Capto Iugulum

Global News Report​

INFLUENZA OUTBREAK IN SOUTH AMERICA AND BRITAIN. Recife, Brazil. A major influenza epidemic ravaged South America this year, believing to have originated somewhere within Brazil or Argentina. Clearly, the most devastation has been done throughout the late summer and winter of this year in those two nations as hundreds of thousands were struck ill by this dreaded disease. Most survived the experience, but many were killed in a number of nations, and still others were so badly weakened, that they are unlikely to work again. The disease soon spread from southern South America to London, where it was more or less contained, and only a few cases have been reported outside of the city. Regardless, the fearsome encounter with disease left many panicked and uncertain, as doctors frequently struggled in vain against the horrific symptoms of the virus. Thankfully for the rest of the world, the epidemic was fairly well contained in South America and Britain, reducing what could have been a world-spanning plague. Below is the casualty lists for the outbreak:
Spoiler :

Argentina: -11 Manpower
Brazil: -16 Manpower
Chile: -6 Manpower
Paraguay: -4 Manpower
Peru: -8 Manpower
United Kingdom of Great Britain: -11 Manpower
Uruguay: -10 Manpower


BRAZILIANS BRAVE ODDS TO REACH SOUTH POLE. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A triumphal return was had this December by a Brazilian expedition which made a bold attempt to reach the South Pole. The journey has been attempted by a number of explorers before this particular expedition was launched, and all efforts have failed. Paulo Maluf, intrepid Brazilian explorer, has completed his great voyage and has now enjoyed celebrated global acclaim for his efforts. The Maluf Expedition had a number of trials and tribulations in the course of the journey and over a dozen lost their lives in the efforts to disease and hunger, after resources became short. Nonetheless, this has been a tremendous boon to Brazilian prestige abroad, with the completion of the first successful round trip to one of the Earth's poles.

News from Europe​

STUDENTS SHOT IN VENETIAN RALLY. Venice, Austria. This year a major rally was sponsored by the Proletarist University Movement of the University of Venice, denouncing the Austrian state and control over the city of Venice. Rather than a standard Italian nationalist revolutionary speech and rally, the students instead called for the overthrow of the monarchy over all of Austria and the establishment of a people's state. The rally was not violent, and due to the status of the university, the local military forces were hesitant to break it up. They stood by until ultimately they came under verbal attack by the students, who denounced them and began throwing rocked. Unfortunately, this soon led to return fire from the local regiment, leaving over a dozen students dead and more wounded by the gunfire. The rally soon fell apart, as the Austrian government restored order in the city. By the end of the year, the unrest had quieted down and the students returned to their scholarly tasks and duties.

CORSICAN STRIKE LEADS TO NEGOTIATIONS. Ajaccio, Corsica. The Union of Dockworkers entered into a strike against their corporate leaders in Corsica this year, shutting down operations for over three months. Unable to obtain workers to keep the docks and economy moving, the companies asked the monarchy to respond to the strike. Against his better judgment, King Pasquale ordered in the regiments, but rather than immediately breaking the strike, began negotiations. The monarch attempted to mediate the situation, and achieved reasonable success, agreeing to several of the workers' demands and requests. The result has been a state-sponsored raise in the minimum wages of dock workers, and laws regulating safety conditions, especially dangerous mechanical equipment. The negotiations have been lauded as a major victory for Corsican workers, given them greater rights than they had previously possessed.

ANARCHIST PLOT FOILED IN DENMARK. Copenhagen, Denmark. A group of anarchist revolutionaries were arrested this year in Denmark after investigations by police and military authorities led to the unveiling of a dastardly plot. A conspiracy of eight would be revolutionaries were plotting to demolish several government buildings in Copenhagen using large explosives. One of the conspirators determined the horror of the probable attack and relayed this information to the Danish government, which inspired the rest of the investigation. The Danish police have successful shut down this conspiracy, arresting the members, most of whom have been imprisoned for life for their attempted attack. The hopes remain that this crackdown will discourage further plots against democracy in Denmark by radicals such as proletarists and anarchists.

RIOT IN TOULOUSE. Toulouse, Occitania. The city of Toulouse faced major unrest this year as a labor protest turned into a riot against the standing government. Failure of the companies to negotiate with the workers led to violence erupting against the police, leaving several guards badly maimed and wounded in the attacks. The army was eventually called in to restore order amidst the rioting, making the situation worse, as hundreds are believed to have been killed or wounded in the violence. The protests were broken up, a number of the worse agitators were arrested and imprisoned for their role in the outbreak of the riots. Unfortunately, this has led to a growing backlash against the government for their role in the breakup of the protests. The result has been the growth of national unions and proletarist groups in Occitania, facing down the worsening working conditions. (-1 Stability)

CATHEDRAL CONSTRUCTION MET WITH PROTESTS IN ROME. Rome, Papal States. The construction of the new St. Leo's Cathedral in Rome by the Pope has become a highly controversial symbol in the Papal States. The cathedral has been vilified by the Italian nationalists and proletarists as a sign of the corruption and decadence of the papal government. The result has been a series of large protests, aimed at shutting down work and labor upon the new cathedral. After several weeks of the construction site being closed off by the protestors, the army was called in by the Pope, arresting most of the most sincere agitators. Since that incident, the papal army has continued to protect the construction site, declaring it off limits to outsiders. The Restored Brothers of Italy has issued a declaration that in the name of a one day united Italy, St. Leo's Cathedral will not be completed through whatever sabotage methods are available to the true revolutionaries of Italy.

PROLETARIST BARRICADES CRUSHED IN WARSAW REVOLT. Warsaw, Poland. The industrial city of Warsaw became the site of major battles and conflicts over the course of the year, with the outbreak of a proletarist revolt. The proletarists of Warsaw rose up in attempted revolution this year, believing that the rest of Poland would rise up with them. Unfortunately for their cause, this did not take place, and the proletarists were only able to secure a paltry portion of the industrial sector of Warsaw in the initial revolt. The revolutionaries declared a new Proletarian Republic of Warsaw, and fortified the district using whatever means they had available. Arming themselves with newly produced weapons from an arms factory, they fought to the last as the Polish army was called in. The Warsaw revolt was crushed after two weeks of warfare, bleeding the Polish army to a surprising degree. The abortive revolution has come to an end, but Warsaw continues to rebuild in the aftermath. (-5 Manpower, -2 Infantry Brigades)

SCANDINAVIANS KILLED IN POMERANIA. Stettin, Pomerania. A series of brutal murders took place this year in the Germanic nation of Pomerania this year, as the focus seems to be upon visiting Scandinavian businessmen. The efforts have been claimed by an alleged group of radical German nationalists, calling for the expulsion of Scandinavian influences from Pomerania. They have also advocated the national unification with Brandenburg, to begin the creation of a modern German nation. The attacks escalated throughout the year, leading to a highly publicized kidnapping and killing of the wife of the Scandinavian ambassador. The people of Scandinavia have begun to call for intervention and the capture of the culprits, claiming that the police of Pomerania are too incompetent or unwilling to handle the investigation on their own. The Pomeranian monarch, King Harold, has pledged that no expense will be spared in bringing the murderer or murderers to justice.

