Blackened Skies

[Ahigin]

I'm announcing that I'll be dropping blackened skies for the duration of Ramadan, which is ten more days. Sorry, I just don't feel energetic or motivated enough to write orders while I am hungry and thirsty. I will pick this game back up after eid, and while I don't expect the GMs to reserve Mexico for me, I do hope to come back to playing imperial Mexico after ramadan

It's actually not a big deal. You can just ask Nuke to NPC Mexico for you for one turn. Tell him what general strategy you need for your country, and that's all. People do it all the time.

 

[Nuka-sama]

I'll reserveexico for you, not a problem

And welcome Ogane

 

[gay_Aleks]

A PROCLAMATION OF THE LA GRAN REPUBLICA DE AMERICA LATIN

Today, the "Gran" Bolivian Empire that once ruled from Paraguay to Ecuador is dead. A tyrannical regime is now down, as its soldiers are disarming, and returning back to their homelands. As for those who caused this division within South America for nearly a century, a Trial shall be held, to determine their Guilt. Amongst those Persecuted, we would include the Emperor himself, his Royal Family, and the Generals who prepared this ghastly butchery of South Americans for the interests of other nations.

My friends! Today, a new and Democratic South America rises! From Ecuador all the way to Patagonia, a new entity, La Gran Republica will rule over the peoples living within those lands, with the Ideals that once were held by the Founding Fathers of America, but are now perverted by the aristocracy in the US...and, as we can all see, are paying for it. I envision a peace, where one would travel from Ecuador to Patagonia in complete safety. A peaceful future where Fair Elections shall be held and the Will of the People will be Upheld.

We will go Forwards towards an Union that will support the Dignity of Man, without enslaving him to no Monarch, no Commissar, no Fuhrer! He will have the Freedom to elect his representatives in Fair and True Elections, reflecting upon his divine Will to decide as he wishes.

A great victory for Democracy in South America has been forged, but do not forget, there is more to do. There is always another fight awaiting for us. Bolivia has ties to the Americans, but a puppet of theirs still remains within South America, as a blistering tumour that is an insult to any freedom-loving South American. Colombia. A military junta that oppresses its people and on its own has risen from the couping of the Colombian Republic. Let they live in fear, now that they no longer have Bolivia to hide behind.

~Jeanne Marco, First President of La Gran Republicá

 

[Ahigin]

A PROCLAMATION OF THE LA GRAN REPUBLICA DE AMERICA LATIN

Today, the "Gran" Bolivian Empire that once ruled from Paraguay to Ecuador is dead. A tyrannical regime is now down, as its soldiers are disarming, and returning back to their homelands. As for those who caused this division within South America for nearly a century, a Trial shall be held, to determine their Guilt. Amongst those Persecuted, we would include the Emperor himself, his Royal Family, and the Generals who prepared this ghastly butchery of South Americans for the interests of other nations.

My friends! Today, a new and Democratic South America rises! From Ecuador all the way to Patagonia, a new entity, La Gran Republica will rule over the peoples living within those lands, with the Ideals that once were held by the Founding Fathers of America, but are now perverted by the aristocracy in the US...and, as we can all see, are paying for it. I envision a peace, where one would travel from Ecuador to Patagonia in complete safety. A peaceful future where Fair Elections shall be held and the Will of the People will be Upheld.

We will go Forwards towards an Union that will support the Dignity of Man, without enslaving him to no Monarch, no Commissar, no Fuhrer! He will have the Freedom to elect his representatives in Fair and True Elections, reflecting upon his divine Will to decide as he wishes.

A great victory for Democracy in South America has been forged, but do not forget, there is more to do. There is always another fight awaiting for us. Bolivia has ties to the Americans, but a puppet of theirs still remains within South America, as a blistering tumour that is an insult to any freedom-loving South American. Colombia. A military junta that oppresses its people and on its own has risen from the couping of the Colombian Republic. Let they live in fear, now that they no longer have Bolivia to hide behind.

~Jeanne Marco, First President of La Gran Republicá

OOC: Am I reading this right that Argentina, Chile, and all past Bolivian Empire's territories now unite into one state? Is it a union similar to the German Union, or is it controlled by one player?

 

[Crezth]

The government of Chile announces its dissolution effective immediately pending unification with the Gran Republica de América Latina. Long live the republic! Long live Jeanne Marco!

 

[JohannaK]

América Latina, and La is the definite article. No need for it.

 

[jackelgull]

Ooc obviously: I'm giving this new nation three years before it explodes in a seething mass of violence and civil war.

 

[Double A]

The Great Zhao would like to remind the blob formerly known as Argentina that it had promised amnesty to the Bolivian royals.

