitive, you must use all kinds of costly things, such as tractors, fertilizers, pesticides, special seeds etc. Most of these did not exist 100 years ago. The agricultural machines were starting to be introduced in the west, but Bulgaria was way behind.

Conclusion: no famine.

Message from General Fukuoka to Airmarshall Fukuoka

Hail, son and Airmarshall!

The army has asked for a plane that can give closer support to the troops
than our fighters at a present time. They suggested a two or three engined
aircraft which can carry maximum 200 kg of bombs.

I personally believe more in a long range bomber, capable of operating far
behind the frontlines, disrupting communications, troop concentrations etc.
In case of war we must be able to bring the war to the enemies heartland.
You will have to oversee the production and the development of the aircraft.
Preform well and the Emperor-to-Be will reqard you...

General Fukuoka, CHief Regent in name of the Emperor-to-be

ooc. I changed the load a bit. For the rest, see the ooc. Thread

OOC: You do relize Warta, that long range bombers and close in fighters were words and terms not even thought of in the year 1915. Air planes were simply used for recon and the occasional dog-fight. So, I can only hope that Narodna will back up what I'm saying and smack you down.

OOC: You do relize Warta, that long range bombers and close in fighters were words and terms not even thought of in the year 1915. Air planes were simply used for recon and the occasional dog-fight. So, I can only hope that Narodna will back up what I'm saying and smack you down.

Erm, well. You can call the Gotha G bombers (designed and build in 1915/1916) long range bombers. Though they had range of 800 km officially it was rarely on duty so far from an airbase. It was a far better flying machine than the slow and had to miss Zepplins.

I based my support aircraft on the (again :p) German Fokker E1 fighter plane. With some further development, it is certainly possible. You could give as argument that the development in war is at a much higher pace than in peace. Japan has been preparing for war for more than 5 years now.

And ofcourse, the planes won't roll out of the factories next week. I will probably take one/two years or something.

OOC: NO doesn't have to, I'll do it. I'll also object against the 500 kg bomb, in a time where bombs were handgrenades thrown from an airoplane thirty metres up, this seems a bit heavy. You'll have to remember that we haven't experienced any war where aviations has played a major role, therefore the planes wouldn't be so ''advanced'' as they were in RL at this time.

OOC: NO doesn't have to, I'll do it. I'll also object against the 500 kg bomb, in a time where bombs were handgrenades thrown from an airoplane thirty metres up, this seems a bit heavy. You'll have to remember that we haven't experienced any war where aviations has played a major role, therefore the planes wouldn't be so ''advanced'' as they were in RL at this time.

I'm not talking about bombs of 500 kg. I'm talking about...50 kg bombs or something. Don't know exactly what they used in WWI but a load of 500 kg wasn't very much for a bomber in 1916, 1917. The Giant could even carry 2000 kg of bombs. Hell, not one big massive bomb! That would be unpractical anyway. But Norodna Odbrana has the final say.

If you guys don't believe me, check Wiki and this site:
http://www.firstworldwar.com/airwar/bombers_gotha_giant.htm

OOC: I'll continue this in the OOC thread after supper.

OOC: You do relize Warta, that long range bombers and close in fighters were words and terms not even thought of in the year 1915. Air planes were simply used for recon and the occasional dog-fight. So, I can only hope that Narodna will back up what I'm saying and smack you down.OOC: <Puts on righteous smackdown gloves> ;)

Bombers were contemplated (by Russia, mainly), but let's keep the ranges in mind: most planes couldn't fly 200nm on a round trip. 1917-18 saw the first long range bombers, and they weren't that long-range.

The Germans were the first to engage in "strategic" bombing, and that was with dirigibles. Why not go that route?

(In general, though, air warfare should be slightly retarded in our RP. The two wars that "proved" the concept of aerial warfare - the Italo-Turkish war of 1911-12 and the Balkan Wars of 1912-13 didn't provide the "proof of concept" needed for mass adoption. Right now no one should be much beyond the idea of scouting and dropping grenandes. But that could change quickly...)

See the OOC thread.

Posting as the United States

November 6th, 1912Princeton, New JerseyIt was well after midnight, but champagne corks popped, and a loud but lighthearted buzz filled the ballroom at the Princeton Student Union. After months of hard work, Democratic Party activists congratulated themselves at having done the impossible.

They had not only defeated the Republicans; they had defeated an incumbent President - Teddy Roosevelt.

Roosevelt had been partly to blame for his own downfall. Having broken the taboo against running for a third term, Roosevelt had easily beaten long-time Democratic favourite William Jennings Bryan in 1908. But by 1908, Bryan was getting old and - more importantly - had long since exhausted the patience of the America people with his antics. In 1896 and 1900, he had been fresh; but by 1908 he was yesterday's news. When he had been an orator for the ages, a firebrand preacher from the Great Plains, people were willing to overlook his excesses. But by 1908 the magic was gone, and even Roosevelt's controversial decision to buck tradition and run for his third term had not been enough to save the old soldier.

But 1912 saw a new face: Dr. Thomas Woodrow Wilson. Not an gifted orator like Bryan, Wilson was something neither Roosevelt nor Bryan had been - a gentleman and a scholar. Phi Beta Kappa in spite of dyslexia, his personal tale of perseverance moved the nation, even while his Ivy League credentials and Virginian aristocratic bearing made him seem classier than his Yankee sportsman adversary. From his post as Governor of the State of New Jersey he was able to match Teddy Roosevelt's Rose Garden campaign with one of his own, and many people sided with Wilson rather than vote to give the President a fourth term in office."Four terms? Heck, we'd might as well elect him King."

- Anonymous Iowa FarmerIt had been close, but late in the evening the returns from the Bible Belt had cinched it. Woodrow Wilson became the 27th President of the United States.OOC: Foillowing in the footsteps of Boghimia in France and Relative Liberty in Russia, I decided to post for the U.S., even if in doing so I've made a major decision for that country.

Why Wilson (a President I personally despise) over Roosevelt (a man I admire)? Two reasons: Income Tax


Selective ServiceWithout these things, America will cease to exist by 1940. Roosevelt could have never passed them (and would have never tried). Wilson could (and will).

May the ghosts of the millions of African-Anericans whose lives were destroyed by Jim Crow (which came into being under his Presidency, with his support) forgive me.

OOC: <Puts on righteous smackdown gloves> ;)

Bombers were contemplated (by Russia, mainly).
The Italians had a bomber by 1914 that were more than a fighter throwing a grenade out...just an FYI.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caproni_Ca.1

ooc. I'll scrap it then...

May 1st, 1912Sarajevo, Bosnia and HercegovinaMuslim Men Wanted

Muslim men who have met their active duty requirement are wanted for volunteer service in the Near East. A bonus will be paid for men fluent in Arabic.

The term of service is one year, with re-enlistment permitted; men may be released from service early if family or personal circumstances require. Bonus remuneration will be provided for a pilgrimage to Mecca either during or at the end of the term of service.

General Aqui stood in the high sea tower overlooking the port city of Cancun. The sun had risen only two hours ago and was only just above the horizon, it gave a deep gold and orange color to the city in the waking hours of the day.

A man in a deep black suit appeared at the General's side. "Beautiful is it not? Es el sol que sube en el Imperio mexicano."

"Si, it does indeed rise on the Empire. Are all the preperations ready? All men and ships accounted for?" asked Aqui earnestly. The young man smiled. "Si general, all is ready as the Emperor requested. Not only that but we have an extra four el mercader grande envía."

The General smiled. "Good, then we can bring at least four more brigades. Send a messege to Mexico city, and report this to the Emperor."

"Si General. Adios." The young man disapeared again.

"Soon...very soon, nos tocará a nosotros," the general said to himself.

May 25th, 1912Jiddah, the HejazDr. Musil sat in the antechamber, dressed in Bedouin garb ( http://muzeum.vyskov.cz/musil/1898.jpg). This was not at all unusual for the scholar, who had been all over the region in his studies. Nor was it cheap showmanship, for Dr. Musil was not only a scholar, but an honorary Bedouin chief – and in not one but two of the region’s largest tribes (the Ruala and Beni Sachr).

A robed vizier emerged from the inner chambers of the palace in Jiddah. He beckoned the Czech scholar to enter.

Within the richly furnished and well-lit chambers was an man in his thirties. He smiled when he saw Dr. Musil; spreading his arms wide, he approached the European, and they embraced in a traditional Bedouin greeting.

“My beloved Musa er-Rweili!” said Husayn ibn Ali, Sharif of Mecca. “It is good to see you again!”

“And it is good to see you, my dear friend” replied the scholar. Then he smiled slyly. “I have a gift…”

He motioned to the vizier, who disappeared into the antechamber and returned a moment later with one of Dr. Musil’s men – a Bosnian Moslem, also dressed in Bedouin’s robes. He carried a cage with a colourful silk shawl draped over it.

The Emir’s face lit up with undisguised glee. Carefully, he lifted a corner of the shawl and glanced underneath. Within was a reddish-brown hunting falcon, with many white spots in its tail. Among the Arabs, these birds were fabled to be best of breed.

“Trained?” asked the Emir.

“Of course not,” said Sheikh Musa, as the Bedouin called him, with a devious smile. “Would I spoil your pleasure?”

Husayn chuckled. “You must be trying to bribe me, my dear Musa.”

“Actually,” said Dr. Musil, now serious, “I am here to help. Shall we walk?”

As the two men walked together in the courtyard, where fountains played, Dr. Musil explained his mission. He had 1,100 men in Haifa, under a Bosnian Moslem NCO who had been brevetted to command rank; he could bring 800 of them to Jiddah, along with enough arms – including machine guns and pack artillery – to train and outfit 5,000 men.

“Too long has that dog Ibn Sa'ud ( http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/28/RGS_MiddleEast_08.JPG/431px-RGS_MiddleEast_08.JPG) controlled Mecca. He took advantage of the Turks’ misadventures in Europe to assault the Holy City; now it is time to take it back,” said Musil, “And crush the Saudis once and for all.”

“Why does your Emperor and King wish to do this?” asked Husayn, squinting slightly to display suspicion, although it was mostly for show. Their past history had long since established their trustworthiness to each other.

“Because we do not believe that these lands should be governed by anybody but the Arabs. Yes, you owe allegiance to Istanbul – but my colleagues there are attempting to persuade the Turks to embrace the Arabs as partners and rely more on Arab officials to rule Arab lands,” offered Dr. Musil. “To do this, they will need allies – capable and powerful allies. I believe that helping you helps them – and us. We want a strong Moslem state in the Middle East, as a partner and ally.”

“I see. So you propose to send troops to help us?” asked the Emir.

“We propose to send troops to help train your army in the use of modern weapons and tactics. But you are far better experts in the ways of the desert than we could ever be, so when the fighting comes we will back you up – but the main responsibility of carrying the battle will be yours,” said the Czech. “Not that you mind exacting revenge on the Saudis with your own hands, I would imagine.”

“No,” agreed Husayn. “Not at all. Not at all.”OOC: BTW, I'm not the man who came up with the nickname of “Lawrence of Moravia” for Dr. Alois Musil (http://muzeum.vyskov.cz/musil/klobas_en.htm). He was Lawrence's rival, although this is not well known in the West.

If you base your understanding of the Arab Revolt on the classic David Lean movie, you're in for a surprise. Because Husayn's middle son, Faisal, bore the same name of the King of Saudi Arabia at the time of the film's release, most people mistakenly believe that it was the Saudis with whom Lawrence allied himself. It was not: it was Husayn, Sharif (or Emir) of Mecca, whose issue would become the Hashemite Dynasty of Jordan.

General Aqui continued to smoke his cigar, contrary to the fact that the Consul sitting accross from him was turning green.

"So the Emperor sent his Imperial Guard Lancers?" he asked.

"That is correct General. All 20,000 of us. I hope you have room?"

"Si my dear Consul, si. We have aquired several more ships and now have quite the flotilla. We are waiting for but two more large cargo ships and more supplies to arrive. Oh, and of course the Emperor's message that we may proccede"

"Very well, then I will see to my men." The Imperial Guard Consul stood and left the room.

Aqui took a long drag from his cigar. "Cubans are the best cigar makers..."

August, 1912Jiddah, the HejazA small barracks had been set up within the city walls for 1.Battailon Bosnisches Freiwilligerinfanterieregiment, a force of roughly 400 men. More soldiers arrived every week, but in the meantime the men who were present, dressed in tropical whites, were working with the conscripts from among the hadar of Jiddah, training them in the use of the Steyr-Mannlicher M1895 (http://world.guns.ru/rifle/steyr_m95.jpg) and the Schwarzlose M7/12 (http://www.kuk-ir97.com/jpg/Schwarzlose_by_Frodo.jpg). Selected Bedouin forces loyal to the Sharif, on the other hand, were induced into service with offers of a Mannlicher-Schönauer (http://www.gunboards.com/forums/uploaded/JPS/2004122116847_M1903%20Greek%20M-S%20&%20M1903-14%20M-S%20Full%20View%20R.JPG) hunting rifle and a Steyr M1912 (http://carbinesforcollectors.com/ah3.jpg) automatic pistol, as well as a small stipend for continuing service. Finally, a small number of men were trained to use Skoda’s 75mm pack gun (http://riv.co.nz/rnza/hist/local/images/skoda2b.jpg), of which a handful were available.

The remainder of the Bedouin tribesmen were called into service and ordered to begin raids into the Nejd, the Arabian peninsula’s central uplands and principal territory of the House of Saud. In these raids, they were directed to carry off as much food and livestock as possible; it was expected that they would keep this plunder for themselves and not return, but at least the raids would both weaken and disperse the Saudis in defence of their own lands.Jerusalem, PalestineHaving received permission from the Porte to take over the training of Arab conscripts in Palestine and organise them into distinct Arab divisions, the 600 or so soldiers of 2.Battaillon Bosnisch-Hercegovinisches Infanterieregiment Nr.2 began to intensively train these men in mobile infantry tactics, following the k.u.k. model. But here, instead of using Czech and Austrian weapons, the rifles, machine guns, and artillery were drawn from those left behind by the Porte in Albania. Over the course of the next six months, enough arms were shipped in through Haifa to outfit two full army corps of three divisions each.OOC: I believe that The Andromedan granted me permission to take over the training of his troops in Palestine, Syria, and Mesopotamia, with an eye towards reorganising these divisions as Arab formations (rather than Turkish ones).

The idea is that Arab troops will be more likely to be better recieved by the locals than Turkish formations. It helps the Arabs to think of themselves more as partners of the Turks under the Porte, rather than simple subjects. It will also pose fewer problems for the Porte when and if these units get used further south, in the Arabian peninsula (where Turkish soldiers - who are more accustomed to life in mountains and cities - would be more poorly acclimated anyway).

If I misunderstood your wishes, TA, please correct me and I'll modify or strike this last section of the post.

Soldiers were loaded onto the train, bound for Gorazde. The troopers had rallied at Dresden acording to the Führer's order. Gorazde was south-east of Sarajevo, and they would march from there to reinforce the frontline. The caravan of railroad cars began with an armoured car mounting large guns, then the locomotive and the train cars and at last another locomotive and armoured car. As the last soldiers of the battalions stepped aboard the train slowly began to move.
This scene would be repeated until a full division had been sent down to Gorazde.

Message from Airmarshall Fukuoka to General Fukuoka, Supreme Regent etc. etc.

After a review of the desires of you and the army, I have made my
conclusion. It is simply not possible to construct a long range "bomber". We
haven't got the technology to build it, and as far as I know noone in the
world has it. A simple alternative would be the so called Zeppelin. We have a
few "Lighter-than-air" aircraft in our navy and Army for scouting and a good
battleview, but not for attack purposes. A zepplin as a large range and can
carry a fairly large load. It is however, much slower than a plane and
probably easier to hit.

Greetings,
Airmarshall Fukuoka

"Si General, another 30 merchant ships have been loaded," said the major. One of General Aqui's staff members stood at attention before his desk, giving him a report on the most recent of naval issues.

"Good. Tell the merchants that it is for the good of the Empire, and that they will be payed in full for any losses they may forsee in our using their ships during the trading season," said General Aqui.

"Yes sir, I will."

"Good, now tell me again what ships we have," said Aqui, he leaned in his chair.

"We have 78 200m long merchant vessels, 23 large shipping barges, 18 military transport ships, 8 cruisers, 5 Dreadnoughts, 1 Lion-class Battleship," said the major. "Enough sir, that all men of the 1st Army can be loaded within two days time, and be read to ship off in three days."

"Good, good. Get me as many more merchant vessels as you can for our supplies."

"Yes sir," the major left to fulfill his duties.

"We have 78 400m long merchant vessels...”<Historical police siren>

400m ... 400m ... 400m ... How long is that?

<click-click-clikkety-click>

Holy ____! Those merchant ships are over 1300’ long!

From the Smithsonian Institution’s “Encyclopedia Smithsonian” entry on the RMS Titanic ( http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/titanic.htm) (launched in 1912, so considered – along with her sister ship, RMS Olympic, state-of-the-art in shipbuilding): length overall: 882.5 feetWhen did Mexico build the 78 largest ships in the world?

You’ve got to mean 400’ – and even that is big by the standards of the day.

OOC: Consider it corrected.

"The first flotilla has been sent General, as you ordered. 50 merchant ships, all military transports, 10 heavy cargo ships, 4 cruisers, and 3 Dreadnoughts; all in all, we have managed to transport all of 1st Army's 1st and 2nd corps as well as small elements of the 3rd."

"Good, I noticed some pleasure cruise ship in the bay; our they ours?"

"Yes General, the emperor managed to send us three large liners from northern Mexico; the report says that he had a mexican merchant rent them from an American Sea company. They're not the Titanic, but the logistics staff say that we can cram 5,000 on each."

"Good, send a quick messege to the flotilla telling them they are to go full speed. I gave Captain Rendarouz other orders as well. See to it that he impliments them."

"Yes General."

-20 Days-

Highly Encrypted Message to His Majesty's Government of Great Britain, via the Japanese Embassador

Dear sirs,

We would like to propose a further strengthening of the bonds between our
two countries. We are both Island nations, great and powerfull, and both
Major Powers in Asia. It would be wise if we would become close friends,
even allies. For the skae of both our nations, it would be great.

My Emperor wishes to greet His Majesty.

Greetings,
Supreme Regent Fukuoka, in name of the Council of Regents and the Emperor-to-be

ooc. This will change nothing in my war with CHina, at least not in the beginning.

"The third flotilla left as ordered at 2300 hours General," said the major. He once again stood at attention in front of General Aqui.

"Very good. We now have 2/3rds of my army on the water and moving, when is the first group set to arrive?" asked the General.

The major looked down on a clip board. "According to my calculations the first ship group should arrive at the port within three days. The second in 7, and this third one in 18 days."

"Good, and we will be leaving with the last and final one. What news of those three large liners we have now?" the general asked again, it had become a continous question over the past few weeks.

"Because we stripped out everything other than the essentials, Logistics was able to recalculate, and we are now able to transport some 2,300 men on each. Along with that sir, we recieved another 20 military transports from the Emperor's dry dock up north."

"Good, inform me when we are ready to send the final group."

"Si General."

The order to mobilize the army had been sent earlier this afternoon, and divisions were sent by train to Saarbrücken to exercise before they would be redeployed to the Balkans.
Former Unteroffizer, now Feldwebel, von Reichenau had been summoned to instruct the cavalry units in the art of raiding and reconaissance.

Highly Encrypted Message to His Majesty's Government of Great Britain, via the Japanese Embassador

Dear sirs,

We would like to propose a further strengthening of the bonds between our
two countries. We are both Island nations, great and powerfull, and both
Major Powers in Asia. It would be wise if we would become close friends,
even allies. For the skae of both our nations, it would be great.

My Emperor wishes to greet His Majesty.

Greetings,
Supreme Regent Fukuoka, in name of the Council of Regents and the Emperor-to-be

ooc. This will change nothing in my war with CHina, at least not in the beginning.

To: The Empire of Japan
From: Great Britain

While we recognize your strength and similarities to our empire, we are notinterested in any alliance at this time. Parhaps in the future we could reconsider.

Sorry, we do not want to get drawn into any foreign conflict.

From: La 3eme Republique Francaise
To: The British Empire

We would like to know your oppinion of an alliance between our two nations.
As the nations possesing the largest colonial empires in the world, the
friendship between France and Britain seems only natural. Please deliver your
answer to our ambassador in London.
Latiatis, I had sent this one week ago. Could you please answer? Negatively, positively, it doesn't matter. Just answer.

Latiatis, I had sent this one week ago. Could you please answer? Negatively, positively, it doesn't matter. Just answer.
OOC: I’m so sorry, I didn’t see your post.

IC:
To: The French Republic
From: The British Empire

The British may be interested in an alliance, though we want to know what is in it for us. We have every alliance out there trying to pull us in with them, what does your nation have for us?

From: La 3eme republique Francaise
To The British Empire

The French Republic is simply trying to maintain the status quo in
Europe and in the colonies. Since Britain has no significant interest on the
continent, and is the greatest colonial power, the preservation of the current
situation would benefit both of us.

Britain and France have the largest colonies in the world, so we are the prime
targets of all the new powers emerging now, such as China, Germany or
Japan. An alliance would help strengthen our position outside Europe and
protect us against any possible agresor.

We hope you will see the truth and honesty in our letter and respond
accordingly.

OOC: The previous player of France had an agressive behaviour, but I'm simply trying to maintain France's position in the world. I will not involve you in any outside adventures, so be assured I will not repeat Defuniak's blunders.

The ministry of war orders general Henri-Philippe Petain to conduct
military exercises in the Haguenau-Thionville area, with the purpose of
testing his defensive strategy. If they prove succesfull, they will be adopted
by the entire French army. For the duration of the exercise, general Petain is
authorized to call on any number of reservists, depending on his needs.

Signed
Etienne, ministre du guerre

OOC: Where is it that I can find an accurate world map of our current time period?

OOC: Where is it that I can find an accurate world map of our current time period?
Try this site. It contains many historical maps.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/map_sites/hist_sites.html

OOC: Where is it that I can find an accurate world map of our current time period?

OCC: Try a Google Image Search. It should pull up something similar to our current world map.

ICC:

Offical Proclimation of the Swedish Ministry of War

After several months of rigourous testing and analyzation at weapons facilities in Uppsala, Stockholm and Karlstad, it has been decided by our own authorities and His Majesty King Wilhelm I, that the 'Svensk Automatisk Gevär' is to be adopted by the Swedish Army for general purpose battelfield use.

The limited production of 10,000 of these rifles, designated AG-01's, is schedueled to begin by June 1914 and will not be completed until July 1915. Upon the completion of the entire order, the I, II and IV Fördelningen, along with Alpine units of the III Fördelningen will be issued the completed order and will be properly trained on how to effectively fire and maintain the AG-01.

Furthermore, the AG-01 is only to be operated by 10 men per company as a mobile suppresive-fire weapon, unless otherwise specified by the Ministry of War at a later specified date.

Along with the weapon itself, 1,500,000 6.5mm cartridges are to be produced as well, once the design for the ammunition in question has been purchased from the Japanese Government. This order is expected to be fufilled by Early 1915.

We thank all members of the Swedish Army who have participated in the testing and/or analyzation of the AG-01 and sincerly hope that with this weapon, the Swedish Army will be able to successfully complete its objectives in future times.

Signed,

King Wilhelm I
Lord Protector and Ruler of Sweden

Johannes Kruger
Minister of War

Överbefälhavaren Karl Meckelnburg
Supreme Commander of the Swedish Army


OCC:

Just for reference, I will post the specifacations for the AG-01:


http://world.guns.ru/rifle/avs36-2.jpg


Caliber: 6.5 x 50mm
Overall Length: 1200mm
Barrel Length: 580 mm
Wieght: 4kg empty
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Action: Gas operated, Open Bolt
Rate of Fire: 500 rounds per minute

OOC: No, I mean as in a world map with us in it. Like what we all own and such.

OOC: No, I mean as in a world map with us in it. Like what we all own and such.To the best of my knowledge the only things that have changed from a standard 1912 vintage map are some borders in the Balkans and the incorporation of Cuba into the United States as a territory.

To the best of my knowledge the only things that have changed from a standard 1912 vintage map are some borders in the Balkans and the incorporation of Cuba into the United States as a territory.
Alsace-Lorraine has been returned to France.

Secret telegram to Rome

The French governement proposes a secret alliance treaty between Italy and
France. After the signing of this treaty, Italy would formally remain a member
of the Grand Alliance, but would secretly pledge to join on the side of France
in the eventuality of a conflict involving our country. In exchange, we are
ready to recognise the Italian interests in Abyssinia and disregard the letter
for aid we have recheved form Emperor Menelek II. Italy would also be
obliged by our treaty to stop fortifying its border with France, since this can
be perceived as a hostile act.

Signed
Aristide Briand, foreign minister

Secret telegram to Paris

The Italians will not join the French in a secret alliance. We have too much to lose by siding with France and too little to gain.

Signed
King Victor Emmanuel III

I was going to have a nice IC to go with this, but I'm too tired...my mind just doesn’t want to work right now.

OOC: The alternative proposal was a NAP. What about it?

OOC: The alternative proposal was a NAP. What about it?
OOC: I didn’t see that post by you, so I will simply respond out of character to it.

