NationStates

Archduke Franz Ferdinand has been assassinated! Austria-Hungary has found the assassin to be a Bosnian Serb, and they have declared war on Serbia. Kaiser Wilhelm of the German Empire declares war on Serbia in spite of their unconditional support towards their German neighbors in Austria-Hungary. The Russian Empire, led by Tsar Nikolas II has been a longtime ally of Serbia and supports them in the conflict, declaring war on the Central Powers. Britain and France join Russia by declaring war on the Central Powers, and the world is now neck and neck with each other, and thoughts of peace is long gone, the First World War has begun.

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OOC

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NACIONALES

August 9 to September 21:

President Victorino De La Plaza is sworn in as a replacement for Roque Sáenz Peña, who died of natural causes. Señor Sáenz Peña, an empassionate reformer, was able to push trough his namesake law trough congress two years earlier, which finally granted the vote to the vastly underepresented rabble and ended the system of patriotic fraud in effect since 1861. However, no elections have thus been held under the new system, and none will until 1916. De La Plaza is himself sceptical of his predecessor's reforms, and even more so of the populist Hipolito Yrgigoyen, leader of the Union Civica Radical (UCR), the opposition party. He realizes rolling back reforms is no longer possible, and that it is recommendable to have the now civilized UCR and Socialist Parties as they are. Nontheless , he sets out to make sure his party will remain in power, if outside government house. Within days of taking office, he presents an ammendment to the Saenz-Peña law, which changes the system of government from a presidential to a parliamentary form of government. The bill encounters scant opposition from the harline conservative congress, which sees it as the only way to prevent loosing power to the UCR completely. Some more conservative sectors within the UCR and the socialist party -which has no real chances of winning a presidential election- agree as well. As the bill will not take effect until the elections in 1916, De La Plaza can still rule as an autocratic president, for the time being.

Although Argentina is the 9th richest country in the world by GDP/c and the 12th by GDP, it has yet to solve its massive inequality problem. De La Plaza begins work on a plan to fix this in order to amiliorate the easily exploitable worker backlash that he belives will bring the UCR to power if not remedied.

August 27th:

The Superdreadnought Rivadavia has arrived from the United States after numerous delays in her construction. She is inmidiately declared the new flagship, and the arrival of her sister ship the Moreno is anxiously expected.... (Pág 2)


CABLEGRAMAS EXTRANJEROS

June 28:

Government anxious over the death of Franz Ferdinand. President Saenz Peña has called for calm and sent his condolences to the Austrian government for the death of the Archduke.... (Pág 5)

BOLETIN DEL MINISTERIO DE GUERRA Y MARINA (Semi-Secret)

The Ministry of War has an internal report for the strength of forces as of August 1914:

Active Duty Troops: 117,429 Men

Number Of Officers: 7.632 Men
Number Of Cavalry Men: 21.137

Active Reserve: 68,443 Men
Passive Reserve: 93,280 Men
Number Of Large Caliber Guns (50+MM): 1,345
Number Of Aeroplanes: 10
Number Of Armored Cars: 9
Number Of Officers Abroad (Not Counting Attaches): 66

The Ministry Of Marine Followed Suit With A Similar Internal Document:

Number Of (Dreadnought) Battleships: 1 (1 Building In The U.S)
Number Of Pre-Dreadnought Battleships: 2 (Costal Defense)
Number Of Armored Cruisers: 5
Number Of Protected Cruisers: 3
Number Of Destroyers: 3 (9 Building in France and Britan)

Peking, Republic of China
The Chinese government were meeting in their office debating about the situation with the empire of Japan.

Views on the situation
Premier Xiong Xiling: thinks China and Japan should keep the peace

President Yaun Shikai: thinks China should be aggresive towards Japan’s expansion

Vice President Féng Guózhāng: Thinks China should order japan to stop their expansion

“Well Xiong it’s up to you your the supreme ruler” said Fèng Xoing soon Said “Well let’s threaten them to stop the expansion if they don’t stop we will attack Dalian and take it back as ours”

Japan must accept these terms or we will declare war.

