NationStates Jolt Archive

This is related to:
Sign up (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=463286)
WW1 IC post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=464020)

Name: The British Empire

Capital: London

Head of state: King George V

Parliament: House of Commons and House of Lords.
Prime Minister: Herbert Asquith of the Liberal Party.

Colonial territories:
India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Rhodesia, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, Several Islands in West Indies and on African coast (Will give more detail later, help would be nice. Im sure I am missing some key ones, but my history is a bit rusty.)

Alliances:
Anglo-Japanese Mutual Protection Pact
The Triple Entente Alliance with France and Russia (Japan, US and Spain.)
Mutual Defence of Belgium (cant remember name)
Entente Cordiale with France- Friendly Co-operation
Treaty of Windsor with Portugal- (I cant believe this hasn't expired!)

(Remind me of an alliance If I have one with you.)


Army:
120,000 British Expeditionary Army.
127,432 Regular Troops stationed abroad (not in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.)

Naval Forces:
18 modern dreadnoughts, 29 battleships (pre-dreadnought design), 10 battlecruisers, 20 town cruisers, 15 scout cruisers, 200 destroyers and 150 cruisers.

Air force:
110 Aircrafts
6 Airships

History:
Since the later part of the 19th century the British government had considered Germany to be the main threat to its empire. This was reinforced by Germany's decision in 1882 to form the Triple Alliance. Under the terms of this military alliance, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy agreed to support each other if attacked by either France or Russia.

France felt threatened by the Triple Alliance. Britain was also concerned by the growth in the German Navy and in 1904 the two countries signed the Entente Cordiale (friendly understanding). The objective of the alliance was to encourage co-operation against the perceived threat of Germany. Three years later, Russia, who also feared the growth in the German Army, joined Britain and France to form the Triple Entente.

Help would be nice: This is far from finished.

Japan would like to remind you that it is allied with the glorious nation of Great Britain ;)

http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/anglojapanesealliance1902.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Japanese_alliance

bump

bump

The republic of Portugal would like to remind the British Empire of the Treaty of Windsor and it's long-standing alliance with Portugal since 1386.

Seeing as Australia is a colony of the UK, Can I still RP as them? If So, here are some stats.

Australian Imperial Forces

322,000 Australian Troops

The first Australian Imperial Force troopships left Australia on 7th November 1914. These troops were sent to Egypt for training with British weapons. It was decided to put Australian and New Zealand forces together to form the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Some were used to defend Suez but most of them were sent to the Gallipoli Front under General William Birdwood. The ANZACs suffered over 33,600 losses (over one-third killed) by the time they were ordered to withdraw in January 1916.

The Australian Cavalry were transferred to Palestine and served under General Sir Edmund Allenby. The Australians fought with distinction and played an important role in the highly successful Battle of Gaza.

Australian Navy contributed:a battlecruiser, five cruisers and six destroyers.

The Australian Flying Corps (AFC) was founded in 1914 and contributed pilots and aircraft to the Mesopotamian Front, Palestine and the Western Front.


During the First World War Australia contributed 322,000 soldiers, of whom more than 280,000 were casualties. Just under 60,000 Australians were killed, the highest death-rate suffered by any national army in the war.

Seeing as Australian info is here, I might as well post my info here to.

New Zealand was governed as an autonomous dominion of the British Empire. A national assembly was elected by universal suffrage but women were not allowed to become representatives. William Ferguson Massey, the leader of the Conservative Reform Party, was appointed prime minister in July 1912.

In 1914 New Zealand had a population of just over 1.1 million. Most of the population were the result of British emigration but there were also about 50,000 Maoris.

From the age of 12 all males in New Zealand received military training. In 1911 New Zealand formed a 25,000, part-time national militia. Most of the men who volunteered to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in August 1914 came from this Territorial Army.

Under the command of General Godley, the NZEF joined with the Australian Imperial Force in Australia. The two forces were sent to Egypt for training with British weapons. It was decided to put Australian and New Zealand forces together to form the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Some were used to defend Suez but most of them were sent to the Gallipoli Front. The ANZACs suffered over 33,600 losses (over one-third killed) by the time they were ordered to withdraw in January 1916. The New Zealand troops were then transferred to the Western Front in France.

During the First World War over 124,000 New Zealanders, almost 10 per cent of the population, joined the army. Of these, 100,000 served overseas and the high percentage who served on the front-line is reflected in the fact that they suffered 58,000 casualties, including 17,000 men killed.

bump, plz dont post information on what happened in the RL war, I prefer just general info preWW1.

Highly Coded Instruction to Japanese Embassy, Londen

Engage in talks about tactics in case of war. Propose the following:
-Japan responsible for Asia, Japan will roll up any hostile resistance/territory in the Asia-Pacific Area.
-Japan will send troops to Europe or any other war zone to help our British Friends. Also Naval Assistance can be given, if Briatin requests that.

Imperial Headquarters/Foreign Ministery, Tokyo

The ambassador sighed and asked an aide to make an appointment with the British Ministers of War and Foreign Affairs.

ooc. maybe a small RP to keep this alive...