MEAT WORKERS STRIKE ENTERS FIFTH MONTH IN SPAIN. Barcelona, Spain. In late September of this year, the Meat Workers' Union of Spain began a strike, shutting down factories across the nation. They have called for increased pay, a minimum wage for all new workers, and vastly improved working conditions. The hazardous work of the slaughterhouses has been widely publicized, as a number of deaths have begun mounting over the past few years. The workers have pledged to keep the factories closed until the companies cede to their demands, and so far it seems that neither side is willing to negotiate. Hired strike breakers by the companies were repulsed by the workers, who have used clubs and sticks to fight back police and hired thugs. The workers remain united, and at the end of the year, the factories remain closed.

SICILY RISES IN REVOLT AGAINST SPANISH. Palermo, Sicily. After years of occupation and oppression, the Sicilian people have risen up against Spanish imperial rule this year. As the Spanish conducted naval war games off the coast, the attention of the local garrisons were distracted, and it was in this moment, that the revolutionaries struck. Prepared groups of guerillas and militias attacked planned locations, in conjunction with general uprisings in the larger cities and towns of the island. Palermo and Messina were the first to fall, isolating the island's main ports from the Spanish fleets. The Spanish coastal fortifications were also quickly seized intact with their artillery pieces, not prepared for an attack from inland. The Sicilians faced some resistance in the southern parts of the island, as reinforcements were rushed in from Malta to fight against the uprising. The Sicilians achieved victory thanks to the used of captured artillery pieces and superior knowledge of the local terrain. By the end of the year the Sicilians had secured control of the entire island, and have begun preparing themselves for the probable Spanish retaliation. Below Picture: Rubble of Spanish Barracks in Palermo
Casualty Lists
Sicily: 2 Infantry Brigades
Spain: 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade


DEATH OF THE KING OF GENOA. Genoa, Genoa. The small Italian kingdom of Genoa suffered tragedy this year as the ailing King Victor passed away after spending the last few years barely out of his bed chamber. The reign of King Victor has been an eventful regime, as under his rule, Genoa reformed from simply being a client state of Austria and the Franco-Burgundian Confederation into a true nation. This has included constitutional reform, introducing democracy into Genoa, as well as emphasizing the return of the historical tradition of education upon the Italian Peninsula. The new King Emmanuelle has proven to be similar to the type of man his father was, highly conservative, and dedicated to the status quo, with only limited reform at a time. This has played well with the nation's Senate, which remains dedicated to conservative values and ideals, though foreign observers are unsure how it will adjust with growing unrest and proletarist disputes.

ELECTIONS IN POMERANIA. Stettin, Pomerania. Elections took place this year, showing a surprising upset of the government and administration in the nation. The growing resistance against Scandinavian economic and political dominance over Pomerania has led to a rise in the liberal cause in the nation. The liberal Democratic Party has begun campaigning on reducing the influence through increased tariffs and trade laws against the Scandinavians. The quasi-nationalist cause has gained significant support among the masses, who have shown resentment towards the Swedish king of Pomerania and his overlords in Stockholm. This has led to a massive toppling of the standing National Conservative Party, which has fallen over, as King Harold faces major new resistance from Pomerania's legislature. The Democratic Party has already begun the process of working out new trade laws, and reducing the influence of the monarchy over the rest of the nation. (+1 Stability)

BRITISH ELECTIONS HELD. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British government has held new elections for the House of Commons this year, bringing in new ministers from the various parts of the nation. This year's elections have proven somewhat disruptive as a major new issue has begun climbing to the top of the Parliament. Agitation about the status of Ireland in the empire has become a major issue of concern, and Irish demands are reaching the highest levels of state. They have demanded a reconsideration of their role in the empire and the United Kingdom as a whole. The Labour and Liberal Parties have split based on their ideas of handling the growing crisis in Ireland, as the Liberals refuse to cede on the issue of Irish autonomy. This has prevented the formation of a traditional coalition in Parliament, allowing the Conservative Party to barely retain its control. The Conservatives have also refused to budge on the Irish autonomy issue, leaving it to be a highly contested issue throughout all of Britain. (-1 Stability)

NEW STRIKES IN TUSCANY. Florence, Tuscany. After last year's devastating strikes, new ones erupted this year, once more shutting down the nation's trains and docks. The result has been utter ruin for the nation's transportation industry, which has proven unacceptable for the king and big business. The military has been called in and martial law has been declared to preserve order and return people to work. Strikers refusing to return to work have been arrested and imprisoned, and those who have resisted have been executed promptly after engaging Tuscan soldiers. King Ferdinand has pledged that no negotiations will be had with unions or striking workers, and refused to place restrictions upon businesses. The situation continues to destabilize as workers turn to more and more extremist organizations against the oppressive policies of the current government. (-1 Stability)

GENOA MASSIVELY ENLARGES EDUCATION BUDGET. Genoa, Genoa. The Genoese government has authorized a massive increase in budgets and spending for the nation's educational system, sending it spiraling to new levels. The idea has been to attract students from abroad to the nation's university system and to receive a superior education in Genoa. However, the extensive funds are believed unanimously to be too much, leading to extensive corruption throughout the system as money goes in large amounts to various contractors, with little else to spend it on. Most have called for immediate reduction of the budget, which is more than the entire educational system could ever use or spend. Resistance continues to anymore increases in the budget, which are widely viewed as useless.

FLANDERS AND NETHERLANDS SIGN CULTURAL TREATY. Rotterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. The Republic of the Netherlands and the government of Flanders have signed a new treaty and agreement, creating the Dutch Language and Cultural Union. This organization has been established to encourage the mutual culture and language of both the Netherlands and Flanders. The organization focuses on combined cultural projects, and preserving art and heritage of both nations, in order to build a closer national bond between the two powers. The treaty has also linked the educational systems of both nations, tying together higher degrees of education and learning for both nations. The move has been seen as a positive outcome, building up the local strength and further establishing partnership between the Dutch and Flemish peoples.

