SDN World 3 Story Thread I

[Norseman]

[OOC: Sorry for just snapping this off but I have very little time these days.]

BNS Pará
Near the Rio del Plata
D+3

The mood in the command room was tense, despite the fans working overtime beads of sweat ran down the faces of several of the officers and men working the plotting table. As far as could be told the bulk of the Chilatine fleet was coming down to bear on them, with reports of an unidentified battlecruiser trying to make an end-run around the fleet.

Vice-Admiral Almeida barely looked up when a nervous young lieutenant saluted and announced, "Comrade Vice-Admiral! The Captain requests your instructions!"

"Good," Vice-Admiral Almeida said, while gently scratching his chin, running his fingers over it, "What do you see there Comrade Lobato?"

"The enemy battlefleet," Captain-Lieutenant Lobato said politely.

"I don't, I see a pack of frightened geese," Vice-Admiral Almeida said, pointing at the plotting board, "They have just spent a couple of days running after us, not knowing if they're going into a trap. They're tired, they must have left behind most of their destroyers, and the ones they have are probably running on fumes. Right now they may outnumber us, but we have fresh crews and we know exactly what's going on. That's the situation Comrades! So now," he touched his chin again, "I will go shave and change my uniform, tell Comrade Captain to prepare to render passing honours."

With that he strode out of the command centre, leaving the rest of the officers behind to talk. Of course he wasn't nearly as calm as he pretended to be, but he didn't collapse either once he reached the sumptuous Admiral's Quarters. Indeed his hands were rock steady as he shaved himself, not a single nick or cut, which to his mind was fairly good on any day.

Once he finished his manservant helped him into his parade uniform, it was a shining bright white uniform, laden with gold braid and medals. There were so many medals in fact that he felt like he was overweight to the left, but still this was an occasion to strut his peacock feathers!

When he was done he strode back out into the hallway and made his way towards the deck, much to his gratification everything was ready there. A large party of men, wearing their best dress whites, had mustered along the side of the ship, as had several officers in their parade uniforms. The ship band was not quite ready though, but they were forming up very nicely.

"Comrade Vice-Admiral!" Captain-Lieutenant Lobato said as he saluted, "Everything seems to be in order, but the Captain will remain on the bridge."

"Probably prudent, if they decide to machine-gun us it would cause some confusion," Vice-Admiral Almeida said as he checked his white gloves, "Now then, let us proceed."

Up ahead the Chilatine lead ship drew closer still, it was close enough that they could see the white foam whipped up by its bow. Close enough that they could make out the openings of the large sixteen inch guns.

To his left Vice-Admiral Almeida heard the ship's band start playing the Internationale, his lip curled briefly before he lifted his hand to the brim of his peaked cap. To his left and right stood the officers and men of the BNS Pará, uniforms so white that they almost hurt the eyes, and everywhere the sun gleamed of the polished buttons and gold braid of the officers. If nothing else they would certainly look impressive.

At last the Chilatine ship came close enough that Vice-Admiral Almeida could see the crew and officers lined up along the side. "I see were are dealing with a gentleman of the old school Comrades," the word Gentleman was half admiring and half-ironic, but he held his salute as the Chilatine battleship went past. Over there, for a brief moment, he wondered if he saw his counterpart, but it was really too far away to be sure. Part of his mind however evaluated the Chilatine sailors; to his personal satisfaction he did think that the Pará had the better looking turnout.

Once the Chilatine ship had sailed past there came a whistle signal and the crew stood down, returning to their posts. Vice-Admiral Almeida however walked over to the railing, feeling the salty ocean air on his face. After a few deep breaths he sensed a presence behind him, "So Comrade Captain-Lieutenant, what do you think of our performance these past few days?"

"I think Comrade Vice-Admiral," Captain-Lieutenant Lobato began, then he hesitated for a moment, before saying rather forcefully, "I think that we came out rather well."

"Yes, yes, so do I," Vice-Admiral Almeida said, then after a few more breaths of air he added, "SO it is medals and a hero's welcome for us." Looking out towards the vanishing Chilatine battleship he added, "And god-speed whomever you are! Even if we don't do God!"

RESULT
- Brazilian flagship renders passing honours to Chilatine flagship before returning to Rio de Janeiro.

[Thanas]

Pola
Pionerregiment 125

The Regiment received new orders - it was to redeploy to Northern Germany in order to join the forces stationed there, something that pleased its commander much as they had been excluded from the recent redeployment to the Pacific in favor a marine regiment getting their spot.

Result:
- troop redeployment

[Norade]

The Grand Airshow, Final Government Only Day

Though they had already been displayed by another nation the Fábrica LB 2 flight still takes place on the last day against mocked up wooden targets. The squads of four bombers take a pass and destroyer their three assigned targets with ease. They then retire and land their crews grumbling about how they didn't get to preform at the show's outset.

After them the Fábrica HB 1 took their turns in the sky doing simulated bombings with cement filled 500lb. bombs on a test range. These were done at a middle altitude considered safe for zones where heavy AA fire wasn't expected and under such controlled circumstances the bombers were rather accurate. After these large craft finish and land the closed portion of the airshow was completed and the next day exhibits would open for the public and less military oriented displays would start.

[K. A. Pital]

The Hague. International Socialist Conference.

The Soviet delegation, marked by a very high presence - the Soviet Minister of Foreign affairs was personally present - asked for a speech.

"Comrades, I believe that this Congress should be simply called THE International Congress, because other congregations of bandits and capitalist blood-suckers have about as much legitimacy as Marie Antoinette, - Chicherin scoffed. - This place is where the most progressive and reputable nations, and most advanced political forces in all nations of the world indeed, gather to discuss the very future of mankind.

We propose that the socialist brotherhood be emboldened and a special system of currency exchange and trade assistance be introduced between all socialist nations of the world. This would greatly help everyone and assure a steady progress on the path towards creating socialism".

Result: proto-COMECON is proposed.

[Raj Ahten]

"That sounds dangerously close to an ultimatum mr De la Vega. The fact of the matter is that even if the republic was willing to take it's word lightly, which we would not even if we gave it to the devil itself, we don't take in the least well to ultimatums. Particularly when given by people that are aggressively anticommunist with Cisplatina between them and the communists. This being the case we shall stick to our non aggression pact with Brazil. As already said we wouldn't mind signing a non aggression pact with Argentina as well. And that's about the size of it."

"Sir I do not mean to threaten Cisplatina in any way. It would be counterproductive to do so. No ultimatum is intended; I'm simply telling you what Chilitina would find an acceptable first step to be if Cisplatina wants our support on the question of Uruguay. That is your government would have to step back away from your communist neighbors. If you are unwilling to do so , so be it. There would be no punitive action taken at all by Chilitina and peaceful and productive relations can continue. As a sign of good faith on our part regarding using Cisplatina as an invasion highway into Brazil, as you were just fretting about, Chilitina will sign a nonaggression pact with your nation. Besides that, I'm sorry we were unable to make further progress."

The South Atlantic off Brazil, Unreal Time.

The Chilitinean fleet was just about to intercept the Brazillian one, if Admiral Felix Obrador's scout planes were correct, which he was pretty damn sure they were. The admiral had ordered everyone prepare for a passing of honors with the Brazillian flagship. As the admiral was putting on his dress jacket, an aide announced,

"Sir we have the Madagascar service warship Valifaty requesting permission to join the flleet."

"Grant it, with my compliments. They can join the line where they choose,"
replied the admiral.