I do not wish to involve Italy in any binding agreement outside of my alliance with the Grand alliance [mainly with the close Italian allies of Spain and the Duel Monarchy].

~~~

You wont get an Italo-French alliance. I more or less view France of this period as one of the "have" countries trying to hold back the "have-nots" such as Italy and you've shown yourself to be just the same as this France by using Abyssinia to bargain with.

Don't take it personally, I more or less regard Britain to be the same way, I'm only waiting right now to see which way Latiatis will go with his empire.

The port city was fairly small compared to Cancun. Lieutenant-General Martinez, one of General Aqui's corp commanders, stood on a hill outside of the small city and was looking out over the plains around the city. So far two of the Mexican flotillas had landed, no enemy forces had been seen, and the local population had been very friendly. Their spanish dialect was strange and very different from the spanish of Mexico, but Martinez's men were still able to communicate with them, trade for food and good.

So far the 1st and Second Brigades, along with the 3rd which had arrived the day before, had landed. General Aqui, who would be arriving with the last group of ships, had given Martinez the over-all command of the Mexican forces until he arrived, giving him the responsibility to settle the men and prepare them for combat and the initial offensive when they went on campaign.

Martinez looked out over to the west and looked at the endless forest of tents and cooking fires. "Soon, we'll be ready," he said to himself. With that he walked back over the crest of the hill to where his private command tent was.

OOC: I do not wish to involve Italy in any binding agreement outside of my alliance with the Grand alliance [mainly with the close Italian allies of Spain and the Duel Monarchy].OOC: A very good policy. I broke with it in agreeing to NAP's with Serbia, Montenegro, and Roumania and ended up with no shortage of hardship for it. I don't regret the Serbo-Montenegrin NAP (as a confidence-building measure), but if I had to do it over again I would probably have tried to find a way around the Roumanian NAP (I wanted to demobilise my army to lessen the adverse economic impact of having 2.5 million men pulled out of my workforce; BTW, has Roumania taken into account that, from April through July, it essentially has been working with an excruciating shortage of labour within its agricultural sector?).

The danger of making an NAP with a non-ally is that the non-ally will attack an ally and hold you to the NAP. I had to make it clear that I would not continue to honour the NAP if Greece was attacked once Greece became a member of the Grand Alliance, but that still means breaking a treaty...

The order to mobilize the armed forces came 17:00 today, and the three rally pounts were chosen; Karlsruhe, Saarbrücken and Stuttgart, and the High Seas fleet was rebased to Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven, now renamed Mannfredshaven. The mobilization would be finished within a few weeks, as Germany had always practiced a quick moblization to end the war as soon as possible.

The order to mobilize the armed forces came 17:00 today, and the three rally pounts were chosen; Karlsruhe, Saarbrücken and Stuttgart, and the High Seas fleet was rebased to Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven, now renamed Mannfredshaven. The mobilization would be finished within a few days, as Germany had always practiced a quick moblization to end the war as soon as possible.See the OOC thread on mobilisation (general comments).

Telegram to the French government:
Your nation has recently acted aggresive in an unaccetable manner, threatening several European nations and preparing invasions against fellow Europeans. We will give you one last chance to redeem yourself; return the Alsace-Lorraine that was given to you to secure peace in Europe.

I am announcing my resignation from Age of Imperialism. I haven't been active and have just been taking up a country someone more interested could RP. I am bogged down in other RP's right now, and cannot keep track of such a long RP thread. As my last act, Holland will mobilize as part of the Grand Alliance, and will be the proxy of the Grand Alliance players until another RPer may be found.

Telegram to the French government:
Your nation has recently acted aggresive in an unaccetable manner, threatening several European nations and preparing invasions against fellow Europeans. We will give you one last chance to redeem yourself; return the Alsace-Lorraine that was given to you to secure peace in Europe.
OOC: What a surprise! :)

IC: Later that day
From: La 3eme Republique Francaise
To: The Russian Empire

My dear friends, the German Reich has recently threatened us in an
unacceptable manner, demanding two historically French provinces. We ask
that you respect your treaty of alliance and come to our aid.

From: La 3eme Republique Francaise
To: The British Empire

My dear friends, the German Reich has adressed us an ultimatum, demanding
two of our provinces. It is in your interest to limit the growth of the German
power, so we ask that you help us by limiting the moves of the German
navy. If the Germans will not see the light of reason and decide to attack,
we're ready to recognise British claims for all the German colonies and help
you in aquiring them.

From: La 3eme Republique Francaise
To: The Dual Monarchy, Italy and Spain

Your alliance with Germany is a purely defensive one. We hope you won't join
them in this war of agression and remain neutral throughout this conflict.

The French governement orders the mobilisation of all the able-bodied men,
for the defense of our motherland. We will not stand idle while greedy foreign
powers threaten us.
OOC: One third of my army is already mobilised in north-eastern France with general Petain. We need to establish the date. I believe it's the summer of 1912, since RL used the Balkan Wars as a pretext for positioning his troops close to my border, but an exact date would be better. In real life, the answer to my telegrams should come in 24 hours, so, until I get a reply from all of them, I'll freese my moves. I expect Germany to do the same.

See the OOC thread.

ooc: Narodna this aint the place i realise but i just wanna ask if u could add EmperorsChampion666@hotmail.com if u got msn messenger. i will delete this in a minute or 2

Secret IC to Berlin

While the Italian military is nothing great, we will support you in your war with France. In my eyes the land is German and should return to German hands.

I have already prepared troops to defend Italy from the French forces, however, at your command I will fully mobilize.

From: The French Republic
To: The Kingdom of Italy

Italy will not join the conflict if you surrender to Italy the territories of Corsica, madagascar, French Somaliland and Tunis.

Lets see how this goes.

From: La 3eme Republique Francaise
To: The British Empire

My dear friends, the German Reich has adressed us an ultimatum, demanding
two of our provinces. It is in your interest to limit the growth of the German
power, so we ask that you help us by limiting the moves of the German
navy. If the Germans will not see the light of reason and decide to attack,
we're ready to recognise British claims for all the German colonies and help
you in aquiring them.

To: The French Republic
From: The British Empire

The British would much rather keep out of this. If we go to war with the Germans our fleet would likely be destroyed.

Good luck.
-Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary


I guess I better begin conscrition, just in case.

OOC: British Fleet destroyed? i don't think any Bitish man in the navy thought that way...but thats just what i think

IC:
To: The French Republic
From: The Kingdom of Spain

Germany gave the land to gain France in the Grand alliance, now you have thrown that in there face, and in my eye all of the Grand alliance nation's faces, we will support Germany in any way needed.

ooc. Is it 1915 now? Or 1912?

General Fukuoka had watched the growing tension in Europe with mixed feelings. It would certainly draw some attention away from Asia. Japan could make use of that...

He would order the first stage "mobilization". The frontline forces would be "activated" and occupy positions. If a full blown war starts in Europe, the Second Stage Mobilization will commence. All forces will activate and occupy positions, board the transports etc. Then operation Flower Blossom would commence, and China would finally come under Japanese control!

Message to all units of the Imperial Japanese Army

Activate Frontline troops and occupy positions-stop-be ready to march-stop-situation in Europe is escalating-stop-For the Emperor!

General Fukuoka

Message to the Japanese Imperial Fleet

Increase patrols in the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea and the East Chinese Sea-stop-be ready to leave port at our message-stop-For the Emperor!

Admiral Yoshikuno

OOC: I believe it's 1915, though I could be wrong.

OOC: As Bogie pointed out, because you used the Balkan Wars as pretext for your mobilisation, it must be 1912.

ooc. 1912...see the ooc thread.

Der Ballplatz, ViennaTo: The Third Republic of France
From: The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and
the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen

The Kaiser Wilhelm II offered France the provinces of Alsace and
Lorraine in return for guarantees of peace. France was asked to join
the Triple Alliance, which would be renamed the Grand Alliance and
extended from the Artic Circle to Gibraltar and the English Channel to
the Aegean Sea. Wilhelm’s vision was that this great communiity,
through its overwhelming might, would then carry forward his great
life’s work, the maintenance of Europe’s present peace and prosperity,
for generations to come.

France has betrayed the late Kaiser’s legacy by reneging on its
promises, leaving the Alliance, threatening its neighbours. As a
point of honour, Germany is entitled to demand the return of that
which it surrendered to France in good faith, in return for faithless
promises and Gallic treachery.

We therefore insist that France capitulate to Germany’s demands, as
the price of its dishonour, and Corsica to Italy, as further
punishment for its treachery. If France does these things, the Dual
Monarchy will call upon its allies to stay their hands, and France may
yet escape without grave injury.

If France remains intransigent, on the other hand, the Dual Monarchy
will do nothing to restrain the anger of the Grand Alliance, and will
indeed supply them with whatever arms or supplies they may ask for in
their quest for justice.

My Dear Nicholas

You have, no doubt, seen our note to France. We truly believe that
France has dishonoured the memory of your late cousin, who - as you
know - took a great risk in giving up Alsace and Lorraine in exchange
for peace. Many of in his army and among his Junkers were angered at
his decision, but as we both know, he did what he did for the sake of
peace.

Thus we believe it only just and proper that France pay for its
betrayal, and we believe that you should support Germany in its quest
for justice.

We have heard that you have entered into an alliance with France in
exchange for technical assistance in the improvement of your
artillery. While artillery is valuable, Russia’s honour is worth so
much more. Artillery, after all, can be acquired anywhere - but
honour, once lost, is hard to regain.

Moreover, you must know that, as a member of the Grand Alliance, we
must defend our Germany allies. Yes, it is absolutely true that
neither the Dual Monarchy nor any other member of our community is
required to take up arms against France in support of a redress of
its grievances. But if Russia intervenes, our promises and those of
all of our allies will be binding, and worse than that, all
of those members of the Grand Alliance who refuse to take up arms
against France will be required to bend their energies toward the
defence of Germany - at Russia’s expense.

I do not say these things - indeed, I wish I did not have to say them
at all - to threaten you, my dear Nicholas, but to simply make clear
the sad realities of our situation. I implore you not to let France’s
betrayal become Russia’s misfortune.

My uncle has ordered his Foreign Minister to dispatch a delegation to
Petrograd to discuss the situation. They are empowered to compensate
Russia for any loss it may take from the cessation of its relationship
with France, including a promise of alliance to replace the one you
now have with Paris. Let the demagogues of the Third Republic suffer
what they deserve; perhaps good will come of it, in so far we may pray
that France emerge from this situation with a better government than
the one they have today.

Your Dear Friend, Franz FerdinandPetrograd, Russia“You expect us to abandon our French allies?” cried the Russian Foreign Minister. “And then you have the nerve to speak of Russia’s honour?”

“France sought an alliance with you only to lure you into treachery,” replied Duglas Graf von Thun und Valsássina, the k.u.k. Ambassador to Russia. “They could have simply sold you the artillery you wanted – we would have done that, if you asked us. But they demanded an alliance.”

Baron von Thun continued softly. “Do you know that France has also sought alliances with Britain and Italy? Britain, we can forgive – but they actually had the nerve to ask Italy if it would sign a secret alliance with them while pretending to still be faithful to the Grand Alliance!”

“Can you blame them? You have them surrounded!” replied the Russian Foreign Minister.

“Good sir, keep in mind,” said von Thun, “That we offered them membership in the Grand Alliance – which they accepted, I might add. But this acceptance was treacherous: they only wanted to get back Alsace and Lorraine, at any price.”

“As soon as they had back their provinces,” the diplomat continued, “They quit the alliance and began to threaten their neighbours. Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Portugal...” He shook his head. “This is what the Grand Alliance was meant to prevent – aggression on the European continent, which could set the whole of Europe at war with itself.”

“And what is Germany doing?” asked the Foreign Minister hotly.

“It is true,” said the Ambassador, “That we would have preferred that Germany find a better way to win a redress of its grievances. And it is also true that – like you – we were not consulted by our German allies.” He paused a moment before continuing. “Keep in mind that, like us, you are still formally Germany’s ally, too. This is a fight between two of your allies, not just one in which your ally is beset by a natural rival or enemy of your great empire.”

He continued softly. “Do you know what the last straw was for Germany? It was the treachery with Italy. That France took Alsace and Lorraine and then violated its sacred promises - that is bad enough. That it threatened its neighbours, disrupting the tranquillity of Europe and causing the members of the Grand Alliance to repeatedly place their armies on alert, a great cost to their treasuries and great disruption to the lives of their citizens, that is worse.”

The Baron then shook his head. “But when France, frustrated by its failure to expand at its neighbours’ expense, sought to break up the Grand Alliance that brings us all security, and sought to encircle Germany instead, that was what forced Germany’s hand. What has Germany done to merit such treatment from France?” he asked. “Germany made a magnanimous gesture in the name of peace, and France answered that gesture by attempting to strip Germany of her allies and encircle her.”

“Out of self-defence!” offered the Russian Foreign Minister. “France needs allies...”

“All of whom just happen to surround Germany?” von Thun replied with a gesture of disbelief. “How many times has Germany threatened France? Just once – when France threatened Belgium. Who else has threatened France? Nobody, except in response to France’s own schemes. So why does France want to encircle Germany? I can only think of one reason, and that is because Paris has not given up its Napoleonic dreams of grandeur. It is time they did, and Germany will make them.”

“Let it be,” he finished. “Accept our offer of alliance, let us provide the assistance that France offered you, and let us – together – counsel our German ally to treat France mercifully once it has been chastised. There is an excellent chance,” added the ambassador, “That a Russian proclamation of agreement with Germany’s cause will force France to capitulate without a fight, and that is something to be wished for fervently.”

“It would be better if Germany relented,” said the Russian Foreign Minister stubbornly.

“Would France then set aside its scheming?” said the Ambassador. “No. This Poincaire and his clique are the cause of the trouble. Or perhaps just the symptom – I am not sure. Let them reap the harvest of their misdeeds, by losing what they gained through their lies. It will bring their government down, and then we can urge Germany to stay its hand. Under a new government, France may be willing to re-enter the community of nations. And if Russia helps us do this, I believe that Russia would deserve a place in the Grand Alliance.”

Petrograd, RussiaGrand Duke Nicholas Nicholaevich Romanov scowled at the War Minister. “What is it that you wanted me to see?” he said sharply.

Without a word, the War Minister handed him a piece of paper..

The Grand Duke looked at it, and as he read it, he scowl turned into a frown.

“Six weeks to reposition 3rd Army from Odessa to Galicia?” he said sharply. “You’re certain?”

“At a minimum – and it may take longer. If we attack Germany, we go in with just five armies, rather than the six in our model war plan. But that’s not all,” the War Minister replied. He looked sick as he handed a second document to the Grand Duke.

Nicholas read the document, and then reread it.

“This can’t be right,” he said, and now he looked shaken.

“It is,” said the War Minister. “Because the Austrians mobilised in response to Romanian actions in Bulgaria three weeks ago – and remain mobilised – they can strike across our border the minute we begin mobilisation. This means that we can defend Poland only with the standing garrison, which is less than 100,000 men. They will have over a million.”

The War Minister said nothing more. He didn’t have to.

What it meant, simply put, was that the Dual Monarchy could be over Russia’s borders and into its mobilisation areas before Russia could assemble even one of those five western for battle. Three battle ready k.u.k. armies would strike five unprepared, dispersed, and confused Russian armies and – in all likelihood – utterly annihilate them.

Of course, Russia could order the men to assemble at their depots and forego total mobilisation; this would leave most of Russia’s army out of reach of their would-be attackers, But that was just as bad: the Dual Monarchy would then overrun Poland – that was certain – and probably advance to Brest Litovsk before a large enough Russian force could be moved up by rail to stop them. By then, Germany’s Army Group East would have finished mobilisation as well, and would be able to move up to support the Austrians,

Intelligence was estimating that Germany would assemble three field armies facing Poland. If Russia mobilised deep in its own territory and marched up to Brest Litovsk to fight, five – or maybe six – Russian armies would face an equal number of German and k.u.k. armies. It would at best be an even fight, and at best – if Russia gained ground – it would only be recovering territory it had lost the month before.

And that was assuming that the d_mn_d Swedes didn’t join.

“I will inform the Tsar,” Nicholas nodded, “Personally.”

He did not look forward to this.OOC: See the OOC thread.

I think Russia will remain neutral.

Pola, Das KustenlandThe principal anchorage of the k.u.k. Kreigsmarine was a frenzy of activity. One by one, the ships of the Imperial and Royal Fleet put to see, forming up in column of divisions. Every battleship, every cruiser that was stationed at home, and virtually every destroyer – with a couple of exceptions – took to sea. Even the torpedo boats and submarines – except for a small defencive force – made way– some of these rigged up in tow behind larger ships.

From Pola, they steamed south, making way for the broad Ionian Sea. Once they had left, large numbers of support personnel entrained for Toranto, Italy’s main fleet anchorage, where they would augment Italian personnel, thereby transforming the harbour into an base or operations for the joint fleet.

All of this was in accordance with war plans worked out many years earlier, and updated as each navy’s capabilities changed. After all, Italy and the Dual Monarchy had been allies, within the old Triple Alliance, for over 25 years.

Twickenham, EnglandAlbert Graf Mensdorff-Pouilly-Dietrichstein, the k.u.k. Ambassador to Great Britain thanked the cabby – and gave him a generous tip. “Could you come by around 5PM?” The man agreed, and then with a shake of the reins departed in his Hackney for his next fare.

Dietrichstein took his time strolling up the lane, tipping his hat to the groundkeepers and a maid who had come out to converse with them. Arriving at the door, he knocked. A butler opened the door.

“Monsieur?” said the butler, a Frenchman.

The Ambassador presented his card. “I request an audience with His Royal Highness.”

The man bowed, showed him in, and called for a junior servant to fetch him some lemonade. The Baron waited patiently, but he knew that he would not have to wait for long.

The butler returned. “Signeur,” he began, correctly using the more formal title, having read the card, “His Royal Highness will see you in the garden.”

Dietrichstein allowed himself to be lead to a table under a veranda, overlooking a lovely English garden. His host greeted him most warmly, and the sat for tea, with the necessary foods being brought in accompaniment.

“Now, it is moments like this,” said his host, “That I believe the English may have culture.”

The Ambassador chuckled, “Your Highness, this is what they do best. Tea and gardens - taken together, they are the best of what England has to offer.”

His host laughed heartily, and then with a warm smile gave him the necessary opening. “It is not for my tea that you give me the honour of your company,” said Louis-Philippe Robert Duc d'Orléans (http://www.lafayette.150m.com/dream/8679.jpg).

“No, Your Royal Highness,” said the guest, now grave. “It is for the peace of Europe, and the good of your country. I believe the hour has come for you to take back your rightful place in your very troubled homeland.”

“I believe that the hour has arrived for King Phillip VIII to return to the Kingdom of France,” the Baron Dietrichstein said.

Stockholm, Sweden

King Wilhelm I casually set down a yellow telegram on one of the small wooden desks near his leather chair, rubbing his temples as he did so. The recent news in Europe had been negative over the past few months and Wilhelm was starting to get anxious about where the future was headed.

"So your saying that both the French and Germans have mobilized. This is...very troubling."

In front of Wilhelm's seat, the messenger of the telegram, Minister of War, Claës Efraim Günther let out a long, disgruntled sigh, signaling his worry as well.

"Yes, indeed it is. Also, the KUK has already fully mobilized due to tensions in the Balkans. Plus, to make things worse, Russia and the UK both look to be following suit."

With that comment, the King frowned deeply. Wilhelm had always wanted a stable European continent, it had been the prime reason that he had agreed to end Sweden's neutrality and enter the Grand Alliance. But with France stirring things up in the west, it appeared as if that dream would soon be out of grasp.

"It seems the guns of Europe are being primed." Wilhelm camly replied. "It is only a matter of time before something sets them off."

"Which is why I think our own guns should be readied as well." Claës said.

Looking up at the old Minister, Wilhelm grimaced. Although he had an obligation to uphold Sweden's responsibilities in the Grand Alliance, we was unsure whether or not the Swedish Army was prepared to fight a major war. Yes, they had good training and adequate weapons, but compared to other Modern Field Armies, Sweden's was tiny; only a mere 100,000 strong. But it did not matter, Sweden would fight if it had to.

"What do you have in mind." Wilhelm asked, his typical streak of curiosity kicking in.

"Well, Your Excellency" The Minister voiced. "I suggest Sweden partially mobilizes its own armies, something around 40 to 50 thousand regulars and positions them along the Tornealvian River to the north. In the event that Russia intervenes on the behalf of France, we would have the capability to quickly strike into Finland and reclaim lost terrtitories before any sizeable force could mobilize to defend the area. In addition, the Navy and Marines could be positioned in the Gulf of Bothina so as to secure positions on the Finnish coast."

To Wilhelm the plan sounded risky, but was rather attractive. It had been two centuries since Sweden had given up her Finnish territories to the Russians, territories that could prove quite valuble to Sweden if regained. But still, doubts lingered.

"An interesting plan. But what if the Russians decide not to intervene?" Wilhelm asked.

"Then we simply re-organize these forces into an Expeditionary Unit and deploy them to the front in Germany to help our allies. Yes, it would take perhaps a week or two for this transition to occur, but I can assure you that the French will have not moved far by the time Swedish soldiers were placed at the front."

"Are you sure the Germans will let us place our own soldiers upon their soil?"

"Quite certain, Your Excellency. It would be unwise for them to regect our aid when their great Fatherland is at risk of being invaded."

"Indeed. Well then, Mr. Günther, I shall order the mobilization of the forces you have asked for. However, I will not move them until I have a full briefing of both Strategies referenced this evening."

"Of course, My liege. I shall have a full report on your desk by the end of the week."

"Excellent. You are dismissed."

And with that short conversation, Sweden became one step closer to war.

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



[ENCRYPTED]

To: I-III Fördelningen Command Garrisons
From: Central Command

All forces are to be mobilized, effective immeadeately-STOP-

War in Europe imminent-STOP-

-END-



OCC:

Forces to be mobilized

Total Forces Mobilized: 50,000

Method of Mobilization: Reserve System

Date of Mobilization: August(?) 2, 1912

Time Allotted for Mobilization: 15 days

Organization:

1st Army

I. Fördelningen

Corps HQ

Corps units
- II.and VI.Cavalry battalions K4 Norrlands Dragonregiment
- I.20 Vasterbottens Regiment
- I.19 Norrbottens Regiment

VI.Div.
- I5 Jamtlands Faltjagerregiment
- I13 Dalregimentet
- I21 Vasternorrland regiment

V.Div.(in reserve)
- I4 Livgrenadjagerregimente
- I12 Jonkopings-Kalmar Regiment

II. Fördelningen

Corps HQ

Corps units
- II. Meijerfelts dragonregemente and VI.Cavalry Bohusläns regemente
- I.11 Värmlands Regiment
- I.7 Andra livgardet Regiment

III.Div.
- I9 Jamtlands Faltjagerregiment
- I13 Dalregimentet
- I17 Vasternorrland regiment

II.Div.(in reserve)
- I1 Vaxholms grenadjärregemente
- I10 Norra Smålands regemente

III. Fördelningen

VIII. Divisional staff

I31 Infantry Regiment
- Reg.HQ with 13. and 14. Company
* I.Bat.
* II.Bat.
* III.Bat.

I35 Infantry Regiment
- Reg.HQ with 13. and 14. Company
* I.Bat.
* II.Bat.
* III.Bat.

I36 Infantry Regiment
- Reg.HQ with 13. and 14. Company
* I.Bat.
* II.Bat.
* III.Bat.=20

A13 Artillery Regiment
- Reg.HQ=20
* I.Div.
* II.Div.
* III.Div. =20

OOC: Itality did not demand Corsica officially. Their mistake (as it was my mistake not to make sure the entire Bulgarian Royal Family is dead). I also presume Russia won't help me. So...

IC:
Bereft of its friends, France is compelled to accept Germany's demands.
In exchange for Alsace and Lorraine, however, we ask to be received again in
the Grand Alliance. Considering the international situation, it is impossible for
France to realistically threaten another state. The opposite, sadly, is very
much possible. We need this guarantee that our borders will be from now on
respected by all the European nations, as we'll also respect their borders; for
what but clever words are your promisses, as long as they are not part of a
binding treaty?

Signed
Armand Falliers, president du France

-Imperial Message-
From: His Majesty Emperor Agustin II of Mexico
To: The Grand Republic of France

While Europe may be 3,000 miles away from the Empire of Mexico, those events that there take place do affect my nation. I have alliances with Germany, Spain, and Italy; though I am not a full member of the Grand Alliance. From reveiwing the situation I believe that the demands of Germany to regain the two provinces it gave to you is a small price to pay when set next to peace in Europe. However, should you war with Germany, I will support in what-ever manner possible on pretext of my alliance. Good day to you.

-Message End-

OOC: I guess you mean you will support Germany, right?

OOC: Yea...thats what I said....

IC:
“As I expect you have seen, I have recently received word that the Nations of France and Germany have already mobilized their forces.” King Victor Emmanuel said to his Minister of War, Almicare Azzurra “I also have reports of Sweden mobilizing their forces in response to this. Spain, who has been on rough terms with France, has it’s forces on the border with France.”

“Yes your Majesty, I have heard of this. What do you think should be done?”

“I want you to fully mobilize the Italian reserves. “ The King replied “This may be Italy’s best chance to expand our Empire and I don’t want us to lose it.”


To: Kingdom of Spain
From: The Kingdom of Italy

You have been a longtime ally of Italy and in the event that we go to war with France we would like you to be on our side. We are ready to recognize Spanish claims on French held territory.

King Victor Emmanuel III

To: The leader of the Libyan forces
From: King Victor Emmanuel III

I request that you return the armored cars and machine-guns I delivered to you immediately as they may be of some use to the Italian military.

King Victor Emmanuel III

OOC: Exact specifics will be posted tomorrow.

Petrograd, Russia
My Dear Franz,

Our alliance with France predates their decision to provide us
technical assistance in improving our artillery; we merely reaffirmed
the Dual Entente, which – as you know – dates back to 1893. The
abandonment of such an alliance – one of almost twenty years – is
therefore an at of no small significance.

Yes, we are allied with Germany, but when two of our allies disagree,
we must ask ourselves: who is to blame? You see in France’s recent
diplomatic moves a desire to encircle and threaten a Germany that has,
in your eyes, only extended the hand of friendship. But perhaps Paris
has other intentions: an alliance with Great Britain to protect its
overseas colonies from Japanese predation, an alliance with Italy to
secure its precarious position in the Mediterranean.

In light of this, we ask ourselves: why has Germany not sought prior
recourse through diplomacy, as is the proper procedure, in accordance
with the Second Hague Convention – which, as you have pointed out – we
laboured hard to enact? Why is Germany demanding satisfaction at the
point of a gun?

We wonder, too, about the raft of territorial claims against France by
other parties. Mexico has entered the tangle, endorsing Spanish
claims to French land that have nothing to do with the transfer of
Alsace and Lorraine to France by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Italy, as you
yourself state, has advanced a claim to Corsica, as well as – or so we
hear – some of France’s African possessions. What do these demands
have to do with Alsace and Lorraine?

Thus, we are not only led to conclude that honour dictates that we
stand by our French allies, but to ask of you: how does honour permit
you to stand by your German ones?

You admit that Germany did not consult with its allies - or at least
with either your uncle or me, for it does appear to have spoken with
Italy, Spain, and Mexico. What are we to make of an ally who drags us
into a fight without warning?

Then, too there is the issue of mobilisation. You have kindly
refrained from issuing threats, for which I am grateful. Your tact in
asserting merely that you will stand by your ally, Germany, without
explicitly stating that you will war upon us is both admirable and
welcome. Yet we both know that, with an army in the field – which we
lack – you possess a tremendous advantage. Many of my generals
believe that this is deliberate, that you tricked us, and demand
revenge.

But I don’t believe that you tricked us at all. I believe that
Germany tricked you.

Did you not mobilise in response to events in Bulgaria – the same
events that led us to send an army to Odessa? I believe you did, as
the Balkans have regrettably taken up most of your attention for over
a year. So to whom do we owe the felicitous timing of Germany’s
mobilisation and note to France? Why, to Herr Führer von
Richthofen. It would appear that your German allies waited until your
army was in the field, and then began their own mobilisation, knowing
they would be proof against intervention from the East thanks to
yours.

Moreover, Franz, you yourself have personally expressed to me
misgivings about Germany’s intentions. Why are you so sure they are
honourable now? Do you know if Germany really intends
to stay its hand upon the return of Alsace and Lorraine, or will it
simply delay its stroke? Neither of us has an interest in the
destruction of France – but Germany does. Why should we let them act
against our interests?

I beseech you to ask your uncle to stand aside and let us mobilise.
We will then ask that the government in Berlin hold back and negotiate
– indeed, that they whole of the Grand Alliance do so. Only in this
way can we have peace.

Your Dear Friend,
Nicholas

Vienna, Austria
My Dearest Nicholas,

You raise solid points, and I must admit both that I have misgivings
about Germany’s intentions and that our motive in standing behind
Germany is honour. It does seem wrong for us to ask you to
risk your national honour by setting aside an alliance when we
ourselves refuse to do so, does it not?

Yet in truth France concerns me just as much, if not more. The
Poincaire Government has been unspeakably aggressive – this you must
admit, my dear Nicholas – and has so threatened the stability of
Europe. Whatever we may thing of Herr Führer von Richthofen,
however much he may concern us, his actions have not, at least, done
as much damage to the peace of Europe as those of France.

Not that the coming elections make very much difference, I fear. The
opposition have been as willing to wave the sabre as M. Poincaire – or
at least they were until many of their own supporters took to the
streets recently in protest of their belligerence. Would that a sane
and sober monarch sat once more on the throne of France!

If Germany backs down, France will be emboldened. Yes, perhaps if
France backs down, Germany, too, will be emboldened – but we have seen
a greater history of troublemaking from France than Germany. Should
we not at least choose to contain the threat that has shown itself to
be manifest, in preference to mere concern about such a threat?

In either event, I fear that the Grand Alliance and the peace of
Europe will not endure. Thus, whatever happens, at least our two
nations should conspire to stay together rather than come to blows.

Your Friend and Brother,
Franz Ferdinand

Petrograd, Russia
My Dearest Franz,

The threat from Germany, as you yourself have proven in your private
conversations with me, is no less than the threat from France.
Indeed, they are the same threat: the need for either government to
win the support of its “masses” through appeals to their patriotic
urge. It is merely more overt in France, because France has elections
while Germany does not. But Herr Führer von Richthofen must be
just as worried about his grip on power as is M. Poincaire. In
Poincaire’s case, it is the opposition at the ballot box; in
Herr von Richthofen’s case, it is the unspoken but certain
knowledge throughout Germany that his rule is illegitimate.

The truth is that each man needs war to remain in power. One way or
the other, they will both get it.

In light of this, I ask you to consider, not which threat has
manifested itself – for is not Germany’s behaviour here such a
manifestation of aggression – but which threat, once manifest, will be
greater? In this light I believe it better that we rein in Germany
before we rein in France.

Ah, but if we could only be rid of the whole lot of them!

I agree that we should not come to blows over Alsace and Lorraine, nor
let others drive a wedge between us. If Europe becomes a
free-for-all, then it would indeed be better for us to stand beside
each other, rather than measuring swords.

So I ask: Is there some other solution, some way out of this we have
not yet thought of?

Your Dearest Friend,
Nicholas

Vienna, Austria
My Dearest Nicholas,

Perhaps there is a solution to our problem...
OOC: Inspired by the so-called “Willy-Nicky” telegrams of July, 1914 (http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1914/willynilly.html). :D

Der Ballplatz, ViennaThe three ambassadors – from France, Germany, and Russia – were led into the conference room and shown to their places at the table. This particular table was not quite round; it was slightly oval in shape. The four men – for Foreign Minister Bertchold was already waiting in the room, standing next to his chair – were not sitting on the semi-major axes of the oval, but rather at diagonals. This had the effect – ever so slight – of dividing them into pairs.

But the pairings were not the expected ones. The French and German ambassadors sat closer to each other than to the representatives of Russia and the Dual Monarchy, of whom the reverse was true.

Count Bertchold smiled. Politics is all theatre, he thought. The stage is set, so we may now begin the play.

He asked his aides to pass to each man a folder containing a typed document. The Russian received his document, followed by the German and the Frenchman. More theatre.

“This,” the Count began, “Is a proposed settlement, which I will read, one article at a time.”

Article I

Germany shall be entitled to occupy the French provinces of Alsace and
Lorraine. France has 30 days to quit these provinces, after which
they shall be under the military command of Germany. This state of
affairs shall continue for a period of 10 years, after which Germany
will be given 30 days to withdraw, and the provinces will revert to
French military control.
“What?!?” snarled the German ambassador

“I’m sorry,” said Bertchold with a soft smile, “Did I not read the document clearly?”

“Ten years occupation is unacceptable!” the German snapped.

“Nonetheless, there it is,” offered Bertchold, who then cut off any further comment by continuing his reading.

Article II

France shall retain sovereignty over Alsace and Lorraine throughout
the period of German occupation; the provinces will be considered
French territory and be governed under French law. The civil
authorities will be French, and will be selected in whatever fashion
may be prescribed by the laws of France. These authorities may not,
however interfere in any way with Germany’s right to exercise
effective military control over the territories in question; by the
same token, German military authorities may not interfere with the
civil administration of the lands in question.
“In other words, gentlemen, you will have to cooperate,” he said, and before either could say a word, he continued reading.

An exception shall be made with regards to estates, titles, lands, and
privileges held as a matter of birthright; these shall not be taken
from their holders, even where French law may require it, either for
the duration of the German occupation or at any time thereafter. In
addition, and such estates, titles, lands, and privileges that existed
on January 1st, 1911 and have since been erased under French law must
be restored.
The Frenchman gaped. “But we are a Republic! You are asking that titles … titles of nobility … be left alone?!? Impossible!”

“But necessary,” said Bertchold, smiling. “We can’t be disenfranchising nobles merely because of a simple assignment of sovereign rights.” He then kept reading before either one of them could interrupt.

Article III

Neither party, upon quitting Alsace and Lorraine, shall remove its
resources or defences, nor damage it in any way so that it may not be
enjoyed by the other, to whatever extent this Treaty permits.
Furthermore, during its occupation, Germany is obliged to maintain
whatever defences it finds in the province at the start of its
occupation, and return them in substantially the same condition as it
found them. In the event that improvements are made to these defences
during occupation, these improvements may be removed upon departure –
but only so long as removal does not reduce the value of what remains
below what it was at the start of occupation.
“In other words,” commented the Foreign Minister before continuing, “No ruining the place for the other fellow.”

Article IV

France shall be granted membership into the Grand Alliance. This
membership shall be probationary, however. After 10 years and 30
days, France may be permitted to remain in the Alliance with the
unanimous approval of all members of the Alliance at that time.