FLANDERS INITIATES ROYAL REFORM. Brussels, Flanders. Under pressure from the liberal Social Republican Party, the royal system of succession has been reformed for the Flemish people and nation to avoid future possible embarrassments. King Charles III has not opposed the new reform, though it has come as his life is clearly coming to an end. An assigned delegate gave his speech for him, applauding the efforts to preserve succession and royal continuity without exposing Flanders to marital confusion with other monarchies. Overall, there really has not been any significant resistance to the reform, as the government passes the new laws for royal succession. With the king's failing health, it's viewed as probably only a matter of months before the new law is called into usage.

ELECTIONS IN FLANDERS. Brussels, Flanders. Elections in Flanders this year have turned out to be surprisingly brutal and ruthless by all participating parties. The Social Republican Party suffered through a severe scandal, as corruption was identified, as key members of the party were shown to have been stealing from government coffers. The result was severe disillusionment with the old regime, and what should have been a simple race and return to offer become a heavily disputed contest. The campaigns have all been fought hard by all related political candidates, leaving a brutal trail of division in their path. Attacks remained focused on individual candidates and people, rather than on any key issues or political policies. The result was that the Social Republican Party did manage to retain control of the nation's legislature, but they have lost a significant amount of ground to the conservatives, while upsetting the norm of the nation's stability. (-1 Stability)

PRINCE OF ASTURIAS COMPLETES WORLD TOUR. Madrid, Spain. The Prince of Asturias, the heir to the Empire of Spain, has returned this year from his tour across the myriad possessions of imperial Spain. After leaving India after the New Year's celebrations among the European and Christian leaders of Spanish India, the Spanish prince has since stopped in Persia to meet with the ruler in Tehran and then travelled onward to the Holy Land. While in the region, he completed multiple pilgrimages to Christian holy sites across the region, and then visiting the pyramids and other sites in Egypt. Due to the revolt in Sicily, the Prince was unable to stop on the island, instead bypassing it to visit in Tripoli and Algiers, the final stops on the tour. The Prince was welcomed home in Madrid, with his global journeys giving him a new perspective on the larger empire.

ORDER RESTORED WITH MARTIAL LAW IN HUNGARY. Budapest, Hungary. As the threat of civil war loomed over Hungary with the erupting violence and unrest last year, chaos beckoned and seemed to be imminently about to engulf the nation. King Louis V immediately reeled back attempts at reform, declaring martial law throughout Hungary, in the hopes of restoring order to the region. Numerous checkpoints and military installations were established throughout the region, closing off roads and hunting down those who had fled into the countryside. The effort has actually proven successful, as a large number of would be proletarists were rounded up throughout the urban and farmlands of the kingdom. Martial law remains in effect, but it seems to have at least secured a peace for now, by shutting down attempts at conspiracies behind closed doors. The army remains fully in support of the move, though the flood of troops throughout the interior has left some concerned that the borders with the Roman Empire and Russia may be vulnerable to invasion. (+2 Stability)

AUSTRIA BEGINS NAVAL EXPANSION. Trieste, Austria. The Austrian Navy has undergone a new and rapid expansion, as three new heavy cruisers have been built along with a substantial number of supporting screening ships. The Austrians have also begun following in the footsteps of other nations, attempting the construction of new submarine vessels. As in other countries, most of these vessels have proven incapable of serving in any capacity, most being scrapped due to failures shortly after being launched. To accommodate the massive naval expansion, the Austrians have constructed substantial new docks and buildings in the port of Trieste to administer and supply the new fleet. Unfortunately, the fleet consists mostly of older designs and warships, powered by coal and hardly of much use in a major naval engagement. It is hoped, that despite this, the new ships could serve as the foundation for a greater expansion and development of a naval power in Austria.

DUTCH REPUBLICAN GUARD ESTABLISHED. Amsterdam, Netherlands. As war clouds loom over the Netherlands blowing in from South America, the Dutch army continues its focus on building up quality soldiers. The result has been the establishment of the new elite Dutch Republican Guard. These soldiers are selected as the best and highest quality troops within the armies of the Netherlands. They have especially been given training in amphibious operations, deemed necessary for the large number of islands throughout the empire. They have also been given extensive training and emphasis upon tactics for combat in the jungles of Indonesia, hoping to use the techniques to fight insurgencies and unrest throughout the colonies. They have also received limited training in fighting in the mountains and covert operations, though not as significant of training as their other specialties.

FORMATION OF THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE. Paris, Franco-Burgundian Confederation. After last year's announcement of the creation of the League of the Three Emperors, many political observers have wondered where the next shoe would drop. The answer has come from Paris with the signing of a treaty between Denmark, the Republic of the Netherlands, and the Franco-Burgundian Confederation. The treaty has solidified the economic agreements and defensive pacts signed between these three nations into a full alliance. The new group has been termed the Triple Alliance, as the three powers of Western Europe, pledge a new political start. They have vowed to work together in the defense of colonies in China as well as in standing together in Europe. This has come with the pledge to work to prevent Germanic nationalist tendencies and extremism in Central Europe. They have begun to be viewed as the greatest threat to nationalism in the region, as Germans across Europe denounce the announcements of the Triple Alliance.
 
News from the Americas​

NEW COUP ENDS DEMOCRATIC HOPES IN CHILE. Santiago, Chile. As marginally elected President Andreas Santos began preparations to establish a new constitution for Chile, elements of the army opposed to the change made a move against him. The result was an assault upon Santiago itself, as reactionary elements of the military challenged the newly elected President's goals. The result was a period of heavy fighting and disorder in Santiago, as the pro-republicans guarded the presidential palace and fought to preserve the chance at democracy. The heavy fighting proved to be a battle of attrition, and the superior and larger forces of the rebels proved to be too much for the presidential guards. President Santos was captured by the army and executed for treason by the new government. The result has been continued disorder as martial law is declared throughout northern Chile. (-1 Stability, -3 Infantry Brigades)

DUTCH PUBLIC OUTRAGED AT GUYANA SHIP DISASTER. Hague, Brazil. As per recent agreements involving the sale of Dutch Guyana to Brazil, a number of Dutch citizens sold their property and began preparing to migrate back to the Netherlands. A number of concerned Dutch citizens and leaders back in Europe have contributed funds and chartered one of the nation's greatest ocean liners, the DRS Reusachtig to help ship the returning colonists home. Included was one of the best bands in the Netherlands, and even the President of the Netherlands' wife and friends. This significantly compounded the tragedy as shortly after setting out from the now Brazilian ports of Guyana, explosions disabled the engines and shattered the hull late at night. After only two hours of listing, the ship sank with over two thousand still on board, as most became trapped in their quarters. Calls for help upon the ship's wireless went unanswered by nearby Brazilian warships, and Spanish ships from a longer distance were the first on the scene, rescuing the few who survived. The Dutch newspapers have run with the story, claiming that the Brazilian government was responsible for the sinking of the cruise liner. Newspapers have published investigations of the disaster, decisively proving the Brazilian government was responsible for planting bombs upon the cruise liner as a way to cow the dissidents of Guyana. The result has been enormous uproar in the Netherlands, and immense rallies and calls for war to punish Brazil for their flagrant attack upon Dutch citizens. (-2 Stability in Netherlands, -1 Manpower in Brazil)

