News from the Far East
ELECTIONS IN GUANGXI. Xinjing, Guangxi. Elections have been held once more in Guangxi this year, as the primary issue of concern has been the continued persistence of the Red Army. Despite their successes in past years, it seems that the Red Army has either exhausted itself or chosen to focus on other theaters, as they have seemed to have left Guangxi alone. The end of compulsory English education has been a major concession to the government's opposition, but they have continued to campaign on decreasing the nation's dependence upon British military and economic power and influence. On the other side of the coin, there has been extensive concern that the current moderate drift towards China and away from Britain will be detrimental to the local economy. The conservative Fùxīngdǎng has been fueled by those seeking a revocation of the new agreements with China, and continued isolation of that illegitimate government. With expansive support from British and local commercial interests, the Fùxīngdǎng has triumphed, securing a clear majority in the national Parliament. King Richard has welcomed this change, and the new government has been formed around conservative leader, Edward Pan.
HAWAIIAN ELECTIONS HELD. Honolulu, Hawaii. The island nation of Hawaii has been known for its white sandy beaches and relative tranquility since the expulsion of the restless American population. The success of that program has allowed for the peace and prosperity of Hawaii to continue unabated. However, the liberal Free Hawaii Party has not been without opposition, particularly throughout this tumultuous year. The continuing withdrawals from the Pacific Concord has greatly weakened the power of that organization, and there has been some concerns from the conservative elements that this could be a prelude to new attempts by American successor states to reclaim the islands. The Whig Party, having rebranded itself as a conservative movement, has called for closer ties with Japan and the modernization of the Hawaiian military forces. Unfortunately for the conservatives, they were unable to convince the people that the security of Hawaii was at risk. The Free Hawaii Party has managed to reclaim a slim majority in the islands' Congress. President Kimo Rodgers has won reelection for a third time, and has pledged to maintain the policies which have kept the island strong. Behind the rhetoric though, it is clear that the Free Hawaii Party has been greatly shaken, and observers state that when the 1932 elections arrive, the result could be significantly different. (-1 Stability)
AUSTRALIA CALLS FOR DOMINION STATUS. Sydney, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The reforms which have led to the new status of dominion for places like Guangxi and South Africa have not been unnoticed for one of Britain's largest colonies. The possession of Australia, one of the most populated and loyal regions of the empire, has proven its value time and again, and now seeks a reward. Spokesmen for various Australian liberation groups have called for the establishment of a Dominion of Australia, seeking to expand local rights and autonomy. Numerous representatives were sent in front of the new Parliament in London, and have appealed to Prime Minister Shaw to allow the people of Australia to choose their own status and fate. According to reports, the Prime Minister heard the pleas of the Australian representatives, but has refused to make any real commitment on the issue. Insiders believe that the Prime Minister is not directly opposed to the notion, but is concerned about a possible display of weakness due to the instability in Africa.
RED ARMY LAUNCHES NEW JAPANESE CAMPAIGN. Peking, Japan. With their efforts in Guangxi weakened by new treaties and legislation, the Red Army seems to have begun to redirect their focus in another direction. The Japanese have long sought to implement speaking of the Japanese language across their empire, but for the most part their educational ideals have simply been ignored due to a lack of funds. Recent attempts to renew the forced learning of Japanese upon the Chinese people have met with similar failure, but have helped fuel the growth of the Red Army. Taking their rhetoric of nationalism to the people of the cities of the north, the Chinese of the Red Army have rallied substantial forces and money to their banner. This has led to a string of battles across the countryside and even in some of the smaller cities and towns. The Japanese have been forced into these fights, and it seems their new doctrine has greatly diminished their effectiveness in battle. The Red Army has thus won a score of major victories over Japan, and some believe that open revolution may not be far away due to the supreme incompetence of the Japanese and their new doctrine. (-14 Infantry Brigades, -4 Artillery Brigades, -1 Type-92 Armored Brigade, -1 Stability)
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CHINAS. Guangzhou, Guangxi. For the first time in either nation's history, the governments of the Dominion of Guangxi and China have met on amicable terms. Seeking out an end to the simmering hostility and ending a bastion of support for the Red Army, the treaty has led to a new treaty of understanding. This is the first official recognition of the Chinese government, as both Xinjing and Lanzhou have recognized the other's legitimacy in their respective areas. They have promised further cooperation, especially in regards to Japan's possessions in China, which remain an objective for both other states. The Chinese have also pledged not to undermine each other's governments, though many suspect China behind the continuing operations of the Red Army in both Guangxi and Japanese China. The patrons of both Guangxi and China, Britain and Russia respectively, seem less than pleased with this development, and some suspect that the treaty will be short-lived at best.