 

[Ogane]

A message to the world. The Peoples Liberation Army has been reformed as the military arm a new diplomatic face, The United Socialist States of America! At this point in time we would like to announce our status as a sovereign nation free from all dependencies and free from all other nations, denouncing the former United States of America from which we have revolted from whilst extending a hand of friendship to those who see the United States as their enemy. Our wartime leader President Charles Peck has been chosen to be the functioning face of our new nation until the war has concluded at which point the people will decide how to proceed. Thank you all for any support you can give to crush the American oppressors, any support will be repaid in due time.

-President Charles Peck, USSA

At this time the USSA would also like to announce the integration of our armed forces to include men and women of every race. Our proud men and women will be fighting side by side for our glorious cause! Women will be volunteers, while men will be conscripted service for all able bodied men between 18 and 38 not in necessary Production, or Agricultural jobs. We will push back the American oppressors and secure freedom for our nation. for the USSA!

- President Charles Peck, USSA

A message to the people of the United States, and of the world. We are here! We have risen above against our oppressors! Their is hope and it's name is the USSA workers take up your arms and join us! The only thing we have to lose my fellow Americans, is our chains! So take up arms and fight! Fight for what you know in your heart is right! Fight for the USSA!

-President Charles Peck, USSA

 

[Nuka-sama]

Reminder, orders are due Friday

 

[J.K. Stockholme]

OOC:

@Ogane:
The hammer and sickle are not socialist icons in this universe. The original socialist revolutions were all in highly developed, industrial societies (France, Germany, Sweden), so there would have been no reason to use a sickle in their iconography.

The Ruhr's flag for example is just a yellow hammer on a red background.

 

[Masada]

A tractor on the other hand...

 

[Ogane]

OOC:

@Ogane:
The hammer and sickle are not socialist icons in this universe. The original socialist revolutions were all in highly developed, industrial societies (France, Germany, Sweden), so there would have been no reason to use a sickle in their iconography.

The Ruhr's flag for example is just a yellow hammer on a red background.

OOC sorry about that, I'll try to come up with a new one.

 

[inthesomeday]

You could just finish off the other half of the gear as a gear instead of a sickle

 

[Ogane]

You could just finish off the other half of the gear as a gear instead of a sickle

OOC: Changed it using this model, not super high quality work, a little uneven, but it's the best I could do

 

[Decamper]

France reduces mobilisation to 50%.

 

[Nuka-sama]

48 hours until orders are due

 

[Seon]

flyer translated to english

Spanish Preparedness Movement Gains Strength

The Spanish Republic has long resisted repeated calls for a stronger military, citing that position of armed neutrality and general demilitarization was sufficient to guarantee safety. This repeated doctrine by the Social Democratic party combined with uncovered scandals regarding corruption and treason within the military have made it almost impossible to pass any laws regarding increasing the strength of the military through the Parliament. This policy now appears completely reversed with the passing of the National Defense Act of 1937, authorizing an incredible amount of funding towards the country's armed forces at the expense of its long running social programs. This is most likely thanks to the growing Preparedness Movement that is taking hold within the Spanish Parliament.

The Preparedness Movement, long endorsed by conservatives, industrialists, lawyers, social elites, and other prominent families, have long been seen as the last holdover of the Spanish Empire, fondly remembering the time when the old Monarchy ruled a global empire. This movement, claiming that a strong Spanish military will work as a deterrent against foreign military aggression, have now gained traction within the mainstream liberals and socialist thinkers within this nation, with many MPs of the Social Democratic party openly endorsing the formerly conservative only movement. With their open support, recent Preparedness Movement, long distant from the middle and low class within the Spanish Republic, is enjoying increased membership and profile within the national politics.

Emphasizing over and over the weak and unprepared state of the national military, the Preparedness Movement calls for the rearmament of the nation through funding all three arms of the military. First gaining national attention through radio broadcasts, flyers, and even a parade into the capital following the wake of the humiliating border incident with Portugal, the newly socialist infused Preparedness Movement called for increased ties with the Socialist Internationale against what they have dubbed increased aggression by the United States to control the Mediterranean. In a move to shows bi-partisan support the new movement, the President of the Spanish Republic have named Carlos Estrada, long time supporter of the Preparedness Movement and a known conservative, to the position of Secretary of War, responsible for overseeing the transition of the army from a self-defense force and into a modern military.

Under the National Defense Act of 1937, a large subsidy and incentives have been granted towards factories and entrepreneurs producing armaments and equipments for war, enticing drydocks to begin producing military vessels for the first time since the bloody civil war. Military exercises and war games are being planned in the plains of Andalusia as the newly trained officers go over hypothetical combat scenarios. Everywhere within the Republic, people are reporting sightings of old military hardwares being brought out from the reserves to be test-fired and zeroed by eager new recruits of the military as they wait for new hardwares and ammunition from Catalonia to arrive.