AZTEC POLITICAL PARTY CALLS FOR GREATER AUTONOMY IN NEUVA LEON. Tenochtitlan, Spain. The Viceroyalty of Nueva Leon has come under local condemnation by Aztec nationalists, claiming that the Spanish name is highly inappropriate. The growing Aztec political movement have called for greater local autonomy and reform, ending the Viceroyalty system. They have proclaimed the right to reform their nation into an independent Christian monarchy of Aztlan. This particular party has claimed that the Spanish had no right to rename their nation, and as the local majority, the Aztecs have begun arguing for a new system of government. They have pointed out the system used by Vinland and Scandinavia as an ideal system to mimic, establishing a fully independent nation, with only symbolic allegiance to the Spanish monarchy. The movement has gained some strength in Tenochtitlan and has begun growing on a colony-wide scale, as the move for an independent Aztlan continues to advance.

PERUVIAN TRANSIT STRIKE UNDERWAY. Lima, Peru. The Peruvian government was brought its first real crisis late this year, with a major strike among the workers of the national railroad company. The low pay and rough working conditions of the jungle railroads have become perfect fodder for the Peruvian workers and unions' demands. The current strike has shut down all interior railroad shipping and commerce, bringing some countryside commerce to a halt. The Peruvian workers have demanded improved safety and living quarters for those assigned work in the jungles, also calling for increased pay for those with more dangerous tasks. The companies have been unwilling to negotiate or compromise with the workers, and have hired strike breakers to beat the employees back into submission. So far these efforts have only been slightly successful, as the strikers flee, and new employees are hired. Regardless, the labor disputes continue, as the workers struggle to maintain a strike against the newly hired scabs.

MURDERS TERRIFY NEW YORK NIGHT LIFE. New York City, United States of America. A series of murders has been linked to a horrific serial killer in New York City this year, leaving his victims slashed up as though with a sword. The so-called Brooklyn Slasher has left a number of women violently murdered throughout the city, killed during the night out on the streets. The New York Police have been stumped by the series of deaths, and by the end of the year it's believe eighteen women have already been killed by this unknown assailant. Investigations have continued, but there have been no leads to date, leaving only bodies in the killer's wake. The result has been the city's citizens being too scared to go out at night, for fear of attack from this fearsome murderer. Foreign embassies have issued travel warnings about New York City, claiming the streets too dangerous for regular travel or business.

"BANDITOS YANQUIS" PLAGUE VENEZUELA, GUNNED DOWN IN FIREFIGHT. Caracas, Venezuela. The Venezuelan government announced late in the year that the famed "Banditos Yanquis" were killed in a firefight with Venezuelan cavalry and police in a small town south of Caracas. The bandits have been responsible for numerous heists of payroll wagons and trains throughout the more rural regions of Venezuela. The two bandits have made off with thousands upon thousands of American dollars in both gold and local currency. Ultimately, when recognized by a local stable boy, they resisted arrest by local police, who managed to wound them in the ensuing gunfight. The Venezuelan cavalry managed to surround the village tavern in which they barricaded themselves. As the bandits charged out to try to secure their horses, they were shot over thirty times each in the ensuing hail of bullets.

ARGENTINE ELECTIONS HELD. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Elections were held for the position of President and the Argentine Congress this year, as the Democratic Party faced new challenge from other political parties. This year has seen a rise in the social proletarist party, the National Worker Union, as disgruntled workers turn to them to fight for improved working conditions. Despite the growth of the fringe party, the Democratic Party has only strengthened its hold on the government, as they continue to be highly popular among the voting classes. The newly reelected government has pledged to stay the course, maintaining ties with Brazil and the rest of South America. The hopes remain that the Argentine nation will preserve its position and democracy no matter the cost in war or peace. (+1 Stability)

News from Africa and the Middle East​

NEW ORGANIZATION RAISES HEAD IN HOLY LAND. Jerusalem, Spain. Spanish authorities have had to contend with a new threat in the Holy Land, a radical group known as the Sons of Arabia. These Pan-Arabian radicals have called for the overthrow of Spanish colonial authority and the end of imperial rule over Islamic holy sites. The new group claimed responsibility for the assassination of a Spanish guards captain in Jerusalem this year, lauding it as the first blow against a corrupt and decadent government. The Spanish colonial government has claimed that the Sons of Arabia are nothing more than a passing threat, without any real teeth to their threats and claims. This was proven by the rapid arrest of the murderer responsible for the captain's death, and his speedy execution. The process was only slightly marred by the lack of physical evidence and claims that the executed individual was a scapegoat scraped up by the Spanish to demonstrate their authority.

RAIDER VIOLENCE IN OMAN. Muscat, Oman. Nomadic raiders from across the Omani borders have begun causing problems throughout the nation, as they struggle to resist the attacks against border villages. The raiders have proven highly elusive against Omani attempts to corral the attacks, avoiding attempts to pin them to a region or area. The raiders have likely been abetted by villages in both the Arabian Empire and Yemen, as they strike from their camps in the Arabian deserts. The local governments have done little to prevent the attacks upon Oman, and the sultan of Oman has grown increasingly agitated. Oman has begun threatening the use of excursions across the border to contain the nomadic threat, but have been faced with threats of military retaliation from Yemen as well as the Arabian garrisons. Tensions have continued to mount throughout the region as they struggle to find a peaceful solution to the raider programs.