Financial Section
AZTLAN OPENS NEW TARIFF AGREEMENTS. Oaxaca, Aztlan. The Central American nation of Aztlan has begun opening up new ties with South America this year, to provide hopeful markets for the nation's rising oil production. The increase in production has been slow, though the rise of demand globally has been soaring in recent years. Therefore the slow reduction of tariffs between Aztlan and Argentina and Brazil have been suggested as a wise step for the local economy. There have been some concerns that these agreements will lead to the domination of Aztec markets by South American businessmen, but these have been countered that the goods produced down there will now be cheaper for the average Aztec. The tariffs are designed to reduce slowly by treaty, bringing them down over the course of several years, rather than being implemented immediately.
KONGO OFFERS GRANTS FOR PRODUCTIVITY. Haraldsholm, Kongo. The end of the Great Rebellion has led to a severe drop in productivity and wealth for the people in charge of the Kongo. Seeking to restore the empire-in-exile to a status of productivity, they have begun offering monetary incentives to improve local business. These rewards have been offered predominantly to those who have increased rates of production, rather than the establishment of new business. This does not mean that new business has been discouraged, but as the interior continues to seethe with some unrest, there has been concern about the implications of expanding interior resource exploitation. The government has stated that cooperation with these programs will only bring more wealth and prosperity to the people of Africa as a whole, and will fuel the restoration of the grandeur of the greater empire.
GLOBAL MARKETS REPORT MASSIVE SURGES. Novgorod, Russia. From financial districts across the world, markets have reported unprecedented rises in productivity and stocks almost across the board. Though some regions continue to struggle, across the modern world, demand is far exceeding supply, as people rush to buy the latest in appliances and inventions. Luxuries like refrigeration, radio, and automobiles seem to be in the highest demand, and with the end of the Rhine-Rhone War and following crises there are many returning home with the money to buy. Throughout Europe and the Americas, people are on a spending spree, purchasing all the marvels and wonders of the modern age. The embargo against Brazil, which was feared to tear the economy and global marketplace apart, has only been a minor stumbling block at worst. Though this has raised prices, people are still willing to pay for goods, and there has been noted prosperity among nations offering alternative outlets of industrial and natural goods. The completion and onset of reconstruction projects has also created most jobs, and people have stated that the rise of prosperity mark a new great era for mankind. The overall growth has helped stabilize some troubled regions and it appears to be marking a path forward free of civil unrest. (+1 Stability to all nations with EP growth)
DENMARK SUBSIDIZES IMPORTS. Copenhagen, Denmark. The Danish government, concerned about the ramifications of the German-led embargo, has taken measures to insure that the local industries and business are not adversely effected. To this end, the Danes have set aside financing for the ongoing purchase of raw materials required for modern industry. Specifically resources such as refined petroleum and rubber have been acquired, looking for new sources to adjust the Danish economy. However, this has somewhat spilled over into the agricultural sphere, helping to purchase food supplies, mostly from Russian growers. The Danes have failed to really muster much opposition to these policies, which have proven fairly successful among the current rise of prosperity globally. The only real opponents have protested at government intervention in the economy reeking of proletarism, but they have been outspoken and few in number.
UNIFIED CURRENCY IN NORTHERN IBERIA. Bilbao, Euskadi. Negotiations between the new Iberian nations of Euskadi and Catalonia have led to the creation of a single currency to be used between both of them. The Galicians participated in early negotiations over the matter, but have fairly brusquely rejected any terms of currency or monetary unification. There has existed substantial political opposition in Euskadi towards the effort too, but the current government has insisted that the measure is the best to be taken for the time being. The new toro acts as a replacement for the decayed imperial peso, which has been the ad hoc currency for the new states since gaining independence. The Galicians have adopted their own version of the peso, simplifying the transition rather than worrying about the adoption of a whole new monetary system. The new currency has suffered some immediate inflation, but the current global market has helped stabilize the values for the time being.
PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC TALKS FALL THROUGH IN NORTHERN SOUTH AMERICA. Bogota, Colombia. With Colombia's recent economic expansion and development has come calls for further cooperation and development with Venezuela and Ecuador. The Colombians have begun pressuring the other two governments to enter into talks upon various types of economic development from which all three could benefit. Due to the prevalence of Colombian interests in Ecuador and the continued stagnation of the Venezuelan economy, it was hoped the two nations would recognize the mutual benefit. This did not seem to take place however, as though a preliminary conference was launched, it seemed that political concerns have overridden economic interests. Both Venezuela and Ecuador have expressed their desire to remain economically sound and not dependent upon a friendly government in Colombia. Upon this, the rest of hopeful cooperation soon fell through, particularly considering the lingering resentment between the Venezuelans and Colombians. Despite the failure of these initial talks, it is hoped that future governments in the area may prove more reasonable and willing to negotiate.
