The Sword of Damocles (Gameplay Thread) (Early 1930)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Not a public document:

His Sacred and Imperial the Sultan is the highest representative of the Ottoman State and the guardian of historical sovereignty under which the House of Osman brought together people of various origin and religion into one indivisible empire. Furthermore, as Caliph of Islam, the Sultan has the supreme religious authority residing with him.

Given these facts, it is only logical His Sacred and Imperial Majesty takes a more prominent role in representing His realm abroad and domestically.

The Sultan is like a British monarch. The sovereignty resides solely with him and he's a historical guarantor of legitimacy and continuity. The fact he decided to devolve many of his day-to-day governmental duties to his loyal ministers cannot diminish that and only shows the Sultan's faith in his people.

[windjammer]

To the Pope and the son of the king:
I propose a mediation between both of you. Let's avoid a civil war in Italy, by negotiating in Lourdes!

[ASPN]

The Pope does not wish to see Italians spill the blood of their brothers and is willing to meet in Lourdes.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty, along with his ministers, is deeply disturbed by the events that took place in Italy. It is clear the Roman Pope used false pretenses, slandering the Sublime Porte, to justify his coup against the legitimate sovereign. We conclude the Roman Pope cannot be considered a legitimate ruler.

The deposed Emperor's son, on the other hand, while being vested into the right to crown via his ancestry, lacks ways to establish his authority.

Therefore, as far as the Sublime Porte is concerned, there is no legitimate government representing Italy. We therefore consider Italy as a country in anarchy.


His Sacred and Imperial Majesty, along with his ministers, believes it is a sovereign right of the Cossack State to either open or close it's territory for any kind of commerce. It is their exclusive right they don't have to answer for before any other government.


His Sacred and Imperial Majesty, along with his ministers, is deeply displeased with the Romanian decision to carry on with the war. During the peace talks in Paris, we have insisted on preserving Romanian territorial integrity in the treaty and no such provisions were included.

In light of this unreasonable attitude, the Ottoman Empire must renounce its pact with Romania.

[GoTfan]

The United Kingdom of Great Britain

Domestic

1) Neville Chamberlain is hereby appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

2) Baldwin intends to enact a "New Deal", passing legislation to benefit the British people. The first to be enacted is the National Unemployment Insurance Act, which will allow those struggling to find work to still be able to provide food and other basic necessities for their families.

3) Begin drafting the National Healthcare Act

4) Prepare a national infrastructure plan to modernise Britain's rail and road networks, as well as improve scientific capabilities and create a national electricity network

Foreign

1) The terms of the Istanbul Conference are firmy rejected. They must be renegotiated immediately.

2) Invite Michael Collins, Eamon de Valera (notables of the Irish Republicans) and Edward Carson and James Craig (notable Unionists) to London for negotiations. The bloodshed in Ireland must end. Should negotiations break down, local forces shall be raised and given the authority to use whatever means necessary to suppress the nationalists

3) A medical battalion of the British Army (accompanied by the necessary security elements) will undertake a humanitarian mission to Siberia. Food and medical supplies as well as necessary medical attention will be delivered to civilians, but British forces are under strict orders to not engage foreign forces

4) The British Army will dispatch a battalion of sappers (engineers) and a medical battalion to Salmas to aid in the Ottoman recovery efforts.

5) Britain looks with concern on the events in Italy, but will not take action for the time being.

Military

1) Britain will focus on building up its Naval infrastructure. The Royal Navy remains the heart of Britain's defence.

2) The face of war continues to change, and Britain must change with it. A Special Warfare Facility will be established at Hereford

3) Britain will research new military tactics, in particular around armoured warfare.To this end, Sir Basil Liddell Hart is appointed as the new Professor of Armoured and Mechanised Strategy at the Royal Military Academy Woolwich.

4) Britain will dispatch instructors to all nations of the Empire to aid in training their forces.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Sublime Porte applauds the British government's commitment for humanitarian causes worldwide and gratefully accepts the aid offered to us in the wake of the earthquake. We trust under Prime Minister Baldwin the British-Ottoman relations will continue to flourish.

[ASPN]

The Holy Empire of Italy

Domestic

-A number of changes have been announced, including the renaming to include "holy" in Italy's title, and the announcement of new appointees, the most notable being Cardinal Basilio Pompilj to head Foreign Affairs.

-Otherwise, most domestic activities at the moment revolve around solidifying control over land not occupied by the rogue Prince's forces.

-Pope Alexander speaks publicly in Vatican City, calling for Italians to come together and unite under the Vatican leadership which has brought back the honor taken by the former Emperor who betrayed the Italian people.

Foreign

-A delegation made up of the Pope, Basilio, and a number of diplomats is arranged to travel to Lourdes to meet with the French and the Prince.   

-Italy declares its concern with the events in Siberia, and the actions taken against their people.

Military

-The Military is placed on high alert, plans are drawn to attack down south, along with potential incursions into the colonies, should the talks in France not pan out.

-Navel missions at the moment are to stay close to Italy, and make sure shipping makes it out the Mediterranean, in case the Prince decides to prey on our Trade.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Italy placing its military on high alert in the Mediterranean is a worrying development. We trust it's move will not be used as an excuse to escalate tensions with other countries.

[Potus]

The American Party

"American Government. American Defense. American Prosperity."

Famed Industrialist Henry Ford, flanked by several skilled political operators, announced the formation and his personal financing of a new political party, the American Party.

"For years now, I have watched as the country I love has been left at the mercy of untalented politicians and mindless demagogues," Ford said. He pledged that his party aims to heal the nation's wounds, mend fences, and end the divisive era of politics at hand. "Once more," he continued, "we the people of these United States will a government committed to America, to our livelihoods, to our prosperity, and to our security."

Judging by the faces on stage with Ford, the American Party seeks to encompass the old Republican coalition alongside working class Democrats, white ethnics, and Southerners tired of being targeted by racial politics. If such a coalition were to be united, the American Party would be able to field viable candidates in every state of the Union.

"We are bound together in common American values with those who find themselves in the Conservative and Prohibition parties. We are fighting for those who have had their communities destroyed in the fires of racial division and a federal government willing to pick winners and losers. We stand by those who defend our country, our flag, and our people. Those who long to be proud of their country. We are one with those who seek to put a good meal on the table and a sturdy roof over your heads. We are with you, America. We are with you," Ford concluded.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire suspends its membership in the Treaty of Izmir, pending general reevaluation of policy.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan is happy the peace had once again came upon his people and his realms. The basic goals of securing our European borders had been achieved. Unfortunately when thousands of brave Ottoman soldiers fought and died for the homeland, we believed we've been meet with insufficient support from our allies, which needlesly prolonged the conflict.

After much deliberations, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty, along with his ministers, had decided, with heavy heart, to exit the European alliances and proclaim the policy of armed neutrality. Our involvement in Europe shall, from now on, be limited to maintaining commercial interests and cooperating with Greece, Bulgaria and Albania to secure the peace we've just agreed on.

Main interests of the Sublime Porte in the realm of external relations shall be focused on expanding ties with Asian and American countries, most notably the United States, Japan, Siberia and the Cossack State, while continuing to work with the United Kingdom to maintain stability in the Middle East.


On behalf of His Sacred and Imperial Majesty:

Emmanuel Carasso Efendi
The Grand Vizier

x Enver Pasha
Minister of War and Foreign Affairs

[Dereich]

Ah, what the hell. Since everyone else is doing it this turn I'll make my orders public like its turn 1 all over again.

The Empire of Japan

The Prime Minister and his Cabinet

Foreign Affairs:

-The Cabinet congratulates Mr. Baldwin on his assumption of the office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and wishes him luck in his endeavors.

-Japan (as with all civilized nations) abhors the violence currently occurring in the Italian peninsula and applauds His Holiness for his willingness to come to terms and prevent further violence. If necessary, Japan is happy to help both His Holiness and His Highness the Crown Prince come to a just and fair agreement.  

-We condemn the continued warmongering of the Kingdom of Romania and urge all sides to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict.

-The Japanese government is delighted to hear the new willingness of the Republic of Siberia to come to an equitable solution with both Japan and the Far Eastern Republic. We will accept Siberia's proposed ambassador on a provisional basis and will resume trade wherever our friends in Vladivostok feel appropriate.

-Out of deep respect for Chinese sovereignty and our friendship with Premier Jingwei, the Imperial Army will recall all expeditionary forces and patriotic volunteers to return from China. However, we wish to emphasize that a Communist China is anathema to Empire and, indeed, the entire world and we will take action to prevent it. It is requested that those men serving in China in their capacity as soldiers for the IJA withdraw via Indochina, where they are to wait further instructions.

-The IJN should be prepared to blockade any ports that come under Communist control and hereby warns foreign nations that attempting to support the Communist Chinese will be viewed as a hostile act against Japan.

-Preparations should be made to accommodate participants from all major (non-communist) factions in China so that a satisfying conclusion to the civil war can be quickly achieved. Japanese sponsored newspapers in Imperial and Nationalist China should put pressure on leaders of the factions to quickly come to terms favorable to stability, victory over the Communists, and friendship with Japan.

-The Empire has not forgotten the spirit of brotherhood and compassion the Ottoman Empire showed two years ago in their assistance after the Kita Tango earthquake. We would be thoughtless to not respond with twice the generosity we received now that the Ottomans are facing their own crisis!

Internal Affairs:

Instability from China will not be allowed to spread to Japanese territory. The Viceroy should stress the need for patience to the colonials. The Home Rule Commission is currently investigating ways to increase colonial sovereignty, which will be granted once the Indochinese and other subjects have shown themselves to be worthy of self-determination. The Emperor is furious at the ungrateful wretches who would throw away the gifts brought by Japanese overlordship and would exchange the chance to be uplifted by fellow Asians for inevitable European domination. (The author of this instruction has been dismissed for an unflattering description of His Majesty's views) The Viceroy will be authorized a slight increase in his budget and the flexibility to offer a small degree of concessions and leniency to maintain loyalty where possible.

Two additional divisions will be dispatched from the Mainland to Indochina, to be assigned to Saigon and Phnom Penh to assist in keeping peace in the region. The now very large military presence in the colony should crackdown on those colonials who choose to disregard the Emperor and Viceroy's generosity with as much force as they feel necessary to ensure order. The soldiers from China should proceed south, ensuring order has been restored and potential rebels have been uprooted as they go while the southern divisions do the same at whatever speed is appropriate. The use of air power to scout and engage rebel positions is also encouraged. The capture and interrogation (again, by whatever means are felt appropriate) of traitors to the Crown who appear to hold positions of leadership is authorized to discover other hidden rebel sympathizers and ascertain the cause of this rebellion.

Edited because I forgot a response to the Salamis Earthquake

[Spamage]

The German Empire-Deutches Reich

1930

Foreign Affairs:

--The government is more than happy to return our land in Morrocco to the government of that nation and will do so beginning at the next turn. In return we seek friendship with Sultan Hassan as well as increased trade between our two nations.

--Germany is horrified by the tragedy of the earthquake in Ottoman soil and shall send humanitarian aid to the nation. They have been and remain a source of stability in the region.

--Begin withdrawing all German troops from Romanian soil, now that we no longer involved in the conflict. Remind their government they have little hope of victory now that they stand alone against the Athens Pact. Urge them to seek peace.

--Germany congratulates the new prime minister of Great Britain and wishes him success in governing.


Domestic Affairs:

--Found a public-supported football league with teams from various cities of the Empire competing against one another. Establish teams in Vienna, Munich, Berlin, Essen, Braunschweig, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Hamburg, Frankfort, and Cologne. Encourage the broadcasting to be done over radio. All games shall commence with the national anthem.

--An Imperial Ministry of Health shall be established in Germany, with a Minister of Health being given a seat in the Cabinet. Spend money on researching ways to combat diseases, both in Germany proper and the colonies, as well as how to keep Germans healthy. Expand on the legacy of Bismarck.

Colonial Affairs:

--The Chancellor is happy to announce the appointment of Kurt von Schleicher as the new Viceroy for Africa. We look forward to a productive, effective relationship with our colonies abroad.

--Begin looking into potential representation for the colonies in the Reichstag. Approach the matter with the Kaiser and other members of the Administration.

--Continue investment in infrastructure and education in the colonies.

[Spamage]

Excerpt from Speech by the Chancellor to the Reichstag, "On Peace and Order", Jan. 1930:


"My fellow Germans, the world in which we are living is a dangerous and unsteady place. In the past few years we've seen fighting flare across the steppes of Russia, the fields of Spain, the vast expanses of China, and most recently the Balkans of Europe. In light of these conflicts, and the struggles facing the community of nations, I've come here to address the Empire and give a detailed accounting of our views on foreign policy so that there can be no uncertainty in where we stand.

Our government will remain comitted to peace, but not peace at any cost. We recognize than wars can and do occur, as they have for centuries, but we will fight tirelessly to prevent and solve those that do not need to happen. The thousands of innocents at risk of being killed deserve better. The stability of the world order ought to be paramount for all powers today as we cannot risk going back to the dark days around the turn of the century when so many lives were lost.

Thus, with these ideals in mind, the Government of Germany joins the rest of Europe in condemning the Romanian decision to continue their war and publicly urge them to seek peace. War can only bring death and destruction to the Continent, not prosperity and mutual understanding. In light of their decision to continue the conflict needlessly, we immediately announce the withdrawal of all German soldiers in that nation as we cannot condone their actions in any way.

There have been stories released about German funding in the Spanish Civil War. Any such action undoubtedly would be a mistake, though those were uncertain times as a state, with a then established government, was being torn into chaos. Regardless of the veracity of the story, we will now reiterate our stance, this time on the Iberian Peninsula. We are pro peace. We recognize the government of the Kingdom of Spain and furthermore are willing to help fund the reconstruction of the ruined nation in the spirit of European brotherhood.

Now to Italy. We also urge both sides in the brewing Italian conflict to be cautious and not rush into war. There are so many conflicts brewing around the world, it would be a tragedy to see another emerge. Naturally we have every faith in the reasonableness of the Holy Father and hope he and the Prince can find a solution to their disagreement without costing lives.

Our call for peace extends beyond Europe as well. In both China and Russia we urge the governments of the various factions to consider the consequences of the fighting. Though we are not complete idealists, and recognize many of their differences may be too much to overcome, we publicly are stating our willingness to host peace talks for either conflict in Berlin should anyone agree to it. Let it never be said we stood by and watched the chaos unfold without acting.

In the similar spirit of international camradarie Germany is willing to offer international, humanitarian aid to those who need it, all they need do is ask. We are happy to announce at this moment we are preparing to send supplies to the Ottoman region devastated by the recent earthquake.

Continuing on our commitment in saving lives, the government is proud to announce the forthcoming returning of German Morrocco to the Sultan. The land was taken years ago, in another era when the world's values were likewise much different. There is no justification for holding onto the territory today when the people there undoubtedly clamor, and will continue to do so, for a return to their traditional government. We congratulate the Sultan on the improvements his government has made to his nation and wish him the best of luck moving forward.

In conclusion my fellow citizens, it is my firm belief these times of uncertainty can be overcome. As one of the most developed and prosperous nations in the world it is our duty to help safeguard it, alongside the other powers, from the threats it may face. Only by banding together and standing as a united Germany can we show ourselves to be an example for other nations. God bless Germany, God bless the Kaiser, and God bless the citizens of this greatest Empire."

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire is extremely grateful to Japan and Germany for their generous aid in the time of natural disaster. His Sacred and Imperial Majesty is very hopeful seeing the increased level of humanitarian cooperation between the nations.


The Ottoman Empire is dissapointed with the attitude displayed by Romania. During Paris Peace Talks we were persistent on Romania not suffering any territorial loses. Unfortunately, the Romanian government had decides to ignore this and continue with the dangerous path. His Sacred and Imperial Majesty and his ministers are absolutely committed to honor a honourable peace with Greece and Bulgaria. (Everybody's sick and tired with Romania, with us being probably the most. First, there was a Crimean affair, then by their reckless behavior Romania allowed what was a border crisis to escalate into a full scale war. Bucharest should know it's their last chance for preserving status quo antanellum.)

[Lumine]

Meeting at Lourdes:

A series of delegations arrive to the town of Lourdes at Italy faces a deep division, pushed almost to the brink of civil war amidst an uneasy truce between Monarchists and Pro-Vatican forces. With Pope Alexander and Cardinal Basilio Pompilj arriving on behalf of the Vatican to the town, Crown Prince Umberto and Count Carlo Sforza are to represent the Monarchist side. Pleasentries aside, Sforza presents the Monarchist point of view, demaning the release of Emperor Victor Emmanuel a suggesting the need for a truce and full pardon for members of either side as the only road to avoid civil war. Unofficially, it is believed Prince Umberto and Sforza are considering offering the abdication of the Emperor if necessary, but they remain adamant on his innocence and the need to prevent a second civil war in less than a decade.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

A state-owned company, the Ottoman-Siberian Association, is to be created in order to foster and conduct our trade relations with Siberia.

[ASPN]

Meeting at Lourdes

After much debate, the Vatican side believes that the people of Italy will not tolerate the Emperor on the throne after the events that transpired. At best the Pope is willing to exile the Emperor, free and alive, but never to set foot in Italian soil again. Crown Prince Umberto would then be crowned Emperor under Vatican supervision.   

[windjammer]

Well, I hereby order demobilization. I will follow my advisors' advices and I will cut a bit military spending.

----

France will be focused on making sure a civil war doesn't happen in Italy


(OOC: sorry I'm too busy irl right now)

[Lumine]

BBC Update:

The peace conference between supporters of the Pope and Prince Umberto in Lourdes has finished today, closing the threat of civil war in Italy amidst fears of a conflict that would have led to unprecedented chaos. With the acceptance of the Papal terms by Count Carlo Sforza, Emperor Victor Emmanuel will abdicate the Italian throne after a thirty-year reign and go into exile, although neither the Emperor nor his son accept responsibility over a supposed arrangement with the Ottoman Empire. It is expected that Umberto will be crowned as Emperor Umberto II very soon.

[Lumine]

End of Early 1930:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

In the News:

Russian Provisional Troika assassinated, Tsar Alexei and Kolchak reunite Russia

The streets of St. Petersburg were covered in bloodshed today as a remnant group of Archangelsk Red Army soldiers launched a suicide bomb attack on the main leaders of the Russian Provisional Government outside the Russian Duma. Alongside a dozen deputies dead the bombs maimed and killed Prime Minister Kerensky, Finance Minister Milyukin and Field Marshal Wrangel, the heads of the Russian Government.

Amidst the chaos, several oblasts defected or were occupied by General Yudenich, Krasnov's Cossacks and even the Ukrainian Government, with the westernmost oblasts declaring temporary independence as the new Republic of Ruthenia. It was in the middle of this disaster that young Tsar Alexei, General Kutepov and a number of Tsarist loyalists took over the government and suspended the Duma. Seeking to end the division inside Russia, Alexei took the initiative to invite Admiral Kolchak to serve as Prime Minister and reunite Siberia with the Provisional Government.

Kolchak, a committed loyalist to the Tsarist cause, seized the opportunity to fly to St. Petersburg, cementing the reunion of most of Russia with the signatures of the Tsar and himself. Yudenich continues to fight and many small states remain defiant, but with the union of both countries Tsar Alexei and Admiral Kolchak are now the undisputed successor to Russia and the strongest power in what used to be Nicholas II's Empire.

R. B. Bennett's Tories triumph in Canada, a return to the Commonwealth?

After a long period of Liberal dominance in the Republic of Canada, Tory Leader R. B. Bennett has led the Conservatives to a landslide majority as the Republic's new Prime Minister. Having strongly campaigned for Canada to return to the Commonwealth and embrace Edward VIII as its King, this is believed to be a major source of concern for the US, which had neutralized the links between Canada and the UK in the Great War.

Skirmish in Tacna leaves dozens dead, Chile and Peru close to war

Peruvian nationalists led an assault on Chilean forces of occupation in the city of Tacna, failing to seize the city and leaving dozens of casualties behind. With Peru and Chile both led by nationalist military governments, war seems almost inevitable between both countries, a rematch of the War of the Pacific that could include the dictatorship in Bolivia and which sees Argentina unable to mediate due to the mounting collapse of its government.

UK Party System changing, New Labour and Nationals on the rise

The political winds in the UK are changing, as the first months of Prime Minister Baldwin see a continued turn towards the left that has caused no less than 11 Tory MP's to defect to the National Party, putting the Conservatives at a mere 329 seats (down 23 since the GE). The Liberal Party faces a large split as well, with many denouncing leader Archibald Sinclair for being too close to the more moderate Tories. With the General Election due next year, two parties are expected to face a significant surge in support: the right-wing National Party of Sir Malcolm Campbell and more importantly, the rebranded New Labour Party of Oswald Mosley, who's been successful in reforming Labour as a strong electoral force.

American Party a success, Henry Ford on the rise

With Congress crashing into more and more gridlock and the Administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt looking powerless as rebel groups and criminal gangs increase their power as the economy slides into a steep decline, the fragile American democracy appears more and more threatened despite the courageous decision to issue its return after the MacArthur experiment. In this context, the new American Party of Henry Ford has gained significant support across the nation. Well funded and organized, the Party has achieved many important defections from the Conservatives, Prohibitionists and even many allies of the President, and is on the way to make an impact on the upcoming Midterm-Elections.

[Lumine]

Wars, Economy and Popularity:

Ongoing Wars:

Russian Civil War:
(Various Russian states)
Kolchak and the Tsar united Russia, Yudenich still resisting

Chinese Civil War:
(Chinese Empire v. Kuomintang v. Chinese Communist Party v. Warlords)
Kuomintang China desintegrating.

Second Balkan War:
(Athens Pact v. Romania)
Bulgaria virtually liberated, Romania invaded.

Popularity Ratings:

Minister of War Enver Pasha: High
Admiral Alexander Kolchak: High
President Francois de la Rocque: High
Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi: Medium
Pope Alexander IX: Medium
Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin: Low
Chancellor Franz von Papen: Low
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Very Low

Economic Ratings:

German Empire: Strong
Japanese Empire: Strong
Ottoman Empire: Strong
Republic of France: Moderate
United Kingdom: Weak
Koly Kingdom of Italy: Weak
Russia: Very Weak
United States of America: Very Weak

Current Armies:

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[Lumine]

End of turn retconned, map updated to reflect united Russia and the loss of territory to other nations.

[Lumine]

Turn Eight: Late 1930

Alexander Kolchak has virtually unified the Tsarists, can he chart a new course for Russia?

United Kingdom:

Evening, Prime Minister.

1.- New Chancellor Neville Chamberlain proves to be an asset in keeping the UK economy in order, but the Conservative Party is at a crossroads after recent turns to the left under Churchill and on your first months. One wing of the party argues for a sharp turn to the right and to an imperialistic stance to counter the National Party, and another defends the turn to the left to crush the Liberals and capture the center ground. Which wing will you listen to?

2.- The current use of militia and army units has kept the peace in the Dominion of Ireland, although it is feared peace might not last long. However, it's India that takes the headlines now, as the protests called by the Indian National Congress in favor of Home Rule grow more and more popular. How will you try to handle the Indian situation?

3.- Interesting news from Canada, as the new Conservative Government has decided to formalize its past acceptance of Edward VIII as its King and formally request their entrance to the Commonwealth as an autonomous country, yet one linked to Great Britain and its King. This move is likely to anger the United States greatly, but will you accept the return of Canada despite the risks?

Japan:

Evening, Prime Minister,

1.- The Chinese Communist Party has conquered its first ports in the South China Sea, and units of the IJN have detected neutral ships entering the harbors with cargo which the Intelligence Service suspect are foreign weapons. How will you react?

2.- The revolt in Indochina spreads despite the best efforts of the Viceroy and his new military units, who in their desire for the quick crackdown have caused significant harm to some areas of the population which are tempted to support the rebels in the North. Their main route of support is yet unknown, but the main suspects are the Warlord Junta in Kunming, radical elements in the Indian National Congress and such nationalist groups and that it might be part of a large effort amongst territories conquered by Japan.

3.- Despite your best attempts, negotiations between the rump Kuomintang and the Imperial representatives stall, neither side yielding despite the rise of the Communists and the Russo-Mongolian raids across Northern China and Manchuria.

France:

1.- A large part of the army has been demobilized, with economists believing the French economy should improve its shape in the coming months. Will you be taking extra measures to accelerate these improvements?

2.- Several officers in the French Army destined in Algeria have proposed a plan to the General Staff, which is sent to you for dismissal or approval. Seeing the impact tribes like the Senoussi have had, and with large parts of Libya, Egypt and the Sudan barely explored or occupied, they propose that a large expeditionary force occupies these territories to expand French territory in Africa, although such a move could raise questions with the British. What will you do?

Russia:

Greetings, Admiral Kolchak. Congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister, and best of luck in bringing Russia back to the center stage:

1.- Seeing the writing on the wall General Yudenich has decided to offer a peace proposal, offering to recognize your government in exchange for positions for him and his officer cabal, and greater domestic autonomy for the Kazakh region. Will you accept this proposal or seek victory at all costs?

2.- Attempts to provoke a revolt in the Caucasus domains of General Krasnov have ended in failure as the Cossacks capture a few oblasts in the aftermath of Kerensky's death, their oil blockade via sea and land crippling the Russian economy. How will you resolve this issue before it's too late?

3.- With the support of the Tsar and his loyalists, you enter office with an almost autocratic control over the regions who decided to support you (and weren't occupied by others). Will you formally revive the old Russian Empire, or seek other forms of government?

4.- The aftermath of Kerensky's death has seen massive losses of ground to Ukraine, Finland, Ruthenia and the Cossacks. It will not be an easy task recovering such massive domains.


Germany:

1.- You've saved your government with your latest speech and raised doubts regarding the claims on your role in Spain, although the conservatives have bolted the government and compromised its majority for the time being. How will you address this, and will you seek an early general election seeing as the latest date comes next year?

2.- As China desintegrates in civil war, a group of young officers from the General Staff believe there is serious risk to Germany's investments and military bases in Qingdao and Shandong Province, going as far as to suggest an expeditionary force should be sent to "secure" German interests. What will you do?

3.- Organization is much improved in terms of health and industry after your recent reforms, and recruitment appears to be picking up slowly. The War Ministry, however, believes this can be much improved if Germany expands its conscription laws. Will you do so?

Ottoman Empire:

1.- The War Ministry announces that the task force is ready for action, and prepared to move when necessary.

2.- Initial efforts with "Ottomanism" prove mixed, as while some appear receptive the nationalist sentiment is very much strong on Arabs and Kurds. Even as the Empire has been able to reform its bureaucracy and avoid a major revolt, the Interior Ministry warns the Empire is still far from being able to craft a sincere spirit of unity.

3.- As the Persian Gulf gains more relevance as a major oil route the overall analysis of the Council of Ministries is that the British Protectorate over Kuwait remains a major roadblock in exporting oil and building a pipeline. Will you be seeking to reduce tariffs regarding oil or seek permission for a join pipeline?

[Lumine]

Second War of the Pacific:

As feared, the latest incident in Tacna has moved the military governments of South America into action, starting a conflict that threatens to bring war to large parts of the entire continent. Peruvian President Colonel Luis Miguel Sanchez declared war to Chile after being refused compensation for the Tacna event and refusing to admit any degree of responsibility, a move soon followed by the Bolivian President General Enrique Peñaranda. In response, the Chilean Junta (unofficially led by General Luis Altamirano) mobilized its army to the North to defend the provinces Chile captured in the First War of the Pacific (1879-1884), including the rich areas of Antofagasta, Tarapaca, Arica and Tacna.

The conflict has been justly named "Second War of the Pacific" as a potential rematch of the first war, putting other governments in a tough stance. The unstable (and democratic) Argentinian government appears to support neutrality while its military wishes to invade Chile, whereas Ecuador, Paraguay and even Brazil are thought to be considering supporting Chile to weaken Peru and Bolivia. More crucially, the three countries have written endless missives to the European powers plus Japan and the Ottoman Empire, asking for military support and weapons that could prove crucial in winning the conflict.

US economy crashes, unemployment skyrockets:

Years of contradicting economic policies, political strife and the innate gridlock of the Roosevelt Administration against a gridlocked Congress appear to have exploded in the past weeks, as the main Stock Exchanges in the United States have crashed as major business go bankrupt, skyrocketing unemployment across most of the country (notable exceptions being the still Socialist-held California and Huey Long's virtual kingdom in Louisiana) and aiding crime lords like Antonio "Tony" Camonte in cementing their hold over large cities.

Many in Congress are thought to be under pressure by the military to impeach Roosevelt, although the President's allies have enough votes to block impeachment. With the midterms approaching it is yet unknown whether it will be the Progressives, the Socialists or the American Party who will profit, although the countless defections from the Conservatives and other minor parties to Henry Ford's new political force and the apparent contacts of military officers with him appear to show him as a force to be reckoned with.

Will the United States ever be able to return to its grand position in the McKinley years, and how will the European powers deal with the fallout of the American Crash?