SULTAN OF TURKEY DIES AMID UNREST. Konya, Turkey. Sultan Ahmed of Turkey died this year after several years of failing health and suffering a horrible stroke, leaving him incapable of movement until he died several hours later. Under Sultan Ahmed's rule, Turkey has continued an economic and military decline, leaving them more and more exposed to Roman influences. The result was severe dissatisfaction with the old sultan and his appointed successor, who has since become the new Sultan Osman II. There were numerous discontents with this arrangement, as Sultan Osman II was known to be yet another toady to the Roman Empire. Elements of the military made an effort to depose the new sultan and replace him with a more nationalist ruler. The coup proved easily forestalled as the sultan was tipped off by an informant among the plotters. The sultan himself led the force which raided and destroyed the would-be mutineers. Order has been restored, but at a cost, as the sultan purged the ranks of possible future rebels and mutineers. (-5 Infantry Brigades, -1 Cavalry Brigade)

RETALIATIONS AGAINST PERSIANS IN ARABIA. Baghdad, Arabian Empire. The bombings by Shiite dissidents and Persian sympathizers last year have not gone unpunished by the Arabian population in the empire. The response has been rapid and brutal. The so-called Sons of Arabia have begun vicious retaliation against the Shia population of Arabia, beheading Persians and their local kin for the merest suggestion of connection to the bombings of the Arabian fleet last year. This has included mob attacks upon Persian diplomatic and economic representatives throughout Arabia, and over the course of the year, over thirty have been reported slain by these violent retaliations. The Arabian government has refused to crack down upon the Sons of Arabia, and has not launched any investigations into the growing violence against Shiites and Persians in the Arabian Empire.

GEORGIA JOINS IN HUNGARIAN DEFENSE AGREEMENT. Tiflis, Georgia. To the displeasure of rulers in Constantinople and Moscow, the small state of Georgia has entered into a new alliance. This has come with the entry of Georgia into a defensive pact including Poland and Hungary, securing their defensive position against possible aggression. The aggression in mind has been the possibility of an invasion by the League of the Three Emperors, which also looms over both the Hungarians and the Poles. The alliance has been viewed as a direct blow to what is widely viewed as a shared sphere of Russian and Roman influence. The result has been significant resentment towards the Hungarians and Poles for sticking their noses into a region where they have had no vested interest. The result has been further worsening of tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as nations such as Cizre Bohtan and Turkey also consider aligning in a similar manner as the Georgians.

News from the Far East​

AUSTRALIAN PARTY CALLS FOR MORE LOCAL VOICE IN GOVERNMENT. Sydney, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The Australian Party for Home Rule was formed this year, appealing to Parliament in London in the hopes of securing reform to benefit the people of Australia. They have lobbied for a change to the system of government, allowing Australia to call together a congress to manage their own domestic affairs. They have cited South Africa's system of government as the reasonable reform that they continue to seek out. The party has so far been met with apathy or derision from the British Parliament, and have had trouble gaining significant support at home as well. The Australian people seem fairly content with the lack of involvement by the British colonial government, feeling secure in protection and their current status in the empire.

COUP TOPPLES KING OF ASCENDANT CHINA. Lanzhou, China. Last year's failed negotiations with the European powers have led to a shift in Chinese politics, as resistance emerged to the shift in policy. The idea of compromise with the European invaders has been acknowledged as incredibly distasteful to the hard liners of the Chinese military. A major challenge emerged with a major mutiny and military coup against the established monarchy. General Shi Au Gau led this coup, and has declared the end of the Ascendant Kingdom of China. A military government has been formed, as the new leaders vow to make sure that the Chinese army and nation is prepared for the eventual liberation of China from the imperial oppressors. The general has also spoken frequently against smuggling and illegal trade with the colonial regions of the coast, though he has also suggested new ties with the Russian Empire. The Chinese have continued to struggle, but the bloodshed seems to be over for now after the brief battle for Lanzhou. (-12 Infantry Brigades)

JAPANESE MOVE MORE SOLDIERS TO FRENCH BORDER IN CHINA. Harbin, Japan. Tensions have begun mounting in colonial China, as the Japanese armies have been greatly reinforced in Korea and Manchuria. Extremely large armies have been moved to the border with French possessions in China, in a position to be quickly reinforced by substantial other forces in Korea. The French have responded by increasing their own garrisons in the region, sending nearly a hundred thousand more soldiers to the region from Europe. There has been growing border friction between Japan and the Franco-Burgundian Confederation, as both armies anxiously eye the others. There have even been reports of minor skirmishes, though none have been confirmed, and many observers claim that the Japanese armies could pour across the European borders at any moment.


JAPAN ELITE FORCES ESTABLISHED. Tokyo, Japan. As tensions continue to mount with Japan's neighbors in the far east, the Japanese army has established a new elite force to lead the charge in the nation's wars. The newly created Kagemusha, or otherwise termed by the European observers, the "Shadow Warriors," use ancient knowledge of martial arts and techniques to supplement their already primed modern military skills. They have been extensively trained in stealth skills for raids and covert military techniques and warfare. This has been further reinforced by specific training in jungle and mountain warfare, allowing them to lead the attack in difficult terrain. The hopes are that this feared new force will help Japan dominate the battlefields across the entire region.

Financial Section​

BRITTANY REFORMS SUBSIDY DEALS. Nantes, Brittany. After the exploitation of the recent subsidy offers created by the government of Brittany last year, immediate reform and alterations upon the laws has been structured. Now, to qualify for further subsidies, foreign businesses and industry must remain located in Brittany at least for ten years. The result has been an immediate slowing in business offers, as foreign companies consider the costs and downsides to the new laws. This has also left several in a jam, as they attempt to pull out ahead of schedule with the money, leaving them saddled with highly unprofitable factories and businesses. Regardless, politicians in Brittany are hopeful that while no major effects have been seen yet, that in time, this will create more long-term jobs and business for the Breton people.

GENOA OFFERS MONEY TO NEW COMPANIES. Genoa, Genoa. The Genoese government has offered monetary reward for those starting new companies and industry in Genoa, offering a strong start for new business. The effort started well, but unfortunately, due to a series of bad deals, and disputes with workers, most of the businesses folded nearly immediately. Furthermore, the resulting collapses led to worsening relations with other workers at other companies, leading to growing and growing labor disputes. The government of Genoa has struggled to contain the rising unrest, but has met with failure to date, leaving more and more companies struggling in the aftermath of the new policies. It's hoped that the local economy will balance itself over the next few years, as the labor disputes are resolved and put aside.

SARDINIA ENCOURAGES BUSINESS IN TUSCANY. Cagliari, Sardinia. The recent economic troubles in Tuscany have not gone unnoticed by business in other parts of Italy, and the Sardinians have sought to take advantage of the situation. King Matteo of Sardinia has passed legislation encouraging Sardinian businesses to invest in Tuscany, hoping to not only gain a new profit for Sardinian industry, but also to help stabilize the situation there economically. The effort has been financed with funds from the royal treasury, to help accelerate the process of a new economic sphere. Unfortunately with new strikes and civil disorder in Tuscany, the effort has not been very successful, leaving plenty of businessmen in a lurch. Questions have arisen about the security of any investment in Tuscany, leaving many highly cautious about taking up the opportunity offered.

