NationStates Jolt Archive

Wellington, capital of the Wendsleybury Islands, largest piece of the Walmingtonian Empire outside of the British Isles, was famous really only for curiosities such as its alliterative value and position as the globe's most southerly capital city, even if it wasn't fully independent.

In fact, as champions of global political power arrived in the city, they would find it quite charming. The Wendsleybury Islands remained some years behind the rest of Walmington in most respects, and didn't have to go through some of the more traumatic reforms enforced by the Whigs. Agriculture and primary industry were still big. Wool, iron, gas, coal, timber, gold, and fish made their way back to Walmington, and a lot of the hardy folk who gathered these resources were now moving back, too, encouraged by the industrial boom and the need for self-sufficiency in agriculture that was resulting from reform and war.

Wendsleybury's people were volunteering in their thousands to go and fight the Holy League, and if they treated this in any way similarly to the C20ths two world wars, more than a third of a million from the dominion could be expected to sign-up before long. Amongst them, based on current recruitment rates and statements from various community leaders, it appeared likely that as many as forty thousand Maori may end-up under arms for king and country.

A statue of Sir Harold Wendsleybury, the explorer who discovered the islands for Britain and also charted the stretch of South American coastline that later became one half of Australasia's union, stood tall outside the wooden walls of Government House, gazing out in the direction of the oceans upon which he lived and died. Powerful figures from around the globe would now pass Sir Harold and enter the house.

Looking up, they may see a distinctive shape pass behind the statue's head as Concord [no mistake] came in to land at the airport.

Inside Government House

Prime Minister Mainwaring straightened his dress uniform -he was "an experienced officer, who served in the last conflict, in 1982, during the whole of July"- and tried to appear as if he hadn't just raced in through the back door after landing from a supersonic jaunt across the planet.

Wellington was to host two discussions, at least.

Most obvious was the need to assemble an alliance and plan action to right the wrongs of Iberia, where, at Gibraltar, according to initial estimates, four thousand people had been killed and six thousand injured -most of them civilians- and of course survivors of what had been a population of twenty-eight thousand were now without their homes. And that was without starting to think about the suffering inflicted upon the state and people of Portugal.

Along with Walmington, nations invited to attend on this issue included the Indian National Union, Australasia, China, and Japan with enthusiasm, and under varying degrees of reservation also the African Commonwealth, the United African Republics, Spyr, Sujava, Neo-Anarchos, and the Indian Soviet Commonwealth, and even Malaysia. Quinntonia was invited also, with significant Walmingtonian fears over the United States' resolve against the Holy League, and Yugoslavia was invited but not really expected. Ecowas nations too were invited, London even offering quietly to pay for charter flights, and Vietnam, Laos, Papua, Timor and others* received fairly impersonal invites of their own, because an ally's an ally, even if you don't like him and/or he can't do anything but shout.

The nature of this gathering was one of willing participants in a war against the evil Holy League, which was made clear to all invited to attend, meaning that any states not wishing to lend forces, territory, funds, or other backing to such an awkward alliance of purpose should not send representation and expect to be entertained during discussions of military action that would take place whether they liked it or not.

Secondly, however, Mainwaring wanted to meet Elias and Royce. Sending bigshots there, and to Spain, had been insufficient, and the PM wanted to meet important people on his turf, somewhere that emphasised British global reach and security, in an environment of great multinational pressure as exemplified by the expected presence in Wellington of so many powerful leaders.

Walmington hoped to convince Baghdad and Port Royal the global balance was still very much against the Holy League, and that it was no longer possible to juggle the League and the free world, since war was a declared fact between members of the two. For secular governments of nations with colonies surrounded by anti-League powers and lived by people with historic British ties, it seemed absurd to think that either would side with the militarily inferior religious fanatics of relatively obscure and disperate lands.

((*I don't actually know if there's much point in saying that, since a lot of those nations haven't got proper player representation, but some being linked to nations of significance in the anti-HL struggle, Walmington would at least give them a nod.

All right, uhm, so I suppose that we'll see who is prepared to act against the League, try to find out whether Roycelandia wants to have a change of heart and convince everyone else not to wipe-out East Africa and Gabon, and find out whether United Elias wants to lean to League or keep Diego Garcia and Brunei, since it can't do both for more than eight or nine seconds, and then start discussing what actions are to be taken in Europe, Asia, and Africa.))

Port Royal, Roycelandia

His Majesty has just staggered off his personal Sunderland Flying Boat and fallen asleep in his bed when, a few hours later, Wiggles prodded him awak with coffee and toast.

"Your Majesty?"

"Hrrmmrrph."

"Your Majesty... Prime Minister Mainwaring is on the telephone for you."

His Majesty uttered a short curse, and climbed out of bed, donning a dressing gown at the same time as he sculled an entire mug of coffee and took the phone from Wiggles.

A short conversation followed, surprisingly pleasant given the circumstances, at which point His Majesty replaced the receiver.

"We have a conference to attend in Wellington... To the Emperor Mobile!"

Batman style spinning background and "ER" logo, before cutting to a shot of the Imperial Jaguar tearing out from the garage under the Palace and heading for the Air Harbour]

"Wellington, thank you Jeeves!" declared His Majesty as he, Wiggles, and several other important and useful people boarded the plane

Indiana Jones style map of the world with an overshot of a Sunderland Flying Boat winging it's way to Wellington as a red line charts the route on the map..]

Wellington, Wendselybury Islands

"Awfully windy here, don't you think, Wiggles?" remarked His Majesty as they deplaned in Wellington Harbour.

"What do you expect? It's the capital and there's a political conference on" replied Wiggles, eliciting laughs from all present.

"Well then, I expect someone from the Walmingtonian Diplomatic Corps will be along shortly to fill us in on the situation... and show us to our rooms, I hope."

(OOC: If Mainwaring's here, then Shimizu Yuki would have come home)

Fresh from his visit to Walmington, Foreign Minister Shimizu detailed the Wellington conference to Prime Minister Minase, who was genuinely pleased that Japan had been remembered. After discussing the situation with Emperor Shinseiki, Minase and Shimizu boarded a government flight to Wellington.

During the journey, they compared notes on the international situation, identifying possibilities for further cooperation against the Holy League; if Japan joined the alliance of just and righteous nations, and if said alliance was victorious, then Japan could gain territorially as well as being able to dispel any lingering complaints over Japanese militarism. This conference also served another purpose; it enabled Minase to distance himself from the growing debate over the restoration of the Emperor's divine status. The idea of imminent war would also serve as a distraction from the debate, giving the JRP an opportunity to hold the planned referendum at 'an auspicious time', as Shinseiki had put it.

The Japanese position on the war was to be quite simple; recognise Japanese sovereignty over certain disputed territories, and the nation would march to war. Naturally Shimizu would attempt some further dealings behind the scenes, but it was expected that Minase's natural warmth and unsurpassed people skills would serve to keep others from watching Shimizu too closely.

Wellington

One of No.44 Squadron's Tu-154s, a common sight at Tangjungpandan, Port Moresby, and Kupang, lands in Wellington with Mumbai's delegation aboard. Headed by Captain Amil Golan (retired), one of the IN's more decorated destroyer commanders from the Indo-Bedgellen War and a man at least as well-armed with war stories as Mainwaring, the Unioners are not going to the conference to negotiate, and don't plan to give the League any slack at all. Mumbai is in this for the long haul, they will reiterate, and is ready to take all League colonies after Portugal and Gibraltar before even discussing a settlement.

The potential anti-League nations, added together, outnumber the Holy League several times over, and there are more conscriptable males in the INU alone than there are people in France and occupied Algeria combined. Numbers, and indeed industrial potential, are both solidly and massively on the anti-Leaguers' side. Golan and his delegation have no doubts about the likelihood of the League's defeat as they step off the plane in Wellington, and also do not doubt the resolve of the assembled powers to carry the issue through to its otherwise inevitable conclusion. There is no doubt in Golan's mind as to Mumbai's aims going into the Wellington conference: the Holy League must be made impotent and toothless, and the threat it poses to independant nations removed for the forseeable future.