Under the leadership and recommendation of Carlos Estrada, the Spanish Parliament have repeatedly denounced Portuguese refusal to offer any sort of apologies to the victims of kidnapping and aggression two years ago. Borders to Portugal has been shut down until further notice, and locals have noted increased amount of Spanish troops patrolling the area in armored cars or otherwise building fortifications and trenches.

The future of the Spanish Republic under the new coalition of the Preparedness Movement appear to be uncertain as many critics point out that old feud between the conservative and liberal elements within the Republic may discourage long term cooperation against even a common foe. One thing that is certain in Iberia, however, is that peace has never seemed so fragile before.

Anti militarist and pacifist factions, particularly strong in women's groups and the Catholic Church, have attempted to discourage the Republic's drift towards war-readiness, citing this militarism to be another step towards the totalitarian governments of the Germanies after the political commissars and their purges of the military force of suspected 'treasonous' elements. Carloes Estrada, now Secretary of War and the overall spokesperson for the Preparedness Movement, have denied this allegations.

"I remain committed to the preservation of democracy and freedom within our great nation," Carlos Estrada is quoted to have said. "However, I believe that we must wake up to the reality of this world. The brotherhood of mankind is nothing before the predatory ambitions of certain governments of this fair earth. They will kill, devour, and consume all things in their path to further power and wealth. No amount of ideological crusades will dissuade these evil men from their path. The only bulwark against such aggressors, then, is economic strength and military power. I believe in the honor of peace, but also have experienced the reality of war and the bravery of the men that have fought for our sakes. I believe that to hold both in high regard is necessary to navigate today's world of political strife. We must hope for peace, but at the same time make ready for war."

 

[Nuka-sama]

WE OFFICIALLY HAVE HIT THE LESS THAN 24 HOUR WARNING D:

Please be sure to get your orders in!

 

[Robert Can't]

Trevelyan was stood leaning against the archway at Victoria tower. St Stephen's struck two. The winter mist of early February covered the Thames. Across the river one could see the redevelopment works going on, the eternal transformation of the city of London from one thing into another and back again before tea time. Everything in London was always in flux from the bankers and barristers in Temple to the urchins and entrepreneurs of The Isle of Dogs. But Westminster was meant to abide, it was meant to be a constant a guiding light to the flux of the city. Now for two years those halls have stood in silence: the country governed out of party HQ rather than Whitehall or Westminster.

Trevelyan could feel in his bones this would be the last time he set eyes on the palace in its Gothic splendour. India called to him now. Its song was dangerous and complex in comparison to the elegance of English polyphony but he was drawn in all the same, unable to fight against his love for those exotic shores and majestic hills. A thin and professional looking man briskly walked up the steps next to him. The man's bowler hat marked him out as a Civil Servant and his wry grin marked him out as one of Trevelyan's old friends - George Pendleton, the Permanent Undersecratary of State for India.

"Herbert, its good to see you." Pendleton hooked his umbrella over his arm and vigorously shook Trevelyan's hand.

Trevelyan smiled warmly. "I only wish it could have been under better circumstances."

The two of them walked down into the garden surrounding Westminster. "I presume," Pendleton said "That you aren't just here to visit the sites." Though he didn't say it explicitly it was clear by the question that Pendleton was asking why a number of old Tories and Liberals had been converging on London as of late. It was also clear by the man's great intelligence and wealth of contacts that he already knew that Trevelyan was sailing off to India with a large number of old money types to India to start building their lives over there. And this of course meant that what Pendleton was really asking was if there was space on the boat for him.

Knowing all of this Trevelyan replied to the implicit question in an only slightly less round about way. "India is a vast continent George. Its people now are some of the most loyal subjects of the Empire despite whatever you may read about the Education laws. More loyal, some might say, than the people who used to call themselves her Majesty's Government.

"Britain is being run now not by public consent or the rule of law but by the Black and Tans. Things are different in India, its a fresh start in a beautiful country. Many people want to make the journey to join us there. In London political freedoms are being trampled upon and eroded, in India they are just being born. I'm here to recruit good people to the ICS and persuade others that there is more of a future in India than anywhere else."

Trevelyan pointed up at the clouds and continued "So much of the world is covered by Blackened Skies, but in the dominions the sun shines brightly. It will not truly ever set on us."

The two of them walked for a while and chatted continually, catching up on the latest gossip about their old university days, the weather and the latest new tea blends out of The Strand. They sat in a coffee house for a while and for that afternoon it seemed like all was well in the world and they were back in in the old England once again.