"A meeting with me?" Spoke Sir Edward Grey, the foreign secretary.
"Yes sir. Will tomorrow be ok sir?" Spoke his assistant.
"Yes tomorrow will be fine."

btw Frozopia=Topal

The Next Morning...

The Japanese ambassador in Great Britain Hotsuke Ujiyama, left the Japanese Embassy and made his way to the Ministery of Foreign Affairs. He was accompanied by two aides, who carried briefcases with notes and other important documents. After he entered the Ministery he announced that he had arrived and waited for Mr. Grey to arrive.

"Bring him in."

Watching the Japanese man walk into the room, Sir Edward Grey stood, holding out his hand to shake:

"Greetings Hotsuke Ujiyama. What is it you wished to discuss?"

"I'm honored sir Grey. I have come to discuss some serious matters with you. The assassination on the Archduke of Austria-Hungary has seriously destabilized Europe. K.u.K. has issued an Ultimatum to Serbia. The chance that war will break out between those two nations is great.

Japan fears that this will bring in Russia, as the defender of the Slavs, at war with Austria-Hungary. Germany will support Austria-Hungary and they would declare war on Russia, and possibly of France as well. And this brings Great Britain in, I believe. And as Japan is allied with Great Britain, we'd have to honor our alliance and join the war at Britain's side.

If this happens, Japan believes it is necessary to coordinate our tactics. Our treaty says that in case of war Japan will be responsible for the protection of both our interests in the Asia-Pacific zone. We are capable of doing so, in coordination with your Dominions of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

If the scenario I told you earlier will become reality, the prime hostile force will be Germany, with their Pacific Islands possessions, a part of New Guinea and the Shandong peninsula. It is crucial to destroy all German presence there as soon as possible. It must take two or three months at the most. If we control the Pacific, Japan is willing to send aide to Europe. This could mean troops and naval forces.

So, shortly *takes a document out of a briefcase* it will come to this:
-Japan is responsible for the protection of Great Britain and Japan's interests in the Pacific, in coordination with the British Dominions Australia, Canada, New Zealand and a small British force.
-Within three months, all German presence in the Asia-Pacific area must be destroyed. The first target must be Qingdao, the base of the German Pacific Fleet.
-When the German presence is destroyed, Japan will send aide to Europe, if Britain requests that.

What do you think?"

"Should war occur, what you advice is a good plan. However our forces in the Asia-Pacific are not numerous, and very much dependent on our colonial forces."

"However If France and Germany meet in war, Britain does not necessary promise support. Although I personally believe that it is Britains DUTY to assist our allies, we have no military ties with France other than friendly co-operation and many within parliament disagree with me. Getting involved in the war would depend on either of two things:

Germany or an ally attacking one of our allies, for example Belgium

OR

the Prime Minister Herbert Asquith deciding to assist."

Putting down the document, Grey finally looked up.

"I sincerely hope peace is still an option."

July 15, 1914

It was late in the day when the a German diplomat arrived in London. He had travelled night and day on a German fishing ship at the request of the Kaiser. The message he bore was urgent and secretive. It was intended for the eyes of the British Parlament alone. Swiftly moving about the crowded London streets he reached that majestic building near the Thames.

The following message was delievered to the Prime Minister of England:

To the People of Britain, the Empire on which the sun does not set,

Dark times have arrived in Europe as I am sure you fine gentlemen know. War has come to the Balkans and it seems that it may strike out elsewhere. The Reich wishes to make clear her intentions to the British people and illustrate that we do NOT wish war with her or her illustrious empire. This coming darkness is a creation of Serbian violence and crime; as advocates of peace and freedom, you must understand this. Anyone who shall take up arms with Serbia against the just cause of the German people would be violating these principles. The Kaiser, out of great respect for the peace-loving people of Britain, do not request your participation in this conflict. If you wish to aid our cause, it would be welcome indeed. All we DO ask if that if you wish not war against these criminals, you declare neutrality in the conflict.

A neutral Britain will acheive many aims of a friendly Britain, without noble Briton casualties. We would also appreciate anything that you can do to deter the French Republic from entering into hostilities, as well as perhaps convincing Japan to aid us.

This is not a war of conquest, but justice and freedom of men. However, if certain belligerent nations were to succumb to a Anglo-German alliance, the Kaiser says he could think of no finer nation than to aid in the, redevelopment of their colonies than Britain.

Please, think over what we have said.

Gottlieb von Jagow

The messanger thanked the Parlament for hearing his case, and offered to wait while the MPs discussed their reply.

"Should war occur, what you advice is a good plan. However our forces in the Asia-Pacific are not numerous, and very much dependent on our colonial forces."

"However If France and Germany meet in war, Britain does not necessary promise support. Although I personally believe that it is Britains DUTY to assist our allies, we have no military ties with France other than friendly co-operation and many within parliament disagree with me. Getting involved in the war would depend on either of two things:

Germany or an ally attacking one of our allies, for example Belgium

OR

the Prime Minister Herbert Asquith deciding to assist."

Putting down the document, Grey finally looked up.