Obrador was feeling gracious today. After all, he knew was likely to relieved of command soon after returning to port. Certain people in powerful places would never understand giving honors to a communist fleet, even if they had been as gallant as the Brazilians. As for letting the Madagascans join the line, why not? If things went south it would be an extra ship and they had shown themselves to be able sailors and good friends for coming out on their own.

Later as the Chilitinean flagship Independencia passed the Brazilian flagship Obrador was proud of his men. The ship looked sharp, the rest of the fleet was in position to render assistance in case of treachery and the Admiral was proud to command such a fine fleet. He'd just have to do everything in his power the Brazilians were never able to pull wool over it's eyes again.

[CmdrWilkens]

Secretariat of Foreign Affairs announces successful negotiations

In an unheralded announcement the Secretariat today announced the successful conclusion of several months worth of negotiations with most of the surrounding nations in the hemisphere. The specifics of the treaties were not covered but in broad outlines officials indicated that the agreements are guarantees of neutrality except in cases of attacks upon the other parties treaty allies. With the drafts now finished it is expected that the Emperor will sign while there has been little word on the likelyhood of passage amongst the various other nations not all of whose identities were released.

No comment was made about the vast scope of the negotiations carried out over the last 3 months nor was any comment available on whether missions were ongoing with any other American powers.


/OOC So everybody I PM'd a while back we can get technical but I'd rather just stick with the outlines of what was agreed upon (unless we specified differently). If you object to the tenor of the post let me know and we can finish up any loose threads before these would go in to force over the next few RL days baring parliamentary objections.

[K. A. Pital]

Soviet-Manchurian war. Unreal time, end May - start June.

I need no mercy, and I need no medals,
And in this war, please, give us our guns and sables...
And shall I fall, and shall I fall dead in this thick black mud,
The red brigades, the red brigades - they shall avenge my blood...

The song carried on - on the outskirts of Hailar, groups of tanks and infantry was approaching. Soviet forces were entering Hailar.


Soviet heavy tanks were positioned on a hill on the outskirts - the low structures of the city were perfect target for artillery storms. Light tanks entered the city to support the forces. Infantry rushed to take the houses, readying the grenades - the Manchurians could be well-prepared for bloody urban combat. Of course, it remained to be seen if the Manchurians would try and hold Hailar, or fall back.

On the tenth day of the war, when Soviet forces reached Hailar, the Soviet southern and northern fronts reached a strength of over two hundred thousand men each, and the total number of Soviet troops in the region reached eight hundred thousand. Reserves from Siberia - another 150 000 men, and some standing units from the West - for around 200 000 men, along with 150 000 volunteers from foreign nations, were hastily transported into the Trans-Baikal - they were expected to arrive and be deployed for combat by early July. These 500 000 men were to be distributed between the Soviet fronts, North and South, raising the numerical strength of both offensives to roughly 500 000 men each.

In total, the Soviet forces in Manchuria by mid-summer would rise to a one million strong army, backed by a half-a-million defensive reserve in the region. The support of such a commitment was impossible without mobilization, and thus the Soviet Union initiated a rapid transition to a war economy. Supplies for the front were to be taken from the West. Some aid by the socialist and other sympathizing nations also came handy.

Result: crappy post since I have scant few ideas about what's going on at the front and what's the enemy doing, but I had to make it before Battle of Hailar becomes year-ago history.

[Thanas]

München
In a dark cellar appartment, the newest copy of the Berliner Zeitung was read by tow men, one having an enormous girth, the other being characterized by a moustache.

Berliner Zeitung

Export ships ready to be turned over to foreign Navies*
The German shipyards Germaniawerft at Kiel and Schichau at Danzig announced that the two battleships ordered by the Republic of Chilitina are ready to be turned over to Chilitinian crews. Germaniawerft also noted in a joint statement with Vulcan Stettin that the coastal defence ship ordered by the Bolivians is also ready to be turned over. Due to the limited range, they will be joined by a fleet oiler for the trip to Bolivia.

Reichskanzler Sänger to visit Southern Germany
The Chancellery has revealed that Reichskanzler Dr. Sänger will make a brief visit to southern Germany, speaking in several major cities to shore up support for the treaty.

Public Opinion bitterly divided about new Treaty
The German Public is bitterly divided about the new treaty. Especially the citizens of Prussia are most opposed to it, with a clear percentage of 65% opposing it. However, the treaty has been received very favorably in the provinces bordering France. In the Großherzogtum Baden and the Kingdom of Württemberg, the public received the news with jubilation and the Reichskanzler has been awarded with the Komturkreuz des Ordens der Württembergischen Krone and the Grand Cross of the Orden vom Zähringer Löwen. However, the relatively small honour of the latter and the lower degree of the first indicate that the Princes themselves are still dividided about the treaty evne though they profit of it.

Were an election held today, the Reichskanzler would be almost guaranteed to lose his seat. The following months will show whether he survives this political storm or not.


German shipbuilders and commerce organizations vigorously protest Chilitina Note
In a joint statement today, all German shipyards and merchant organizations protested against the recent note sent by Chilitina. Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach, owner of the Germaniawerft and head of the Krupp family, said that he saw no shame in building ships for whoever could pay for them. He also added that if Chilitina did not wish to see German merchandise wind up in the hands of socialists, it could always purchase them for itself.

The shipyards went public with this when the diplomatic office approached them regarding the note sent by the chilitinian Republic. Krupp especially was put on the spotlight when the fact that his Germaniawerft built ships both for the Bolivian Union and the Chilitine Republic simultaneously.

"You see Hermann? The Chancellor is a dirty, jew-communist-loving socialist. We have to rid Germany of this pest." "Jawohl."

***********************

Diplomatic Note to Germany
Honorable Sirs,
It has come to my attention that Germany has been selling armaments to socialist nations in South America. Chilitina finds this alarming for several reasons. Firstly, these nations like Brazil and the PBC do not share common values with Germany and why Germany would sell to them, as well as ardent anti communists such as Chilitina, is puzzling. Second, Chilitina views Brazil especially as a great threat to regional and world peace and selling arms to them is very unhelpful to say the least. Thirdly, if Germany continues to sell arms to socialist nations I believe there will be a backlash in Chilitina that would threaten our productive naval relationship. In light of these factors, Chilitina would like to request that Germany refrain from selling arms to Socialist and Communist nations in the future after all current deals from this fiscal year are concluded.
Respectfully,
Prime Minister Morales, Chilitina.

Note sent to the Chilitine Republic
Your excellency,
as far as Germany is aware it has no current arms deals with Brazil. Your information must be mistaken. As for the rest of your demands, it is the policy of the German Government that no foreign Government shall dictate to German companies with whom to do business.

We regret if this were to affect our future relationship, but wish to inform you as a courtesy that currently, Germany has not signed any new sale of ships with the PBC yet.
Signed,
Arthur Stresemann, Vorsteher des Auswärtigen Amtes des Deutschen Reiches

*=Ooc: meaning ships that were purchased pregame under the tonnage limit but were still being withheld for story reasons) .

[Raj Ahten]

Spanish Uruguay

While one team on negotiators had been working in Cisplatina, another team led by Ambassador Lavadeer had been at work in Uruguay. They had been in contact and with any hope of the Cisplatineans changing course dead, Lavadeer was given permission to move forward on his end. He now had an appointment at the Governor's mansion to keep.

Once they had gotten down to business Lavadeer said,
"Sir I have been given permission by my government to offer Spain what we have been discussing privately for some time; a defensive alliance. I personally believe it will be of great benefit to both of our nation's and bring more stability to the region. Besides the defensive pact I'm glad to tell you Parliament has approved the joint aerospace development effort."