Neither Frenchman nor German spoke, although the German Ambassador was visibly red.

Count Bertchold continued reading.

Article V

France shall refrain from any behaviour that might be deemed
aggressive, obstructionist, or otherwise disruptive of the peace of
Europe. Furthermore, as a member of the Grand Alliance, it will be
expected to assist its allies in the maintenance of the peace of the
continent and the defense of its allies’ soil. Any failure to live up
to these obligations will constitute a violation of this Treaty.
The French Ambassador began to redden, but the Foreign Minister gave him no time to speak.

Article VI

France shall apologise to the other members of the Grand Alliance for
its recent behaviour, and shall entertain claims of compensation by
the members of the Alliance. Where a claim can not be settled within
6 months to the mutual agreement of both parties, it shall be
submitted to binding arbitration.
Now the Frenchman was now quite visibly red.

Good, thought the Foreign Minister. I’m getting them both upset.

Article VII

Arbitration, where called for, shall be conducted in the following
fashion: first, each side will select an arbitrator entirely of its
own choosing. Where an issue involves multiple parties, those parties
share the choice of an arbitrator. After each side has chosen its
arbitrator, the parties shall agree on a third arbitrator. If they
can not agree on one, it shall be the duty of the Guarantors of this
Treaty to make that choice for them. No arbitrator may be chosen from
a country that is currently a party to any other dispute under this
Treaty

The arbitrators shall sit as a panel and hear both sides to the
dispute, then issue a ruling by majority vote. Their opinion is final
and must be respected by all parties.Bertchold paused for a second to explain. “So, for example, if Italy were to lodge a territorial claim against France, Italy could choose an arbitrator on its own – say, from the Dual Monarchy. France could then choose, say, a Russian arbitrator. Then the two parties could agree upon an American arbitrator. You don’t need to stay within the Grand Alliance in choosing arbitrators,” he concluded. “And I fully well expect that most arbitrators will, in fact, be from places like America, China, or Japan.”

Before anyone had a chance to say anything, he kept reading.

Article VIII

Should any party be accused of violating this Treaty, it shall fall
upon the Guarantors to determine if a violation has in fact occurred.
This shall be done by majority vote. Upon any finding that a party
has indeed violated this Treaty, it shall be the duty of both the
Grand Alliance and the Guarantors to force compliance, and to do so by
any means necessary.

Moreover, in the event of such a finding, said violator shall lose any
and all rights under this Treaty, and – in addition – if a member of
the Grand Alliance, be considered to have its membership in the
Alliance suspended until such time as it falls into compliance.
“Who are these ‘Guarantors’?” asked the German Ambassador suspiciously.

“In a minute,” said the Foreign Minister, who then continued reading.

Article IX

In the case of France and Germany, violation of this Treaty shall
bring an immediate forfeiture of all rights to Alsace and Lorraine.
In the case of Germany, this would mean immediate return of the
provinces to France; in the case of France, this would mean total and
permanent forfeiture of all rights to the provinces, which would then
become German territory.
Both ambassadors looked shocked.

The Count kept reading, knowing the he was almost done. They could then be allowed to vent, and he expected them to.

Article X

The German Empire, the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary, and the
Russian Empire shall be the Guarantors of this Treaty, and as such
shall be empowered to judge whether any party is in compliance with or
violation of it. They may do so without recourse to binding
arbitration; this right does not, however, preclude such a submission
should the Guarantors deem it desirable. All decisions of the
Guarantors will be reached my majority vote, and all such decision
shall be final.
“That leaves you with a clear majority!” shouted the Frenchman, pointing to the German Ambassador and the Foreign Minister. “That’s unfair!” The German was looking quite smug.

“You’re assuming that our natural inclination will be to vote with Germany,” he said softly. “But that ignores the reasons why we’re handing you this treaty.”

Suddenly, the German Ambassador didn’t look so smug anymore.

Count Bertchold leaned closer. “This is the situation as I see it. You two,” he said, pointing to the German and the Frenchman, “Are on the brink of war. Sadly, that places us,” and now he motioned to himself and the Russian, “On the brink of war as well. Yet this is not our dispute and we have nothing to gain by it. Why should we throw away hundreds of thousands of lives and mountains of treasure to determine which of you gets to have Alsace and Lorraine? What’s in this for us?”

“I’m sure that suitable compensation could be worked out for your troubles,” said the German Ambassador. Almost as soon as he said it, he realised he had blundered.

“Oh, yes,” said the Count sarcastically. “I’m sure you’d be happy to give us all the Russian territory that we want. How very much like the Romanians, offering to pay their debts out of someone else’s pockets.”

“If we wanted Russian territory,” he continued, cutting off the German Ambassador before he could speak, “Or they wanted ours, trust me – we’d be quite able to fight among ourselves for it. But you don’t see us doing that. This is a war neither one of us has asked for, and neither of us wants.”

He turned to the Frenchman, “So when you assume that we will always side with Germany, rest assured that you are mistaken. This agreement was designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to keep Russia and the Dual Monarchy from going to war.”

The German Ambassador then spoke softly, with a hint of menace in his voice. “This proposed treaty offers nothing to Germany. Why would we want Alsace and Lorraine for just the next 10 years?”

“Why do you want back a territory that you ceded just a year or two ago?” asked Bertchold. “It is only because France reneged upon its promises that you have acted.” He eyed the German carefully. Or so you say. “This treaty forces France to perform as originally demanded. If they do not, then the provinces are yours.”

“It is fair compensation for an injury,” concluded the Count, “To compel the other party to follow through on their original bargain. Or are you saying that you don’t want the original deal any more?”

The German Ambassador looked at the k.u.k. Foreign Minister, “And if we don’t accept this agreement? What then? If you want to honour your obligations, you will be forced to defend us. If you don’t, then other nations will call your word into question, and your alliances – all of them – will be worth nothing.”

“I believe that I prefer the original arrangement. France will give us Alsace and Lorraine, without strings. That is our deal.” The German Ambassador smiled.

“There are many ways that this can play out,” said Count Bertchold softly. “Whatever you do, I believe that the Dual Monarchy can both honour its agreements and avoid war with Russia. As for Germany,” he said, with the slightest hint of ice in his words, “I believe that it will ultimately accept this agreement, since what is offered is the best possible settlement of the situation. Really, none of us wants war.”

“You assume that France will accept this document,” said the German Ambassador. “What if they don’t?”

“Oh, they will,” smiled the Foreign Minister, “And so will you.”OOC: I made the meeting more confrontational than it likely would be, but it's more fun that way.

To: Kingdom of Spain
From: The Kingdom of Italy

You have been a longtime ally of Italy and in the event that we go to war with France we would like you to be on our side. We are ready to recognize Spanish claims on French held territory.

To: The Kingdom of Italy
From The Kingdom of Spain

as an ally Spain will fight on Italys side no matter why the war is being fought

The Battleship Pelayo and six Sloops have been sent to the Gibraltar Strait any and all ships that travel the strait will be checked, regardless of who owns the ship.

The German ambassadour rose from his seat and said that he needed to consult der Führer on this matter.
''This is a matter of utmost importance after all, I hope you understand.''

The German ambassadour rose from his seat and said that he needed to consult der Führer on this matter.
''This is a matter of utmost importance after all, I hope you understand.''
The French ambassador started doing the same, when the door suddenly opened and a servant stepped in:

"The news have just arrived. Prime-minister Poincare has been shot!" The men around the table froze for a second.

"Do they know if he's alive or dead?" asked the Frenchman.

"He's alive, but..." The Austrian servant was then interrupted by the arrival of yet another person.

"An urgent telegram for Monsieur Naranjo."

The French ambassador took the piece of paper and held it for a while in his hands, fering the news it probably contained. The Russian ambassador, unable to control himself, exploded:

"Read the damn telegram now!"

Naranjo regained his composure, opened the envelope containing the message and started:

"Poincare shot by a Portuguese student. His condition is critical because of the blood loss, but his vital organs are not affected. For the moment, he remains unconscious and we give you full powers to negotiate a peacefull settlement with all the concerned parties."

After the full meaning of the message had had enough time to sink in, Count Bertchold spoke:

"Well, Mr. ambassador, it looks like you have to give us a reply, doesn't it?"

"May I see the draft again, please?" inquired Naranjo. He had already handed it to his aide, right before the arrival of the shocking message.

The Foreign Minister handed him the document and waited. During the long minutes that passed in silence, the Russian ambassador shifted uneasily on his chair. One of the seats was already empty, the German ambassador having managed to miss the news by the narrowest of margins. Eventually, the Frenchman said:

"I believe this settlement is the best we can hope for in the present situation. We accept it in priciple, but I ask for the modification of the Article no. VI. We'll apologize to all the members of the Grand Alliance, but in the question of the arbitrations, we have to exclude two countries, for two different reasons."

"The first one is Portugal. Maybe the Portuguese student acted independently, but we can't be sure for now. In any event, it is impossible for France to deal with a country harboring such criminals. We will deliver our appologies to Portugal, but nothing more."

"The second country is Mexico. Mexico only joined the Grand Alliance after the international incidents which have generated the current crysis. Its inclusion among the countries entitled to compensations would only serve to encourage other countries to join the Alliance and ask for French teritories; therefore, we must limit the compensations to the states that have joined the Grand Alliance at the latest during the Portuguese conflict. I hope these minor changes will be accepted. If not, please tell me."

The Battleship Pelayo and six Sloops have been sent to the Gibraltar Strait any and all ships that travel the strait will be checked, regardless of who owns the ship.
OOC1: Hmmm... If I were Britain, I'd be really pissed, considering I would be controling the Straits.

OOC2: It was about time for Poincare's assasination attempt to occur, don't you think? I don't believe a fiercely nationalistic person like him (like him 'guided' by Defuniak, actually) would have agreed to this deal, so the assasination came at the best possible moment. Be aware that France is not helpless just beacause the prime-minister is injured. The president is alright, and the army is unaffected by the events.

Dier Ballplatz, ViennaCount Bertchold looked at the Russian Ambassador. Then, turning to the French Ambassador, he said, “To the best of my knowledge, Mexico is not a member of the Grand Alliance. Portugal has asked for admission, however, and so could be considered a member.”

He considered the Frenchman’s words for a moment.

“I agree that no nation should be able to simply pop up from nowhere and make a claim. Mexico has had no role in the Grand Alliance until this moment, and therefore can not rightly claim to have been adversely affected by recent events,” he began. “To the best of my knowledge not one Mexican soldier has been mobilized because of France’s actions.”

“But isn’t that why we have an arbitration process?” asked the Russian Ambassador. “I am reluctant for us to assume that the arbitrators can’t be counted upon to weed out frivolous claims.”

The Foreign Minister nodded in assent. “Were the only question one of the arbitrators’ integrity, I would be inclined to agree. But there is a risk of the arbitration process getting swamped, and if there are disputes over the enforcement of binding arbitration, well, as Guarantors…”

“Ah, I see where M. Naranjo is taking this,” said the Russian Ambassador. “Yes, I would agree to the modification of Article VI in this fashion, if only to protect ourselves from ridiculous claims.”

“But I am equally reluctant to rule out a priori any Portuguese claim. Believe me when I say that both the Dual Monarchy and Russia have had a great deal of experience with foreign terrorists,” said Count Bertchold, casting the Russian Ambassador a knowing look. “Often their parent country has no ability to stop them nor any prior inkling whatsoever of their plans. Unless you can show that Portugal has incited its people to such measures...” The Foreign Minister trailed off, lost in thought for a moment.

“I will tell you what I will do,” he offered the French Ambassador. “I will contact Lisbon and see first if my ambassador thinks there is any chance of official involvement in this ghastly affair. I will then have him urge the Portuguese government to fully investigate this student’s activities and share all information with the French police. Finally, I will seek to temper Portugal’s response to France and see if I can extract from them a promise that they will not press claims against you.”

“But I must say that I am reluctant to exclude any nation by name,” said the Count, frowning. “That kind of exclusion can have negative ramifications, as it seems like the nation excluded is being singled out unfairly.”

He looked again at the Russian Ambassador, nodded, and said. “Yes, M. Naranjo, this may well be a case where some quiet diplomacy through back channels can smooth matters out and reduce the discomfort for everyone concerned. You have my word that I will see to it.”OOC: The Portuguese player dropped out. Consider him to have been placated by some backroom deal, and he’ll file no claim. You can decide what the deal involves, and I’ll O.K. it (remember, I was proxying Portugal when Defuniak was running France, so... ). That avoids excluding him by name, which would be an ugly diplomatic slight.It was about time for Poincare's assasination attempt to occur, don't you think? I don't believe a fiercely nationalistic person like him (like him 'guided' by Defuniak, actually) would have agreed to this deal, so the assasination came at the best possible moment. Be aware that France is not helpless just beacause the prime-minister is injured. The president is alright, and the army is unaffected by the events.OOC: I was expecting it later, but you’re right – this actually works out better for a number of reasons. Of course, coming this far ahead of elections, the sympathy factor may be somewhat reduced. Poincaire may still win, but I’d slice a bit off his victory margin if I were you. ;)

So now it’s up to Germany...

''Gentlemen, I have received my orders from der Führer; he says that the Grand German Empire will accept the proposed treaty with two exceptions. First, he finds that ten years is not enough punishment for the French governement, and he insists that it be prolonged to twenty years. Furthermore, he says that it is, and I quote him, 'unacceptable' that French law and civil authorities shall maintain their positions during the German libera... occupation. They can however be paid any wages that the French may have given them during their occupation of the area in question, but they shall not hold any power unless granted by German authorities.
Other than that, der Führer is pleased that peace will once again reign in Europe.''

OOC: Now where am I going to find a war, NO?!

OOC: France? Will these terms do, or have you got a counter-offer?

Der Ballplatz, Vienna“Twenty years seems a bit long to us,” said Count Bertchold. “Ten years should be sufficient probation for France to prove that it has changed its ways. But if Herr Führer von Richthofen believes he must have twenty years…”

“The reason we suggested French civil authority is because – as these lands will revert to France – businessmen need to have a stable regulatory climate. The constant shifts between French and German law will cause industries to flee what should be a prosperous region,” offered the Foreign Minister.

“Perhaps it would be sufficient,” continued the Count, “For the German military governors in each region to have a veto over who among the French residents of these districts may serve in their civil administration? This would allow Alsace and Lorraine to remain French without challenging Germany’s authority over the provinces as an occupying power.”OOC: Got to rub their noses in it, don't you? ;)

Hurry up and accept the d_mn_d thing. I've got a pretender with a boat to catch (next post). :D

Hurry up and accept the d_mn_d thing. I've got a pretender with a boat to catch (next post). :D
The French ambassador said:

"Gentlemen, I accept."

OOC: I'm trying to break the record for the shortest IC reply. :p

''That would be sufficient in der Führer's eyes. Then gentlemen, we too accept this treaty. May peace reign in Europe for many years to come.''

Bad Ischl, Austria“Twenty years, eh?” said Franz Josef, as he took a sip of lemonade. “Can’t bear the thought of parting with what his predecessor gave up once he’s got it back in his grasp?”

“That would appear to be the size of it, Your Highness,” replied Count Bertchold. “But they made the deal. I was surprised that France could bend that far.”

“It will go down hard, this defeat,” agreed the Emperor and King. “As hard as 1870 – maybe more because it was bloodless.”

“Had blood been spilled, we’d have been hard pressed to satisfy Herr von Richthofen with anything farther east than Cherbourg,” quipped Bertchold.

“And you think this means peace?” asked the old man, eyeing his Foreign Minister.

“I think it sets war off a day,” answered Bertchold softly. “And right now I’m taking each day as it comes.”Le Havre, FranceA small crowd had gathered at the ferry landing as the boat came in from Portsmouth. Dour men in street clothes – private bodyguards – moved them back, and the steamship company – a joint Franco-British concern – contributed as well by putting up rope barriers to provide some room.

The boat landed, and the passengers filed off. The wharf cleared, and then everyone saw the passenger they had waited for.

He strode briskly ashore, his wife on his arm, a straight cane in the other, held as a sceptre. Barely missing a step as he brought his hand up to doff his stylish hat, he tipped it to the crowd, and a small number of them cheered and applauded. Then he was off to the waiting carriage.

France’s most famous exile had returned.Paris, FranceTo Restore Sanity
An Editorial

Today, in France’s darkest moment since 1870, at the end of a week of tumultuous events, one thing stands clear above all else: the Third Republic has failed.

The last fortnight has seen a diplomatic crisis, a general strike, the fall of a government, a threat from an ancient enemy prompting our nation’s mobilization, France’s abandonment by its allies – indeed, by every other nation in Europe, the shooting of its foremost politician, and then finally war averted, but only by an utter diplomatic humiliation - a peace whose terms must make even the strongest Frenchman cry. France has, in the words of a nameless German diplomat, “been made to heel and beg”.

It would be easy to lay the blame for all of this at the feet of the former government, but then this would be to ignore the all-too eager collaboration – often augmented by graft - of many prominent opposition members during the previous months, shamelessly forgotten when their political base took to the streets in opposition to the policies these men had previously supported.

The reversal of the position of the left certainly caused many longtime political observers neck injury – but should have come as no surprise. After forty years of popular government, why are we surprised that the old men of government chase votes the way their younger peers chase skirts? Pandering and demagoguery are part and parcel of republican government, where every politician – right or left – must pay heed to the fickle winds of public opinion. That us, unless – through appeals to the basest instincts of the voters – he manages to seize Aeolus’ bag and direct those winds to his own advantage.

In all of this manoeuvring, reason, prudence, and statesmanship are lost. Only political advantage matters; taking it and holding onto it is the full time occupation of the men who should be running our government and tending to the affairs of state rather than spending all of their time absorbed by politics. But to blame the men who do this would be to ignore the fact that it is the system that makes them do it. In a republic, where popular government is mandated, politics is the whole business of government, and there is room for nothing else.

France deserves better.

There must be someone in France, someone in a position of power, who does not need to worry about election, who can take the long view, who is able to resist the winds of public opinion and simply do what is best for France. This person should be skilled at government, preferably through a lifetime’s worth of training at the knee of another such ruler. His right to govern should be unassailable, so that he may make decisions on a basis of the interests of France alone. There can still be elections and a National Assembly, and a government of elected officials – but this supreme ruler should have the power to right them when they err and to intercede in their inevitable political battles.

In short, France must have a King again.

We call for all patriotic voters to cast their ballots to cure the ill that besets our land, an excess of popular sovereignty. We ask that they vote for men who will restore constitutional monarchy to France, so that a royal hand can bring better guidance to the Ship of State.OOC: May the real election begin! ;)

Lisbon, PortugalJaime de Borbón, Duque de Madrid exploded in anger.

“That French pig intends to take what is mine!” the Carlist heir raged. “He has lined up all the fat little shopkeepers and industrialists behind him, and he intends to steal my throne, the way his grandfather stole it from my ancestors back in 1830!”

“Your Highness, please,” said one of his aides. “We are not without assets. Many members of the Church will support the return of a monarch – a legitimate monarch – who will uphold Christian values and be a true and devoted friend of Rome. Let me send the necessary telegrammes.”

“I should go to France!” stormed Jaime.

“No, Your Highness,” objected the aide. “I do not advise this. To France, you are a French citizen, even if you are their rightful King.” He paused to reflect. “Louis-Philippe uses England as his base. Why shouldn’t we? We can’t go to Spain, and Portugal will not welcome our use of its soil, either – at least until the memory of that incident in Paris is past. England is safe,” he concluded. “By Your leave, I will make arrangements.”

“See to it, then,” snapped the man who would be Jacques I of France. “I do not wish to let that Orleanist pig have any more of an advantage than I have to.”Brussels, BelgiumPrince Napoléon Victor Jérôme Frédéric Bonaparte, Prince Napoléon, set down the copy of Le Temps on his breakfast table pushed it across the table to his wife. It was folded open to the editorial page.

She was Princess Clémentine Albertine Marie Léopoldine, Princess of Belgium, daughter of Léopold II, the late King of Belgium, and cousin of Albert I, the present King. Picking up the article, she read it quickly, and then looked up at her husband.

“You are thinking that it is time that you pressed your claim as successor to your granduncle?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “The Orleanist heir has landed in Le Havre, but I think France has need of a stronger man. The Bourbons line is worn out – it was worn out over a century ago. France’s heart and soul are with the Bonapartes.”

“Your brothers will oppose you,” she said simply.

“Let them try,” he said. “I am the oldest. The right, through my grandfather ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Bonaparte), is mine.”

OOC: Finished my post. ^

SIC: These events take place in secret! Respect this please, or the effect will be ruined!

Petrograd, RussiaTsar Nicholas III eyed the man who san opposite him. Finally, he spoke. “Yes, I will support you in your quest for the throne that is rightfully yours.”

Relief spread across his guest’s face, but then the Tsar lifted a cautionary finger. “However, realise that I can not do this openly. You will have money and my best diplomatic efforts behind you, but – for the moment, anyway – our alliance can not be revealed.”

“I understand,” said the other. “I will employ the utmost discretion.”

“Very good,” said Nicholas. “Let us begin moving on this immediately.”Schweidnitz, SilesiaHRH Rupprecht Maria Luitpold Ferdinand Crown Prince of Bavaria, Duke of Bavaria, Franken and Swabia, Count Palatine of the Rhine, entered the room and saluted the German Führer. Von Richthofen returned the gesture in an offhand way, as though dispensing with a formality on behalf of a petty princeling.

“What brings you to me, Prince Rupprecht?” he asked, wasting no time on small talk.

“I am here on behalf of my mother, Maria Theresia Henrietta Dorothea von Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria-Este, Princess of Hungary and Bohemia, Princess of Modena … and Queen of Bavaria,” he began.

“How is she?” interrupted von Richthofen.

“Well, mein Führer,” he replied, taken somewhat off balance. But then, this was how Germany’s “Red Baron” preferred to conduct his business. “As you know, a recent call went out for the restoration of the monarchy in France, and several claimants have arisen: two Bourbons – one a Carlist, one an Orleanist – and at least one Bonaparte, although more are expected.”

“More Bonapartes?” said von Richthofen with a laugh. “Charming. What has this to do with your mother?”

“My mother,” said Rupprecht slowly, “Is the rightful heir to the throne of France, as Marie IV or III, depending on how you number her predecessors.”

“Really?” said the Führer, appearing not to show much interest. “I had not imagined that a woman could rule France.”

“French genologists have long misinterpreted Salic Law to suit their ends,” the Bavarian Crown Prince replied. “Her claim is centuries old – but that gives it no less strength; indeed, its antiquity makes it stronger still.”

“And, of course, this would make you...” prompted von Richthofen.

“The Dauphin of France, among other things,” said the Bavarian Crown Prince.

“Who would have imagined!” said the Führer with a sardonic laugh. “That all the while, the Crown Prince of France was a member of my military. If fact, not just any member, but the commanding general of 6.Armee!”

Rupprecht lowered his head slightly in a bow. “Mein Führer, as heir to our late Kaiser, your rank is higher than that of a King. That is why my father, as Ludwig III of Bavaria, can swear allegiance to you and yet still hold his royal title. If my mother were Queen of France, or I were King…”

Von Richthofen laughed, and shook his head with a smile. “My ambitious fellow! Where were you just a day or two ago? Much as I would love to be Führer of all France and Germany combined, I can’t install you as the Dauphin of France – or your mother as Queen, for that matter! I have signed a treaty with France.”

Rupprecht smiled. It was a cold, deadly smile.

“You have signed a treaty with an illegitimate Republic that occupies my mother’s royal lands. You have not signed a treaty with France. To have done that, you would have had to sign a treaty with my mother. Ma mère, celle est la France,” said the Crown Prince to the Führer.

“You are bound by nothing,” he concluded.

Silence fell across the room. Then von Richthofen spoke, his voice soft but sinister.

“Russia would never accept this,” he began. “Nor would the Habsburgs.”

“On the contrary, mein Führer,” said Rupprecht with a smile, “I believe that the Habsburgs would accept this. Do you forget that my aunt is Franz Josef’s daughter? Do you think my mother has not talked to Vienna about this?”

“The Habsburgs are supporting the Orleanist, Phillip VIII,” said the Führer.

Rupprecht laughed. “The Habsburgs are supporting whomever they can find. They began with Phillip VIII, because he was the best candidate to broach the idea to the people of France and prepare them for monarchy. But I know that they have made contacts with the Bonapartes as well. It is Vienna’s usual game – play all sides, to be poised to join the winning one when the time comes.”

Von Richthofen scowled. He was quite sick of the Habsburgs, but that was to chew on another day. He looked at his general officer with renewed respect for his cunning. He wants it as badly as his mother does, he thought. “That still leaves Russia.”

Again, Rupprecht laughed. “That was the point of the pact you just signed! The Republic’s hands are tied for the next two decades. If they so much as look at anyone in Europe sideways they will be guilty of ‘behaviour that might be deemed aggressive, obstructionist, or otherwise disruptive of the peace of Europe’. And – better still – as a Guarantor of the treaty, Russia is required to assist us!. We simply have to provoke the French Republicans to action - or wait until they try to name someone else as King, and refuse to accept the National Assembly’s choice. I would prefer the former, of course - but either will do in a pinch.”

“But the treaty ties my hands as well,” observed the Führer.

“Does it?” said the Crown Prince? “Other than in certain details of the administration of Alsace and Lorraine – and in its surrender 20 years from now, assuming all goes well for the Republic – or assuming the Republic even exists by then – how, precisely, does it tie your hands? Does it place Germany under any requirement of stricture at all?”

Von Richthofen cocked his head slightly, reviewing the terms of the agreement in his head. He’s right! Amidst all the focus on Alsace and Lorraine, and on French behaviour, there was virtually nothing limiting Germany.

“So what do you want me to do?” asked the Führer.

“The people of France, left to their own devices, will never ‘elect’ my mother Queen – or me King,” began Rupprecht. “Because of our nationality. But we don’t need to be elected – it has always been the contention of our line that we are sovereigns by the grace of God and God alone. To be voted into place by the National Assembly would be an insult. We will take what is ours.” The Crown Prince’s eyes gleamed.

“And yet,” his voice softening slightly, “My mother and I can scarcely march into France at the head of a German army. Nor will the people of France accept a royal family that identifies itself as German.”

“But you are,” observed von Richthofen, “And that you can not change.”

“We are also,” and the Crown Prince held his head high in declaring this, “Bavarians. My mother and I should return to our realm at the head of a Bavarian army.”

“Too bad Bavaria doesn’t have one,” mused the Führer.

“Ah, but we do,” said Rupprecht. “Under the old German Empire, units were raised by the local principalities, unless the Kaiser explicitly ordered them merged with the line, as happened in Saxony. We Bavarians were never fully merged into the German Army. My 6.Armee has three Bavarian army corps, along with several independent Bavarian formations, and there are other detachments of purely Bavarian troops scattered throughout the Order of Battle.”

Von Richthofen sat upright as the Crown Prince continued. “No Bavarian soldier has ever served in a unit under the Empire, except a Bavarian unit. And no other Germans serve under our colours. We are part of the German Army, to be sure – but we have remained, since 1870, an army within an army, so to speak.”

“I ask,” said the Crown Prince, “That you permit Bavaria to send all its forces except for our Landwehr under my banner to Italy. Use 6.Armee, which is positioned facing Poland; remove all German troops from my command and send me all Bavarians from other commands across the army. I will march under the Bavarian flag and the flag of my mother’s house – our house – to the aid of the Italians.”

“That doesn’t help us with the treaty,” offered the Führer.

“All treaties have loopholes,” replied Crown Prince Rupprecht. “This one is no exception. Nor is it signed by my father, King of Bavaria. And without the signature of my mother, Queen of France, it is a sham anyway.”OOC: You can actually look it up in the German OOB: Bavaria did in fact maintain an entirely separate establishment within the Germany Army. And it even had a King of its own, to boot.

Talk about “plausible deniability!” Who can blame Ludwig III for advancing his wife’s dynastic rights? ;)

Petrograd, RussiaThe Tsar examined the document before him.

It was permission for an indefinite leave of absence, by Lt. General Napoleon Louis Joseph Jerome Bonaparte, 48 years of age, of the Russian Imperial Guard, who wished to travel to France to “conduct family business”.

Nicholas III smiled at the justification, and then signed the document. Before handing it back to his secretary, however, he penned a quick note:
My Dear Louis,

The best of luck to you in your endeavours! May we meet again upon the
successful completion of your business.

Your Friend, NicholasOOC: Contestant #5, come on down!

Only two pretenders more to go. Collect all seven!

''I'll have to consider this possibility further. I will give you my answer tomorrow, Crown Prince.''
With that, the Duke of Bavaria was dismissed and Der Führer returned to his work, reading lettres that is. A distant relative of his, Frieda von Richthofen, had appearently met a young fellow named D.H. Lawrence, and the two had fallen in love. She had left her husband their three children, and then she and her over had run away to Metz.

Next morning.
''Lothat, give my answer to the Duke of Bavaria. I shall support him.''

Washington, D.C.President Theodore Roosevelt was busily eating breakfast while read the Washington Post. His Attorney General, Charles Joseph Bonaparte ( http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/72/180px-KarelJozef.jpg), sipped coffee slowly as Teddy looked over the news.

“What about this thing in France, Charlie?” said Teddy jovially. “You’re related to some of these fellows, aren’t you?” Roosevelt eyed him carefully. “Say, you’re not going to declare that you’re heir to the throne of France, are you? Ha-ha!”

“No sir,” said the Attorney General. “I’m not on anyone’s list of heirs.”

“No relation, then? I thought there was one,” said President Roosevelt.

“Well, actually, there is,” said Bonaparte. “They’re my cousins, on my father’s side. Same grandfather.”

“Good Lord, Charlie!” erupted Teddy. “If you’re that close, how come you’re not on the list?”

“Different mother,” said the Attorney General.

“Ah, second marriage, then,” guessed the President.

“First,” said Bonaparte. “My grandmother, Elizabeth Patterson, married Napoleon’s younger brother, Jérôme. She was his first wife, but Napoleon annulled the marriage so that his brother could have a more suitable wife, of good European lineage, since he was to be crowned as the King of Westphalia.”

Roosevelt brandished his fork like a weapon. “Well, then, if you’re the oldest male descendant, the throne should belong to you! The nerve of that bastard, annulling your grandmother’s marriage because she wasn’t some European pansy!”

“It’s quite alright, Mr. President,” said Charles Bonaparte. “I’m happy being an American.”

“Bully!” cheered the President. Then he dropped his voice, almost to a conspiratorial whisper. “Still, if there’s a link there, maybe you should represent us in France next year. I’d bet those Frenchmen will pick a Bonaparte. Good name, good name. And with American cousin’s that’s probably closer than most of those royals get to us anyway.”

“Actually,” said the Attorney General, “Louis-Philippe’s father – the son of the last French King, Louis-Phillipe I – the Orleanist candidate, I think the papers call him – well, he served in McClellan’s Army of the Potomac - on the General’s own staff - during the War Between the States. He was decorated in the Peninsula, 1862. Wrote a book on the war – it’s a standard text in history classes at college.”

“Really?!?” said the President with surprise. “So one of these fellows is the son of – a Union Army officer, was it? What rank.”

“Captain, sir,” replied Bonaparte. “He didn’t ask for any special consideration.”

Roosevelt nodded approvingly. “I like that. Good man, didn’t ask for favours, smart, literate, decorated. Think the son’s any good? Fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, they say.”

“I think he’d be a competent King, but I’m not ready to give up on France staying a Republic,” offered the Attorney General.

“Me neither. But we need to cover our bets, all the same,” offered the President. “Yes, if we win, I might want you in France. Or at State...”

“Let’s see about winning, first,” said Bonaparte. “This is going to be a difficult race,”

“Just the way I like it!” exclaimed Roosevelt. “Nothing like a good manly battle to get the juices flowing!”OOC: Just one of those historical (hysterical) oddities...

Bumpers!

OOC: Warfare and intrigue unfortunately dominate RP in International Incidents (some people don’t consider this unfortunate, of course; they come here to fight wars, and find peace boring; I’m not one of those people, as I’m sure that you’ve guessed), sometimes crowding out other things. This is a (retroactive) attempt to address some ideas that I had earlier in the thread but found no time to implement.

These events duplicate the events that occurred at the Wardencylffe Tower ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wardenclyffe_Tower) on Long Island, especially the so-called Telefunken ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telefunken) experiment, conducted in West Sayville, New York ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Sayville) in 1910. The original experiments were funded by Kaiser Wilhelm II; since Relative Liberty didn’t do this, I am picking up the ball. :)

BTW, the Wardenclyffe Tower was funded by John Pierpoint Morgan ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._P._Morgan), who withdrew funding when it became obvious that there would be no huge financial return from it. In this alternate history, Wardenclyffe has already failed (it was shut down in 1907 when Tesla could no longer finance it out of pocket); we are now proceeding from that failure to the first experiments in global radio transmission, and will follow with a second, improved Wardenclyffe Tower near Tesla’s birthplace in Croatia.

I absolutely promise not to develop Mainframe Computers ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic_gate), Force Shields ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleforce), or a Death Ray ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_ray) (unless I absolutely need it to fight off marauding Romanian jets ( http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/coanda.htm#Coanda-1910)). ;)

Eighteen Months AgoVienna, AustriaNikola Tesla laid the blueprints out on the table. “We will build three 600’ towers outside Smiljan in Croatia, and a similar set of towers outside Shanghai in China. Using a radio receiver, placed upon a ship travelling from Trieste to Shanghai, we map the attenuation of the signal generated by the Croatian tower by plotting strength against position during the journey, with measurements taken twice a day.”

“Once the tower is constructed in China, we will repeat the experiment on a ship returning from the Orient, as well as see if we can transmit and send radio signals across the length of the Asian continent,” he finished. “After that, I am sure that we will think of additional experiments to perform.”Two Months AgoSmiljan, Croatia
Shanghai, ChinaThe scientists excitedly listened to the crackling signal they were pulling down from the station’s three great antennas. In a separate room nearby, a telegraph was receiving and transmitting duplicate signals – although with considerable delay, which itself demonstrated the superiority of the new system. These telegrammes, considered reliable, were then compared to the radio signals to see what errors were occurring; this data, along with signal strength measurements and the simple application of the human ear, would be used to tune the two transmitters for optimal broadcast and reception.Two Weeks AgoMelbourne, AustraliaThe two engineers, one Czech and one Chinese, described the proposed experiment to their Australian counterparts, as a couple of government officials listened patiently nearby.

