NationStates Jolt Archive

The French Third Republic

Population Statistics

Census(1905): 41,000,000 persons
Official Language: French
Dominant Religious Group: Roman Catholic

Political Organization

Country Name
Official Title: The Republic of France, or, The French Third Republic
Conventional: France

Political System: Parliamentary Republic
Capital: Paris
Constitution: The constitution of the French Third Republic, February 24 and 25, and July 16, 1875
Legislature: The French Parliament, consisting of two-chambers, the Assemblée Nationale, and the Sénat.

Head of State (as of January, 1906): President Paul Doumer (Radical-Socialist Party)
Head of Government (as of February 18, 1907): Prime Minister/President of the Council Georges Clemenceau (Radical-Socialist Party)

Clemenceau's Ministry

President of the Council (Prime Minister) and Minister of the Interior: Georges Clemenceau
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Maurice Rouvier
Minister of Overseas France: Raphaël Milliès-Lacroix
Minister of War: Eugène Étienn
Minister of Finance: Joseph Caillaux
Minister of Labour and Social Security Provisions: René Viviani
Minister of Justice: Edmond Guyot-Dessaigne
Minister of Marine: Gaston Thomson
Minister of Public Instruction, and Fine Arts: Aristide Briand
Minister of Agriculture: Joseph Ruau
Minister of Public Works, Posts, and Telegraphs: Louis Barthou
Minister of Commerce and Industry: Gaston Doumergue

Significant Political Parties:
Parti Républicain, Radical et Radical-Socialiste (Radical-Socialist Party)
Section Française de l'Internationale Ouvrière (Party of the Workers' Movement, the French section of the Second International, abbreviated as SFIO)
Alliance républicaine démocratique (Democratic Republican Alliance)

Economy

Metropolitan France:

Tech level 4.5

Production Centers: 8
Lille 2
Paris 2
Marseilles 1
Montpellier 1
Nantes 1
Brest 1

Overseas France:

Algeria Resources 6, food production 11, population 5.2 million
French West Africa resources 1, population
French Equatorial Africa resources 2
Madagascar and Indian Ocean territories resources 2
French Moroccan Protectorate resources 2, population 4.5 million, food production 5
French India resources 1, food production 3, population 3 million
Indochina Resources 6, food production 17, population 16 million
New Caledonia Resources 6, food production 1, population 1 million
French China concessions (Hainan) resources 6, (food and population part of Chinese total)
Commerce: 6 shipping units, 2 ocean liner units

Diplomatic Relations

Europe
Albania: Non-existent
The United Kingdom: Warm
Spain: Warm
Germany: Wary yet improving
Russia: Ally
Ottoman Empire: Neutral
Italy: Warm
Portugal: Annoyed

Asia
Japan: Neutral but Wary
Siam: Wary

Africa
Ethiopia: Non-existent

Military

Armée de Terre (conscript force)
Regular Army (may not serve outside of France in peacetime)
4 Infantry corps, 2 Cavalry Corps, 1 HQ, 2 Mountain Divisions, 1 fortress division (Verdun), 1 light infantry brigade (marine light infantry)
Reserve Army
2 HQ, 20 Infantry corps, 12 reserve infantry corps, 4 cavalry corps

Armée d'Afrique (French Algeria, considered a department of France)
1 HQ unit, 2 infantry corps (Morocco)
1 infantry corps (Algeria)
2 reserve infantry corps (Morocco)
1 reserve infantry corps (Algeria)
3 cavalry corps (Morocco)
1 cavalry corps (Algeria)

Colonial Army (can only be stationed in France during wartime)
4 garrison units (French Indochina)
1 garrison unit (French Equatorial Africa)
1 garrison unit (Madagascar)
1 cavalry corps (French Northwest Africa)
1 garrison unit (New Caledonia)
1 garrison unit (Tahiti)

Legion Estranger (French Foreign Legion)(cannot be in France except during wartime)
1 Light infantry brigades (Casablanca)
1 Light Infantry brigade (French Indochina)
1 Light infantry brigade (Algiers)