Roycelandia's invitation causes a bit of a stir, especially as a Bedgellen, Spyrian, and Unioner invasion force prepares to pounce on the Philippines, but many think that Plan 22 should be used more to leverage the Roycelandians into the Walmingtonian fold, rather than to accomplish real strategic objectives. While nobody is about to discuss that particular side of things publically, at least not until Bedgellen and Spyrian opinions are known, Golan is prepared to have Plan 22 cancelled should Royce I agree to sever his ties to the Holy League and give Goa over to the Bedgellens without a fight. He hopes, though, to talk to Mainwaring before even mentioning such a proposal to Royce himself.

(OCC: This part is a bit iffy. Raise objections if it rubs you the wrong way...)

Uninvited, a Fokker Fellowship in Ghanalan Air Force colors touches down at Wellington, bringing Mohammed Ibn Chambas and his delegation to the anti-League conference. Chambas represents what is probably the least powerful of all the power blocs, namely poor and fairly confused ECOWAS, but also the power bloc in arguably the most danger from the Holy League's latest round of conquests. As ECOWAS begins to hold French or Russian invasion as not so much likely as inevitable, few heads of state want to wait any longer than they have already to appeal for aid.

[Official Ottoman Tag, because I want to be invited. Rawr.]

Wellington, Wendselybury Islands

Prime Minister Andrew Strathairn had taken to smoking again in the last few days, and as soon as he deplaned on the tarmac he crammed a cigar in his mouth and lit up. The sky was low and grey, and there were puddles every few metres on the runway. The cool air nipped at him through his silk suit, his body acustomed to Raleigh's relatively warm air and sunny days. He blew out a puff of smoke, earning a reproachful look from Foreign Minister Christina Lloyd as she wrapped a cream coloured coat a bit tighter around herself. The pink hair would have to go, he decided as he looked at her. It wasn't professional at all.

Strathairn's position on the subject of the Holy League was simple. It was a dangerous alliance between dangerous nations with dangerous designs on the world. Until recently, the Holy League had been a belligerent but minor threat, and seemed content to spew vitriolic statements and build tanks. With the invasion of Gibraltar and Portugal, it had triggered the wrath of the world. Australasian forces were en route to the Mediterranean sea as he waited for the Walmingtonian diplomats to show up, ready to exact revenge.

((OOC: Darn, I knew I'd forget someone! Ottomans! I suppose that's representative of a strange historic disrespect by the major European powers for the sick man... sorry about that, assume an invitation arrived a little late, in typical after-thought fashion :)
I'll start talking about things on the assumption that delegates are already arrived, so anyone wanting to RP arrival or whatever else is free to add it in, fluid time, you know?
Oh, and ECOWAS was invited! Though I wrote it Ecowas, possibly because the Walmingtonians found that much upper-case to be crude and offensive to their sensibilities, heh. We even offered to charter flights for them.))

Mainwaring, escorted by a large team of diplomats and military commanders, greeted the world's dignitaries in different parts of Government House, running back and forth like a character in a camp situation comedy as he juggled the Roycelandian Emperor in one wing with the Japanese Prime Minister, an Indian veteran, and Ghanaian doctor who were amongst those in the other.

The many rooms of the sprawling two storied house were converted to private quarters for each major representative with prefabricated quarters being hastily erected in the grounds and made comfortable as possible to house their lesser associates, with these being made to look a little better in contrast to tents pitched by His Majesty's Wendsleybury Forces, on hand to make certain of security.

The ballroom, being the house's largest, was used to stage gatherings of the anti-league leaders, while the impressive state dining room was used for discussions with the Roycelandian Emperor. The council room would give a slightly more personal setting should Elias or one of his major representatives arrive while the larger rooms were in use.

Some entertainment would be seen to, though it must be noted that it was mainly provided for Royce, and also made independently available to others but not pushed upon them. Royce's aides were quietly given directions to local institutions of good and ill repute and a large screen television -one of precious few in Wendsleybury- was provided, along with various games, drinks (not too many), and odds and ends such as the racing form.

Mainwaring stood before the assembled delegates, doing his best to appear Churchillian for, as a Whig, the PM thought of that the so-called greatest ever Briton as an aspiration figure and a projector of a fitting image in spite of actually great political differences between George and Winston. The PM certainly had the body for it, and the hairline, and his never-quite crisp uniform worked well enough in the role.

"...Well, no use dancing about the issue any longer." He eventually said, "We are all here because we have a common enemy, and a common aim: his defeat.

"Since we all are resolved to take action, it is only natural that we co-ordinate its key parts so as to bring about the speedy dismantling of the enemy's ability and his will to fight, and, furthermore, so that we do not create for ourselves a new set of unnecessary problems to be faced after our inevitable victory."

Mainwaring went on to describe his expectation for the fate of various territories. He started with what he called minor cases by which the loose alliance could register its ire with the League and demonstrate its cohesion as an active force.

Since there was absolutely nothing that France could do about it, the Bassas de India should be handed over to Madagascar. Europa Island, Juan de Nova Island, and the Glorioso Islands also should be handed to Madagascar, secured by allied forces from either Strathdonia, the United African Republics, the INU, Soviets, British, or Australasians, depending on the status of the possible [tiny] French garrisons and proximity of available forces. The French Southern and Antarctic Lands, like Clipperton Island, should be put under multi-national control for the time being, checked and if necessary secured by the nearest forces, and protected either as free wilderness or simply until the return to power in France of a sane and reasonable administration.

In Mainwaring's estimation of the proper course of action and for its association with Austria, Mauritius should be siezed by the Royal Navy and France's Tromelin Island be annexed to it.

Calling back historic ties, even if the exact meaning was not fully appropriate anylonger, Mainwaring suggested that Wallis and Futuna and the fortress of New Caledonia ought to be assaulted by AWIAC forces. No, the Australasian and Wendsleybury Islands Army Corps wasn't a proper term, these days, but that didn't seem important compared to the spirit of such an operation, which would put New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna under British and Australasian administration at least until such time as the French Republic was restored, or a sane person placed upon the kingdom's throne.

Elsewhere, he noted, the Azores and Madeira Islands were recognised by Walmington as the successors to the Portuguese Republic and under protection of British forces. Allied forces would, in the course of anti-League operations, be invited to make use of facilities to be expanded there.

"Major issues for us are in the leaning of Roycelandia and United Elias, and the criminal responsibility of the Roycelandian Empire.

"Certainly we do not wish to see British and Roycelandian soldiers fighting, nor to see Roycelandian forces obliterated by our allies against the League. And a war would be far more easily won with Elias' co-operation than it would against his resistance.

"However, with oil in the North Sea, Canada, the sub-continent, Lyong, Australia, here in Wendsleybury, and in Neo Anarchos, and with the time for bluster and economic sanction passed in a cloud of burning chemicals, Baghdad will surely realise that even a decision on its part to side with the League will not change the outcome, and that an attempt to stay out of fighting while supporting the League will be an end to its hold on Brunei, which would quite quickly find its petrochemicals paying for Malaysian reconstruction.

"It is very much my hope, then, that United Elias will preserve cordial relations with we, the majority nations and markets of the world, by declaring itself against the Holy League.

"Likewise, I hope here to... provide for the survival of the once noble Roycelandian Empire which, of late, has lost its way. Certainly Goa can no longer remain as an outpost of nineteenth and twentieth century empire in India, and must be surrendered to the Soviets. Likewise, the terrible situation in the Philippines must be resolved without Roycelandian involvement: Royce himself has admitted limited knowledge and interest in Asian affairs, and his Empire can not expect to guide events and lives there. The Philippines must be free and independent, it must end its inferior status in association with Roycelandia, and it must deliver French forces into captivity as P.O.W.s in allied care. Conflict in the Philippines is an unhappy thing, but not a situation that can be resolved by occupation and dictation from abroad to the people of that nation. It is a long standing condition fit for long-term address, which can continue after the war is concluded. What is most important- the Philippines must be independent and unoccupied, except perhaps later by multi-national peacekeeping forces, pending discussion not really proper in this time of greater crisis.

"I say, as I intend to put it to Royce, that Roycelandian withdrawal from Goa and abandonment of improper relations with the Philippines, along with either alliance against the Holy League or neutrality in the coming conflict should be enough to save East Africa from invasion. I intend to remind his highness of the certainty of speedy defeat in Goa and of the invasion of East Africa and his other dominions which will follow, and of the sureness of massive defeat there as well, for he shall be outnumbered to an astronomical degree and unable to send supplies or reinforcements across the Atlantic or any other route. Resort to nuclear warfare will mean the obliteration of his home islands and the premature end of his own life, so must be recognised as a non-starter.