“We’ve already sent signals back and forth between Europe and China. But what we haven’t done,” said the Chinese engineer in well-spoken, though slightly accented English, “Is see if we get similar results passing from one hemisphere to the other. We need to do this to see if there is any difference due to your being nearer to a different magnetic pole.”

The Czech engineer added, “Another thing we want to do – as we conduct calibration experiments from sea similar to those undertaken with our first two towers – is to see if we can calculate position by comparing the field strength of transmissions from each of the three towers. This would be a tremendous boon to maritime navigation, especially in inclement weather.”

At this, one of the Australian officials stirred. “Would this only work within the triangle described by the three stations – in other words, in the Indian Ocean?”

“It would work best there, but not only there,” replied the Chinese engineer, picking up where his colleague had left off. “If we are successful, we will contract with the Chilean and Canadian governments to build a set of towers that would extend the system in greater accuracy across the Pacific as well as the Northern and Middle Atlantic. We would probably want another few towers to complete the system – one in the far north of Russia, another in Madagascar or someplace similar. A West African tower might also be valuable, but that’s thinking quite some ways ahead.”

Troops where loaded onto ships, and warships left the harbor. They where headed for Morocco in case there was anyone who tried to resist Spain’s power


Official Proclamation of Spain

As of now Spain claims Morocco as a Spanish Territory

OOC: not the best but I have to have something and don’t have a lot of time.

Two Months AgoGraz, Austria
Never forget to determine the direction of the compass. Draw it on the sketch. Control measurements. Don’t rely on others to give them.

Do not draw things that are clearly irrelevant to the case. The advantage of sketching over photography is that the sketch only contains the essentials, whereas the photograph often is overcrowded.

Never rely on memory to make corrections at station-house, at home or at a place removed from the scene.

The scale must be drawn on the sketch. If camera has been used, mark its position on the sketch.Dr. Hans Groß stepped up to the podium.

Today was a dream come true.

For eighteen years he had struggled to get his fellow professors of Law to recognise criminology as a serious academic discipline, but finally – today – it was happening: the University of Graz was opening an “Imperial Criminological Institute ( http://cms.graztourismus.at/cms/beitrag/10005851/47303/)”, first of its kind in the world and a model for other universities all around the world.

This had followed his publication, two years ago, of “Criminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and Students ( http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=1320)”, a book which had won acclaim worldwide for its advocacy of the use of the scientific method in the field of law enforcement, and before that – in 1893 – his famous “Manual for Examining Magistrates”, an judge’s handbook for employing the findings produced through the use of forensics, and emerging field of scientific study. In these books and numerous papers, he had argued that criminal investigation must employ scientific disciplines.

It had taken time to win officials over to these ideas, but the infamous Disch and Filbert murder cases - in 1904 and 1908, respectively – had, in quite sensational fashion, proven the validity of his ideas. Then, two years ago, Edmund Locard had established a criminological laboratory along the guidelines he had suggested in his 1893 book – the world’s first “crime lab” – in Paris, and now similar laboratories were being established in Lyon and in Montreal.

But this was more than a moment of personal triumph. For the occasion, experts from all around the world had been invited, including the Bavarian Georg Popp, the man who has solved the Disch and Filbert murders, the Frenchman Locard, the famous Viennese psychologist Sigmund Freud, and the American Albert S. Osborne, whose work in the field of questioned documents was without parallel. These and other experts – doctors, psychologists, chemists, geologists, and more – would rub shoulders with lawyers like Groß and with government officials, from such places as Scotland Yard, the new American Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the City of Los Angeles in California, and the City of Shanghai, who – it was hoped – would learn the capabilities of the new forensic science and apply it to police work.

Thus, it was in a supreme state of exaltation that Dr. Groß took a sip of water and then addressed the assembly before him.

“Greetings, gentlemen!” he said in French, then one of the two great international languages, “I welcome you to this momentous event. Today, we open the Imperial Criminological Institute, which we intend to serve as a model for both research in and the dissemination of knowledge in the growing fields of Criminal Psychology, Evidentiary Law, and Investigative Forensics…”OOC: An event that actually happened, and one of considerable importance. Not only will forensics in time allow us to do NS-ish things like catch terrorists, but it should be considered an important development in the advancement of urban life and economic commerce. At least, that’s what I expect of it, anyway.

And yes, the City of Los Angeles did in fact build America's first crime lab - a point of pride among the city's residents (at least until the Simpson case :p )which is why it played such a prominent role in TV's famous “Dragnet” series. :)

OOC: An event that actually happened, and one of considerable importance. Not only will forensics in time allow us to do NS-ish things like catch terrorists, but it should be considered an important development in the advancement of urban life and economic commerce. At least, that’s what I expect of it, anyway.

And yes, the City of Los Angeles did in fact build America's first crime lab - a point of pride among the city's residents (at least until the Simpson case :p )which is why it played such a prominent role in TV's famous “Dragnet” series. :)
OOC: Just the thought of what my Abwehr could do with this makes me giggle like a little schoolgirl.

OOC: Now back to the fun... ;)

Four Months AgoAn Undisclosed European CapitolThe three thieves slipped through the shadows of the alley, careful to pause in those pools of darkness that were available. Each crept forward individually, waited, and then, with a quick wave of the hand, motioned the next to move past him. In this way they leapfrogged their way along the side of the monumental stone building.

Breaking into a government office was always a perilous affair, but this particular building was not one that had any confidential records, nor any famous documents – those were at the national museum. This was just a repository for public records, whose contents were available to the general public.

But of course, visitors were severely restricted in what they could do with public records – such as take them off premises. Since these men wished to go beyond those limits, breaking and entering was the order of the day.

Earlier that day, an accomplice had jammed open an exterior window, leaving it incapable of closing completely, but making sure that it was closed enough to be inconspicuous. The window was quite some distance off the ground, by that was not – for these men, anyway – an insurmountable problem.

In a few minutes, they were inside the building, using a public lavatory as an entry point. With stealth similar to that which they had employed outside the building, they made their way into the stacks.

The men carried bulky bags with the tools required for the night’s activities; these were not, however, the usual burglars’ kit. Moving quickly, the reached the proper set of cabinets, lighting a dim lantern to assist them in rifling through the files to find the right one.

The desired document found, one of the men extracted a leather pouch. From this he removed a thin silk bundle. This, in turn, was unrolled to reveal a pair of new white cotton gloves; the thief removed his leather gloves, securing them on his person, and then, donning the cotton gloves, removed the document from its place and replaced it with a single sheet of plain vellum, folded in a distinctive way so that it might be found easily later.

The document was slipped into the pouch, and soon followed by the gloves, wrapped in silk once more. Back went on the leather gloves, so that the thief was not dressed like his comrades. Swiftly the trio made for a side office used by file clerks – one with a very small window that faced out over the alley.

One thief drew the shades and – extracting a large drop-cloth from his bag, hung this cloth over the window. He then retreated into the hallway, closing the door, where he would stand guard. While the building was occasionally patrolled, the guards seldom penetrated into the stacks. Still, someone working late might come in, so the thief lay in wait with a blackjack, just in case.

The other two men swiftly pulled out the rest of their gear. Stowed in their bags was a Graphic Graflex camera, manufactured by the Eastman-Kodak Co., of Rochester, N.Y.; this was not Kodak’s latest design, but it was still a modern camera, of a type that had been in production since 1901. Setting up a tripod and an easel, they then donned their white cotton gloves, slipped the document into a cardboard frame, and then set in on the easel, levelling both and carefully measuring the distance between them. They had practiced this procedure many times, even in the dark and wearing the garb of their trade; in a matter of minutes they were shooting pictures, using flash powder to illuminate the room. Several plates were exposed to ensure a good image; then the document came out of its frame and went back in the bag along with their cotton gloves, again wrapped in silk, leather gloves came back on, camera, tripod, and easel were dismantled, and the door opened to air the room. One of the thieves extracted an atomizer filled with mineral water and sprayed it gently toward the ceiling, causing the thin haze of smoke from the powder to be carried from the air to the floor.

This done, the thieves returned swiftly to the stacks, replaced the document (again using white cotton gloves to avoid leaving any kind of mark, then replacing these with leather gloves afterwards to avoid leaving fibres behind), and then made their way swiftly bac to the lavatory. Ten minutes later they were in the street; a few minutes later they were clear.

On the following morning, one of the three men strolled into his country’s embassy carrying an attaché case which was given a perfunctory search by the embassy guards. He went to the basement, entered the darkroom, and – with the help of a fellow photographer, developed the plates. Careful examination revealed that the quality was sufficient to meet their purposes; the plates were then secured in a padded container, sealed into a diplomatic pouch, and sent out of the country that afternoon.

That same day, having received word that no further penetration of the building would be needed, the “inside” accomplice returned and removed the blockage that had kept the lavatory window from closing fully. He continued to visit the stacks for the next few days, pretending to engage in public document research; he noticed no activity to suggest, however, that the clandestine entry had been detected. With that, he left. By then, the other thieves were all safely out of the country; the flat they had rented on a month-to-month basis was released a few weeks after that.OOC: Before anyone screams, look carefully at the details: the document photographed contains no secrets – if it did, it would not be available to the public in the hall of records. While such a building would likely be locked, it is unlikely that it would be closely guarded, since there is nothing to hide here (sealed records, state secrets, and valuable documents would be maintained elsewhere). The only risk would be of records being stolen, and as that would be unlikely in the case of most such (public) records, security would likely be of a minimal, lock-and-key variety.

(In truth, I’m not even sure that such skulduggery is necessary; the document I want is a public one, after all – but in the days before photocopiers, you wouldn’t just be able to do what is commonly done today [ask the hall of records for a copy of the document]. Still, it’s conceivable that public copies of this document were made when it was initially published and then widely disseminated; I just wanted to avoid the objection that, “There’s only one copy, it’s under lock and key, and so you can’t see it.” I’ll accept reasonable objections to this and modify, but I don’t think I’ll have to [well, maybe I’ll have to; we’ll see how that goes].)

BTW, it was fun planning out this operation using 1912 vintage technology, but then that’s one of the charms of historical RP. And, in case you’re wondering, burglar alarms weren’t invented until 1947, if I’m not mistaken.

July, 1912

Stockholm, Sweden

King Wilhelm I, dressed in his typical military garb, quickly made his way up the wooden platform before him, waving politely to the large crowd that had gathered over the past two hours. To the side of the podium, a young Lieutenant Olle Dahlbäck stood proudly, a grin of confidence plastered upon his face.

Behind Wilhelm's small platform upon which he now stood, an akward looking machine made of wood and canvas, flanked by a detachment of soldiers, lay silent and unmoving. Most of the crowd blankly stared at the contraption itself, trying to figure out what it was. Some had said that it was an aeroplane, but since most Swedish citizens had never seen one before, that assumtion could not be confirmed.

After a light applause, Wilhelm took his place at the head of the platform behind a wooden podium, shuffling his notes around as he did so. When silence finally fell across the field, he began to speak:

"Greetings, fellow countrymen. Today, Sweden has begun a new era. Behind me, the first aeroplane of the Swedish Navy, a gift from the gentleman to my right, will start a long career of service to its country and lead the way for further advances in flight technology. Already, my fellow colleuges and I have seen great promise in these new machines and your government has already taken steps to harness this new potential, through the establishment of an independent Royal Air Corps. With this new technology, Sweden will come to prosper in this new age, as a shining beacon of enlightenment to the world around us."

More applause erupted from the crowd below as Wilhelm finished his short speech.

"As of this moment, I will now allow Lieutenant Dahlbäck to anwser your questions pertianing to the aircraft behind me, Lieutenant."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will start first by saying..."

Russia, Moscow

"Today..." Tzar Nicholas smiled
"Today..." Some of the advisors looked at their leader somewhat uncomfortable.
"Today... it begins"...
Tzar Nicholas stood up
"I will begin it... I will set Russia foward and turn it into a superpower."
Nicholas paused and looked down at a map of the world that was on a table nearby.
"From the south, great China and technological Japan... From the north barren lands, from the west, the great conflict of Europe and to the east America..."
Nicholas put his hand down of the table with a great clap of sound. Several of the advisors jumped up.
"I will not let our nation be swallowed up slowly..."
Nicholas turned to his advisors
"Everyone begin the plan..." The advisors nodded and started out the room thinking about the terror that would come, the black misery that would fall, and hopefully the golden age that would follow.
The advisors looked at the plans in their hands, it was written instruction to take as many men as possible and to use force labor to modernize the country as quick as possible. However, it would still cause great suffering among the lower class and death would be common. However, a small glint of hope was in the hearts of the eight advisors as they began, the small hope that the country would be reborn.

OOC: yay hope I did this right

Der Ballplatz, ViennaSo what do you think we should do about the Moroccan matter?” asked the Foreign Minister’s aide.

“Oh, the usual,” replied Bertchold. “Avoid any action that would agitate anyone, while quietly demonstrating that we intend to look after our own interests. To that end, I would like to issue a statement…”Foreign Ministry officials welcomed Spain’s move, asserting that it would help make Morocco safer for Western visitors. At the same time, it called upon Spain and France to work out any territorial disputes through negotiation and within the framework of the recent Franco-German agreement over Alsace and Lorraine.“I also want you to send Vizeadmiral Montecuccoli an encoded message,” continued the Foreign Minister.
Take the fleet to sea as soon as possible. Orders will arrive by
dispatch vessel shortly.

TO: Sankt Petersburg, Russia
FROM: Stockholm, Sweden

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God, Czar Nicholas II:

The Kingdom of Sweden, being desirous of strengthening, if possible, the good understanding which exists between itself and the Empire of All Russias, would like to negotiate the purchase of all territories included within the Grand Duchy of Finland, territories previously siezed by Emperor Alexander I in 1808.

The Swedish Government is willing to pay a total sum 7 Million Swedish Kronas (5,460,000 US Dollars) to peacefully secure these territories and will allow any Russian citizens the ability to the leave the territories in question or provide them with Swedish citizenship. Furthermore, the Finnish Parliment and its leaders will not be tampered with in any way and Semi-Antonomy will continue to be maintianed across the region.

You will, of course, have the ability to edit the terms as you see fit, so that both parties involved are to recieve equal benefits from this purchase.

We sincerly hope that you will consider our preposition for a more prosperous Scandinavia.

Signed,

Algernon Stierneld
Foriegn Minister
The Kingdom of Sweden

I know it belongs in the Sino-Japanese thread, but I thought posting it here would help some guys.

General Fukuoka had a grand meeting of the Council and the heads of all Armed Forces. They were all there: Air Marshall Fukuoka, Admiral Yutsushiko, General Tojoma, General Tojo, Admiral Togo and of course the Emperor to be. He had called the meeting because the situation in Europe was escalating. The latest report told him that a Franco-German peace was signed, but this time Spain decided to fight France over Morocco. This proved an excellent chance to expand, eventhough the military build up was far from finished. He first began with the rituals etc. honoring the emperor and the gods. Then he continued to the main points of the meeting.

Gen. Fukuoka:"Gentlemen, I have called you here for not just a normal meeting. Today we decide if Japan goes to war or that it waits until we are completely ready. *gasps of unbelieve from the assembled generals, admirals, Airmarshall and their aides* I propose that Japan goes to war with the Republic of France. Please wait till I'm finished gentlemen! Discipline! Japan must go to war with France and capture the rich territories of South East asia. Their attention is diverted from Asia to Europe and if the reports are correct they'll have trouble in Africa too. Reports show us that they only have a token force in Indochina (ooc. anybody an idea how many? It cant be more than a few thousand) supported by local militia's who are probably not too loyal. No doubt the Siamese will support us, especially if we reward them with some territories. Laos and Cambodia west of teh Mekong river will be more than enough. In fact we won't lose them, the Siamese are under a firm guidance of General Yabu and his SEF (Siamese Expedition Force). I think they will simply love us if they regain their old Empire, and even more!

But we have to remain alert. China won't like it and will probably intervene. Their military is weak and untrained. Their only advantage is the huge numbers they have. If they move into Indochina we can strike back from Formosa, Korea and Liaoning. They will be slaughtered in Indochina and we will conquer Manchuria and maybe even Beijing! And then there's also Russia. We have an alliance with them, but so do the Chinese. They are allies of France and they could come to aide if we attacked Indochina. If that happens we could move into Southern Siberia, occupy Wladivostok and conquer entire Sakhalin. Their armies are mainly in the west. Transferring them could take months, if not more. We could be victorious by then. We have a secret pact with America that they would support us, direct or indirectly if we'd stay away from the Pacific. So we won't have any problem from that direction. England would probably stay neutral too. Australia and New Zealand are dominions of England who decides foreign policy etc. but they will be wary of any expansion in the Asian-Pacific area. Germany would only be too pleased to see France beaten, no matter were and by whom. It isn't impossible that they would fall on France after we've won. The K.u.K. is probably the only foreign power that would be pissed if we'd attack China, or France in Indochina. Those fools try to preserve peace everywhere in the world! Do you have anything to say?

It was very silent in the room. Nobody said a word. Suddenly the old Admiral Togo began to smile and said.

Admiral Togo:"Ahhhh, do we have a choice? War it is!"
General Tojo:"I also believe war is necessary for Japan."
General Tojoma:"I concur."
Airmarshall Fukuoka:"Yes, for Japan. War would be preferable."

They all turned to Admiral Yutsushiko. Even the young emperor stared at him. The old Admiral was thinking. It was a great chance for Japan to finally take its rightful place at the table of world powers! But he thought of the suffering, the enormous costs. The war could spread to Europe, killing and wounding many. But everything for Japan, the Gods and the Emperor...

Admiral Yutsushiko:"War it is..."
General Fukuoka:"Good. Now that's decided I would like to propose the following. It would be very good for the moral f the troops if we would have an Emperor...

I propose that the Emperor-to-Be Hirohito ascends the Chrysanthemum throne and becomes Son of Heaven, Emperor of Japan and Korea, Ruler of Formosa and Sakhalin (ooc. forgot the Japanese name :P) Hirohito!"

The next morning...

Japan Daily Mail
Hirohito to Ascend the Chrysanthemum throne!

ooc. I'll post this too in the main thread. Hope you guys like the RPing. I couldn't resist Fukuoka lecturing for hours ;)

O BTW, you guys are invited for the party :D

OOC: I Apoligize, but I must withdraw from this rp. I cede my nation to be used by Narodna until a replacement can be found. Including all military forces and future campaigns which I discussed with him. Good Day, and fare thee well.

TO: Sankt Petersburg, Russia
FROM: Stockholm, Sweden

To His Majesty, By the Grace of God, Czar Nicholas II:

The Kingdom of Sweden, being desirous of strengthening, if possible, the good understanding which exists between itself and the Empire of All Russias, would like to negotiate the purchase of all territories included within the Grand Duchy of Finland, territories previously siezed by Emperor Alexander I in 1808.

The Swedish Government is willing to pay a total sum 7 Million Swedish Kronas (5,460,000 US Dollars) to peacefully secure these territories and will allow any Russian citizens the ability to the leave the territories in question or provide them with Swedish citizenship. Furthermore, the Finnish Parliment and its leaders will not be tampered with in any way and Semi-Antonomy will continue to be maintianed across the region.

You will, of course, have the ability to edit the terms as you see fit, so that both parties involved are to recieve equal benefits from this purchase.

We sincerly hope that you will consider our preposition for a more prosperous Scandinavia.

Signed,

Algernon Stierneld
Foriegn Minister
The Kingdom of Sweden



TO: Stockholm, Sweden
FROM: Sankt Petersburg, Russia

We apologize to the Kingdom of Sweden but the Grand Duchy of Finland is one of Russia's major timber centers and it is also near the sea helping us with our trade in its own small way. We too would like to see the strengthening of relations between Sweden and Russia. However, we unfortunetely cannot sell the Grand Duchy of Finland. In our country we are currently modernizing and strengthening as quickly as possible and the wood we get from that area is invaluable. Even if we were to sell it too you, we would then be forced to buy timber from you and lose more money then we would gain. So we must unfortunetely decline your wish.

Signed,
Tzar Nicholas

OOC: Looking over the aforementioned social, political, and economic posts (the ones that got shoved aside by crisis management), I see that I forgot one. My apologies.

Six Months EarlierBudapest, Hungary“As the Kriegsmarine moves from the use of coal as fuel to the use of oil,” said Interior Minister Baron von Reinhold, “It will be necessary to increase both our reserves and production of crude. What support will you need in order to do this?”

The executives of the Hungarian Carpathia Petroleum Company looked at each other, and then one spoke. “Several things: first, increased support at the academic level for the training of geologists and petroleum engineers. Our preference would be for an expansion of faculty and staff at Joseph Technical University in Budapest.”

Von Reinhold nodded. “I see no problem with this. What else?”

“We need more experience in large-scale oil production in order to learn how best to achieve maximum output and efficiency,” the executive continued. “Given our relationship with China, perhaps a deal with the Chinese on joint oil and gas exploration and field development, especially in Western China, might be helpful.”

“We will broach the subject with them, and provide assistance to you in learning to work within their culture and regulatory environment. What about domestic sources?” asked the Interior Minister.

“We would like to contract with foreign experts in developing a large-scale geological map of the Pannonian Plain, as well as interpreting the findings. By assisting in the work and observing their methods, we can learn how to do it better ourselves,” replied the executive. “Ideally, we’d like to employ Americans for this. Their petroleum industry is the best in the world, and are their experts.”

The Baron considered this for a moment and then nodded once more. He then asked, “Where are you thinking we will find additional domestic sources?”

The exective looked at one of his peers, and after a moment the latter spoke. “I would expect that most of the new dsicoveries would be in the Pannonian Plain, especially Transylvanian and Vojvodina.”

Von Reinhold grimaced. “That’s not good. The Romanians have pressed claims against that land, and both the Foreign and War Ministries are concerned that they might act upon these claims. It would not be good for us to give them more excuse – at least until our defences along the frontier are better prepared.”

“How long do you expect that to be?” asked the third executive, who hadn’t said much until now.

“Probably at least three years, and possibly five,” replied the Interior Minister.

The third executive smiled. “It is likely that large-scale production would not begin for at least five and possibly ten years. Before then, we could probably conceal our efforts.”

Von Reinhold considered this. “All right, then. Give us the names of some of the people you would like to retain, so that we can make the contacts with them. We will find some other reason to invite them here – perhaps for consultation regarding the expansion of Joseph Technical University’s academic program – and then make the inquiries under circumstances calculated to ensure their confidentiality.”Eight Weeks AgoDas Belvedere, Vienna The middle-aged man was ushered into the sitting room, where he was greeted by Franz Ferdinand, who offered him his hand in greeting.

“I am pleased to meet you, Your Excellency” said the American, not bowing but taking the Archduke’s hand in a firm handshake. Then, after a moment, he said, somewhat apologetically, “Forgive me, sir, if that’s not the right title.”

Franz Ferdinand laughed, offering his guest a seat an motioning the butler over for refreshment. “The proper title is somewhat cumbersome – Your Imperial and Royal Highness. In a pinch, though,” he said with a conspiratorial wink, “You can get away with addressing almost any member of the European Royalty as ‘Your Highness’, just as long as you avoid the ‘Royal” or ‘Imperial’ adjective – assuming, that is, you don’t know which to use.” He smiled, took a sip of coffee, and then asked, “Is this your first visit to Europe?”

“Yes, and I am most impressed. Your architecture is …. well, it’s simply astonishing,” the man said.

“Matched, I am told, by America’s incredible natural beauty,” the Archduke said, politely but sincerely returning the favour.

They exchanged a bit more small talk, and then the Archduke got down to business. “I have asked to see you because there is a matter in which I wish your scientific expertise. It is a confidential matter, of such importance that I can impress on you enough the need for extreme secrecy.” Franz Ferdinand paused for a moment. “We have need of your assistance in conducting some research.”

The American was a bit surprised. “This is not something one of your people can do?”

“I am told that you are the best in your field – the world’s undisputed expert. We need that kind of expertise in that matter,” the Habsburg heir said. “I can explain why, but you must give me your vow as a gentleman that you will speak of this to no one – at least until we ask you to.”

“You have my word,” said the American, without hesitation.

“Thank you,” said Franz Ferdinand. “So let me tell you what we would like you to do…”

OOC: And now meet Contestants #6 and #7!

Rome, ItalyUmberto Marie Victor Amadeo Joseph di Savoia-Carignano, Principe di Savoia, was having a very difficult time making up his mind.

As the grandson of Napoleon Joseph Charles Paul Bonaparte, Comte de Moncalieri, nicknamed “Bon-Bon”, and great-grandson of Jerome Bonaparte, L’Empereur’s favourite brother, Umberto felt he had as good a claim as anyone to the throne of France. He clearly deserved to sit on the throne of some country somewhere, and if it couldn’t be the throne of the Kingdom of Italy, it had might as well be the throne of the Empire of France.

Not that succession to a different throne was entirely out of the question. His father, Amadeo I di Savoia-Carignano, Rey de España, Duca d'Aoste, had been deposed from the Spanish throne in 1873, sixteen years before he’d been born, so claiming Spain was out of the question. More importantly, though, Amadeo had been the uncle of the present King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III di Savoia-Carignano, who in turn had just one son – also named Umberto - and an 8-year old at that. Nor did the King have any brothers, so Amadeo’s sons were next in line after the Crown Prince.

Sadly, though, Umberto was the former Spanish King’s fourth son. Two of his brothers - Vittorio Emanuele and Luigi – were unmarried and considerably older than he was, so he might yet outlive them. But his oldest brother, Emanuele Filiberto, had married and produced two sons, Amadeo and Aimoe, aged 14 and 12 respectively. At a minimum, that put Umberto seventh on the list of heirs; his odds of ever becoming King of Italy were therefore quite slender indeed.

Now, to be sure, his claim to France was through his mother, and never in the history of France had a maternal claim or even a maternal line been respected. But the old Salic Law had applied to Bourbon claims, which ultimately dated back to Hugh Capet. His claim was based on kinship with Napoleon Bonaparte, who surely broke all the rules in his rise to the throne of France.

Indeed, his uncle Louis was challenging his other uncle, Napoleon, even though the latter was older than he was. That alone was sign that Napoleonic claims were not at all bound to the same rules as those of the ancien régime. So why couldn’t he claim the throne of France? Between the claims of a Russian general,and the son-in-law of a dead Belgian king, didn’t his claim as an Prince of Italy put him in so much better a light.

And yet it was a stretch. His uncles, whatever their station in life, could still claim to be closer to L’Empereur than he. And so he grappled with the decision, to claim or not to claim.Athens, Greece“Why shouldn’t we make a claim on behalf of our son?” said Princess Marie Bonaparte. “He is the last surviving male heir of the second oldest of Napoleon’s brothers, and with the lines of both Napoleon and his oldest brother, Joseph, gone, Lucien’s line comes next. Those are the rules of dynastic succession!”

Georgios von Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, Prince of Greece and Denmark, shook his head. “It is not a strong claim – not to mention the fact that our son, Panayiotis, is only four years old.”

“Why isn’t it a good claim?” protested Marie. “Because it comes through me, a woman? The old Salic Law doesn’t apply to the Bonapartes – otherwise, Joseph’s son Louis would have never been able to claim to be Napoleon’s heir. Salic claims never go back to an older brother from a younger one,” she said. “We simply need asserted Semi-Salic succession, and Panayiotis’ claim is good.”

“But he’s only four,” protested the boy’s father. “That’s far too young to be a King.”

“Nations have had younger kings than our son,” Marie replied. “Besides, he as you and me. We could govern France as his regents.”

Prince Georgios looked at his wife. She isn’t going to let me rest if I refuse her. “Very well, but on one condition. This will inject Greece into French politics. Therefore I insist that father agree to this before we advance the claim.”

“Will you take it to him?” Marie asked her husband with hope in her eyes. “Promise me you will.”

He sighed. “I promise.”OOC: Italy and Greece must decide if they wish to advance these claims.

Paris, France“This is insane!” cried Gabriel Guist’hau, Minister of Public Instruction and Fine Arts. “La Temps publishes a stupid editorial calling for a restoration of the monarchy, and France is in an uproar. There are no less than five pretenders to a throne that no longer exists, with more on the way!”

“So they’ll split the monarchists into so many little pieces that they’ll mean nothing in the coming election,” said Prime Minister Poincaire from his hospital bed, where he was still recuperating from his would-be killer’s bullet. “What is the problem?”

“The problem,” said Guist’hau, “Is that, with so many pretenders out there, everyone is free to pick the one that they want. If there were just one, his warts would scare off voters who have a certain romantic attraction to the notion of monarchy. But with so many, people are imagining not only a King – or Queen – but their favourite King or Queen, and that has increased the attractiveness of the monarchist position immeasurably.”

Poincaire frowned at the news. “How ‘immeasurably’?”

“Enough that it may cost us the election, even with the groundswell of patriotic sympathy that you’ve won as a consequence of the attack on you,” said the Minister of Public Instruction and Fine Arts, glumly. “You’re still likely to win the most votes, but we may not be able to assemble a majority – not without cutting a deal with either the monarchists or the Radicals.”

“So what,” shrugged Poincaire. “So we make a deal with the monarchists. What of it.”

Guist’hau shook his head. “No, you don’t understand. The monarchists will not compromise. If we want their support in the next government, we will have to become a Constitutional monarchy.”

Paris, France“Poincaire must be ready to scream,” chuckled Georges Clemenceau. “These monarchists are siphoning off a tremendous amount of his support.”

“Not just his support,” replied Stéphen Pichon. “Ours, too.”

“What!” cried Clemenceau. “How could anyone in our camp want a King?”

“Emperor,” said Pichon, with a hint of resignation in his voice. “It’s that Russian, Louis Napoleon – the general.”

“What about him?” huffed Clemenceau.

“He’s promising a Tsarist program – like the one Nicholas is putting in place in Russia. Overtime laws, better public education, a national health service, more accountability from local officials,” replied Pichon.

“People can’t be buying this,” Clemenceau protested. “It’s preposterous.”

“Yet they are,” Pichon mused glumly. “He’s saying that we Radicals haven’t done anywhere near as much as we should have – that it takes a strong leader, not a politician, to cut through the red tape and transform the system. That’s attractive to quite a lot of people.”

“Still, the monarchist vote is mostly coming out of Poincaire’s hide,” offered Clemenceau, more to improve his own spirits than anything else.

“Yes, but what if that simply means a hung Assembly, split three ways? Who are we going to deal with? Poincaire or the monarchists?” said Pichon. “Or do we let them make a deal with each other?”

“We can’t do that,” said Clemenceau.

“Then who do we deal with?” asked Pichon.OOC: The monarchists are lining up like this: Phillip VIII – Darling of the merchants and industrialists.


Jacques I – Loved by the hard-line Catholic conservatives and clergy.


Napoleon IV – No clear base of support, but generally appeals to nationalists romanticising about a Bonapartist restoration.


Louis Napoleon I – Courting labour, farmers, and the poor.


Marie III – Refuses to pander for votes, believing as she does in divine-right rule. She does, however, have an army of over 200,000 well-trained men at her disposal… :eek:

She is also believed to be Rome's current favorite, due to close ties with various powerful cardinals.As far as their bases of operation go, Phillip VIII is in France, Jacques I in England, Napoleon IV in Belgium, Louis Napoleon I in Holland, and Marie III in Switzerland (with her son Ruppert in Italy with the 1st Bavarian Army).

Stockholm, Sweden

Glacing down at the Russian response to his request, Wilhelm was disappointed, but not devastated. After all, Russians had always been known to be tenacious defenders of any land that had their name on it, no matter whether they were being threatened by a gun or offered a handsome sum.

Bah, I should have known the stubborn bastards would have declined the deal. Wilhelm thought to himself, as he removed the cork from the bottle of wine peacefully resting in the ice cooler next to him.

Moments later, Wilhelm's younger brother, a virtual unknown to most commoners, Prince Erik, stepped into the room, careful not to disturb his brother now brooding in the chair near the center of the fire-lit room. As he went to grab the bottle of wine on the old table in front of him, Erik instantly noticed the bright yellow telegram situated near the cooler and quickly skimmed it as he poured himself a glass of wine. Although Erik usually did not concern himself with matters of politics, this topic caught his interest.

"So it seems that the Czar did not like your request." Erik camly said as he took a seat next to Wilhelm.

"He says he needs Finland because of its timber. Bah! Siberia is full of timber and yet he refuses my offer." Wilhelm snarled.

"Well, my brother, the Russians were never really that proficent in making good excuses. Besides, what do we need Finland for? Sweden has done perfectly fine without it."

"That is indeed true, Erik, but Finland is still, nonetheless, important and without it, Sweden is not truly whole, its empire is not remade. If we are truly to become a strong nation, we must be united with all of our fellow brothers."

Erik's eyes went wide at that comment. It was quite obvious what Wilhelm was advocating and in truth, it scared him.

"It sometimes amazes me how ambitious you can be at times, brother." Erik calmly responded, careful not to further iritate the already disgruntled King.

"Yes, my own ambitions do occasionally over-extend their bounds, but it only makes Sweden stronger." Wilhelm replied

"So I'm guessing your going to continue to persue this deal with Russia?" Erik asked as he finished off his second glass of wine in one quick motion.

"For now, I will let it rest. After all, I have other ideas we may be able to capitalize upon." Wilhelm said, grinning in delight.

"Such as." Erik asked, curious to know of his brothers plans.

"Have you ever wanted an estate near the Atlantic?"

Salonika, Greek Macedonia

*It was another fine sunny morning in the Greek Aegean. Onboard the armoured cruiser Giorgios Averof, Greek sailors stood sweating in the fine mediterranean sun at full attention as three of the most powerful men in the Kingdom of Greece went through the ceremony of inspecting the flagship of the fleet. Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis was under no pretexts that the two royals were simply interested in his boat. As he watched both King George of Greece and Prince George of Greece go through the motions of pomp and ceramony he couldn't help but think about how fake it all seemed... the prince in particular seemed troubled.

Once the inspection was over with, the royals retired with the admiral to the main cabin as the Giorgios Averof set out on her daily patrol. The three remained silent as a manservant poured out some ouzo, waiting for the man to firmly secure the wooden panel door behind him before anyone choose to speak. The king was the first to begin conversation.*