Marine Nationale
Tech level 5 warships
1 destroyer flotilla

Tech level 4.5 warships
BB1
Democratie, Justice, Libertie, Verite, Republique, Patrie, Suffren, Jena, Charlemagne, St Louis, Gaulois, Bouvet, Massena, Charles Martel, Carnot, Jaureguiberry,
CA
Ernest Renan, Jules Michelet, Gloire, Amiral Aube, Conde, Marseilaise, Sully,
Dupleix, Desaix, Kleber, Gueydon, Dupetit-Thouars, Montcalm, Jeane d'Arc, Pothuau,
Amiral Charner, Bruix, Chanzy, Latouche Treville,

CP
Jurien de la Graviere, D'Estrees, Infernet, Chateaurenault, Guichen, D'Entrecasteaux,
D'Assas, Cassard, Du Chayla, Catinat, Protet, Pascal, Descartes, Bugead, Chasseloup-Laubat, Friant, Alger, Isly, Jean Bart, Gallilee, Lavosier, Linois, Suchet, Davout

1 destroyer flotilla

1 torpedo boat flotilla
2 coast defense submarine flotillas

2 gunboat flotillas (1 for Africa, 1 for Pacific)

Naval yards: Brest, Toulon, St Nazaire,
Naval Bases: Cherbourg, Dunkirk, Oran, Dakar, Saigon, Tahiti
Other major ports: Marseilles, Bordeaux

Budgets

Budget: 1906 (Normal Spending)

Growth: 3% (1.92) One New Production Center in Montpellier

Income: 28 production points + 30 resource points + 6 commerce points = 64 points

Social Expenses: 8.2 points for Level II social services in Metropolitan France and French Colonial Communities + .1 for Level I social services in New Caledonia + 1 point for Algerian road and railway improvement (year 1 of 3) + 1 point for Algerian Level II Social Services = 10.3 points

Military Expenses/Maintenance : 53.7

French Army (conscript force)
Regular Army (may not serve outside of France in peacetime)
1 HQ: 1 point
4 Infantry corps: 2 points
2 Cavalry Corps: 1 point
2 Mountain Divisions: .20
1 fortress division (Verdun): .5 point
Verdun Fortress: 1 point
1 light infantry brigade (marine light infantry): .25

Reserve Army
2 HQ: 2 points
20 Infantry corps: 10 points
12 reserve infantry corps: 3 points
4 cavalry corps: 2 points

Armée d'Afrique (can only be stationed in France during wartime)
1 HQ unit: 1 point
3 infantry corps (Algeria): 1.5 points
3 reserve infantry corps (Algeria): .75
4 cavalry corps (Algeria): 2 points

Colonial Army
1 garrison unit (French Equatorial Africa): .25
1 garrison unit (Madagascar): .25
1 cavalry corps (French Northwest Africa): .5
3 garrison units (French Indochina): .75
1 garrison unit (New Caledonia): .25
1 garrison unit (Tahiti): .25

Legion Estranger (French Foreign Legion)(cannot be in France except during wartime)
2 Light infantry brigades (Algeria): .20
1 Light Infantry brigade (French Indochina): .10
1 Light infantry brigade (Djibouti): .10


French Navy
Tech level 5 warships
1 destroyer flotilla: .10 points

Tech level 4.5 warships

BB1: 4 points

CA: 4.75

CP: 2.4

1 destroyer flotilla: .10 points

1 torpedo boat flotilla: .10
2 coast defense submarine flotillas: .20
2 gunboat flotillas (1 for Africa, 1 for Pacific): .20

Naval yards: Brest, Toulon, St Nazaire: 3 points
Naval Bases: Cherbourg, Dunkirk, Oran, Dakar, Saigon, Tahiti: 3 points
Other major ports: Marseilles, Bordeaux

5 points for Intelligence Agency

******

Budget: 1907 (Normal Spending)

Growth: 3% (2.13 + .92) Three New Production Centers, one at Lyon, one at Saint-Étienne, and one at Paris