JAPAN AND ARABIA SIGN ECONOMIC AGREEMENT. Basra, Arabian Empire. The governments of the Arabian Empire and Japan have signed a landmark agreement establishing new and extensive economic ties between the two powers. This includes cooperation with the sharing and exploitation of resources, as Japan's industry begins opening Arabia for mass produced industrial goods. The treaty also includes a clause on sharing technological developments and military doctrines and techniques, though does not quite cross the lines into becoming a true alliance. Regardless, the treaty has opened massive new opportunities for Japanese wealth and success in the Middle East, easily becoming a more favored source of economic support than places like Scandinavia or Spain. It is hoped by Japanese business that commerce will only grow with time as recently discovered sources of Arabian oil are used to help fuel the growth of the Japanese navy and shipping industry.

NATIONS OFFER STIPENDS FOR REPLICATION OF FLIGHT. Stockholm, Scandinavia. After the famous flight by the Churchill Brothers in England last year, several nations across the world have offered rewards to those who could replicate such a success. The two main contributors to such efforts have been Brazil and Scandinavia, offering money to people to show a similar technological advancement. This new technology, believed impossible until not long ago, has only begun to emerge, as the Churchill Brothers manage longer and longer sustained flights over the English moors. The feat has not yet been repeated by other inventors, though a pair in North Carolina in the United States claimed success. Upon further investigation the claim was shown to be a fraud, manufactured in the hope of gaining monetary support, and the two were arrested by the American government.

BRITAIN OFFERS REWARDS FOR OIL SURVEY AND EXPLOITATION. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British government has introduced new stipends to aid in the exploitation of natural sources of petroleum throughout the empire and around it. This has included extensive surveys of the British empire, attempting to locate possible and rumored sources of oil reserves across the world. The efforts have unfortunately turned out to be fairly fruitless, though there has been some limited success in the East Indies. The British have done what they can in this effort, hoping to prepare themselves for major modernization of the naval warships, as well as the merchant marine. The civil conversion process goes slowly, as coal power is still substantially cheaper to acquire and prepare for. Nonetheless, members of the British government believe the search for new oil reserves is vital preparation for the future.

ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION REPORT. Madrid, Spain. Overall Global Economic Status: Stagnation (-3 EP)
Spoiler :

Arabian Empire: +4 EP
Argentina: -2 EP
Brandenburg: +2 EP
Brazil: -2 EP
Brittany: +2 EP
Chile: -1 EP
China: -5 EP
Corsica: -3 EP
Denmark: +1 EP
Ecuador: +1 EP
Flanders: +2 EP
Franco-Burgundian Confederation: +1 EP
-French China: +1 EP
Georgia: +1 EP
Hungary: -3 EP
Japan: +5 EP
Milan: -3 EP
Naples: +2 EP
Netherlands: -1 EP
New Spain: -1 EP
Occitania: -2 EP
Oman: -2 EP
Papal States: -2 EP
Paraguay: -3 EP
Persia: -1 EP
Poland: +2 EP
Pomerania: -3 EP
Roman Empire: +2 EP
Russia: -2 EP
Sardinia: +2 EP
Scandinavia: -1 EP
Spain: +2 EP
Tuscany: -2 EP
United Kingdom of Great Britain: +3 EP
United States of America: +2 EP
Uruguay: -2 EP
Vinland: +3 EP


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The Sports Page​

NAPLES MONARCHY OPENS AUTOMOBILE RACE. Taranto, Naples. King Ferdinand II of Naples has taken a surprising interest in the new technology of automobiles, which have been making an appearance among the wealthy peoples of Europe. This year, the king opened the gates for the world's first official race between automobiles, offering a large monetary reward to the winner of the race. A number of custom cars were built for the races, and have proven their worth, as Naples encouraged new automotive construction. The cars have been said by observers to have nearly reached unprecedented speeds of nearly sixty-five kilometers per hour. These speeds have never been accomplished by automotive vehicles before, as they attempt to demonstrate not only skills at driving, but also in the inherent capabilities of each vehicle. The racing has proven popular about the Neapolitan population, but has been discouraged in the neighboring Papal States, though it could take root in other countries around the world.

OSLO BEGINS 1904 OLYMPICS PREPARATIONS. Oslo, Scandinavia. Emperor Harald II spoke at the groundbreaking for the construction of the fields and stadiums for the 1904 Olympics in Oslo. The new complex is planned to be highly elaborate and containing some of the most sophisticated sporting structures in Europe, if not the world. The construction has begun with a massive stipend from the central government in Stockholm, pledging to make Oslo a center of culture and commerce in Central Europe. The mayor of Oslo has thanked the emperor for his contributions, as the new structures slowly rose over the skyline of the city over the course of the remaining part of the year.

BERLIN TO HOST BALOMPIE WORLD COMPETITION. Berlin, Brandenburg. The government of Brandenburg, in a move spearheaded by King Charles Frederick II, has opened the doors for a multi-national sporting event for the popular Spanish sport of balompie. The sport started within the Spanish empire and has achieved popularity across the realms. Though balompie remains taboo in Britain and its colonies, as well as a number of other nations, the sport has taken several nations in Europe by storm. Brandenburg is one such nation, and the Berlin Balompie Athletic Club has pledged to make the nation proud in the planned competition. The games are to be hosted in Berlin's new balompie stadium, and a number of other clubs around the world, both popular and not-so-popular have pledged to attend the new events.

NEW SPORT INCREASING IN POPULARITY IN VINLAND. Sammanström, Vinland. An innovative new sport has been growing in popularity in Vinland and the northern United States of America over the past few years. Varukorgboll, as it is known, is a rather odd sport, invented by a community youth leader in the town of Sammanström. The first professional game was played between teams this year, and the home of the game, Sammanström emerged victorious against the team from Konradsköping. The rules of the game are fairly alien, though they have been somewhat simplified for games south of the border. On each side there are baskets with the bottoms torn out strapped to poles. The objective of each game is to throw a similarly sized ball through the basket to achieve a goal. The game has broken wildly popular, though violent, as players tend to shove each other aside in the pursuit of a goal. Official rules are planned to be laid out once an official game commission is established by interested parties.

The Cultural Center​

The Adventures of John Watson. Printed in London, and written by increasingly famous author Arthur Doyle, the story of consulting detective John Watson and his assistant, the Dr. Holmes have proven wildly popular in the English speaking world. The books introduce fascinating mysteries and ideas, based off of actual detectives and new ideas in crime fighting. As implied, the Adventures of John Watson is only the second book written about this fascinating character produced for the mass market. The reading has becoming incredibly ingrained in British literature, and some rumors persist that a knighthood could even be in the works for the budding author should sales and integration into popular culture continue.