"So Georgios, what brings you from Athens? It hasn't been more than two weeks since I left you to look after palace affairs... is it more news about your brother that you seek?"

"No father, I didn't come here about Constantine."

"Oh? What is on your mind then? You seemed troubled..." *The Admiral watches as the king gets up and helps himself to more of his private selection of ouzo from the bar cabinet.*

"Actually, it's about my wife... and France."

"France... Panayiotis?" *Sits back down, his glass brimming.*

"Yes father. It is about Panayiotis. Marie won't let up on his claim to the french crown you see."

"Oh yes my boy, I see alright." *The king frowns.* "It still doesn't explain why you are here."

"Well, as I am certain you are aware father, should myself and Marie make a claim on Panayiotis's behalf, it would mean Greece would become a part of French politics-"

"-and I would end up with more paperwork to deal with..."

*The king leaned back as he considered this. Greece really didn't have much to loose. As a Balkan state and minor power, she didn't have that much prestige other than her claim as the cradle of Western Civilisation and in a fight over royal titles that really didn't mean anything. On the other hand, should dear Panayiotis somehow be ordained as King of France Greece would become a much larger player in europian politics. That could prove interesting.*

"How is dear Panayiotis by the way?"

*The prince allowed himself to smile, given the opportunity to think about simple things again for the moment.*

"Much like any greek lad, always getting into trouble yet somehow managing to charm his carers into letting him off. Very sly for a four year old... he's already a ladykiller." *chuckles*

"Heh, much like his grandpappy." *Skulls the rest of his drink.* "Ok, Georgios. I'll support Panayiotis's claim. Just be careful ok?"

"Don't worry father, I'm familiar with the nuances of the europian aristocracy."

"I was refering to your wife Georgios."

the ship stoped as the Pelayo trained its guns on it. the ship was a French ship carrieing bird guano from Chile. the ship had tryed to pass the Gibraltar. the cargo and ship where siezed.


Official proclemation from Spain:

a French ship has just been siezed for attempting to carry contraband threw the Gibraltar.

OOC: sorry for the very bad spelling in some places but this is in a hurry and with no spell check on my part

ooc. No reaction on the sudden news of Hirohito on the Throne of the japanese Empire? :D

ooc. No reaction on the sudden news of Hirohito on the Throne of the japanese Empire? :DOOC: Compared to the story of the seizure of a French ship full of high-quality seabird guano, I’m sorry, but it doesn't rate.

And before anyone laughs, remember that in 1912, South American guano was a strategic resource; it was used, among other things, to manufacture high explosives (like artillery shells). Ain’t that some...

:D

OOC: They used guano? Wouldn't that mean they have shitty gunpowder...

ooc. No reaction on the sudden news of Hirohito on the Throne of the japanese Empire? :D

ooc-unfortunetely Hirohito hasn't ordered the rape of nanjing yet so I can't fry his ass. I don't think Russia cared that much about Japan before ww2 so can't say anything. :D

Der Ballplatz, Vienna
To: The Russian Empire
From: The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and
the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen

In light of your helpful assistance in negotiating an agreement to
resolve the crisis over Alsace and Lorraine, we are drawing our
military forces back from our common frontier. This should eliminate
any need for you to mobilise those of your nation’s military forces
that would ordinarily be deployed to this same frontier as part of
your plan of General Mobilisation

If Germany agrees to halt the mobilisation of its forces along your
common frontier, then you should be able to forego any mobilisation
whatsoever.Galicia, PolandThe men of 1.Armee, 3.Armee, and 4.Armee, all of whom had been mobilised and sent to the Russian frontier in late July were now in excellent spirits. War had been averted, and consequently they were receiving orders to pull back from the border to their original assembly areas astride the major railway lines, where trains were gathering to remove them from the region.

As they prepared themselves for the march, they spoke eagerly to one other of their jobs, homes, and families, all of which they expected to see within a couple of weeks, following their demobilisation.

ooc-unfortunetely Hirohito hasn't ordered the rape of nanjing yet so I can't fry his ass. I don't think Russia cared that much about Japan before ww2 so can't say anything. :D

Only that we kicked your butts in 1905 :D and that we're actually arch enemies with an alliance. And I will promise that Hirohito won't order the Rape of Nanjing in this RP, he has othe rmen to take care of that... ;)

The ceremony was simple but long. Shinto and Buddhist priest preformed hour long rituals. The Council of Regents, officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force and a few foreign guests, most prominently the Siamese Ambassador. And of course thousands of Japanese commoners were viewing the ceremony, from a safe distance. General Fukuoka was eyeing the emperor. So far the young child had behaved very well, not a yawn or seomthing escaped from him. He looked tired, but also very tensed. Then the big moment arrived. Prince Hirohito stood up from his cushions and walked forward to a Shinto priest who held the three holy relics and symbol of Imperial Power in Japan: The Sowrd, The Jewel and The Mirror. He took those relics, and then walked to the throne. He sat on the throne. The whole crowd cheered and hailed the Emperor.

TENNO HEIKA BANZAIIII!!! HIROHITO HEIKA BANZAI!

Fukuoka smiled and cheered as well. A nationalistic fevor has swept across the country. Now they had to make use of it for the glory of Japan and Hirohito!

Message from Emperor Hirohito to the Armed Forces of the Japanese Empire

My soldiers, sailors, aviators, mechanics-the pride of the nation!

With the grace of Buddha and the Gods I have claimed the Chrysanthemum throne and are now your Commander in Chief and your protector. In this message I say to you the following: be wary! Be wary of any foreign nation that could harm us, the proud Japanese people, inhabitants of the lands of the Gods. There are many dangers lying across our borders and some have to be exterminated. You duty is to protect the People of Japan, the Land of the Gods, and attack any enemy that may stand in our way.

We are destinied to rule, and no one can stop us on the way to Supreme Power. The Pride of Japan will have to secure the road, making the way to Supreme Power a mere hike on Mount Fuji.

Keep in mind, do your duty with honor, and sacrafice yourself if it must.

For Buddha, the Gods and the Emperor!

OOC: Italy and Greece must decide if they wish to advance these claims.
Italy is going to gorwards these claims...and I'll come up with an RP when I have some free time...but It'll have to be after school.

IC:
To: The Kingdom of Spain
From: The Eternal Kingdom of Italy
The Italian government will support your Imperial claims in Morocco.

Schloß Schönbrunn, Vienna“What surprises me, Your Highness,” began Count Bertchold, “Is that France isn’t doing anything in response to these moves.”

“Why should that surprise you?” replied Franz Josef gruffly. “We’re holding their beloved provinces ransom. If they blink, Alsace and Lorraine will be lost.”

“True, but by not responding to these various moves against their colonial empire, they risk being seen as easy prey,” pontificated the Foreign Minister. “Morocco today, Indochina tomorrow. At some point, they’ll have to draw the line.”

“Maybe they’ll wake up and realise that their colonial empire is a waste of time,” observed the Emperor and King.

“Not likely,” replied Bertchold. “Their war plans rely on being able to bring African colonial troops back home to defend Metropolitan France from attack. Germany’s population keeps growing and theirs doesn’t – without manpower, sooner or later they’ll be so badly outnumbered that Germany will simply march in and annex them. No,” he continued, “At some point they must defend Africa. If they don’t, they’ll lose everything.”

August 10th, 1912Mexico City, Mexico”If France is willing to let Spain have Morocco, perhaps the fear of German reprisal will allow other pieces of their empire to be taken away from them,” mused Emperor Agustín II.

He paused another moment, and then said to his Foreign Minister, “Let’s find out.”
To: The Third Republic of France
From: The Second Empire of Mexico

Mexico considers itself to be a member of the Grand Alliance, and insists that it has just as much a right to compensation for France’s aggressions in Europe as any other nation. Since the Treaty of Vienna excluded us from seeking redress through arbitration, we are forced to seek it by other means. This we shall now do.

We hereby demand the immediate surrender of Martininque (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martinique), Guadaloupe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadeloupe), Saint-Martin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Martin), Saint-Barthélemy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Barthélemy), Saint Pierre and Miquelon ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Pierre_and_Miquelon), and French Guiana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Guiana). If these demands are not satisfied within 72 hours, we will have no choice but to appropriate these territories by force of arms.OOC: Posting with one of my puppets; I hope this doesn't confuse things. Basically, I intend to map puppets to nations as follows: Narodna Odbrana = The Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary (my original country)


The Cosmic Balance = The Second Empire of Mexico (proxy; I'm going to see if I can persuade Thrashia to return)


Allemande = The United States of America (proxy; I'm still looking for a player [and one who doesn't want to turn the U.S. into a nation of medieval samurai...])Again, I hope this doesn't confuse anyone.

OCC: Just don't burn yourself out RPing.

“What surprises me, Your Highness,” began Count Bertchold, “Is that France isn’t doing anything in response to these moves.”
OOC: The classes... :(

IC:
From: France
To: Spain

France is ready to negotiate a settlement with Spain regarding its colonial
possesions. We are ready to give you all our American colonies and
Madagascar. In exchange, you must recognise our interests in NW Africa,
primarily Morocco. This a non-negotiable point.

The minister of war orders full mobilisation of all the able bodied French citizens in Algeria, to be deployed on the western border of Algeria.

From: France
To: Morocco

The French republic guarranties your state's teritorial integrity. In case of an
attack by foreign troops, be sure you can count on our help.

From: France
To: Italy

In exchange for peace and friendship, the French Republic is ready to reach
an agreement with the Kingdom of Italy, by ceding you our Asian possesions:
Pondicherry in India, Indochina, Nouvelle Caledonie and French Polinesia.

OOC: I don't have time to read back, I have to go to university, but I believe I'll only become a member of the Grand Alliance after negotiating with Spain and Italy. Is this true? Or am I already a member?

EDIT: I found some time to read. I see I'm on probation for ten years from now.:)

bump

IC:
"Please your Majesty, I could be King...of all of France." Umberto begged

"I do not think Italy should be involved in this." replied Victor Emmanuel slowly

"Did you not already wish to make a move against France? Give me several divisions even and I'll take them to Paris if I have to! Imagine what greatness Italy could achieve with the great French empire backing her. And you can be sure much Imperial terrtory will be ceeded to The Eternal Kingdom."

"I'll give you a chance. You may take 4 Divisions to do what you will in the event of a war with the French. If you do well we will see about more." V. E. Said slowly, his voice clearly showing his doubt.

To The French hird republic
From The Eternal Kingdom of Italy[

While your offer is quite generous, Italy simply cannot control the colonis half a wolrd away. Our naval force, while growing, is simply too small to protect such a vast ammount of coastline. And with Japan's obvious intent to dominate asia I would only be waiting for the day that she tried to pry them from my grasp. If you intend tyo buy the Italians off you must release your grip off land that we have previosuly demanded.
Tunisia
French Somaliland
Madagascar
Corsica

To The Italian Govener of East Africa
From His Majesty, King Victor Emmanuel III

With the current tension between ourselves and the French I must ask of you to transfer all but 10,000 of the troops under your command in Italian Somaliland as well as all but 10,000 soldiers serving in Eritrea to serve Umberto I. I must also ask that the weapons and vehicles gained from Austria must be reterned imediately.

Ras Iyasu had become Abyssinia's unofficial representative in the French colony of Somaliland. Summoned by the governor, he was waiting in the antechamber.

"The governor will see you now", announced his secretary.

Ras Iyasu got up and stepped into the governor'r room.

"Bonjour, Monsieur Duchamp."

"Bonjour, monsieur Iyasu. Please, sit down. I have important news to discuss with you."

The Abyssinian smiled:

"Are they by any chance related to the Italians withdrawing their troops from Eritrea and the Italian Somaliland?"

"I see you're well informed, monsieur Iyasu. Indeed, that's what I wanted to tell you about. As you well know, the relations between us and the Italians couldn't be any colder, due to their latest demands."

Duchamp stopped, trying to find the best words for expressing his next proposal. Ras Iyasu, however, spoiled his attempt at being subtle, bluntly saying:

"Are you proposing we attack them, monsieur Duchamp?"

Seeing that subtleness is lost on the Abyssinian, the French ambassador continued:

"Not exactly. France is now part of the Grand Alliance, even if the other members still view us as a potential victim to be partitioned among themselves", he said bitterly. "That's why I'm proposing that you attack the Italians."

"But then, wouldn't you have to support them, according to the terms of the Alliance? Especially since you own your piece of Somaliland."

"Yes, indeed, but what if we stopped owning it", wondered the French ambassador slyly. "The Italians demanded it anyway. How would you like buying the French Somaliland, monsieur Iyasu? Of course, you would allow us free use of all your ports and a small military garrison, but the colony would be turned to your administration. Most importantly, you would no longer be landlocked."

The Abyssinian wavered:

"My country is not very rich, monsieur Duchamp. I don't know if..."

The Frenchman intervened:

"The price is one Franc. Take it or leave it", he added smiling.

"In that case, consider yourself a governor without a colony, monsieur Duchamp."

"That's settled, then. Let's talk about the military operations, now."

"That's easy. The Italians have only 10 000 soldiers in Eritrea and their Somaliland, right?"

"That's true", agreed Duchamp.

"Well, our army is still mobilised after the last crysis they have provoked. We can strike at any moment. The only thing which I want to know is France's official reaction."

"We'll be outraged, of course, and we''l promply sever all diplomatic ties with Abyssinia. We'll also leave your teritory-"

"You mean the French Somaliland?", asked the Abyssianian envoy amused.

"Exactly. We'll leave in a hurry, to show everybody we're not in any way connected to the hostilities. Because of this, we may be unable to evacuate all our weapons, but we'll certainly try."

The two men continued talking for a while, exchanging pleasanteries, but the deal was settled. A few days later, while the last Italian ship carrying the evacuated troops was alredy in the Mediteranean, the first Abyssinian soldiers crossed the borders into Eritrea and Italian Somaliland. Two days later, the French evacuated the 'Abyssinian' teritory in a hurry. In the confusion, most of their heavy armament was left behind and seized by the African troops occupying the new aquisition.

After ten days, Mogadishu, the last Italian stronghold in East Africa, fell.

OOC: I hope you don't mind I RP-ed the entire conquest of your East African colonies, but you did leave only 10 000 troops behind. You can't honestly expect to succesfully defend with so few soldiers. The entire campain lasted only 12 days because Eritrea and Somalia are narrow strips of land on the African coast. Also, the Abyssinian armies probably marched virtually unopposed through much of your teritory.

I have to add that, since you no longer control any enclave on the East African coast, it will be very hard for you to land your troops there, if you want to get back the teritories by force.

EDIT: I forgot something. Voxio, if you want to use codes, press enter at the end of each line. This way, you'll trick the computer into thinking you start a new paragraph and we won't have to scroll to the right to view your messages.

OOC: Sorry, you can't rp other people's forces.

OOC: Sorry, you can't rp other people's forces.
OOC: Are you talking about Abyssinia or about Italy?

OOC: Are you talking about Abyssinia or about Italy?OOC: This:
I hope you don't mind I RP-ed the entire conquest of your East African colonies, but you did leave only 10 000 troops behind. You can't honestly expect to succesfully defend with so few soldiers. The entire campain lasted only 12 days because Eritrea and Somalia are narrow strips of land on the African coast. Also, the Abyssinian armies probably marched virtually unopposed through much of your teritory.

OOC: Very well. If Voxio objects, I invite him to post the deployment of his 10 000 troops, the status of his defensive works (if the exist) and the troops' actions after being attacked by the Abyssinians. But do you think this will change the campaign's outcome?

OOC: Sorry, you can't rp other people's forces.OOC: Agreed, and you're forgetting a couple of other things: Without training, the Ethiopians will not know how to effectively use the weapons you've left behind. The rifles will be no problem, but the artillery and machine guns will be much more difficult (especially the artillery: go ahead and tell me that the Lion of Judah's men will be able to pick up a trig table and figure out how to properly elevate the barrels of those 75's you've left them on just one go... :p )


I have troops at Jiddah and in Palestine; the minute I saw your post, I thought, “Well, it looks like I won’t have to wait for the end of Ramadan (mid-September) to start fighting, after all.” I will be sending troops to support him, and (given that Somalia is Muslim territory and the Lion of Judah [Emperor of Ethiopia] is Coptic Christian), I will urge the Sharif of Mecca to help defend the Muslims of Somalia from conquest by an enemy nation.


With modern arms, Italian colonial troops can hold out in the coastal ports indefinitely (especially with my help).


Somalia is big. It would take Ethiopian troops at least 12 days to get to Mogadishu.That said, you have once more impressed me with your creativity and ingenuity. You are indeed a truly dangerous foe. This will be a distraction for Italy. One hopes that your deal with the Lion of Judah is not discovered, however, as it will be far worse than causus belli.

I will start a new game thread today: “The Lion of Judah”. I will also (with apologies to TA) finally kick off the “Lawrence of Moravia” thread.

Man, have I got my work cut out for me...

P.S. What really impresses me is that you're learning my tactics of gambit: give up what you can't possibly hold, and in the most devastating fashion possible!

OOC: Very well. If Voxio objects, I invite him to post the deployment of his 10 000 troops, the status of his defensive works (if the exist) and the troops' actions after being attacked by the Abyssinians. But do you think this will change the campaign's outcome?

Well, since you didn't declare the abyssinian troop's movements I don't know how to react.

IC:

"What?! Those damn Abbyssinians! e pulled away from their borders as a show of good faith and they attack us?! " Roared Michel Luchasi, Italian East African Governor.
"We'll have to retreat to Somaliland, our forces can regroup there and try to hold them off at the seaports."
He paused for a moment to write out a note before calling in his secretary
"Alessandro!"
"Yes sir"
"Take this telagram to the leader of the Eritrea Parliment"
It read:
As I'm sure you are aware, our Abyssinian troops have crossed our
borders. It is only a matter of time before they have taken our territory. am afraid Italian troops must withdraw from Eritrea, but we will return to liberate you. In the meantime I would suggest you attempt to put together a militia and recruit as many Askari to this cause, promise them money and land if you must. If the Ialians can push the Abyssinian's out again we will pay for these troops. You will be givin small cashe of Italian Mod 91 rifles and what little excess of ammunition we have. They wont last long, but they will give your militia a chance.

He dropped to the seat behind his desk and sighed. A memnt later he began to draft another letter.

To: King Victor Emmanuel III
From: Italian East Africa
Your majesty, after our last boat of troops left today we were invaded by
Abyssinia. They came un-provoked and without a declration of war, we had no way to be prepared. I am retreating from Eritrea and placing the civilian parliment in control of the land. I intend to move the men to Somaliland and try to hold the abyssinians off there."

To: Michel Luchasi of Italian East Africa
From: King victor Emmanuel III
Very well, I will send General Luigi Factara with 4 Divisions [60,000 soldiers] as well as an additional 2 divisions [30,000 soldiers] to be placed under your control..
I wish you the best of Luck
His Eternal Majesty, Victor Emmanuel III


To: The British Empire
From: The Eternal Kingdom of Italy
Recently Italian East African land has been Invaded by Abysinian Froces. They were unprovoked and had failed to formaly declare war. You also have territory in Eritrea and it may eb the Italians today, but tomorrow it could be the British.
His Eternal Majesty, King Victor Emmanuel III

OOC: The only evidence of a deal between France and Abyssinia could be circumstantial at best - the weapons left behind - because it was a verbal agreement (the first rule in any shady business: don't write down anything).

Anyway, this (http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;jsessionid=93h2o0khekjdi?method=4&dsid=2222&dekey=Second+Italo-Abyssinian+War&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&sbid=lc01a&linktext=Second%20Italo-Abyssinian%20War) site gives 500 000 soldiers for the second Italo-Abyssinian War and 100 000 for the first. We're in between, so I'll say Abyssinia has about 200 000 soldiers. Half are deployed against Eritrea and half against Italian Somaliland. The same source says that "the treaty which separated Italian Somaliland and Abyssinia stated the border was 21 leagues parallel to the Benadir coast." I'm not very good with these 'exotic' units, but I think one league is three miles long, placing the border 63 miles inland. Even if the Abyssinian troops started farther from the coast, that distance can be crossed in only four days.

So, according to Voxio, all Italian troops have left Eritrea, which was probably occupied in less than four days (since it's even narrower than Somalia). The question to be answered is: how fast can the evacuated troops reach Somalia (before the Africans reach the port cities)? Also: will all the Italian troops manage to evacuate the colony before the Abyssinians get to them? I doubt that, since you have just sent most of your troops to Europe by boat. Right now, you should be pretty short on boats in East Africa.

My plan is as follows: 100 000 soldiers attack Eritrea. After occupying it, 30 000 are redeployed against Somalia and the rest are placed in the main ports, the only locations where a succesfull invasion can take place. A token force occupies French Somaliland, seizing the French arsenal and perhaps also 'capturing' some gunners. Another 100 000 Abyssinians move against Italian Somaliland. Do you want to fight them in the field or will you fortify in a few key places. Please tell me. If you choose the second option, please also name the locations you're defending.

OOC: I wouldn't have been so quick to surrender the port of Massawa to a bunch of guys with spears, even if there were 100,000 of them.

But don't worry. I'll retake it with ease. 70,000 tribal warriors are essentially nothing in the modern age.

To The Kingdom of Italy
From The British Empire
The British Empire will side with the Kingdom of Italy. However, we have a
favor to ask of you. You seem to be in good standing with the Spanish, we would like the Straits of Gebralter open to British ships.


To The Empire of Abyssinia
From The British Empire

We demand you halt your invasion of The Italian Colonies and surrender what
was once French Somaliland to a joint Italian/British occupation.

Failure to comply will result in a war with Britain as well.

OOC: Oh you crazy French. Now you can't travel in and out of the Meditaranian sea as easily.

After the Spanish occupation of Morocco, Frederic Boullon, a French journalist, joins for a while a band of Arabian freedom fighters.

The memoirs of Frederic Boullon

That evening, an old Arab who could speak French came to me and said: "Mr. Lecocq told me he's planning a raid for tonight. He thought you might be interested." Of course I was interested, so I accompanied him to the marketplace, where a large crowd was gathered. All the men had their faces covered, only their fierce eyes showing. All of them had weapons: rifles slung across their backs, pistols and 'knives' that cut easyly cut a man in half.

The French captain and some Arab chieftains had entered a building for discutions and were just coming out when I arrived at the marketplace. Lecocq raised his hands and silence immediately descended upon our gathering. He said something in Arabian which my old guide didn't deign to translate and the square erruped with shouts and noise. Men started shooting their rifles and for a moment I was afraid they might turn against us. Fortunately, I saw Lecocq smiling and realised the Arabs were actually showing their agreement.

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

We left the village when the sun was setting across the mountains, the dry peaks turned gory read by its glare. Apart from Lecocq and myself, the only person who understood French was a 15 year old lad, the nephew of the Arab who had come to me earlier that evening. He seemed unable to decide weather to hate me for having to stay with me, thus losing the battle, or to be gratefull, since if I hadn't come, he would have been left behind. Lecocq himself was in front of our group leading the men, so as a result of all of this I was feeling isolated and ignored by everybody.

We kept marching through the dark, moonless night until I bumped into the back of my guide - I had fallen asleep while walking!

"Shh!", the lad hissed. "We have arrived. The Spanish are in the village ahead of us."

To be honest, I could see nothing at all in front of me, but I trusted him and started waiting for the action to begin. It seemed the Spanish were all housed in the local inn, not spread among the inhabitants as we had hoped, as a result of the previous attacks against the soldiers all over Morocco.

After a short council, Lecocq and the Arab chieftains decided upon a plan. They all dressed in Spanish uniforms - I had no idea we were carrying such a thing - and then gathered in front of the inn. I noticed that one of them had his head and right hand wrapped in bandages. Lecocq, being the whitest and the only one who spoke Spanish well, was the one to do the talking.

"Open up!" he shouted. "We've been ambushed by the damn Arabs. One of my soldiers is injured and needs medical attention. Open up, damn you!"

Eventually, a sleepy face appeared in one of the windws from the upper floor.

"Who are you?"

"I told you! We're Spanish soldiers. We were patrolling the district when we were ambushed by the Moroccans. One of my men is seriously injured."

Now I must tell you that my knowledge of the Spanish language is no better than my knowledge of Arabian. At the time, the whole conversation remained a mistery to me, a mistery that was unlocked by my later interviews with mister Lecocq. The problem with our plan was that the Spanish sentinel seemed to be extremely strong headed. After about five minutes, the garrisons's comander also appeared in one of the inn's windows. He was also weary of us and the most our captain could persuade him to do was to open his gates for the 'injured' soldier.

The Spanish sentinel opened the gate and let the wounded man approach him. Suddenly, one of 'knives' I told you about - probably hidden in the bandages - materialized in his hand. With one swift motion, he embeded the knife in the sentinel's stomach, point up. The soldier collapsed so fast and the knife was so long that it must have penetrated his heart. One moment later, the Spanish soldier was joined in death by his killer, shot down by somebody deep inside the inn.

"Forward!!!" shouted the captain. In one stride he got to the gate, pulled his pistol and shot at the enemy inside. The Arabs followed him instantly, seeking shelter from the bullets raining down on them from above. The captain had single-handedly secured the lower room of the inn, where only two soldiers had been, but most of them were on the upper floor, guarding the staircase. A bold young chieftain urged his men forward and, leading them, rushed up the stairs. He was met with heavy fire and I saw his body falling lifeless to the ground. Most of his companions met the same fate and the rest turned back to run. Behind them appeared the Spanish, counterattacking. After a few moments, they retreated, but it was obvious we were in a stalemate.

"We have to do something fast", said Lecocq. "If dawn comes and we're still here, we'll be unable to leave the inn. While he was talking, my eyes fell on two barrels resting in a dark corner of the room. Amazingly, Lecocq was looking at me in that moment. His eyes followed mine and he noticed the barrels.

"What's there?" he inquired. A man, close to them, answered: "Olive oil." An evil spark appeared in the captains eyes, as the horrible solution formed behind them.

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

We all left the inn running. The darkness and the surprise prevented the Spanish from hiting any of us. The two men left behind broke the barrels, threw a torch on the floor and started to join us. One of them was hit by a soldier descending the stairs and the other outside, by the Spanish firing from the upper floor of inn. By that time, however, we started glimpsing merry flames through the open door of the inn, that spread rapidly to engulf the entire ground floor and the soldire who had descended the stairs. We heard him scream and saw him bursting through the door out in the street,a flaming siluette of a human on the night sky. A mercifull bullet ended his agony.

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

The other soldiers were killed either by the fire or by our bullets. At dawn, the inn was still burning as we left the village. The captain only regretted the Spanish weapons were destroyed by the fire. I, on the other hand, still don't know if those soldiers would have suffered the same faith had my eyes not wandered in that dark corner of the inn.

OOC: In case you're wondering what is a French officer doing leading a group of Morrocans, I have to tell you that, even before Morocco became a French protectorate, parts of their army were led by French officers. Lecocq is one of them.

OOC: Latiatis, why are you asking for Spain to open the Straits of Gibraltar to you? You own Gibraltar, for Christ's sake!

OOC: I wouldn't have been so quick to surrender the port of Massawa to a bunch of guys with spears, even if there were 100,000 of them.

But don't worry. I'll retake it with ease. 70,000 tribal warriors are essentially nothing in the modern age.
Spears? They certainly had rifles. After taking the French arsenal, they'll certainly have artillery. And now wish me good night. :)

OOC: I wouldn't have been so quick to surrender the port of Massawa to a bunch of guys with spears, even if there were 100,000 of them.

But don't worry. I'll retake it with ease. 70,000 tribal warriors are essentially nothing in the modern age.
Spears? They certainly had rifles. After taking the French arsenal, they'll certainly have artillery. And now wish me good night. :)

P.S. Somebody claimed France. Before I wake up, please decide what are you going to do about it.

Spears? They certainly had rifles. After taking the French arsenal, they'll certainly have artillery. And now wish me good night. :)

OOC: Yes, there were about 100,000 soldiers by 1930 who had modern weapons.

I'd say by this time at least 60,000 have modern weapons. And now they have heavy weapons to use, though like NO said, I doubt they understand how to use them effectively. The rest of the Abyssinian troops would be wielding spears and the like [They tried that in the 30s against Mussolini]

Good night. really hope we don't get a new French player, cuz it's you that i want to destroy.

OOC: Latiatis, why are you asking for Spain to open the Straits of Gibraltar to you? You own Gibraltar, for Christ's sake!

OOC: I'm blocking the Strait of Gibraltar with a Pre-Dreadnaught and some Sloops

IC:

To: France
From: The Kingdom of Spain

Spain will not take your American colony or Madagascar. we want Morocco. This is not negotiable.

OOC: that is what you offered right?

Lawrence of Moravia - RP Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9769465#post9769465)
Lawrence of Moravia - OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=448673)

OOC: These are the threads to cover the effort by the Porte to retake Mecca and punish (if not altogether annihilate) the House of Sa'ud, with the help of the Dual Monarchy.

This thread is contemporary with the main thread (it wasn't, until today), but - thanks to the arrival of Ramadan - action can not begin for another NS month (September, 1912). Buildup and training, or political manoevering, of course, are not constrained by the Muslim holy month.

P.S. I will add a fair amount of background material to the RP thread in the next few days (I've reserved the post space for this).

After the Spanish occupation of Morocco, Frederic Boullon, a French journalist, joins for a while a band of Arabian freedom fighters...OOC: Perchance, is this journalist going to publish accounts of these incidents? And if so, when?

IC:
"You wanted to see me Cousin?"

"Yes Yes, come in" King Victor replied "I am growing concerned."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I have the feeling there were French hands behind the Abyssinian attacks"

"But did they not lose territory as well?"

"Yes, but that is what leads me to believe this."

"I don't understand"

"Don't you see? They just left, no war, nothing. They dropped out of land in the horn of Africa...ther only remaining influence they had in the Red sea." He continues" Why would they leave something that valuable unless their was something for them to gain."

"I see your point sir, but why am I here?"

"Those 4 divisions I gave you, take them to Sardinia. With the Alps heavily guarded, I'd expect their first attacks to be on the shores of Sardinia, the origin of Italy."

To The Kingdom of Spain
From The Eternal Kingdom of Italy

I must humbly beg of you to open the Straits of Gebralter to the British. My
East African colonies are at stake and I will do what I need to do for them to be opened.

His Eternal Majesty
Victor Emmanuel III

To The Kingdom of Spain
From The Eternal Kingdom of Italy

I must humbly beg of you to open the Straits of Gebralter to the British. My
East African colonies are at stake and I will do what I need to do for them to be opened.

His Eternal Majesty
Victor Emmanuel III

To: The Kingdom of Italy
From: The Kingdom of Spain

Spain will open the Strait of Gibraltar to the British and anyone who needs the Strait to aid Italy.

King Alfonso XIII



message to the Pelayo from Madrid

you are to open the Gibraltar Strait to any British ships and any full member of the Grand alliance.

To: The United Kingdom of Britain
From: The Kingdom of Spain

by the request of the king of Italy Victor Emmanuel III British ships will be allowed to travel the Gibraltar unchecked.

IC:
To King Alfonso XIII
From King Victor Emmanuel III
Thank you, you truely are a good ally to me and I will be in your debt.

His Eternal majesty
Victor Emmanuel III

OOC:
No OOC, just wanted to use up tet so i could post.

Trieste, Das KustenlandThe protected cruiser SMS Kaiserin Elisabeth is to proceed in the
company of two destroyers and one collier to Jiddah. Orders will
be sent upon arrival of the flotilla at its destination.
The liner SMS Rudovica is to proceed to Haifa for conversion from a
hospital ship to a troopship. Once conversion is complete, new orders
will be dispatched.Die Ringstraße, ViennaTo: The Grand German Empire
From: The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and
the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen

We would like to purchase four 25cm heavy mine throwers ( http://www.frontline18.com/images/?id=2944) from your
inventory, at the same price you bought them from Krupp GmbH. We
would also like to hire Krupp employees as contractors to assist us in
the use of these weapons.OOC: The German “mine thrower”, or minenwerfer, was the predecessor of the trench mortar. It was essentially designed for the reduction of fortifications. Each gun had a crew of 21 pioneers or sappers (since these weapons were not considered proper “artillery” ).

Telegram to The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen:

We will supply you with four minenwerfer, as well as technicians and the Waffen-SS Division Totenkopf to instruct your soldiers in their use. They will arrive by train in a few weeks time.

The Totenkopf unit was activated and would soon board the train. After the peace with France the Wehrmacht had slowly began to demobilize, though the veterans from the Balkan crisis, Waffen-SS Das Reich and Wiking, had maintained combat readiness.

OOC 1: I'm in a hurry.

Three divisions are moved on the island of Corsica. Units of the Mediteranean fleet are ordered to patroll the waters between Corsica and Sardinia.

OOC 2: I didn't buy your statement: "Those 4 divisions I gave you, take them to Sardinia. With the Alps heavily guarded, I'd expect their first attacks to be on the shores of Sardinia, the origin of Italy."

1) I didn't know Sardinia was the origin of Italy. :)

2) Of course I won't attack you and I think you know it. In reality, you want to attack me.

ooc. Jeez, lots of fighting going on in august 1912 :p

OOC 1: I'm in a hurry.

Three divisions are moved on the island of Corsica. Units of the Mediteranean fleet are ordered to patroll the waters between Corsica and Sardinia.

OOC 2: I didn't buy your statement: "Those 4 divisions I gave you, take them to Sardinia. With the Alps heavily guarded, I'd expect their first attacks to be on the shores of Sardinia, the origin of Italy."

1) I didn't know Sardinia was the origin of Italy. :)

2) Of course I won't attack you and I think you know it. In reality, you want to attack me.
OOC: Yes, The Monarchy of Italy controlled Sardinia before it came into control of Italy. So in a sense Sardinia is the origin of Italy and WOULD be an important place for them to defend.

I know you're not foolish enough to attack Italy [That's something I'd never exepct to hear]...but there would be enough reason for us to worry about an attack. And in the event of a war Sardinia would be an important area to protect from a historical and military standpoint.

The Lion of Judah - OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=449096)

IC:
The British Mediteranean fleet is to be split with a small portion of the ships sent to Gebralter to back up Spanish forces. The majority of the ships are to be sent to patrol from Sicily to Malta and from Malta to the border between French North Africa and Italian Tripolitania. They have been givin orders to not allow the passing of French ships or the ships of French allies.

OOC 1: I'm in a hurry.OOC: So you can fill in the details when you have more time.Three divisions are moved on the island of Corsica. Units of the Mediteranean fleet are ordered to patroll the waters between Corsica and Sardinia.OOC: You are facing potential attack on multiple fronts. You need to tell us where these divisions are coming from and how they are getting there. Remember that 70,000 men require about 140 bottoms to move by sea (and over 100 trains to move by rail), so this is a major troop move; for the seaward leg especially, you will need to break this up into groups according to the number of ships you have availble (I doubt that you have even 50 ships waiting at Marsailles or Toulon [or Algiers] to haul troops around).

IC:
Vittorio Belloumini sighed as he sepped away from the ship. After such a long trip by ship he still had a days march. Turning to the soldier to his left he asked
"Hell of a ride eh?"