OOC: Confirming what had been worked out in PM's.

[CmdrWilkens]

Canal authority Announces Development Partners

Early today the Nicaraguan Canal Authority formally announced the nations who have purchased shares in the enterprise and have agreed to lend engineering and financial resources to help the project through until its completion which is currently scheduled for the early weeks of 1933. The partnering nations were announced as:

The Kingdom of Tuscany: 10 Class B shares
The Byzantine Empire : 10 Class B shares
The German Empire: 10 Class B shares
The Republic of Cascadia: 10 Class B shares
The Kingdom of Portugal: 10 Class B shares

[MKSheppard]

Army house, Shepistan

"So the Chinamen have appointed the Schismatics as the leaders of the anti communist international troops in Manchuria?" muttered Archbishop Clemson.

"This can't be allowed to stand." interjected the current CINC of the Shepistani Federation's Army.

"Indeed sir, prestige is at stake." replied Maximillan, who paused for a moment before dropping the bombshell.

"The First and Third Armies has been issued orders to entrain for operations in Manchuria as the Shepistani Expeditionary Force."

"What about the Schismatics? Won't they take advantage of us shifting "The Rock" to Manchuria to to push forth along the armistice line? Not to mention the difficulties involved in safely shipping those troops past the Goddamns to Manchuria?" asked Clemson.

At this, "Jesus Christ" Fisher coughed politely. "I have been in contact with my...opposite numbers in the Grand Dominion, and they assure me that the Grand Dominion will allow safe passage for our troops, and will not take advantage of the situation along the Armistice line."

[Lonestar]

The Gold Palace

Lord Fairfax's secretary poked her head into the office. "Lord Fairfax, Mr. Ved is here." Her face screwed up as she said it. Fairfax nodded back. "Very well, send him in Agatha."

Richard Ved walked in. Fairfax knew why Agatha had been disgruntled. Ved, the leader of the Social Democrats, was a native who had converted to Christianity in order to serve and acquire citizenship. This was actually not all that unusual. What was unusual was that he came from a Brahmin family, rather than the Untouchables. His family had had a vested interest in somehow restoring the Hindoos to their "rightful place" as the rulers of India. Rumors swirled that he was a secret Hindoo himself, but hard evidence had remained frustratingly thin for the security apparatus. Added to the fact that his politics were a only a shade of pink away from Red, he was reviled but much of the establishment.

And yet, Lord Fairfax needed him. The uprising in Williamsburg had caused many of the conservatives to reel back from authorizing funding for additional "volunteers" to Manchuria. Without the unity of the conservative parties, it was a virtual guarantee that the troops already deployed would be it. And so...unusual avenues of attack were required.

"Mr. Ved, thank you for coming by." Lord Fairfax stood up and sat down on an easy chair, gesturing that Ved should do the same.

"Lord Fairfax." A curt nod. "I am not sure what you want from me."

Right down to it then... "I need the support of you and your party for the funding of more volunteers to Manchuria."

A smile. "No."

"May I ask why not?"

"Any number of reasons. It isn't our war. It costs too much. If we start sending truly meaningful numbers we would be exposed to the Sheppos, who would just as soon kill me because of my skin color as tolerate me...not that the current regime is much better. Finally, no communist ever called me a 'coolie'."

Lord Fairfax leaned back.

"I think the Uzbeks or Balinese would have some choice words about the claim of equality under communism, Richard."

"Perhaps...but at least the claim is there."

"You know that I've always said that any citizen is equal regardless of skin color-"

"Of course, you need to keep Dr. Bhatt happy."

Fairfax ignored the jib "-and I mean it. Now, as for the Schismatics..." Worldessly, Fairfax handed over a folder. Ved opened it, his eyes widening ever so slightly as he read the letter. Fairfax leaned forward. "Listen to me Ved. If we do not send troops and the Manchus fall, we will find ourselves very alone against the Sheppos. If we do not send troops and the Manchus don't fall...we may still find ourselves alone, after the Manchus decide that the Sheppos are a better friend than us."

Ved put his hand on his head. Fairfax continued.

"Ved, I do not plan on continueing this war and traipsing about Russia. I have already sent a special envoy to the Greeks and instructed the envoy to attempt to use the Greek Emperor's graces to bring about a diplomatic resolution."

"Who is the envoy?"

"Nishant Kolasklar."

Ved scowled. Kolasklar was, like Ved,a convert from the Brahmin caste. Unlike Ved, he was extremely conservative and was only a member of the Social Democrats because it was the "Darkie" party. As a young officer he had made a name for himself during the '94 suppression of the Rangoon Revolt. Still, he was a member of the Social Democrat party...Ved stood, and thrw the folder at Fairfax.

"Fine. You'll get your funding."

Results: Legislature authorizes 150,000 Dominionite "volunteers" to the IVA, first two brigades arrive in Manchuria.

[Siege]

Dar Al Masyaf Palace
Citadel of Saladin, Cairo

“Gentle folk, the Diwan is in session.” Grand Vizier Ikrimah al-Jaffar's sharp, nasal voice filled the chamber. The buzz of polite chatter ceased. Everyone knew what this meant. The sweep for spies was over. The Mukhabarat had pronounced the room free from any external eavesdropping, and the great iron doors of the hall had been closed.

General Ishmail Pasha studied the occupants of the luxuriously furnished chamber, measuring every person present. Round the huge sycamore table, fashioned in the shape of a great wheel and inlaid with the golden Eagle of Saladin, sat the most powerful people in the Sultanate: sheikhs, generals, regional emirs and Mujtahids, eminent Islamic scholars dispatched by the Caliph himself. Not all 64 members of the Greater Diwan were present – that rarely happened – but there were enough high-ranking members here to pique the general's interest.

To the north, under the banner of the Emirate of Cairo, sat the squat, burly form of Suleiman ibn Nabil al-Basha Azzabi. To his right was the tall, thin Mujtahid Abdul Musawwir ibn Azraqi, his spiritual advisor. To the east sat pale ascetic Sheikh Abu Ubaydah ibn Jarrah. On his right stood Mujtahid Yusuf al-Kareem, his red dish-dash-ah making him look even more huge. To the south, under a green banner adorned in white with crossed scimitars, the crescent moon and three stars, sat sat Mehemet el-Majid Azeb, the Admiral of the sea of the Sultan of Egypt. He was flanked by a guard in the blue uniform of the naval infantry. To the west, smiling Talhah bin Usman sat polishing his glasses with a silk handkerchief. The sight of the emissary of the Hashshasheen, sent an involuntary shiver down Pasha's spine. Although the Assassin Cult had a permanent seat, they rarely attended meetings of the Diwan. Talhah's presence most likely meant the Sultan had requested he be there. That meant whatever was about to be discussed was of great importance.

Pasha took his seat at the table, along with the other representatives of the various institutions that ruled the Sultanate. His mind raced, wondering if it would be war. He hoped so. It had been too long without a chance to prove his mettle. He squashed the hope, suddenly ashamed of himself. War would also mean the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of good people.

“Gentlemen, we have a slight problem” said Suleiman Azzabi, getting straight down to business as always. “Sheik Abdeh Helali and Siegfried Schenk, the owners of our two greatest weapons consortia, are openly feuding. Two weeks ago a bomb destroyed an SMI manufactury near al-Iskandariyya. This week a group of Schenk's men-at-arms were ambushed and machine-gunned in the streets of Cairo, and two trains bound for the KTW plant in Suez were bombed also. These disruptions are threatening the militarization of the Sultanate.”