I: Japan must give Dalian back to China

II: Formosa will be split between Japan And China

III: Japan must let the northern part of Korea be a independent nation

“And sir what about German Qingdao” asked Shakai

“We will conduct a attack on it unless they give it up immediately

Terms for Germany

I: Germany must give up the port of Qingdao

The British parliament applauded as the just elected Prime Minister Lloyd George finished his inaugural address. The King had just recently asked him to become prime minister as his predecessor H.H. Asquith abdicated due to the pressure of parliament and the King to have a more militaristic government. Time had passed since that and Lloyd ah been busy putting it to good use, in preparation to take acts against Germany.

For that reason, the king had called him for a personal meeting to discuss the war that Britain was now part of. Arriving at the Buckingham palace the king received the prime minister and started talking immediately.

"Your majesty I’m honored to be the leader of this new government you have requested, I hope I prove myself useful for our cause"

"You don't have to thank me for that prime minister, it was the parliament that saw potential in you for leading our empire in the dark times we are going to face"

"Why do you say that your majesty?"

"The reason because the parliament and myself made Asquith abdicate and point you as prime minister are because we all don't think this war will be over before Christmas, as almost everyone else expects to"

The minister gave a thought of what the king just said. Asquith would be a perfect person to lead the country in the war, but only if this one was to be short. "And what is the reason of the concern on our situation?"

"We are more than a 100% sure that the Germans will try to dodge the French defenses by declaring war to Belgium"

"Yes, I am well informed of the situation in France, still the French have enough forces to resist the German assault"

"That's the problem, the French could hold for some time but will definitely fail if we don’t give them any assistance"

"Don't worry your majesty, I will start operations to take an expeditionary force to France"

"Yes, but first I want to discuss about the matter by which I called you"

The prime minister looked at the king intrigued, he thought that the reason for their meeting was to discuss war actions.

"I wanted to suggest that you let me take the diplomatic and military concerns, and you manage the war economy and society; of course, I will always ask for your advice when making such decisions, and you will always be able to give your own ideas"

The prime minister looked at the king surprised "How would this work?"

"Easy, I will work jointly with the War cabinet and manage the diplomatic theatre, while you and your coalition government take care of the production, economy and politics on our nation; of course, you can always ask to have something done, and if we can we'll do it"

"That sounds fine for me your majesty, I will not take you any more time, I have to return and start working according your orders" Said the prime minister, that returned to his vehicle.

The king then proceeded to assemble the war cabinet, and in the meantime sent letters to the empire of japan asking for their assistance. When the war cabinet arrived, among everyone was agreed that the British actions to take should be the following:

1. Britain will send an Expeditionary Force to France, to cover the French border with Belgium.

2. The Royal Navy will be ordered to open fire upon any war vessel of Austrian or German precedence, however all civilian ships or convoys that have their destination to any of the two aforementioned countries and are originally from these countries may be seized and docked on any brits or allied controlled port for the rest of the conflict.

3. Any international ship that has its destination Germany or Austria may continue in their ways, but if the cargo of these vessels is of any military kind, the ship and its cargo will be seized, and returned to its respective country.

4. Canada and the Raj will send expeditionary forces to join ours in France, the ANZAC will assemble at the German New Guinea and capture it, as so will do South Africa with the German Namibia.

NACIONALES

October 22:

The Argentine government has launched a new economic programme for the purpose of increasing war profits. A state bank for industrial development has been set up to provide credit to those seeking to open industrial complexes which provide material now in high demand from European powers. A munitions factory in Rosario, co-funded by the state, has begun building.

The government also introduced a bill to ensure better working conditions in factories, but it has been defeated in congress by a large margin.

CABLEGRAMAS EXTRANJEROS

September 29:

The Argentine government has protested the classification of leather and foodstuffs as war material on the part of the British War Cabinet, and has ordered ships bound for Germany to head to the Netherlands and transport their cargo overland instead. Despite the protest, sales of agricultural goods to Great Britan have increased, and part of the material originally bound for the Central Powers have been redirected there.

Mr. De La Plaza has also requested a meeting with the British Ambassador (A new Ecuador)

BOLETION DE LOS MINISTERIOS DE GUERRA Y MARINA



Following reccomendations of military attaches in Europe, the army has adopted new uniform regulations. Colonel Uriburu, recently returned from from France, said the changes were due to high casualties suffered by French troops during their battles with German forces, equipped with plain grey uniforms, like those now adopted by the Argentine army.