"I sincerely hope peace is still an option."

I and The Imperial Government also believe that war is the worst possible solution. I am greatly pleased that you understand the need for a good warplan. If you excuse me, I'll retire to the embassy. If anything happens, if your government has decided what course of action it takes, please be so kind to notify me right away.

The Ambassador stood up, bowed and shook the outstretched hand of Mr. Grey. He left the building and headed for the embassy. Once back there, he notified the Japanese Government of the British answer.

Herbert Asquith sat over the desk, reading both Grey's reports and the German letter. He was uncertain about Britains future, whether war against the Germans was necessary or If neutrality was prefered.

Herbert Asquith felt France were a close ally, military alliace or none and abandonning them in a conflict would be a act of betrayal. More, Germany was an increasing threat to Britain in the new world, a rival in Industry that Britain could not compete with.

However a war with Germany would be long and bloody, despite what fools like Grey argue. They foolishy hold to the principle that one British soldier is worth 10 of any other nations, and although the BEF were reknowned fighters, perhaps the best in Europe, they were not 10 times better and more than outnumbered.

There was also alot of potential in neutrality, or even an alliance with the Germans. Between them they could carve up the colonies, and who knows maybe even Europe.

Which side? Which side?

Dear Sir Asquith,

I approach you as a concerned king of a threathened country. War between France and Germany seems inevitable, and the Germans have already asked for a permission to march through Belgium. My answer was negative, as I do not want to be seen as an enemy of France, and see my country to be turned to a battlefield. This outcome is, however, still quite possible. They might want to achieve by force what they cannot achieve by diplomacy. I lack the military strength to keep them out if they are to launch a major offensive through Belgium.

That is the reason for this letter. I ask you to reannounce and confirm your support to us in case of an invasion, as it stands in our mutual aid pact. This kind of an encouragement would be healthy for our rather scared parliament, and assure the Kaiser of the horrible consequences of insulting our neutrality.

I put my faith in you and the word of your predecessors, the word that promised we would not be abandoned when the dark days would come.

Most Sincerely Yours,

King Albert I of Belgium

Highly Encrypted Message to Japanese Embassy, Londen, to be passed on to Mr. Edward Grey and/or Mr. Asquith in person

Japan's mobilization period is over, we're ready to fight at your side. Please make a descision soon.

Imperial Headquarters are also considering limited (ooc. maybe not too limited...) operations in China, to secure it for our cause.

Prime Minister Okuma Shigenobu, in name of Emperor Taisho, son of Heaven, Divine Ruler of Japan, Chosen, Formosa etc. etc.

British Response to Prime Minister Okuma Shigenobu
We have decided our position in the war. We will back France and Belgium at all costs should a conflict break out. We are duty bound to do so, but also we consider it to be the correct action against the evils of the Kaiser.

Sir Edward Grey

OOC:
Evil and good concepts? Just like the old Edward Grey.

Highly Encrypted Message to Japanese Embassy, Londen, to be passed on to Mr. Edward Grey

We thank you for your quick reply, our warplans will be set in motion
immediately.

Prime Minister Okuma Shigenobu, in name of Emperor Taisho, son of Heaven,
Divine Ruler of Japan, Chosen, Formosa etc. etc.

ooc. Heh:p

ps. do we declare war at teh same time? May give a surprise element in Asia...

OOC:
Hm maybe....

The soldier who holds the letter seems tired and dirty. He's traveled on a RUssian TOrpedo Boat, probably in cramped and very hot conditions, he attempts to hand the letter to someone who can get it to the proper channels.

Russian Communique

Currently communications in RUssia have been sparse due to a shut down. THis has not been of concern as we have had other means in which to see the current events. Germany continues to try to sell the world of Serbian criminals, rather than what they truly are: desperate men.

We wish to cement our current relations with Britain as we have been incapable of doing before. We stand with France and Britain. May we find victory shortly.

ooc. If you declare war, you may post the following Japanese Declaration of war immediately. At least if you want to...:D

Imperial Message from the Emperor and his Government

Upon hearing the British declaration of war Japan has decided to fight alongside it's ally against the German Empire and the Asutrian-Hungarian Empire. We feel bound to our obligations to defend the interests and fight for the things our Glorious Ally thinks are worthwhile. Japan will use all it's efforts to defeat the German and Austrian-Hungarian Empires, to rid the world of it's aggressive, imperialistic evil.

Hereby, the Empire of Japan considers itself hsotile with Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Open Message to the British Empire
A large number of soldiers have been withdrawn from Mozambique to support the war in Europe. I realize that private British companies control most of the colony's government and industries but Portugal still owns the colony and has the power to override private authority. However, do to Mozambique's large population and serious lack of infrastructure, I do not believe it will harm your companies' profits or exported labor to South Africa. This withdrawl of men may seem extreme, yet it will surely end the Iberian war soon. (I've already burned down Madrid and his leader committed suicide. I guess I'll have to torch his whole country before he'll surrender).

In a related topic, if Portugal achieves victory, I have an interesting proposal for you which will greatly expand the British Empire's european territory in exchange for an African colony or two. ;)