“What is the problem?” growled Yusuf al-Kareem. “If they are a threat to the peace Allah has granted us they must be removed from their positions of power at once.”

Pasha restrained a smile. How like a cleric, he thought. Things must always be cleansed with fire and the scourge. He does not understand at all. The general wondered who would tell him. Sheik Ubaydah ibn Jarrah stood up and bowed politely. “With all due respect, mullah, that is not an option. The German Count develops and manufactures nearly half of all our advanced weapons. Sheikh Helali almost matches him, and comes from one of our oldest and most famous families.”

“So?” al-Kareem grunted. “This does not put them above the laws of Allah and the Sultan.”

Pasha shook his head. Kline was a fine scholar of Islamic law, but he was new here, having replaced old Shahabuddin. He did not understand the delicacy of the situation, the need for finesse. The general admired Sheik Abaydah's restraint in dealing with the Mujtahid's rudeness. No title. No 'your highness'. Nothing. The man was a boor, plain and simple. Still, now was not the time for taking offence. No one at this table disagreed with al-Kareem. It was just that there were ways that these things had to be done.

The Sheikh nodded to the Mujtahid. “It would reflect badly on the prestige of the Sultan if it became public knowledge that two of our most respected elders were feuding in the streets and undermining our security. Our enemies would have a field day.”

Well put, thought Pasha. The two men were too powerful to simply disappear, and the Sultanate could not afford to carry them off in shackles. It would shake the fundament of the Sultanate's defensive industries at a time when the whole world seemed perched on the edge of chaos. But then what? How could this matter be resolved?

“I will have my... men explain to the Count and the Sheikh that the Sultan requests they reign in their baleful impulses” offered Talhah bin Usman. “They will be explain the price of failure to comply with His Exalted Majesty's demands... in painstaking detail.” His glasses suddenly caught the light, turning the Hashshasheen's eyes into circles of fire. “Meanwhile I think we will all be outraged to find out that these brutal acts of destruction were the work of foreign saboteurs.”

“An insurrection”, nodded Mehemet el-Majid Azeb, a half-smile playing around his lips. “Sudanese terrorists.” Pasha looked at him in awed astonishment. Trust the devil-admiral to turn this into a military advantage. “I'm sure the Wazir al-'Amala* will see the public gets all the details.”

The general could see the implications of what had been said slowly sinking in around the table. Sudanese terrorists. It would be war then.

Grand Vizier al-Jaffar looked around the table, saw no disagreement, then smiled his chilling smile. “It shall be done”, he said.


* Minister for the Interior

[Raj Ahten]

Unreal Time, The Freedom Conference

After much debate and lots of unfortunate political grandstanding, The Freedom Conference was finally coming to a close. In the press Prime Minister Morales called the conference a big success, stating the support for the International Intelligence Sharing Agency and strong condemnations of communism that had been attained. Privately Morales thought the conference had been sullied by the reactionaries that had flocked to it like moths to a flame. By blaming the Jews and other such nonsense they had forgotten the very real enemy of Bolshevism. Still, some good had come of it and the conference had certainly established Chilitina's (not to mention Morales's) bonifides.

What it all means:
-Freedom Conference ending
-International Intel sharing a go for those that want it
-A letter promising "Support" to those attacked by communists also circulated, which Chilitina has signed.


Chilitina Naval News

The Fleet Takes delivery of it's Newest Battleships, first fleet carrier
Crews were sent to Germany to bring home the two newest battleships of the fleet. The new ships are armed with six 18'' guns and will join the Pacific fleet for their shakedown cruises.

Meanwhile the Veinticinco de Mayo, Chilitina's first fleet carrier, is also entering service. She will join the Atlantic fleet.

Admiral Felix Obrador Removed from command of the Atlantic Fleet, placed in training command.

After a harsh grilling by parliament over his handling of Brazil's "raid" into Chilitina's waters, Admiral Felix Obrador was moved into the Training Command waiting the result of an official Department of the Navy investigation. His successor to the prestigious post of commander of the Atlantic Fleet was not named. Many insiders belief the admiral's removal has more more to do with his order to give honors to the Brazilian fleet rather than the Atlantic Fleet's inability to intercept the Brazilian fleet before it reached Chilitina's waters.

More Patrol Aircraft, Coastal Fortifications being considered.

The naval board is considering investing in much larger numbers of patrol aircraft and some in parliament are demanding more coastal fortifications. The reasons given range from, "A long planned expansion of the Naval Air Arm," to "Our city's are vulnerable to Red bombardment!"

[Minister of Pigeonry]

Grand Air Show
Portugal

There had been many Spanish visitors to the air show already; some officers from the Ejército del Aire and the Naval Air Arm had scouted things out, examining the various foreign designs. They’d been exceptionally impressed by the Portuguese Autogyros and the flying boats from the PBC. Several representatives from Hispano Aviacion had set up a booth displaying cutaway versions of their latest engine designs while their CASA contemporaries strode about looking to gain insight and inspiration from the vast array of aircraft on display. With the event opened to the public, regular Spanish citizens began to arrive via train for daytrips, wandering about the grounds and watching the impressive aerial displays with interest.



Though it was rather late in the show, the first Spanish military aircraft arrived just days after the event opened to civilians. Six CASA Q-6 Mk.III Matadors flown by members of Spain’s first all-female squadron, the “Hornets”, swooped in displaying their signature black and yellow striped tails. The ladies preformed for thirty-five minutes on the first day showcasing their aerobatic prowess before swooping away from the crowds to escort in a single CASA Cb-181b Cóndor heavy bomber.



The great bomber made several passes with the “Hornets” flying beside him before landing and pulling off the airstrip for public display.


Semi-Autonomous Overseas Province of Spanish Uruguay
CDCU

With word that the Brazilian fleet had returned north, CDCU gave the all clear signal returning the Province to Readiness Condition Green. As the marines and soldiers manning the provinces defenses relaxed, many of the submarines, ships and aircraft deployed for the search operations turned toward home. A pair of destroyers alone continued on their way northeast to meet up with the two German warships that had been sent their way.


Semi-Autonomous Overseas Province of Spanish Uruguay
Suarez Residence (Governor’s Mansion)

Agustín Ramírez, natively elected Provincial Governor of Spanish Uruguay nodded and offered a handshake to the Chilitinian ambassador, “I must agree, I believe you’ve secured the future of this Province, Ambassador Lavadeer. We are very pleased by all that has been accomplished over the past week,” he said with sincerity. Governor Ramírez had been caught somewhat off guard by the information the Chilitinians had provided him with, he and many within his administration and back in the home country had been dangerously ignorant of the undercurrents swirling within the region. The meetings with Lavadeer and his team had been something of an eye opener and with the Brazilian fleet action still very fresh in everyone’s mind; the agreement had quickly been approved in Uruguay and across the sea in Spain.

Besides the Governor, several prominent members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been present to negotiate, discuss and make offers on behalf of the Crown and greater empire. The Chief of International Relations in the Americas Raphael Chaves Rocío was present and leading the MFA team. From the start, things had been promising and now it appeared all of the pieces were falling into place. “Her Majesty will be exceptionally pleased to hear of this, Ambassador. Please see that Prime Minister Morales receives our deepest thanks for such a kind offer,” he said rising from his seat in the plush Governor’s office, “I shall see too, that word reaches the homeland of your nation’s willingness to join us in aviation development, it appears to be a field with great potential.”