Income: 32 production points + 32 resource points + 7 commerce points = 71 points

Social Expenses: 8.2 points for Level II social services in Metropolitan France and French Colonial Communities + .1 for Level I social services in New Caledonia + 1.6 points for Level I social services for French Indochina + 1.8 points for French Indochina road and railway improvement (year 1 of 3) + 1 point for Algerian road and railway improvement (year 2 of 3) + 1 point for Moroccan road and railway improvement (year 1 of 3) + 1 point for Algerian Level II Social Services = 14.7 points

Builds: 1 garrison unit, French Indochina Colonial Army

Military Expenses/Maintenance : 53.7

French Army (conscript force)
Regular Army (may not serve outside of France in peacetime)
1 HQ: 1 point
4 Infantry corps: 2 points
2 Cavalry Corps: 1 point
2 Mountain Divisions: .20
1 fortress division (Verdun): .5 point
Verdun Fortress: 1 point
1 light infantry brigade (marine light infantry): .25

Reserve Army
2 HQ: 2 points
20 Infantry corps: 10 points
12 reserve infantry corps: 3 points
4 cavalry corps: 2 points

Armée d'Afrique (can only be stationed in France during wartime)
1 HQ unit: 1 point
3 infantry corps (Algeria): 1.5 points
3 reserve infantry corps (Algeria): .75
4 cavalry corps (Algeria): 2 points

Colonial Army
1 garrison unit (French Equatorial Africa): .25
1 garrison unit (Madagascar): .25
1 cavalry corps (French Northwest Africa): .5
3 garrison units (French Indochina): .75
1 garrison unit (New Caledonia): .25
1 garrison unit (Tahiti): .25

Legion Estranger (French Foreign Legion)(cannot be in France except during wartime)
1 Light infantry brigades (Casablanca): .10
1 Light Infantry brigade (French Indochina): .10
1 Light infantry brigade (Djibouti): .10


French Navy
Tech level 5 warships
1 destroyer flotilla: .10 points

Tech level 4.5 warships

BB1: 4 points

CA: 4.75

CP: 2.4

1 destroyer flotilla: .10 points

1 torpedo boat flotilla: .10
2 coast defense submarine flotillas: .20
2 gunboat flotillas (1 for Africa, 1 for Pacific): .20

Naval yards: Brest, Toulon, St Nazaire: 3 points
Naval Bases: Cherbourg, Dunkirk, Oran, Dakar, Saigon, Tahiti: 3 points
Other major ports: Marseilles, Bordeaux

5 points for Intelligence Agency

******

Preliminary Budget: 1908 (National Effort)

Growth: 1% (1.06+.05 = 1.11) One New Production Center at Paris

Income: 66 production points + 32 resource points + 7 commerce points + 1 point from Italy = 106 points

Social Expenses: 8.2 points for Level II social services in Metropolitan France and French Colonial Communities + 8.2 points for Metropolitan France road and railway improvement (year 1 of 3) + .2 for Level I social services in New Caledonia + 1.6 points for Level I social services for French Indochina + 1.8 points for French Indochina road and railway improvement (year 2 of 3) + 1 point for Algerian road and railway improvement (year 3 of 3) + 1 point for Moroccan road and railway improvement (year 2 of 3) + 1 point for Algerian Level II Social Services = 23 points

Builds: 29 points (classified)

Military Expenses/Maintenance : 53.85

French Army (conscript force)
Regular Army (may not serve outside of France in peacetime)
1 HQ: 1 point
4 Infantry corps: 2 points
2 Cavalry Corps: 1 point
2 Mountain Divisions: .20
1 fortress division (Verdun): .5 point
Verdun Fortress: 1 point
1 light infantry brigade (marine light infantry): .25

Reserve Army
2 HQ: 2 points
20 Infantry corps: 10 points
12 reserve infantry corps: 3 points
4 cavalry corps: 2 points

Armée d'Afrique (can only be stationed in France during wartime)
1 HQ unit: 1 point
3 infantry corps (Algeria): 1.5 points
3 reserve infantry corps (Algeria): .75
4 cavalry corps (Algeria): 2 points