The king finishes reading the Argentine letter, grabs his pen, and starts writing:

Dear Mr. De La Plaza,
we appreciate your offering of diplomacy in these hard times we face,
I shall send an Ambassador immediately to discuss any terms you wish,
I hope that our new laws on the commerce don't affect our relationships,
Sincerely,
George V

After that he analyses a map of the border with France, the French had suffered heavy losses in the first days of the war, but now they we're holding the line and the Germans had stopped their advance, the only way they could push through was by Belgium, and the British Expeditionary Force(BEF) was in position. The only thing they have to do is wait... for now.

June 28th 1914
The King was very shocked by the news he just received. He sent his condolences to the Austrian government.
July 28th 1914
"It seems war is inevitable, gentlemen" Said the king "There will be no other choice but defending ourselves from the Germans." He spoke to the cabinet who assembled in the Royal Palace. "Excuse me, your Majesty, but there is another way we will not be involved in the war." It was the Prime minister who interrupted him. "What way?" asked King Albert. "Well... We could just give the German soldiers free passage through our country to France, so we will be spared from the war." Said Charles de Broqueville, the Prime minister.

"Charles, are you out of your mind???!!!!" Shouted Albert. "So, you really think that, if we let the German soldiers pass through our country, nothing will happen to us? If we let the Germans pass we would not be spared, Charles. Do you really think the Germans will be friendly when they're passing through? No, they would loot, pillage and plunder when they're passing through! We are a neutral country, if they invade us, the British will help us. Let it be clear for everyone in this room" he pointed with his finger to everyone present. "Germany is the enemy and they will not pass through freely."

Albert turns to Antonin de Selliers de Moranville, a general who was also present. "How many soldiers are ready to fight, General?"
"Around 200,000 troops are ready, Your Majesty" said Antonin
"Good, very good" Said Albert.

A New Ecuador wrote:The king finishes reading the Argentine letter, grabs his pen, and starts writing:

Dear Mr. De La Plaza,
we appreciate your offering of diplomacy in these hard times we face,
I shall send an Ambassador immediately to discuss any terms you wish,
I hope that our new laws on the commerce don't affect our relationships,
Sincerely,
George V

After that he analyses a map of the border with France, the French had suffered heavy losses in the first days of the war, but now they we're holding the line and the Germans had stopped their advance, the only way they could push through was by Belgium, and the British Expeditionary Force(BEF) was in position. The only thing they have to do is wait... for now.

De La Plaza and the newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Estanislao Zeballos arrive at the British embassy. The Argentines propose a treaty wherein Britan compromises to buy the bulk of argentine agricultural produces for the following 20 years, and must agree to a nationalization of the railway and banking industries in Argentina currently owned or operated by British financial concerns. In exchange, the Argentines agree to sell the aformentioned products at prices 5% below their market value, and to diplomatically support the British war effort. The delegates state that they are open to further discussion.

NACIONALES

December 10:

After blocking the presidents working conditions bill for the ninth time, the Honourable Congress Of The Republic has been sieged by the anarchist FORA labor union manifestations....

December 12:

12, including 3 policemen, dead outside parliament as strikes against congress have been heavily repressed by the police. It is reported the head of the Buenos Aires constabulary has refused an order from the president to withdraw back to barracks. FORA directors have stated they have no intention of ceasing their acitivities...

December 16:

QUEDA DISUELTO EL CONGRESSO

It appears President De La Plaza has taken the initiative in his struggle against congress. Using the recent social unrest as a pretext, the 8th Infantry Brigade had its commander replaced by the limitedly progressive Colonel Jose. F Uriburu on the 13th. After a few of the more conservative elements in congress begun an intense - if ultimately unssucesful - impeachment vote and continuing violence in the Plaza de Mayo, it was reported that the unit had been ordered out its garrison duty in Campo de Mayo. Early on the 15th the army troops arrived at Buenos Aires via train and advanced towards congress. The police was confined to its quarters, and the unit assumed policing duties over the city. With a tense standoff at Plaza de Mayo continuing, congress refused De La Plaza's ultimatum to pass the bill, and was subsequently dissolved, with its members now under house arrest.