"As a Prime Minister in the British Empire, I am well placed to advise Royce to take this chance to avoid total imperial collapse and international obscurity in the years that follow.

"It is my great hope that Roycelandia's position in Nigeria will in fact enable the liberation of that state and its protection by Anglo-Roycelandian forces in the future. If Ecowas then agrees, Nigeria and their own nations will provide an avenue for the liberation of Algeria, helped greatly by a decision from Baghdad to continue enabling allied forces through the Suez.

"There is no reason, if Roycelandia co-operates, why France and Spain should not be almost completely isolated and driven from the seas within weeks at the most.

"The serious matter of war with Russia is of surely great concern for China and Japan especially, and also for our Spyrian friends..."

Mainwaring would continue, but much had already been said. He had not even touched on a proposal to demilitarise the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and put the two parts under different national control. Initial strikes to take minor possessions and a bid to save Roycelandia seemed a lot to start with. There would be plenty of time to voice support for China in Mid Asia and Japan in its Russian-occupied territories, and Mainwaring hoped that peacefully delivering Goa would keep the Soviets from pushing too hard elsewhere. There was also Yugoslavia to discuss- the Ottomans might be significant there, and if only Yugoslav non-alignment could be over-come, the fall of Austria and Switzerland would become an appealing step on the road to Paris.

George was almost compelled to suggest the drafting right now of a document to request the unconditional surrender of the Holy League 'powers' before it became impossible to keep royal heads off dirty spikes.

((OOC: Sorry that went on, I kept getting distracted by the fluid-heavy illness of a friend and probably repeating myself a lot when I came back.
*Wonders if anyone noticed anything about Mainwaring's proud service boast and the Argentine surrender* :) ))

OOC: As far as I know, Roycelandia and the Soviets have reached an agreement- Roycelandia is withdrawing from the Philippines, the Soviets are leaving Goa alone.

I'm assuming WWII went more or less as per RL, for the purposes of dramatic licence, anyway...

IC:

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I, in an unusually good mood after winning several thousand pounds at the racetrack (which he promptly donated to a worthy local charity assisting battered women and deprived children), thanked PM Mainwaring for inviting him to Wellington.

"My friends" he began, "I realise this is a difficult time for the world. The spectre of war looms over us, and I have no desire to go down in history as the man solely responsible for World War III.

As such, I have consulted my advisors, and we have decided that a military withdrawl from the Philippines is both a necessary and desireable course of action in order to preserve the delicate peace in South-East Asia.

Further, I am reliably informed that the Igovians, as a sign of goodwill, have retracted demands for the hand-over of Goa, and will be standing down their militias on a proportionate level to the Roycelandian military withdrawl from the Philippines, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Igovian people and leadership for their sensible and rational handling of this delicate issue.

Speaking of delicate issues, there is the issue of Roycelandia and the Holy League. As most of you are aware, Roycelandia is not a Religious Nation, and our affiliation with the HL only goes as far as our alliance with France.

Like all good alliances, we are free to disagree with a particular course of action taken by our ally, and so we have agreed to disagree with our French allies on the current situation in Europe- especially vis a vis the situation in Gibraltar.

Further, I will go on record here and now, saying that Roycelandia will be taken a position of Armed Neutrality in the conflict between Britain and the Holy League. The safety of the Roycelandian Empire comes first and foremost, and anyone who strikes against us will find our vengeance to be swift, furious, and terrible to behold.

We do not wish to be involved in hostilities against a nation towards whom we bear no particular ill-will, in spite of the last government's efforts to the contrary, but nor can we fight a nation to whom we are allied, for obvious reasons.

War in the Pacific will benefit no-one. I have personally toured the Nouvelle Caledonie fortifications, and I can tell you that a landing on the Island will result in a slaughter that will make Gallipoli appear as a but a paper cut. Indeed, the Igovians have already attempted a landing on the island and were thoroughly bested by a combined Franco-Roycelandian military force, albeit many years ago. Even without Roycelandian assistance, the French fortifications of Nouvelle Caledonie are much like a Maori Pa- difficult, if not impossible to capture by direct assault or siege, and of little to no strategic value if this is actually accomplished by some miracle. And you can be sure that, while your sons and daughters are being machine gunned on the coral beaches, French troops will be en route somewhere of more importance to Walmington.

King Louis-Auguste is not a fanatic, nor an unreasonable man. France has no desire to wage war upon these fair islands [New Zealand], nor does he stand to gain anything by fighting with Australasia.
I have already warned him that a conflict in the Pacific will force my hand, and it may not be in a direction favourable to France- and I must reiterate the same warning here. Our intention is to stay out of this, but if we have both sides attempting to take each other's islands, we are going to have problems remaining neutral. Indeed, the best thing for everyone is for the Pacific to remain a quiet backwater in this conflict- a sort of controlled area, if you will, in which a Gentlemen's Agreement will prevent major conflicts from spiralling out of control.

I cannot know Louis-Auguste's innermost thoughts, but I can know that he has no intention of launching an invasion of mainland Walmington. No-one has successfully pulled it off since 1066, and the last person who tried had the entire Luftwaffe at their disposal. The Garde Nationale, as dedicated as they are, and the Armee De L'Air, and even the French Royal Navy, are being aimed in a different direction, away from Walmington.

We are amenable to Nigeria eventually coming under a Roycelandian-Anglo government, as we have been concerned at conditions in the Nigerian Republic, but have been unable to expand our interest in the region due to a variety of factors, most of which have been perfectly illustrated in the Philippines of late.

War has it's benefits, but not when it threatens to consume the entire globe. I have told King Louis-Auguste that Roycelandia's friendship is with France and not the entire Holy League, and he understands.

We would prefer not to choose between our ally France and our Anglophone brothers and sisters, with whom we share as much history as with France.

Roycelandian Colonial Troops fought with the British at Ulundi in the Anglo-Zulu War, and against the Boers in both Boer Wars.

Roycelandian soldiers died on the beaches at Gallipoli with the AWIAC soldiers. Roycelandians fought the Kaiser in WWI, Roycelandian volunteers fought on the side of the White Russians during the Russian Revolution, and during WWII there were Roycelandian troops fighting in Burma, on Papua New Guinea, and wading ashore at Normandy on June 6th, 1944. Roycelandian troops dropped at Arnhem with the British during Operation Market Garden, and were across the Rhine with the Quinntonians and the British at the end of the war.

Do not think we would lightly throw all this away, but do not think we will compromise our Empire to settle the border disputes of an unaffilliated Nation of an opposing religion and a once great Nation which turned their back on us in the past."

Mainwaring was not convinced about any idea of the Soviets leaving a Roycelandian military hub on the sub-continent while the Empire was anything short of absolutely opposed to the Holy League, but would have to wait before being sure on the matter.

However, the PM was unable to maintain a dignified facial expression on the mention of a gentleman's agreement in Asia. His cheeks puffed out and he made a sort of half coughing sound.

"The devils don't know the meaning of such a thing! I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but this government and the French crown had just such an understanding, between civilised people, over Europe... something akin to NATO's quiet dismissal of the African theatre for Roycelandia's sake.

"Oh, we both agreed that our differences should not come to war in Europe, and that strength could be tested far afield, superiority being found by proxy.

"And look what has happened, at the very first opportunity!

"We shook on Queensbury rules, and no sooner had we laced-up our padded gloves... the... the despicable toad threw salt in our eyes!

"There is no such thing as a gentleman's agreement with a Harlequin! Oh, I don't blame you for being warey of turning your back on that lot!"

One of Mainwaring's aides, a Rear Admiral at Wendsleybury Station, scoffed at one point during Royce's speech, for which he got a few shap glances before Mainwaring went off on a rant and put him in the shade.

The Rear Admiral's derision was for the defences of New Caledonia and the Franco-Roycelandian idea of a thorough besting, being as it was well known that a numerically inferior rabble of long-haired communists, in the middle of a revolution that left them without ranking officers, had killed French defenders on the island at a rate of five to one, and -for the loss of an escort frigate they'd likely long since replaced- had sunk a far more expensive and manpower-intensive Roycelandian dreadnought. A planned operation by professional forces, with their own battleships, would do for the defences without much trouble, he was sure. The only question was on whether or not it made sense to bother, considering the great loss-maker that the obscure island was to France as it stood!

Wellington

Areshi Hei arrived in the Wendselybury Islands gripped with uncertainty... like most members of the Strainist Party's Central Committee, he had recently passed his eightieth year, but he haqd never been a particularly notable figure: while others had led 'leftist' and 'rightist' factions or provided a Strainist voice on the international stage, Hei had quietly worked to support the Daisu against the extremists at either end of the Party's membership. He had been a soldier, once, but being a 'revolutionary hero' of a peasant army in 1950 would help little in the modern day. He bore a general's rank, commanding the Party's First Front which stretched along the Meyon river and mountainous regions that marked the Russian border, but it was a symbolic rank: younger officers better versed in the intricacies of 'new' warfare saw to most of the important matters.

Why, he could not help but wonder, was he here at the bottom of the world? When he had left Lyong, the Revolutionary Army's southern commanders had accused him of cooperation with feudal elements... it was at last time for world revolution, and there was little difference between France, Roycelandia, or Walmington. The notion had a grain of truth that no doubt tempted youthful minds eager for ideological purpose... but Hei had wed a princess of Tord, and knew first-hand that there could be no such black-and-white divisions. Time and comradeship had been the weapons of revolution in Tord, not guns and bamboo spears, and life was better for it.

The rightists of the Party's Knowledge Committee had thought little better of his departure: let the capitalists and imperialists rip at each other, let them colonize so their success might open new markets and their failures till the soil for Party efforts. Build internal prosperity while the anarchists extinguish themselves with their thrashing. In some ways, Hei was inclined to agree. After a half-century, he could still recall the horrors of the revolutionary struggle, and could not look upon war as lightly as some of his comrades... but it would be foolish to just bury one's head in the sand while evil loomed over the world. A battle was to come, and it was better fought together now than later and alone. And, he was forced to admit, there was more at stake here than mere morality: the Revolutionary Army would not calm now after so long wishing to fulfill its purpose. If they were not given an enemy, they would no doubt find one without, or within.

The Central Committee's agendas and attentions were divided between a dozen evolving matters, its chairman seeking guidance in the mountain peaks... that was why he was here, because someone had to be here, to do what had to be done. Wether or not the Party could be pulled with him in the aftermath was a question best not asked.

[OOC: A couple of notes on other powers... if invited, Burma will undoubtedly turn the offer down. Its leader is quite the pacifist, and wouldn't have much interest in joining a war. The Polisario Front of the Saharawi (and the Algerian exiles living with them) would be more eager to join the cause, but don't have much hope for their inclusion as their conflict with both Morocco and colonized Algeria would alienate both United Elias and Roycelandia, something they aren't convinced Walmington will want to do at the moment. The Hindustanis will likely have been asked to be their unofficial voice at Wellington.

Indonesia will have declared neutrality, though for Kalla 'neutral' might be better described as 'batshit crazy and waiting to gobble up Sulu & Sabah']

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

Initial speeches by Mainwaring and Royce offered Hei little more than had already been assumed: that the Wallies would seek to revenge their bloody nose at Gibraltar through doing the same in France's outlying holdings, and the Roiks would play Franco to Louis' Hitler. Proposals for a Russian campaign, where the Strainists would see most involvement, would likely have to wait until Beijing and Tokyo raised their voices.

He had not, however, expected the Roycelandian emperor to play the open hypocrite before the leaders of the world. Port Royal muttered veiled threats of pro-French involvement should Pacific colonies see conflict, while preaching neutrality and Versailles' good intentions after comparable conflict on the Iberian? Perhaps the Army's zealots were right, and war today ought seek wider goals than a mere humbling of the Holy League.

"If I may, gentlemen... I must join prime minister Mainwaring in refutation of the point put forth by Royce-weisu. France cannot be trusted. There is no simpler way it can be put. They have in the past used their Pacific bases to engage in acts of high-seas piracy that have seen almost a dozen civil ships sent to the bottom, some with all hands lost. They have used them to launch aircraft from which ODSL assassins were deployed against the leaders of Lyong..." A lie, perhaps, but not a particularly large one... the Strainists still held French prisoners captured following the Tordian revolution, who had yet to reveal their mission under interrogation. That the Party was certain they had been trying to abscond with the deposed Tordian monarch was unimportant, "... and to move about large military forces including a puppet king who claims dominion over swathes of Vietnam and the former Marimaia.

In short, their Pacific presence must be dealt with if war is to be conducted against the Holy League. That Roycelandia has bought protection from French atrocities with its neutrality does not matter for the other nations of the Asia-Pacific.... if Royce-weisu is so concerned over the consequences of conflict here, he ought join with the righteous and expel the French himself."

Prime Minister Minase Tohma listened intently to the Lyong representative, then stood to address the delegates.

"The honourable delegate from Lyong is correct, as is Mr. Mainwaring. The French are beyond contempt. Referring back to Southeast Asia, when Emperor Shinseiki was ruler of that area the French courted him aggressively, promising him the world. We have since discovered that they have always had a loyal puppet king waiting to claim that area. It is not unfeasible that they would have assassinated Shinseiki to clear the path for their own tool; Emperor Royce, can you say without doubt that the French do not have a replacement lined up for your throne?

The French and the Spanish have proven themselves to be warmongers of the worst degree. Take it from a nation that has been in that position, they need to be brought down now, before their campaigns gain too much momentum. Otherwise they will become entrenched in their holdings; we could be looking at another bloody six year war if we do not stop them.

Japan agrees with Lyong on the matter of the Pacific; defeating the Holy League as utterly as suggested does not mean that we should allow them to retain any part of their empires which could be used to mount offensives on innocent people. If necessary, the Asian powers will drive France from the Pacific, allowing Walmington to concentrate on their own defence.

Now, regarding Tsar Wingert......Russia would be a problem, to say the least. I have no doubt that we would prevail, but we would lose a lot in the process unless we managed to strike swiftly and decisively. As abhorrent as it may be to consider for some, we should consider a pre-emptive strike if it looks even slightly possible that Russia is planning to intervene. If it comes to it, we would rather be struck with nuclear weapons in the defence of freedom rather than struck during the night as their pre-emptive strike.

Japan will also continue to talk with Quinntonia regarding their potential involvement; we know first-hand how devastating they are as an opponent. Quinntonian participation against the Holy League would almost certainly lead to swift victory; without them I believe that we will emerge victorious, but with a lot more casualties."

Wellingon, Wendselybury Islands

"If I may, Prime Minister Mainwaring," Strathairn said during a break in the discussion. "I would like to suggest that your plan, while admirable, does not go far enough." Beside him, Christina's face took on a look of calm alarmedness; a feat even for her. She kicked him once under the table. Ignoring her, Strathairn went on.

"King Louis-Auguste of France has shown that he has little interest in preserving the sovereignty of his European neighbours-- his equals in historical achievement and in cultural sophistication. His willingness to support Philip IV in the bid to invade not one, but two sovereign powers is despicable. It clearly shows that neither king respects any boundary save that of the Holy League." Christina tried to open her mouth and begin one of those 'what the Prime Minister means...' statements, but he cut her off.

"Philip IV and Louis-Auguste have invaded their sovereign neighbours. They have killed thousands and deprived thousands more of their homes. They have dropped white phosphorus derivatives upon a civilian population. Australasia's Parliament has already taken the unusual step of declaring war upon France and Spain, and we intend to see this through to the end.

"And let me be clear to you what I mean by 'the end'. I propose that the first goal of any combined force be the liberation of Portugal, followed by the immediate invasion of Spain itself. Philip IV and Louis-Auguste need to be taught a swift and decisive lesson: that unprovoked agression will be answered with unrelenting force." Christina was scribbling notes on her pad reading things like 'cease and desist' or 'BAD PLAN'. He frowned at her before continuing.

"Several times, France and Spain have been compared to Nazi Germany during the Second World War. This comparison is totally correct, and underscores the dire need to take the offensive directly to them. I respectfully disagree with Emperor Royce; Louis-Auguste of France is not a reasonable man. He is a power hungry autocrat who seeks the destruction of our way of life. His foreign minister has proclaimed that France's goals were toward a theocratic Holy Roman Empire that covers the globe. If this is reasonable, I do not wish to encounter Royce's idea of a madman." Christina had elected to slump in her seat and look dejected. Strathairn expected an ear-bending later about the importance of being circumspect in times like these.

"There are two Australasian fleets steaming towards Gibraltar, one in the Atlantic and one desiring entry to the Mediterranean through the Panama Canal. Our resolve is strong enough, but our fleets would be hard-pressed to face the combined might of the Holy League in its home waters. We, in short, will need help. If Walmington, the INU, Spyr and the rest contribute forces then I am confident of victory. Let us teach the Holy League that to invade a sovereign nation without provocation is to bring down the wrath of the entire world upon them. Let us make it a lesson that they will never forget, and let us break their Fascist ambitions upon their own ground!"

(A tag/note sort of thing relating to the as yet little-noticed Chinese-backed coup (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=485214) attempt against Tchokareff, which may make this significant to Depkazia, or vice versa.)

OOC: I'm going to need help here, my fleets were already underway as this conference began and now one is parked around the 20˚ Longitude line, while the other is awaiting passage through the Suez. I can wait there for as long as I need to, but eventually the HL fleets'll get twitchy and come after me. I don't esp. want to play tag across the Atlantic, so if we can get the ball rolling a bit...

Golan, alarmed at Japanese mention of nuclear exchange, takes his turn to speak.

"It will be, in my view, a bad mistake to escalate this...I suppose we can only really call it a world war...into a nuclear conflict. War between nuclear-armed powers will always be a delicate issue. Should any anti-League power use nuclear weapons preemptively, I have no doubt that the Holy League will respond disproportionately with its own sizable arsenal. No, we must stay well away from that kind of warfare. There is no need to raise the stakes to such an extent while we enjoy such a superiority in conventional means. With all respect, Prime Minister, a conventional Japanese victory, even if it is achieved at a high cost, is preferable to a nuclear strike that triggers an exchange that wipes millions upon millions off the register of existence.

"That said, the League is an institution that cannot be allowed to survive. France and her sattelites have already shown their unwillingness to coexist peacefully with fellow nations, and if we don't put them out this time they'll only ever come back to hit us again. It must be shown to them that their imperial addiction is unacceptable. As Royce does not seem to realise, no matter where the League aims its immoral ambitions and efforts, it won't let up until it very literally controls this earth.

"This talk of New Caledonia as an example of French resiliance is laughable. As Prime Minister Mainwaring has already pointed out, the French and yourselves very nearly lost that battle, even with superiority in numbers. I've had the misfortune of facing Bedgellens in battle, and it is difficult for me to conceive of the Igovians breaking-off their attack in the face of not-that-determined resistance and progress on the ground. The French have shown themselves completely able to burn cities and slaughter innocents by the thousands, but not once have they proven themselves in battle against an equal opponent. It is always a mistake to underestimate an opponent, but it is equally a mistake to make France and the League out to be invincible, because they quite clearly are not. The question about New Caledonia is indeed whether it is even worth it, when the French can't reinforce the island or take forces from it without running the gauntlet of hostile naval forces.

"Portugal and Gibraltar must be liberated, but I support Prime Minister Mainwaring in that we would do well to take this opportunity to liberate France's overseas colonies. French Guyana, for instance, is threatened by Neo-Anarchos, as well as Quinntonia if they choose to join us, and it would be no great feat to seize that piece of land. It also might not be a bad idea to take French space facilities before Louis-Auguste puts any nuclear bombs in his Arianes.

"The prize is indeed Europe, in this case. The longer we concentrate elsewhere, the longer the League has to consolidate its forces in occupied Portugal and on home territory. Prime Minister Tohma has the right idea, that we take the war to the European continent before it becomes impossibly difficult to do so. But it isn't totally certain as to if we have the resources to do that, to face the combined forces of the French and Spanish on their home territory and expect even to land troops. By concentrating on overseas possessions, there is always the chance, slim but there, that we draw some forces that would otherwise be used to fight in Portugal out onto ground more favourable to us."

"I must warn you that the Space Centre at the Ile du Diable is actually a joint French and Roycelandian one, and so any attempt to seize French Guyana would be seen as an threat to our interests..."

"Then we will go to war, Royce-weisu... those facilities assure the French a substantial range in their strike ability with nuclear arms, as well as chemical and biological agents... one lesson not to be forgotten from New Caledonia is that France deployed chemical gas in battle as a matter of course, and there is no reason to expect any restraint on their part in the current conflict.

The danger represented to civil populations by French Guiana is clear... as with the Pacific islands, if Roycelandia feels her intrests are threatened she ought secure the facilities from the French herself, making Allied movement unneccessary."

"Sir, I must protest," Strathairn snapped at the Spyrian delegate. "War is at this point unavoidable insofar as the Holy League are concerned. I agree, it is not in our interests to permit such acts as those perpetrated by Spain and France.

"But to intentionally provoke a war with Roycelandia, whose Emperor came to this conference of his traditional enemies in good faith and with a desire to protect the freedom of all the world's peoples is nothing short of reprehensible. To threate Royce at this stage is pointless; the need to remove one French base ought not supercede the desire to limit the combat of this war to one goal.

"The Holy League is, although numerically inferior to us, united by common purpose and common beliefs. The people of France will fight alongside the people of Russia as comrades; I do not believe that the same can be said for us. We band together here to achieve a common goal, they have bound together as states in a nation. If we are to defeat them we'll have to set aside our own conflicts with each other. If we don't, I'd hate to be one of the soldiers in our 'combined forces', wherever they are sent.

"Once again, the Holy League is led by fanatics, and its people believe absolutely in the righteousness of their cause. To truly crush the Holy League, once and for all, we will need to crush it in Europe; or they will return in a few years time, armed with new weapons, old grudges and a desire to take back that which was lost to them. The only way that we can truly destroy the Holy League as a threat is to destroy the Holy League as a political entity."

*snip*

Minase rolled his eyes at having yet another foreign dignitary get confused by Japanese naming conventions, let alone the fact that his comments had been misunderstood.

"I do not advocate a pre-emptive nuclear strike, as Japan has no nuclear programme (OOC: officially, but they're looking at it). I was saying that we would rather be struck by Russian nukes because we were liberating their people rather than being struck by Russian nukes in a pre-emptive attack by Wingert.

Do you honestly believe that the League would refrain from using nuclear weapons if they thought it would protect their position? The men leading these nations believe themselves to be representatives of their God, they will see any actions they take as justified! There is nothing more worrying than an aggressive ruler with both conviction and nuclear weaponry!

Japan is willing to set aside its differences with other nations here and work with them because it is in the best interests of everyone to stop the Holy League, I hope that you all can. In order to defeat the Holy League, we may have to do unsavoury things....to that end, if it is necessary, Japan will become a 'Yellow Peril' once again in order to show the Holy League just how uncompromising and serious we are about destroying them."

Mainwaring removed his spectacles and rubbed the bridge of his nose for a moment, eyes tightly shut.

"Your Majesty" he addressed Royce, not putting much thought into what might actually be the proper term of address, "from the point of view of others in this room, if I may briefly speak on our joint behalf, it would be hard to say with certainty that your aim, here and generally, is anything other than to delay us.

"This is not something that I say to the whole world: to Quinntonia, to Namibia, to Brazil; they may reasonably declare neutrality, but given the status of French Guiana, of Nigeria, of our Asian holdings, it is becoming increasingly clear, to the constituents our make-shift alliance here assembled, that you are either with us or against us.

"If you intend to protect French strength in South America, to delay us with uncertainty over your interests and ambitions in Asia, you are an active help to the enemies of these great nations." He said, pointing around the room with his glasses.

"Perhaps a resolution. Clearly French Guiana must be de-Frenched. Australasia, Walmington, and Neo-Anarchos have the means to achieve this in short order unless the Roycelandians attempt to stop it. We must compel our most royal friend to take a position on the matter. Sieze French facilities and render them verifiably inactive or agree to allow the allied invasion of French Guiana, or declare your Empire in league with the... the League."

Mainwaring shrank in his seat a little, inviting someone else to talk rather than waiting for him while everyone dwelled on how that speech didn't end particularly well.

The Walmingtonians had proposed action in the Asian theatre for a few reasons. They wanted some easy victories to boost moral before the main showdown that had to come some day, they wanted the Philippines and Goa to be cleared-up so that Roycelandia's position could be found-out one way or another before allies put their fleets facing France and Spain with the Roycelandian home islands to their backs, they wanted to do something while waiting for Asian allies to consider and conduct deployments to the distant Atlantic, and... they wanted to secure islands of interest before they came out of a war with the HL only to find Soviet warships anchored between Australia and Wendsleybury.

The importance of some of these things seemed to be in decline.

"Australasian presence cannot be maintained in the Atlantic forever, gentlemen," Strathairn said stiffly. "By deliberating here we delay what is, of necessity, a war of swift attack and savage defense. The Yugoslav army is facing an assault from Spain, which will doom our chances of having a colonial ally from which to launch attacks.

"Our forces are effectively placed to launch an attack within days. If we can expect support from Great Walmington, I am confident that Spanish forces will be prevented from leaving the country. If we can expect support from others among you as well, we will have the possibility of victory.

"Emperor Royce, I entreat you to join our cause. While you may hold King Louis-Auguste of France in high esteem as a personal friend, his nation has committed itself to the destruction of our way of life. It has supported the unprovoked invasion of Portugal and Gibraltar, and French bombers dropped chemical weapons on citizens of Walmington.

"I understand that what I ask is difficult for you, and I appreciate that your friendship with the King causes you to desire neutrality. But I am nonetheless asking you to assist us in laying maritime siege to Spain and, if necessary, engaging the combined Franco-Spanish fleets. What it comes down to, in the end, is this. Which do you hold in higher esteem, your friendship with Louis-Auguste or the lives of the thousands killed by Philip VII and his French ally?

Perhaps, then, it wasn't such a good idea to send a destroyer captain to represent the interests of the Union, think many of Golan's assistants as they notice Minase's discomfort. Golan himself doesn't even notice his faux-pas until several minutes later, and doesn't much care. But he isn't about to harp on the issue while there are more important things to deal with.

"I agree with Prime Minister Mainwaring in that French Guiana must be dealt with, Roycelandian presence or no Roycelandian presence. And Port Royal can either help seize French launch facilities or get out before we do it ourselves.

"Offensive action against Russia couldn't be a bad idea. It will keep Wingert's attention focused elsewhere, if it does anything. And the Japanese military is certainly up to the task of seizing Sakhalin and the Kurils.." Golan tries to make amends with Minase without taking time away from more pressing strategic concerns, "...and indeed the whole of the Russian Far East, if it comes to that. We could take away their Russian oil source fairly easily, it seems, especially if China commits forces as well.

"Prime Minister Strathairn raises a good point about unity of purpose...the League can't show any weakness, or else the continental monarchs would be gobbled-up whole by their own subjects. Unity on the same level as the Holy League, therefore, seems rather impossible, since, for them, it is an issue of personal survival. But it is imperative that we remember that our ultimate goal is the overthrow of the Holy League. A promise from each and every nation to respect popular soveriegnty in liberated territories might go a long way towards dispelling fears over the balance of power after this war is through.

"I agree with Prime Minister Strathairn wholeheartedly in that we must take some action, and soon. We would do well to garrison the Azores, to start, and keep the League confined to the coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Mabye Australasian forces could stage from there, while at the same time protecting the west coast of Africa from League warships."

OOC: Darn, I thought I tagged this thread.

Hu Jin Tao arrives at the conference a little late, and quickly finds a seat in the Beehive.

"As of this moment, Chinese naval vessels are preparing to cross the Panama canal into the Atlantic for the first time, in order to assist British efforts in the war. We hope to dock in Britain some time soon, with permission of course."

After listening to Straithairn and the Spyran delegates, followed by Emperor Royce's rather hypocritical speech on armed neutrality, an annoyed Hu felt compelled to speak up.

"What Royce has proposed is not neutrality, it is passive assistance of the French. Emperor, I hope you did not come to this conference in an attempt to decieve the world because frankly, you do not realise the fragility of your country's situation."

Hu restrained himself from speaking about Goa or the recent events in the Phillipines, or how China could easily capture most Roycelandian colonies in East Africa.

"If the Emperor wants to redeem his nation in our eyes, then should withdraw his personel from any joint ventures with the French and practice true neutrality.

A Russian campaign cannot be avoided - Russia is bound by Holy League membership to intervene against any nation that declares war on France or Spain."

"Although threatening Emperor Royce seems to be in fashion as of late," Strathairn said airily, "it seems to me as though we agree on one point; that the Holy League needs to be destroyed in Europe. Any assistance from the Emperor would be welcome, as I previously stated, although unexpected. It is the rest of you that spark my interest.

"The INU, for example," he said, inclining his head towards Captain Golan. "As I understand it, your forces are suffering from a lack of effective transport to and from the prospective theatres of this war. The Australasian combat effort will be hampered by a small number of troops at our disposal. However, we are able to provide a very large transport fleet if need be.

"China is ideally placed to cause trouble for Tsar Wingert, as is Japan. If these two fair nations agreed to a mutual plan of action, Wingert's forces could be tied up in warfare that would prevent him from rendering assistance to the rest of the League, and would likely spell the end of his reign.

"Minister Mainwaring, your force concentration lends itself well to attacking France and Spain, as does mine. Between the two of us, I am confident that we will be successful in causing them a fair bit of trouble as well.

"As for French Guiana; Australasian forces are at this point overcommitted in Europe. We will be unable to offer anything more than shore bombardment, but Neo Anarchos is nearby, as is Royce. Once again, Emperor, I give you the choice.

"The end goal of these attacks would be to draw forces away from Yugoslavian forces in Eastern Europe. Obviously enough, the Yugoslavians can't hope to hold against the Holy League. But they can reinforce what territory they already have captured, provided they are assisted by one of us in building their defenses. If we can gain a secure foothold in Europe from which to launch attacks, roll back Wingert's empire and take sections of Philip's Spain, we'll be set up to launch further attacks deep into League territory. Timing is crucial, before Philip is able to reinforce League friendly territory in Eastern Europe and stabilize his defenses in Portugal and Gibraltar."

OOC: I'm-a be gone for the next three days, back on Monday evening. Please don't start the war until then, a simultaneous attack would be much better than one which happens in stages for obvious reasons.

"Well, I hate to point this out, but ANY attack on Roycelandia will automatically bring Quinntonia in on our side, as per the NATO agreement. I did not come here to be threatened, and Roycelandia has made no military threats against any nation here. It is clear you are spoiling for a fight, and that you wish to take on the Roycelandian Empire regardless of what I choose. If I order the Imperial Guard to take French Colonies, you will all jump up and down and decry Roycelandian Imperialism and then declare war to stop us. If I do not, you will decry Roycelandian collaboration with the Holy League and declare war to stop us.

Quite frankly, from our point of view, we'd lose nothing by simply unleashing a deluge of Atomic Fire upon the entire planet, rendering most of it unihabitable for the foreseeable future. Of course, this is not a sane or reasonable course to take, nor is it really practical, but it is important that you see that all you are presenting to us is threats. We have withdrawn from the Philippines, yet have been given nothing in return but more threats. I would like this war to end tomorrow, with no more bloodshed, but if we must shed blood, then we shall ensure that there is enough for us all to bathe in.

Does this conference guarantee us any future security? By aiding you against the Holy League, do we then receive a guarantee that there will be no further action against our Empire? Every time anyone does anything on this planet, we get the Progressives and the Communists threatening to invade us, and quite frankly, we're sick of it. We could turn our backs on our French allies, and assist this conference, only to have Beth Gellert invade us anyway. We have brother anglophone nations threatening us- and I should not like to remind Australasia that the bulk of your fleet is currently stuck outside the Suez Canal, within range of the United Elian and Roycelandian militaries. It would be a relatively simple matter to neutralise most of your naval forces, with obviously negative results.

You will need to present us with options, gentlemen, not threats. I am trying to be accomodating here, but all I receive are insults from Nations I have no quarrel with as of yet. I pray we do not find that situation changing."

OOC: I see Australasia's posted while I was posting, so I'll just re-iterate the fact that there's a lot of Roycelandia-threatening going on here, and not a lot of helpful options. The Roycelandian Military is large and well trained, and although I've typically kept numbers small for international operations, we more than have the capability and numbers to eliminate the Australasian fleet currently in the Red Sea/Mediterranean, bombard the crap out of their South American holdings with some Dreadnoughts, and send in the Imperial Marines- and it wouldn't be too much more trouble to invade the Wendseleybury Islands, either. And, of course, if you attack Roycelandia, Quinntonia comes to our aid, and threatning our African holdings is going to get United Elias involved as well. In short, I really don't think the anti-HL side is as effective as we'd all like to think, and threatening Royce I is almost certainly going to make him throw his lot in with the HL and simply start the largest military campaign in Roycelandian Military History.

We may need to think this war through a litte more before the shooting starts, IMHO...

Minase scowled as he rose to speak, as for the first time in a long time his patience was starting to wear thin.

"Firstly, I would like to point out that Japan has not threatened Roycelandia, in fact I merely pointed out the possibility that the Holy League might have their own potential puppet-in-waiting just in case Emperor Royce doesn't throw in with them. Now, Emperor Royce, the question becomes.....do you honestly believe that the Holy League would leave you in peace if they defeated us? To be blunt, your empire is the least 'holy' of the empires in this world; how long would it be before they decided to change that?

As far as your concerns regarding the Progressives, if you can take out the navies of a brother anglophone nation then I am sure you can take out the navies of the Progressives. Although it is not deployed that often, your military is a powerful force; Emperor Shinseiki has expressed his respect for Roycelandia's survivability and strength on more than one occasion. He does not wish to be an opponent of yours, and neither do I.

The other nations here probably don't have the balls or guts or humility to say it, so I will; you are a crucial player. Roycelandia is a hell of a lot more powerful than some nations here, but rather than asking you for assistance they try to maintain face by threatening you. If this is going to work, we need Roycelandia onboard. So I propose this compromise.

For fighting alongside us, Roycelandia would be guaranteed French Guiana, regardless of who took it. At the inevitable post-war territory hand-out conference, Roycelandia would be able to request other territories. Roycelandia would also receive a guarantee from all nations present that all Roycelandian territory is a sacrosanct part of Roycelandia and therefore will not be threatened or demanded unless Roycelandia starts a war with the nation which is threatening or demanding said territories. Basically, it would be a guarantee of independence, one that all nations would abide by. The only way Roycelandia could lose territory would be if they signed it over.

Now, regarding Quinntonia. As Japan is also a close ally of Quinntonia, we are attempting to persuade them to join our cause. I realise that some nations here have reservations about Quinntonian involvement, but the fact is that with them we would stand a much greater chance of victory."

Adiatorix had arrived to represent for the Soviets, and spent the entirety of the conference thus far with his eyes on Royce, a thin tight-liped smile under his thick, low-hanging moustache. The two-metre warrior, who just last year killed three men, one of whom had a silk rope around his throat at the time, was in half a mind to snap the Emperor in two here and now and be done with it, but was restrained by the lack of need. Despite the Empire's blusters, it was a puny force next to the Soviet Commonwealth alone, never mind the even more powerful Chinese and any number of other great powers, and, if Royce forced war -or if the Soviets chose to take the decision out of his hands- it seemed rather unlikely that the Emperor would be allowed to leave Wendsleybury.

After Royce's last speech the big Celt suddenly broke his silence, though not by his own design. A great belly laugh, such as one that might greet a particularly baudy tale told by a roving bard over a jar of wine, erupted from Adiatorix.

"Take Wendsleybury? With what? Wiggles and a prayer?"

He almost roared, giving some dignitaries perhaps for the first time to really understand where that description of a certain kind of laughter must have originated.

"Mr.Royce, I fear you are undone" he chuckled, "If you attempt to use nuclear weapons, your home islands will vanish. If you do not, they may not. In other words, you will not use nuclear weapons, so I ask that you not play games with us, this is serious business.

"At this moment, the Soviet Commune is voting on a resolution to deploy anti-satellite weapons against your pitiful space programme. The French joke of a deception -obviously an attempt to hide the total failure of their true ambitions in Asia- has done nothing to move forces away from the Atlantic, nor has it reduced Asia's ability, nor Africa's, to fight on the fields of your ancient empire. Certainly you have been abandoned by your great friend, for what little his limited capacity for aid matters.

"Fellow delegates, you know well that the Geletians have long since passed their normal breaking point in restraint of action. We have been gifted the opportunity for battle and allowed it to fester when all our natural instincts demand the drawing of blood.

"Royce clearly is not going to help us. He does not care about anything so much as the opportunity to expand his empire.

"I suggest that able powers deploy with all haste the best of their warships to the Atlantic, for the Walmingtonian and Australasian fleets may require aid in crushing not only Franco-Spanish forces but likely the Roycelandians, who will be forced soon to act.

"I don't see any way to avoid this. My hope is that there will be no need to subdue the Roycelandian home islands, but I can say that this is the very last chance for the rest of the empire. The deadline for Goa's surrender has passed. Soviet Marines are preparing for African operations. Soviet war industry alone will out-strip the Empire's by tens of percent in any measure. France and Spain are almost beneath contempt at the table of India and China.

"Whether or not anyone chooses to follow our course is immaterial. The Asian theatre will be closed in hours, and in Africa we will put things in context for Royce and crush whatever manpower the League sees fit to send in defence of its potential resource base, at the same time robbing them of such resources.

"Follow us to Africa or deliver your own blows in Europe and Siberia."

Adiatorix turned with a swish of his heavy cape and began to stride from the room, his big feet slapping heavily on the (presumably) wooden floor.

"Emperor Royce, if you stab the French in the back then you can expect our gratitude and earn a degree of trust that Roycelandia lost with the whole French Palawan debacle. Your co-operation will go a long way towards easing Chinese anger towards your nation.

As for Quintonnia, China and Japan were offered a three-way military alliance with the United states a few years ago. Our ambassador in Washington is currently engaged in diplomacy with them, and things look hopeful. More questionable is whether Washington (who has not been on the best of terms with the Soviets) will support an effort in which the Soviets are involved in."

Hu hid the fact that nobody back in Beijing actually trusted Roycelandia, but if it meant that the allies would stop bickering, then it would be a worthwhile sacrifice.

Strathairn cast a sidelong glance at Aidatorix as the Celt marched out of the room before turning back to the table.

"As per usual, the Geletian delegation expresses a charmingly closedminded viewpoint, and I suggest that we ignore it." He took a sip of water before spitting Royce with a glare that generally served to silence cabinet ministers in Raleigh.

"Emperor Royce, as far as I can tell, I am the only person present that has not threatened you. We have proposed a joint action that includes the Roycelandian fleets and navies should you give your support. I would like to give my support to the proposal by Representative Minase, and again reiterate that we will need to move soon if we want to keep the Holy League on the back foot.

"I would further like to request that the Atlantic Fleet be allowed the use of ports in the Azores, currently held by Walmington. Furthermore, I would like to request of Emperor Royce that the Island Fleet be allowed to reprevision, should this become necessary, from Roycelandian ports in East Africa. I know that our two nations are not perhaps the closest of friends, but what joins us together is far greater than what keeps us apart. Whether the reprevision takes the form of an oiler and a supply ship or permission to dock Australasian forces in a nearby harbour is less important than a guarantee that Australasian efforts be awarded some support by the other great powers in the area.

"Louis-Auguste and Philip VII are not stupid. Both can see what is happening, both are planning to resist our attacks. That is why I say that we must move before they can plan a defense. I am asking all of you to put aside your fears and your hate so that we may actually fight the Holy League rather than be squashed by it piece by piece."

His Majesty was about to answer when his phone rang.

"Really? This morning, you say? And who authorised this? Oh? Well, he knows what he's doing. Casualties? Hmmmm. See to it that everything is taken care of."

He rang off.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, that was my Under-Secretary for Colonial Affairs, ringing to inform me that the Imperial Guard succesffully executed an amphibious landing this morning on Devil's Island, securing the Space Centre and the other islands with minimal casualties on both sides. Negotiations are continuing with the garrison on the mainland of French Guyana, and we expect to have the major urban and communications centres under control by this evening.

Louis-Auguste has been informed this is pre-emptive protective measure, and as far as I am aware he his grateful that is Roycelandia who has secured the facility, instead of a less desireable nation. I shall keep you all informed as I get information myself.

And naturally, PM Strathairn, Australasian ships are welcome to dock and resupply in Roycelandian East Africa's ports, although they are rather busy and I cannot offer a priority berth. If needs be we will arrange for Tankers and Tenders to service your ships, of that you can be assured."

Versailles

Versailles issues its thanks that Roycelandia could 'deploy so many troops with such able ease' to help assist in the massive smallpox endemic which has swept the tiny but valuable colony.

King Louis-Auguste is shocked and appaled at attempts to encourage Roycelandia to stab France in the back, saying he has only to look as far as the drunked Geletian to see the writing on the wall.

And Versailles reminds the world it too prepares for war, as tank treads grind in Africa and fleets clash in the Atlantic.