Overall, the mood within the mansion and back in Madrid, as well, was celebratory; the Chilitinian-Spanish Defense Agreement would soon be law.


(OOC: Treaty details to come, simply waiting for Raj to clear all of the terms before they are posted officially)

[Ryan Thunder]

TO: The honourable government of Cisplatina, the honourable government of Brazil, and the honourable government of Peru-Bolivia
FROM: The honourable government of Gran Colombia

Actions by the Chiletineans have, of late, become alarmingly provocative. It seems that it is only a matter of time before they escalate from provocation to violence, or successfully provoke it themselves.

To put them the Chiletineans their place, Colombia proposes a mutual defense pact, which will hereafter be called the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Our combined powers will give them pause.

Member States of the CSTO will be bound by the following rules, with provision for adding additional rules on the agreement of all Member States;

1. If any Member State comes under attack by a foreign nation, the others shall aid it with all the means at their disposal, be them economic, military, and/or otherwise.
2. War will be conducted in common and peace will be declared upon agreement of all Member States.

Colombia hopes you will find this agreeable.
Juntos somos fuertes/Together, we are strong.

[Steve]

Seattle Post

(Selection of headline and front page stories)

Siege of Hailar Continues!

In the Far East Soviet forces continue to hammer away at the Manchurian forces holding the city of Hailar! Correspondents report daily fighting in the city's northern and western quarters as Soviet forces seek to seize the city in their continued advance into northern Manchuria. Ultimate war aims have not yet been expressed by the government in Moscow...


"No War Over Darwin" Insists Government

Representatives of the President and the Secretary of War have responded to some rumors of impending military action, insisting that there is no intention to settle the Darwin Issue with force. The territory, held by Dutch settlers for thirty-five years in defiance of the internationally-recognized Australian treaties, has increasingly become a sore spot in the Government. Faced with having made campaign attacks on the Conservative governments of the past decade for failing to resolve the issue, the Liberal administration is feeling the pressure to do so themselves. Talks are said to be ongoing with the Communist authorities of the Low Countries. Sources indicate these talks, while slow, are making ground due to the recent death of Minister Hammer, who was noted for refusing to countenance any withdrawal from held territories. Conservatives have accused the Liberal Government of failing to negotiate with sufficient force and of being willing to abandon total control of the territory...


Main Fleet Stay In Pearl Harbor "Indefinite"

Navy officials have confirmed that the Navy's 1st Battle Fleet will remain at anchorage in Hawaii for the indefinite future, citing the President's commitment to preventing a re-arranging of the map of East Asia beyond the current conflict. The movement, which was criticized as "aggressive" by various Japanese and Filipino sources, has been seen as a serious signal of President Garrett's commitment to maintaining order in East Asia...


Insurance Companies Cautious Over Arab Sea

The previous day brought another rate hike by shipping insurance companies on any voyages involving transits through the Arabian Sea and around the Horn of Africa. Shepistani naval activity has increased significantly and the sinking of the steamer Van Neumann last month has many worried for the safety of any voyage through the area. Shepistani officials insist that only the shipping of "Committed Communist Nations" would be treated automatically as pirates, but the announcement of "suspect" non-Communist nations also being subjected to on-demand searches has numerous officials and businessmen worried that Shepistan's government may begin to apply such more widely or that a mistake in identification could cause the sinking or seizure of a non-Communist vessel...


OOC: Zor, Shinn, I'm not saying your governments have criticized the Cascadian naval posting - though given their slant toward the Soviets I suspect the Japanese should be irritated - but I imagine your newspapers, individual legislators and officials, etc., have. Maybe even a formal note to protest or lament the "unnecessary and provocative gesture of the Cascadian government".

[Lascaris]

"That sounds dangerously close to an ultimatum mr De la Vega. The fact of the matter is that even if the republic was willing to take it's word lightly, which we would not even if we gave it to the devil itself, we don't take in the least well to ultimatums. Particularly when given by people that are aggressively anticommunist with Cisplatina between them and the communists. This being the case we shall stick to our non aggression pact with Brazil. As already said we wouldn't mind signing a non aggression pact with Argentina as well. And that's about the size of it."

"Sir I do not mean to threaten Cisplatina in any way. It would be counterproductive to do so. No ultimatum is intended; I'm simply telling you what Chilitina would find an acceptable first step to be if Cisplatina wants our support on the question of Uruguay. That is your government would have to step back away from your communist neighbors. If you are unwilling to do so , so be it. There would be no punitive action taken at all by Chilitina and peaceful and productive relations can continue. As a sign of good faith on our part regarding using Cisplatina as an invasion highway into Brazil, as you were just fretting about, Chilitina will sign a nonaggression pact with your nation. Besides that, I'm sorry we were unable to make further progress."

"My dear De la Vega, Chilitina has certainly a fine army with proud traditions. But so has our republic. And as it happens we outweight yours as well as Brazil's by a not insignificant margin. This means that as things currently stand we don't fear either a Brazilian or an Chilitine invasion through our territory to reach the other country. Any invasion would be most ill advised.

As for the matter of Uruguay what we seek of Chilitina is neutrality in case Cisplatina was forced to intervene in Uruguayan affairs. Although I must add that we sincerely hope that circumstances forcing our hand in such a way are going to be most unlikely."

[Thanas]

Geman Air Field outside Munich.

"Entschuldigen sie, Herr Hauptmann, aber ich darf ihnen den Zutritt nicht gewähren." The Guard at the front gate of Jagdstaffe 14, which had just recently arrived from Portugal, was very, very young. "I just want to visit my old friend Ernst to congratulate him and his squadron on their success in Portugal."

The Guard looked over at the visitor, who had arrived with three others in a Mercedes. But only Göring was wearing a uniform - those of a Hauptmann der Reserve. The Guard of course knew Göring's reputation - after all, the trial that had thrown the drunkard out of the service and into a reserve position was well known in Germany. Still, he noticed the Pour le Mérite around the neck of Göring and felt sorry for the former hero who, according to all he had heard, had fallen on hard times. He also knew that Göring and Udet had served together.

"Very well, Herr Hauptmann. The pilots are in the Mess hall. However, your companians will have to wait here - not being military themselves, I cannot allow them access. I am sure you understand." Göring nodded. "Danke. Männer - absitzen."

As soon as the Mercedes had passed the gate, the Guard regarded the three others closely. They looked like burly men and were wearing a rather ugly uniform with a brown shirt and shorts. However, for the time, they made no move other than to share some cigarettes. One of them offered one to him, but he denied the offer with a shake of his head. After all, even accepting a cigarette while being on watch could get one relegated to colonial duties or worse.

Soon, a truck approached the gate. The Guard, as usual, stood in front of it and waited for it to slow down. This it did, and a Gefreiter in uniform stepped out of the truck and waited for the guard to approach him, as protocol dictated. "Papiere?" The driver handed him a manifest saying that the truck contained replacement parts for the Fokkers to replace parts that were under higher than usual stress during the airshow in Portugal. The guard frowned. "There are no replacements scheduled for today." The driver shrugged. "Look, I just do what I am told. If you would talk to your superiors, I am sure that everything will be cleared up as usual in any of those bureucratic messups..." "Wait here." The guard shouldered his weapon and turned around. He never noticed the bludgeon that hit him in the head.

As soon as the guard had fallen down, the three men who had left Görings Mercedes dragged him into the guard house. Meanwhile, the truck disgorged twelve more brownshirts, who set up a machinegun near the entrance. Soon, a second and third truck disgorged even more brownshirts, who quickly started moving towards the small base.