Random Stat Changes and Fluctuations and Minor Technological Advances

Improved Officer Candidates in Flanders: +1 Army Quality for Flanders

Culture of Laziness among Naval Officers in Naples: -1 Navy Quality for Naples

Spain researches Battleship Improvement Level One.

Austria and the Franco-Burgundian Confederation complete research into Artillery Improvement Level One. Technology shared with Denmark and the Netherlands.

Netherlands, Denmark, and Franco-Burgundian Confederation complete research into Battleship Improvement Level One and Cruiser Improvement Level One.

Scandinavia unveils new Nordenfelt-class Submarine, shares construction rights with the Roman Empire and Russia.

Russia, Scandinavia, and the Roman Empire complete research upon Destroyer Improvement Level One.

Britain completes Destroyer Improvement Level One and Cruiser Improvement Level One. Technologies shared with Brazil.

Brazil develops new Trovão-class destroyer. Construction rights shared with Britain and Argentina.

Portugal develops new Joao-class Heavy Cruiser.

Diplomatic Pouch

OOC

Once more I have reduced the cost of various Level One naval technologies, as it seems that I misgauged the pricing on the technology costs. Enjoy.

@SouthernKing, the nature of your request for reequiping the army would not result in an Army Quality increase. That only comes through the randomness of superior graduating officers or through experience in combat. Therefore, due to the inability to achieve what you wanted, I have temporarily banked the EP you tasked for this.

@Nailix: A number of the traits you wished for the vehicle are neither possible nor practical for this period of time in automotive development. I have allowed for the racing element as you can see above, but the actual mechanics you suggested have had to be refined for the purpose of realistic accuracy.

@TheLizardKing: Your expenses were WAY off, therefore I have disregarded the attracting advisers part, because you were out of money well before that. Fortunately, you did have enough money to do most of the expenses for the docks, for your new ships.

I do highly encourage contributions to the cultural section here, though I reserve the right to edit it for content. Any entries would certainly save me the effort and brain space of having to invent something on my own for that section.

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To: Brazil, All those concerned.
From: The Republic of The Netherlands


We cannot just ignore the sinking of the Reusachtig, thousands of Dutch civilians were killed, along with the President's Wife.

We will be conducting an investigation to see what exactly caused the explosion of the Reusachtig's engines, and if foul play is found to be culprit we will react accordingly.

To: Brandenburg
From: The Republic of The Netherlands

Dutch athletes will not be in attendance, we do not feel that Brandenburg is suited well enough to host an international event such as this.
 
To: Republic of Netherlands
From: Empire of Spain


We are truly sorry for your losses in the sinking of the DRS Reusachtig, and wish our ships had been nearer to the place where the ship was in order to save more people. We are willing to help you in the investigation of the incident to ascertain whether Brazil is at fault or if it was an accident.

To: People of Nueva León
From: Empire of Spain


Your voice has been heard from Madrid. And, while we cannot, in good conscience, give you complete liberty of affairs, we are however willing to concede autonomy over local affairs. Perhaps, in time, you will find that the situation agrees with you, or perhaps you might be able to show that you are indeed worthy of independence, but you cannot ask for immediate independence. We truly wish here in Madrid that you used your heads and not your hearts when it comes to a grave matter such as this one.

To: People of Sicily
From: Empire of Spain


There are two ways in front of you, the easy way or the hard way. The easy way consists of apologizing for your revolt, accepting punishment and allowing Spanish troops to restore proper authority. The hard way is continuing your revolt and being crushed by the Spanish Army when they come to restore proper authority. Either way, Sicily will return to the folds of Spain.

To: Paulo Maluf
From: Government of Spain


We congratulate you for your great deed.

To: Sons of Arabia
From: Empire of Spain


Your demands of the end of Imperial rule over the Islamic holy sites are laughable. Right now, Spain is the one that is doing the most to protect the Jerusalem holy sites of, not only Islam, but also of Christianity and Judaism. Under the control of people like you, neither Christian nor Jewish people would be safe and free to visit their own holy sites. Only under a properly non-confessional rule can Jerusalem prosper, and that is a thing the Sons of Arabia cannot provide.

To: Arabian Caliphate
From: Empire of Spain


Should we find out that you are funding the terrorist group self-styled as the Sons of Arabia, you will face the consequences of such a move.

To: Workers of the Empire
From: Imperial Government


Right now, negotiations are underway between the Government, the opposition parties and the main businessmen association to reach an agreement by which you may gain what you need. However, there will be no compassion for those that use violent means to reach their wants.

To: Chile
From: Empire of Spain


We condemn the coup d'état that has taken place in Chile, and hope that democracy will surge again in Chile.

@EQ: I dare you to sig what you told me yesterday.
 
To: Republic of the Netherlands
From: United States of America


We offer our condolences in regards to the sinking of your vessel, and the loss of the President's beloved wife. Our hearts go out to you.

To: Vinland
From: United States of America


As both our people have been caught up in the sporting phenomenon of varukorgboll, perhaps we should begin supporting mutual sporting leagues and events.
 
OOC: One small misunderstanding. I didn't ask to call for students worldwide, but for professors and researchers, especially famous leading ones and those part of important research. I want to hire those to bring technology advancement to Genoa, and on paying them the required somewhat large salaries (that's the thing that will bring them) plus supporting their research financially, is what the big increase in education was for.

Also, Why did the start-up help fund failed?
 
To: United States of America
From: Vinland


You're lightning quick to pick up on a trend- I'm sure many of the teams being developed by Vinland's athletics clubs would be quite interested in competition with their southern counterparts. Perhaps we could talk more in the future of hosting a Two Nations' Cup, to determine the best team between us.
 
To: The Netherlands

I would like to extend a personal, heartfelt apology for the tragedy aboard the Reusachtig. It is a great loss and humbles all those of us with so much to feel fortunate about. The pain of this disaster will likely be felt for a long time to come, but I truly believe your people will be able to come together, to share and bleed as one, and overcome the legacy of this horrific accident together. My heart goes out to you, as do my sincerest wishes for a speedy, painless healing.

God bless.

Sincerely yours,
His Royal Majesty and King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and all Her Colonies, King Richard IV
 
To the Netherlands
From the Confederation


We express our heartfelt condolences over the disaster, and assure you that any help you require in setting the matter right and in bringing justice to your citizens will be provided to you unhesitatingly.

