News from Africa and the Middle East
MILITARY TAKEOVER IN KABINDE. Luanda, Kabinde. Upon gaining its independence from the Netherlands, the new government in the young nation of Kabinde has been torn in two by internal disputes. While a number of sources have called for the establishment of a free republic, these have mostly been those who had been educated by the former Dutch imperial establishment. In contrast, the army has consisted of those most oppressed by imperial rule and largely of volunteers for the fight. As the republican faction conceded to a form of tribute paid to the Scandinavian government in Haraldsholm, the balance swung towards the army. General Ludo Janz and his backers have thus managed to secure total power over the government, and the military has taken full control of the state. They have pledged to defend the nation against any interlopers and prevent the fall of Kabinde once more to dastardly imperial interests, whether they be Dutch or Scandinavian.
ELECTIONS IN ORANJIEN. Christiansburg, Oranjien. Despite several consecutive terms in office as the president of Oranjien, Frej Stensen confirmed his 1929 announcement that he would not run for reelection this year. He has claimed that his age and family must now take priority and that he would open the highest office in Oranjien to a new generation of politicians. Thus the presidency has been opened to a number of interests, though only the candidates from the largest two parties, the standing National Conservative Party and the minority Social Liberal Party, stand a real shot at it. The result was a bitter competition, even while the National Conservatives managed to retain a clear and easy majority in Congress. Former vice president Caj Jensen has found himself unable to surpass his opponent, Svend Oster. The result has been a political standoff, as popular liberal Oster was able to secure the presidency, even while his opposition have strong control over the legislature. Many are concerned about the deadlock likely to ensue, as both sides struggle for true power and authority. (-1 Stability)
TURKISH ELECTIONS HELD. Konya, Turkey. The global economic failure has had a particularly harsh effect on Turkey this year as many of its overseas trading partners have found themselves floundering, and the Turks have not been far behind. In the weeks leading up to the Turkish elections, two major banks failed, leading to the unemployment of hundreds of people. The Young Turk Party has struggled to maintain politically superiority but have been wavering under the relentless stream of negative press relating to the economic failures at hand. Prime Minister Atay was further struck as armament minister Zekai Apaydın defected to the conservative Grand Mandate Party. His own voice has led to a tremendous backlash towards the regime, and threatened its overthrow. The result was an triumph for the Grand Mandate Party, as they have secured a majority in the legislature. They have appointed the wayward Zekai Apaydın as the new Prime Minister, to lead a new era of Turkish government.
BLOODY REVOLT FREES GABON. Moanda, Gabon. The troubled Burgundian colony in Central Africa faced a full blown uprising this year as the local population found themselves at last unable to tolerate any further oppression. After last year's successful uprising in Kabinde and the ongoing rebellion in Scandinavian West Africa, the people of Gabon have at last found the will to face their oppressors in open battle. A declaration of martial law and authoritarian practices at home proved tobe the straw that broke the camel's back. The rebellion caught the garrison off guard, as they were unaware of the full strength of the rebel forces. The initial attacks were wildly successful, and many Burgundian forces found themselves cut off and threatened with destruction by rebel forces. The fighting continued throughout the year, culminating in Burgundy's retreat from the colony after major battlefield setbacks. A new Free Nation of Gabon has been declared under the rebel leader, Ekene Mba, who has pledged to spare the country from further tyranny of European rule. No agreement has been reached, and foreign observers are fairly convinced that a likely attempt will be made to reclaim the lost colony.
Casualty Lists
Burgundy: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 2 Artillery Brigades
Gabon: 4 Conscript Brigades
NATION OF CHAD FORMED AS SPANISH RETREAT. Abeche, Chad. The Spanish have had a major defeat inflicted upon them as the population of the Spanish Central African interior have risen up against the colonial authorities. They managed to successfully launch an uprising in territories thought safe by the Spanish forces in the region. Well trained mechanics thought to be loyal to the empire slaughtered the crews of Spanish tanks, and soon turned them over to the rebellion with ample knowledge for the use of them. Spanish forces have been driven back throughout the territory and pushed south by larger and more determined rebel forces. The rebels have even begun deploying planes of their own, putting up a fight for control of the skies against Spain, as the Spanish have been stretched with fuel shortages and sabotage behind the lines. The rebels have secured a defensive line, and behind it have proclaimed the new Republic of Chad, out of the northern city of Abeche.