In the Officer Lounge - or the wooden shed that qualified for it - the Pilots had gathered around and were now enjoying the champagne Göring had brought in his mercedes. Göring and Udet were sitting at a table, sharing stories about their flying days over the Italian Front. Over in the crew mess hall and crew quarters, the mechanics were enjoying the downtime as well. This downtime was cut short when brownshirts armed with machine pistols kicked in the doors. Soon, the flyers found themselves prisoners. The mechanics and others were put into one of the halls, whereas the machines within were rolled out. The takeover was accomplished in a competent and quick manner.

Over in the Officer Lounge, this development was first noted by Udet who immediately jumped up. "ALAARM." Before the cry could achieve any results, Göring had produced a pistol and three brownshirts, their weapons pointed at the pilots, arrived at the door. "Ernst, if you would tell your men to follow mine, please?" Seeing that resistance would be futile, Ernst Udet surrendered. "Damit wirst du nicht davonkommen, du Schwein."

This comment earned Udet a blow to the head by one of the brownshirts. When he regained consciousnouss, he and his men found themselves locked in the main hangar, while the sound of a machine starting outside was unmistakable - Göring had commandeered at least one of the Fokkers.


Munich
All over Munich, brownshirts were mobilizing. Their arrangements had been complicated by the troop movements of the day as more and more German troops were redeployed to the North, yet still, enough of them had managed to gather at the rally points that Operation Wotan was to go ahead.


Bürgerbräukeller
Reichskanzler Sänger's car passed through the small police cordon that had been set up outside the Hofbräuhaus. After the Vienna Massacre, strong police security had been required at every visit, but with the anarchists being thoroughly defeated security had been relaxed somewhat. Still, around 24 mounted guards from the 1. Königlich Bayerisches Schwere-Reiter-Regiment „Prinz Karl von Bayern“ had been assigned to him, with around 100 police officers providing security around the Bürgerbräukeller. Exiting the car, the Kanzler waved to the public and entered the Gasthaus to commence his speech. The audience, Munich's elite, received him with lukewarm applause, an indication that the public still did not know what to think of the treaty with the French.

"Fellow countrymen, I have come here today to talk to you about the future of our great nation. As you know, we recently signed a treaty...."


The Streets
In the streets, brownshirts and their supporters were marching. What had started as a mass of little more than 100 men had now grown - thanks to the addition of others at predetermined rally points - to a force of over 1000 men, marching in different columms from different directions to one destination - the Bürgerbräukeller. Women gathered their children inside and the Bürger made sure to stay out of the way. Soon, the mob had reached the outer police cordon controlling the approaches to the Bürgerbräukeller.

Polizeioberwachtmeister Werner Müller commanded a total of 12 policemen and was now confronted by over 100 brownshirts who were marching to his position. Quickly, he sent a runner to request reinforcements. At the Police Department, there was chaos. All over the city, the police department was flooded with calls from concerned citizens and Brownshirts alike. Runners rarely got through because brownshirts caused pre-planned car crashes, traffic holdups or caused street fights to break out. In this chaos, most of the runners never made it in time and the relays of those who did were just a few of the many emergencies that day.

On the streets of Munich, Werner Müller gathered his courage and remembering his duty, ordered his men to take aim. Then he stepped forward. "Sie befinden sich im Sperrgebiet. I am warning you that I am authorized to use deadly force if necessary." Instead of stopping, the brownshirts merely jumped aside, revealing a second rank that had weapons drawn. After being hit with two bullets in the chest, Oberwachtmeister Werner Müller became the first casualty of the Münchener Putsch.

Within seconds, the first police cordon was overrun.


Bürgerbräukeller
The Reiter had heard the shots and two galopped forward to investigate, while the rest dismounted to get the Kanzler out. The police meanwhile was acting as planned - half of them took up defensive positions, while the other half tried to clear a way through the crowd. Inside, Sänger had barely finished the first half of his speech when the Reiter burst into the hall. Sänger tried to ignore them while they were making their way through the crowd, seeing as Hans was already moving forward to meet them. After a few words were exchanged, Hans ran back. Sänger interrupted his speech and bent down to hear Hans speak. "Herr Kanzler, shots have been fired. We should go." Sänger contemplated this and whispered back "How many? From whom? Is it serious?"

Before Hans could answer, the door was thrust wide open and another Reiter entered. Even from his Podium, Sänger could see the blood gushing from a head wound. Without hesitation, Hans reached out, grabbed the Kanzler and broke into a run to the exit.



Hauptbahnhof
The train carrying the first four companies of the 125th Pionierregiment had arrived on time and Oberstleutnant Rommel had now departed the train, as had many of his men, while the Lokomotive was to be exchanged. As he was enjoying a cup of coffee, he looked at the civilian train on the opposing platform - it had disgorged a number of men wearing brownshirts and some sort of red band on the arm with a strange symbol on it. So far, the 60 of them were not doing anything illegal, but his instinct told him something was not right about the whole situation - and the glances some of them gave him reinforced that instinct. He quickly motioned his aide-de-camp over. "Get the men ready for inspection. Quickly." The aide was taken aback, but quickly recovered his wits. After all, he had learned not to question Rommel except when it came to paperwork - and it had been under Rommel's leadership that units from their regiment had been the first to break through the Italian lines. The sounds of the officer whistle quickly brought the men to attention - and soon, the companies had debarked in record speed - faster than the brownshirts did, Rommel noted with a certain satisfaction.



Outside the Bürgerbräukeller
Sänger noticed three things - first, there was a general panic among the populace. Second, police were about to erect some sort of palisade while others were directing the civilians to take cover and directing them to stay inside the houses. He yelled at Hans to stop and then yelled at the nearest Reiter: "What the hell happened?" "A mob, Sir." Sänger nodded. "Let me see." Shrugging Hans hands off, he walked over to his car. Reaching into his car, Sänger took the binoculars placed in the fond and looked at the direction the Reiter indicated.

And a mob it was. Several hundred people at least, most of them openly brandishing weapons, were advancing towards them. In the middle of them were two trucks - and mounted on them were - Sänger quickly ducked back down. "GET DOWN."

The unmistakable sound of machineguns filled the air. While the police returned fire, Hans yelled at the escort that they had to get out of here. Pushing the chancellor into the armored car, Hans took the wheel, while the surviving Reiter took positions next to the car.

Hotel next to the Bürgerbraukeller
From his room, Hitler noticed with satisfaction the effect the machineguns were having on the police. Already, about three quarters of them were dead and his men could soon overrun the palisade. That coward Sänger was now hiding behind his car. And now he was trying to get away.

Hitler punched the wall when he noticed the car picking up speed, the escorting cavalry clearing a way through the mass of civilians. "Dieser Schweinehund is going to get away." Next to him, Ernst Röhm smiled. "No, he won't." He held out his hand and indicated a blob on the horizon. "Here comes Herrman."

On the streets, Sänger looked out towards the approaching planes. The car had not made much progress and as far as he was concerned, they might have progressed faster on foot. But now, that they had air support, everything would turn out fine after all. Then the two Fokker split up. One headed for the remains of the police barricade, while the other was heading straight for them. What the devil are they up to? He got his answer as the first machine-gun burst fired by Hermann Göring tore through one of the escorting Reiter into the engine block, utterly wrecking the front tires and the engine. With a short sputter, the car died.