"Yea, but it'll be midl when compared to tomorrows march. Gonna be at least a days forced march to catch up with the first division."
In the harbor he could see several other transport ships waiting to drop the full second division on land. Beyond those were 2 Dreadnaughts, 10 destroyers and at least two-dozen torpedo boats.

OOC: So you can fill in the details when you have more time.
I have some time now. :)

OOC: You are facing potential attack on multiple fronts. You need to tell us where these divisions are coming from and how they are getting there. Remember that 70,000 men require about 140 bottoms to move by sea (and over 100 trains to move by rail), so this is a major troop move; for the seaward leg especially, you will need to break this up into groups according to the number of ships you have availble (I doubt that you have even 50 ships waiting at Marsailles or Toulon [or Algiers] to haul troops around).
http://www.gwpda.org/naval/fdfn0001.htm

The divisions are comming from the Alps. The link posted shows how they got there (and there are over 50 ships in the 1st Naval Army :)) I think 140 bottoms means 140 ships. If this is so, then three trips should be more than enough. The three divisions moved from the Alps will be replaced by three divisions from N. France.

http://www.gwpda.org/naval/fdfn0001.htm

The divisions are comming from the Alps. The link posted shows how they got there (and there are over 50 ships in the 1st Naval Army :)) I think 140 bottoms means 140 ships. If this is so, then three trips should be more than enough. The three divisions moved from the Alps will be replaced by three divisions from N. France.I see 50 warships, not 50 merchant ships. Were you planning on having the men sit exposed on the decks of your warships, the way the Japanese ferried troops to Guadalcanal in WWII?

Paris, France
Adriano Deriva, the Italian Ambassator to France calmly walked into the Embassy and delivered a letter and left almost as quickly as he came. The letter read:

“Due to the lack of Italian representation at the Vienna Italy feels it can not be bound by this treaty. Thus, after giving France plenty of time to meet Italian demands we must declare war. Surrender the Territory to Italy or face us in battle.”

~ ~ ~

The main Naval base at Taranto was buzzing with activity. With the news of war the Naval fleet was preparing to launch. Nearly all of the naval force was being organized, division by division. Dreadnaughts, Submarines and even the smaller Torpedo Boats were to be sent out leaving a small defensive force to protect the Italian mainland. From Taranto the Italian Naval force would move south past the “boot” and into the southern Meditarranian sea.

I see 50 warships, not 50 merchant ships. Were you planning on having the men sit exposed on the decks of your warships, the way the Japanese ferried troops to Guadalcanal in WWII?
It's August! It should be a pleasure to fell the warm sun, the light breeze of the Mediteranean... Anyway, the trip shouldn't last more than one day. It's only a few hundred Km from Marseille to Corsica.

We really need to establish a chronology.

1) The date the Italian troops left East Africa. That's Voxio's job.

2) The date Abyssinia started the war (my responsability - two days after date nr. 1).

3) The date when Italy ordered 4 divisions to Sardinia. Again, Voxio's decision.

4) The date Italy presented it's ultimatum.

I have to ask Voxio and all the people involved not to post untill we agree upon a chronology. I'm not being obstructionist, I simply need to know what's the situation. Have the 4 divisions reached Sardinia, what's the situation with the war in Abyssinia etc.

It's August! It should be a pleasure to fell the warm sun, the light breeze of the Mediteranean... Anyway, the trip shouldn't last more than one day. It's only a few hundred Km from Marseille to Corsica.

We really need to establish a chronology.

1) The date the Italian troops left East Africa. That's Voxio's job.

2) The date Abyssinia started the war (my responsability - two days after date nr. 1).

3) The date when Italy ordered 4 divisions to Sardinia. Again, Voxio's decision.

4) The date Italy presented it's ultimatum.

I have to ask Voxio and all the people involved not to post untill we agree upon a chronology. I'm not being obstructionist, I simply need to know what's the situation. Have the 4 divisions reached Sardinia, what's the situation with the war in Abyssinia etc.
Well, the time thing has confused me as well. NO seems to understand these dates, I'll ask him tomorrow.He seems to think that the Abyssinian war should have started a while back...I forget why though.

I can tell you that only 1/2 the divisions have reached Sardinia and a few ships are sitting off shore.

If you mean what I posted just now when you say ultimatum, that was actually a declaration of war.

If you mean what I posted just now when you say ultimatum, that was actually a declaration of war.
O.K. That's good to know. Some of the articles of the Treaty of Vienna:
Article VI

France shall apologise to the other members of the Grand Alliance for
its recent behaviour, and shall entertain claims of compensation by
the members of the Alliance. Where a claim can not be settled within
6 months to the mutual agreement of both parties, it shall be
submitted to binding arbitration.
Article VIII

Should any party be accused of violating this Treaty, it shall fall
upon the Guarantors to determine if a violation has in fact occurred.
This shall be done by majority vote. Upon any finding that a party
has indeed violated this Treaty, it shall be the duty of both the
Grand Alliance and the Guarantors to force compliance, and to do so by
any means necessary.

Moreover, in the event of such a finding, said violator shall lose any
and all rights under this Treaty, and – in addition – if a member of
the Grand Alliance, be considered to have its membership in the
Alliance suspended until such time as it falls into compliance.
Article X

The German Empire, the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary, and the
Russian Empire shall be the Guarantors of this Treaty, and as such
shall be empowered to judge whether any party is in compliance with or
violation of it. They may do so without recourse to binding
arbitration; this right does not, however, preclude such a submission
should the Guarantors deem it desirable. All decisions of the
Guarantors will be reached my majority vote, and all such decision
shall be final.
Telegram from France to Vienna, Berlin and Sankt Petersburg

The recent declaration of war by Italy is in obvious violation of the Article VI,
which calls for an arbitration in case the two parties cannot reach an
agreement. Please do your duty, in accordance with this provision of Article
VIII: "Upon any finding that a party has indeed violated this Treaty, it shall
be the duty of both the Grand Alliance and the Guarantors to force
compliance, and to do so by any means necessary."

OOC: Regarding the chronolgy: the TG was sent the same day with the declaration of war. *looks at the watch* sh*t, I'm gonna be late for classes!

August 12th, 1912Off the French RivieraThe SMS Aspern lay at anchor, 7 miles off the French naval base at Toulon. Her crew had extra personnel on watch, and she was on a state of alert. Certainly the French could see her this close to shore, but that really wasn’t the point. The protected cruiser’s mission was to detect any seaward move by the French fleet, and send notice of such a sortie to the k.u.k. Kriegsmarine’s flag admiral.

Like the protected cruiser SMS Lacrona, not quite 50 nautical miles to the west at anchor a dozen miles off Marseilles, or the protected cruiser SMS Panther, lying at anchor off Algiers roughly 500 nautical miles to the southwest a similar number of miles offshore, these vessels had all arrived in the last 24 hours, roughly a day after Mexico had presented France its ultimatum (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9751503&postcount=901). Vizeadmiral Rudolf Montecuccoli had ordered the cruisers to these positions shortly after departing Taranto for the Tyrrhenian Sea. The main fleet itself had put in a Naples for refuel before steaming westward toward Sardinia.

So it was that SMS Aspern’s lookouts spotted the growing procession of French warships emerge from the harbour at Toulon and make way southward, toward Corsica. Weighing anchor, she turned and assumed a parallel course at close enough range to be able to study the French warships carefully through binoculars. On her bridge, the First Officer opened a copy of the 1911 edition of Jane’s Fighting Ships of the World and, together with a junior officer, began comparing silhouettes with those in the book

Then, in the clear, SMS Aspern began to broadcast a message:
SMS Aspern - Position 43°13´ N 6°07´ E

French 1st Fleet in sortie out of Toulon. Decks loaded with troops
and equipment. Bearing SE by E. List of ships identified follows...OOC: See the OOC thread for a discussion of timelines (or my take on it).

OOC: This is my first post for this RPG, so don't bite my head off. I'm basing this post off of two facts so far: Teddy Roosevelt is still president since its late 1912, and that TR is a tough guy. If the US seems unnormally hostile, remember that the US always had fits every now and then.:p

IC: The United States

Theodore Roosevelt gave a bully speech earlier this month, regarding the the threats of war and Mexican Imperialism:
"Without the fighting edge, no man and no nation can be really great, for in the really great man, as in the really great nation, there must be both the heart of gold and temper of steel.
The cuckoo's egg planted in Mexico has shown itself to be ever opposed to freedom, justice, and truth.
The American people, while a younger people than most, are no less entitled to security, and the promise of a fair peace. The militant nature of Mexico has been ignored far too long. The crimes against decent people in Mexico has been ignored far too long. The Monroe Doctrine, the sacred article that tells the Old World 'Do as you will in your home, sir, but in ours you must obey the rules,' has been ignored far too long.
If we are to continue as a nation, we must be willing to sacrifice the lesser things to allow for security.
14 years ago, events required the United States send her youth to defend freedom. Though another war with Mexico can be avoided, we cannot buy such peace with cowardice. We must show to Mexico, and indeed the world, that the United States is willing, and even priviledged, to spend her blood in the defense of the principles that led to her founding.
I ask Congress, I ask the governors of every state and territory, and I ask every American of every background to support this undertaking.
Thank you, and God bless this nation."

With Imperial Mexico's military build up, and the addition of several hundred thousand troops added to their order of battle, Senator Henry Cabot Lodge has proposed Congress appropriate the funds to increase the size and equipment amounts of the United States military.
(Simply put) the Bill's articles include:
Increase of Army size to 300,000
Increase of Marine Corp to 45,000 men
Increase of Navy by 100,000 men and officers
Naval Appropriation Article planned with the creation of 10 battleships, 6 battlecruisers, 10 protected cruisers, 50 destroyers, and 67 submarines
Increase of the National Guard to 300,000 men
Increase Armory stockpiles by 3,000 machine guns, 2,000 artillery pieces, and 500,000 Springfield rifles
Creation of 36 enlisted and 12 officers training camps across the continental United States
The creation or reopening of five forts along the Mexican border
Increase in size of the United States Air Corp, to 800 planes

President Roosevelt is gettingg behind this bill, and Presidential candidate Woodrow Wilson has already expressed his support over the bill.

President Roosevelt is also using the threats of war on France to reassert the Monroe Doctrine. Simply put, while battles may spill into the Western Hemisphere, and combatant ships may seek refuge, the President is adamant that no intended combat and annexations take place in North or South America.
To this end, he has informed the French government that the United States will peacefully protect and occupy their colonies in the Western Hemisphere, and promises to return them upon the end of the war.
This will allow the French government to free up troops to defend their homeland. This will also ensure the survival of at least some French colonies.
Or, if France does prefer, the United States will buy any of the colonies.

Now, to Denmark:
To the Government of Denmark,
The United States believes that the last several years of bargaining for the Danish Virgin Islands need not continue. The United States will pay $5 million for the islands, payable upon agreement.
Sincerely,
President Theodore Roosevelt

And Britain:
To the Honourable Government of Great Britain and its Empire,
The Congress of the United States has agreed to appropriate the necessary funds to offer to purchase the island of Bermuda and the Bahamas, for the toal price of $5 million.
World tension is high, and such an agreement would help smooth over Anglo-American feelings.
I personally hope you accept our proposal.
Sincerely,
Theodore Roosevelt

(More to follow)

(OOC: Offer any suggestions or comments if I did well. I'm open to praise as well. :D )

OOC: Offer any suggestions or comments if I did well. I'm open to praise as well. :DNot bad. We're in August or September 1912, however, so Wilson's election is still 2-3 months away.

Teddy will be President through March of 1913.

Emperor Agustin II sat on his diased throne and rubbed his forehead several times, trying to send the headache away. His Minister of Foreign Affairs stood in front of him, reading a report based out of the embassy in the United States.

"And that my Emperor, is what the report says," Maneul de Beihar said. "The Americans think we are a threat to them." The small man's eyes looked searching ly into his Emperor's eyes for signs of anger. Agustin laughed.

"Manuel, my friend, let me tell you something. Sueño usted ve, un sueño de un imperio latinoamericano unido. That dream is one which I will realize. I have had visions of it, and it is beautiful. But this...this threat from the Estados Unidos is misguided. I will write a personal telegram to President Roosevelt, you are to deliver it emmediately."

"Sí su agudeza," Maneul said and then left the chamber room to wait in the hall.


Diplomatic Message
To: President Theadore Roosevelt
From: Emperor Agustin II of Mexico

"Good day to you Mr. President. I Emperor Agustin have been notified of your nations thoughts concerning the Empire of Mexico. I must tell you that you are mistaken in your judgement my friend. Mexico has no designs upon your country nor have wish to make them. Mexico is Mexico. As the American's had the destiny of controlling all of the Northern Americas' so does Mexico have the destiny to leade the countries of Latin America. Why then must we feel threatened by one another when our designs and agendas' do not threaten each other? I wish for trade and prosperity. Not war and hatred. So, Mr. President I ask that you would allow for one of my personal aides to be an envoy to the United States to discuss a possible treaty or alliance between our two soveriegn nations; so as to stem away from feelings of hate."



Later in the day Emperor Agustin was breifed on the events taking place in Europe. He nodded and said to his aide, " Begin Operation Quemar Fuego." The aide nodded and left. A diplomatic message was sent in the evening to Paris.


Message
To: Government of France
From: Emporer Agustin II of Mexico

"Sir, it has come to my attention that you have declare war upon the sovereign nation of Italy, and have made movements of troops pertaining to your agenda of fighting them. In support of my allies I thus declare war upon you. I demand all Carribean holdings made by your country and the removing of troops from Morroco. Good day to your sirs."


Message
To: Press of the World
From: Represenative of his Royal Highness Emperor Agustin II

"As of 9:54 pm September 13, 1912; the Empire of Mexico has declared war upon the nation of France for its actions of War against the soveriegn nation of Italy. Emperor Agustin urges the other nations of Europe to do likewise and help keep France from taking over Italy and its lawful holdings."

The United States

This just in: The United States military has been on a state of emergency since Mexico's declaration of war.
President Roosevelt has called up all branches of the military to be fighting fit, and ordered the navy to muster and be prepared to sail at a moments notice.
The effect of Mexico's basesless declaration of war on France has stirred the nation. France's already tenuous position has resulted in several thousand Americans traveling to join the Foreign Legion, using the catch phrase, 'Lafayette, we are here.'
Congress voted to approve the appropriations bill, with the Senate voting in favor by 82 to 5, and the House voting 373 to 50.

Already the seemingly harsh actions by Mexico's Emperor, thousands of Americans took to the streets, burning Agustin in effigy.
Jeff Pinkard, a steel worker in Birmingham, said this: 'If the King of Mexico thinks he kin lick us, he's got another thing comin'. Back in Europe, they kin fight who they want. In the New World, we don't need to get involved.'
He then proceded to set fire to an effigy.
Already a new slogan has swept through the Southwest of the US. While not original, its popularity is unquestioned. It goes like this: Remember the Alamo, and to hell with Mexico!

The governments of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Panama have all censured Mexico's declaration. The remaining Central American powers are expected to follow suit.
Thousands of Americans has swept into recruiting stations, anticipating a war. The numbers have resulted in stations actually having to turn away volunteers, due to a lack of paper work.
United States arms companies, relatively unaffected by the recent Balkan Wars, have seen contracts the size haven't been seen in 14 years.

Due to the emergency, the military has authorized the construction and deployment of 20 armored cars on the border. John Browning's proposed heavy maching gun(OTL M1917), and Isaac Lewis's Lewis light machine gun.
Contracts for increased machine gun and light artillery production have been made.

President Roosevelt has made a telegram sent to Mexico's ruler public:
To Emperor Agustin,
Many men propose peace. Many men speak of nothing but desire for peace. But few do so with an army of half a million men, and 2nd rate navy, all obtained through mortgaging their nation. The people of Mexico starve, and unrest is on the rise, and you seek to be involved in a European war? It is no secret that you pulling all the gold from Mexico, to create a large cash reserve. This is rarely done from a nation that also plans to enlarge their military.
You call yourself Emperor, but what are you really? Maximilian had no claim to the thrown of Mexico, because there is no such thing. The fate of Mexicans is to be decided by Mexicans. No government that is not duly elected can ever claim to represent their people.
So what does America want? Justice. The only way Mexico will ever be considered peaceful is if you abdicate, and end your imperialist dreams. Central America is democratic. The United States are democratic. The Carribean is a lake of democratic nations.
Mexico? It is being held behind by a tinpot king, who dreams to be equal to the world.
Remember this: Mexico will be ruled by Mexicans, and democracy will return.


A second note, dispatched secretly to Mexico:
Agustin,
You know what you want, and you know what the United States want. We want peaceful, democratic nations to trade with. Your system of economy and military build-up have distrupted everything. Trade is becoming unprofitable with you. You are starving people so you can have dreadnoughts that you don't need.
End the build-up, reduce you army to 100,000, and end you extreme control over Mexico, and then we can talk peace.
Signed,
T. Roosevelt

In Secret: A shortened version of the first message has been printed in Spanish, and is being distributed everywhere Americans can get them into Mexico.
Mexican-Americans are being trained to re-enter Mexico and stir unrest.
The United States have contacted Doroteo Arango and Emiliano Zapata and agreed to support them if they make moves for Mexican democracy.
Moves to ship arms and ammuntion to Mexico are being made.

ooc. New Helgast, great RPing! Looks like we have a talent here;)

Japanese Statement about the Crisis concerning France

The Empire of Japan will remain neutral for the moment in this conflict. No
warships of the warring parties may violate Japanese waters, unless permission is granted.

If ships do violate Japanese waters, the Japanese
Imperial Navy has the order to sink those ships. Commercial shipping may
pass, and trade may continue.

We call upon the warring nations to trie to settle the conflict with words
instead of arms. Japan is willing to negotiate in the conflict between France
and the Grand Alliance.

Son of Heavens, Emperor Hirohito, Ruler of the Land of the Gods, Korea, Formosa and Indochina

SIC.

Highly Coded Message to Japanese Embassy in Mexico City

Secretly aproach the Mexican Emperor with the offer of support, via weapons, training and/or money. It is crucial to draw of attention of the US from theatres elsewhere in the world. Pay attention for any American Diplomatic activity and report back daily.

General Fukuoka

Highly Coded Message to Japanese Embassies in Paris and Rome

Watch the Franco-Italian war closely and send me reports daily. If the situation is proftiable we could enter the war, not actively though.

General Fukuoka

Alfonso called for one of his aids “The U.S.A.’s actions worry me. Mexico is much needed in the coming war send these telegrams out.”

To: The United States of America
From: The Kingdom of Spain

We urge the United States of America not to attack the Empire of Mexico. For to long France has threatened Spain and its allies. Mexico is much needed to stop the French before they can become even more of a threat to Spain. We ask you at very least do not attack Mexico or in fact act against Mexico until at very least France is not a threat to Spain.




To: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
From: The Kingdom of Spain

We ask you to help Spain in preventing the U.S.A. from interfering with the Empire of Mexico. That is all.



To: Full member nations of the Grand Alliance
From: The Kingdom of Spain

We ask that all members urge the U.S.A. to end any aggression toward the Empire of Mexico, and if they refuse, to at least place an embargo on the United States of America



To: The World
From: The Kingdom of Spain

As of now I King Alfonso XIII claim the French thrown as mine. If any French citizen refuses my authority they will be dealt with accordingly.




OOC: and yes the Alfonso XIII can claim the crown of France. And you could call it a declaration of war, as I’m sure most of France doesn’t want to be rules by Alfonso.

Stockholm, Sweden

"An Embargo on the United States!?! I think the Spaniards have lost their minds!" Wilhelm I said as he set the report from the Foriegn Ministry down on his lap.

To his side, newly appointed Foriegn Minister, Karl Haankon, also showed signs of worry through his neatly trimmed beard.

"Indeed, it seems as if the Spaniards are trying to protect their Mexican breatheren in North America from American Imperialism, a rather odd move, if I do say so myself. After all, it hasn't been too long since Spain was defeated by the Americans." The Foriegn Minister replied.

"Well, if it's vengance they are looking for, I'm afriad we cannot yield the interests of our economy. Already, a great deal of our business orginates in America. If we embargo them, it wouldn't long until this great prosperity of ours ends." Wilhelm said.

In truth, Wilhelm was right. Ever since his new economic reforms, many Swedish investors had looked west towards America for it's cheap labor and wide variety of competitive products. Without this investment, which accounted for nearly 30% of Sweden's GDP growth, the grand success of Wilhelm's economic reforms would be shattered and Liberals would have a chance to strike back after two years of obscurity in the public eye.

"Which is why we must continue our trade with the Americans. After all, they were the ones who helped us win the day at the Battle of Stockholm, so let us pay back the debt by keeping our trade routes open. Plus, even if the Spaniards protest, they would not be in any position to stop us, unless the remaining members of the Grand Alliance capitulated to their demands."

"Quite true, Karl, quite true. Thus, we will ignore the Spaniard's request for as long as possible. If the other members of the Grand Alliance agree with Spain, then we will simply revert our trade vessels to Canadian ports where the goods can be easily placed upon American ships."

"Of course, your Excellency."

Due to recent political concern regarding the United States reaction to Mexican war-mongering, the Department of Foreign Relations(OOC: I think thats what it is) has issued to following notification:

To all nations it may concern:
The United States of America reserve the right to guarantee the safety and security of its people, territory, and friends.
The nations of Central America, long afraid of renewed imperialism, support us in this belief.
No nation can believe it unreasonable to provide for the common defense, especially when we have been tolerant of Mexico.
Mexico has fielded a peasant-army of 500,000 men, compared to the United States Regular Army of 98,000.
So who seems the more threatening?
Mexico has driven itself near into bankruptcy, to build 5 dreadnoughts. The more rich nation of Brazil has limited itself to 2.
The Monroe Doctrine asserts the United States' right to prevent the interference from Europe. Mexico was born from a French plot to re-imperialize North America.
So no nation of the world has any just right to interfere in any American endeavor in the Western Hemisphere. The United States have stayed out of European affairs, and are content to continue doing so.

President Roosevelt has gone a step further, saying:
'If the tinpot King of Mexico believes he can steal more land, he is wrong. The United States will not allow any Mexican expansion in the Western Hemisphere, unless done so peacefully, and with the United State's consent.
And Europe, you should mind your own business. We have no wish to be drawn into one of your wars.
And lastly, I must say tp Spain: its never too late to think ahead. Last time we quarreled, you paid the price. You economy is in shambles, and you can barely afford one battleship. So if you want to shoot yourself in the foot, go ahead. Other nations will gain from increased trade with us.'
He then gave one of his characteristic big smiles, and continued on with his work.

Congress has entered into a deep debate, following Senator Lodge's proposal of universal conscription. It remains to be seen if this will meet with approval.
US industry is already gearing up for wartime production, as fears of an imminent Mexican invasion are spread.

Washington, D.C.In the Oval Office, k.u.k. Ambassador Ladislaus Freiherr Hengelmüller von Hengervár shifted uneasily on the sofa across from President Theodore Roosevelt. The President was quite unhappy.

“I don’t understand why all of you Europeans are speaking out against our position on Mexican aggression in the Western Hemisphere,” Roosevelt said with disgust. “We have a right to do whatever we want in our neck of the woods.”

“Certainly,” said von Hengervár. “Unfortunately, this is having an effect on what happens on our continent.”

“You mean your little campaign against France?” snapped the President. “France is the one of the few republics in all of Europe. We have an obligation to stand behind them.”

“Not when France has behaved in such a way as to destabilize the rest of Europe,” replied the k.u.k. Ambassador. “France has threatened the independence of at least three countries in just this past year alone.”

“Didn’t you put into place a treaty to contain the French?” said Roosevelt.

“Yes, we did,” replied the Hungarian Baron. “But underlying that treaty is the not-so-subtle threat that France could easily find herself attacked from all sides without the benefit of allies if she even sneezes. You are throwing that equation off considerably.”

“We’re interested in what happens in the Western Hemisphere,” replied the President.

“So why are you getting involved in a European war?” asked von Hengervár.

“We’re not!” snapped the President.

“Of course you are,” replied the k.u.k. Ambassador. “Mexico is providing key support for Spain, a valuable ally of Italy – our ally, and an ally of Germany as well. When you threaten Mexico, you put Spain in an untenable position, and that threatens the security of Italy. You have overthrown the entire balance of power.”

“Well, maybe you should all leave France alone,” President Roosevelt offered. “Let the French live in peace.”

“I don’t believe they’re capable of it,” said the k.u.k. Ambassador.

“Democracies always prefer peace to war!” trumpeted the President.

“Funny,” mused von Hengervár, “But that’s not the lesson I took away from Thucydides.” Before the First Huntsman could reply, the Baron held up a finger and continued, “But whatever the nature of democracies may be, the prospect of an alliance with a nation with the world’s greatest economy and its third largest fleet will certainly embolden the French to be – if nothing else – less compliant with whatever rules the rest of Europe may seek to impose on them.”

“That’s your problem,” huffed Roosevelt.

The Baron sat quietly for a moment, lifted the cup of coffee on the table before him, took a sip, and then, looking President Roosevelt in the eye, asked softly, “Have you consulted with your British allies on this, Mr. President?”

“No,” said Roosevelt angrily. “Why should that be necessary?”

“Oh, it’s never necessary,” offered von Hengervár. “But it’s always a good idea.”

OOC: I'm not quite sure if this is feasible or not, as I am not sure whether Chinese Intelligence has picked up on Japan's mobilization yet. Let me know and I'll be willing to edit this post accordingly.

-----------------------------
IC:

Secret Comminque to the United States
From: Imperial China

Greetings.

We have recieved disturbing reports from Chinese spies and intelligence officers about a possible Japanese build-up near French Indochina. I believe France is supposedly your friend or ally. Japan may also threaten China, betraying an NAP treaty as the Austrians have warned us. Japan is starved for natural resources, which makes them quite likely to attack French Indochina or Chinese Manchuria. What is to prevent them from attacking the Philipines next?

China would like your opinion on this. Perhaps our two people will be able to find common ground, and defend Asia and the Americas. Please inform us promptly as apparently time is of the essence in the escalating global tensions.

Thank you and go in peace.
~Emperor Guozu

ooc. Ok, I can use my dads PC once in a while.

It is certainly possible that China finds out that Japan is occupying Indochina, but I think it is more logical that Pro-Chinese Vietnamese guys and Chinese labourers in Indochina could have briefed it to China itself. And no action about the increased Aerial Patrols?

ooc. Ok, I can use my dads PC once in a while.

It is certainly possible that China finds out that Japan is occupying Indochina, but I think it is more logical that Pro-Chinese Vietnamese guys and Chinese labourers in Indochina could have briefed it to China itself. And no action about the increased Aerial Patrols?

OOC:

China doesn't have much of an airforce yet, but that could change. ;)

Mexico City

Agustin slammed his fist into the arm of his throne. “Maldita sea!” His personal staff and other ministers of the various arms of his government who stood near and around the dais flinched slightly. “These Americans do not understand Mexico. I and my father Maximilian came here to bring Mexico up! Was it not I who freed the people from the treacherous Dons?!”

“Si, your majesty; however we cannot ignore them,” said Manuel, his foreign minister. Agustin nodded and leaned back in his seat. He closed his eyes for a moment then opened them, and turned to a man standing in a Prussian uniform near his other Mexican officers. “Colonel Pankraz, you have been with us here for 7 months helping to train my army. Have you succeeded thus far?” Agustin asked. The tall blonde German inclined his head forward.

“Yes your Majesty, I and my Landsmänner have seen to the training. I would say that your army is now well trained in German infantry tactics and discipline your highness. Feldwebel Bauch has reported to me that your regular infantry have improved greatly. If your men must fight a war, they are ready sir,” the man said in halting Spanish. Agustin nodded.

“Good, gentlemen, you are dismissed; I have need to speak with my foreign minister.” The assembly of men left except for Manuel. “Si, your majesty?” he asked. Agustin took a small slip of paper out of his jacket and handed it to Manuel. It was a secret telegram from the Japanese Embassy, willing to provide Mexico will support.

“This is very interesting your Highness. What will I do with this?”

(Here is the reply to the Japanese Embassy)
“You are to reply to the Japanese Embassy at once. I formally and humbly request Japan for the supply of 50 machine guns, 100 75mm light cannon, and money amounting to 19,000,000 pesos,” said the Emperor. “Mexico already has a good rifle, a Mauser model, we simply need more machine guns here on the mainland. General Aqui has with him a majority of my military’s machine guns. As well as most of the light artillery for the campaign; we need simply these things and I will feel more assured of my strength here. The Americans will be hard to beat if it comes to war, which hopefully it won’t, I have no need nor wish for one.”

“Yes your Majesty, I understand.”

“Good, then go; and please bring General Rafael in,” said Agustin. The minister bowed then turned and left. A moment later, General Rafael walked in. He stepped up to the dais and saluted Agustin. “Sir.”

“General, with Aqui outside of Mexico, I am promoting you to Commander-in-chief of the Mexican Armed forces until his return. I want you to mobilize your 2nd Army and position it in the center of Northern Mexico. It is possible that the Americans will invade. I will not be the one to trigger a war, but it is foolhardy not to be prepared. Also, take a division of the Imperial Guard with you.”

“Yes my Emperor,” said Rafael, he saluted then left.


Secret Message
To: President Roosevelt
From: Emperor Agustin

Do not be so bold, sir, as to suppose to dictate my nation to your terms. I care not for any doctrine which you have. My nation is my own and I have the sovereign power over and in it; outside of foreign influence. I stress again that I have no wish to fight a war with the United States. And I must say that it is pathetic to say ‘Remember the Alamo’ since it was not my father Emperor Maximilian, but General Santa Anna who invaded Texas and caused that war. I came to Mexico and took power so as to make Mexico strong again. But strong in a way as to lead Latin America in a united form; I ask you again, to allow a personal aide of mine to be sent to your capital to make a possible non-aggression pact, or treaty of some kind. Good day to you sir.


Public Message
To: The World
From: Emperor Agustin II of the Empire of Mexico

Free nations of the World, I call upon your practical minds and forethought to look upon the current war-mongering of the United States. It was after I, a simple ruler of my nation, honored long standing alliances with the sovereign nation of Italy by declaring support for them against France; that the United States began making accusations that I intended to take over or invade the United States. When in the past 17 years of my reign have I made such decisions as to support that absurd theory? None! I ask the nations of the world to consider and that they talk sanity once more into the mind of a graying old man who sits upon his Ivory throne in Washington.



Santander, Northern Spain

General Aqui rubbed his arms again from the night chill. The flotilla of ships was on the move, putting into affect Operation Blazing Fire, which had been planned for quite some time; the message to put it into affect had arrived three days before. Aqui himself thought the attempt pre-mature but then he wasn’t the one in full command. That was the Emperor’s decision.

Aqui looked down at his watch. [2:34am] Its hands told him the time. He sighed and looked out over the bridge of the Dreadnought he was on. Nearly all 100 of the merchant vessels that had first ferried the 1st Mexican Army to Northern Spain in secret had been gathered for this first landing. Aqui had made it clear to his Naval Captains that he wanted as many men landed as possible in a short a time as possible. During the four months they had been in Santander the merchant vessels had drilled without stop.

A young colonel stepped up next to Aqui. “It will quite a morning eh, General?” the man asked. Aqui smiled and nodded. “Si, Fernandez that it will be. A glorious time for the Army of Mexico,” Aqui answered. The colonel leaned onto the awning of the wall. “Yes, and you can count on my Imperial Guard Lancers to make our objectives a reality.”

“I know that Colonel. I am fully aware and believe it,” said Aqui with a hint of forebode-ness. The two men looked out over the ocean and say ahead a distant coast arm of land sticking out. “Soon, very soon,” said Aqui.




[6:32am]

The two dreadnoughts took up strategic positions around the mouth of the gulf and sat in the water as merchant vessels sailed by. Two light cruisers followed them into the bay. By 7am, all of the ships for the first wave of attack had made it into the bay, off the coast of Arcachon, France.

OOC: Uh, ok, I think you misunderstood my actions. TR isn't backing France. He blocking Mexico. See the difference? And I didn't think the US had any allies. I still thought they were neutral. And maybe someone should have sent the Mexicans an ambassador when they raised an army 7 times the size of the US one. When you RP, you should remember that the Mexicans would actually look like the antagonists of this. Especially to the Angloid part of the world.

IC: (This part is a repost. If there is no Denmark, someone please proxy for them)

Now, to Denmark:

To the Government of Denmark,
The United States believes that the last several years of bargaining for the Danish Virgin Islands need not continue. The United States will pay $5 million for the islands, payable upon agreement.
Sincerely,
President Theodore Roosevelt

And Britain:
To the Honourable Government of Great Britain and its Empire,
The Congress of the United States has agreed to appropriate the necessary funds to offer to purchase the island of Bermuda and the Bahamas, for the toal price of $5 million.
World tension is high, and such an agreement would help smooth over Anglo-American feelings.
I personally hope you accept our proposal.
Sincerely,
Theodore Roosevelt

(Now for the new stuff)
In the United States
Roosevelts meeting with the k.u.k ambassador could have gone better. But it was not a concern.
"I believe the Europeans don't care for our position, Mr. President. They are concerned only for their war with France. And with the beating we gave Spain a few years back, they need all the help they can get." Elihu Root said. The aging Secretary of State had served as Secretary of War during the Spanish-American War. He knew what he was talking about.
"But," Luke E. Wright, the Secretary of War, interupted, "we should still be conernced about Great Britain. In fact, they are the only European country that should concern us right now. We have much of a common history, language, and even mannerisms."
Roosevelt thought for a moment. 'So, the Austro-Hungarians want us to lay off of Mexico? What happens then? They beat France, thats what. And once France is gone, anytime we talk to Mexico, they'll have half of Europe to express their opinions.
He stood up.
"Gentlemen, as I have said before, the affairs of the United States are no ones business but the Unites States'. If the Europeans want to believe that building a modern army means war with Mexico, then let them. But if there is a war, let Mexico strike the first blow."
Wright clapped once, and then reached for some papers. "Well, TR, the buildup has gone well. Our level of industrialization means we can have own program finished within a year. We've had no problem with recruits. Equipment was the problem, but thats sorted out. We've even found all the carrier pigeons we'll need, and they are being trained."
Roosevelt felt like laughing out loud. But he didn't. The specifications on the equipment ordered, and now being produced, meant that the factories would be ready if more orders came.
But the meeting with the k.uk. ambassador still annoyed him. The man had mistakenly believed that affairs in the Americas were affecting Europe, when it was the opposite. Had France not propped up an Austrian man as Emperor of Mexico, the USA would not have this worry. The Europeans had sown the seeds of their own troubles. 'Once again.' he thought.
"Sectretary Root, do have the information on Mexico's status?" Roosevelt was angry, but tried to keep himself in check.