Casualty Lists
Chad: 7 Conscript Brigades
Spain: 3 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 1 P-16 Fighter Squadron
GABON'S REBELLION SPURS DISSENT IN BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA. Gentle Port, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The revolt against Burgundy's rule in Central Africa has had ramifications for the other colonial powers in the region. Partially involved with the success of the revolt of Chad against the Spanish, the successes have encouraged the development of a new movement in British Central Africa. Seeking to gain greater autonomy and independence from the British, the residents of this region have begun to organize and form against imperial rule. They have establish the Nkomi Independence League, calling for the establishment of freedom perhaps as a dominion, but preferably full freedom. Leaders of the League have visited the British Parliament in London, and have lobbied for autonomy, calling for new reform and change in Nkomi. The concerns have been listened to, but it seems unlikely the British would concede to further reforms and loss of control in Africa. This perception have only worsened things back in Central Africa, as elements of the population have begun to look towards more drastic solutions against imperial rule. (-1 Stability)
NOMADS BEGIN ATTACKS IN BRITISH ARABIA. Riyadh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The British have suffered immensely in recent years, but the worst lot has fallen to the poor souls stationed to maintain order in the Arabian interior. The recent reforms in the region have been less than popular with the nomads in the center of the peninsula, who have been a well armed and insular group for decades. They have taken action against the British, and a number of British outposts have been struck against by the nomads, and have frequently been overrun in these attacks. The Royal Army has done its best to supply the outposts, but caravans and trains are constantly attacked and besieged by nomadic forces, threatening to make the situation worse. Fortunately, efforts by British cavalry have been moderately successful, holding back some of the worst and largest raids. Casualties mounted throughout the year, but it seems likely that the situation will remain under control for the time being. (-1 Infantry Brigade)
BOMBING IN NAMIBE. Namibe, Angola. A large explosion rocked the city of Angola late this year, as a blast from an unknown explosive was detonated outside of government buildings. Reportedly over a dozen were injured and the attack was clearly directed towards the current government of Angola. Allegedly, General Teodoro Gallego was the target of the blast, focused at removing the tyrant ruling over the country. Republican groups have taken credit for the attack, but the state controlled press has claimed that the bombing was generated by pro-imperialist Brazilian saboteurs. General Gallego has stated that the government will not be held in fear by those seeking to restore unjust Brazilian rule. The resistance has maintained that they are seeking the restoration of imperialism but rather the establishment of a new republic in Angola. The deaths of innocents in the blast has not exactly won them the support of the public, instead threatening the opposite, building support for the current regime.
JASSO CRUSHES COUP IN CHOKWELAND. Luau, Chokweland. The government of Negao Jasso in Chokweland faced its first real threat as a cabal of opposition leaders in the military sought to gain power for themselves. The plot was geared towards overthrowing the right wing current regime and replacing it with one allegedly for the people. The generals responsible unfortunately did not keep their plans quiet enough and Jasso was able to detect and prepare his loyalists. Though most rebellious units were isolated before they could cause trouble, the loyal forces prepared a trap for those that remained. The dissenting forces attempted to march into Luau but were cutoff and quickly surrounded by the armies of Jasso. The resulting battle was more of a slaughter, as a number of the rebel commanders did escape with what was left of their forces or were killed themselves in the fighting. Jasso has claimed that the parties responsible for the attack were influenced by treacherous groups within the proletarist regime of the Ovambo, and has pledged that this act of aggression would not go unnoticed. (-1 Infantry Brigade)
REBELLION DRIVES BACK LEAGUE FORCES. Bamako, Mali. The Scandinavians in Haraldsholm have faced yet the latest in major setbacks this year as the forces of their West African possessions have faced a full blown uprising. As reports leaked to the rebels of a massive Russian and Roman force being prepared to be sent west to help the imperial Scandinavians retain order, the rebel cause felt it had little to lose with open revolt. The local Scandinavian armies stood little chance and many were slaughtered in the opening salvo of the uprising as well known bases and forts were overrun by angry mobs and rebels in the dark of night. The rebellion escalated as arsenals and armories were broken open and the rebels brought out an extensive amount of hardware prepared just for this occasion. The fighting was vicious, as Russian and Roman forces arrived in trickles as promised, but the League of the Three Emperors was ill prepared for this conflict. The unrest in Constantinople and the difficulties of large amounts of logistics made the war a troubled affair as the League's forces found it hard to bring in the supplies needed to win. The rebels took advantage of the constant hesitation and shortage, overrunning airfields and pushing to gain full control of the colony. For the time being it seems like the wreckage of the League's forces have regrouped and have temporarily halted the rebel advance.