Colonial Army
1 garrison unit (French Equatorial Africa): .25
1 garrison unit (Madagascar): .25
1 cavalry corps (French Northwest Africa): .5
4 garrison units (French Indochina): 1
1 garrison unit (New Caledonia): .25
1 garrison unit (Tahiti): .25

Legion Estranger (French Foreign Legion)(cannot be in France except during wartime)
1 Light infantry brigades (Casablanca): .10
1 Light Infantry brigade (French Indochina): .10
1 Light infantry brigade (Algiers): .10


French Navy
Tech level 5 warships
1 destroyer flotilla: .10 points

Tech level 4.5 warships

BB1: 4 points

CA: 4.75

CP: 2.4

1 destroyer flotilla: .10 points

1 torpedo boat flotilla: .10
2 coast defense submarine flotillas: .20
2 gunboat flotillas (1 for Africa, 1 for Pacific): .20

Naval yards: Brest, Toulon, St Nazaire: 3 points
Naval Bases: Cherbourg, Dunkirk, Oran, Dakar, Saigon, Tahiti: 3 points
Other major ports: Marseilles, Bordeaux

5.15 points for Intelligence Agency

History, from 1906 to present

January 1906: Paul Doumer, former Governor-General of French Indochina from 1897 to 1902, and President of the Chamber of Deputies, is elected President of the Republic by both chambers of Parliament, defeating Armand Fallières.

January 17, 1906 - February 25, 1906: The Algeciras Conference is held to decide the fate of Morocco, resulting in The Algeciras Treaty (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11619033&postcount=16) being agreed to by all the European Powers assembled. Crisis ensues as the Morocco’s Sultan refuses to sign the treaty and France, Germany, and Spain make clear their intent to force his compliance.

January, 1906

Paul Doumer (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Paul_Doumer.jpg), former Governor General of French Indochina, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and candidate of both the extensive Colonial Lobby and moderate colonial reformers is elevated to the position of President of the Republic (Head of State) by Parliament, defeating leftist candidate Armand Fallières.

In his acceptance speech President Doumer pledges “greater attention to the maintenance and expansion of the great French Colonial Empire, the key to France’s continued strength and security,” and greater effort towards the assimilation of the various native peoples into French Culture, specifically praising the progress of the Algerian schools and the need to produce a greater number of “évolués” (a class of well-educated, gallicized Muslims).

Subsequently the Rouvier government put forward a proposed budget increasing the allocation of funding for the improvement of the French Algerian School System and Algerian transportation network.


February, 1906

The French Parliament fulfills its pledge to Prime Minister Rouvier and ratifies the Algeciras Treaty, despite stringent anti-German objections from several prominent Nationalistic Conservatives. The Prime Minister defended the treaty as the best deal France could get under the circumstances and on that would, despite Germany being granted three port cities, “assure French primacy throughout Morocco.”

Sun Yat-Sen asks the French government for permission to enter the country and speak to the Overseas Chinese community there (no matter how small) and non-Chinese sympathizers in Paris, Marseilles, and Bordeaux.

The French Government graciously allows Monsieur Yat-Sen to freely travel throughout the country on his speaking/fundraising tour.

Secret IC: Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Overseas France, and various officials also secretly request to meet privately with Sun Yat-Sen to discuss the goals of his Nationalist movement and the future status of Hainan should there be a successful Revolution.

The French Government graciously allows Monsieur Yat-Sen to freely travel throughout the country on his speaking/fundraising tour.

Secret IC: Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Overseas France, and various officials also secretly request to meet privately with Sun Yat-Sen to discuss the goals of his Nationalist movement and the future status of Hainan should there be a successful Revolution.

SIC:

Sun Yat Sen agrees to meet with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to outline his exact goals. He is cautious about the exact status of Hainan, knowing that a bad answer may lead to a bad end....he does however, mention to the French they have been friendlier to him than the British, who brusquely followed him with police like he was a criminal.