"Yes, Mr. President. Studies and investigation show unrest in Mexico on the rise. The rumor of gold digging has the peasants wondering where it all went. And Agustin's build-up of the army and navy, at the expense of his people, has stirred up enough anger to start a revolution. I'm surprised one hasn't started already. Their Emperor doesn't know how close to it he is.
The thing that seems to anger them the most is sending troops to help Spain and fight France. The average Mexican peasant has little education, and doesn't understand why his brother or son is being sent to fight the people that put the Emperor in power, on the side of the people Mexico fought to free themselves from."
Roosevelt stared into Roots eyes. "So your prediction is...?"
"Complete revolt from the middle and lower classes within 3 months, Mr. President. Quicker, if Mexico's army invading France takes a beating."
"Good. Secretary Wright. Continue our preperations and armament program. Mexico won't catch us unaware." Roosevelt did laugh now. "Of course the odds of them catching anyone unaware when their ruler doesn't know he's on the razor's edge already are quite low."
The three men shared a good laugh.

* * * * *
In Mexico
Doroteo checked his rifle's ammunition supply. He then checked his horse, roughly 20 paces behind him. He then glanced to his men. They all laid on their bellies, along the top of a small ridge.
No one made a sound.
A convoy of the Imperial Mexican army was moving through the pass. Their officer, while possibly intelligent, was a fool. He believed that only bandidos still operated in the area. His men were showing little alertness.
But there! One private looked at the rise. Doroteo pressed his face lower to the ground, smelling the harsh grass, and the bleached dirt. But the soldier looked away. He wasn't looking for anything. Just looking.
It had taken Doroteo several weeks to confirm this shipment of rifles and possibly machine guns for the army. While the Emperor had build railroads and streets, some areas, like southern Sonora, had not yet been built up. So the only way to travel were dirt roads, which passed through many valleys.
Doroteo, like the other 12 men with him, took aim. There were roughly 25 Imperial troops, but they were unaware.
He aimed for the officer, and squeezed the trigger. The Mexican-copy of a Mauser fired, and he worked the bolt to chamber a new round. The poor lieutenant went down with a boneless look. He would not rise again.
The other 12 fired, and 12 Imperial troops fell, surely dead. His men were used to hunting smaller animals for food, and so a man proved a delicious target.
Two more of his men man-handled the Colt machine gun to the top of the rise and started shooting. The troops who had not gone to the ground instantly began to fall.
After a minute of firing, Doroteo motioned for his men to stop. He called out, "Give up! You're outnumbered and outgunned. We'll let you live." For a moment there was silence. One troops got up from behind the wagons they had been first guarding and then sheltering behind, and tried to approach Doroteo.
"Hold there, senor. Not a step further."
The man halted. "I can speak for all of us. You promise to spare our lives?"
"That is what I said. Will you give up?"
"Si. We surrender." He turned and yelled it again, and the remaining troops came out, and threw down their rifles.
Some of Doroteos men came down, while the others covered them. They bound the hands of the prisoners, and relieved them of their money and belts. Other men from Doroteo's band unloaded everything they could from the wagons, starting with the machine guns. There were two of them. They loaded everything onto mules. The prisoners and a half dozen of the raiders went a seperate way from the mule convoy.
They set fire to the wagons. No use giving the Imperials anything to scavenge.
'And so, we are the scavengers right now. But that will change.'
Doroteo had more important things to worry about. Agustin's war with France was the last straw.
The Revolution was coming.

* * * * *
In Texas

Private First Class Reginald Barlett glanced across the Rio Grande into Mexico. He saw a Mexican troop looking his way. Reggie waved, but the Mexican didn't return the gesture.
Too bad. He takes it too seriously.
Reggie was new to the army, and still took nothing seriously. He didn't love being stationed on the border with Mexico, but it beat working in a pharmacy back in Richmond, Virginia.
His soft, southern accent got him confused for an Englishmen with some locals.
He continued his patrol, and came across his noncom, Corporal Robert E. McCorkle.
"Hey, Corporal, you think we'll actually have to fight the Mexicans? Sounds like they've got enough troubles of their own."
Word of a raid in Sonora by a group calling itself the Republican Army of Mexico had reached the border a few days before. The local newspaper had already taken to drawing comics of a ram butting Emperor Agustin's behind, while Agustin snuck up on France with a knife.
Corporal McCorkle spat a stream of brown tobacco juice, and the turned back to Reggie. "A war? Hopefully. We'uns have let them greasers bug us for too long. If their king wants a fight, we'll give 'im one."
Reggie didn't like the sound of that. The idea of a war didn't appeal to him, but he wouldn't let his squadmates know. It was unbefitting of a southern gentlemen.
He remembered Roosevelt had asked Agustin to reduced his army and refrain from imperialism. Everyone thought that would help avoid a war.
Reggie hoped so.
But then a courier rode up to the two of them.
"Corporal, corporal!" the young private on the horse called.
"What is it?" McCorkle sounded annoyed.
"Army command is mobilizing reserves into Texas. Word came that the Mexicans are mobilizing to head north. Not sure where. The captain wants you to watch the border."
Reggie felt weak. "What are the two of us supposed to do?"
"Quite." McCorkle commanded. "Alright. You tell the captain we're ready. Then go and get Privates Jenkins and Martin, and tell them to bring the machine gun.
Things were getting worse.
* * * * *
Return message to China:
Emperor Guozu,
Our interest in Pacific affairs is very great. But Japan knows better than to attack European colonies. If they did, the rest of Europe would have something to say. Japanes expansion at the expense of any European nation causes them all to fear loss of colonies.
I believe you should forward a message to Great Britain. They would have something to say about Japanese expansion.
We will express our concerns to Japan, and hopefully through dialogue we shall avoid conflict with them.
Signed,
Secretary of State, Elihu Root


Announcement to the World:
All Nations of the world, heed this message:
Where was the outcry when Mexico raised an army of 700,000 men, instead of feeding starving peasants?
Where was the outcry when the nearly bankrupted their nation to build 5 dreadnoughts?
Where was the outcry that Agustin does not represent Mexico? That puppet ruler who dreams more of his own failing empire and of gold than anything else?
Where is the concern that Agustin preaches a Latin American Empire, despite the fact that three Latin American nations have already censured him and demanded the United States guarantee their safety in case of invasion?
Mexico began an arms race, Mexicao openly preaches unprovoked invasions, and Mexico is starving itself to arm itself.
Rendering assistance to Agustin is itself a crime against humanity.

To Mexico:
To Agustin,
Your actions say everything. You offer peace and send your army north. Being a liar does nothing to resolve any issues. The last time a Mexican army came north, it started a war with the United States.
This will be the last of my messages to you, nor will I recieve any of your messages, until you pull your army back, and agree to reduce your army.
Signed,
Roosevelt

(Uh, thats everything, I think. More to come, I'm sure.)

OOC: Ok, now I'm angry. Narodna, I didn't come back to this rp just to get my ass handed to me by a guy in the US who thinks I'm his personal enemy. And this is getting dangerously close to a god-mod. Since when does the US government have intelligence on top secret movements of the Mexican Army? And since when does building dreadnoughts cause my nation to starve? You don't use wheat and food to make ships; you use steel. Also, Agustin was not put in power by any European country. He stepped in with past-loyalists who had been his step-father's men; and basicly took over in a bloodless coup. Then to secure more power Agustin eliminated the powerful land-lord Dons. I basicly eliminated the last signs of fuedalism from Mexico, also, that gold digging is also secret. I am () this close to ignoring you because you are even closer to godmodding. And its plain military and logical sense to mobilize one of my armies and position it in the center of northern mexico; to protect my country from an invasion by your own forces. Narodna you better do or say something quick, cuz I got a ton more rps going on and my temper is getting short.

OOC: I thin you misunderstand a few things. Mexico is poor. Maybe Agustin has enriched it a little, but its still poor. The Ottomans, who weren't much richer, had to stage a national fund raising project to buy one dreadnought. So you building 10 is going to bankrupt your nation. Since Mexico is very militaristic, it makes sense to know that the USA will be watching your armies movements. Moving such a large number of troops will not go unnoticed.
As for the gold, its mining was secret. But the miners aren't elitist people sworn to secrecy. They would be normal miners. And a few would talk. And rumors would spread.
And you have to accept that Mexico having an army of 700,000 men will attract the attention of the US, and cause them to build up.
Lastly, I'm sorry if I didn't know how Agustin was put in power. I'm knew and only read the last 10 pages of the RPing, so I didn't know everything. I assumed that as the son of Maximilian, he ascended because Max was Emperor.
Although you are wrong about one thing: you didn't destroy feudalism. You replaced it with an autocracy that steals all the resources to plan wars.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you don't want the USA to notice you, walk smaller. If you have a temper because the US should be at your mercy, then I don't know what to say. :(

Thrashia, I would like to state something for the record.

You need money to run, maintain, and operate farms, farm machinery, and the farming sector. If you use *all* your money on your military, you will not have much money to use for education, healthcare, industrialization, farming, railroads, roads, etc. Hence you not having enough money to sustain all your farmers, which means crop yields fall, which leads to not enough food for the populace, which leads to starvation.

Just my 2 cents. I'll wait to hear from NO about this.

Check the OOC thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=433496&page=44).

From: La 3eme Republique
To: The Kingdom of Spain

France is a republic and we're proud to be so. The French people will
never accept a monarch and even less a foreign one. We refuse your demand,
but refrain for the moment from acting agressively. Be warned though that
we won't tolerate any more threats from you.

Your recent moves and claims have been in obvious disregard of the treaty
of Vienna. In case you plan to continue treating France as yours for the
taking, we'll have to call upon the garrantors - Germany, Austria-Hungary
and Russia. I'm sure you can see a peacefull solution would be good for all
the parties involved.
OOC: In 1900, Mexico had a population of 13 600 000. That's not superpower material, not even with a good economy.

OOC: See the ooc thread.

OOC: Perchance, is this journalist going to publish accounts of these incidents? And if so, when?
I don't know through what mysteriuos proces I remembered to answer this question after all this time, but I did. :)

It's his memoirs, the guy is young, so I guess we'll have to wait a few decades for that. I'd say the 1930's or 40's. Maybe even the 50's.

OOC: There are some temporal problems with this post, but I’ll ignore them. I don’t like doing that, but I really have very little choice.

Der Ballplatz, Vienna“I have been meeting all morning with the Italian ambassador,” began Count Bertchold. “His county’s position is that it can not violate a treaty that it never signed.”

“But your country signed the treaty,” protested the French ambassador.

“Of course,” replied the Foreign Minister. The Frenchman expected him to add more, but he did not.

“So you have an obligation to enforce the treaty,” finished the ambassador.

“Absolutely,” replied Count Bertchold.

“So you will declare war on Italy, then?” asked the Frenchman excitedly.

“No,” said the k.u.k. Foreign Minister. “Of course not.”

“So how do you intend to enforce the treaty?” asked the French ambassador, somewhat perturbed.

The Foreign Minister said nothing for a minute, and then sadly shook his head. “Monsieur, you apparently did not hear my earlier statement. There is no violation of the treaty, because Italy can not be considered to be in violation of a treaty it has never signed.”

“So you’re you’re not going to live up to your obligations as a Guarantor and enforce the treaty?” stormed the Frenchman. “That is an outrage!”

“Really, monsieur, I understand your feelings, but you must be calm. Should there be a violation of the treaty, we will be there to enforce it. But for the moment, there is no violation, and hence nothing to enforce.”

The French ambassador, holding a sheet of paper in his hands, replied bitterly:

"I thought that two countries which are part of the same alliance can't wage a war between themselves. I see I was wrong."

He looked down and read:

"The 6th Article said the claims have to be settled 'within 6 months to the mutual agreement of both parties'. It's been less than a month since we signed the treaty and the Italians are already using force to get what they want. Your interpretation leaves us without any actual guarantee, while our freedom of movement remains seriously restricted."

Count Berchtold, sounding very reasonable, countered:

"Monsieur, you agreed to the treaty and signed it willingly. You can't ask us now to redefine its terms."

"Yes", recognized the Frenchman with a pained look on his face, "but since all the decisions of the Guarantors have to be reached by majority vote, we still have hope. Maybe Germany and Russia will have a different take on the issue." (OOC: Actually, I'm quite pessimistic :) ).

In the United States

Having had considerable time to ponder the political situation in Europe, President Theodore Roosevelt has decided to come to the aid of France.
In a speech earlier, he said:
'The faults of a democracy can sometimes be great. But the faults of destroying a democracy are unforgivable. France has committed crimes against her fellow nations. But she attempted to rectify her mistakes.
Now Italy, Spain, and Mexico seek to pounce on France, as a rabid dog would ona wounded child.
We cannot allow this to happen. The same breed of arrogance and imperialism that caused Spanish crimes in Cuba and caused our war are occuring again.
We must aid France.'

In a proclamation, President Roosevelt offers a full military and economic alliance with France.
In addition, if signed, the alliance charter will mean the United States is automatically at war with any nation that fails to begin a withdrawl from French territory or waters within 24 hours.

Great Britain, a fellow western nation and friend to democracy, is ivited and welcomed to join this alliance.
Mexico would also be welcome, if it dropped out of the war and began more democratic leanings.

* * * * *
In the White House:

A map of France and its borders was posted on board, with pins stuck in it. Those pins represented the locations of Americans in the Foreign Legion, who had and were still sending information home.
"So, how do you think the war will go, minus our help?" Roosevelt asked General Pershing.
Pershing didn't hesitate a second before he said, "Depends. If its only the Spainiards, Mexicans, and Italians, France will win. No contest. The others are too poor and weak.
But if Austria-Hungary, Germany, or Great Britain get involved, France won't win."
"Thats why we have to get involved. We can't allow such distruption of the balance of power in Europe just because the weaker nations have alliances and want to use them."
Roosevelt walked back to his desk and began writing letters to the Great Britain, Germany, and Austria-Hungary.

Schloß Schönbrun, Vienna“Democracy?” snorted Franz Josef I. “Demagoguery, he means. This is an alliance to destroy monarchy, and to establish mob rule across the world. Look at this ridiculous Roosevelt character – he’s no better than Poincaire! Germany offers France Alsace and Lorraine in exchange for peace, and France’s ‘War Party’ simply picks a new enemy. Roosevelt is the same way.”

“There’s an election this year in America, do you know that?” he continued. Count Bertchold simply nodded. “These demagogues stir up the people’s passions by creating an enemy, and then they yell ‘Vote for me, and I will make you safe!’ Has Mexico threatened the United States? No! They are just like the French, these Americans. They are a menace to the world.”

“Your Highness, might you not be overstating things a bit?” asked the Foreign Minister, hoping to calm the Emperor and King.

“No, I am not!” he stormed. “That was our mistake with Alsace and Lorraine! We believed that France, if offered peace, would embrace it. But peace is toxic to democracies! If you offer their politicians peace, they will simply find a new reason to make war, because they need war to arouse the passions of the people and thereby win a few more years in power. Always it is ‘War, war, war!’ with these people, and they can never have enough of it! If ever they found themselves without an enemy, they would be forced to create one, because without an enemy they can not stay in power!” Franz Josef concluded.

“I want you,” he said to the Foreign Minister, “To begin expanding the alliance. I don’t trust Japan – no matter what we offer them, they will still attack our Chinese allies – but everyone else, every other country that has a sensible government, all the world’s monarchies, I want you to bring them together against this threat. Even that regicidal b_st_rd in Berlin – at least he hasn’t threatened his neighbours, so maybe I’ve misjudged him,” offered the aging monarch. Yes, we need to bring them all together against this new threat,” he repeated. “We must prevent this insanity from spreading!”

“And tell the Italians we will support them against anything,” he finished “I consider them as close and as strong an ally as China, and we will not let our allies fall.”

“What of America?” asked the Count. “Do you want to do anything about them directly?”

“Withdraw our ambassador under protest,” he said. “A break in relations will tell them precisely how we feel about these sorts of threats against our allies.”

“We are going to do something terrible to you. We are going to deprive you of an enemy.’”
- Georgii Arbatov, 1979

“We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity.”
- Ann Coulter, 2001

Port of Arcachon, South-Western Coast of France

"Move you sons-of-a-whore! Move!!" yelled the Sergeant. The first of the Mexican troops ships had made it to the docks of Arcachon by early dawn. A company of soldiers had set down and quickly taken over the docks with care, baring civilians access to them. The French locals had run from the sight of armed soldiers, even the local police. General Aqui had made it clear to his officers in a message to the army that no French civilians were to be hurt or their possesions stolen as well, so as not to offend the French people.

It was 11:34AM, the same day that they had entered the gulf that surrounded Arcachon. So far some 20 merchant vessels had been unloading since dawn, using the skills they had gained in the long wait in Santander, Spain. Thus far about a single brigade (4,000 soldiers). Colonel Fernandez took command of the forces that had landed and began meticulously over the city.

Fernandez sat on his prized horse at the end of one docking platoform, observing as a young lieutenant marched his company by. "So far, so good," Fernandez thought to himself. A runner came down a cobbled lane and up the warf to stand at attention next to Fernandez. "Coronel, you commanded Captain Rivera to report once the city hall and police headquarters were captured!"

"Yes, report."

"Very well sir, the Town Hall has been taken, and the cities concil wish to send a represenative to you or General Aqui to formally submit to you the city."

"Thats good!" said Fernandez, he slapped his thigh with his glove. The runnner continued.

"We sustained two causualties when taking over the police station. Several French policemen did not wish to surrender so we were forced to storm the building. No civilians wer hurt, yet we killed three french policemen and captured 8 others."

Fernandez nodded. "Very well, tell Captain Rivera that he is to occupy every governmental building and arrest anyone in possesion of weapons. You have orderd to shoot anyone who attacks you. Tell him I want that road leading to Bordeaux watched," Fernandez ordered. The runner repeated the message then ran off. Fernandez watched him go then motioned to one of his staff officers.

"I want you to make sure that the 1st Brigade takes up positions leading out of the town and to cover all approaches from the South and East. Those are the most likely from which we can expect a French counter-attack," he said. The man, a young captain, nodded and cantered off the warf and followed a small group of soldiers into the city's interior.

Fernandez leaned back in his sadle and sighed. "Its going to be a long day,' he said to himself. He leaned forward again and motioned for one of his other aides. "Take this message to General Aqui on the Sol Creciente: Town soon under full control. 1st Brigade landed. No firm resistance yet found."

"Si Coronel," said the aide. He saluted then ran to the end of the dock and jumped into a troop transport that was starting to move away from the dock so as to make way for another.

Northern Mexico

General Rafael sat on his horse and watched as elements of his army's vanguard marched into the city of Monclova. With the Emperor's order to mobilize and marched the 2nd Army to Northern Mexico, Rafael had done so. Rafael closed his eyes and meditated for a moment, like had learned when he had visited China as a youth. His family had been wealthy, if not on the same level as the Dons had been. But Rafael's father had thought that for his son to truelly respect the world, he should learn from the oldest civilization, China.

One of Rafael's aides stepped up next to his horse. "General, it will be night before the last brigade arrives. Should you not rest sir?" he asked.

"No Lieutenant. A General must never rest until his troops and objectives have been achieved. Never before," he said in a iron firm tone. The aide nodded and moved away.

Rafael smiled at how concerned his aide seemed. It was a nice form of devotion. But not the type which Rafael wanted. He had always wanted and envied Napoleon's ability to inspire and lead troops. Ever since he was a child.

OOC: I'll asume that the Mexican invasion occured just a bit after the American proposal. This way, the chronology is: Italian declaration of war; in response, the Americans offer an alliance; one day later - not knowing yet about the alliance - the Mexicans land at Arcachon.

IC: Raymond Poincare, the French Prime-minister, sat on his sick-bed. He was not yet fully recovered, but his health now allowed him to take care of the affairs of state for a few hours a day, provided he didn't exert himself. Sitting on a chair next to him was Aristide Briand, the Foreign Minister. He could barely conceil his excitement.

"Monsieur le premier-ministre", he began, "I have great news! The Americans, they have offered an alliance!"

"To whom?" asked the Prime-minister with a tired voice. "And what's so great about that?"

"To us, monsieur, to us!" Briand got up and began pacing up and down the room, unable to hide his satisfaction.

"Mon Dieu, mon ami", replied Poincare after pausing for a moment to let the news sink in, "that's indeed great news. Now we finally have a strong ally in our struggle to defend la partie."

"I presume you want me to accept it", said Briand with the biggest grin possible stuck to his face.

"But of course! It doesn't matter we are already part of the Grand Alliance. The Russians, after all, are part of it and are also allied with China and Japan - although Japan is an ally in name only."

"And it's not like we enjoyed a great deal of security from the Grand Alliance", intervened the Foreign Minister. "If anything, the threats against our country have actually increased since we joined it."

The conversation continued on a lighter tone for a few minutes, then Poincare's secretary, his face cast in stone but with a troubled expression in his eyes , opened the door and announced:

"Monsieur, we have just received a telegram from Bordeaux. The Mexicans have landed at Arcachon."

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

To be continued.

IC:
To: British Fleet in the Central Medittaranian Sea
From: British Minister of War
Increase your watch on the seas between Sicily and North Africa, attack any French vessel on sight.

To: The United States of America
From: British Empire
We are warning you to not become involved in the European crisis. We too took the side of France at one point, but their war mongering has been taken too far and we are more than happy to join this war on the side of the Italians.

OOC: The full military post regarding the French response to the Mexican landing will probably come later. For the moment, some details.

"Very well sir, the Town Hall has been taken, and the cities concil wish to send a represenative to you or General Aqui to formally submit to you the city."

The mayor of Arcachon, with a pale, sick complection but otherwise composed, was brought in front of colonel Fernandez by a couple of burly soldiers. His dark suit had a darker spot on his left arm, a spot that was still dripping red drops to the ground. The colonel, sitting behind a large desk, took his time checking some paperwork, then, as if just noticing the waiting man, exclaimed in a thickly accented French:

"Bonjour, monsieur le maire. I trust you came here to surrender your town to my troops."

"No, sir. Firstly, I didn't come here willingly, I was forced out of my office by these two brutes. And secondly, you are badly mistaken if you think we will submit to you. Your unlawfull invasion, half of the world away from your country, has absolutely no chances of succes against the Franco-American alliance."

"Wait a minute! What alliance?" The Mexican colonel did not know what to believe. Was the Frenchman trying to fool him or was he talking about a real event? His initial anger triggered by the mayor's refusal to submit was now replaced by a sinking feeling.

"You mean you didn't know?" The Frenchman could hardly trust his ears. "The news is in all the newspapers."

The colonel turned to the soldier standing closest to the Frenchman and ordered with a strangled voice:

"A newspaper! Bring me a newspaper!"

A few moments later, colonel Fernandez was staring at the front page of a nespaper carrying the following headlines:

L'Alliance Franco-Americain
Roosevelt vient a notre aide

"I want you to make sure that the 1st Brigade takes up positions leading out of the town and to cover all approaches from the South and North. Those are the most likely from which we can expect a French counter-attack,
OOC: Have you landed here (http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/dyn/controller/mapPerformPage?expressMap=false&act=&pim=true&strAddress=&strCP=&strLocation=arcachon&strCountry=1424&productId=&x=12&y=12)? Because in this case, to the North there's nothing but water.

My preliminary, basic military measures will be to

- move the Channel Fleet to an unspecified location;

- gather all the forces available in the region in the city of Bordeaux.

I knew there was something about Arcachon, but now I have the confirmation:
Un poumon vert

Composé de trois Pays (Landes de Gascogne, Bassin d'Arcachon, Pays des
Graves et des Landes de Cernès), le plus grand parc d'Aquitaine, le plus
ancien aussi, créé en 1970, est l'un des rares à afficher un taux
d'autofinancement à hauteur de 40%. Pour remplir les missions du parc, 85
agents travaillent au quotidien, répartis entre l'écomusée de la Grande
Lande, la maison de la nature du Bassin d'Arcachon au
Teich, le Centre du Graoux à Belin-Béliet et l'Atelier-gîte de Saugnac.
A travers ses différents sites, le parc protège le patrimoine culturel (en
permettant entre autre la conservation et la réhabilitation du bâti naturel, la
réalisation d'un inventaire et le suivi des différents milieux qui composent le
territoire du parc). Il favorise un développement raisonné du tourisme et une
éducation du public à l'environnement (accueil et sensibilisation).
http://journal.aquitaine.fr/index.php?oldj=7&to=89
It looks like you landed in the middle of a nature preserve.:D Of course, it was created officially in 1970, but it existed in reality before that. Les Landes are not a very good place to be, really.

My secon (and last) edit for today: it's not so bad after all, although it's still not very good. I remembered the swamps in the Landes, but they have been replaced by forst during the Second Empire (Napoleon 3).
The Landes, an enormous area of marsh land, were transformed to a
dreamland during the second empire thanks to Mr. Chanbrelent, an engineer
who created the planting of the forest as we know it to day. Maritime pine,
cork-oak and oak trees cover extensive expanses of land and entice treks
through the forest.
Note that it's a 'dreamland' for the nature lovers, not for invading Mexican armies.:p Unbroken forests are better than unbroken swamps, but they still pose an obstacle to the travelers. And maybe there are some dykes or constructions that I can destroy to flood the entire area. Now that would be nice!

OOC: Yea thats where I landed, I have some ships guarding the gulf entrance too. And I was using North and South in general terms, not actuality.

IC:
Arcachon, France

Colonel Fernandez sighed heavily and sat back into his seat. He looked at the old man in front of him and saw that his eyes were gleaming with a restiful hope; one that had to be crushed. Fernandez laughed.

"Why do you laugh?" asked the mayor. He was puzzled now. Fernandez laughed a bit longer then smiled at the old man.

"I laugh old man, because this is a hallow jesture, and all too late. If I remember correctly the United States has but a currently small army. Mexico's is much larger and currently better trained. If the United States were to enter a war now, it would only allow us to defeat them more easier, for they are unprepared."

The old mans mouth dropped open, then quickly shut. He didn't know anything pertaining to military matters, so he could only wonder and think on the colonels words. Fernandez went on.

"However sir, your city is now under my direct control, very soon the General Aqui will be landing when the last elements of the 1st Imperial Mexican Army lands. If you do not quietly surrender, then you and those fools who think to resist will be arrested and put on treason as spies for interfearing with mexican military affairs outside of uniform."

The man spluttered. "You cannot do that!" he screamed. Fernandez nodded to the two guards. They dragged the old man out of the office and to the recently 'liberated' police jail. Fernandez looked back down at some of his maps when he heard footsteps. He looked up, then quickly stood up and saluted.

General Aqui was standing there, his staff behind him. Further behind Fernandez could see a thick line of soldiers marching by. "General! I did not expect you," he glances at his watch [4:45pm], "for some hours yet sir."

The old general smiled. "I know Colonel, however I am here to oversee that our strategy is followed to the letter. Almost the entire 1st corp is offloaded correct colonel?" he asked.

"Yes Sir! Thanks to those 4 months in Santander, our shipmen have done a very good and orderly job of off-loading the men. According to my calculations we should have the entire army off-loaded within two days, three at the latest, and a day and a half at the earliest."

"Good, you are to lead the 1st Brigade along with your Calvary detachment up the north road and take Bordeaux," said General Aqui quite calmly. Fernandez's eyes widened slightly.

"S-Sir...i-isn't that a bit too soon? Shouldn't we wait and gather-?" he began, but Aqui cut him off.

"Colonel, our army here now relies on speed. We have achieved full surprise in our landing, suffering no real casualties and meeting no French military units. However, we must take the vital city of Bordeaux. 1 brigade should be enough to take the city now, while it is still unprepared, and if we get there first and hold onto it, we can then wait for the Spanish and Italians to help."

The Colonel simply nodded. "But sir, the men, are you sure they can handle-"

"Colonel I trained these men for two years, making them do forced marches in the dead of winter through the mountains of middle Mexico. I think the men can handle the 63 kilometers to Bordeaux from Arcachon quite easily. I will be sending reinforcements as they come off their ships. And I will have the first brigade take the 20 or so machineguns we have landed so far. Our light artillery will be landing last, so you will have to find a strong position first. Now go."

The colonel saluted and left the office. After settling the last of his affairs and for the 1st Brigade to assemble on outskirts of Arcachon, he led his brigade and calvary detachment north at a hard pace. He made sure to use his calvary to scout ahead as well. After all, this was enemy territory. The 1st Brigade started marching at [6:30pm].

General Aqui stood on the roof of a tall building in teh center of Arcachon. From there he could see the off-loading of troops from the mass of Merchant vessels and cruisers going on in the harbor. He turned his spyglass to the column of men disapearing to the north. "My veterans can do it," he said aloud to himself.

OOC: Land changes significantly over a hundred or more years. And...thats all french so I can't read it, and I am lazy and dont want to google a translater.

German forces in Saar were given the order to stop demobilization, indeed they would stand by at highest alert until receiving further orders. The message did not explain the reason for this, though there were rumours amongst the troopers that they would soon receive an order to cross the border.

Message to the president of the United States of America:
''We are saddened by your alliance with the France, to say the least. By doing so you have forced yourself into a possible conflict with several nations, surely you must agree that this is not a good thing. We ask you to reconsider this decision.''

Message to La Troisième Republique:
''As you know, according to the treaty you signed you are obligated to do everything you can to uphold the peace in Europe and the restof the world. We ask you know that you keep your promise and seek a peaceful solution to whatever troubles you have with the Mexicans.''

OOC: I'm not sure on the timeflow here. How much time has roughly passed since I first passed the military appropriations bill?
Also, since Mexico has had a 500,000 man army for several years, it stands to reason that the US would of already had a larger army. I believe a Mod should set a reasonable size for the US army to have already been.

IC: The United States army and all reserves, commissions, and militias have been called up.
1.1 million volunteers have been accepted, and are being rushed to training.
America's industry is gearing up to meet demands, and expects to be going full power within three months.
Armories all over the nation are being opened and their contents being distributed.
Nicaragua, Honduras, and Panama have declared their intents to side with the United States.

President Roosevelt once again calls on all belligerent nations to cease the fighting, and return to peace.
He offers all nations the chance to send an ambassador to Washington DC, to discuss a peace solution.

In Scecret: US forces have begun distribution of small arms and money to rebel Mexican factions, via ports and the long border.
The Mexican revolutionary leader, Doroteo Arango, is being sent the most equipment, and US army officers to assist.
The disenfranchised Mexican people and merchant class, ignorant of reasons for their family members dying in France, should quickly rally to his cause.
(OOC: Ok, I don't know how to make this simpler. We should get an impartial person to RP the Mexican revolutionaries. Simply put, there should be a large number of them. Agustin has done nothing but driven the economy into the ground so he can build an army. Many people, including most merchants, will support an attempt to knock Agustin off the throne, especially since the United States is a fine example of how rich they will get.)

To Germany:
To the Government of Germany,
The protection of free nations is and must be the concern of all nations. Germany is a nation of great people. But there is no need to shed your blood pointlessly. Halt your mobilization, and send an envoy to Washington DC. Our two great nations are not at war, and needn't be.
Sincerely,
President Roosevelt

To Great Britain:
To the government of Great Britain and her Empire,
The time to guarantee peace is now. France, while an old enemy to Britain, is no longer an enemy. France's government, with democratic leanings much like your own, cannot be allowed to be absorbed by the Spanish monarchy.
By all that is good, we must end this war before it begins, and preserve democracy in the western world. The destruction of France will only result in more difficulty for the British Empire, as Germany will be able to expand unchecked. Please assist in the peace process.
Best Regards,
Theodore Roosevelt.

OOC: I'm not sure on the timeflow here. How much time has roughly passed since I first passed the military appropriations bill?
Also, since Mexico has had a 500,000 man army for several years, it stands to reason that the US would of already had a larger army. I believe a Mod should set a reasonable size for the US army to have already been.

OOC: This would not be fair for the rest of us. Just because he came late does not mean he should get more. I didn't join at the beginning, so if he gets a military increase I want one as well. And this should go for any other nations that came late.

IC:
To: The United States of America
From: British Empire
Our nation has no plans to allow the Spanish to add France to their crown. We only wish to prevent the French from asserting their strength over any nation of Europe. The same will go for any Nation that seeks to use its strength to bully a European nation.

Stockholm, Sweden

"My, my, this whole situation between the United States and Mexico has gone too far!" ranted Foriegn Minister Haankon, as he puffed on his newly lit cigar. "It seems as if the Mexicans only wish to mimic the grand monarchies with their new little toys for war and obnoxious little Emperors. Do they not realize that their brash actions are only centimeters away from setting off the powder-keg that is our world today?"

"Maybe that was their intention." replied former Ambassador to France, Mr. Johannes Karlsson. "As a matter of fact, because of these little toys of theirs, I think their goals are quite obvious: Mexico wants a bigger say in world affairs and has jumped on the Grand Alliance Bandwagon against France in hope of being granted a higher status among nations as any nation that has been as...unfortunante as Mexico would. Of course, many nations similar Mexico don't have the same potential to plunge two continents into war."

"Indeed. But the question is how will we stay out of this conflict? After all, our little dictator, King Wilhelm, would undoubtebly deny any request to withdraw from the Grand Alliance, as he is far to ambitious to recognize the faults in this mockery of nations. And with tensions growing everyday, I do not believe it will be very long until the trumpets of war are sounded across the world and the blood of capitalism flows over the huddled corpses that were once nations." said Haankon in a grim, ominous tone.

"Well, my friend. The solution is quite sime: We do nothing." replied Karlsson.

"Nothing?"

"Yes, Mr. Haankon. You see, as only a lesser power on the European continent, Sweden will be quickly overlooked in a crisis such as this, and will be seldom called upon for any support. Because of this, we will not have to choose sides, and not have to 'straddle the fence' just to appease a coalition that is rapidly forming into two camps. If anyone asks anything of us, we simply reply as vaugly as possible, so as not to give these pests any ideas to what our course of action will be."

"Quite a brillant idea, Johannes. But what of Whilelm? It is obvious that he will most likely side with the Dual-Monarchy and Prussia on this matter, using his flamboyant rhetoric once again to stir up the masses and prevent people with any sort of sense from taking hold of the situation properly." Haankon asked.

"If Wilhelm gets in the way, then we must deal with him at once. It is about time the Swedish people get a taste of egalitarianism and I think you and I would be the perfect duo to deliver it to them."

"I laugh old man, because this is a hallow jesture, and all too late. If I remember correctly the United States has but a currently small army. Mexico's is much larger and currently better trained. If the United States were to enter a war now, it would only allow us to defeat them more easier, for they are unprepared."