Casualty Lists
Kongo: 4 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades
Roman Empire: 2 Infantry Brigades
Russia: 6 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 1 C-1917 Fighter Squadron, 1 H-1921 CAS Squadron
Mali: 21 Conscript Brigades
STRIKE LAUNCHED IN KURDISTAN. Cizre, Kurdistan. Late in the year, the Kurdish Union of Railway Workers, an illegal organization of the workforce, made a move to gain official recognition for themselves and their cause. They have managed to shut down the railroads of Kurdistan for everything except essential traffic, refusing to work for their corporate overlords. They have demanded the official support for unions and the legalization of their abilities to strike and organize for better treatment. They have further demanded that better treatment begin now, calling for new safety regulations to be passed by the government. So far neither the government nor the businesses have budged on the issue, refusing to compromise and maintaining a hard stance. As the strike entered the second month, the government has entered into debates on the matter, but with the end of the year, both parties remain in deadlock on how to proceed.
OFFICIAL SLAIN IN MOZAMBIQUE. Mozambique, Mozambique. The nation of Mozambique underwent a tumultuous year as several elected members of the nation's congress were killed by a car bomb which detonated after a meeting of the legislature. These ministers were key members of the cabinet of Chancellor Rashed Löfgren and said to be personal friends of the most powerful man in the nation. The assassinations have struck a blow against the current regime, and local anarchists have claimed responsibility for the attack. They have stated that the move has been a strike against oppression and failure, and that it is time for all people to strike for freedom. These anarchists have been widely ignored by the masses, but the deaths of the ministers has dramatically reduced public faith in the government, and increased fears about security. (-1 Stability)
PROTESTS CALL FOR REFORM AMONG ZULU. Bulawayo, Zululand. The monarchy of the Zulu has faced its first dissent since the end of the end of the war with the British. Several thousand people rallied outside of the Royal Palace in Bulawayo, and have since called for the establishment of democratic reform. They have managed to put on a considerable display and actually King Shaka III himself came out to address the crowds. Many were comforted by the speech, and it seems that some ground may have been made as the monarch charitably provided food and refreshments to the masses through the protest. The king has acknowledged that he would consider the proposal of the leaders of the protest and see about the implementation of a new government. He has declared that while the war has been won and conscription ended, that the Zulu people must now win the peace.
KING OF ADJUURAMARK CONVERTS TO ISLAM WITH NEW REFORMS. Mogadishu, Adjuuramark. Daniel Dravot, the King of Adjuuramark has faced substantial opposition throughout the years by local Islamic leaders and merchants, despite the uneasy alliance that had overthrown Scandinavian rule. The marriage of King Daniel led to further tensions as problems with his wife led him into seclusion to gauge the future of himself and his faith. After emerging from seclusion this year, the king officially and openly converted to Islam and has called upon the Christian members of his court to follow suit. Surprisingly, a large number have followed his lead, though of course their sincerity is questionable by most. The introduction of Islam into the monarchy has led to the passing of laws throughout the kingdom in accordance to the Quran, establishing a state highly affected by religion. Registration is now required with the government, as new taxes have been levied to sponsor those too poor to keep themselves fed or clothed. While not popular, the need has been seen and pushed forward by Islamic religious leaders, and complaints have been kept to a minimum. (+1 Stability)
TURKEY COMPLETES ECONOMIC MODERNIZATION. Konya, Turkey. The government of the new Prime Minister, Zekai Apaydın, has taken credit this year for the completion of the ambitious economic modernization program. The program has been geared at making the economic processes of Turkey more efficient and modern, providing greater output and wealth for the nation as a whole. Though the project was the brainchild of the previous Prime Minister, Kamal Atay, the new prime minister has taken full credit for the proclaimed success of the program. Some members of the opposition have pointed out that Turkey is not seeing any immediate or real gains from the program, and some even allege that improved efficiency has cost most jobs than it has created. Regardless, this has been marked as a major success for the Turkish people and the new government ruling over them.
BRAZIL GUARANTEES KABINDE'S INDEPENDENCE. Luanda, Kabinde. According to details now leaking out to the larger global press, in the wake of the quick war for independence from the Netherlands a new dispute arose between the young nation of Kabinde and its older neighbor in Kongo. Kongo had claimed that losses had been suffered among their people as a result of the rebellion and demanded compensation. Kabinde was forced to pay a substantial portion of their wealth to the demands, and the result outrage. A new agreement has been made with the Empire of Brazil, as the Brazilian government has promised security and protection for the current regime in Kabinde. The move will likely protect the young country from further extortion, even as they prepare to defend themselves, just in case.
News from the Far East
NEW GAMBLING LAWS INTRODUCED IN HAWAII. Honolulu, Hawaii. In an effort to maintain the uniqueness of Hawaii's tourism experience, the local government has legalized all forms of gambling, and authorized the construction of elaborate hotels and casinos. As airplane flight makes Hawaii more accessible to the larger world, it has become a mecca for tourists and pleasure seekers, as the islands' beaches become famous worldwide. The undergoing construction of several luxurious hotels in Honolulu bode well for the future prosperity and experiences of travelers. Special rates have been offered throughout the Americas and Japan, as Hawaii begins to grow as a place where you can escape the troubles of the mundane day to day life and experience things with a tropical zest and outlook. The Hawaiian government's opposition has loudly complained about the legislation, stating that it could attract unsavory types and spur crime to a whole new level.
FREE VIETNAM SOCIETY DISBANDS. Saigon, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The British have had a political victory this year without much effort as the Vietnamese have suffered a major setback towards working for independence. The death of several noted intellectuals and leaders from and unknown disease outbreak has led to failure of the Free Vietnam Society, established in 1901. The Society had done its best to rally people for the cause of freeing the region, but have rarely managed to gain anything more than the most limited support. The death of so many leaders has been the group's death knell as few remain to organize the members to further success. The loss of this group has done much to stabilize the British position in Indochina, as the colonial government is likely to maintain its rule for the time being. (+1 Stability)
DIVIDE EMERGES AMONG JAPANESE ARMED FORCES. Tokyo, Japan. A major dispute has begun to emerge in Tokyo, threatening to disrupt the harmony of the government. A struggle for power has begun between the army and navy with the outbreak of war in China and Manchuria. As the armored forces of Japan have grown, a major debate has taken place over which branch has rights over those weapons. Under previous organization, the armor was clumped as part of the terrestial navy and staffed by naval officers and crews. This has led to difficulties in cooperation between the two branches, as the army has claimed jurisdiction over the tanks in order for better conduct on the battlefield. The navy has substantial resources of its own and seems to be willing to fight a hard political battle to make the army look bad, and it seems that this dispute has made its way onto the fields of China. Lives are being lost to the debate, as neither side is prepared to budge until a decision is made one way or another.
THE RED ARMY REBELLION. Harbin, Japan. The war between Japan and the Red Army has turned into one of the most brutal and bloody conflicts in recorded history, even in China. The Red Army bought themselves some time and isolation first by destroying any major crossing over the Yangtze River, including some dams, flooding nearby areas. This has managed to isolate Guangxi and Britain from the conflict against Japan, which has been the overall focus of the Red Army's main offensive drive. The Japanese have done their best to slow down the Red Army with attacks upon civilian centers using both conventional and chemical weapons. These have been not very much more effective than terror attacks, but the directed efforts have destroyed a number of Japanese built coastal guard and observation positions. The Japanese have done their best to bring in more forces to reinforce the front lines, conscripting from the Home Islands and bringing everything they could to the fight. The Red Army attacked forward fairly quickly, combined with a new uprising behind Japanese lines in Manchuria. The uprising would have been a success, but quickly drowned under large numbers of Japanese reinforcements and patrols. The area remains destabilized, and numerous Japanese forces were distracted, allowing for advances on the larger front. Peking was taken by the Red Army in a rapid drive up the Manchurian Plains, but were eventually halted by the Japanese army, which has regrouped and held back the advance after quelling rebellion behind the lines, largely thanks to superior airpower. Several probing attacks and counteroffensives were launched by the Japanese towards the end of the year, achieving some success and pushing back the Red Army's forces.