He also quietly contacts the men who asked to see him before (the Minister of Overseas France, etc.) while in Paris, and asks to set up appointments with them at the earliest available opportunity.

Open IC:

He also accepts the French invitation, and enters France after his British tour. When Sun gets to France with a small security detail, he moves to speak in Paris, Marseilles, and Bordeaux to the Chinese there and potential non-government sympathizers.

To his Chinese audience, he emphasizes the need for a strong China, democratically governed with the People's Welfare in mind. To his non-Chinese audience, he speaks of a strong, democratic China, though he modifies the more controversial parts of his message out.

Spain once again shows it's support for France and a continued friendship between our two nations. (Which is good.)

March 1906
French Parliament Declares Morocco to be in Anarchy and Announces Intent to Intervene under Algeciras Treaty

The Government of Morocco, through its refusal to sign The Algeciras Treaty, its continued inability to repay its substantial debts, its raising of illegal bandit militias, and attacks upon European citizens has proven itself to be controlled by lawless brigands incapable of maintaining order among its own people and unwilling or unable to protect the lives and property of Europeans.

Therefore, under Section III, parts A and B, of the internationally recognized Algeciras Treaty (ooc: recognized by every European State) the French Republic hereby declares its intent to assume direct control of the Moroccan constabulary, restore order, disarm all bandits, and protect the Moroccan people and all Foreign Nationals from further violence.

[signed]

Paul Doumer, President of the Republic

Maurice Rouvier, President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Eugène Étienne, Minister of War

OOC: Pretty much a de facto declaration of war disguised as a de jure police action.

Greetings to the Wise Republic of the Free French from the Young Representative Republic of Albania, We come to you in hopes of establishing relations between our two Republics of the Free.

The Tsar reaffirms his dedication to the alliance between France and Russia.

Spain apologizes to the French for it's haste in declaring a young French Aristocrat as the new Spanish King. BUt as young Roger the I is the only decedent of the now deceased Alfonso XIII, it was seen as important to not leave the royal seat vacant. We hope that Roger the I will be a good representative king for both Spain and France and do honor to both is parentages. (Can't find his mother's name. Just that she was a French Aristocrat.)

Greetings to the Wise Republic of the Free French from the Young Representative Republic of Albania, We come to you in hopes of establishing relations between our two Republics of the Free.

1906

The French Republic withholds recognition of Albania on the grounds that it will likely not exist a year from now and updating maps is expensive.

The Kingdom of Greece would like to know whether France is still interested in having a naval base on our territory. Hellas already has a price in mind.

The Tsar sends a congragulatory note to the French government following their victory over Morocco.

In the Aftermath of the French Victory over Morocco…

“Victoire! Victoire!” scream newspaper headlines throughout France as a celebratory mood takes hold across the country and there is much rejoicing.

In Paris the French Elite joyfully downed glasses of champagne while select cavalry and infantry divisions of the Armee d'Afrique (those that saw the heaviest fighting) paraded down the cities wide avenues, filled with cheering crowds, and marched under the famed Arc de Triomphe. The Général de brigade of each brigade and the Colonel of each regiment were all personally awarded the Légion d'honneur by President Paul Doumer himself. Each unit was then collectively honored with the fourragère aux couleurs du ruban de la croix de guerre. Similar honors are handed out to those of the Légion Étrangère who bravely fought in Casablanca.

Prime Minister Maurice Rouvier and Minister of War Eugène Étienne are applauded on the floor of Parliament by all except the members of the socialist pacifist Section Française de l'Internationale Ouvrière.

Across Southern Frances military hospitals young women come to offer those few European men who were wounded flowers and attention.

SIC: Sun Yat Sen agrees to meet with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to outline his exact goals. He is cautious about the exact status of Hainan, knowing that a bad answer may lead to a bad end....he does however, mention to the French they have been friendlier to him than the British, who brusquely followed him with police like he was a criminal.

He also quietly contacts the men who asked to see him before (the Minister of Overseas France, etc.) while in Paris, and asks to set up appointments with them at the earliest available opportunity.