Signed, King Joseph of Paris and Burgundy, and by the other Kings of the Confederation
Signed, comte de Dillon, President of the Council of Ministers
Signed, duc de Vizelle, Minister for Foreign Affairs


To Japan
From the Confederation


We do not particularly credit these rumours of skirmishes, but we feel that it would be mutually beneficial if nevertheless we both withdrew our forces to a distance of two miles from either side of the frontier to avoid the future possibility of accidental incidents. We do not wish for and do not expect war with you, and have confidence that you will reply with your most unequivocal assurances of peaceful intent.
 
To: The Nations of the World
From: The United States of New Spain


You have seen the auto races of Europe. You have marvelled at their speed. But now... now is the time for a truly MANLY automobile race.

In the year 1902, New Spain invites automakers and autoenthusiasists to the greatest Automobile race to date. Starting at Golitto, Costa Rica, competitors will push their vehicles to the limit as they race across breathtaking mountains and fierce, beautiful jungles, in order to prove that their vehicle is the MANLIEST of all vehicles. After traversing across all of beautiful New Spain, the winner will arrive in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to receive their prize; a huge cash sum and the ADORATION OF THE WORLD!

All nations of the world are welcome - we seek only to put the automotives of the world to the test for the greatest of pursuits - the pursuit of excellence and manhood. Are you MAN enough to take the challenge?
 
@EQ: Do the cultural section contribution have to be from our respective nations? I can come up with plenty of ideas, but I find current Japanese culture a bit constricting. Perhaps I might be allowed to take a freer hand with the direction of their cultural progress?

TO The Confederation
FROM Japan


The rumors are what they are: idle speculation. We will agree to the withdraw, for now, but suggest that in the future, you station your men closer to China proper, since that was your original intent.


TO China
FROM Japan


Word of change in your regime has reached the Imperial Court. If you wish to have better relations, we welcome you with open arms. However, if you wish to have Manchuria reclaimed, we welcome you with ready arms.


TO The United States of New Spain
FROM Japan


We wish to take you up on your challenge.
 
TO: World
CC: United Kingdom and Argentina
FROM: Empire of Brazil


The Empire of Brazil, as a gesture of good will to her allies in Great Britain and Argentina, has decided to share the lands of the Antarctic continent with our brothers in arms and friendship. The following map shows what we believe to be the best way to divide the continent. No other outside powers, by right of discovery, may claim lands or send expeditions to Antarctica without the express consent of these three powers.



TO: Republic of the Netherlands
FROM: Empire of Brazil


Rest assured there will be an investigation to the cause of this sinking. There is, however, an issue of why Spanish warships were off the coast of Brazil during the time of this explosion and that is of important concern to the case at hand. Brazil would never allow such a horrid incident to occur, and it is truthfully an accident. We do not leave out the possibility that Spanish warships were involved in the sinking and slaughter of two thousand Dutch citizens and the President's wife. Brazil hereby offers its deepest condolences.
 
To: Brazil
CC: The World
From: Flanders

The government of Flanders objects to this arbitrary division of Earth's last pristine continent. We believe that Antarctica should be conserved only for scientific research. While Brazil should get priority in the placement of scientific outposts, the continent as a whole should not be considered part of the sovereign territory of any one nation. We call on all nations of the world to sign an Antarctic Pact recognizing the continent's neutrality.
 
To: Turkey
From: The Roman Empire


We are saddened to hear of the loss of the late Sultan Ahmed. As a show of good faith to our neighbor, we invite the new Sultan to visit Constantinople and the Imperator this year, and hope his reign is a peaceful, stable one.

To: Poland, Hungary
From: The Roman Empire


Stay out of dealings with Georgia and other nations in the area. The are of no concern to you, and military alliances with them serve only to show how ready your two nations are to upset the peace in Europe.
 
To: Brazil
CC: The World
From: Flanders

The government of Flanders objects to this arbitrary division of Earth's last pristine continent. We believe that Antarctica should be conserved only for scientific research. While Brazil should get priority in the placement of scientific outposts, the continent as a whole should not be considered part of the sovereign territory of any one nation. We call on all nations of the world to sign an Antarctic Pact recognizing the continent's neutrality.

TO: Flanders
FROM: Brazil


Finders keepers.
 
To: Flanders
CC: The World
From: The United Kingdom


We heartily reject your arbitrary proposal. Scientific pursuit? What a convenient excuse to deny what we have rightfully claimed. You might as well strip Spain of the Sahara, that all of Europe may share in the bounty of the wondrous knowledge of its many barren deserts.
 
To: the United Kingdom
From: Flanders

We politely disagree with your argument, as at least Spain has the ever so sincere desire to bring enlightenment to the natives, along with other strategic motives. Why is it necessary that a nation should claim Antarctica? Do you wish to educate the penguins, and bring to them the light of Christ? Do you believe that you will find gold under those hundreds of meters of ice? We believe it would be a great step towards world peace if we could all agree that Antarctica should not be considered the territory of any one nation, but rather a shared laboratory for humanity, in which we could research some of the most extreme conditions known to man.
 
To whom it may concern
From: United States of America


We agree with the proposal of Flanders that Antarctica be declared neutral and open for peaceful scientific pursuit by research teams from any nation, regardless of the politics at the time. The success of the Brazilian expedition is a remarkable one, but certainly doesn't give Brazil claim to the continent.

And we are appaulled with Brazil's suggestion that the Spanish are responsible for the sinking of the DRS Reusachtig. The claim is so laughable and insensitive to the victims it almost suggests Brazil is trying to distract from the real matter at hand, for whatever reason.
 
To: Flanders
From: The United Kingdom


Your naivete amuses us. Again, you may as well propose that Spain surrenders the Sahara, or Russia the Gobi and Siberia. You may as well propose that the northernmost reaches of Vinland be cordoned off, all in the name of - of what? Some mystical "world peace?" Don't be silly. The balance of power is as good an insurance of world peace as any "shared laboratory."

These suggestions undermine the empires that the civilized nations of the world have labored so hard to construct - not just for their own edification, but that of the world at large. To suggest that we draw the line at Antarctica for no other reason than that it is a virgin continent reeks of the political unwillingness to admit that, maybe, you put your foot in the door a day too late.
 
To: Whomever it may concern


We will not rule out anything in the investigation, however we do not believe that Spain is responsible, seeing as Spanish ships arrived at the scene and picked up the few survivors. Brazilian ships did no such thing, they were tremendously closer and they ignored the repeated transmissions sent out for help..
We too question Brazil's actions in blaming the Spanish so quickly, and without apparent cause
 
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