Casualty Lists
Japan: 80 Conscript Brigades, 24 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Type-92 Armored Brigades, 5 Artillery Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
Red Army: 72 Conscript Brigades, 19 Infantry Brigades, 2 Type-92 Armored Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 42 Manpower (+1 Army Quality)
THE FIREWORKS WAR. Chengdu, China. Even while the great rebellion of the Red Army has distracted much attention from the fronts further west, a massive war is still underway between Guangxi and the Unified Realm of China. Nearly two million Chinese soldiers were launched at Guangxi and Britain's defenses, in coordination with a highly effective sabotage campaign. Numerous British fighters were destroyed in their hangers and on their fields, without ever getting a chance to fly, as Chinese saboteurs struck hard and fast across the region. After this rapid campaign, the Chinese launched their offensive, and have driven forward with heavy casualties, but still accomplishing their goal with the capture of Chongqing and Zunyi. With massed attacks eventually breaking the Guangxi lines, and then exploiting breakthroughs, the Chinese have managed a strong overall victory. After taking those cities however, the British rallied from their earlier aerial setbacks, and began striking back with German aid. Further Chinese advances were halted as they were finally brought out into the open and were relentless pounded by the allied forces. In the skies, Chinese pilots struck selectively, but eventually they were lured into engagements with planes they could not match. The Chinese advance was stalled, but only after they managed to cause immense damage to the capabilities of their enemies in the process.
Casualty Lists
China: 238 Conscript Brigades, 31 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 13 Artillery Brigades, 1 Sim27 Fighter Squadron (+1 Army Quality)
Germany: 2 Determination-Class Fighter Squadrons, 1 Staaf-1923 Fighter Squadron, 1 I-1923mII Bomber Squadron
Guangxi: 101 Conscript Brigades, 20 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: 33 Infantry Brigades, 6 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Mk2 Cataphract Armored Brigade, 15 Artillery Brigades, 3 Verband FTA-1-2 Fighter Squadrons, 3 Dublin-type Fighter Squadrons, 3 Westminster-class CAS Squadrons, 3 Oxford-class Bomber Squadrons (+1 Army Quality, +1 Air Force Quality)
INDIA LAUNCHES HOUSING INITIATIVE. Bombay, India. Early this year the Indian government announced a bold new initiative to bring a better standard of living to the average Indian. New public housing has been planned to help people get out of barbaric slums and apartments and sending them into better places to live. The project has a hefty cost as many such buildings in the plan do not exist yet. Hoping to accomplish the program, a first few tenements have already been constructed, offering a slightly better place to live under government jurisdiction and overview. Opponents of the plan in parliament have stated that with so many other failed or incomplete goals of the current government, that the plan is too expensive to complete. The hopes remain that the project's valiant goals will be rewarded with new support from the people of India, though some are unsure what success there will be on that front after the year's later tragic events.
THE BOMBAY MASSACRE. Bombay, India. The nation of India was struck with a tragedy this year as the nation's elected government was dealt a fatal blow. The chaos began with a violent attack during a combined meeting of Parliament addressed by the High Prince himself. Elements proclaiming themselves the Red Army of India struck at the Parliament building, overwhelming a number of guards. Then, using machine guns, much of parliament was slain in the resulting chaos, and most were killed or badly maimed. Patrols in the harbor were able to forestall worse events, as several vessels with explosives were found and disarmed, as an apparent plot to cause immense damage to the city's harbor. As local authorities cleaned up the mess in parliament, it was discovered that the High Prince survived the attack and has been returned under tight security to the Royal Palace. Hasty meetings between the Prime Minister and the High Prince have led to the passing of the Necessities and Privileges Act which grants significant power to the prime minister. The legislation has called for the disbanding of parliament, granting power to the prime minister, high prince, and their backers. The move has been met with rioting in a number of Indian cities throughout the year, and the army has been strained attempting to preserve law and order throughout the nation. It seems that rebel forces have begun rallying all the more against the banner of the unified government, and the situation may well have destabilized further. For now, there is a peace of sorts as the government struggles to preserve order after this tragic and devastating attack. (-1 Stability)
NEW ZEALAND BEGINS NEW CITY. Rochaville, New Zealand. As part of the growing effort to attract new European settlers and citizens to the island nation of New Zealand, Prime Minister Artistides Erico cut the ribbon on the first civic building of the city of Rochaville. Constructed atop the abandoned Maori settlement of Rangiora, the new city will feature a large harbor, plentiful other facilities, and free housing to immigrants. The construction is well underway and plans slate completion of the main city facilities and neighborhoods by the end of 1939, possibly earlier. The New Zealander government has stated that no expense will be spared in the protection of the new city from unruly natives, and that this marks the first true step onto exploiting the larger southern island. New immigrants have been largely attracted by free, modern housing, and an influx of people from a number of nations have marked a growing local economy and thriving possible metropolis to exist in the future.
: I have 34EP too much in my Bank, I should only have 1EP in there.