The private meeting takes place within the personal offices of Étienne Clémentel's, the Minister of Overseas France. Dominating the room from behind the Ministers desk is a massive map of the French Colonial Empire, its territories, including Hainan, shaded blue. Morocco was a recent addition. Joining the Minister and Mr. Sun was the Head of the French Colonial Lobby and President Paul Doumer himself.

All three impressed upon Mr. Sun that if he wanted French support, or even “a lack of hostility”, the Nationalists must agree to not interfere with or subvert French “interests” in Asia in general and Hainan in particular.

Greece unveils plans for a union with the Cretan Republic, which the Ottoman Empire has renounced its claims on the island. Elefthérios Venizélos, the Cretan Councilor of Justice and the recently appointed High Commisioner of Crete, Alexandros Zaimis, invite the four Great Powers (Russia, UK, Italy, and France) to attend a conference to listen to a proposal for the union of the Cretan Republic, and the Kingdom of Greece.

OOC - the "Great Powers" currently protect Crete from the Ottomans, but at the same time stop a union with Greece to appease the Ottomans.

Greece unveils plans for a union with the Cretan Republic, which the Ottoman Empire has renounced its claims on the island. Elefthérios Venizélos, the Cretan Councilor of Justice and the recently appointed High Commisioner of Crete, Alexandros Zaimis, invite the four Great Powers (Russia, UK, Italy, and France) to attend a conference to listen to a proposal for the union of the Cretan Republic, and the Kingdom of Greece.

France's Ambassador to Greece will attend the conference in Crete with a delegation of experts to hear the proposal regarding the merger of Greece and Crete into one Nation State.

Upon arriving in Crete the Ambassador extends an invitation for High Commissioner Elefthérios Venizélos to have dinner with him and discuss matters.

The private meeting takes place within the personal offices of Étienne Clémentel's, the Minister of Overseas France. Dominating the room from behind the Ministers desk is a massive map of the French Colonial Empire, its territories, including Hainan, shaded blue. Morocco was a recent addition. Joining the Minister and Mr. Sun was the Head of the French Colonial Lobby and President Paul Doumer himself.

All three impressed upon Mr. Sun that if he wanted French support, or even “a lack of hostility”, the Nationalists must agree to not interfere with or subvert French “interests” in Asia in general and Hainan in particular.

Sun could only look with some dismay and even anger at the obvious attempts to intimidate him. Not only that, their offer meant compromising the very values of the Tongmenhui. It was bad enough negotiating aid from Japan, but France's offer was ridiculous. Besides, he was assured American aid when the Tongmenhui took command. And America, simply put, was not going to take the French lightly since that mess in Morocco.

He then stood up and said, "Monsieurs, I have thought about your offer, and I am afraid I must decline."

He then left respectfully....

December 15th, 1906 through February 17, 1907

Once the good feeling from the victorious Moroccan war starts to fade the troubled government of Prime Minister Maurice Rouvier finally falls, owing to controversy surrounding the implementation of the separation law and labor unrest, which is skillfully exploited by Georges Clemenceau. Jean Marie Ferdinand Sarrien assumes the position of Prime Minister and Clemenceau becomes Minister of the Interior. Notably Rouvier retains the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Étienne Clémentel and Eugène Étienn keep their portfolios.

Sarrien's Ministry

President of the Council (Prime Minister): Ferdinand Sarrien
Foreign Minister: Maurice Rouvier
Minister of Overseas France: Étienne Clémentel
Minister of War: Eugène Étienn
Minister of the Interior: Georges Clemenceau
Minister of Finance: Raymond Poincaré
Minister of Labour, Commerce, and Industry: Gaston Doumergue
Minister of Marine: Gaston Thomson
Minister of Public Instruction, and Fine Arts: Aristide Briand
Minister of Agriculture: Joseph Ruau
Minister of Public Works, Posts, and Telegrap: Louis Barthou


February 18, 1907

Further labor unrest, political infighting, and agitation by the SFIO leads to the resignation of the weak Sarrien government and the subsequent ascension of Georges Clemenceau to the position of Prime Minister. Notably Raphaël Milliès-Lacroix replaces Étienne Clémentel as Minister of Overseas France.