Versailles is supremely confident that Royce, as a gentleman, is on their side. After all, he is Louis-Auguste's personal friend.

Enough said.

Strathairn blinked for a moment in the silence that followed Royce's announcement. He looked at Christina, who looked at him. Both of them were a bit surprised.

"Well," the Prime Minister said. "Thank you, on both counts. Am I correct in assuming that all nuclear weapons are under the control of Roycelandian forces? If this is the case, we can move on to other, more pressing matters." As he sat back, his own cellular rang. The tune was Australasia Ascendant, and he picked it up with embarrasment. There was the tinny sound of a voice, before he hung up and again addressed the council.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," he said, rising to his feet. "This morning, the French First Fleet steamed out of Cadiz and made for the Atlantic Fleet. It contained a carrier, two battleships and supporting warships. Reconnisance drones indicate that the French vessels are cleared for action and seem intent upon engaging.

"We can shoot the breeze here for another day, another week. We can plan meticulously any invasion, we can discuss Emperor Royce's politics and dinner plans. We can whine and complain that he doesn't play fair, that he's a big bad Imperial ogre.

"What is evident, though, is that King Louis-Auguste is not going to follow our timetable." He stared at Minister Hu, Prime Minister Minase and Captain Golan in particular. "He has moved decisively, with full force and bellicose intent. Let us do the same.

"Australasian sailors will die tomorrow, that is assured. It is assured because we are committed to seeing Louis-Auguste and Philip VII dethroned and their people freed. My only hope is that they do not die in vain, and that the great nations of the world will stand up in the face of not one, not two but three warlike acts by the Holy League.

"My hope is that the nations of this world put aside their petty bickering and destroy the menace that threatens us all. If we must, Australasia will face them alone. If we must, Australasia will lose, alone. But we need not if you can find it in yourselves to place the greater good over historical fears. Let this war not mark the beginning of a Holy Roman Empire that covers the globe, but a free Europe that values the lives of her citizens.

"If you cannot part from your fears and your hatred then we are lost. If you can, then go to war against Louis-Auguste and Philip VII for the sake of all humanity. I leave you the choice."

OOC: UE isn't responding to my telegrams. If I don't get through the Suez, I'm going to be sodomized by France. Uh, what do I do?

OOC- Im afraid youll have to wait for him I think. Theres precedant in these canal matters.

And France, of course, keeps 90% of her nukes in France, which is not even to say the 10% in NP are offlimits...

smallpox, remember...

The RBC World Service was devoted that evening to the "SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC IN FRENCH GUYANA!" with footage of Imperial Guardsmen in NBC gear helping obviously sick people to medical stations and so on.

The report also mentions that the Space Centre has been secured and quarantined after several of the head scientists came down with the disease.

When asked how a disease that was supposed to have been eradicated 25 years ago had returned so virulently, an Imperial Red Cross spokesman coughed uncomfortably and admitted that the WHO declaration hadn't taken into account remote Jungle Tribes, and it appeared that an outbreak in the jungles of French Guyana had forced some of the tribes closer to civilised areas, with the resulting spread of the disease.

"We've got it under control, and we're asking everyone to remain calm and keep travel to a minimum. We hope to have this contained shortly, and we'd like to thank the Gendarmerie for their co-operation in giving us access to the communication facilities here, to better co-ordinate the relief effort..."

The cellular rang again. Strathairn picked it up, listened, and looked tired.

"The Spanish sent a fleet as well. My forces are outnumbered 3:1. This will be... interesting."

BUMP for staying alive.

Hu recieves a text from his bosses and sighs in disappointment.

"Chinese naval ships have been barred from entering the Panama canal, signalling an end to Chinese efforts to militarily assist the Australasians and London in the European War. We are very disappointed by Washington's decision, but we will continue to aid London through other means."

OOC: Gurguvungunit, how far is your fleet from your South American holdings?

OOC: Wrong side of the Azores. Thanks for the offer, though. What I really need, as you all know, is through the Suez Canal. Also, Royce. I sent you a TG.

IC:
General Jules Carvaignac, the Francofied name of one of Louis I’s best generals Hussan Lugburguz, invaded Mali from Roycelandian Southern Africa in a surprise invasion of some 60,000 troops and several columns of Louis-Auguste’s hand me down armor and vehicles
Wellington, Wendselybury Islands

"What? The French attacked from where?" Strathairn was glued to his cellular at the moment, much to the irritation of the others at the Wellington Conference. "Yes, excuse me." He rounded on the table, staring at Royce I more with disbelief than anger.

"Emperor Royce," he began stiffly. "I have just been informed that an entire French army has attacked Mali from a base in Roycelandian Africa. I think, in light of your declaration of armed neutrality in this matter, that the nations here deserve an explanation.

"And I caution you, Emperor. Make it a very good explanation indeed. Your nation has enjoyed Australasian support for the last few months, as you tried to hold and then withdrew from the Philippines. It has enjoyed active assistance in the Goa situation, as well as vocal support in these chambers.

"If it becomes known that you have lied to this assembly with regards to your status, then a great deal will change. Firstly, I am prepared to stop all Australasian assistance in the Goa. Secondly, all trade ties between our two nations will be severed. Lastly, should the Free Colony of Australasia emerge victorious from this war, your nation will not be looked upon favourably. I don't threaten outright war, but I wouldn't expect a great deal of friendship.

"Now, I fear that I must go. I have a war to attend to, and a great deal that requires my attention in Raleigh. If you will excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, I must be going. Miss Christina Lloyd, Australasian Foreign Minister, is as of now our representative at this conference."

OOC-not to be a pain, my friend, just several technicalities. The army wasnt French, it was Algerian. There was no base in R. S. Algeria, they were just passing through. And to be fair to Royce, R. S. Algeria is leased out, as opposed say to former French Polynesia, which Royce got as an outright present for good. So the French still have some transit rights of their own there. So it wouldnt technically violate his neutrality, per se, at all.

OOC: Nonetheless, the question of leased territories, etc. needs to be settled. What, specifically, counts as Roycelandian, and what is French? You share a great deal of territory; we need to determine what can and can't be considered 'neutral'.

OOC: Yes, I was going to say, Southern Algeria is on a 99-year lease from France (much like RL Hong Kong was from China) and that the lease includes and absolute right of passage for French units. The Southern Algerian/Mali border is rather long, and it wouldn't be possible for the Colonial Guard to station troops along it's entire length- in fact, it's entirely possible that most Roycelandian officials had no idea what was going on until the French Army suddenly showed up in Mali and put two and two together.

As far as I understand, the only Roycelandian territories which are not formal Colonies of Roycelandia are:

Southern Algeria (99 year lease from France)

Guyana (Roycelandian protectorate- we supply the army and aid, but otherwise don't run the country)

Eastern Nigeria (run by ImPetroCo, with their own private army made up of ex-Imperial Guard and Imperial Foreign Legionnaires. Since the major shareholder of ImPetroCo is His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I, it's considered a de facto Roycelandian colony)

French Guyana/New Provence (under Roycelandian Occupation, ostensibly to control a Smallpox outbreak, in reality to stop anyone from destroying or capturing the Space Centre on Devil's Island)

Franco-Roycelandian Polynesia is a full Roycelandian Colonial Overseas Territory. The name is an anachronism, but hey, the Belgian Congo didn't change it's name until 10 years after the Belgians left, and Roycelandian Maps frequently use archaic terms to refer to places (Mesopotamia, anyone?)

Western Gabon and the Cape Verde Islands comprise Roycelandian Equatorial Africa, and Roycelandian East Africa is comprised of Kenya, Uganda, The Sudan, and the island of Socotra. The Roycelandian Arabian Fleet is based on Socotra.

Roycelandian Vanuatu keeps a low profile, but is home to the Roycelandian Pacific Fleet.

The Philippines are (at the moment) a Roycelandian Commonwealth

Goa is a Roycelandian Colony, and have been for 460-odd years, and is the home of the Roycelandian East Indian Fleet

Attu and Kisaka Islands are Arctic Penal Colonies, acquired from Russia waaaaay back when Alaska was part of Russia.

Reunion (acquired from France) is part of Roycelandian East Africa.

The Roycelandian Home Islands encompass pretty much all of the Caribbean Islands.

I'm pretty sure that's it, but I may have to double-check with France, since I lost the text file that I kept track of all these things in... :-P