Extract from the Memoirs of George Pendleton:

In later years we’d come to refer to it as the Long March, it was the month I arrived in India but for many people it was the month that the India they had known changed forever. I don’t think there was ever such uncertainty spread throughout the population of India. High and low, rich and poor – all knew that something was amiss. Blackened skies hugged the west coast throughout spring…

Radio Broadcast 12th March

The HMS Indefatigable arrived today in the Port of Colombo. Its passenger manifest contained The Viscount Trevelyan and Sir Pendleton along with other senior figures from Whitehall. Talks began in Nuwara Eliya about the constitutional nature of the continued governance of India. The Duchess of Gunfleet Emily Stanford is presiding over the talks as leader of the Indian Parliamentary Group in the House of Lords and as such presumed head of Government of India.
Weather Reports indicate storms brewing along the west coast and the Board of Transport has put out an advisory notice to all shipping out of Bombay warning them of the potential dangers of worsening weather.

Extract from the Memoirs of George Pendleton:

On the fourteenth of March a report reached the ears of local authorities about Sapna Awasthi a young girl from a poor family in Bombay had been travelling south to visit relatives in the city of Goa a city officially controlled by Portuguese. The train which she caught stopped at a station on the British side of the border where her aunt had come to meet her.
However her parents were soon contacted by the Aunt who informed them that due to the foreign influences corrupting her niece’s education the Goa branch of the family had decided to take the girl under their wing until she came of age. The Parents of Sapna then informed the police in Bombay about their daughter’s kidnapping.
I was still in Nuwara Eliya at the time and the issue didn’t really reach a national level until two days later when the case of Sapna Awasthi was brought before Judge Mattie Storin of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

A History of Indian Law – Mattie Storin

None of us were really sure what to make of the events, clearly it was a breach of Indian Education act (1934) but we had never really been in a case where a breach had occurred outside of our jurisdiction. When the law had passed through parliament clearly no one had been prepared for this type of event. On the one had a child is being forced to remain in a place where they would not have access to an education and the “kidnapping” did occur inside British territory however since Portuguese India is outside of the remit of the act it has no legal force there to compel the family to give the child back to her parents.
The obvious course of action would have been to begin negotiation with the Portuguese Embassy in London however at the time the Colonial Administration had very little support amongst the London Authorities which were at the time fully deferring to the Black and Tans. A telegram was sent to the Governor of Goa in an attempt to begin righting this wrong however before a response was heard the Viscount Prouge had already decided to take decisive action.

Radio Broadcast 18th March 14:00 Local Time

A group of four military policemen under the command of General the Viscount Prouge commander in the southern region have just entered Portuguese territory with intent to recover kidnapping victim Sapna Awasthi.
In the weather the storms seem to be dissipating in the west however after last night’s winds the ferry service operating between Ceylon and the mainland has been put out of operation as well as a the main railway line for Southern India. The Board of Transport has stated that so long as the storms continue to retreat repairs should be completed in three days at most.

Radio Broadcast 18th March 21:00 Local Time

The latest on the hostage crisis in Goa: One member of the four military police sent in to attempt to negotiate the handover of Sapna Awasthi was killed by a blow to the head in a fight that broke out with local police. The man was called Tim Wynyard and was son of an army quartermaster and a grocer. He and his fiancé had been planning to move to Bombay later this year following his promotion.
The negotiations have ceased and the three remaining military police officers have returned with the body to the British side of the border.

Extract from an interview with the Viscount Prouge, years later

Of course I was furious, you’d be furious. He was a young man with so much potential. People who say that my actions that month were motivated by my hatred of America may think themselves right and that may have been part of my motivations but throughout it all was the driving force of anger I felt that my man had died and the need to see that girl safely back to her parents.
That day I did go to visit Helen, his fiancé, to tell her about her husband’s death. It hit the news at about 9 o’clock. By that point I had already returned and was gathering my troops.

Extract from the Memoirs of George Pendleton:

On the 19th of March Trevelyan announced that he would be returning to Bombay in order to conduct talks with the authorities in Goa as well as on the British side of the border.
I remember the last time I spoke to him, I told him that he should wait, the weather warnings had been downgraded to low but I was still worried. He couldn’t take the ferry and train due to the damages that occurred in the first storm. So he boarded the HMS Rosemary and set sail for Bombay.
I had intended to join him, but in the end I was very hungover from a formal occasion the day before. Gunfleet really knew how to throw a party. I suppose its thatks to her then that I am still alive. Herbert told me to get some rest and continue in the talks. The last thing he said to me was that he would be back by the end of the month.

Radio Broadcast 20th March 9:00 Local Time

Last night forces under the command of General the Viscount Prouge crossed the British-Portuguese border into Goa in a mission of retaliation for the death of a British military police officer and to rescue kidnap victim Sapna Awasthi. The forces have taken control of the village where the crimes occurred and are now marching towards the city of Goa itself.

Radio Broadcast 20th March 22:00 Local Time

Breaking News, a distress call was received earlier this evening from the HMS Rosemary, the ship carrying the Viscount Trevelyan. Moments ago it was reported that the ship has gone under. The weather conditions are so bad that the Coastguard Office decided it was not worth risking lives to further the search.