Meanwhile, the other Fokker released two bombs on the police cordon, killing most of the surviving police. The brownshirts took this as the signal to push through the blockade, which they did. The majority started to herd back civilians into the cellar, while others headed for the Reichskanzler's car.


Hauptbahnhof
Rommel and his men had stared at the Brownshirts for a few uncomfortable minutes, while the latter had formed some sort of formation. Obviosuly, there was some disagreement between them, for one - apparently the second in command - started to argue with the leader, oftentimes pointing at his watch. It looks as if they are on some kind of timetable. Then a faint sound echoed through the hall. To anyone else it would have been just a car misfiring or one of the usual noises of a trainstation, but not to anyone who had served in the war. It was unmistakably the sound of a bomb going off.

Apparently the brownshirts had some combat experience as well, for they immediately broke into a run. This clinched it for Rommel, who did not even have to shout for his men to attack as the Pioniere had come to the same conclusion and were already charging the brownshirts. No weapons were used - for civilians could not bring weapons on trains and the pioniere did not need to use theirs.


Outside the Bürgerbraükeller
Sänger looked at the mass of brownshirt running towards his car and the few remaining Reiters who were already firing at the approaching mass. Around, Civilians were streaming in a general panic, utterly blockading the streets by sheer mass alone. There was no way out of this, especially not with the Fokkers circling above.

[Raj Ahten]

"My dear De la Vega, Chilitina has certainly a fine army with proud traditions. But so has our republic. And as it happens we outweight yours as well as Brazil's by a not insignificant margin. This means that as things currently stand we don't fear either a Brazilian or an Chilitine invasion through our territory to reach the other country. Any invasion would be most ill advised.

As for the matter of Uruguay what we seek of Chilitina is neutrality in case Cisplatina was forced to intervene in Uruguayan affairs. Although I must add that we sincerely hope that circumstances forcing our hand in such a way are going to be most unlikely."

"Sir I am afraid I can not offer any guarantees of neutrality at this time. It is the policy of Chilitina to consider whether or not to remain neutral in a given conflict on a case by case basis."

[Bluewolf]

-

[RogueIce]

New York City, New York

Communist sympathizers, calling themselves the Amaranth Yankee Volunteer Brigade, some 2800 strong, began boarding Russian ships for the trip over to the Soviet Union. They drew the name Amaranth because an especially artsy woman had decided the Amaranth flower would be a good way to represent 'Red' without coming straight out and saying it. Plus, the word came from the Greek amarantos, meaning "one that does not wither". The symbology was enough for the communist volunteer organizers, and so they adopted it. And while they weren't really a 'brigade' in strength, the leaders thought it sounded better.

These volunteers had left later than most, because it had taken time to organize. Additionally, they had tried to be as circumspect as possible, fearing federal spies.

Washington, D.C.

Fear of being monitored was, of course, wholly justified. However, the decision had been made not to interfere with the communist volunteers being organized. After all, none of them had any useful military experience, and would need to be trained - thus placing an extra burden on a Soviet Union gearing up for war. And, in the mind of President James Raynor, it helped to get rid of some damn Red troublemakers; hopefully they'd go off and get themselves killed. Finally, it did give a nice bonus in that such a massing of communists was impossible to fully hide, letting Washington get a better picture of communist activity throughout the country.

Elsewhere, volunteers were readying to go to fight on Manchuria's side, although these were volunteers of a different sort...

United States Military Academy, West Point, New York

Fifty officers had come back to the Academy today, not to teach, but to resign their commissions. These Regular Army officers, led by infantry officer Colonel John O'Neil, USA. Joining him were a Lieutenant Colonel of Cavalry, two Majors of Artillery and one infantry, twenty Captains of various branches - mostly combat arms but three of the Quartermaster Corps, two of the Gas Service, and one from the Ordnance Corps - and twenty-five Lieutenants of various grades and branches. These men would also depart to fight in the Soviet-Manchurian War, but would be offering their services to the Manchus. Their reasons varied, anything from belief in confronting the dreaded Red Menace to the hopes of promotion; the Regular Army was small enough that even good officers could find themselves unable to achieve promotion, due to there being no place for them to be promoted to. Plus, if they survived the war and were able to regain their commissions, combat experience would certainly help.

Major General Fred Winchester Sladen, Superintendent of the Academy, personally oversaw their discharge, and bade them farewell and Godspeed. Within days, the twenty-five former US Army officers would be on their way to Manchuria.

[Beowulf]

Manchuria
Sem-unreal time
10 days post invasion
When the Soviet troops had broken through Line Yi, it had been at the cost of 1 regiment from a fortress division, 3 infantry divisions, 1 motorized division and half a chinese division. A corps artillery brigade and tank regiment had also been holding the line. Eighty thousand troops had been defending the line. Half of them had fallen back when the line broke, and had now either invested Hailar, or formed a new (weak) line of defense along the sides of the Soviet salient. Another quarter had been captured by the Soviets. The breakthrough had cost the Manchurians much, but had cost the Soviets at least as much.

Trapped between the river to the west, and the soviets to the north and east, Lake Hulun salient was holding strong for now, it's western flank reinforced with additional divisions, and the eastern in constant conflict with the Soviet troops that had reached Hailar, where they were attempting to force a second river crossing, semi-successfully. Eight of the Chinese divisions that had been sent from the south had been moved up into the salient under the cover of night. Rail traffic was largely able to continue on the narrow gauge lines that had supported Lines Yat and Yi, keeping the troops supplied with food, ammunition, and fuel. Fighter support and anti-aircraft fire made it difficult for Soviet reconnaissance aircraft to scout out the the reinforcement of the salient.

Hailar was being defended by 4 Chinese divisions, along with a Reinforced Corps, a Reserve Corps, and some of the remains from line Yi. A total of 11 divisions were defending the city, coming to 200 thousand men. With the shelling of the city by Soviet forces, Mongolian trade to Manchuria was stopped, it's railyards not able to operate in the war environment. Almost a thousand field guns were defending the city, and with the number available, some 105mm guns had been displaced into the city to serve in the direct fire role.

The Soviets had foolishly decided to concentrate all their heavy tanks on the bluff overlooking the city from the north. For an hour, the 150mm guns of the divisions and corps artillery brigades bombarded that bluff. Many of the shells failed to hit, or failed to penetrate, but with a bombardment of 8000 shells, even a .1% penetration and hit rate was good enough. The bombardment of the bluff continued at a much lower rate after the hour was up, to help prevent resupply of those same tanks. Inside the city, tough fighting occured, as the soviet shelling may have reduced building to rubble, but rubble was even better for defensive fighting than buildings. Many Manchu troops had traded their semi-automatic rifles for handier Type 1 Submachineguns

Hulun salient had been reinforced for a specific reason: Operation Honglong. It's objective was to split the Soviets besieging Hailar from their support on the other side of the river. Not all troops in the salient were able to participate in the attack, and so only 2/3 of the troops were able to conduct the attack. A total of 12 divisions, 6 Chinese, 6 Manchu went northeast, while from the north, a single reserve corps attempted to attack south. A total of 275 thousand troops were attempting to cut the Soviet troops off.