It was reported that FORA strikes continued their action despite the passing of the law, and attempted to move towards government house, with both actions prevented by firing from the troops and the arrival of a armored car squadron, which left a few wounded and finally dissolved the group. Total casualties reported at 9 for the strikers and nought for the troops. Civilian rule in the city is to be restored by the begining of January.


CABLEGRAMAS EXTRANJEROS

December 17

Uruguay has expressed dissatisfaction at the removal of 6 Uruguayan citizens found ilegally squating in the - disputed - Martín Garcia Island....

Goverment Of The Argentinian State wrote:

A New Ecuador wrote:The king finishes reading the Argentine letter, grabs his pen, and starts writing:

Dear Mr. De La Plaza,
we appreciate your offering of diplomacy in these hard times we face,
I shall send an Ambassador immediately to discuss any terms you wish,
I hope that our new laws on the commerce don't affect our relationships,
Sincerely,
George V

After that he analyses a map of the border with France, the French had suffered heavy losses in the first days of the war, but now they we're holding the line and the Germans had stopped their advance, the only way they could push through was by Belgium, and the British Expeditionary Force(BEF) was in position. The only thing they have to do is wait... for now.

De La Plaza and the newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Estanislao Zeballos arrive at the British embassy. The Argentines propose a treaty wherein Britan compromises to buy the bulk of argentine agricultural produces for the following 20 years, and must agree to a nationalization of the railway and banking industries in Argentina currently owned or operated by British financial concerns. In exchange, the Argentines agree to sell the aformentioned products at prices 5% below their market value, and to diplomatically support the British war effort. The delegates state that they are open to further discussion.

Sir Reginald Tower, the British ambassador in Argentina listens to the offer. The nationalization of the British companies will be a hard thing to accomplish, but it will be manageable. However all once British owned companies must suspend German employees, and Argentina must refuse to do business with big German companies. Argentina must also cease commercial activities with the Central Powers and ensure a close relation with our empire.

A New Ecuador wrote:

Goverment Of The Argentinian State wrote:
De La Plaza and the newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Estanislao Zeballos arrive at the British embassy. The Argentines propose a treaty wherein Britan compromises to buy the bulk of argentine agricultural produces for the following 20 years, and must agree to a nationalization of the railway and banking industries in Argentina currently owned or operated by British financial concerns. In exchange, the Argentines agree to sell the aformentioned products at prices 5% below their market value, and to diplomatically support the British war effort. The delegates state that they are open to further discussion.

Sir Reginald Tower, the British ambassador in Argentina listens to the offer. The nationalization of the British companies will be a hard thing to accomplish, but it will be manageable. However all once British owned companies must suspend German employees, and Argentina must refuse to do business with big German companies. Argentina must also cease commercial activities with the Central Powers and ensure a close relation with our empire.

The Argentines find the terms acceptable, and the son of former president Julio A. Roca - who is present the signing of the agreement - comments that, due to its economic interdependence, Argentina is by all practical purposes, part of the British Empire. (Interestingly enough a real quote by the foreign minister in 1933). The Argentines also express interest in the conditions for a possible turnover of the falkland islands, letting it be known - discreetly - that a break of relations with the Central Powers would be very much acceptable.

Concurrently, a State-Owned co-operative called Lineas Ferroviarias Del Estado (LeFDE) is created to take over handling of the railways. The Corporacion Frigorifica Argentina (CFA) is established to take over the buisness of British-owned frigorifc and meat-packing companies. Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales (YPF) is created to handle the oil buissness. Althought they all begin the process of taking over the industries with haste, British technical experts are offered incentives to stay for the near future, so as to ensure efficiency remains constant. A few of the industries nationalized, such as the Forestal and Timber Company Ltd. are found to be in violation of the new working conditions law, and subsequently put under army administration until their situation is normalized.

Large argricultural terrains for their part are not kept under state control, but are redistributed to inmigrants from Italy and Spain, in order to punish the landowners of the Sociedad Rural, largely supportive of the recently dissolved congress.