CHOKWE BUY OUT BRAZILIAN BUSINESS. Luau, Chokweland. According to the terms of previous treaties and agreements with Brazil, the Chokwe have offered compensation to private Brazilian citizens for their property. While most of these Brazilians do not actually reside in the territory, the funds were sent to Brazil itself to compensate the owner of various mines and other privately owned facilities. They have offered no such respect to Angolan managed businesses, claiming that they are the source of the oppression. The Chokwe have so far refused further offers of negotiation and trading rights with Brazil, focusing instead on preserving their own independence. These purchases have been seen as the first move towards nationalization and independence among the Chokwe, resisting European dominion over their resources and homes.
COLUMBIAN CURRENCY DROPPED. Boulder City, Jacksonia. The recent debacle between the governments of Jacksonia and Florida have led to a rapid decline in relations between the two, and with it has come the end of the unified currency. Jacksonia was the first to drop out of the arrangement, stating the intolerability of the Floridian government, and the lack of desire to continue being economically linked to Florida. The effort was well received by the Socialist supporters, and has also been accepted by relieved economists who were run ragged by the numerous and conflicting currencies in use in Jacksonia. The Floridians soon followed with abandoning the currency themselves, replacing the Columbian dollar with their own Floridian ones. The new currency is to go into effect in 1930, allowing people time to replace their old bills and wealth with the new ones before the old is invalidated by the changeover.
NEW ECONOMIC DOORS OPENED IN SOUTH AMERICA. Sucre, Peru. In a treaty which has initiated a change from over thirty years of political and economic policy, the governments of Argentina and Peru have signed a new document. This treaty has opened trade doors between the two South American nations, offering more open trade and lower tariffs over time. In the past Peruvian businesses have often been concerned about being overshadowed in their own nation by Brazilians or Argentines, but in recent years the growth of Peru's own economy has given business more confidence. Therefore the current treaty is one more of equals rather than one which will lead to dominion by either power. The Brazilians remain excluded from this agreement, but it has possibly begun a new course of reconciling Peru with the other nation of South America.
US UNDERTAKES FINANCIAL REFORM. Chicago, United States of America. Though Robert Wallace's legacy is likely to be somewhat tarnished by the debates over his actions politically, few can deny the indomitable effect of his domestic policy on revitalizing the economy. After announcing his decision not to run for the office of president once again, and supporting Henry Harris, President Wallace has remained focused on financial reform in the United States. He has spent his remaining political capital establishing the new Federal Reserve to help bolster the American dollar in international markets. This has come with further financial reform to help support banking and financial institutions throughout the nation. The Republicans claimed credit for the policies during the elections, but this has proven not even effective, though no other political party has opposed the last reforms pushed forward by President Wallace. The reforms also were supplemented by new trade agreements with Germany and Italy, pushing forward economic growth with the beginning of the new embargo against Brazil.
FINANCIAL FLUCTUATION REPORT. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
The Sports Page
THE 1928 OLYMPIC GAMES. Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the grand events have been taken to the British Isles. Thanks to the persistent lobbying and efforts by the British, the world's mightiest empire is now host to these games, allowing a promising stage to be set in Edinburgh. For the first time since 1916, the Olympic Games have been attended by a majority of world nations, as the games in 1920 and 1924 were highly partisan, as major ongoing wars prevented full attendance. This has led to the largest Olympic Games in recent history, and the organizers have had their hands full, but the local sporting press, and aficionados of the games have claimed it is the greatest such event in the history of international sporting events. The games themselves were hotly contested, and the finest displays were from the resident underdog nation of Normandy, though the United States and Britain both made powerful displays of their own. The most observed and bitter game was the final round of Balompie, wherein the team from the Roman Empire edged out the Peruvians by a single point. Most are looking forward to the 1932 games, and the committee to determine a site will announce the finalists for those games next year. They have encouraged various cities to make their cases in front of the International Olympic Committee to help determine what communities are available or best for these great sporting events.
EMPEROR FORMALIZES KONGO VARUKORGBOLL LEAGUE. Haraldsholm, Kongo. Ever since the Accidental Revolution, the Kongo has played host to an informal varukorgboll league, undertaking local games but with no real official sponsorship. This set of disorganized clubs and organizations have been consolidated by imperial mandate this year, supporting the creation of the Imperial Scandinavian Varukorgboll League. The new organization is dedicated to spreading the sport and establishing an organized set of rules and regulations to govern the management of the game. The effort has been successful, though there has been some dispute about the inclusion of colored residents of Kongo being allowed to participate. To the surprise and disgust of some fans, the colored residents have been allowed to join the teams, but there have been strict regulations on the percentage and times when these individuals can play. Still, the first games have been successful, and one of the city teams from Haraldsholm has emerged triumphant.