I know the comment was made IC, but I still want to say something. Even nowadays, 70% of America's population is concentrated East of the Missippi. Unless you conquer that entire region in less than a few months, you lose the war. In a way, you situation is simmilar with that of the Germans in WW2, but without the advantages of a motorized army and with a starting position far from the industrialized region of your opponent.

Imagine that Germany was located not in Europe, but somewhere in Central Asia. After starting the war, they would probably conquer even more than they did in real life, maybe even all of Siberia. Most of Russia's population and industrial capacity, however, lies in Europe. By the time the Germans get to the Urals, where the real action should begin, they would be an exhausted army, with their supply lines overextended and exposed to the actions of the partisans. The Russians, on the other hand, would be close to their supplies and with a well rsted and more numerous army. The outcome should be obvious.

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

General Aqui had made it clear to his officers in a message to the army that no French civilians were to be hurt or their possesions stolen as well, so as not to offend the French people.
"If you do not quietly surrender, then you and those fools who think to resist will be arrested and put on treason as spies for interfearing with mexican military affairs outside of uniform."

The man spluttered. "You cannot do that!" he screamed. Fernandez nodded to the two guards. They dragged the old man out of the office and to the recently 'liberated' police jail.

Message to La Troisième Republique:
''As you know, according to the treaty you signed you are obligated to do everything you can to uphold the peace in Europe and the restof the world. We ask you know that you keep your promise and seek a peaceful solution to whatever troubles you have with the Mexicans.''
Message to the Third German Reich:
We assure you that peace is all we want. Please note however that it is not us invading Mexico, but the opposite. Perhaps if you managed to persuade the Mexicans to withdraw from the French teritory, a peaceful solution might be reached.

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

The French governement orders the mobilisation of all the able bodied men between 18 and 45 not yet included in the army, with the aim of fighting off the Mexican invasion. All the divisions will be formed locally and redeployed wherever they might be needed.

A Week After Ethiopia’s Invasion of Eritrea and SomalilandOff Jiddah, The Red Sea“You have no right to stop our vessel!” shouted the French captain. “We are sailing in international waters!”

K.u.k. Linienschiffsleutnant Rudolf Müller, serving as an interpreter, repeated the French officer’s words, and then – after a short exchange with the Linienschiffskapitän of the protected cruiser SMS Kaiserin Elisabeth – answered the Frenchman.

“Monsieur Capitaine,” he began, speaking French so the captain could understand him, “You may not be aware of this, but you are heading into a war zone. Both Britain and Italy are interdicting all French shipping between here and the Riveria. It is for your own safety that we are stopping your vessel and diverting it to Haifa. You have civilians on board – we saw them through our binoculars - and it would be unconscionable for us to allow these poor innocents to come to harm.”

“We are a civilian vessel!” cried the Frenchman. “Are you saying that the British and Italians would fire on a civilian vessel?”

“You also have soldiers on board, making you a legal military target. We saw those in our binoculars as well,” replied Müller.

The French captain huffed. “You still have no right to stop our vessel!”

“You will be given a chance to register your protest with the French consul in Jerusalem,” replied the Linienschiffsleutnant, after further discussion with the Linienschiffskapitän. “But in the meantime, we are seizing this vessel and sending it to Haifa.”One Week LaterHaifa, Palestine“Monsieur Gouverneur,” said the k.u.k. diplomat, “You must be calm. You are not a prisoner of war, but that does not mean we have no right to detain you.”

“How can you have a right to detain me and my men if we are not at war?” shouted the former French governor of the Somali Coast Colony.

“We are detaining you for questioning,” replied the diplomat, “As part of an investigation into whether or not France has violated Article V of the Treaty of Vienna. This is our right as a Guarantor of the treaty.”

“We have violated nothing!” stormed the governor.

“Then you should have no problem answering our questions,” replied the k.u.k. official. “There were 300 soldiers with you when you were detained. These men were apparently the French colonial garrison of the Somali Coast Colony. Where are their weapons?”

“That is none of your business!” cried the Frenchman.

“Failure to cooperate,” said the diplomat coolly, “Will be treated as proof of your nation’s guilt. Where are your weapons, mon Gouverneur?

“We left them behind,” said the French governor.

“Why did you do that?” asked the k.u.k. official.

“We were in a hurry,” responded the Frenchman angrily.

“Why were you in a hurry?” asked the diplomat. “Was there a threat of some kind to you and your men?”

“Ethiopian tribesmen were invading our territory,” replied the governor.

“According to your government, you sold the colony to Ethiopia. Why would the entry of Ethiopian tribesmen be a threat to you?” asked the k.u.k. diplomat.

“The Ethiopians had just invaded Eritrea and Somalia, a move we condemned. Their actions frightened us,” said the Frenchman.

“How could you be frightened by the entry into your territory of troops you must have been expecting, because you had already sold the colony to their Emperor?” asked the diplomat pointedly.

“I don’t have to justify France’s actions to you!” snapped the governor.

“No, you don’t,” said the k.u.k. official. “But we will ask your men what they were instructed to do, and we will ask them if they had any reason to believe that they couldn’t have taken their weapons with them. I suspect – given your evasion – that we will discover that you simply told them not to bother to bring their weapons. Indeed, I expect we will learn that they were ordered to leave those weapons behind even though it would have been no problem to bring them along.”

“What of it?” demanded the Frenchman. “We can do whatever we want with our weapons. We don’t have to explain our behaviour to anyone, least of all you.”

“If you left them behind for the Ethiopians to assist them in their war with Italy, then that would be a clear case of support for an attack on a fellow European nation – something that you are explicitly forbidden to do under Article V of the treaty.”Addis Ababa, EthiopiaOOC: This post will be replaced with one that reflects Boghimia's insistence that Lij Iyasu (and not Fitawari Denagde, as is claimed below), was responsible for ordering Ethiopia’s attack on Eritrea and Italian Somaliland.

The replacement post will occupy the same position in the RP thread as this post (IOW, it occured when this post was to have occured, as an alternative to this post).

The German attaché poured a drink for the minor Ethiopian official, and then one for himself. “What I don’t understand,” he said slowly, “Is who within your government ordered the invasion of Italy’s East African colonies.”

“Why, Neguse Menelik II, of course,” replied the official.

The diplomat eyed his African counterpart, and then shook his head. “Come, come. We both know that Menelik is in no position to order anything. He hasn’t spoken a word to anyone in almost three years, being both dumb and bedridden due to multiple strokes. The whole of the country is waiting for him to die. So who really ordered the invasion?”

The official looked away, hoping to avoid an answer. But the German attaché forced the issue. “Was it Itege Taytu? Lij Iyasu or his father, Ras Mikael? Or somebody else?”

The official still remained silent. Losing patience, the attaché leveled his ultimate threat. “There are quite a few officials I could pay for information. I don’t need you.”

The Ethiopian functionary relented. “Fitawrari Dinagde, the Minister of War – he ordered the attacks, with the support of a number of other nobles.”

“Why?” asked the German. “Is this part of a power play for the throne?”

The official spoke quietly. “Dinagde does not seek the throne. He is too old.”

“Of course he is,” said the attaché sarcastically, “But he almost certainly has a preference when it comes to the succession.”

“He looks to place Ras Tafari Makonnen on the throne, but that will probably require that he form an alliance with Itege Taytu by placing her niece Zauditu on the throne instead of Lij Iyasu,” answered the Ethiopian

“So is this war part of an effort to advance this design?” asked the German.

“No, I don’t believe so,” said the official. “This is an effort to acquire more arms and land for Ethiopia. Of course, if Dinagde can defeat the Italians, this will certainly enhance his prestige, and that can’t hurt his chances of becoming Regent or placing in that post the man of his choice.”

But the German was no longer interested in Ethiopia’s Byzantine dynastic politics. He wanted to know just one thing. “Arms? Where is Dinagde looking to get more arms?”

The official was silent for a long while. Finally, he answered. “From the French. The arms were promised in return for an agreement to drive the Italians from East Africa.”

OOC: I'm not sure on the timeflow here. How much time has roughly passed since I first passed the military appropriations bill?OOC: By my reckoning, your bill hasn't passed yet. Remember, Mexico's European expeditionary force has been in place in Northern Spain since the middle of July, 1912. The landing on the Bay of Biscay would only take a day or two to pull off (or at least the initial landing would, anyway).

The assembly of the Mexican Army in Chihuahua (or thereabouts) is still taking place. I would assume both side’s troops will not be ready until October (or so).

London, England

America’s Shame

For several days now, American President Theodore Roosevelt has been beating his chest and calling for American domination of the Western Hemisphere and French domination of Europe. He has excoriated the Mexican Emperor Agustín I and vilified the Spanish and Italians. The American people have been drinking in his words like they were moonshine, injecting new life into the President’s attempts to win a fourth term – something never before done by any American Chief Executive – and as the President’s political fortunes have gone from poor to outstanding, he has fed his electorate more and more of this deadly liquor, and now the inevitable has happened.

Yesterday, on Chicago’s South Side, a mob of Irishmen stormed a predominantly Italian community, burning and killing these hapless souls who had come to America looking for streets paved with gold, only to lose their lives on streets running with rivers of blood. According to the Chicago Tribune, at least 47 Italian immigrants were killed and over 100 injured; no less than 12 women of Italian extraction were reported to have been outraged by the uncontrolled brutes.

Sadly, no one in America has the courage to place the blame for this atrocity where it belongs: on the shoulders of the President, who has chosen to instigate a war for the sake of remaining in office…Vienna, Austria

American Barbarity Continues

The riots that began in Chicago few days ago have spread throughout the country, and become more extensive in their choice of targets: we have received reports of anti-Mexican violence in Texas, anti-Italian violence throughout most of the Northern states, and the burnings of at least seven Catholic churches as well as the murder of three Catholic priests – associated with Italy, Spain, and Mexico, all Catholic countries – throughout the American South, all by the so-called Ku Klux Klan, a popular group of vendettist thugs.

With the increasing opposition of the Imperial and Royal government to American aggression, Slavs and Hungarians in these same Northern cities have also begun to face intimidation, as have Japanese and Chinese immigrants in California. It seems that with the recent rise in American nationalism, the people of the United States are quite happy to massacre anyone who doesn’t fit into their narrow conception of what it means to be an American – namely, a person who is Anglo-Saxon and Protestant.

Given this development, American Jews and Negroes are also beginning to wonder if they, too, will soon fall prey to the new bloodthirstiness of these nationalist mobs...

For the record:

“Failure to cooperate,” said the diplomat coolly, “Will be treated as proof of your nation’s guilt. Where are your weapons, mon Gouverneur?

“We left them behind,” said the French governor.

“Why did you do that?” asked the k.u.k. official.

“We were in a hurry,” responded the Frenchman angrily.

“Why were you in a hurry?” asked the diplomat. “Was there a threat of some kind to you and your men?”

“Ethiopian tribesmen were invading our territory,” replied the governor.

“According to your government, you sold the colony to Ethiopia. Why would the entry of Ethiopian tribesmen be a threat to you?” asked the k.u.k. diplomat.

“The Ethiopians had just invaded Eritrea and Somalia, a move we condemned. Their actions frightened us,” said the Frenchman.

“How could you be frightened by the entry into your territory of troops you must have been expecting, because you had already sold the colony to their Emperor?” asked the diplomat pointedly.

“I don’t have to justify France’s actions to you!” snapped the governor.
A better response would be:

"That's exactly what we were afraid of: unfounded suspicions that we were in some way connected to the invasion. We departed as quickly as possible in order to avoid being associated with the Abyssinians' agression. I see now we could as well have stayed there, for all the good this hasty retreat did to us."

"It is indeed my mistake that I ordered the soldiers to leave as fast as possible, leaving everything behind, not just the weapons. But it was an honest mistake, caused by our wish to show our innocence and lack of cooperation with the Abyssinian army."
minor Ethiopian official
A 'minor Ethiopian official' would not know about the deal. It was a top secret agreement and only the envoy (Ras Iyasu) and the highest ranking members of the Royal Family would be informed about it. The official view in Abyssinia is that the French left in a hurry and the Abyssinians were lucky enough to get hold of their arsenal.

OOC: Hey NO, you forgot about the atrocities against the Mexicans.:p Realisticly speaking, the 'atrocities' shouldn't be worse than what actually happened during WW1, but that's for you and Helghast to decide.

Gotta go. Bye.

Mexico City

Agustin sat in a small meeting room, in which he sat with members of his personal staff and ministers. He folded his hands togethor and laid his head in them. He rubbed his face then looked up at the waiting group of councilors.

"Gentlemen, in light of these new events, I am going to authorize major changes in the coming days." He turned to Antonio Dehara, his Public Minister. "Antonio, you are to print a list of changes I will be making to the civil government. You will print it and get it out to the people, all of Mexico. I wish for a united Mexico, not one scared with revolution as Russia was," Agustin said. He took a sheet of paper and gave it to Antonio.

Imperial Eddict 21

By order of his Imperial Highness, Emperor Agustin I of Mexico, and by all the Saints and of right of God; the Emperor has given unto you, the People of Mexico these new laws:

1) Freedom of Speech- The People of Mexico now may speak openly without fear of reprisal on any topic upon which they have cause to speak. Whether it be to critize the Emperor or any societal orginizations.

2) Freedom of Religion- Catholics make up the greater extent of Mexico, yet there are those who worship through other means and religions. Until now, they hav been percecuted, but no more. The Emperor in his wisdom given fro God, has given the people of Mexico the choice to choose how you worship God, without intervention of any other outside force.

3) Free Market- All tarrifs and trading taxes that currently exist between the provinces of Mexico are of this day eliminated. The Emperor in his wisdom has followed the example of the great Bismarck and the great European statesman's Zollverein programme.

4) Freedom of Local Autonomy- Since Mexico is large and growing, the Emperor has decided that the people of Mexico should be able to choose who they wish to govern the local towns and provinces. He has given the right to the people, to vote and choose their local officials. Soon, they will be instated into a parliament where the views of all Mexican Peoples can be shown.


Antonio's eyes widened when he read the document. "Emperor-"

"You will do it. I do not want a rebellion nor hate coursing through my nation. These things are what the people want, so I will give it to them," said Agustin simply.

"Very well Emperor, I will have it published and sent out emmediately."

To Whom It May Concern
As of this day September 28, 1912 his Imperial Highness has outlawed the man known as Doroteo Arango. He has been delcared a traitor of Mexico! It has become known that he wishes to sell our beloved Mexico to the United States, to betray our country and bring it back to the time of the Dons; where we had no freedoms!

The Emperor has also found that this Doroteo Arango, traitor to his country, has subverted loyal citizens of Mexico to his capatlist and revolutionariy ideals. However, the Emperor, in all his grace and wisdom, has allowed that any who are currently following this traitor to Mexico, may give up and be pardoned. All they must do is give up, report to the local Imperial authorities to Arango's wear-abouts, and they will be rewarded richly.

Upon the capture of Arango by any loyal citizen of Mexico, his capturers will be given Arango's weight in gold bars. And given a special position in the government in Mexico City, to help guide our beautiful and prosperous nation on behalf of the Emperor!

A young man in simple white cotton trousers and shirt rubbed his chin as he read the notice. 'All that gold!' he thought. "With that I could feed mother and father and little Anita for the rest of our lives!" he exclaimed. Quickly he ran into the local police office.

Once inside he explained to the Imperial officers how a man who delcared himself to be Arango had come to his home with other men trying to persuade his father and mother to let Miguel join his fight against the Emperor.

The Officers notified the telegraph office in Monclave to send a message of the event back to Mexico City.

Mexico City

Emperor Agustin sat in his throne room the next day, Antonio reading a telegram from Northern Mexico. "It says sir that we have found information concerning the rebel Arango," Antonio summerized.

"Good, have General Rafael act upon it, he is at the location. I believe his skills with the calvary should prove useful in this venture. Send the order now," siad Agustin. The minister bowed and left.

Agustin took the time to breathe slowly and in rythem to bring some calm to his thoughts. Then a guard entered and announced. "General Manuel de Behar and General Cavera de Doma are here your Highness."

"Let them enter," said Agustin, he waved his hand a little. The guard saluted and left. Then entered two men dressed in perfect attire in the uniform of a Mexican Imperial General. Behar was tall and broad shouldered, his thick black hair combed to the side; Doma was shorter and older, yet his icy blue eyes, from a inter-mixed marraige of his grandfather with a European, gave a power to the short old general.

Both marche to the dias and bowed. Agustin nodded to them. "Thankyou for coming so quickly to my summons gentlemen. I trust I find your families well?" Agustin asked.

The two men looked at each other then Behar spoke up. "Si Emperor, both our families are vacationing togethor on the coast. But, I think you had something else in mind besides the wellfare of our families, my Emperor," said General Behar. Doma nodded slightly.

Agustin smiled. "Yes I do, you both command one of my armies. Soon, Mexico may have need of them." Both men looked slightly shocked. "And thus I want you to mobilize them starting today."

Both men nodded and a look of determiniation set in their eyes. "What else would you have us do your Majesty?" asked General Doma, his icy eyes staring at the Emperor.

"Once mobilized, you General Behar will start re-training and bringing the 3rd army back up to its old fighting prowess. You will be located to the plains above Mexico city." The General nodded. Agustin looked at General Doma. "You senor, are to gather your army here, then march emmediately for our southern border, with the nation of Hondorus. They have begun to align themselves with the idiot Americans. We must 'persuade' them to other means. Your march to the south will be made in the open, and it will be a message to the countries of central america what will happen if they go against Imperial Mexico," said Agustin, a small gleam was in his eye.

General Doma nodded. "It will be as you so order, my Emperor," said Doma. Both men came to attention, saluted, then left the chamber hall.

OOC: With the Negus (Emperor) on his deathbed, no one is really in charge of Ethiopia. This period in its history (1911-1916) is formally called “the Interregnum”. It is extremely unlikely that Ethiopia could have gone to war (or done much of anything else of significance) without extensive negotiation among several parties. Add in the fact that a tribal government has little concept of what a “top secret” is, and the fact that Ethiopia has little reason to hide your involvement (what’s in it for them, after all?), and your idea of some “wall of silence” hiding the truth of what was going on from foreign agents (of whom there were a whole slew around in Addis Ababa that day – and the Germans and Turks best connected of all) comes off as very, very weak.

As for the “Royal Family”, who in the heck is that? Itege (Queen) Taytu? Lij (Prince) Iyasu? Yeah, right. Read a history of Ethiopia at this particular moment in time and you’ll see how absurd that idea is. As I’ve said before and will say (many times) before this is over, to look at Ethiopia as a modern European state (or anything remotely resembling one) is just plain wrong.

As for the “minor official”, what’s to say he’s not a member of somebody’s entourage? Were you thinking he was a bureaucrat in a country without bureaucracy? Because if you did, you’d be very, very wrong… ;)

"That's exactly what we were afraid of: unfounded suspicions that we were in some way connected to the invasion. We departed as quickly as possible in order to avoid being associated with the Abyssinians' agression. I see now we could as well have stayed there, for all the good this hasty retreat did to us."

"It is indeed my mistake that I ordered the soldiers to leave as fast as possible, leaving everything behind, not just the weapons. But it was an honest mistake, caused by our wish to show our innocence and lack of cooperation with the Abyssinian army."“So in leaving your weapons behind for the Ethiopians to capture, you figured that you would not be helping them?” asked the k.u.k. official sarcastically. “Did you even try to destroy those arms, or anything else they might use to support their war effort?”

ooc. Ok, attack on China has started. People who're interested check the thread...

Outskirts of Bordeaux, France 6:00am

Colonel Fernandez dismounted behind the large bush and held his reins out to a waiting scout. The man took them and sat back down with the other three horses. Fernandez stepped around the bush and walked bent over at the waist up a small hill, where two of his scouts lay on the ground at its peak.

When Fernandez reached the top he lay down next to the scouts and looked out forward. There in the light of the new dawn was Bordeaux. Fernandez tapped the shoulder of one of the scouts. He turned to the Colonel. “Report,” said Fernandez.

“Si Colonel, we’ve been scouting and watching the city for three hours now, since dawn when we first arrived, although we have spotted no enemy activity as of yet,” said the scout. “Antonio here scouted out to the east along the river, he found few people about nor any sign of soldiers to the east; however he said he saw a column approaching several miles from the North, I suspect they are French Calvary or infantry,” said the scout. Fernandez nodded; he took out his spy glass and looked into the city. A few people were walking about in the early morning, doing chores and such, but other than that he could not see if any of the townsfolk were worried about a Mexican Army.

Fernandez turned on his back and looked to the south with his spy glass. The last units of the Calvary had arrived and were sitting and resting in a small patch of woods a few dozen meters off. On the road, Fernandez could see the 1st Battalion reaching the woods as well, and the rest of the brigade was close behind. Fernandez turned back to the city and thought for a moment, he scanned the road going into the city, and cursed.

“Look you fool, right there at the city entrance,” he said to the scout. The man took out his own spy glass and looked. There across the road, a small group of French soldiers were making a make-shift barricade, their rifles in teepee position close by. “Damn,” said the scout. “Sorry Colonel, I did not notice them. But they hardly seem a danger, most likely a small part of the town militia.”

“Yes…Antonio,” the man turned to face the colonel. “Antonio I want you to take the 1st Wing of and head to the river, find a fording place where infantry can cross, understood? Once you do, send me a guide to the spot, and then wait for me there.” The man nodded and scrambled back down the hill, he mounted onto his horse and led it back into the trees where the other men of the cavalry unit waited. After a few moments about 40 horsemen were riding slowly out and to the east.

Fernandez nodded and turned to the other scout. “I want you to go and tell Major Domingo, of the 1st Battalion that he is to bring his men to the woods and await my next orders, understood?” Fernandez asked. The man made a half salute. “Si Colonel.”

The man went back down the hill then mounted on his horse and rode down the road a few hundred meters to the approaching column of soldiers. Fernandez looked back at the city and watched where the barricade was being put up.

(Here is the reply to the Japanese Embassy)
“You are to reply to the Japanese Embassy at once. I formally and humbly request Japan for the supply of 50 machine guns, 100 75mm light cannon, and money amounting to 19,000,000 pesos,” said the Emperor. “Mexico already has a good rifle, a Mauser model, we simply need more machine guns here on the mainland. General Aqui has with him a majority of my military’s machine guns. As well as most of the light artillery for the campaign; we need simply these things and I will feel more assured of my strength here. The Americans will be hard to beat if it comes to war, which hopefully it won’t, I have no need nor wish for one.”

Reply from General Fukuoka Personal via Japanese Embassy, Highly Encrypted Ofcourse;)

Dear sirs,
We understand your need for machineguns and light artillery, but I'm sorry to say we can't deliver the goods in one shipping. We have too honor a pact with the Americans not too deal in arms or other military hardware with you. However, we're more than happy to get the arrogant sneer off the American faces.

We can offer you 100 machineguns, deliverd in shipments of 5, to be picked up by Mexican shipping well away from America and shiproutes where we can be observed. Light artillery is more difficult, as we can barely equip ourselves with artillery, due to our war in China.

We can also support you with a total sum of 4.5 million dollars, transferred in smaller amounts via different banks (of neutral countries ofcourse) to different accounts. (Expect amounts of 20000 to 50000 per transfer, over a two week period of time)

I can also offer training facilities for Mexican "volunteers" who will fight in the war with China and get advanced tactical training from experienced veterans. I also advice you to contact your ally Italy fro arms etc. They will be able to supply you with what you need more openly, thus sending more too you.

General Fukuoka

Equally highly encypted telegram to General Fukuoka Personal via Japanese Embassy

We accept your offer sir. At this moment there is a mexican merchant based in British New Zealand. His small shipping company usually stays off the higher cluttered shipping lanes. His first ship, the Dama Hermosa, is landing in Yokahama Bay with a shipment of bananas and over-seas mexican coffee beans. I have sent word to him via my agents that he will be recieving your first shipment of machine guns. We thank you for your efforts in that.

We have opened three accounts in belgium, sweden, and Brazil to recieve your funds.

I am also sending a diplomatic ship to your country. On it will be several of Mexico's promising officers. I would like you to let them observe your military operations and logistics. From these experiances and observations we can learn many things. I thank you again for your offer, may it benifit us both.

Emperor Agustin II, Emperor of Mexico

Harrar, EthiopiaOOC: This post will be replaced with one that reflects Boghimia's insistence that Lij Iyasu (and not Fitawari Denagde, as was originally claimed in the third section of Post #981 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9813512&postcount=981), now grayed out [in part]), was responsible for ordering Ethiopia’s attack on Eritrea and Italian Somaliland.

The replacement post will occupy the same position in the RP thread as this post (IOW, it occured when this post was to have occured, as an alternative to this post).

Felix Hartmann stepped carefully from the palanquin, hoping to avoid getting mud on his white suit. The rainy season wasn’t quite over in this part of Ethiopia, and the streets were still a mess. Luckily, he made it to the step without disaster and tipped the bearers, who then trotted off as he adjusted his broad-brimmed hat and handkerchief before approaching the door and knocking.

He was greeted by a massive eunuch, who recognized him and ushered him in. He stood in the foyer, looking nonchalant as he examined the ornamental hangings and pottery, while awaiting the manservant’s return. After a while, the man did return; following him, Felix came to a shaded balcony overlooking a courtyard. There, he found a teenage boy with his feet propped up on a footstool, smoking a cigarette. The boy’s face broke into a broad grin when he saw the German ivory merchant.

“Felix!” he said with a heavy accent. “So good to see you!”

“And you, Prince,” replied the German. Withdrawing a bottle of whiskey from beneath his coat, he motioned to a servant to bring two glasses. A moment later, he was pouring a couple of fingers into each glass; they each took one, and – after clinking them together – took a swig. The Prince let out a contented sigh.

“It took me some time to find you,” said Hartmann. “I’m surprised that you’re not off to war with your father’s household.”

“He wouldn’t let me go,” Lij Iyasu pouted. The fifteen year-old boy grimaced like he’d swallowed a frog, “He says I’m too young.”

“I think he’s more concerned of someone sticking a spear in your back,” offered the German. “I’m told he sent you here to keep you safe.”

Iyasu laughed. “I came here of my own free will. Here,” he spread his arms wide, “I am surrounded by friends.”

“Indeed,” said the ivory merchant. “But that is no reason to let down your guard. I hear that Menelik grows sicker every day.”

“My grandfather always grows sicker every day,” observed Iyasu. “It is amazing how sick he can get without dying. I think there has never been a man that has spent as many days in his deathbed.”

“Yet he will die someday, and you will become Negus Negest,” said Hartmann. “There are many in Addis Ababa who do not wish to see that happen, beginning with the Itege and the Minister of War. You must be careful about who you keep close by.”

“Every man in this house can be trusted to die for me,” boasted the Prince. “I have seen to that, as has my father.”

“Good,” Hartmann said. They then spent the next several minutes sipping whiskey and chatting amiably. After a bit, the German merchant broached the question he had wanted to ask.

“So where is your father?” he enquired. “In the north?”

Iyasu shook his head. “He and his men were sent south, into Galla. He’s being sent to overrun Somalia.”

“How does he feel about this war?” asked Hartmann.

“He’s not happy about it,” replied the Prince. “He’s getting old, and no longer wants to fight,” the boy said disparagingly.

“Your father is a wise man,” replied the German. “Ethiopia is widely believed to be attacking Italy to support France, and France is not very popular these days. Your country might be able to defeat Italy alone, but if other European powers join in, things will not go well for your people. I think that your father knows this.”

Iyasu sat up and looked at the merchant. “Is Germany one of these countries? One of the countries that wants to help Italy?”

“No,” said Hartmann. “But some of our allies do. This war, it was not something your father supported, then?”

“No, it was Fitawrari Dinagde and my grandfather’s Council of Ministers who ordered it. Although I hear that not all the Ministers supported the decision,” said the boy. “Why do you want to know where my father is?” he asked, suspiciously.

“I have a friend who wants to see him. Another German, with our embassy in Addis Ababa. To that end,” said Hartmann, pulling out a letter. “I was wondering if you would sign a pass affording him free passage to your father’s headquarters. He wants to make the him an offer that could prove very lucrative … for both of you.”

“Really? What?” asked the Prince eagerly.

“He hasn’t given me all the details, and since rumour travels faster than runners, I think it would be best for me to let him talk to your father first,” teased Hartmann. He handed the letter to the boy, who scanned it, nodded his assent, and motioned for his servant to bring brush and ink. He quickly daubed his sigil and the bottom, sprinkled some sand over it, shook it off, and then handed it back to the German.

They talked for a while longer, and then the ivory merchant looked at his watch, begged his leave, and rose to depart. Before he did, he reached into his coat and withdrew another pint of liquor, which he left on the table. Iyasu smiled and bade him farewell.

On the way out, he talked the big eunuch into letting him speak to the head of Iyasu’s bodyguard. The Hamsaleqa was in his room, going over some letters. Felix knew him, greeted him, and exchanged a few words.

“I am hearing disturbing things from Addis Ababa,” said the German. “I am hearing that there may be a purpose behind this war beyond just driving the Italians from East Africa.”

The Hamsaleqa nodded, “Ras Mikael suspects the same thing. He has urged me to watch his son very carefully.”

“Good,” said Hartmann. “Then I am sure that you will do exactly that.”

The warm September sun was shining through the still-green leaves, creating an intricate design of light and shadow on the forest floor. A group of hunters was strolling leisurely through the woods, when they noticed a commotion on the far side of a clearing. They all aimed their rifles in that direction, hoping for a deer or a boar, but they were dissappointed when a young lad of about 14 or 15 emerged from the shadow of the trees, riding a small horse covered in sweat.

"Monsieur Marchand, monsieur Marchand", he shouted. "The Mexicans have invaded our town!"

A middle-aged man in his late forties, grizzled but still strong, answered:

"Take it easy, young Marcel. Why don't you tell us everything that's happened, from the beginning."

Marcel began telling how a group of soldiers dressed in funny looking uniforms disembarked from several ships and started shooting the police and everybody opposing them.

"My father said the ships' flag - green, white and red - is the Mexican flag. And then he told me to go and alert you, because you are the chief of the local civil militia", he finished.

"René", asked one of the hunters, "what shall we do?"

"We must gather all our men as fast as possible. The question is - where."

"I say we must strike back as soon as possible", intervened another hunter. "We should just gather a hundread rangers and hunters and strike back before the end of the day. We'll certainly push them back into the Atlantic in no time."

"Marcel, how many soldiers did you say that attacked Arcachon?" asked Rene Marchand.

"A few hundread, monsieur, but more were unloading from the ships."

"In this case, we'd stand no chance. We must organize and gather more forces before we strike. It will probably take a few days for the Mexicans to get organized, so we'll have plenty of time. Our base will be the town of Facture and this is where everybody will have to come. It's also on the road to Bordeaux, so it will be easy to receive reinforcements", concluded René Marchand in a firm voice.

He continued giving orders to his small party, sending the men in different directions. Some of them were sent to a few nearby logging camps, some to alert the rangers and some to get the hunters and poachers from the surrounding villages. Finally, Marcel was told to ride back to Arcachon and keep the Mexicans under surveillance.

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

On the evening of the same day, Prefecture was bustling with activity as the men kept pouring in from all directions. Five hundread men had already gathered and were being organized by Rene Marchand into several loose units. In the dim light, the shadow of a rider became visible long after the sound of his horse's hoofs alerted the men in the little town. Squinting against the setting sun, Marchand distinguished the face of young Marcel, covered in dust plastered on his sweaty skin.

"The Mexicans, they are moving!"

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

The full moon was iluminating the path with a white light, lending the riders a surreal appearance as they moved between the walls of the forest. The lone squad sent two men to cross the old, wooden, screeching bridge over the river Leyre. They dissappeared for a moment among the trees on the opposing bank, then reemerged and joined the sqad. The riders turned, and after a few minutes a long line of men appeared marching on the banks of the river.

Before any of them managed to reach the opposing bank, the bridge collapsed, sending the Mexicans into the waist-deep water. As he fell down, one of the soldiers glimpsed the partially cut side of a pillar. "So that's why it -" he managed to think before hitting a rock on the riverbed which prooved to be harder than his head.

While the sound of the falling bridge was dying out, the trees on either side of the road started falling on the path, crushing some men and, more importantly, blocking the advance of the soldiers behind. The scene repeated in several places along the column, separating the Mexicans into many isolated pockets. In the first seconds of the mayham that ensued, the noise of the rifles passed almost unnoticed, but then the soldiers became aware that somebody was firing at them from the darkness of the forest.

OOC: The ambush is not my idea. I read some time ago about an ambush in which the trees were cut, but kept standing by ropes attached to them. When the enemy appeared on the path, the ropes were severed and the trees fell, blocking the path and separating the advancing colum into many pockets which were destroyed one by one.

The bridge's pillars were weakend by the French enough for it to collapse under the weight of an entire advancing column, but not under the weight of a few scouts.

You can look on http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/dyn/controller/mapPerformPage?expressMap=false&act=&pim=true&strAddress=&strCP=&strLocation=arcachon&strCountry=1424&productId=&x=12&y=12 map if you want to see the town and river I'm talking about. Just zoom out and then click 'Increase map size'. The river Eyre is called Leyre on my old atlas. I used the source I'm trusting more in choosing the river's name.

ooc. actually the tactic with the trees was used by the Gauls against Caesar. Old tactics can still be useful. ;)

ooc. actually the tactic with the trees was used by the Gauls against Caesar. Old tactics can still be useful. ;)
OOC: So that's where I read about it! I guess Rene Marchand also knew about it, since it's part of the French history. :)

The day after the Mexican landing, early in the morning

A scout cruiser appeared in the waters around Arcachon. A couple of Mexican ships guarding the entrance to the gulf were detached and sent to pursue it. Unseen by anybody, a submarine sneaked through the opening. It raised it's periscope, examining the ships around it, and then departed as quickly as it had arrived.

OOC: Thrashia, what had my submarine seen? More exactly, how many ships do you have and their type. It is my impression you want to unload an entire army. If you want me to believe it, you'll have to bring some evidence, please.

OOC: So that's where I read about it! I guess Rene Marchand also knew about it, since it's part of the French history. :)

Tell me about it. I had to translate the Latin text about the ambush in Dutch :rolleyes: