The Iron Curtain: A Cold War RP (IC, Open)

[Totally Not OEP]

God, Country, and King

Although the failure to acquire an additional cruiser from the Americans was disappointing, Madrid still had much to be happy in the deal; after all, the deal was still an immense success. The 12 vessels, jointly of the Fletcher and Gearing classes, meant that Spain now had a modern destroyer force. Likewise, the acquisition of modernized Tench vessels conveyed upon Spain, for the first time ever, a capable submarine force. Both are critical for the Spanish Navy, as currently existing NATO estimates predict that the Soviet Navy will have among its ranks at least 300 attack submarines by 1960, posing a serious risk to NATO's sea-based connections of resupply and reinforcement between North America and Europe. Given Spain's commerce ties as well as the recognition from Madrid that reinforcements from the United States and Canada would be vital should the USSR attack into Western Europe, the new ships of the Navy allow Spain a fighting chance by presenting a true ASW force, with the submarines to be used in an hunter-killed manner.

The Mendez Nunez, the last ship of the Blas de Lezo-Cruiser class, as well as the three vessels of the Almirante Cervera-class are all decommissioned and slated for scrapping. The freeing of their complement, the funds gained from their scrapping and the upkeep costs saved from their removal allows for the Baltimore-class given from the Americans to receive her crew as well as enter port at Rota Naval Base in order for an extensive refit. The same is done for the new Destroyers and Submarines, in that the old and obsolete six B-class submarines, as well as the 15 ships of the Churruca-class of Destroyers and the three of Alsedo-class are to be scrapped. This allows for the trained personnel to transfer over to their new postings, while reducing the overall upkeep costs for the Navy in favor of fewer, but more modern and thus capable, vessels.

The Canarias, the only Spanish heavy cruiser in existence, is the only frontline vessel to be retained by the Armada Española from existing stocks. For now she will be the only heavy vessel in active service, as the new Baltimore-class vessel aforementioned upgrade will keep it from entering service for the new two years. To be named ESPS Arturo Espa, in recognition of a hero of the Cartagena uprising during the Civil War, the Spanish plans for the new cruiser call for the aft gun turrets and the aircraft catapult to be removed in favor of the installation of Terrier missile launchers as well as new radar systems for both the remaining guns, conventional AA, and the aforementioned missile systems. Some of the five inch guns are also slated to be removed:

The Arturo Espa will be a powerful ship, capable of excellent Anti Aircraft, Anti-Ship and Shore Bombardment duties.

[Totally Not OEP]

To: U.S. Department of State
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Spain

Secretary Acheson,

As you are likely aware, Spain since the victory over our domestic Bolsheviks in 1939 has embarked upon a course of rapidly expanded our capabilities in fields such as hydropower and other assorted public works, in order to develop our nation. Our love for such mega-projects has extended into envisioning-and designing-a multitude of other such plans, even extending past our national borders. As such, some minor officials in the Ministry of Interior have drawn up a plan for your great New York City, which I personally thought you might be interested in. The design calls for the East River to be drained, granting a land connection between Manhattan Island and Brooklyn, as well as for some minor land reclamation on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River near Jersey City:

To make up for the loss of the Brooklyn Harbor, we have also revived some planning concerning the development of Jamaica Bay, currently a park near Brooklyn, to be developed likewise into a world class port facility:

If you are interested, we'd gladly send some specialists to assist with such a project, as it would help us with our own future efforts.

Sincerely,

Minister Alberto Martín-Artajo
Kingdom of Spain

[Hypron]

London, England, January 20, 1950

Attlee was looking over the list of topics from the Imperial Conference when Ernest Bevin walked in. "Sir, a companion of mine gave me an idea for a project. He said that we should create a multinational aerospace company, for help with European defense." 'And how would it help with defense?" "It would allow us to share our designs with NATO members, and allow NATO members to give their input." "Alright, I will authorize this, but what do you plan to call it?" "It shall be called Airbus." "Alright, you have my go ahead, take some of the funds from the defense budget and form this company. See if Royal Ordnance and Rolls-Royce would be able to assist." Bevin walks out, and Attlee goes back to his paperwork.

[Sarenium]

NOKHOST VAZIR AFTER FIRST DAY: MUCH HAS BEEN DONE, MUCH WILL BE DONE

By A. Yakhaneri, Editor-in-Chief, Ettelaat Paper
January 20

TEHRAN, Iran - His government has only been in office for 3 days, the Majlis had its first sitting of the year only today and it only adjourned for the day minutes before the Nokhost Vazir emerged from the Majlis to cheers as he pronounced the Shah would soon receive the 'first of many bills to come'. The bills to pass include the first step in nationalisation of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Corporation, a formal 'notice' has been delivered for intention to renegotiate 'within a year or the agreement shall be said to have lapsed', joining this is a secondary notice to the British Embassy indicating that Vazir Kalali will pursue the matter in the International Court of Justice if negotiations do not begin. The Nokhost Vazir stressed that the first and foremost priority is 'fair renegotiation, we do not want the current contract to lapse and nor do we want the legal avenue to be pursued'. The Nokhost Vazir also announced the passage of a package of pro-Democracy bills, these include the implementation of instant-runoff voting in all Majlis elections, proportional representation for the newly formed Imperial Senate, compulsory elections for the Majlis every four years and the Senate with half-at-a-time every four years. Adjoining these was a strict prohibition on 'members of other offices of profit under the pen of the Imperial State' being either candidates or incumbent officeholders in the Majlis or Cabinet, with the exception of Majlis Members serving in the cabinet. This resulted in Sarlashkar Fazlollah Zahedi formally resigning from the Imperial Army.

This has been just a single day of Majlis under a Mossadegh Government. He has also issued Ministerial Edicts in a wide range of fields, in a single day ordering a temporary hold on religious teachings in public schools while also putting forward legislative actions to expand public education. He has issued edicts temporarily prohibiting 'talaq talaq talaq' divorces from being legally effective and the Minister for the Interior has given the SAVAK Secret Police two weeks to justify classified material before it is subjected to 6 days a week Majlis scrutiny to determine it's future course of action. Meanwhile at provincial levels, all Provincial Governors have been warned to prepare to hold Senate elections in the next six months. The only Governor to object has been the Governor of Fars who has called the equal number of Senators between all Provinces 'undemocratic in nature'.

Undoubtedly, while the Education, Health and Infrastructure components of the Mossadegh Agenda have yet to be considered by the Majlis; the effects of this government will be clear. No wonder that the Nokhost Vazir declared to supporters outside Majlis "Much has been done, much will still be done!"

Even the passage of a single one of these Acts trumps over any miniature detail glossed over during the days of Ali Mansur or Mohammed Sa'ed. Both gentlemen, despite being Royal appointees, not democratically elected leaders have hastily endorsed Mossadegh's policy agenda and called for the Constitutional Monarchy that the Shah promised after the Little Revolution to be adhered to. As secular thought circles cheer the most recent Acts, and Clerics watch cautiously from Qom, most Iranians wait to feel the impacts. That didn't stop cheers today, but given a year, Mossadegh will need to do more than pay lip service.

Caption: Mossadegh after leaving the Majlis, Jan 19, 1950.

[Dentali]

To: U.S. Department of State
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Spain

Secretary Acheson,

As you are likely aware, Spain since the victory over our domestic Bolsheviks in 1939 has embarked upon a course of rapidly expanded our capabilities in fields such as hydropower and other assorted public works, in order to develop our nation. Our love for such mega-projects has extended into envisioning-and designing-a multitude of other such plans, even extending past our national borders. As such, some minor officials in the Ministry of Interior have drawn up a plan for your great New York City, which I personally thought you might be interested in. The design calls for the East River to be drained, granting a land connection between Manhattan Island and Brooklyn, as well as for some minor land reclamation on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River near Jersey City:

(Image)

To make up for the loss of the Brooklyn Harbor, we have also revived some planning concerning the development of Jamaica Bay, currently a park near Brooklyn, to be developed likewise into a world class port facility:

(Image)

If you are interested, we'd gladly send some specialists to assist with such a project, as it would help us with our own future efforts.

Sincerely,

Minister Alberto Martín-Artajo
Kingdom of Spain

From: Secretary of State
To: Minister Alberto Martin-Artajo

Thank you very much for your suggestion. We will pass this on to the New York Authorities and discuss it with them.

[Dentali]

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

From: The Government of Ethiopia
To: The President of the United States

To whom it may concern,
As you know, Ethiopia was on one of the main battle fronts of World War 2 and was devastated and bombarded.The Government has plans to revitalise Ethiopia's economy after this in order to make Ethiopia a modern and industrialised country again. The Government is also concerned about the rise of Communist groups in Ethiopia as of recent that are being driven out of despiration following the war, which has driven many Ethiopians into poverty and desperation. As a result, we kindly ask for $250 million in foreign aid and believe that it would be in your own interest to grant this.

From: The Government of Ethiopia
To: The President of the United States

To whom it may concern,
As you know, Ethiopia was on one of the main battle fronts of World War 2 and was devastated and bombarded.The Government has plans to revitalise Ethiopia's economy after this in order to make Ethiopia a modern and industrialised country again. The Government is also concerned about the rise of Communist groups in Ethiopia as of recent that are being driven out of despiration following the war, which has driven many Ethiopians into poverty and desperation. As a result, we kindly ask for $250 million in foreign aid and believe that it would be in your own interest to grant this.

FROM: President Harry Truman
TO: Prime Minister of Ethiopia

In exchange for a public statement of alignment towards NATO and against the Soviets, as well as a commitment to free market, free trade, and democracy, you will receive a payment of $75 million a year for the next 3 years. Over that period we expect, free trade, friendly relations and potential mutual defense between our nations. Most importantly we will not tolerate any offensive action against other powers by yourself."

[Dentali]

Washington D.C, United States of America
White House, Oval Office
January 4th, 1950

---

Adenauer had to withhold the contempt he felt within himself as he kept a neutral expression on his face as he replied to Truman's blunt refusal of his offers.

"Mr. President, with all due respect, we seem to hold disagreements over the current state of Western Germany. First, I would like to make it abundantly clear that we are not asking for any more aid from the United States, as we are more than happy to receive the amount that you give us. However, we are still in the midst of recovering from Weißer Tod, with the average caloric intake of our citizens much below acceptable levels. What I am asking for today is ways in which we, ourselves, can fully recover from those times."

Taking a deep breath, he continued.

"As for the current economic situation within Western Germany, while you are correct in terms of our labor surplus, our current industrial capacity is not up to par for what they could provide, which is resulting in this surplus becoming a hinderance. As we both understand, a population that is without work and food on the table can provide...issues. Issues which we are still in the midst of dealing with internally," Adenauer said in reference to the growing discontent of the West German population in the western regions of the country.

"And in regards to the final point I had made, while this is understandable, the reason I have came here today to speak with you about it is because both you and I are well aware that the voice of Washington D.C hold much more weight than that occurring from elsewhere in the world. The Berlin Blockade has made it clear that the Soviets are not in favor of retaining a capitalist German state. And with their recent acquisition of nuclear weaponry, Mr. President, it is the fear of many in Western Germany that they will remain in an aggressive state. A 'Policing' force will do very little in the way of a full-scale conflict with the Soviet Union, and as great as your military is, it becomes a matter of strict numerical superiority that spell out a clear outcome in case of this."

A small displeased grimace appeared on Adenauer's face as he took a glance towards the door. Things had gone poorly, as he had somewhat expected, and at this point he could see that his efforts were being wasted.

"However, Western Germany still maintains an open state of cooperation with the United States and their allies. Should you see Western Germany as incapable of being mutual friends in the current international state of affairs, well I suppose we shall remain the obedient dogs you wish us to remain."

Truman looks incredibly perplexed "Minister... I ordered the mass extinction of hundreds of thousands using a weapon that I pray every night will never be used again. A weapon I do not think god will ever forgive us for using. I don't think I will ever be able to fully come to terms what I authorized in August of 1945. But I would do it all over again to end the war that took the lives of 75 million people, 40 million civilians who died from deliberate genocide, massacre, firebombing, disease, starvation and every horror that man has ever conceived. This all caused in large part by your people, all this ending not even half a decade ago."

"I would be MAD to consider letting you rearm at all. You have not earned the trust of the world."

"Now let me be frank about your economic situation... We are giving you an amount of money that is unprecedented in human history. If you can't turn around the economic situation, we will replace you with someone competent who can turn things around. Make no mistake, no nation who has embraced free market principles and received Marshall plan aid is having the kind of problems you are describing, and they are receiving much less in aid than you are.... by every measure. We will make sure your people don't starve, you will get increased aid in terms of food but if you do not undertake the reforms we have suggested... the economic woes of your nation will be on your head... no one else."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wirtschaftswunder

[Agarntrop]

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

From: The Government of Ethiopia
To: The President of the United States

To whom it may concern,
As you know, Ethiopia was on one of the main battle fronts of World War 2 and was devastated and bombarded.The Government has plans to revitalise Ethiopia's economy after this in order to make Ethiopia a modern and industrialised country again. The Government is also concerned about the rise of Communist groups in Ethiopia as of recent that are being driven out of despiration following the war, which has driven many Ethiopians into poverty and desperation. As a result, we kindly ask for $250 million in foreign aid and believe that it would be in your own interest to grant this.

From: The Government of Ethiopia
To: The President of the United States

To whom it may concern,
As you know, Ethiopia was on one of the main battle fronts of World War 2 and was devastated and bombarded.The Government has plans to revitalise Ethiopia's economy after this in order to make Ethiopia a modern and industrialised country again. The Government is also concerned about the rise of Communist groups in Ethiopia as of recent that are being driven out of despiration following the war, which has driven many Ethiopians into poverty and desperation. As a result, we kindly ask for $250 million in foreign aid and believe that it would be in your own interest to grant this.

FROM: President Harry Truman
TO: Prime Minister of Ethiopia

In exchange for a public statement of alignment towards NATO and against the Soviets, as well as a commitment to free market, free trade, and democracy, you will receive a payment of $75 million a year for the next 3 years. Over that period we expect, free trade, friendly relations and potential mutual defense between our nations. Most importantly we will not tolerate any offensive action against other powers by yourself."

FROM: The Government of Ethiopia
TO: President Harry Truman

We are grateful for your offer and we except it. We are already occupied by the UK and are closely aligned with NATO. We stand with our western allies against the expanding communist menace. We have and are ready to publically state that. We are transitioning to a free market 20th century economy, and we are privatising many of our industries. It is also illegal for us to attack other powers as our 1947 constitution prohibits having military until the end of the British occupation, currently scheduled for next years, and also prohibits, once a military is created, for using it for purposes other than self-defense.

[Confederate American SU]

A few days later, the Confederate Council was surprised by the warm response, especially Malan. Even Andrews was skeptical at first. Still, the Confederate Council then discussed a potential date for the diplomatic visit, deciding on early February. That was before the Captain-Commandant of the SAAF charged into the room, his eyes flaming with fury.

The first thing he shouted was in German, which even the native Afrikaans speakers really didn't get. "Almost everyone here decided to fornicate with communists?! This is what we fought our revolution for? To be a puppet of the Soviets?!"

Fourie was already expecting this, deciding to respond first, "Calm down, we're not negotiating an alliance. We just want to-"

"Support a regime that terrorized millions?!" Pirow yelled.

"This is coming from the guy who supported Hitler in the 20s," Jimmy Green noted, while the room started to clamor with arguing.

"You know how I changed my stance! Also, this is coming from the Communist Ju-" Pirow accused before he was interrupted by Verwoerd himself.

"Stop it! The both of you!" Verwoerd slammed his hand on the table, silencing the room, "You, Pirow. You do realize that what you've done could be construed as a military coup?"

Pirow widened his eyes in shock, looking around the room, "I-I was just going to announce my resignation. I can not work for a country that is aligned with the USSR."

"You do realize that many of our revolution's most important figures are from the ranks of the Communist Party? Didn't you borrow the word 'Querfront' to describe our coalition?" Verwoerd asked.

"Yes, I do. And yes, that is true," Pirow answered, looking at Andrews.

"Okay. Now, we are NOT going to negotiate entering the Warsaw Pact. Instead, we just want aid in weaponry and equipment. For now, the British are the main threat. Additionally, we also want foreign support to prevent Britain from just invading again, especially in case Churchill gets elected. This is, as Bismarck would put it, realpolitik. Ideologically grandstanding is not going to get us anywhere. If South Africa is to be free and white, then we have to take whatever allies we can get," Verwoerd then explained to him.

A moment of silence fell upon the room as the SAAF Chief-Commandant considered his decision. "You're all going to remove me from office regardless, aren't you? Discharge me dishonorably from the SAAF? What I did was irrational and near-treasonous..." Pirow said.

The Confederate Council whispered to each other, while Benjamin Jennings Caddy spoke up, "We were warned by Jopie before hand that you would angered by the decision. So, this wasn't exactly unexpected."

"And, the SAAF is short on leadership anyhow," Mary Fitzgerald noted, "However, this is up for the Volksraads and the SACL to decide."

"Since, this was your first, and hopefully last, outburst at your civilian government, you most likely will just get a warning. Mrs. Fitzgerald is right. We're in need of leadership within the SAAF, and you have proven yourself," Verwoerd said, effectively finishing the conversation as Pirow saluted the council and walked off.

Confederacy of South African Republics/Verbond van Suid-Afrikaanse Republieke

From: The Confederate Council of the Confederacy of South African Republics
To: Joseph Stalin of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

We're glad that you responded positively to our invitation. Preferably, you would visit sometime in early February. Any date around that time should work.

[Sarenium]

LETTER to Sir John Le Rougetel KCMG MC, Honourable AMBASSADOR of the UNITED KINGDOM of GREAT BRITAIN and NORTHERN IRELAND to the IMPERIAL STATE of IRAN

Dear Mister Ambassador,

It is the will of the Majlis of Iran in its capacity as the legislative and representative authority of the Imperial State of Iran, that the current agreement with regards to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company shall be said to have lapsed either on January 1, 1951 or upon the adoption of a succeeding new agreement. This letter therefore, makes the request that negotiations commence. His Imperial Majesty's Government conjectures to host such a summit at the end of February (1950) to begin negotiations.

Please find attached the legal authority projecting this letter under the 'Budget Act 1950' as passed and assented on January 22, 1950.

Sincerely,
Shapur Bakhtiar,
His Imperial Majesty's Minister for Foreign Affairs
Majlis Member for Tehran

* Attached is the Budget Act 1950 s433(i) which specifies that the AIOC's Contract shall be said to lapse on Jan 1, 1951 unless a new agreement takes its place before then.

[Asardia]

East Berlin, German Democratic Republic

The Soviet Foreign Minister was not in a good mood. The meeting with the two chairmen had gone horribly, and he felt strong disdain for those men. When Ulbricht entered the room, Andrey Vyshinsky turned around and listened to his words. He took the phone number and nodded. "Thank you, sir. I will call for an election immediately."

Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Aleksandr Vasilevsky, the Soviet defense minister, and Viktor Abakumov, the head of the MGB, exited their plane. They touched down in the North Korean capital, eager to converse with the young nation's leader to discuss plans moving forward. Recent advances in military technology, along with the perceived lack of concern by the US over Korea, emboldened the two men to pursue an aggressive approach. They waited for the North Korean delegates to meet them.

Moscow Kremlin, Russian SFSR

To: The Confederate Council of the Confederacy of South African Republics
From: General Secretary Joseph Stalin

I agree to these terms. It would be best for me to visit on February 5, and I will prepare the necessary channels to allow me to enter your nation.

With his foreign and defense ministers outside the country, Stalin decided to undertake the trip to South Africa to secure a potential ally, and to help the nation become a thorn in the UK's side. He turned toward his secretary, and ordered for a flight to be made as soon as possible.

[Kamchakta]

République Française

---

Plan Quinquennal De Nationalisation has been passed to begin a series of Nationalisation programmes and phases from 1950 to 1955. Sectors to be nationalised include transportation and finance. Companies devastated by the war such as Renault and Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) will also have several assets nationalised to save them from bankruptcy. At the same time, the government has set targets for agricultural production and growth targets in the plan, to return to pre-war agriculture levels by 1952 and hopefully end rationing in 1953. In an effort to spur economic growth, free trade has opened up in several smaller cities, the first 6 being Nantes, Lyon, Brest, La Rochelle, Lorient and Le Harve to spur foreign investment. Meanwhile, protecting France's national companies from foreign competition in Paris and Marseille. Deregulation of the Forestry Sector is also included in the bill, allowing local wood suppliers more leeway in the extraction of wood from forests in Alsace-Lorraine and Aquitaine. 24 million francs has also been spent encompassed in the bill to encourage French Startups while a similar amount has been put to alleviating the struggles of people in France. US Liberty Ships from World War 2 are still utilised for post-war trade despite 5 years having past from their intended 5-year lifespan. They still are continuously repaired and modified.

The Marshall Plan has been of immense help to the rebuilding of France. So much so that in 1950, 2 shipyards in Bordeaux were able to construct the first 2 post-war ships of the French Navy. The Le Hardi Class, 1,800-ton destroyers from World War 2 was an old design but still useful as escorts. The French Navy severely lacked escorts for her capital ships. The L'Opiniâtre and L'Aventurier were both commissioned recently on the 15th of January 1950 to cheering French crowds. Their first deployment would be to Tunisia, to meet up with the battleship Jean Bart. As part of this 1949 Naval Rebuild programme, the T-47 class (Surcouf Class) destroyer design has been laid down and 2 ships have been ordered for construction, intended to serve to the late 1960s as the first post-war destroyers of France. The job has been granted to 4 shipbuilding companies. The Arsenal de Brest, Arsenal de Lorient, Forges et Chantiers de la Gironde and Ateliers et Chantiers de Bretagne. She will have a displacement of 2,750 tons and have improved AAW, ASW and radar technology onboard. The Le Triomphant and Le Fantasque type 2,550-ton destroyers will be escorting the Richelieu to Singapore for repairs as Saigon is being raided by communist elements and remains unsafe. Only the 9th Foreign Legion Brigade of 7,000 soldiers, the 1st and 2nd Foreign Parachute Battalion (1st and 2nd BEP) of 6,000, 2nd Foreign Legion Tank Company of 5,000 and several logistics and engineer companies remain in Saigon. The 1st and 2nd Foreign Cavalry Regiment of 10,000 and 1st Transportation and Garrison Company (1st CTQG) with 5,000 who recently withdrew from Vientiene, Laos remain in Phnom Penh, Kampuchea. In total, about 42,000 French soldiers remain in Indochina. The Corps Expéditionnaire Français en Extrême-Orient (CEFEO) in the Far East under Marshal Jean de Lattre de Tassigny intends to withdraw by 1952. A division will remain to defend the French base at Saigon and Vung Tau, at the estuary and mouth of the Mekong River, which under the view of the Ministry of Defence and the anti-war Workers' International Government remains the most defensible point and holding in the Far East.

[Dentali]

President Harry Truman
South Korea




President Truman arrived in Seoul, South Korea to much fanfare. An American President visiting the small new country was a huge deal and he was still loved as the liberator of the Korean people from the Japanese. He was given a full parade and treated as an honored guest by the Korean Government and people.

Over a 48 hour period Truman took a whirlwind tour of the country, visiting sacred sites, historical monuments, the halls of government and inspected the South Korean military. He made sure to be photographed doing so, which would raise the profile of the small nation all over the world and put it in the minds of the American people as well.

To cap off his tour he gave a speech to the national assembly which reaffirmed his support for the UN Resolution 195 which recognized the Republic of Korea as the sole legal government of Korea. Additionally his speech heavily emphasized democratization, the free market and liberalized economic reforms such as land reform being undertaken to great effect in other nations. Truman ended his speech reaffirming his support for the Republic of Korea as a bulwark against the forces of authoritarianism and communism in Asia, which got thunderous applause in the assembly.

Truman left Korea once again to great fanfare, satisfied he showed the Soviets and the North Koreans the United States would support South Korea.

[Arvenia]

To: Ethiopia
From: Kingdom of Italy
Subject: Diplomacy
Dear Prime Minister Mekonnen Endelkachew, it was a long time ago since our countries last aided each other in a war. I am looking for a renewal of diplomatic relations between our countries. We can guarantee you social development and economic prosperity, as long as your British overlords are okay with this. Respond to me when you have time.

Sinceramente, Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi

To: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
From: Kingdom of Italy
Subject: Diplomacy
Dear Prime Minister Clemente Attlee, it has been at less four years since the war ended. Such war tend to leave behind deep wounds and bad memories, but at least we can all look into the future and see what it offers. I am calling for renewal of our diplomatic relations, as well as more stronger ties regarding military and economy. We may also beware of possible communist influence in Western Europe, especially France. I hope we can find something to fight for.

Sinceramente, Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi

To: French Republic
From: Kingdom of Italy
Subject: Communism
Dear President Vincent Auriol, my government had just heard of your country's growing pandering to communist influence. We wouldn't tolerate communist infiltration into the most democratic part of the European civilization. Let our intelligence aid you in curbing communist influence and retaining French sovereignity in the face of a new war, this time pitting us all against communism. I wish you good luck in your other affairs, especially that of Indochina.

Sinceramente, Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi

[Agarntrop]

To: Ethiopia
From: Kingdom of Italy
Subject: Diplomacy
Dear Prime Minister Mekonnen Endelkachew, it was a long time ago since our countries last aided each other in a war. I am looking for a renewal of diplomatic relations between our countries. We can guarantee you social development and economic prosperity, as long as your British overlords are okay with this. Respond to me when you have time.

Sinceramente, Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi

To: Government of Italy
From: The Imperial Government of Ethiopia
Subject: Diplomacy

Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi, I would be absolutely open to diplomatic and economic co-operation between our countries. However, I am not sure such an action would be welcome with the British occupiers and other Aliied powers due to our troubled past when it comes to alliances between each other, and I absolutely reccomend that you contact them before proposing any actual agreement.

[Nebelhalbinsel]

People's Federation of Indochina - Fédération Populaire d'Indochine.

---

Prologue : Oh the struggle !

Portrait of Nguyễn Sinh Cung (Hồ Chí Minh), the Revolutionary Father of Vietnam.

For 92 years, the French has established their domination on this land of Indochina, made it into a colony, but now, the great France can't no longer continue to maintain its influences in the region anymore, as internal turmoil and native insurgency began to take toll. After the Second World War, France emerged as one of the victor in the fight but not without consequence, the entire nation fall into a near-shamble state from the previous German occupation. For now, France must recovers from this terrible wound and President Vincent Auriol knew that, he shifted the focus of French government from colonial matters to internal affairs despite oppositions within his cabinet.

Since 1930, French troopers in Indochina has engaged Vietnamese guerrillas, when the resistance nearly got crush, the Japanese Empire open fired on the colonial administration of the region. For entirety of the Second World War, Nguyễn Sinh Cung (Hồ Chí Minh) and his men laid low under the Imperial Army occupation, while sold valuable intels to the American's OSS for supplies and weapons. The Allies would win and he knew it, Nguyễn Sinh Cung began to prepare for one opportunity that would seal not only the fate of his revolution but also Vietnam forever.

During the Japanese occupation, many French troops joined the
Vietnamese resistance, rather than accept surrender to Japan
or the Vichy French government, which in power of that time.

In the early of August 1945, the world was shocked as news of two Japanese cities, Nagasaki and Hiroshima, were wiped out by somekind of American's super-bombs. The explosions were large enough to create a shockwave that shook flying aircraft and shattered glasses from faraway, whatever left of those two industrial hubs of Japan were ashes, fires, radiations and giant mushroom clouds. In horror, six days after the bombing, the God Emperor Hirohito announced the unconditionally surrender of the once great Rising Sun Empire.

The broadcast left all Imperial Army's garrisons across Asia with confusion, but in Indochina, their confusion was cut short as Vietnamese guerrillas emerged from seemingly everywhere, filled every Japanese soldiers with panics and bullets. Even with superior weapons, the Japanese quickly lost ground to the Vietnamese, as the Imperial Army was isolated and starved from all supplies and reinforcements. The situation only got worse when Lieutenant General Aketo Nakamura committed Seppuku, brought the morale of the defenders to critical. On the 30th of August, the flag of the insurgents waved proudly above the Tonkin Palace, beside it were the heads of many Imperial officers impaled on spikes.

On the second day of September 1945, a crowd of thousand Vietnameses gathered around Ba Đình Square, they came to hear about the news they have all been waiting for so long. From the balcony of the Presidential Palace, Nguyễn Sinh Cung read loudly and clearly the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, he announced his proud nation has achieved freedom from all foreign colonizers and through radios, his words spread further to all corners of the world. Of course, that message did reached the ears of those within French government, they couldn't let a colony leave that easily, war must be declared.

The French soon exhausted themselves in that jungle hellhole, for every Vietnamese deaths there are two to three French men lost their lives. They were killed, not by man made causes but rather by the wrath of mother nature, their lives were claimed by poison plants, tropical diseases and deadly predators. Years after years of heavy casualties eventually forced the French government to discard the idea of returning Indochina to the fold, and the withdrawal of the French began as soon as the year of 1948 started.

The Treaty of Điện Biên : In 1949, Colonel Christian de Castries and his fellow French officers arrived in Hà Nội, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, through a Douglas C-47 Dakota. After much ceremonies, the Colonel engaged with the honorable President Nguyễn Sinh Cung in a meeting that would shape the destiny of Indochina forever. Things would be great, the nation would be unify at last... well, no... the result was horrible... no sides could agree to one another, the meeting ended with no solutions, only temporary terms. The so called Treaty of Điện Biên divided the nation into two separate polities, a communist state in the north and a democratic state in the south, in between is a buffer called 17th Parallel DMZ.

Although the Democratic Republic agreed to not exhibit any hostility until the end of December 1951, to ensure the French will remove their military presence from Indochina, but France's intelligence indicated there are widespread "underground activities" in South Vietnam and the DMZ, mostly came from the People's Liberation Front or the Vietcong as called by the natives. Brigadier General Jean Gilles, commander of 23rd Colonial Infantry Regiment used to say "We can't stop the war, it is something that inevitable, only delay is possible".

---

[New Finnish Republic]

Washington D.C, United States of America
White House, Oval Office
January 4th, 1950

---

Adenauer let out a small sigh, shaking his head slightly. "It appears that my questions today have been answered, Mr. President, and there is no use in trying to continue this discussion." Glancing down at his watch, Adenauer got up from his seat and prepared to leave. Before he did, he reached out a reluctant hand once more for a parting handshake. "Until next time, I suppose, Mr. President. Thank you for our meeting today."

[Hypron]

February 3, 1950, 10 Downing Street, London, England

Attlee is working in his office when Admiral Cunningham and George Hall walk in. "Sir, me and Cunningham have been thinking, the Royal Navy needs a new class of battleship. Our most modern era battleship is from 1946, with it being the Temeraire. As such, we were inspired by the French battleships, and have come up with a design to replace our 3 Queen Elizabeth class battleships still in service. As it is based off the Richelieu class battleships, it will be called the République. The ship will weigh more than the Iowa but less than the Yamato, at 65,000 tons. It will have a powerful arsenal of weapons, with 8 431 mm main guns, 4 in 2 turrets. They have an estimated rate of fire of 2.5 rounds per minute, or a reload time of 24 seconds. These main battery guns will fire an armor-piercing shell designed in 1940, with a total shell weight of 1,321 kg, shell velocity of 840 meters per second, a maximum effective range of 26.1 kilometers, and 36 seconds 180 degree turn time radius for the turrets. While only having 8 guns, they are still the most powerful guns in the world at this time, with the Yamato and Musashi under the waves.

Along with the main guns, the République will have an extra secondary battery of BL 6 inch Mk XXIII naval guns, 3 in 3 turrets, for a total of 9 and the QF 5.25 inch Mark I naval gun, with 2 guns in 8 turrets, for a total of 16 guns.

Its anti-aircraft armament will also be powerful. Some modernization will be required, but the 152 mm guns will also be made to be dual purpose anti-aircraft guns. Along with that, the 133 mm secondaries will be dual purpose AA guns. It will also have 12 sets of twin 40 mm Bofors L/60 anti-aircraft guns, 4 on the bow, 1 on the port side, one on the starboard side, and 6 on the aft section. Last, but not least, there will be 8 quad 20 mm Oerlikon anti-air guns, 2 on each side.

The ship will also be the second-fastest battleship in the world. While Iowa will still be faster, with a top speed of 33 knots, the République will be a close second, with a max top speed of 31.5 knots. It will take 18 seconds to shift the rudder from port to starboard, and it has a turning circle of 980 meters. It will be a new version of fast battleships for the Royal Navy. The total cost of one of these battleships would be 62.4 million pounds."

Attlee finally intervenes; "While does this does seem like a good design, the budget is way too tight to build one of these battleships. With the construction of our carriers, even with the decommissioning of our Queen Elizabeth class battleship, this ship is way too expensive." "We plan to sell 2 of the old battleships, along with a couple of our vessels from the 20s or 30s, to pay for this ship. We can estimate if it can be paid for, for it to be finished by mid 52, as we have most of the resources that we need." Attlee ponders the subject for a second; 'Do what you must, but get this battleship under construction."

[Dentali]

Washington D.C, United States of America
White House, Oval Office
January 4th, 1950

---

Adenauer let out a small sigh, shaking his head slightly. "It appears that my questions today have been answered, Mr. President, and there is no use in trying to continue this discussion." Glancing down at his watch, Adenauer got up from his seat and prepared to leave. Before he did, he reached out a reluctant hand once more for a parting handshake. "Until next time, I suppose, Mr. President. Thank you for our meeting today."

Truman shook his hand "Do not let my words fall on deaf ears, get your act together"

[Asardia]

Izvestia, official statement from the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet
Feburary 2, 1950

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has officially recognized the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate "China", and as such, we will advocate for the seat of the China to go the PRC in the United Nations Security Council. The Republic of China (Taiwan) should no longer hold the seat due to the victory of the People's Republic and their hold on the mainland. Therefore, we officially ask that a motion be debated, and passed on transitioning the seat of "China" to the People's Republic of China.

Pretoria, Confederacy of South African Republics

General Secretary Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union arrived in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. He was asked to visit weeks ago, and with delegates visiting East Germany and North Korea, Stalin decided to personally visit South Africa. His plane entered the city, and slowly walked out, with his signature mustache on full display as his MVD agents acted as escorts. He patiently waited for the South African delegation to meet him.

[Rhyssua]

Czechoslovak Republic

Klement Gottwald coughed, then glanced up. The man was young, he noticed, with a fresh, open face and slicked-back brown hair that gave him an air of intelligence. He sighed when he saw the thick stack of papers the man was carrying.

"The latest economic reports, Comrade," the man said, setting the papers down on Gottwald's desk, taking care not to disturb the ashtray that was brimming full of cigarette butts. Gottwald eyed the papers, but didn't pick them up, instead glancing back at the youth who'd presented them.

"Care to summarize?" Gottwald asked, raising an eyebrow. "I don't have the time to leaf through fifty pages of economic reports. What's your name, Comrade?"

"Martin Adamcek," the young man said without a hesitation or stutter. Gottwald was a bit taken aback at that. Adamcek might have a talent for leadership, provided he was loyal enough.

"Overall, growth is proceeding well," Adamcek began, pausing as if searching for the right words. "In the attached analysis... it is argued that at the current rate, we will be short of our goals by 1953, although this is partly due to the 1949 revision. When compared with the original plan, our growth would reach those goals. Machinery, metallurgy, and heavy industry are all on the rise, although we've received a few complaints of mismanagement."

Adamcek paused, which gave Gottwald the perfect time to intervene.

"So you're saying we're doing well, but not well enough?" he summarized. When Adamcek nodded, he continued. "This mismanagement, is there any reason? Titoists, perhaps?"

"They are mostly new managers, comrade," Adamcek replied. "They lack the... experience required to operate at peak capacity. The analysis recommends a mentoring period to phase in the new managers, to prevent this from happening on a larger scale. It also recommends more fund allocation towards agriculture, to help balance--

"This analysis," Gottwald interrupted. "Did you write it?"

"Yes Comrade," Adamcek replied, a small light of defiance burning in his eyes. He hid it well though, underneath an obedient, if a bit proud, smile.

"I trust that you'll find it satisfactory," he said. Gottwald nodded, dismissing Adamcek with a wave of his hand. Once Adamcek left, Gottwald steepled his fingers and nodded slightly. So, he thought, their economy was doing well. Not amazing, perhaps, but well. Now, Gottwald could concentrate on foreign affairs.

[Puertollano]

East Berlin, GDR

The Soviet Foreign Minister was able to wield more political clout than any Chairman of the SED Party; so when the Volkshammer was recalled to elect the new leader of the party, thus the German Democratic Republic, the apparatchiks didn't hesitate. AS the delegates proceeded to the chamber, Walter Ulbricht had the Ministry of State Security to arrive to assure the safe flow of the conference. However, most of all, it was a sign of the power Ulbricht had over the security services, more commonly referred to as the Stasi. Though he had a squeaky, soft voice, Walter was the prime candidate for the General Secretary. He had power over many of the state apparatus' and was a devout Stalinist, therefore a strong candidate for the backing of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Once the room began to shape-up, the timid Otto Grotewohl and Wilhelm Pieck stood behind the rest of the crowd as they took their designated seats. Wilhelm turned to Otto, "the party will vote to remove us, I have no doubts." Otto nodded and proceeded to light himself a cigarette. In between his puffs, Otto replied: "The Volkshammer was going to be recalled anyway, in was only time until they elected new leaders to manage the mess of the GDR." Almost out of nowhere, Walter approached from behind the pair and put his hand on Wilhelm's shoulder. With confidence, Walter said, "I would not be concerned, Wilhelm. You have been a fervent ally of the socialist cause and a committed member of the Socialist Unity Party. Without you, there would be no GDR, and there would be no SED. For that, when I am elected General Secretary of the Central Committee, you will become the First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party." That made Wilhelm feel better, but made Otto feel worse. There was probably no future for him after this election.

"All of those who support the dismissal of Chairman Wilhelm Pieck and Chairman Otto Grotewohl, please make your support clear," the speaker at the front of the Volkshammer said.

791 members raised their hands, 9 members abstained.

"Wilhelm Pieck and Otto Grotewohl have now been dismissed from their titles as Chairmen of the Socialist Unity Party. Next, is to elect the first General Secretary of the Central Committee: Walter Ulbricht, a hero of World War Two, a resistance fighter against fascist rule and a life-long member of the German Communist Party has been selected. All those in favour of the Walter Ulbricht, please make your support clear."

799 members raised their hands, 1 member abstained, that was Otto.

"Walter Ulbricht is elected the General Secretary of the Central Committee," the speaker boomed. The assembled members of the party clapped as Walter Ulbricht assume the front stage. The clapping did not cease for at least five whole minutes.

---

East Berlin, border

The Ministry of State Security and Barracked People's Police were already on their way to the border between East and West Berlin. Shoppers and resident as they strolled through Berlin moved out the way as the military trucks came racing around the corners. The men, in military uniform, jumped out of the back of the trucks. Menacingly, with the machine guns and pistols, the men lined at the border, preventing the movement out of East Berlin. Re-enforced by the Red Army, the soldiers began to prop up barbed wire, stretching it along the majority of the border (or, at least, as much they could cover. The official border crossings were heavily militarized on the East German side - and so did the policy of the East German Border Police. The new directives from the Central Committee were clear: no one is to leave to West Berlin under most circumstances, and those who are allowed to will be required to acquire a state-distributed passport. West Berliners were still permitted to enter East Berlin, but only through the checkpoints established by the Barracked People's Police and only after thorough body searches. A notice was pinned to many of the new, make-shift barbed wire border. It read:

Notice from the Ministry of Information:

VISITATION TO WEST BERLIN THROUGH CHECK-POINTS


The Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party have determined new criteria for visitation to West Berlin. After a thorough review of the border policy of the previous Chairmen of the Party, the Central Committee have been notified of serious flaws in the border policy of the German Democratic Republic. From here on, all those from the German Democratic Republic that seek visitation to West Berlin (or West Germany) must acquire a passport and must transit through official checkpoints.

[Rhyssua]

Czechoslovak Republic

Viliam Siroky sighed as he stared at his typewriter. It was a good model, having been built before the Second World War and as a result of better quality than those produced currently. That would change in the next few years, Siroky thought to himself. With the Communists in control, and with their economy reportedly growing, their quality would soon get back up to pre-war levels. If the Economic Office ever got around to it, that is.

He stared at the message he'd typed, wondering for the tenth time that day if he made a mistake in accepting the job. It was certainly a position of power and prestige within the Party, and put him in a position to influence both the President and the Prime Minister. However, Siroky's predecessor had been executed under charges of Titoism, and the man before him disappeared shortly before the Party rose to power. A tenuous position, to be sure.

Siroky snapped himself out of his reverie and removed the message, handing it to his secretary to be sent to the East German embassy in Prague. With any luck, it would be his first major victory in Foreign Policy. The unknown bureaucrat who'd written the financial report didn't need to get the credit.

From the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Czechoslovak Republic to the German Democratic Republic

Comrades,

As two shining examples of the socialist experiment, it would be in both our interests to further cooperation with each other. To that end, I have enclosed a proposal from our Economic Office, which details a plan to boost both our nations' economies through trade and re-export. Specifically, both luxury items and producer goods would be traded with your great nation, for re-export to the West. Given West Germany's (and their allies by extension) enjoy more hospitable relations with you than us, it should prove both expedient and beneficial. In turn, you may re-export the West's consumer products back to us, making both our nations a lot of money to further our cause. I do hope you consider our proposal; if you have any concerns, feel free to contact our Ministry, or the Czech embassy in East Berlin. Good day, Comrades.

[Puertollano]

From the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the German Democratic Republic;

To the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Czechoslovak Republic

The Foreign Affairs Ministry and the General Secretary appreciated the message sent in relation to imports and exports to the West. The German Democratic Republic are interested in the initiative and will most happily sign on to such. On the issue of economics, the German Democratic Republic, as you may be aware, is facing problems with the border between West and East Berlin. However, this is not only an obstruction for the GDR - it is far more widespread. It has become a destination for many anti-communist forces throughout the Eastern Bloc to emigrate to the West (including many Czechoslovakians). The German Democratic Republic would appreciate economic or material support in raising a physical barrier between East and West Berlin, as to deter and stop the flow of our combined workforce out and into the West.

[Rhyssua]

Czechoslovak Republic

Gottwald felt a wave of different reactions as he read Adamcek's analysis. The man made a very convincing argument in writing, to be sure. While he'd only hinted at the analysis's contents during their brief discussion, it had been enough to pique the President's interest. So, he'd made the time, sat down, and read the entire report cover to cover.

It was riddled with footnotes and annotations, assessing the reliability of the statistics and containing some nuggets of thought for future consideration. Instead of a mentoring program like Adamcek had advocated, the analysis called for a total halt to the replacement program, citing the claims of mismanagement and arguing that economic harm outweighed any political unreliability. Besides, Adamcek added, that's what commissars were for.

Among other things, he'd argued for an increase in consumer goods production and agriculture subsidies, even being so bold as to suggest that the land allotment should be increased to one hundred hectares, based upon economic performance and political reliability. As the report wore on, Gottwald began to notice a few suspicious points. The farms, for one thing, hinted at a disapproval of the current nationalization program. For another, Adamcek's foreign trade assessment was outright scornful of Comecon's policies regarding trade with the West, arguing that if "If the capitalists intend to sell us the rope that shall hang us... it would be prudent to sell them some rope of our own." He seemed concerned about intellectual property rights, although the report made it clear that he had yet to reach a verdict on it. His points were written well, and most had good data to back them up. However, they didn't quite ring true to Party dogma.

Gottwald resolved to look the man up later when his secretary came in and placed a letter on his desk. As Gottwald read it and the reply from East Germany, his eyes widened. He glanced back at the report. Only about a dozen people in the cabinet and Politburo had read that report, and only the upper executive and Economic Office had the analysis. Someone had leaked it to that idiot Siroky, who'd asked the Germans without his permission. Given their reply, however, he'd be foolish to cancel it.

Fuming, he dialed Siroky, both to yell at the man and tell him to write up another letter.

From the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Czechoslovak Republic

To the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the German Democratic Republic

The National Front coalition, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and President Gottwald are pleased by the GDR's readiness to sign on to the proposal, and hopes that it will be implemented as soon as possible. Regarding your nation's border issue in Berlin, Czechoslovakia would be more than willing to provide the machinery necessary to build a physical barrier, in addition to some funds to help expedite its construction. In return, Czechoslovakia would merely like the extradition of any Czechoslovak citizens captured attempting to defect to the west. To prevent our workforce from abandoning us, we shall begin constructing border fortifications of our own, beginning with the border to West Germany.