THE VARUKORGBOLL AMBASSADORS. Mogadishu, Adjuuramark. With the diplomatic recognition of the new African states which have emerged from the wreckage of the Scandinavian Empire has come an unusual new development. Lauded at home as the "varukorgboll ambassadors," ambitious private citizens from Vinland have travelled to expand the franchise of the sport to the new nations. Though these efforts were somewhat hindered by the outbreak of new fighting between Tadjoura and its neighbors, they have begun making headway. Under imperial rule, varukorgboll was kept isolated from the masses under the guidance of the administration, as a pastime for the Scandinavian peoples. The Vinlanders have felt differently, helping organize local varukorgboll leagues in Adjuuramark, Abyssinia, Mozambique, and Tanganyeken. They have not had much success in Sudan, and left greatly discouraged. Fans of the sport believe that with larger recognition will come superior games, and hopes that this will catch on in the new states, perhaps assisting in the supplanting of balompie as the global sport.
The Cultural Center
Darkness
The first film of its kind, this "horror" film has proven to be one of the most innovative in Brazilian history. The story focuses upon a Brazilian adventurer in the jungles of Angola, and an encounter with the strange superstitions and stories of bodies which rise from their graves. The film details the adventurers' escape from the jungles and the fighting which it entails. The movie was actually fairly unpopular and not successful in Brazil itself, and the team which made the film eventually went to Rosario, where they found a more receptive market. The much more successful studio in Argentine managed to obtain the rights, producing a new film with the same plot, revising the ending and finding a much more receptive market. The film has been wildly popular in Europe and the Americas, finding a receptive audience among those fearful of the anarchy brought by the primitive folk of Africa.
Random Stat Changes and Minor Technological Advances
Japan designs new Aichi Ki-13 Class Fighter.
Persia creates and adopts Persian Royal Army 1928.
Russia designs the new T-28 Armored Vehicle.
Scandinavia designs the new Obetvinglig-1928 Fighter.
Germany designs the new IGL-28 Fighter.
Roman Empire designs the new Pegasus Military Transport Aircraft.
German naval officer graduates prove highly effective: +1 Navy Quality for Germany.
Italian veterans from the war in Africa improve training procedures: +1 Army Quality for Italy.
Diplomatic Pouch
To:
Persia
From: Kurdistan
We would like to request permission to adopt your new army doctrine for our own military forces.
To:
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
From: Various African Nations
Concede our independence, your time in this region is done.
To:
Adjuuramark and Sudan
From: Tadjoura
We are more than willing to offer you a white peace at borders before your treacherous attack. If you choose, we could continue our rampage against your pitiful forces, and destroy the very base of your governments. The choice is yours.
To:
Abyssinia
From: Tadjoura
Your dastardly attack will never be forgotten. You offered us a hand in friendship and then stabbed us in the back. You will pay reparations for your crimes if you wish us to not destroy you. We will insist upon either 10 EP each year for ten years, or direct annexation of the territories we currently hold. Failure to agree to our terms will result in the dissolution of your government in favor of a regime which will not betray its neighbors at the drop of a hat.
OOC
Per his request, Blue Bacon 3 has been dropped by India. His orders were disregarded to save time and to allow greater consistency for the Indian government. Similarly, I've canceled the plethora of diplomatic agreements he allegedly made because they often conflicted and took up too much of my precious time.
@talonschild: It does make my comprehension of your orders substantially easier if you include the minus education/domestic EP in your spending section, to answer your question. It's up to you though on how much you choose to spend in that area.
@luckymoose: You did not receive expected funds from two of those who you thought were sending you money. Therefore your math was a bit wrong, and excess has been banked. Also, I think I may have missed some revised orders you sent the first time through, but if I'm the correct, the only shortfall was by a destroyer you wouldn't have been able to afford anyways.
@Azale: Conscripts can only be recruited during times of war. Also, I'm not sure whether you intend on your Directed Development stuff to be a policy or one-time project, some clarification on that would be most helpful. In the meantime, the EP has been banked. As an aside your population is either Muslims or Protestant, there's really no real reason for you to go to a Catholic thing like the Moralist conference.
@Justo: you did not receive the money you expected. Therefore the last three items of your spending orders were not done.
@TheLizardKing: You forgot about the Domestic Spending. That's why the bank isn't 548.
Thomas.berubeg has been dropped from Spain due to inactivity.
Per his request, Terrence888 has been dropped from Florida.
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