Clemenceau’s Ministry

President of the Council (Prime Minister) and Minister of the Interior: Georges Clemenceau
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Maurice Rouvier
Minister of Overseas France: Raphaël Milliès-Lacroix
Minister of War: Eugène Étienn
Minister of Finance: Joseph Caillaux
Minister of Labour and Social Security Provisions: René Viviani
Minister of Justice: Edmond Guyot-Dessaigne
Minister of Marine: Gaston Thomson
Minister of Public Instruction, and Fine Arts: Aristide Briand
Minister of Agriculture: Joseph Ruau
Minister of Public Works, Posts, and Telegraphs: Louis Barthou
Minister of Commerce and Industry: Gaston Doumergue

Spain requests support from France from Britains continued questioning on Spanish soveriegnty.

March 1st, 1907, to the End of December 1907

Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Clemenceau.jpg) and Minister of Overseas France Raphaël Milliès-Lacroix, with the support of President Paul Doumer and SFIO leader Jean Jaurès (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/25/Jaur%C3%A8s03.jpg), begin the implementation of widespread colonial reforms.

“France’s overseas territories are essential to its security, its economic advancement, and its status as a Great Power. Therefore, why do we wish the populations of those territories misgoverned, their resources wasted, and their potential squandered?! There must be honest evaluation and reform throughout the entire French Empire."

Jean Jaurès, repeating his role from the Panama Canal Scandal, is, at Clemenceau’s insistence, commissioned by the French Parliament to conduct detailed enquiries into the governing of French Algeria and French Sub-Saharan Africa. The entire delegation of colon representatives (six deputies and three senators from each Algerian department) come out strongly against Clemenceau and Milliès-Lacroix's plan in general and Jaurès’ commission of enquiry in particular, but Clemenceau manages to stare down their threats and win majority support.

In addition, the French Government begins the expansion of the Moroccan and Vietnamese infrastructure. The railway network and road system being constructed in French Algeria will be directly connected to those presently being assembled in French Morocco. Increased funding is also allocated for the expansion of the French Indochinese school system, for the purpose of increasing the number of Vietnamese évolués, and for the elevation of poverty among the native Indochinese population.

Spain would like to give France the choice of Rio de Oro or Rio Muni as Spain's people no longer desire these areas. Our current obligation to hold the RIF, Cueta, and Mellila will be held. They have Spanish blood and therefore will remain sacred. The others are... unfortunitly tiresome.

After careful consideration and debate the French Government chooses Rio de Oro.

That will be perfectly fine. Most of our settlers and staff have already been removed to the Canaries. Despite constant attempts at purchase the Canaries have been ours since 1402 and we do not wish to sell it to anyone, ever. If you need help with any locals, we have a few ambassadors still there to help.

(Aka In Game Terms it's yours. Guess offer Rio Muni to Germany now. Keep the balance.)

ooc
In game terms, France has seen its elected government fall due to constitutional crisis and severe split between the Left and the Right.

IC
At the height of the Balkan Crisis, even as the major powers mobilize their troops, the French government abruptly withdraws from its alliance with Russia. This brings down the government, and a constitutional and elective crisis in France occurs.

For the next few weeks following August 3, both sides attempt to woo the center.

The Right is outraged by the governments consideration of a plan to sell off colonies and its cowardly (in the view of that side) withdrawal from the alliance with Russia and feel that France is gravely dishonored.

The Left feels that going to war to defend Rumania and Greece, which blatantly attempted to conquer Bulgaria and Albania is worse then foolish, and that the alliance with Russia was contrary to the interests of the French people, and that Russia is guilty of nearly dragging France into a war without good reason.

The Center is confused (ooc, next player basically is the Center and gets to decide which view to take).

Relations with Russia plummet, and France finds itself without allies except for Italy as it tries to find a new way.

(Spain never said anything for or against France's decision)

Russia icily withdraws it's diplomatic staff from France.

(Not even going to wait to see which government takes over?)