Mobilization had almost completed, with many of the reserve units already formed up and drilling before entraining for the front. Nineteen Reserve Corps from all over Manchuria were on there way to defend their country from the Red Menace, nearly a million men in all. Four of them were actually already near the front, having been located in Heilongjiang province. Another thirteen corps were ready to move, but as they had somewhat poorer equipment, they would be kept in reserve where they were, training to a higher standard. Four of them, again, were already near the front, having been located in the region currently being invaded.
---

OOC: Reasoning for the troops number for line Yi at southern breakthrough: Corps reserve from defender's own Corps (1 division) marched down the line. Part of corps reserve from Chinese corps marched up the line (1 "brigade" of ~8k troops), 1 motorized division, 1 division by rail (from reinforced corps), along with corps assets from reinforced corps.

Lake Hulun Salient:
9.5 Chinese Divisions
1 Fortress Division (equivalent)
5 Manchu Infantry Divisions
1 Manchu Motor Infantry Division
2 Corps Artillery Brigade
1 Tank Regiment (147 tanks)

Defending Hailar:
4 Chinese Divisions
1 Manchu Scratch Division (from line Yi)
5 Manchu Infantry Divisions
1 Manchu Motor Infantry Division
2 Corps Artillery Brigade
1 Tank Regiment (147 tanks)

Interfront forces:
~3 Fortress division
5 Reserve Infantry Corps
3 Secondary Reserve Infantry Corps

Defending North West front:
~1 fortress divisions
4 Infantry Division
1 Motor Infantry Division
2 Chinese Infantry Divisions
1 Corps Artillery Brigade
1 Tank Regiment (147 tanks)

East of NW front:
2 Infantry Division
1 Corps Artillery Brigade
1 Reserve Corps
1 Secondary Reserve Corps

[Minister of Pigeonry]

With the agreement formally signed by all parties the Chilitinian-Spanish Mutual Defense Agreement was publically revealed in Madrid and Montevideo simultaneously, or, as simultaneously as could be, given communication delays between the Overseas Province and the Homeland.

Chilitinian-Spanish Mutual Defense Agreement

1. Signatories will aid and participate in the defense of each other in the event of hostile actions rendered against either within the confines of the continent of South America and/or its surrounding waters, both Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Cooperative defensive improvements and coordination in peacetime are permitted and encouraged.

2. Signatories are not obligated to offer aid for offensive or aggressive actions without prior provocation.

3. Signatories shall coordinate defensive military actions and declare cessation of hostilities jointly.

4. Signatories shall partake in joint aviation research and development, sharing expertise, designs and technology for cooperative advancement in both the military and civil sections of the aviation field.

France
Spanish Embassy, Paris

While Chief Raphael Chaves was celebrating his success with the Chilitinians in Uruguay, the Chief of European Relations, Jorge Morillo, found himself much closer to home. With the second German-French agreement down on paper it had been decided to move forward with a series of Spanish proposals aimed at strengthening relations with the French and ensuring a peaceful future between the two European nations. There had been fair concern following the Spanish Civil War, some were uncertain how France would receive the new Spain, though, it appeared their fears had been unfounded. Whatever the case, it was generally agreed upon within the government that good relations with the Kingdom’s northern neighbor could not hurt, despite the sure-to-come howls from Queen Marian’s old nationalist base. They had been somewhat unruly as of late, growing increasingly critical since the E.A.P. with the Germans had been announced.

Fortunately, Morillo knew, if there was to be backlash from the nationalists over an agreement with the French, it would be directed at her Majesty and not him. The Relations Chief cleared his throat, then addressed the French representatives who’d been invited to the presentation, “For sometime now we have considered reaching out to France, today I have been authorized to do so in pursuit of a more productive and peaceful relationship between our two nations. Gentlemen,” he paused and placed a condensed version of the proposed points upon the conference table before him, pushing it over to the head French rep, “I would hope these terms are agreeable,” he said pleasantly, smiling.

French-Spanish Non-Aggression Pact

1. Signatories shall refrain from any and all aggressive actions against one another; additionally neither shall share damaging intelligence information with or offer military aid to powers that are aggressive to or openly at war with the other signee.

2. Signatories shall respect and recognize all territories, colonies and possessions, current and/or future, under the flag of the other.

3. To facilitate trade between the Republic of France and Kingdom of Spain, border restrictions and tariffs shall be relaxed. Steps shall be taken by both parties to ease passage of individuals and goods over the border, streamlining the process for visitors/etc.

4. France shall permit the use of its airspace, rail and road networks for the (rapid) transportation of goods, materiel, troops and other trade and military related items between the Kingdom of Spain and the German Empire in both peacetime and times of war.

Spain
Palacio Real de Madrid

“Word out of our Embassy in Berlin, something has happened in Munich!” shouted the aide who’d burst in on a small meeting of various Ministry officials.

The assembled Ministers and their various subordinates instantly turned their attention to the intruding aide as the room fell silent, “Exactly what has happened?” asked Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Cordova, breaking the silence as the others glared at the fellow for bursting in on their foreign affairs meeting.

The aide, a young man, had leaned up against a nearby wall column and appeared to be in the process of catching his breath, “I’m not sure… our embassy staff stated that something had happened and insisted we standby,” he said, shrugging helplessly. “You’d best get word off to Her Majesty!” replied one of the present Ministers, jabbing a finger at the young fellow. The aide cringed; Queen Marian was off north in Ferrol to inspect the E.A.P. Warships under construction there. As the meeting adjourned in response to the news, the aide was sent jogging back down to the communications wing to ensure that all parties were kept up-to-date on the hazy events unfolding in Germany.

[Bluewolf]

North of Hailar, Manchuria



The sound of gunpowder was full in the air, the screams and shouts of men were everywhere. Sometimes they were occasionally overridden by thee shriek of artillery or the explosion of a vehicle. Operation Honglong was now well underway with little signs of stopping. The force from the Lake Hulun salient that struck the Soviet flank was now in a bitter battle as they attempted to remove the Soviet line of reinforcement and supply into the troops in the city. The battle as both sides tore into each other. Chinese planes that had been rebased flew overheard in an attempt to make sure that no Soviet air assets could interfere with the Operation.

The Chinese/Manchu forces in Hailar itself faced an equally bloody fight as they moved through the ruins of buildings struck by the constant firing of Soviet artillery. The Chinese reinforcements were a god send to the Manchurians but it was a tough fight even with such allies at their backs. Urban warfare was a different game from conventional terrain fighting. Artillery guns from each side still fired, adding further deadliness to the fighting. If the plan went well however, then it could have a chance of ending soon.

The salient force had pulled such a feat off though. The brutality of the assault, the sheer numbers and the force had given the Chinese/Manchurian forces what they had hoped for-the encirclement of the Soviet troops inside Hailar. However such troops still had time to escape what was a closing gate. The Soviet forces were stubborn and would not leave their Comrades without a fight. There was time for some to escape so to speak. The Operation was proving to be a success already and would be a good bit of news for the Manchurian and Chinese people along with many other anti Communists who were observing this war. It’d make a nice little bit of propaganda too if it kept going so well.

The China Standard:

Emperor Condemns Communist assault of Manchuria:

The glorious Emperor has spoken harshly on the Communist invasion of Manchuria. The Emperor described the acts of the USSR as “greed filled and brutal”. He described Communism as a “what happens when you let the common unknowing man get put in a position of power.” He also went onto say that “the desire to be in control motivates the collective masses to the point they oust those who are qualified and replace their roles with those who are not. In this light, it is little surprise that the USSR it’s goals in this violent manner.”

The war on Manchuria has been raging on and has captured the attention of the world, East and West. A further 24 divisions are being sent to the front to aid the current ones already there.

Industry Push Underway:

It has come to light that a industrial development means to be pushed again. There are few details at this time but it is believed it’s part of the ever increasing goal to expand industrial capacity.